The Language of Crochet
In the initial years of my crocheting journey, I never followed a pattern. I crafted hundreds of granny squares, gazing at pictures and trying to replicate them. I invented my own teddy bears and blankets, never jotting down the steps. Sometimes I could recreate an item, other times not. It was like crocheting by "ear," akin to how I sing.
My world transformed when I finally grasped crochet patterns. It was akin to mastering a new language, and now I'm fluent — and you can be too. There's a plethora of YouTube tutorials on crocheting and pattern reading. I constantly watch such videos to learn and integrate new concepts and techniques. I'll leave the exploration to you, but here's a thought: crochet patterns have utilized abbreviations akin to text speak for ages. Simply decipher the code, and it all becomes much simpler. LOL
Did you catch that? Laughing Out Loud. Here's a bit more in crochet terms: Ch…Chain, St…stitch, Sl st...slip stitch, Sc…single crochet. You get the drift.
The video mentioned is an excellent primer on pattern reading. The creator of these tutorials explains things with exceptional clarity. I'm a subscriber and suggest you might want to follow her too.
Now, let's elevate our craft.
It's often said that altering a pattern by just 10% makes it uniquely yours. If that's the case, I've been designing original patterns all this time. Frequently, I begin with the intention to replicate a pattern exactly. I yearn to see the finished piece match the photo. Yet, I invariably embark on my own yarn odyssey. The result is something akin to, but not an exact replica of the pattern. And that's perfectly fine; sometimes it's even better.
What's required is discipline, which I sometimes lack, preferring to let inspiration guide me. That's how I forged my own path. It's all positive, but remember, magic requires intention.
Welcome to the world of Fiber Magic.