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Crochet/What Are Some Quick And Simple Crochet Projects For Someone Who Can't Read Patterns?

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Expert: Anissa Patten - 11/25/2011


Question
I'm so short on $ for Christmas/Yule. Any ideas for simple & quick crocheting gift projects for someone who SUCKS at reading patterns?
Maybe slipper socks? Please don't say scarves.... I've been making scarves and blankets forever lol. I cannot, for some reason, read/figure out patterns and I know I can't be the only one. HELP!

Answer
Depending on who you're making gifts for, you could try to crochet amigurumi, which, simply put, are cartoon-like stuffed animals. The stitches necessary for these cute little creatures are usually only single crochets (sc), increasing stitches (inc), and decreasing stitches (dec). Here is a pattern for an adorable baby bee:
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/crochet-baby-bee
There are many, many free patterns on the internet for any kind of amigurumi you can think of. You can also try making hats/beanies or slippers. A great resource for free patterns is http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com. Please let me know what you pick and if you need help reading the patterns.

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Anissa Patten

Expertise

I can answer questions about stitches, what the abbreviations for crochet terms are and what they mean, what kinds of patterns are available and where, what kinds of projects should beginners undertake, how to begin, what hooks you should use, why you should crochet instead of knit, and other kinds of questions along those lines.

Experience

When it comes to crochet, I combine not only the knowledge that I received from my grandmother when she first taught me to crochet (and we all know grandmothers are the best crocheters out there), but what I've learned from years of teaching myself and seeking out new tricks and patterns. In fact, I'm in the process of creating a book of patterns that I've designed myself for amigurimi. I've crocheted apparel, toys, blankets, leper bandages (that I've donated for humanitarian purposes), and much more. I can help young people understand that crocheting can be fun and fashion-forward and isn't only for those in nursing homes.

Publications
As of right now, I have two ebooks that have been published on the Kindle and the NOOK, and am working on various other projects.

Education/Credentials
Unfortunately, I don't have any formal education in crocheting, besides the handed down knowledge from multiple generations.

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