I think as the maker it is difficult not to see the mistakes but know that no one else does. I think after a number of years pass too you may not remember what the mistakes were and may appreciate the item more than you did after you initially finished it. I know I’ve looked at items years later and think “wow I did a good job!”
Just a wedding suggestion. When my son got married they put baskets in the ladies room with items that could save the day. Clear finger nail polish, feminine products, safety pins, floss, etc. hope you all have a wonderful wedding day. I live all your videos. Every bit of info is so useful.
The first doll I made, I was so excited, but when I finished her she was so big, she couldn't sit to make her fit in better. I kept her for a while. Then ended up apologizing to her perfusely and frogged her. I felt so guilty.
My oldest daughter always wants my first try, even if I do not like them. She is a therapist who specializes in children with a chronically ill or terminally ill sibling. The kids love them.❤
I have told others before that the greatest lesson that I have learned from crocheting and knitting is to be okay with being bad at something until you’re good at it. I’m naturally a perfectionist type of person and in the past I shied away from things that take a long time to build skills because I didn’t want to experience failure. Crocheting and knitting taught me to be comfortable with and even embrace having to be bad at something until I’m good at it. That has impacted many other areas of my life including things like cooking and baking and sewing and all sorts of other things. It’s an invaluable lesson that I don’t think I would have been forced to learn if I hadn’t started crocheting and knitting. The feeling of satisfaction you get from seeing how far you’ve come in a skill is so rewarding and is worth the many failures and less-than-perfect outcomes leading up to that.
Lost my cro Jo ? I spent weeks going to crochet school. LOL. You tube and found awesome people like you. Watched interesting things I wanted to learn. I was so inspired and dove back in. Age 75. , So needed this. Thank you.
It’s so much easier to learn to crochet now that there are online videos ^_^ I started crocheting when I was 9 (almost 15 years before RU-vid) and I remember going to Joann or Michael’s and snagging those little paper patterns that they used to hang in the yarn section. I browse ravelry, Ribblr, and RU-vid now. Being able to watch someone run through a confusing or challenging stitch or technique is such a valuable resource 💚 🧶
The way I get re-inspired is by watching crochet idea videos especially when it is about the new season like spring ideas, summer ideas, etc. The ideas always look so cute I can’t resist making them!
This is for Sara and trying to come to grips with our mistakes. When traveling through the West with my family a Navaho woman weaving a blanket was talking and told the crowd that she always “purposely” weaves in a mistake because only the Great Spirit does perfect. I have taken this to heart with ALL my crochet and crafts because I certainly am not about to try to out do the Great Spirit! I must admit most of my errors are NOT deliberate, however. 😉
No wonder your family is supportive of you!! They must be so proud of you Elise for everything that you have accomplished and all that you are. This video was like a Christmas dinner… rich, full, delicious, with multiple courses and accompaniments. Well done You🙌🏽🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
As someone who knits and crochets, i use crochet hooks when knitting frequently. The best use is for binding off. I use the hook in my right hand instead of a knitting needle. Also, its helpful to use a hook bigger than the needles to ensure a nice loose, stretchy bind-off.
I have an answer for the question about being uninspired or losing your 'crojo'. Most of us crocheters don't JUST crochet. We aren't just crocheters, we're CRAFTERS. We take part in many different crafts. For example, I'm a crocheter, but I also make beadwork jewelry, I sew, I'm a writer, and I make maps for fantasy games. I lose interest in crocheting from time to time... that's when I switch to a different craft.
I've always told my family that mistakes show that I made them since I'm the only one who knits and crochets in our family. My smart-alec grandkids try to find the mistakes. Thank you so much for your help and advice, Elise. Much love. 💜
Tell the kids that any mistakes are on purpose, to challenge them and help build their healthy brains. When they find mistakes, praise their puzzle-solving skills. 😊
Being somewhat of a yarn snob I never considered buying this yarn while shopping at DT…A few months ago my curiosity got the best of me and I bought one skein of Just Yarn…I crochet chemo caps and donate them to local Cancer Center. This yarn was an absolute dream to work with and provided the softness that is so important to these particular caps. I went back the next day and stocked up on 2 of every color.
Many years ago, I was crocheting an American flag afghan for my dad, who was an Army vet. No matter how many times I tried, I couldn’t get the stripes to line up on the blue, so kept frogging it. A friend saw my struggles and said that my dad wouldn’t notice any imperfections, he would just be pleased that I made it. We’re our harshest critics, and to always remember that only God is perfect! I remind myself of her advice every time I catch myself struggling with an imperfect item
I'm a Norwegian and i agree, there really are a looooot of beautiful Norwegian knitting patterns. I've been knitting for at least 50 years. Happy knitting. Thank you for your great videos ❤
I taught myself to crochet in July 1971 using a Woman's Day magazine where an article appeared about crocheting. It's been a passion ever since. Just wanted to say your glasses are so cool & look terrific on you. Great choice of frames & color.
I was a perfectionist with my sewing, so when I lost most of my sight, I gave up sewing. But boy, do I miss creative expression! So here I am, hoping I can crochet again. I have better vision with things that are very near to my face; the sewing machine is too far. But in the 7 years since I woke up blind one Sunday, I have learned, with the help of my blind center and its wonderful support group, that there can also be satisfaction in “good enough”. I was never perfect. No one is. But we accept ourselves as “good enough” until something reeally horrible changes our understanding of who we are. It shakes your world like nothing else can. Then you begin to build again, one step at a time. Think you can’t do normal things while blind? 😃 Well, here I am after learning to use smart devices as well as I did before I lost my sight. And yes, I have begun to sew again. Designing and sewing was akin to breathing to me. Just very small things now, and not the vessels I used to make. And mending. Will I crochet well? That depends on anyone’s definition of “done well”, but the creative urge is strong enough to try to do my best, but I can have satisfaction in “GOOD ENOUGH” and keep on trying. I am enough, I have enough, I do enough.
You have a wonderful presentation style! I find many people ramble on their vlogs and I need to move on because I lose attention. Because you are so concise, it is a pleasure to listen.
I totally agree !!! Most do not have her very pleasant style and voice. Also there is no background music making it difficult to hear. Love these patterns and information she presents . very nice
I’m a chronic project hopper 😂 I would say that I have about 5 projects started. I know that may not seem like a lot but that’s because I recently made myself finish several projects. That being said I’ve also recently frogged 3 projects. Two I restarted and one I ended up doing a different project with. I also wanted to say thank you because I’m a crocheted only and you’ve inspired me to learn how to knit.
At some point during this video, Elise, you clocked 100k subs. A wonderful milestone! Congratulations!! Your community loves the energy and passion you share with us for all things crafty!!
Oh my goodness, this couldn’t be a more perfect video for me! Im just at the beginning of my crochet business and have found all your videos so helpful and inspiring. I love how honest you are and your tips, tricks and links to other resources are invaluable. You truly are a gift, thank you so much 💖x
Thank you for always sharing! Your love for amigurumi has encouraged my growth and skills and allowed me to step out of making scarves and blankets only to crochet fun toys. 💖
By the way! For my birthday today I got a crochet book that I think you would enjoy. It is called ‘Annie’s crochet: animal amigurumi to crochet’ I really love the bunny 🐰 ❤
as i am watching this video, i am sitting in a comfy chair with my feet up and a cat in my lap and crocheting. when you described your perfect place to crochet it was exactly where i am right now :)
I really enjoyed our time together this Saturday morning :-) Thank you so much for putting all of this valuable information together in your video and including the links. I truly appreciate the time and energy you put into your channel for us " Crochet Gremlins"!
The first question talking about mistakes and imperfections actually reminds me of something my sister said when I was concerned over imperfections in a baby blanket I made for her. She smiled and told me "they aren't mistakes. They're little pieces of you in something you made and that's what makes it special" and that really touched me.
Such an information stuffed video. Love your up front honesty. I have several wips going at one time. My problem is not finishing them, my problem is forgetting to put the hook size with the wip or the pattern with it. Then when I try to go back to the item it takes me forever to find the pattern or the hook size. So my new plan is pin a post it note to the project with the info on it and this has solved alot of problems. I love your dress for your Daughter's wedding. I hope you can get the Bride and Groom done in time for the special day. Be sure you have a sewing kit with you on the day of your daughter's wedding, just incase of the need to sew/mend or pin a strap or button or hem in place. I usually carry one with me in an Altoid tin in my purse along with either nippers or folding scissors. This saved the day for a friends Daughter's wedding, when it was discovered there were no hooks or snaps for the bow on the back of her dress to attach nor was there a hook and eye to close the neck of her dress. I was sitting in the church and was called out to assist. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Excellent video. It was quite comprehensive, and I learnt a lot about many aspects I had questions about. There was too much to retain immediately, so I will watch it at least 1-2 more times. Thank you
I have a tip to keep safety eyes a bit more secure. Once I have secured the safety eyes I take a lighter and melt the pin of the safety eye and push it flat, so it forms a disk on top of the ring to lock the eye. That works quite well. Just be careful not to burn your fingers or your project! Sorry for my English, it's not my native language. ❤From Bali
Thanks for answering my question 🤣🤣 I'm kinda disappointed you didn't say the loo but a pickle in your lap is the next best thing lol thanks for the shout out too and a MASSIVE congratulations on reaching 100k subs Elise 👏👏👏👏👏❤️
I just wanted to add a little note because you asked if we used crochet hooks in our knitting to share: I use my crochet hooks to cast on my knitting and to cast off. It helps me, especially because I don't like most of the cast on methods. I actually learned the crochet cast on from a knitter. It's pretty much just single crocheting the loops onto the knitting needles. You cast on one stitch less than you need, then the loop on your hook goes on the needle as your last cast on stitch. When I'm done with my knitting, I use the same hook to knit the stitches off the knitting needle, and bind them off. When I have the last loop on the hook, I end it the same way I would my crochet work - in fact, sometimes I just go ahead and crochet a border on my knitting if needed. Right now, I'm doing something kind of opposite. I'm crocheting a wrap top, but I don't like the ties that the pattern calls for. So I decided I'd knit an i-cord instead of crochet anything. I picked up stitches around the border with my crochet hook, then looped my knitting needles through them, and I'm making a knit i-cord instead.
When you held up your first crochet I looked over at my first and had a flood of those first emotions, looking at your finished product, the pride of making something. Yes he’s wonky, yes one ears a different shape so I had to sew it on weird to cover it up, yes I misread the pattern and he’s a l o n g boi. But man, I was so proud.
You look stunning in this dress. Congratulations and I look forward to you sharing beautiful photos of the day. I loved this video. Your so kind to share so much information and other makers detail. It’s truly lovely to see you promote your craft and support other businesses too.
I am so with you on mindset! I have doubts all the time, thinking that I have no right to share my work. Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone! Such great questions answered!🙌🏻
thank you so much for your advice! i think you’re right about being overwhelmed about a project and loosing the motivation. i am going to buy a crochet note book and write out and steps to do ✨💕
As a fellow designer I appreciate you saying that you look at the patterns to see if the designer gives you permission to sell the finished items. Unfortunately, for those of us in the US, it doesn’t matter if we put that clause in our patterns 😢. According to The Craft Industry Alliance The copyright law only protects us for saying how the pattern is distributed- no sharing, copying, claiming as our own. The crocheter/knitter/maker can do what ever they want to with the finished item because it is considered their own tangible property at that point. Of course this is not the same for trademarked items. It can be so confusing lol As a designer myself, I do think it’s good etiquette to do as the designer wishes, though
Yes! I like to follow what the designer requests and I always appreciate when people ask me if they can sell finished items from my patterns! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Excellent video. I also struggled with confidence issues and still do. I really love toys so being able to make them is such a blessing. I’m currently challenging myself with the Autumn doodle knit cowl☺️🧶 keep up the good work with your delightful channel ❤️👏🏼
Thank you for mentioning Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone! I haven't jumped into her course, but was debating whether I had the time or mental space to tackle it. Your recommendation clinched that I need to take the leap. Love from Maine, Deb
Excited for the new crochet hook video. I'm always looking for new hooks. I came across some bellaknit hooks that are absolutely gorgeous but a little outside my budget.
Hi Elise👋I was thinking about the granny square blanket that you can't finish due to the painful situation around working with the cotton... Have you ever thought of gifting what remains of it to another maker? I've done it myself and it makes the recipient really happy lol. I started a knit blanket for my grandson only to be told he didn't really like it so I gave it and the rest of the yarn to a friend who is now finishing it up for her grandson.
Speaking of mistakes, im making a cardigan and I realized it was about 3 inches wider than the size I was trying to make. I decided to just go with it and it will either be oversized or it will be a gift. Lol, I couldn't bring myself to pull all the work out. I was using a different yarn and I hate gauge swatches, so I measured it but I didn't work enough rows before I measured and it got wider.
@@EliseRoseCrochet Thanks💕 I think it will. Only thing I have left now is sewing up the seams and adding the border. Your videos helped me to stay motivated while finishing it. Sometimes I start something and just lose interest for a bit.
About the question about how you try not to jump to other projects. I am currently going through this. I am working on a very BIG crochet project, and i am now over 2/3 done, thank goodness, but as i took a bit of a break from it, i started looking at some really neat (new to me) crochet stitches, namely "strawberry" and "crocodile". So, of course my mind was wandering around what i wanted to do with those 2 different stitches, and what type of project i was going to do with each. And, of course i had to practice the stitches with scrap yarn i had, just so i could try the stitch and become well versed on it, lol. So, now as i am picking up my BIG project, i keep thinking about these other stitches and project ideas while i am doing the current one. I also watched a video on doing a foldable crochet produce bag, and all these different ideas started popping up in my mind. Of course. It's crazy. So, i guess it's good time of year now for this because now i have a ton to think about and do for the winter, lol.
Elise, this video is probably the most beneficial video I have watched in a very long time. It's like you looked into my soul and addressed all the fear and anxiety I have been going through over starting my own crochet business. You are so inspirational. How you felt about yourself is how I feel about myself. Thank you for your vulnerability. I am going to take your advice and take some courses to help me with my plans. I appreciate your honesty about your struggles. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!!
There are Native American tribes who intentionally put mistakes in their artwork as they believe the flaw to be important and necessary. The intentional error is an expression of humility and is considered a way to honor the Great Spirit by acknowledging being human.
I heard that years ago and it has always helped me to determine whether or not to fix mistakes in crafting projects. If it’s a noticeable mistake, I will fix it, but if it’s minor and I’m able to “fix” it then I leave it.
I first used a crochet hook in knitting to help make holes in a purchased dish towel to add a knit topper on it that lets you hang it on your oven handle. It was so handy!
If I start a project on a piece of paper inside the bag, I always write down the name of the yarn and the size of the hook. This way if I loss the wrapper from the yarn I have everything inside the pattern that I’m making.
End of last year/beginning of this year I lost my crojo. I made blankets, sweaters, cardigans etc. when I tried to make another one I didn’t want to. I would see a pattern for a new sweater, start it then frog it because I just wasn’t feeling it. I stopped crocheting for a while because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. That is when I found your channel and decided to try amigurumi and I am absolutely in love with making these little toys. I’m still learning but I found my crojo again.
Good stuff! I tried the tennis ball hack and the standard size ball didn't fit in my small hand. I went to the pet store and grabbed a couple balls for small dogs and it was much better
About the vintage patterns: Ravelry has quite a few links to sites that host vintage patterns for free... and one that's especially dear to my heart is a project from the national library of australia - they scan entire vintage crafting magazines and host them for free... even patterns as old as the 1880's... up to about the 1950s.
I have almost never knitted stuff from ready patterns. I do all my own designs. I get ideas from anything I see. I can be prowsing on the internet, see something that gets my eyes. Then, my brain starts to create something based on a picture. Since we all have these phones with their capabilities, I take a picture of the item I liked. Then I write a comment in the picture of what idea it gave me. I have a huge file of things I can do. That way, I do not forget the idea.
I hope the wedding was lots of fun. The dress you chose looks amazing on you. I have just recently taken crocheting up as a "mindfulness for mum" due to illness. Little did I know that this illness comes with joint pain and swelling. Crochet hooks have certainly changed since the 70s, lol 😊 I am so glad I have found your channel. Thank you for reminding others to believe in themselves. It is such an easy thing to say, but, its a hard thing to do when that self-doubt steps in. Thank you again for your wonderful content. Many blessings to you🙏💜🙏
Just found your channel this week and have watched a handful of your stuff already. Aside from all your crocheting knowledge, you are so beautiful and your skin just glows! I’ve added quite a few of the gadgets you’ve positively reviewed to my wishlist as well so thank you so much!
i love your channel so much! watched this video when it came out but i was on a roku tv so it was too difficult to comment. I often put your videos on when I crochet, and sometimes I rewatch them because I miss some things when I need to focus (esp with amigurumi!) anyways you are awesome and it always makes me feel so good when you reply to my comments! (: you seem like such a delightful person. thank you for spreading positivity, compassion, and the beauty of yarn crafts!
Mum taught me english knitting, my finnish grandmother, mum and I talked about european knitting, I worked out how to do it. This is so much faster, I don't hate doing allover rib anymore. All the best.
😭😭😭 ive been crocheting, knitting, and sewing since I was a kid. I started Tunisian crochet yesterday with little bracelets and necklaces so I can use my crochet hooks with grips! Im going to be on a headband and bandana rampage!! I would love to make a mini skirt and tube top with tunisian crochet once I master some cute stitches with it!
Loved this Q&A. You can also use a crochet hook to cast on and bind off in knitting. I really like the crochet cast on and if I want a slightly looser bind off, I use a crochet hook.
Hi ❤️❤️ my name is Shyla and i have been watching you for so so long! I was just now allowed to subscribe. I love how you make time to make all of these incredible videos. Keep up the incredible work!!!
That question would stump me too. My favorite is usually whichever one I’m working on at the moment. I have 9 WIPS - but that doesn’t stress me out. Although 9 is probably my limit. I just keep finding new things I just have to try. It a new gift I have to make. Or a new technique I have to practice. 😊
This was a wonderful video! I’m so glad I was able to see it. I knit, crochet, make cards and scrapbook pages. I also do needlework and sew. My WIPS are so many I don’t want to count them. I had a business but when my son was born and my son’s father wouldn’t help take care of him I had to stop my business. After we divorced my son was only 2 so I really couldn’t start again but I didn’t give up crafting I just did it at home and not to sell. I’ve never thought about doing RU-vid but I think I really just enjoy doing things for myself and friends now as gifts. I really enjoy watching your videos and have learned quite a bit from you and I really enjoy learning new things. I’m semi retired now so I actually have time to try the things I have learned!!
I'm doing amigurumis after about 5 years crocheting. I should say something is amazing how I see my own little mistakes and others don't I'm getting better and I'm enjoying the process 😅
This is the best q&a I listen to ever on RU-vid. It's so informative and so well put together, it shows how much detail, time, and effort you put into this and I so respect that. I am exploring your content now and I can not wait to try to make something. I have to remind myself that I can not do everything perfectly and it's just a start, it inspires me to see how much far you came and your first crochet bunny looks so cute and so perfect and so inspiring to me, even more then your recent creations, because he is just so special, he is beginning of something wonderful. Thank you for sharing and your hard work.❤❤❤
Thank you so much! I treasure my first little bunny because it helps me to see all the joy crocheting has brought into my life! 🐰 I hope you'll find the same too! ❤️❤️❤️
If I see some knitted or crocheted stitches I like, especially if there is a close-up of the stitches, I take "print screen" picture, magnify it and can see the stitches well, then I just knit what I see. Perhaps it is not the easiest for a new knitter or crocheter, but anyone who knows basic stitches can figure it out. I have been now knitting and crocheting well over 60 years. Yeah, I am old. 😊
Thank you so much for the incredible advice. I'm a complete (extremely excited ) newbie and have learned so m8ch about what to do to make things fun and more easy and what not to do. Love your videos/clips and how honest and 'approachable' you are. Love your des8gns and your beautiful creations and thanks for adding so much joy to my days! 🙏
How to stay motivation when's you loses interest in a project? Start another project. Forget about it. Find it somewhere random 5 years later, say "huh, I remember that." Then pick it up again, frog it, throw it away, or re-purpose the project.
First, I think you should try Tunisian crochet. It's different. Personally, I find it interesting. Second, I have no regrets about starting projects and laying them aside and starting a new one. It keeps boredom at bay and keeps my level of enjoyment higher. I just went back to an unfinished project that had been laying around for over a year and finished it. I find going back to old projects and finishing them gives me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Hi Elise! Your videos are always such a delight, thanks for this one as well as all previous ones! I'd like to comment on two things: First of all: your dress for the wedding is stunning and you look very beautiful in it! And I have a suggestion for when doing something the first time is a bit scary. It is getting up close and take a good look at what you want to do first. We tend to (physically!) shy away from things we are a bit awed by. So taking a close look often already shows you the solution. Stop thinking about whether you can or cannot do, you are a grown-up, you managed to reach your age, so you have enough common sense and can take a good intense and open minded look. And then help yourself, for instance with YT videos or taking pictures, and then try, but without rushing! And 9 out of 10 times you will succeed. And in case you hit the 1 time where you didn't, you can bet that after that you know how to do it better and will succeed the second time around.
