So I took a crochet class..

[Ellp]

And I know how to crochet! I've been wanting to for the past 20 years!

I mean I know how to do the motions but I didn't know how to decifer the patterns. It seems way more complicated than knitting.

However, the instructor was a UAV. Because I knew how to knit and once the crochet instrutions were clear, I started off on the sample scarf they have us crochet. I was a bit faster than the other students (who were also starting) and when I asked for clarification on something the instructor told me "if you're going to jump ahead, you're on your own!", and basically ignored me for the rest of the class.

:

I mean what teacher tells a student that? All I wanted to know was where to put my hook when it said "First DC". Grrrr.....

I'm debating on whether to go back for the 2nd class. I'd basically be twiddling my fingers...

[bandyr]

Ooooh! I just took a crochet class and had an (almost) similar experience! I started asking about the double crochet stitch, which I'm sure to need if I do ANYTHING! And the teacher said, "That's it! We're only covering chain and single crochet." And wouldn't explain any more. Frustrating! It does seem harder to read crochet patterns. I think I'll have to find a hook veteran for some one-on-one. Hey, I buy yarn from someone in Port Moody


SAHM to 2 nurslings

[sonuptosondown]

That stinks! I don't know what UAV means, but I'm guessing it's not good.

I would go back, at least once more. Maybe she was having a bad day or there is still something good to be gotten from the class. I hope so. I bet you could easily pick up everything you need to know from one of those learn to crochet booklets they sell at the craft store, though, if the class turns out to be a total bust.

That is just beyond odd for a teacher to say that!

[notjustmamie]

sonuptosondown: UAV stand for "user agreement violation." Basically it's code for "I want to call this person a name but that's against the user agreement here on MDC."

Ellp: The instructor definitely sounds like someone who is more interested in controlling the students than actually teaching them.

I had someone demonstrate crochet for me, then I bought the "I Taught Myself to Crochet" kit. Once I was able to see the photos of all the stitches, I was able to decipher patterns a whole lot more easily.

You can also find some good video tutorials on the web. Here is one I found through Google.

[Ellp]

Originally Posted by bandyr

Ooooh! I just took a crochet class and had an (almost) similar experience! I started asking about the double crochet stitch, which I'm sure to need if I do ANYTHING! And the teacher said, "That's it! We're only covering chain and single crochet." And wouldn't explain any more. Frustrating! It does seem harder to read crochet patterns. I think I'll have to find a hook veteran for some one-on-one. Hey, I buy yarn from someone in Port Moody

SAHM to 2 nurslings

I bet I know who it is...

Originally Posted by sonuptosondown

That stinks! I don't know what UAV means, but I'm guessing it's not good.

I would go back, at least once more. Maybe she was having a bad day or there is still something good to be gotten from the class. I hope so. I bet you could easily pick up everything you need to know from one of those learn to crochet booklets they sell at the craft store, though, if the class turns out to be a total bust.

That is just beyond odd for a teacher to say that!

Somehow I don't think it was because she was having a good day. She basically started off the class boasting about how she started crocheting at age 8 and went on to win awards in local fairs. It sounded like she wanted to impress her students and when she learned that out of the 6 of us, 5 of us knew some basic crochet moves, it rattled her.

Originally Posted by notjustmamie

sonuptosondown: UAV stand for "user agreement violation." Basically it's code for "I want to call this person a name but that's against the user agreement here on MDC."

Ellp: The instructor definitely sounds like someone who is more interested in controlling the students than actually teaching them.

I had someone demonstrate crochet for me, then I bought the "I Taught Myself to Crochet" kit. Once I was able to see the photos of all the stitches, I was able to decipher patterns a whole lot more easily.

You can also find some good video tutorials on the web. Here is one I found through Google.

Thanks for the link! I have watched videos and read books on how to crochet but its the little things like how to change colours in the middle of a row or how to hide the ends of the yarn that no one seems to explain in books. Its those little tips I'm looking for.

Yes, the instructor was keen on keeping control of the class, which is silly since we were all at different skill levels. It would have been a better experience if she could have been more flexible with how she taught.

[notjustmamie]

Originally Posted by Ellp

I have watched videos and read books on how to crochet but its the little things like how to change colours in the middle of a row or how to hide the ends of the yarn that no one seems to explain in books. Its those little tips I'm looking for.

I would search for google. There are a ton of craft sites and blogs out there with tutorials.

Maybe try:
crochet tutorial color change
-or-
crochet video tutorial weaving ends

There are probably a bunch of YouTube tutorials as well, but I'm not very familiar with the site, so I can't really advise you there.

[flapjack]

Oh, there's a tutorial on hiding ends on http://attic24.typepad.com - you want the hexagonal blanket she links in the sidebar. She knots and then works the ends in as she goes.

[bandyr]

Some people are great at what they do and terrible at teaching it! Maybe their ego gets in the way

Yep, you probably do know who spins in Port Moody. LOVE, LOVE her yarns!!!!
And she's super nice, too!


SAHM to 2 nurslings

[sonuptosondown]

I can recommend the book "The Happy Hooker" (by the SnB lady). I like having it and refer to it all the time (I'm a book person). It covers all those things like how to weave in ends, change color, many of the stitches, has pics, and it's funny, too.

[mama2toomany]

I teach a class at Michaels sometimes and I would never say that to anyone.. that lady was out of line.

good job on learning to crochet, its way easier then knitting to me lol.