What I Learned When Designing My First Crochet Pattern

  I've been in the crochet game for many years now but I haven't really ventured far from following patterns and creating things for friends and family. Back in January, when celebrating the new year, I made a list of things that I wanted to accomplish as far as crochet goes. One of those goals, along with starting this blog, was to create my very own pattern. I follow many creative designers on Instagram and while they inspire me, they also intimidate me. Have you looked at some of the things that are being designed this day and age? Crochet is most certainly not dead, far from to be exact. Go ahead and search the hashtag #crochet and spend a couple of minutes drooling over some marvelous creations, I'll wait.

Believe You Can

  So one of the very first things that you must do in order to actually pull this whole thing off is to believe in yourself. It really doesn't matter if you are a master or beginner, if you start off feeling that you will fail the short answer is that you will. Get those negative thoughts out of your mind and pump yourself up. Are you going to design a pattern that will go viral? Most likely not but you will have something that you can call your own and hey, how many people can say that? 

Start Small

  Oh how I would absolutely LOVE to design a bralet or halter top. They are so intricate and beautiful but I know that I am just not at that level yet. When approaching anything new and challenging I've learned that its best to start small and build up confidence and experience. Just as you would when learning to swim you get your toes wet first before going for the backstroke. A couple of things you will learn while starting to design your first crochet pattern is the structure of which you should write, how to correct many problems as well as adjust, and if you have children like myself, finding your quiet space and using your time efficiently....I'm still trying to figure that one out, hehe...

Realize That It's Ok To Fail & You're Going To

  As much as I'd love to hang with the big leagues as soon as I start out, I know that I can't just yet. There is a reason they are where they are. They have earned it. They have worked their tails off to get where they are right now. Behind their success are failed attempts and countless hours of problem solving. So if you want to become one of the best, buckle down and get ready for plenty hours of work and a few headaches. We fail and it is ok. Crochet is a learning process but it is worth every minute of the work we put into it. We have an invaluable craft that can bring happiness and joy to other people. 

These Awful Fingerless Mittens

  I hate these mittens. The way they fit, the way they look, the bulkiness of them, the color....etc. The way I see it though is that all the things that I hate about them, I can change. I've already made a list of things that I could improve. Just because my first, second or even third trial of these mittens didn't pan out, doesn't mean that I should give up on them! No way! I've learned that this is exactly what designing your own pattern is all about. It's pretty repetitive and it takes time and many many changes. I hope to look back one day on these ugly things and appreciate the courage it took just to attempt them. You need to have that same courage. Just pick up a hook and create. Don't look back. Not yet. It all starts with and idea. Mine started with this simple stitch. I love the way it looked and thought it would look good on some mittens.... I think i was wrong but that's ok. I learned and you should too. Take that jump and try something you've never done before.