Welcome to part three of my Christmas Gift Guide. Have you already shared the links from the previous posts with a loved one? Here they are again:
Christmas Gift Guide – Crochet on the Go
Christmas Gift Guide – Notions
Today I’m talking beginner crochet. The perfect starter pack. On this list are the items that I wish I had had when I was first starting out, but instead found myself standing in the yarn section of my local craft store completely clueless!
The Learn to Crochet Project
By Joanne Scrace and Kat Goldin
Kat and Joanne have been teaching crochet all over the UK and beyond for years, and this book is the culmination of all those lessons learned with great advice including choosing yarn, tools you’ll need, how to avoid simple mistakes and most importantly, the book will actually teach you how to make some beautiful and wearable items. Not a dishcloth or mug cosy to be found!
The girls at the Crochet Project have a fantastic special offer right now too, if you buy this book as a gift, add a note to the Etsy comments and they will post a free copy of a pattern of your choice (to the same address). Or, if you gift a copy via Ravelry, send a DM to Joanne at notsogranny who will send you a pdf of your chosen design.
The Learn to Crochet Project is available from 1st of December on Etsy and Ravelry, and is also ready for pre-order right now for 10 pounds GBP.
Clover Amour Crochet Hooks
When it comes to buying a full set of crochet hooks, I don’t think you can beat the Clover Amour hooks for quality and price. For around 60 euros you have a set of 9 hooks and a storage case and you’ll never have to worry about not having the right hook in your stable.
Seriously, that first day when I was standing in the craft store, I had picked out my yarn and then had to choose a hook. I had no idea how to read a yarn label so I, no word of a lie, picked the coolest looking hook on the shelf. It also happened to be the most expensive, and not at all suited to my hands. Oh, and it was the wrong size, but I didn’t understand why my work was all wonky. Ah….. Hindsight….
The Clover Amours are available from Wool Warehouse* (who ship globally) for 60 euros. While you’re buying hooks, pick up a set of my matching stitch markers for under a tenner.
Yarn Needles
Technically I could have put this under notions, but I think it’s suited here. You’ll absolutely need a darning needle or two to sew in your ends and you can grab them at any store that sells needles and thread, from Hema to Kmart to the supermarket.
My favourites though, are cute coloured needles like these that I picked up from Stephen and Penelope in Amsterdam.
They make a great gift, and they’re only 2 euro! Get them at Stephen and Penelope.
A Scheepjes Catona Colour Pack
This is a box chock full of mini balls of Catona in all the colours you could possibly imagine and they make the perfect starter pack. It would be enough to make a colourful blanket or shawl, or perfect for making little amigurumis.
The yarn is mercerised, doesn’t split, and is hardwearing, so it’s the perfect yarn for a new crocheter.
The yarn packs are available from Wool Warehouse* who ship globally for just over 60 pounds GBP.
In my next (and last) post in this series, I’m going to be hosting a monster giveaway, with some of the great items that I’ve recommended here, and more! If you haven’t already, subscribe in the top right corner so you don’t miss out.
See you next week!
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