NEED a new hobby to keep you occupied for the year ahead?
Crocheting is an easy skill to pick up and it is cheap to get started.
Crochet designer Vicki Brown says: "It's easier to start than knitting and you can produce something lovely quite quickly."
WHERE THERE'S WOOL:
There's a way to make something special.
Prices in Vicki's wool shop, String, in Cheltenham, start from £2.20 for a ball.
She says that charity shops are also a good place to look. "They often have baskets of wool — ask if you can't see any."
"People in the crocheting community are also often happy to swap yarns."
Use cheaper acrylic yarn to start with, advises Vicki, so you don't make mistakes with more expensive wool.
You can even unravel old jumpers and, once you've washed and dried the wool, it can be used again.
WATCH AND LEARN:
To start, all you need is a crochet hook, some yarn and a pair of scissors.
Getting a lesson from a crochet expert is always the best way to learn but, failing that, you can pick up tips online.
Vicki says: "There are plenty of free tutorials on YouTube."
Also look out for groups in local craft shops or community centres.
FOLLOW A PATTERN:
Once you have mastered the technique, it is time to follow a pattern.
They are inexpensive to buy — Vicki's designs start from £4 — but you can also find them free online. Ravelry.com is a good place to look.
Start with granny squares, or try making mini-animals.
IT'S A GIFT:
If you start to learn to crochet now, you will be able to make inexpensive and thoughtful Christmas presents for family and friends.
You can make more than you would think with a crochet hook, from socks to soft toys, wall hangings, blankets and clothes.
