Learning to Crochet with Black Sheep Wools

Last week I attended a crochet workshop at Black Sheep Wools in Warrington.

I am a frequent visitor there already as it is a stones throw away from the farm and, unfortunately for me (not them), it is on my way home from school so I quite often nip in with a baby on my hip and come out laden in beautifully coloured yarns and patterns.

I presumed the class would be held in the middle of the shop. I wasn’t prepared for a purpose built room at the back with massive windows for natural light and a coffee machine.

I was greeted by Melanie Boocock, a crafting extraordinaire and Rowan Instructor who was wearing a dress she made herself, a cardigan she knitted and crochet bracelets. I felt a little leap in my heart.

This lady was going to be the one to make my crochet dreams come true.

I was joined by a group of other bloggers, also beginners and we began with a basic chain stitch and, before I knew it, I’d crocheted a bracelet.

We then went on to learn double and treble stitches in order to achieve (my) holy grail of crocheting-the granny square.

We broke for lunch, which was served in Black Sheep’s lovely cafe-think bunting and handmade items everywhere.

After lunch, we began to make a granny square.

I am not going to say mine was perfect but its imperfections are a learning curve. For example, you wouldn’t go on a baking course and expect to make a croquembouche would you?

The Learn to Crochet course at Black Sheep Wools gave me the firm base and tools I need to go on and practice. I have crocheted most nights since-just practising stitches in order to prepare myself for my New Year’s Resolution.

I am challenging myself to crochet a granny square a day in 2016.

Imagine the blanket(s) for next Christmas-that’s what I think a farmer’s wife should do, right?

I really enjoyed my day at Black Sheep Wools. They have a whole programme of classes for next year from beginners to intermediate and even advanced and it’s not just crochet. You can learn to knit, sew and even spin wool on a real life spindle.

A gift voucher would make an ideal Christmas gift for anyone who loves all things craft.

*I was invited to the Crochet class for the purpose of this review but all opinions are my own.