started to crochet

[KimChick]

Having tried and failed with a polar fleece applique onto a polar fleece pullover, I decided to try crochet. So I found an easy pattern for a flower, and taught myself how to crochet. I did succeed to a certain extent, making one on one day and another on the next day, to practise. Unfortunately, because I spent far too long both times, getting the hang of holding the yarn and the working piece, I now have a "repeated strain injury" in my index finger.
So be aware, all you older folks, like me, when starting something new, take it slowly, as in baby steps, and allow the joints to get used to the new activity. Oh, and do warm-ups and stretches before, during, and after. I'm not kidding.
The flower is now on hold.
Here is where I found the flower pattern and instructions: Simple Tunisian Flower

[Jaye]

I did something similar recently (about two weeks ago): for my BIL's milestone birthday I made two traditional rope fenders for his boat. The joints in my thumbs are still a bit sore and I've been doing hand and wrist stretches every day since.

[Killerbunny]

I have always been able to knit but with crochet I always found my fingers cramped, even when younger, never did get over it!

[KimChick]

I have always been able to knit but with crochet I always found my fingers cramped, even when younger, never did get over it!

Oh no! I haven't knitted in a few years.... call it 25, or so. I am in search of an old pattern that I bought; I have all the yarn; asked my mom to knit it for me (I had gone back to work); she never did, but she did misplace the pattern. So I have an ISO on Ravelry.
Now that I am retired, I am getting back into more sewing, first. Then I'll pick up some knitting again.

[labradors]

Sorry about the sore fingers .

I too got back into knitting this winter as I needed a new knitted cotton washcloth to replace my old one. Seeing all the wonderful colourful yarns available, I kept buying and buying, knitting and knitting. I ended up with quite the pile of washcloths/dishcloths (for gifts) and then knitted some colourful coasters as well. Easy peasy and very addictive!

[Epona]

I love to crochet. Been working on a large blanket for my sister-in-law. I have to get it done before the weather totally warms up as it will be too hot to work on. I returned to crochet a couple years ago hoping the exercise would help my stiff fingers and hands. It has certainly helped. It was pretty rough at the start.....I guess like all new activities, it’s good to pace yourself.

[KimChick]

I love to crochet. Been working on a large blanket for my sister-in-law. I have to get it done before the weather totally warms up as it will be too hot to work on. I returned to crochet a couple years ago hoping the exercise would help my stiff fingers and hands. It has certainly helped. It was pretty rough at the start.....I guess like all new activities, it’s good to pace yourself.

A few years ago, my mother crocheted everyone, kids and grandkids, each a granny square afghan. I still have mine. They are very colourful with black borders individually and around the entire piece. After all those, she went back to knitting.
Yes, pacing is good.
Right now, I'm battling dry, splitting skin and trying to hand stitch. Yesterday, hand basting zippers onto chair cushion covers, while wearing nitril gloves seemed to work well. I could push and pull the needle through faster with a decent grip.

[Epona]

Interesting idea....the gloves! I saw leather thimbles at the wool festival in Peterborough a couple of weeks ago. A friend said they worked well.

[KimChick]

Interesting idea....the gloves! I saw leather thimbles at the wool festival in Peterborough a couple of weeks ago. A friend said they worked well.

I know I had a leather thimble, but I can't find it anywhere. It wasn't particularly comfortable, though. Perhaps it will turn up when I don't need one, or my daughter has it.

[KimChick]

Lo and behold, I did find my soft, plastic thimble! The leather one still hasn't turned up.