Tom Henihan
Express Staff
@SmokyRiverExprs
Kathy Bertrand gave crochet lessons at the McLennan Library on Thursday November 3 at 1.30 pm.
Ten people attended the session that focused on crocheting a girl’s poncho.
“I wasn’t expecting 10 people today, so it was nice to have a good group,” says Bertrand. “We are going to continue with what we did on November 3 on Tuesday 15 at 1.30pm. On November 17 we are going to crochet a cowl.”
Also on November 17, at 6pm, Bertrand is giving crochet instruction for beginners. That session is for anyone who has never crocheted before, but would like to learn.
“You will learn to read a pattern and learn your basic stitches,” says Bertrand. “You can look these things up online but it is way easier to learn if you have someone physically showing you how.”
The McLennan Library is normally closed at 6pm but Philippa O’Mahony has offered to open the Library at that time to accommodate people who have expressed interested in a learn-to-crochet evening class and because they work they would otherwise be unable to attend.
“For the beginners session it is best to bring a solid colour yarn because it is easier to see the stitches if you have a solid colour where multicoloured yarn makes it difficult to see your stitches,” says Bertrand.
Crochet is an inexpensive hobby to take up; a crochet hook is usually between $3 and $5 and depending on the quality, a ball of yarn is between 4 and 6 dollars. A standard Afghan blanket would cost up to 40 to 50 dollars in yarn.
“I found that not many people crocheted a few years ago but now I find younger people are interested in it again. It’s a a good thing to keep you busy,” says Bertrand. “It is something that is easy to pick up and do when you have a spare minute. It’s just something I love doing.”
Those planning to attend crochet classes should bring their own yarn. A #4 medium weight yarn and a k/6.5 mm crochet hook are recommended.