International Diploma in Crochet - Samples 1-3 returned

Last week a parcel plopped onto my doormat - whoooooop, it's my crochet samples back that I sent away in September.  They haven't taken long at all, I expected them to be a few more days, if not weeks!

Anyway, that was where the whooping stopped because as I opened the pack and started reading the accompanying letter, I soon realised that it's wasn't great news.

Out of the three samples I had 2 to re-submit and one 'good'.  In other words, one passed and two failed.

Must try harder  :)

International Diploma in Crochet - Samples 1-3

So, samples 1, 2 and 3 are now ready to post.  I could actually squeeze a few more into the envelope, but I really want the feedback on this lot before I make any more mistakes, if I have made any, as they will need to be redone if they do not reach the high standard expected.

I have taken great care as to where I insert my hook, making sure I have not split stitches and I have tried to keep it all very neat and tidy.  As I am self-taught I am totally unsure about edges, do they look neat enough I wonder, did I go into the correct stitch when crocheting into the end space - I guess I will soon find out!

I started with a cotton DK yarn from Essentials Cotton and used a 4mm hook (simply because it's purple and my favourite hook!)

I have blocked all the pieces so that I could manipulate the edges to look much neater - blocking really makes a difference you know, it's my new "must" when working a project.

Sample 1:
A network of chain and slip stitch, with four straight edges.

Sample 2:
A square of double crochet inserting the hook in the usual way.

Sample 3:
A square of trembles inserting the hook in the usual way of picking up two strands of yarn.

I had to add labels to each one saying which sample they were and adding my name and number.

Gosh, I am really quite nervous about these, what are they going to say I wonder?]
I will let you know as soon as I get them back.

I've finally started on my Diploma in Crochet

Yep, finally, after how long?  I have started work on my International Diploma in Crochet.

Well, would you believe it was a Woolfest in June that I signed up and paid my deposit, since then I have had the 'reminder' newsletters that are supposed to nudge you into working, but I filed them away meaning to get back to them later...... you know that one right?

Anyway after getting nagged of Hubster (he does that a lot when I procrastinate) I sat down and organised my file with all my paperwork, then I opened my folder and started to read....

There are 35 samples and four projects of work to submit with part one of this distance learning course.  They don't have to be done in order at all, but I thought I should try to be a little organised and start from the beginning.

Of course, I will share my journey with you, it may be interesting to those who wish to have a go at this Diploma themselves.  For me, it's all about learning and perfecting, rather than getting a certificate - but a certificate certainly adds to the excitement of it all I think.

I will keep you up to dates I go :)

International Diploma in Crochet

Yep, you read the title correctly.  There is indeed an "International Diploma in Crochet" and I have just signed up for it!

Actually, I love to learn, I have been teaching myself new crochet stitches by working through the book 50 Stitches for Afghans and enjoying it lots, so when I read about this course in the Woolfest program, I decided to hunt down the lady behind it and ask some more.

I found Pauline Turner deep in the pens in Woolfest, amongst a pretty array of colourful crochet samples, and we got talking.

The Diploma is a 3 part course, the details are HERE if you would like to see for yourself, the fees are there for you to view too (look for the link within the page).  Should I?  Shouldn't I? I knew if I came home and thought about it I would probably not bother (I'm a bit like that you see, very impulsive but change mind when spend time thinking about things) so I decided to jump on in and give it a go!

I paid my deposit and came away with the first part of the course.

I flicked through it last night, thought "Oh my goodness, what have I done!" and put it down again.  I will look at it again later  :)

I would like to share my progress with you - good or bad - I think it will shame me into completing the course and not end up throwing my pennies down the drain. So watch this space.