It is Monday and I write something about crafts – so for me it is really #NeedleworkMonday (thank you 
Sadly I am order loving but a little bit messy, not a perfect combination :-D It very often leads to binge cleaning on the weekend and during my session yesterday I sorted through all of our hats and let me tell you there are many. I think we possess so many hats, they actually need an own flat. You may ask: Why does she have so many hats and just one head? And I can answer you: because I learned crochet and knitting with hats.
Many years ago, my husband (yes my husband) crocheted a cute little pink bag which I so loved, that I wanted to learn crochet. So, he taught me the basics. My first test was a scarf-something which grew wider and wider with every row, because I didn’t understand how to make turning chains properly. I was so dissatisfied, that I watched virtually every video about crochet I could find on youtube and decided afterwards I had to make a hat.
My first project was a beanie I crocheted in the round, completely made of single crochet. For this project it was essential that it grew wider every row – perfect for me :-D
Why is a hat a good first (or maybe second) crochet project?
After you tested your stitches on a little rectangle with a cheap yarn which you are not afraid to throw away, you are ready to start your first ‘real’ project. Instead of producing more little squares, which are in my eyes not so useful I think it is highly motivation to start which a project you actually want to wear: the beanie.
The next advantage is that you can use thick yarn and a big hook for a beanie, so you can be finished with a hat in 30 min up to 1 hour. In the parameter of a craft I would call this instant gratification. Furthermore, you need just a small amount of yarn, mostly one skein is enough. And there are millions of free patterns online, so you do not have to buy a book or a pattern. The last advantage is, you will learn through a hat easily how to increase stitches, which is essential for later more advanced patterns. Ok… one more… if you need Christmas presents, a handmade hat in a beautiful yarn is in my eyes a perfect gift.
I linked you this video tutorial for a crochet beanie, but there are many more videos if you prefer a different explanation style.
By the way I also learned knitting with a hat…. And I realy like bobbles as you can see
What was your first crochet or knitting project? What would you recommend?