Finally, it's time to reveal the first actual crochet stitch video.  It's the super awesome single crochet.  I'll explain what it involves and how to in the video, but here's a little bit about what you can do with it.

 It's a foundation to other stitches you will learn in additional videos.  Remember in school, you'd be learning math and your teacher would say, "This is a basic idea that you'll build on."?  Well, totally the same in crocheting (and just about anything you do in life!).  You can do just about anything with the single crochet, too.  The single crochet is a small, compact stitch that can let allow you to crochet in straight lines, diagonals, circles, and many other shapes.  As long as you know the single crochet, you can apply it to other techniques.  

I like it because it's simple, and like I said -- compact.  In addition, I think it makes a beautiful design and texture.  Well, with that here's the video!

The other day I was working in the living room.  I had no idea what I wanted to make, so I pulled out all my needles and hooks and several skeins of yarn.  All laid out on the coffee table.  Needless to say, it was quite a mess.

As I rummaged through, things were falling off the table, the cats thought the hooks and needles were play things, and I may have lost something in the process.  I even left it all there to sit for a few days.  Ya, I'm not the greatest at picking up after myself unless I do it right away.  

My husband came home from work one day, looked at the mess and said, "You know I sure wish I could actually use this table for what it's for."  His indirect way of reprimanding me and getting his point through.  I knew he was right.  I knew I needed to clean it up, but I also knew that it would look the same in the cabinet I use to store all my crafting things.  (I am REALLY looking forward to the day that we can build an office for me.)

So, I started my quest for a needle organizer.   I knew what I wanted it to look like, but needed a basic template to help me get started.  (Usually, I just go with the flow and make my own patterns, but I wasn't feeling it.)  Most patterns I found were a bit small for what I wanted, until I found Alexantra's Knits Tutorial.  It was EXACTLY what I envisioned.  What I used from her tutorial was the size of the organizer.

From there I made it my own.  I didn't use the binding, but rather folded over the edges from the outside fabric.  It turns out the be like a fake binding.  It's easier since I'm a beginner sewer, but I also like the look a little better, too.   I made the number of vertical pocket number and sizes my own as well.  I felt it worked better for me compared to what she had in her template.  I still need to make ties, but the organizer still does it's job without them.  I'm thinking of a sweet knit icord in a gold.

As for fabric, I knew I needed durable.  So, I used the denim I had lying around to make most of the insides.  The floral fabric I used for a blanket in my shop, but absolutely loved it!  Luckily, the remnants from the blanket were enough to sew this organizer (since this fabric I know isn't available at the store anymore).  

In the end, I have an AWESOME organizer for all my knitting and crocheting items.  I absolutely love it and there will be no more needles lying around willy nilly!  Wish I could say the same for the yarn.  ;D

It's been a couple days, thought I'd space out these first few videos.  If you didn't notice, I have three up already on youtube!  So, if you've visited those videos I'm sure you're a little ahead.

This video teaches how to chain.  This is probably where most people have left off in their lessons.  At least, that's what I have heard from many people. ;p  Chaining is pretty easy once you get it down.  It took me a few tries to get it down pat!  Actually, when I started learning I couldn't do it at all!  I was so frustrated I quit.  I soon realized that I was working the chain too tight.  There you go, you're first tip, don't work your chains too tight or you won't get your hook through when you start your first row!  

Just practice, practice, practice and you'll be able to do this in your sleep.  :)  

I've decided that it would be beneficial to the audience and friends of MissNissCraftworks to offer some simple tutorials on basic knitting and crocheting.  Personally, I'm a learning who likes to see and do, rather than just read.  If you're like me, this will be AWESOME!  Of course I'd love you to buy all your items through me, but I also realize there comes great joy in being able to do it yourself, too!  Part of the reason I started MissNissCraftworks was as a creative outlet.  I am constantly amazed by the craftwork I do and get great pleasure from a finished product.  I want YOU to have that sense of accomplishment, too.  :)

Over Christmas I was able to begin to teach a friend the basics of crochet.  I didn't get to have a lot of time with her and feel that was unfortunate.  I've also heard LOTS of stories from people who learned to chain from their Grandmother or someone else, but that's as far as they got in their studies.  So, these videos are for all you as well!  

I find the most beautiful thing about these videos is that it will allow you to learn at your own speed, by stopping and playing the video, and also give you a resource that you know will always be there!  

As I begin these videos, I will offer you the basics.  Explained and demonstrated to the best of my abilities.  They should be pretty decent since part of my bachelor's degree is in teaching.  ;)  I hope to be able to offer more difficult stitches, concepts, techniques, and projects as the videos progress.  Videos can be found easily on this blog in the 'videos' tab and on youtube.  Don't forget to subscribe to the youtube channel, like the shop on facebook, and follow on twitter!

I now present to you the FIRST video tutorial by MissNissCraftworks : The Slip Knot