INTRODUCTION

If you are a crochet fanatic like me, you know that this is an exciting time for crocheting. Statistics from the Crochet Guild Of America (CGOA) say that there are now more crocheters than knitters in the United States. Crochet is everywhere! I learned to knit years ago, and I love the look of knitting, but crocheting is my passion. Every person I have interviewed who knows how to knit and crochet says that crocheting is faster and more fun. So move over, knitters! We will no longer take a back seat! The world might as well face it — crochet is here to stay.

Crocheting is amazingly easy, and if you are patient enough to learn how to hold the hook and yarn, you can create almost anything. I have taught many people to crochet, and most are thrilled at how easy it is. You'll be amazed at what you can do. All it takes is a couple of hours to practice the basic stitches before you can get your project started. After she learned to crochet, my daughter-in-law, a long-time knitter, literally jumped up and down, saying, “Why didn't you teach me this a long time ago? This is so much fun!”

For this book, I have created more than 50 fabulous and easy-to-crochet projects that you'll be proud to wear. Some patterns even go up to size 3x! You'll be inspired to share your work with others, and you'll find many ideas to get started. All it takes is desire and believing in yourself.

I am also excited to share positive and encouraging tips on life that I hope will be meaningful to you and your family. Sometimes life is fun, just like crocheting, but sometimes life can be very hard (like some crochet). Some of the tips are from my husband Terry, who travels all over the country giving positive-thinking seminars. We have been married for 36 years, and his enthusiasm has rubbed off on me! I hope you'll want to share these tips that mean so much to me with your friends and loved ones.

So what are you waiting for? Get that crochet hook and yarn out, and let's get started!