Lindsay - Crochet related

I looked up a random youtube video to learn how to do a single stitch.  I practiced doing that back and forth and back and forth with a small ball of extra yarn that I had.  Just 'til I got the hang of it.

I used this page to learn how to do a basic granny square:

http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/granny_square.htm

The lady doing the videos shows a couple different ways to do the steps, so you can pick what is most comfortable for you.

I plan on using this page to put all my squares together (I'm about halfway done):

http://carinascraftblog.wardi.dk/2009/06/granny-square-joining-tutorial.html

I personally think that granny squares are a TON easier than regular back and forth crocheting.  Counting the stitches and what not, it's easy for me to get confused, and making the initial chain and trying to keep everything even is hard for me.  Doing the granny square isn't confusing at all, and you have a little bit of leeway when it comes to the sizing (you can stretch the squares a bit if they're too small).

The one thing I don't really get is how to actually read instructions for crocheting.  The whole 3dc 1ch blah blah blah is very hard for me to visualize and figure it out.  I do much better when I can see someone do it in pictures and videos and replicate it that way.

After this afghan, I want to try one that's all one big granny square, just different colors.  And then I'd like to try a zig zag afghan, but that will take counting stitches and keeping things really even, so we'll see!  Good luck!!

(Disclaimer: I am by no means an expert so all the above is pure opinion and probably wrong.  I think Maria said her mom is an expert crochet-er, so she'd be the best to direct any real question at!)