[Rich/Jan]

Hi - I have arthritis and knit slowly but have thought about doing some crochet work - just simple items - hats, scarf and the like.  What hooks do you recommend - wood, plastic, bamboo - and any pattern recommendations please.  I have loads of balls of wool so no expense other than the pattern plus postage to France.  I prefer to work with chunky and handspun wools.  Thanks Jan

[Hermit]

I use the metal tipped hooks with the comfy thick handles, but I dont use wool just cotton to do lace crochet so anything over a 2 hook and I feel I am crocheting with pokers. There is a crochet where you use a thick knitting needle and crochet on and off that ( cant remember the name of it off hand) but maybe good for you with arthritis. It is used for very lacy scarves, blankets etc. I use a website called crochet pattern central, it is a collection of private patterns and ones from other websites and contains small items to clothing and larger. Good luck I can hardly put my hook down and you will soon be addicted as well.

[Hermit]

ps I learnt to crochet off u tube!

[jaykay]

Hermit, were you thinking of Tunisian crochet?

[Lesley Silvester]

I prefer the metal hooks and I like big ones and thicker yarn.   

ps I learnt to crochet off u tube!

I've had a go at Tunisian crochet too, using a broom handle as the thick knitting needle and some very chunky yarn.  Thanks for the reminder.  I must have another go at it.

[Hermit]

Broomstick lace is what I remember it being called, thats it.

[Lesley Silvester]

That could explain why I used the broom handle.     Just realised I inserted the wrong quote.  So much for my promise to self to proof read all my posts.  Think it lasted a couple of hours.