This week I’ve been learning to crochet with beads. As much as I love beading and knitting, I seem to be crochet impaired. There were so many things I had trouble figuring out. Where do I stick the needle? How do the beads sit in relation to each other? I had willing teachers to help me and plenty of written instructions and illustrations to look at, but in the end it came down to practice. I had to spend several hours trying to crochet before I finally got it. Now I’m crocheting away, and having a great time. I can’t wait to finish this project.

Beading comes fairly easily to me, and usually I have no trouble picking up a new technique. This experience was a good reminder for me; sometimes you just need to keep trying. There’s a reason “practice makes perfect” is such a popular expression. Fortunately, I love a challenge, and this is just one a several fiber techniques I’m learning as I work on our October issue.

Is there a new technique you want to learn, or a beading challenge you’re struggling with? We offer plenty of resources so you can meet your beading goals. You can find step-by-step instructions and illustrations for many basic techniques in our Online Basics sections. If you’re more of live-action learner, check out our how-to videos, or sign up for a class at your local bead shop or the Bead&Button Show. Still stuck? Tap into the resources of the beading community on our forum or ask Anna.