To Crochet or Not to Crochet? That is the Question

I have recently become inspired by my fellow etsykids team members, who make such adorable crocheted items for babies, to try my hand at hookin, as the cool kids call it :)  I have also found inspiration from my mother-in-law who made my children the most adorable crocheted blankets.  So inspiration in hand, off I went to the store for a teach yourself to crochet book, hooks and yarn.

Once I settled in and got started, I must admit this is where my lack of spatial reasoning skills came into play.  Despite my best effort to understand the pictorial directions, I struggled to get past the first row of chain (ch) stitches. 

This is what I ended up with when I just tried to wing it!  My ever so supportive husband said, "Oh honey what a lovely infinity symbol you've made".  Not quite the potholder I was attempting.

After visiting several crocheting websites as well as referring to my handy book, I finally figured out the single crochet (sc) stitch.  Now armed with two stitches, I was able to get down to business.  I looked up a simple pattern for a scarf and off I went.  About half way through the third row of 223 sc stitches I was certain I was going to give myself carpal tunnel syndrome, but I pressed on.  It became my new obsession.  I have decided that we crafters are almost always looking for the next project for ourselves to get lost in.  I am always eager to try something new.

Working steadily each night, I completed my colorful yet slightly wobbly scarf in 3 days.  I still haven't quite got that elegant speed of a proficient crochet master.  Nor have I perfected my gauge leading to the wobbliness of my scarf I assume.

So, as for the question to crochet or not to crochet?  The jury is still out for me.  I enjoyed the feeling of creating something out of nothing; a reward I always get from crafting.  Much more practice will be required for me to make anything more complex than a long rectangle with some fringe on the ends.  My hat goes off to all you skilled crocheters out there it sure isn't easy and almost sent me screaming in fear back to my sewing machine.