Adventures in Crocheting: Making the Jolly Jellyfish from Michael's!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Frustration of Following Instructions
3. The Challenge of a Starter Kit
4. The Importance of Creative Discretion
5. The Mystery of the Cotton
6. Sewing on the Eyes and Mouth
7. The Result: A Lopsided Jolly Jellyfish
8. Conclusion

The Frustration of Following Instructions

Today, I want to share with you my experience with a crochet project that I recently attempted. It all started when I was browsing through Michael's, a popular craft store, and stumbled upon a basket filled with crochet projects. Among them was a crochet jolly jellyfish that caught my eye. Excited by the idea of making it, I purchased the starter kit and eagerly began my adventure.

Let me tell you, following the instructions provided in the kit was a frustrating experience. The instruction manual, although it claimed to be a starter kit, seemed to be written for advanced crocheters. As someone who already had some experience with crochet, I thought I would have no trouble. But boy, was I wrong.

The Challenge of a Starter Kit

The first hurdle I encountered was the confusion over the initial chain. The instructions simply stated to "chain two," which is a basic crochet technique. However, the small circle they showed as the starting point did not match up with a chain of only two stitches. It left me scratching my head and questioning whether I missed something.

To make matters worse, the instruction manual used shorthand notation for the crochet techniques. Instead of clearly stating "chain two," it used the abbreviation "2 ch." I found myself constantly referencing the legend in the manual just to understand the instructions properly. It was an unnecessary hassle that added to my frustration.

The Importance of Creative Discretion

After struggling with the instruction manual for some time, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I relied on my crochet knowledge and intuition to figure out the pattern. Looking at the picture of the jolly jellyfish, I realized that its structure resembled that of a mini beanie. So, I adjusted the initial chain to four stitches and treated it as if I were making a beanie.

From that point on, I continued "winging it" and using my own creative discretion. I improvised on certain steps, such as the size and placement of the eyes and the texture of the tentacles. While it may not have been the prescribed method, it allowed me to make progress and enjoy the process.

The Mystery of the Cotton

One puzzling aspect of the starter kit was the inclusion of cotton. The kit provided a small amount of cotton yarn, but it never explained its purpose. There was no instruction on when or how to incorporate it into the project. It left me wondering if it was meant to make the jolly jellyfish appear more stuffed, but the manual failed to provide any clarity on the matter.

In the end, I opted not to use the cotton, as there was no indication of its purpose. It was yet another frustration in an already challenging experience.

Sewing on the Eyes and Mouth

The instruction manual not only left me confused about the initial chain but also failed to provide clear guidance on attaching the eyes and sewing on the mouth. I had to rely on my own sewing skills (which I must admit, are not the greatest) to complete these steps. The result was a slightly crooked smile and eyes that could have been positioned better.

The Result: A Lopsided Jolly Jellyfish

Despite the frustrations and challenges along the way, I managed to complete my crochet jolly jellyfish. While it may not be perfect, it has a certain charm. The tentacles, although slightly lopsided, give it a playful and whimsical character.

In the end, I must admit that the starter kit fell short of my expectations. It claimed to be suitable for beginners, but the confusing instructions and lack of clarity made it far from beginner-friendly. I wouldn't recommend it to someone new to crochet, as it could be discouraging and overwhelming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my experience with the crochet jolly jellyfish starter kit was a mixed bag. It taught me the importance of relying on my own creativity and knowledge rather than solely depending on instructions. While frustrating at times, the project allowed me to embrace my creative side and make something unique.

Although the accessory may be slightly imperfect, it adds a personal touch to my collection of crochet creations. So, even with all the challenges I faced, I can still appreciate the joy that comes from crafting something by hand.