What I'll Learn

I can learn the key terms, practices, and skills of crocheting/knitting. 

I can use various information sources, including those on the Internet to accomplish specific tasks (like a tutorial to crochet or knit an object)

I can demonstrate perseverance 

I can understand proportion and color and tone when doing drawing or other art crafts

I can master pencil control and brush strokes when painting or drawing

I can create depth (creating the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface)

Stuff I'll Need

knitting needles

crochet needles

Yarn

Tutorial of what I want to make or a beginners tutorial

What I should know

Before starting to knit or crochet, you should understand the basic differences between the two crafts, including the tools used (knitting needles vs crochet hook), the stitch types, and that crochet is generally considered easier for beginners due to its simpler mechanics with only one hook, making it a good starting point for most people; it's also important to choose a project that suits your skill level, practice basic stitches, and be patient with the learning curve. 

Career Connection and Real World Application

Open Your Own Business

Right now might be the perfect time for you to open up your own business either online or in your local town. Your job loss can be seen as a blessing instead of a curse.

Take this time to review your budget and weigh your options. Know that this is probably the most difficult of all the choices because demand can easily overwhelm the supply. If you have the finances consider hiring a few crocheters or take them on as independent contractors or piece workers.

To see if this option is viable for you, you might try selling your crochet projects at craft fairs, in local boutiques, and at farmers markets to begin with. See what customers like, get feedback and tweak your product until you have a winning piece that is in high demand for a living wage.

Become a Teacher to the Next Generation

Don't you love the resurgence of the handicraft industry? This is the perfect time to start teaching others for a fee. You can teach privately or within groups. Alternatively you can host craft parties with a theme.

For example, young children can crochet a cute little owl amigurumi. All you need to do is gather the materials, teach them how to make it and after the 2 - 3 hour session they can go home with their very own owl.

Teaching groups of adults in churches, your local parks and recreations department or at local community colleges is another option you have. People want to learn how to crochet why not be the person to teach them.

Write about the Crochet Industry

If you enjoy writing and blogging, article writing might be a great job for you. Enlighten people about the joys of crochet. Be a technical writer and create charts or written patterns for designers.

Blog about crocheting, teaching crochet, product reviews and designer interviews. Adding advertisements or sponsors to your site will earn you some extra income.

You can also write eBook tutorials filled with great photographs of the techniques and stitches you use for a particular pattern. Sell these on the Kindle, Nook and iPad for a profit.