Learning to crochet

Years ago I bought a book full of crochet projects with the intention of teaching myself how to crochet.  Somehow I always got side-tracked with knitting and never seemed to find the time.

Over the Christmas break I dug out the book. Called Simple Crochet by Erika Knight, it really did have some nice things in it to make.

I thought I'd try and make the circular cushion on the cover:

Checking in the stash I found some 8 ply natural coloured cotton yarn and a crochet hook.  I started off by making a simple square in the 'double crochet' stitch - the same stitch used in the cushion pattern. The book has good instructions for each of the stitches:

 It took a me a few goes to get the hang of it. 

Once I was happy with the square I started on the cushion. It is made up of 2 circles that are 40 cm in diameter, joined at the edges by a row of crochet.  On those days where it was too hot to go outside I worked away on my circles.  Eventually I got them both done:

 
Now all I need is a round cushion insert so I can complete the project. That has proved pretty tricky to find so I think I'll end up having to make one.  Oh well, it'll get done...........eventually.