I am thinking about learning how to crochet. MIL has some really expensive Crochet mag every month where she has been making up squares for a blanket and there are some really lovely stitches (not too keen on the granny square look myself) and I know that Jill was making a really nice Uni blanket for her daughter, so am now thinking about it myself as I know crochet is supposed to be quicker than knitting. I am looking for somewhere/ a book that will explain easily how to do many crochet stitches for a crochet 'virgin' - can you help?

I found 'The Happy Hooker' by Debbie Stoller ( stitch and bitch) very useful.I decided to learn to crochet last year and this made it quite simple. However, as you may know , American and English terms are different for crocheting ,but I stick with the American terms and have found that most patterns online are American anyway.

I like "Happy Hooker" too - really helped me when I was teaching myself, although I had other books too. If I could only have one, it would be the Happy Hooker one.

OK I have that one all ready - maybe I should look at it instead of letting it gather dust on my shelf LOL

Rowan Crochet Workshop is my weapon of choice.

I have attended a Rowan weekend workshop which was brilliant and there is one being held in June this year. Go to Rowan website for details. It is worth coming to a meet with other crocheters who can help you get started. ALso invest in some good crochet hooks - Clover are good. It makes a difference.

Clover are the best :)

I agree with Clover hooks being the best.This was the book i was recommending. (http://www.knitrowan.com/books/rowan/Rowan-Crochet-Workshop-by-Emma-Seddon-and-Sharon-Brant.aspx)

I thought that I had posted already about 'Rowan Crochet Workshop' being the best book....so I second that from MrsRadish :)