Review Summary:
The crochet kit includes all necessary materials, except scissors, and features tutorial videos and a printable PDF pattern. It's suitable for beginners, with clear instructions on basic stitches like single crochet, increases, and decreases. The videos are easy to follow, with options for closed captions and support for left-handed crocheters. While the project is generally beginner-friendly, some may find certain parts, like the flower purse and leaf strap, a bit challenging. Overall, the kit is highly recommended for all skill levels due to the supportive resources.
The Ladybug - My Experience:
I recently chose the Woobles Ladybug Red Bundle kit because I thought it would be a fun and challenging project. It is advertised as suitable for beginner+ crocheters. Although I have been crocheting for four years, I still consider myself an intermediate beginner, primarily focusing on amigurumi.
The kit includes a worsted weight medium #4 yarn called "easy-peasy." This thicker yarn is perfect for beginners as it does not unravel or fray easily, making it pliable and easy to work with. The glitter yarn is slightly less flexible, so if you find it challenging to work with, try loosening your stitches a bit for added give. Additionally, the magic circle and the first round of the Ladybug's back are already completed, allowing you to start quickly.
All the materials needed to complete the project are included in the kit, except for scissors. The kit also features tutorial videos and an option to print a PDF pattern, which can be beneficial for more advanced crocheters who may not require additional guidance. (see photo). The printed pattern includes all the same parts of the Ladybug as the videos provide.
If you are relatively new to crocheting, I highly recommend using the beginner-friendly instructional videos. They provide a fundamental understanding of basic stitches for amigurumi. None of the stitches in this kit are too advanced for beginners, and I didn't find the pattern overly challenging. However, I encountered some difficulty with the flower purse and attaching the green leaf strap; I couldn't hide the connections as well as the instructor did.
The accompanying videos are easy to follow and can be paused anytime. They are divided into short segments based on which part of the Ladybug you are working on. The pattern lines are displayed on the screen before the instructor demonstrates the stitches, allowing you to match what you are working on with the corresponding part of the pattern, which helps you learn to read it. (see photo).
The project focuses on three basic stitches: the foundational single crochet stitch, the increase stitch, and the decrease stitch. The instructor speaks English, and her instructions are clear and easy to understand. If you have trouble hearing or understanding her, closed captions are available for everything she says in the videos. She does an excellent job of slowly explaining the stitches and pattern parts. I also appreciated her careful demonstration of the sewing portion of the project, particularly how to arrange the pieces symmetrically, which can be one of the more challenging aspects of assembly. Additionally, I like that the video tutorials are available for left-handed crocheters. (see photo).
I value the simplicity and straightforwardness of the pattern for a beginner+ project. I also appreciate the tutorial support offered through the videos and the additional assistance provided by Woobles customer support. I have no reservations about recommending this kit to anyone, from beginners to the most experienced crocheters.
If you are a beginner attempting this project, remember that your amigurumi will be unique, just like mine. (see photo). It's important to understand that your finished piece may not look exactly like the one shown by the instructor or on the packaging, so don't be too hard on yourself if it differs. Most importantly, have fun!