I can understatand this, and I'm sure others here will be more helpful than I--but are you saying you are having trouble getting the chain done, or is it difficult to work the second row into those chains?

I don't think a larger hook would help.

It is the yarn.

Well it is the yarn, but how can Gracie get through this difficult start? I was wondering if you could make your starting chain with the homespun and a second thinner yarn of contrasting color and then clip it out later. Just a thought--I've never tried it.

While you could do as socks suggested, I expect you will have the same trouble all through your piece. Crocheting with homespun is a chore. At least in knitting, you can see all your stitches on the needle. You might try crocheting the entire piece with another yarn or thread held together with the homespun.

Thanks all, you know I think I'll try some scrap yarn with the homespun. I made the chain last night, then when making the first row of stitches I had some chain left over, but my stitch count was correct, so obviously I was putting more than one stitch in each chain. Wish me luck, or else the yarn is going back to the store.

Keep us posted on how it goes. I think it's a very forgiving yarn as far as small errors go. Good luck.

I DID IT!!! I'm happy to report that I used a baby yarn along with the homespun for my chain. It still wasn't easy to find those darn stitches, but it sure helped. Also I used a K hook instead of J. I can't believe the difference in using that K hook. With the J hook the yarn kept snagging on the hook; not so with the K. I'm already done with 4 rows. I am mostly crocheting by "feel" instead of sight, since I've been crocheting for many years. This yarn is defintely NOT for beginners. Thanks everyone for all your help.

Glad to hear you wiped that homespun into shape. It is a bit of a challenge.

I think I remember having a similar experience with that yarn. You are right, it's not for beginners (or quitters either!) I assume your final product will be bigger because of the bigger hook so watch that.

Congratulations!