learning to left-hand crochet

Hello all my fellow hookers and knitters.
I wanted to give a little background as to how I came to crochet. I grew up down south in North Carolina. Both my grandmothers and mother were crafty people. My "Nannie" taught me to chain but that is about it. I could never sit still long enough for much more. lol.

My sister Tia crochets and mentioned "The Happy Hooker" by Debbie Stoller one day when I called her from Barnes and Noble. I bought the book and wondered if I would find any yarn shops or crochet help here in Brooklyn, NY where I have lived for 15+ years.

WOW was I wrong. There is an entire crochet and knitting community. I found the most adorable boutique of fine yarn with an amazing owner. It is called Stitch Therapy, located in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn. The owner is Maxine DeGouttes.
I was hooked (excuse the pun) the moment I walked in. Maxine DeGouttes is very helpful and kind. With her help I picked out my first yarn which was Noro Taiyo (see the swatch above). It is a fascinating mix of fiber: silk 40%, 30% silk, 15% wool, 15% nylon. Next I needed a hook. Maxine recommended a M hook. Then Maxine taught me how to do the single crochet before I left the store. So I left with my fine yarn and hook, then proceeded to spend the next week single crocheting. Within a week I was back at stitch therapy yearning to learn more. I signed up for a class although by the time the class rolled around Maxine had already taught me to crochet at the lovely table in her shop. She even crocheted left-handed to better teach me.
She is my crochet mentor and I am forever grateful to her for teaching me to crochet. THANK YOU Maxine from the bottom of my heart!!