Learning to Crochet

I have wanted to learn to crochet for a while now, mainly because crochet edges look really nice with knit items. One of my Ravelry groups, Monthly Adventures, provided the kick in the butt I needed to get going. We have started a "Learn to Crochet CAL" with Carmen (Ravelry name: PalomaBella) as our teacher. She gives us photo lessons with online links and little assignments (she's doing a great job!). So, in my recent travels I picked up a book and some hooks:

Our first lesson was to make a chain and work some rows of single crochet. My first swatch was pretty pathetic--I kept losing stitches and then tried to add some at the beginning of the next row, but my second try was better:

This week's lesson is double crochet and slip stitch. The slip stitch was easy (the bottom swatch below), but my double crochet, well, it needs help. I am crocheting WAY too tight (just like my knitting) and I do not have a 'flow' yet. I am going to redo my double crochet swatch and then try a small project.

But first I need to work on some knitting...