I am a newbie to crochet, living in the UK, I found secret yarnery on YouTube and loved the cakes and candles shawl, being new and a "golden oldie" I found trying to look listen and follow a bit much, other newbies don't be put off at all, my brain needs much time these days lol, so I did "another new to me" thing, I ordered the written pattern from the web site, took a few attempts, but I got there in the end, and so pleased I did, light bulb moment for me was seeing the written pattern, then watching the video, then starting to hook. I am now enjoying making this lovely shawl, for UK peeps I am using Batik yarn on size 6 hook, I found the 5 made my work curl, but that may have been due to my stitches being tight, ?6 works for me.best wishes to everyone barbara