That looks like a fairly easy design, except for the shape. I would recommend something that is more square as it can be easier to do. I learned to crochet and to knit when I was a child, but forgot how to do both. I taught myself again using this book:
and I got a book that was for granny squares (many different squares using different patterns and different stitches, you stitch the squares together when they are done). This book helped me to practice new stitches.
I found that I prefer thread crochet to working with yarn and I have done some doilies like this one:
The hardest thing I found was learning what the abbreviations mean. Luckily most patterns come with directions which include a list of abbreviations and what that particular designer means for you to do with that abbreviation.
Your webshots are full of lovely crochet things -- I like the varegated one, and the lacy angel! Could you tell me where you found the angel pattern?
What I found confusing about crochet was not the crochet itself, but getting used to reading patterns in English -- especially before I found out that UK crochet has no such term as "single crochet" but jumps from slip stitch straicght to double crochet ! (Can I say that in this case -- unlike numbering floors... -- I think the Americans are more logical in their terminology?)
I've had crochet stuff for several years that my in-laws gave me for Christmas because I wanted to learn. I still haven't found the time to sit down with my MIL to learn. They bought me a book, but I'd also like to sit down and learn from her. My MIL bought me the crochet thread to learn with because it is easier to see the "stitches" than yarn. Maybe you'll want to try the thread for practicing first?
WIPs: There Be Dragons, Feed My Sheep, Canyon Flight HAED, Lotus Flowers HAED, Christmas Cove
the twillys book came this morning and had a quick flick through and it explains everything and has really big pictures so it seems lisa proof.
it has 3 patterns inside a dressing table set,granny motif bedspreads, and a granny motif waistcoat. by the sounds of the direction the bedspread is the sew lots of squares together blankets i originally wanted to do!!! i would like to do the star one when ive got more practise