Postcard from Waterloo

#2

2011-01-18T19:14:00.006-05:00

It's such a mess outside right now - cold, snowy, icy rain, slushy foot-deep puddles. I need a dose of something cute, like these cat slippers. I love the embroidered bees and wasps and triangle trim. I believe they're of Chinese origin, photographed at work. Wish I had a pair for my wet feet.

I'll have to make do making a pot of tea in a hand-thrown pot made by a former coworker many years ago. The hot pad is a single crochet simple square motif of Habu cotton yarn.

#1

2011-01-12T20:15:00.023-05:00

The first post of 2011.

Though really, I should say the first post in a good long time - since the summer. What can I say - I guess I was lazing on sunny afternoons. Then September came, working full-time and going to nursing school full-time kept me away more. Blog posting fell to the bottom of a long to-do list. I have a little time before school starts again. So, here I am; Happy New Year! Hope you've been well.

What other firsts do I have for the new year?
My first mitten, not only of 2011, but the first mitten I've ever knit.
Subway Mittens, designed by Colleen Michele Meagher. Berroco Ultra Alpaca, Lichen colorway.

Another first, a simple, single strand, crocheted, a January necklace. Habu merino lace, charcoal gray.

And the last first, the first blizzard of the new year. I can't claim making it, but I've enjoyed partaking in its beauty.

May your new year reach great heights.

Last days of May

2010-05-31T19:05:00.009-04:00

Random views from the last days of May

and now it's June

F+A+E Brooch

2010-04-18T13:41:00.004-04:00

F+A+E brooch is the mystery blog giveaway. And the winner is...

Chickenbetty!

Please email with your address info or pm me on Ravelry. Hope you like it! It was crocheted with a Habu silk using a 1.7 hook. Below is the piece as shown in the book.

Here's a photo from the Knot book that displays all the motifs used throughout the book.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend!

BLUE

2010-04-11T17:33:00.008-04:00

Blue. I'm surrounded by blue these days.

My sister, Jenny, gifted me the shawl pattern, Wings of The Valkyrie by Jennifer Benson. I'm crocheting it with Zitron Trekking Pro Natura, a wool/bamboo blend yarn. It doesn't look too impressive in its current unkempt state, but the blocked swatch gives a preview of its future loveliness. The pattern can be found here or on Ravelry.

On the blue knitted front, I've started my first lace scarf, Anita Caroline, designed by Bonnie. It's a really pretty lace pattern, that's interesting to knit, but not too complex for a beginner like me. It too will open up once finished and blocked. The pattern can be found on Etsy or Ravelry

Yes, still more blue, but this one is finished. Topflappen, is a fun, uniquely shaped potholder. It was crocheted with Paton's Grace in azure, gray, and beige stripes on front and solid azure on the back. It's on its way to the recipient's mailbox, who just happens to love blue.

Rain's gifts

2010-03-30T18:47:00.010-04:00

It's so nice to have April begin with sunny weather. It seemed like March was nothing but rain. In mid-March, on a day with huge wind gusts and torrential downpours, Bonnie and I spent the day in New York. I've never seen so many broken, abandoned umbrellas but what really impressed me were the hearty souls bicycling through the New York streets in the pouring rain. We managed to stayed dry for a good amount of time at Habu Textiles.

There are so many intriguing and unusual yarns. I'd have been happy to sit on a stool there all day long, picking up one yarn after another, creating crochet and knit stitches. There are a few more photos of the shop here. By the time spring arrived, I had finished crocheting a doily full of flowers using Habu Tsumugi Silk. It's a free pattern from Pierrot Yarns. Once the silk has been washed and blocked, it softens and drapes so nicely, so exquisite. I'd like to make a summer shawl or top with it.

I found the perfect book to encourage my experimentation with some Habu yarn samples. Knot is a Japanese thread crochet book of small accessories and jewelry. The other day I used a bit of silk and one of the shapes in the book to make a brooch. It reminds me of Birch tree seed pods.

As a way to say goodbye to National Crochet month and share some Habu goodness, I'm having a mystery giveaway. The winner will receive a crocheted item from the Knot book, made from Habu yarn. I'll include some other surprises as well. Just leave a comment that you're up for a surprise. I'll randomly select a winner on April 17 and show you what the winner won.

Washing Winter Away

2010-03-02T17:40:00.012-05:00

Isn't it nice to finally see and feel the first signs of Spring? I'm looking forward to the temperature climbing into the 50's this weekend. Just about time to do some spring cleaning. Since it's National Crochet Month, here's a washcloth crochet pattern I worked up for some gift-giving during the holidays. I wanted a pattern that wasn't too feminine, but also wasn't a plain Jane. This is what I ended up with-it uses an easy spike/relief stitch and a simple border all around. While I made it to use as a washcloth, it could fit right in in the kitchen too. I used sportweight yarns, but really any weight could be used.

Knit Picks Simply Cotton Organic Sportweight yarn, Malted Milk and Ginger. You could crochet 2-3 cloths with one skein.

Berroco NaturLin, Oat and Chocolate. One skein makes one cloth, with a good amount left over, but not enough for 2 (in the size I made them).

Pattern: Open Ridge Washcloth
Dimensions 8 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches
Hook: G/4.0 mm
Yarn: Sportweight cotton or linen, such as Knit Picks Simply Cotton or Berroco Naturlin

Notes:
If you tend to hook tightly you may want to use a larger size hook for your chain row.
Work the chain at the beginning of each row loosely.
Increase or decrease the beginning chain row by even numbers in order to change the size of the cloth.
Any weight yarn will work-adjust the hook size and number of chains accordingly.

Instructions:
Chain 36 loosely.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, and 1 sc in ea ch to end. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, skip first sc, * skip next sc, hdc in next st, 1 hdc in space between last 2 st., * repeat from *to *, ending with 1 hdc in last sc. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in back loop of ea st, end with sc in the ch 1. Turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until the cloth’s length is equal to its width, or to your desired size. End with row 3. Turn.

I added a simple edge of 2 rows of sc. Change it if you'd like!
Row 1: Ch 1, 1 sc in ea st across, 3 sc in the last stitch for a corner, sc evenly along each of the sides, continuing to place 3 sc in ea corner st. Sl st to first sc. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, 1 sc in first st of corner, place 3 sc in middle st of the corner, 1 sc in third st of corner, and continue 1sc in each st, and 3 sc in the middle st of each corner. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Weave in ends and block lightly if needed.

I'm using my initial swatches as coasters. These were made with Elesbeth Lavold Hempathy. They look spring-like to me!

(Off to Ravelry to add the pattern there)

a girl, a bird, a wurm, and a medal

2010-02-18T14:17:00.011-05:00

Or, the early bird gets the wurm?

the bird: my winter pigeon

Doesn't he look tough? The pigeon was a bit challenging to train. Fingering weight wool yarns, C hook.

the pigeon's cute backside

the Wurm: a squishy knit with Cascade 220, 1 skein, US 7 & 8 circular needles

my wurm pile

the medal: Ravelympics 2010 Skelegurumi (for crocheting the pigeon)

...and the girl gets them all.

Loving the unlovable

2010-02-14T16:54:00.002-05:00

What's not to love about a pigeon?

Winter Ravelympics has begun on Ravelry! I've entered the Skelegurumi event and hope to medal for Team Sennott by crocheting the lovable Alfred the Pigeon. My much more challenging event will be the Mitten Moguls. I'm still in training for that event.

bits & scraps

2010-01-31T10:55:00.006-05:00

Winter Daisies Pillow:
Scraps of unfit (meaning too thin for rug hooking) wool fabric. A bit of crocheted daisy flowers, an abandoned scarf project (all those endless chains...). I used the incredibly easy envelope back pillow tutorial here.

Coral Strand Necklace:
A bit of Berroco Mica yarn to make a chained and slip stitched cord, with spare button and looped end. Some scrap yarn of Berroco Seduce yarn, leftover from my knit Baktus scarf. The jumping off point for the necklace is Coral, a free crochet pattern from Berroco. I wove the slipped cord through the holes of the Seduce Coral to make my Coral Strand. Depending on my mood, I can wear it spread out or scrunched up.

new boy in town

2010-01-22T11:35:00.003-05:00

He sings, he's athletic, he looks good in red, he's

Homestar Runner!

Another brilliant design by Aleta Fera

Sock Star Scarf Reveal

2010-01-18T17:21:00.004-05:00

I was so thrilled to be a finalist in Berroco's Sock Star competition! Now I'm even more thrilled to see my crochet scarf, which Berroco named Olney St., in the upcoming Sock Star Pattern Booklet. The scarf is crocheted using one skein of Berroco's Ultra Alpaca Fine wool. The pattern booklet will be available in LYS' soon and directly through Berroco. If you voted for the scarf back in the Fall, a huge thank you to you, and I hope people like the scarf if they crochet it. These are a few photos I snapped before I had sent it off to Berroco in August.

In September I crocheted it again, using the Redwood Mix colorway. I gave it to my sister, Bonnie, a small thank you for all her support and continuous inspiration.

Cowl Happy

2010-01-12T18:12:00.007-05:00

I was totally happy when I received my very own Chickadee Cowl knit by my sister, Jackie. I love the colors. Sheep Shop 2 yarn if I remember correctly. Thanks, Jackie!

Then I was way happy at the beginning of this week when I finished knitting my Buttermilk Sky cowl designed by my sister, Bonnie. Knit in Berroco Pure Merino. Such a great texture and great fun to knit.

Cowl Happy

Crochet for a Winter's Day

2010-01-10T18:34:00.009-05:00

I've been crocheting a few different items as I try out my Habu mystery yarn samples. The doily pattern is from the Kyuuto! Lacy Crochet. I love the claw-like petal/leaves and its simple design. The Habu yarn is a laceweight linen so I used a small 1.75 mm hook. The yarn has a beautiful natural color and texture and draped nicely with blocking.
Sometimes it's very satisfying to complete something from start to finish in just a matter of a couple hours. The Habu yarn I used for this simple necklace appears to be a silk paper/ribbon yarn. It's bronze color seemed to be the perfect compliment for some peach seed beads I had left over from a scarf. I played around with several hook sizes before deciding on a 1.75 mm hook for smaller chains. The necklace is long enough that it can be worn in single strands or doubled up around the neck.

This motif reminds me of a passion flower. I'm not sure what this will become. I had just enough of this yarn to make two circle motifs. I may combine it with some linen or wool fabric to make a brooch. Plenty of winter days left to ponder its use.

Squeezing in one more 2009 post

2009-12-27T12:13:00.004-05:00

Thanks to a new laptop, I can end 2009 with a quick (and not terribly exciting) note. Christmas was spent in Florida's warmth visiting my mom and brother, and his family. My traveling project was a crocheted shawl that perfectly fit the bill - it was pleasant and quick and just needed some blocking when I got back home.
Pattern: Blue Jeans Shawl by Knottie by Nature
Yarn: Knit Picks Gloss Lace in Celery

My insect-loving nephew received a Rhinoceros Beetle, which spent a little time frolicking with some garden gnomes before being tagged and mounted.
Pattern: King of the Forest Rhinoceros Beetle

Happy New Year to You!

Happy Thanksgiving to you

2009-11-25T15:49:00.002-05:00

Have a nice holiday if you're celebrating and safe travels to you.

the (Habu) line up

2009-10-29T18:55:00.006-04:00

Last week at Stitches East I couldn't resist getting some Habu yarn. I snagged two sample bags of unusual and interesting silks, linens and wools, some crinkled, some paper ribbons, some bound, and some with halos. Here they are all in a row - beautiful!

I also like arranging them like a specimen collection. I don't tire looking at them.

These three bundles were not part of the samples. Ideas are floating around in my head as to what they'll become.

But first, I've been crocheting one of the samples, a tsumugi silk, into circular motifs. Now to add another yarn to end up with a necklace.

no more brown bagging it for me...

2009-10-20T17:37:00.005-04:00

...now that I made a reversable Japanese inspired bag, perfect for carrying my lunch to work.

From the book, Linen, Wool, Cotton. A free project here.

little things on a rainy autumn day

2009-10-18T16:04:00.006-04:00

A few small leaves, another sweet design from the Charming Crochet book.

The green leaf of KnitPicks Wool of the Andes kettle dyed worsted weight in Grasshopper.

The gold leaf of DMC perle cotton #5.

And the kitties? Found long ago amongst nails and screws in a "hardware store in a can" coffee can from my father.

Despite the chilly gray skies, my geranium continues to bloom bright pink . Its hot pink inspired me to pull out some Malabrigo Silky Merino I bought in the heat of the summer last year and begin to turn it into a flowery scarf.

Hempathy's Bounty

2009-10-06T17:27:00.003-04:00

A skein of Hempathy is 153 yards. I've found it can go a long way, and that's even with yarn-eating crochet. After I made myself a Comet using the Tea Rose yarn, I still had alot left over. I added a crocheted edge to a gauze scarf. And I still had yarn left so I crocheted a necklace pouch to hold my eyeglasses or iPod Nano.

Even after that I had a bit of yarn left. I could have made a little flower or motif. Instead I crocheted this little bird from the Japanese book, Charming Crochet, that has no function other than hanging sweetly on my wall.

my berry stained hands

2009-09-24T18:34:00.005-04:00

The last time I was at Webs I got some Berroco Comfort DK for swatching. When the fall weather arrived, I thought the yarn would be great for transitional fingerless gloves. They're not too hot for this time of year, are stretchy yet keep their shape well, and are just fun to wear. I didn't use a pattern. Using a F/3.75 hook, I just made a long enough chain to fit my hand, joined it for working in the round, then went round and round single crochet through the back loops, skipped some stitches and made some chains for the thumb hole, and continued round. I still have a good amount of yarn left for swatching.

My apologies, here's a really blurry photo of me wearing them. I seemed to have deleted the good photo! Oh well.

And, a beautiful woven cloth I was rewarded with from Missouri Trouble! It sits perfectly on my bedside table. It's a cotton and linen blend and the pattern is called Fig Leaf. Jenny wove a series of these mats in tribute to one of her weaving mentors, who before she died, had asked the weaving group to explore the pattern in memory of her. It's so nice to hear the stories that may be behind what people create.

Sunday's Rosy Hue

2009-09-07T15:52:00.004-04:00

Made while watching the US Open. Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy, 2.75 mm hook. The stunning cloth underneath was a handwoven gift from my sister, Jenny.

Crocheting the edge of the Comet

2009-09-05T09:53:00.003-04:00

Here's a few tips if you're uncertain about how to slip stitch the edge of the Comet cuff.
Step 1: You'll notice some stitches along the edge look like the one below in the photo - a clearly defined crochet stitch. You should slip stitch through the back loop, which really means insert the hook in between the front and back loops to complete the slip stitch.

Step 2: The next stitch will look like a tighter, smaller space, and it won't look like a regular crochet stitch with front and back loops. Just slip stitch in this space.

Step 3: The next stitch will again look like the usual crochet stitch with front and back loops. Again, slip stitch through the back loop. Continue in this manner, which will alternate between slip stitching through a back loop, then slip stitching through the next space. Slip stitching through the back loops makes the edge lay more along the side of the cuff, and I think gives the cuff a neater appearance. Slip stitches through both loops makes the slipped edge lay more on the top of the cuff.

New Comet Arrives

2009-08-25T15:44:00.020-04:00

According to an old American Heritage Dictionary, the comet is “a celestial body having a solid head surrounded by a nebulous luminescent cloud and an elongated curved vapor tail arising when the head approaches the sun.” In the Middle Ages, the comet caused both fear and wonder.

In 1986's modern times, Halley's Comet swung by for an exciting visit.
In today's blogosphere, the comet arriving is a versatile wrist cuff. It's crocheted using a sportweight linen blend yarn and can be worn two ways. I'm sharing the pattern if you'd like a Comet to wrap around your wrist. (I'll be adding it to Ravelry shortly.)

Comet Wrist Cuff
Materials:
Berroco Naturlin, or similar sportweight yarn, scrap amts.
Hook size: F (3.75mm)
One 1 ½ inch jewelry ring-style bead, or O-ring, or washer
Two ½ inch buttons

Finished dimensions: overall length: 12.75 inches; width at widest point: 2 inches
Fits sm. to med. wrists
Gauge is not critical but work crochet tightly.

Set up row: slip stitch onto ring. Ch 1. 11 sc around ring. (carry tail behind and crochet over). Turn.
Rows 1-29: Ch. 1. Sc in each st. Turn. (11)
Row 30: Ch 1. Sc2tog in first 2 st. Sc in next 7 st. Sc2tog last 2 st. Turn (9)
Rows 31-33: Ch 1. Sc in ea. st. Turn. (9)
Row 34: Ch. 1. Sc2tog in first 2 st. Sc in next 5 st. Sc2tog last 2 st. Turn. (7)
Rows 35-37: Ch. 1. Sc in ea. st. Turn. (7)
Row 38: Ch. 1. Sc2tog in first 2 st. Sc in next 3 st. Sc2tog last 2 st. Turn. (5)
Rows 39-67: Ch. 1. Sc in ea. st. Turn. (5)
Row 68: Ch 5. Skip 4 st. Slip st. in last st. Fasten off.

Correction Update: If you printed out the pattern, please make sure your version lists Row 38 with sc in next 3 st. (originally stated 5-oops!)

Edge: With right side facing, join with slip st into 1st st. at ring’s edge. Ch 1. Slip st. through back loops evenly along edge to button loop. Slip st into ch sp. 5 sc into ch sp. Slip st into ch sp. Slip st through back loops evenly along other side to last st. at ring’s edge. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Finishing: Sew buttons onto right side, approximately 2 and 4 inches from start of crochet at ring end.

Modifications:
Wrist size can be increased or decreased by adding or deleting rows in the 11sc. section (Rows 1-29)
If you only want to wear it one way, you can eliminate one button and decrease the length of the tail section (Rows 39-67).

You can see more views of the Comet Cuff on my Flickr photostream.

I'm into Metal

2009-08-13T09:30:00.005-04:00

Not the heavy kind (although I do like Van Halen's Jump, but is Van Halen really heavy metal?). In any case, I seem to be attracted to the shimmery stuff lately. I think it makes for some cool-looking hyperbolic crochet.

The yarn is Berrocco Mica in the Abalone colorway. The motif is from Edie Eckman's Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs. It looks pretty good as a brooch also. I expect I'll be a metalhead for awhile. Sorry, Ma.

flowers and flames

2009-08-11T16:23:00.002-04:00

I've been enjoying some vibrant summer colors in flowers from the farmers market. The tote I crocheted recently came in handy. It carries alot, yet doesn't overstretch.

The past week's ten minute hooking sessions have yielded good results. The flames are finished and the pencil bag is well on its way and I'm happier with the different colors.

Ten Minutes A Day

2009-08-04T19:15:00.007-04:00

I joined in on the 10 Minute Rug Hooking Challenge that April started on her blog. It seems like a great way to commit to more rug hooking. A plus is that the 10 minutes often becomes more minutes and you've made more progress than you anticipated. So far I've filled in some of the flames in the J. Cash Thorn Tree rug and have completely re-worked the design of a pencil-style bag I'm hooking with the mini punchneedle. I'm pretty sure that ripping out time can be included in the challenge time! I'll be posting weekly with updates on the outcomes of my 10 minutes a day.

Adding another notch to my craft belt

2009-07-12T21:59:00.002-04:00

The shaker tape stool I bought a number of years ago at a sale at work was in need of refreshing. Recently when I brought it into work to have it retaped, Mr. G., the Industrial Arts teacher, let me try my hand at seat weaving the stool myself. The first step was to freshen up the wood with danish oil. With his expert help and using the web-based tutorial he's developing, I rewove the stool using a narrow shaker tape in a modified herringbone pattern. I'm really pleased with it! It was really enjoyable and I'd love to try it again. Thanks, Mr. G.!!

Today at 5:28 pm I was...

2009-06-24T18:03:00.008-04:00

I was reading Textiles Today, an interesting and varied survey of contemporary textile/fiber work from around the world. This particular image from the book is an interactive installation by New Zealand artist, Ani O'Neill. My wagon wheel coaster made from leftover Merlin linen/wool yarn seems to happily fit right in.
And today I was wearing a freshly-made Julia cuff, design by Robyn Chachula. The yarn is Berroco's Seduce, soft and lovely. But black sure is a real pain to photograph sometimes.

Word of the day

2009-06-05T20:30:00.009-04:00

Benign, adj. 1. Of a kindly disposition; gracious. 2. Not malignant. 3. A good word to live by for the day, and year. And next half century.

(a mini collection of birthdays and in progress crochet cardigan)

Pollen Season

2009-05-13T17:25:00.007-04:00

Pollen under the electron microscope is fascinating, even beautiful. I like to browse Pollen: the Hidden Sexuality of Flowers when I'm at the library. This time of year, however, I am not fascinated by pollen. Instead I dread, dislike, and complain about it.

So I crocheted a pollen scarf. Well - it looks like it could be a form of pollen. It doesn't, however, cause headaches or complaints.

I'll even wrap it around my neck. Seeds: Time Capsules of Life is another plant life book that's enjoyable to leaf through. No complaints about seeds, though I suppose I should because seeds become those birches and maples that bring forth the pollen I dread.

If it was cold outside...

2009-05-10T21:39:00.003-04:00

I'd be wearing my just finished Almost Garter scarf.

Instead I'm enjoying some flowers in the Voss vase.

Today at 6:00 pm

2009-04-29T19:34:00.005-04:00

I was wearing:Berroco Coral Crochet Pattern
Berroco Lumina Yarn in Fairy Dust
Size F/3.5 mm hook

Re-

2009-04-23T10:32:00.011-04:00

A few current projects that recycle, reuse, repurpose, revamp, restyle, rework, redo, renew, reform or maybe revive old, found, and rescued from-the-trash materials.

1. Cotton and wood wall sculpture: The wood slats are rescued from the trash at work. The caning shop removes the wooden slat seats from rocking chairs that they use to weave shaker tape and cane seats. I took apart the seats and drilled holes in the top to pass the thread through. I love their curved lines. So far I'm experimenting with crocheted motifs and balls suspended between the slats. I'm using size 10 crochet thread but that may change.

2. Collage box: I was cleaning my closet recently and found a box of leftover collaged jewerly that I made about 15 years ago. I thought they'd fit nicely in this wooden box I found. This may end up on the wall or I may add a layer of resin to it and use it as a tray.

3. Voss Flower Vase: A glass water bottle from a visit to the ICA will become a vase covered in wide color bands of single crochet.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2009-03-20T17:45:00.003-04:00

You're truly the best, Mom! Have a wonderful day!

Fibrous Fields

2009-02-09T17:51:00.006-05:00

I noticed that my fiber projects can look like landscapes or fields of some unknown crops when they are looked at from certain angles or close up.

What fibrous produce grows from these odd fields? The top photo is still a work in progress-it will become another pencil bag of worsted weight wools, using the Oxford Mini punchneedle.

The Crocus Bud Scarf from Webs, designed by Sharlene Boyce, in mohair and edged with seed beads.

The Finest Hops bag, designed by Annie Modesitt, from Interweave Crochet Magazine's Fall 2008 Issue.

And lastly, my first attempt at knitting, only possible thanks to the excellent help from my sister. I'm slowly making progress on my very own Almost Garter scarf, designed by Norah Gaughan.

"Golden years, gold whop whop whop"

2009-01-21T20:32:00.009-05:00

This week has been full of flickers of golden leaves in the midst of winter's whiteness. Doesn't it seem to beckon toward Spring and the glow of Hope? I think it inspired me to crochet this cuff the other day. I modified CreativeYarn's sweet Lotus Flower cuff pattern a little bit. I used DMC Cotton Perle 5, with a 2.35 mm hook.

I must be taken with this color this season. I finished the scarf below this week. It's a simple, yet distinctive scarf that drapes nicely. Find it here: Claudia's scarf. The yarn is Knit Picks Essential Kettle-dyed, fingering weight. It's very soft against the skin.

It's a SMACK DOWN

2009-01-17T15:10:00.010-05:00

Who will have the honor of being the first FO of the new year?

The Smack Down is on.

It's Disarticulated Amigurumi

VS.
All Hopped Up Bag

And the Winner is..................

Strong Bad!

It was an easy match. How could the outcome have gone differently? His opponent really didn't have a chance. Watch Strong Bad in action here. Get the pattern on Ravelry. Here's one last pose from him, lounging after his match.

Black Cats

2008-10-26T17:10:00.003-04:00

This is the most bizarre Pez I've ever seen. It's really no surprise it was in the sale bin before Halloween. The neighborhood cat below is much more pleasant and friendlier.

The fiber-related topic in this post? A glimpse of a soon-to-be-finished crocheted shawl behind the psycho cat.

Happy Halloween!

Linen is Golden

2008-10-19T13:38:00.005-04:00

Every time I finish a crochet project using linen, I use the leftovers to make coasters. The four coasters above are my latest. The flower-like coaster is a freebie from Clover's Japan website. I think it has a Mexican vibe to it though. The square one is a Daisy Square from an old Harmony Guide. The circle and triangle are from the Lacy Crochet book, but I didn't crochet all the rounds to the patterns since I was using sportweight yarn instead of thread. I think the triangle would look great as joined together motifs for a tablecloth, throw or shawl. Maybe that will be a future project. I really love the yarn-Berroco's Naturlin. I love how it softens and drapes after it's been blocked. I used this maize color for the tablerunner below, a birthday gift for my sister, Jackie. It was a happy accident that the diamonds in the runner echoed the diamonds in the chairs.

Hooking Friends and Healing Hands

2008-10-06T21:20:00.009-04:00

In September of 2001, the Woolly Bullies, as we sometimes refer to ourselves, started getting together about once a month to rug hook together. There's always lots of oohing and aahing at each others rugs, sometimes attempts to steal rugs, wool and dying tips, delicious treats, lots of laughing, and sharing the ups and downs in our lives. An extremely sad, unbelievable family tragedy befell one of us. Devin, the founder of our group, came up with the idea of making a rug as a way to give support, comfort and love to our friend. The rug design is Devin's. Each of us will hook our hand and loving thoughts into the rug. Besides designing the rug, Devin also can be credited with organizing the whole project, from gathering the wool to packaging up the rug as it's passed from person to person. She also is hooking the background. Isn't the swirling green background fantastic? Emmy hooked the perfect lettering. Below are close ups of the hands of myself, Emmy, Devin, Marie, Lenore, and Joelle.
Next week we get together for October. I'm looking forward to seeing those Woolly Bullies!

Important note: If you are reading this and happen to know the woman for whom this rug is for, please do not mention this to her! Thank you!

Crochet at Work

2008-09-20T18:43:00.001-04:00

Antique Mexican Crocheted Dolls

It's a Blue Ribbon Day

2008-09-09T18:10:00.011-04:00

Blue Peninsula's blog is always a good read, full of inspiration, gorgeous photography, spectacular art and knitting, and views of Ida the cat, now and then. So I was surprised when Bonnie gave me this Blog Award. There are some rules that go along with its honor:

1) Post the award on your blog.
2) Add a link to the person who gave you the award.
3) Nominate at least 4 other bloggers and add their links.
4) Leave a comment at the recipients' blogs so they can pass it on.

I decided to pass the honor onto a few blogs that highlight rug hooking since they are so few and far between. The first 2 blogs I've followed from the early days of my blog.

Brenda's Kinship in Color and Wool
Katie's What Katie Did

I've recently come across and have been following these rug hooking blogs:

Jennifer's Fisheye Rugs
Wanda's WandaWorks
Jane's Jane's Green Art

Look a-yonder comin'

2008-09-03T17:17:00.007-04:00

It's a cliched image but I see these tracks every day, just down the street. This line doesn't go too far - west out to Fitchburg and east to North Station. I never tire of seeing railroad tracks fade into the distance. I've always been partial to the romance and symbolism of the rail. How can you resist travel to a new destination, movin' along, the sounds of a train, the people along the way. As a little kid, "I've been working on the railroad" was a favorite song, and before the area was built up, from the second floor of the house, you could see and hear trains passing in the distance. I still have the book my Dad gave me for my first train trip from Chicago to St. Louis. And how could I forget the "Ride this Train" feature on Johnny Cash's television show? So it's really no surprise "The Darjeeling Limited" was a must see for me last year.

Speaking of Cash, working on the Johnny Cash #2 rug got derailed for quite awhile. I've been trying to work on it again and I'm determined to get it done by the end of the year by working on it a little bit every day. Maybe a listen to "Orange Blossom Special" or "Hey, Porter" will be the ticket. Here's where the rug stands at the moment.

And so, the Ravelympics are over and I finished all my events. I received some really wonderful prizes from my sisters. From Bonnie, I received the the soft and fragrant Summer Blossoms prize. And from Jenny, this Weeping Willow bag, an original weaving design of hers. Isn't it the perfect fit for my camera? Thank you, Jenny and Bonnie!

Hello Internet!

2008-08-21T14:15:00.019-04:00

After a long absence I've returned to blogging.

Hello Waveland!

A recently completed scarf, artfully modeled by my Chicago OrkPoster. My sister said I should name the scarf Waveland. When I lived in Chicago I always felt compelled to wave anytime my path crossed with Waveland Ave. What can I say-it's a happy street name. I think I'm going to have to make a shawl using this stitch pattern.

Hello Medals!

My sisters and I are all on Ravelry and competing in Ravelympics while the Olympics are going on. Check out Bonnie's entertaining updates of our Ravelympics progress. I medaled in WIP Wrestling and completed 2 unfinished crochet projects.

I'm competing in one more event, the Sweater Sprint. Despite some setbacks, I'm hoping to make it to the finals, producing a bolero with this fabulous yarn.

Okay, bye, bye!

Update-Amigurumi patterns:

http://www.planetjune.com/blog/

http://www.fablehandmadegoods.com/index.html

http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternIndex.fcgi?s=Crochet

http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/

While in Texas

2008-04-12T15:01:00.005-04:00

I was in Dallas for a few days attending a conference for work. While I was there I visited with an aunt and cousin. I gave my aunt this Blue Curacao shawl for a belated ninetieth birthday present. The pattern is from Doris Chan's Amazing Crochet Lace, using Valley Yarns' Goshen, a lovely silk/cotton blend. During flight times, I crocheted up the beginnings of a table runner, using Berroco's Naturlin yarn.

Kyuuto! Cute!

2008-02-05T18:54:00.000-05:00

Sometimes Japanese designs are so cute, you can't just resist them and you have no choice but to make them, even if they may not be extremely functional. In my case, I had to make these cute cup or jar cosies from Lacy Crochet. They're little gifts I gave to my sisters when I visited them over the weekend. And thanks Bonnie for taking the photo of them!
From the same book, I made myself a vintage looking potholder. And I will confess that there are more of Lacy Crochet's cute little things in the works.

More Scarves to Love!

2008-01-27T15:49:00.000-05:00

It's snowing out today much more than I expected. Luckily I have 2 new additions to my scarf collection to protect me from this wintry weather. Yesterday I blocked the Boteh Scarf and it's around my neck as I type. I just love everything about the Artyarn Ultramerino yarn - the color, it's softness next to the skin, the pleasure in crocheting it. It took just over 2 skeins, so I have almost a full skein to use for something else.
The Sidesaddle Cluster scarf has been getting a lot of wear since it was finished. It could be longer and wider but I didn't want to get more of the yarn. Next time, I'll make the full wrap and use a more substantial wool.

2007-12-23T15:32:00.000-05:00

It can be difficult to do Christmas shopping and not get a little something for your self. I ended up getting Lacy Crochet while browsing at Black Ink in Harvard Square. I had some pearl cotton sitting around and made the flower pot holder/doily from it. I didn't have enough for the last 7 rows so I had to improvise and make a smaller doily. It also looks cute as a pouch. The lampwork glass beads on the drawstring are from Roessler Glass in Boston's South End.

This just finished crochet thread zippered coin pouch looks like it could be a pattern in the book.
And an unexpected Christmas present, my invite to Ravelry arrived today!

94 Days

2007-11-27T18:13:00.000-05:00

No digital camera + no internet provider = infrequent posts. Here's a smattering of projects I've been working on while being a blogging slacker. My current commuter project is this scarf, using the wonderfully named sidesaddle stitch. The yarn is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in a silver gray color, using a size I hook. It took me awhile to find the stitch that matched the look I had in my head. I'm happy with how it's turning out, it's very textural and very soft.

Next up and also almost completed is a cardigan from the Doris Chan book, whose title I'm blanking on at the moment. I had some leftover Plymouth Encore from a charity project, so I thought I use it up. I love these patterns that don't require seaming.
I had enough yarn leftover from the Staggered Web top to whip up these shell wrist warmers. I found the pattern through Crochet Pattern Central.
And, what the heck, I'll throw in another picture. Because, who knows, it could be awhile before my next post. An all day carry tote from the Lotta Jansdotter book, made using leftover upholstery fabric I've had for ages, and some wool that's too thin for hooking.

Caribou Abydos Vest

2007-08-25T10:42:00.000-04:00

I finished the Abydos vest a few weeks ago. It's a pattern from Doris Chan's Amazing Crochet Lace. I used the yarn called for in the pattern, Filatura di Crosa's Brilla, a cotton rayon. If I had seen this yarn in a yarn shop, I probably would have passed it by. I purchased it for a great price at Elann. It was quick and easy to crochet, with no seaming.

Two Mini's

2007-08-23T12:21:00.000-04:00

It's summer...

but it feels like autumn.

Last train to Utopia

2007-08-20T13:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I took a quick train trip to Salem to the Peabody Essex Museum for the last day of the Joseph Cornell show, and I'm so glad I did. It was a full survey of all his work. There were many collages and box constructions I hadn't seen before, along with many favorites. A day full of wonderful images, and a very blue-colored day. It was an extremely well put-together show. I believe it travels to San Francisco next-go- if you're in the area.

I crocheted this scattered web lace for a sweater while I was traveling on the train. It will be the lace top in the new Loop d Loop Crochet book. I feel like the fabric is a little stiff even though I have the right gauge. I may block this piece and see if it softens up. Tomorrow, some rug hooking to show you!

Some Summer Thanks

2007-08-10T11:56:00.000-04:00

A delicious dinner thanks to the farmer's market, including homemade mozzarella cheese.

And progress on a sunset scarf, thanks to Bonnie, who gave me the yarn awhile back.

3 C's

2007-07-24T16:56:00.001-04:00

1: My clivia is blooming! Friends gave me this plant about 7 years ago when they moved to California. It sprouts a couple leaves every year. I was so surprised when I noticed the flowering stalk had appeared. Isn't it pretty?

2: A quick on-the-go crochet project finished. The one skein scarf from the Happy Hooker book. It's linen and very, very long!

3: Chemistry is finished! I did enjoy it but I'm very happy to have most of August free to finish up (and start new) rug hooking and crochet projects.

Zippered Case

2007-07-16T11:41:00.000-04:00

I have had the worst time trying to photograph this bag. The pale pinks keep washing out, so this will just have to do for now. I finished punching this bag a few weeks ago and this weekend sewed the sides and put the zipper and lining in. Rug hooking really goes fast with the Oxford Mini needle. It's primarily worsted weight yarns except for the pink which is Paton's SWS (soy-wool). I'm liking the pencil case shape. It's about 9 inches long by 4 inches with a gusseted bottom.

March of the Mansions

2007-06-24T15:58:00.001-04:00

Yesterday morning 3 old Victorian homes were moved along the middle of Mass Ave in Cambridge to a new location a few blocks down. What a surreal parade. The photo above is from today's Boston Globe. I stopped by their new location Saturday early evening and a crowd was still checking the scene out. The worker below answered bystanders' questions and filled us in on the details of the move. The houses were placed on hydraulic trolley beds with tiny little wheels, about 4 ft off the ground. It then only took 3 men to steer the houses down the street using remote controls, much like a video game or remote model cars. Trees had to be trimmed, posts and street lights removed or shifted. The largest mansion had to straddle the center median. The move took 5 years of planning. It made me think of Howl's Moving Castle.

Now the houses stand in their new places while their foundations are built.

Here's the spot they used to occupy.

And now to shift topics completely, here's the finished wrap. I'm very happy with it all around except that's it's smaller/shorter than I had hoped. I went with a smaller gauge so I guess that's what I get. I think I'll have to redo it or else I may never wear it. It was alot of fun to crochet so it wouldn't be horrible to redo.

It's a wrap

2007-05-29T16:43:00.000-04:00

Thanks to a couple free weeks between classes I was able to finish the summer wrap. I wove the ends in last night and now I just have to block it and sew the side seams. Once that's done I'll post a proper modeling shot.
I've been working on a hooked rug stool and bag but no photos yet of those to share. But I can show you a few granny square motifs with leftover linen/wool yarn. They're in rotation as coasters at my desk. My favorites are the 2 on the left.

Spring = New Projects

2007-04-23T18:14:00.000-04:00

I recently acquired Amy Oxford's new fine punch needle. You can punch worsted weight yarns and finer cut (size 3) wool strips. I've been playing with various yarns and think this will eventually become a little zipper bag. The handwoven basket made by Rachael, a fellow rug hooker at work, is the perfect size for holding yarns while I'm punching. Now if I could only find my size 3 cutter head...
I decided to crochet this wrap from the latest Interweave Crochet magazine. The pattern calls for Blue Sky Alpaca's Melange but I'm using Frog Tree's sportweight alpaca. I had to go down hook sizes to get gauge. I wasn't sure about the purple color but now I'm really liking it.

What's in the project bag

2007-04-20T13:22:00.000-04:00

While I'm riding the bus or waiting for class to start, I've been working on a simple scarf with one of the yarns my sister gave me. This week I've been doing it in style with the Lantern Moon project bag Bonnie gave me. It's a beautiful dusty purple color that changes color. The scarf is a simple stitch so l decided to add a beaded edge once the bulk of the scarf is done.

Crafting Donations

2007-04-09T14:39:00.000-04:00

It sure has been a good long while since I've posted. Between work, going to school, being between ISPs, and a broken camera, I've really been slacking on updating my blog.
One of the Senior Class fundraisers at work this week is a craft sale. The photo shows what I gave them to sell. They'll keep the money for what they sell (though I'll be taking a percentage of the stool price if it sells).
And here's a little update on my swatch pole. The snowflake, 2 color checker, and green square are from the Crochet Stitch Bible. The other motif is the start of a doily I decided not to finish.

Lacy thoughts

2007-02-24T12:24:00.000-05:00

I have the best sisters! Bonnie sent me these 2 skeins of KnitPicks Shadow laceweight yarn. They're such pretty colors. I wound the Sunset color into a ball yesterday. Now I'm at the library to check out a crochet stitch guide and find a nice stitch for a scarf. Thanks alot, Bonnie!

Year of the Pig

2007-02-20T11:28:00.000-05:00

My favorite Year of the Pig photo, from the Seoul Times.

Happy New Year!

Swatching Pole

2007-02-17T12:04:00.000-05:00

One of the advantages of living in an older building is it's unique features. I love my very high ceilings, curved living room windows and odd shaped rooms, but what about the rather ugly water pipe in the kitchen? Why, start decorating it with crochet motifs and swatches. I've been crocheting some stitch pattern swatches and motifs. Here's the first of several adorning the kitchen water pipe. The motif: Pineapple S-737, found through Crochet Pattern Central
Size 10 JP Coats crochet thread, bridal blue
Size 6 hook
Approx 3 in. square

Toiling doilies

2007-01-24T17:59:00.000-05:00

I never imagined I'd be crocheting doilies one day, but that's what I've been up to and finding it intriguing and fun. This is another pineapple motif doily for my mom. Same crochet thread and hook as the last. It measures 15 inches across. One more to go of the same for her. What could be next?

Happy Birthday, Sis!

2007-01-13T18:28:00.000-05:00

Starting the New Year off with FOs

2007-01-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

On New Year's Eve I finished sewing up and blocking a couple lingering crochet projects. First up, my first crochet garment - a granite vest. Not a fancy design but I learned a bit about fit, putting a piece of clothing together and the reverse crochet stitch. I picked the pattern up from a Patons booklet at Joann Fabrics. I used KnitPicks Andrean Treasure in granite. The only change I made was adding another round of single crochet around the neckband to decrease the depth of the V. If I made it again I'd make the shoulder straps shorter to fit me better. I'll probably frog this at some point-but that's okay as I learned alot from the process.

I finished this poncho awhile ago except for blocking it. When I saw my sister's gray poncho that she knitted, I wanted something similar! I used a pattern from the Garnsstudio website for a girl's poncho and figured if I used bulky yarn and a bigger hook it would turn out okay. It's 3 skeins of Sierra in mist. I may add a flower at the V-maybe one that can be removed at will.

Now to finish up my punchneedle and rug hooking projects. In the meantime, here's what I'm thinking about next for crochet, from Interweave Crochet Fall '06.

Petite Pineapples

2006-12-28T14:31:00.000-05:00

I just finished blocking this doily and will send it off to my mom in the morning. She asked me to make her a set of blue doilies for the end tables in her living room. This was a fun and thankfully, easy pattern to do for my first thread crochet work.

The details: Petite Pineapple Doily

Thread: J&P Coats Royale size 10 crochet thread

Color: Bridal blue

Hook: size 6

Size after blocking: 9.5 inches

Peace on Earth

2006-12-25T10:56:00.000-05:00

and joy to you

Nixed the Corkscrews

2006-12-10T17:48:00.000-05:00

I tried a bunch of corkscrew combinations for the trim of the crocheted tassel bag- big ones, small ones, mixed colors, one color and I just couldn't come up with a combination I liked. So, I made a completely different trim that I instantly liked. I'm thinking this trim enlarged would make a nice scarf also. I ultimately decided to go with the crocheted straps instead of leather straps.
One of the reasons I liked this bag design was the clever use of 1/4 inch dowels in the top edge, making for a nice stiff opening. But once I tried it out, this is what happened! I decided that would drive me crazy. My solution was to sew the dowels inside the lining. No more poking dowels and I'm happy to use the bag.

Construction of a Bag Part Two

2006-12-07T21:24:00.000-05:00

Here's the final putting together of the hooked handbag. Bear with me on the photos-they were taken at night with flash while I was working on the bag. First the lining was sewn in. The lining is about an inch larger than the width and and a little more than an inch longer than the length of the bag. I added a magnetic snap closure and an inside pocket.
To attach the handles I used handle straps and tabs from Tall Poppy, large rapid rivets from Tandy, along with a rivet setter. A hammer, tapestry needle, and small scissors were also used.
I prepped a hole for the rivet post with the tapestry needle. I also made a tiny snip in the lining to poke the post rivet through.
The post then was easily pushed through the back to the outside of the bag.
The handle strap ring was joined with the tab and the rivet cap was placed on top of the post.
The last step was placing the rivet setter on top of the cap and tapping it with the hammer to fasten the rivet. This is done on a hard, flat surface. The setter is rounded on one end so the dome of the cap doesn't get smashed.
The rest of the rivets were attached to the straps and bag. Easy!
And lastly, a shot of the finished bag at night. My camera hasn't been working so a proper photo in natural lighting will have to wait until I can borrow a camera. I'm very pleased with how it turned out. It took me awhile to find handles the length and style I wanted. I'm glad I waited until I found what I wanted.

Post Holiday Cooking

2006-11-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

I figured before I give the stove a proper cleaning I'd do a little dying. After pre-soaking the wool in synthrapol, I dumped a variety of blue-greens, camels, and dark greens into the pot with laundry detergent. I let these cook to allow the colors to run onto each other and mute.
Here's the results. I'm thinking of using these for the background of a hooked rug stool.

While the wools were stewing I crocheted a swatch of the triple curve stitch used in a mobius pattern in the new Amazing Crochet Lace book by Doris Chan. I really like the stitch and the book is fantastic.

Construction of a Bag Part One

2006-11-19T10:35:00.000-05:00

I found some (really bad) photos of the circles hooked bag I had taken while I was sewing it together. With this bag I decided to sew it the way kilim or mafrash bags are sewn - on the outside/wrong sides together. First I used a single strand of overdyed yarn and whipped the top edges of the bag.
I also whipped the top seam edges open to provide a bit more room when using the bag.
To sew up the side seams I first used a ladder stitch with a single strand of yarn. I covered this construction stitch up with a whip stitch using 2 yarn strands.
While I was sewing it up, I thought of another way to sew a hooked bag together. I'll have to try it on the next bag I make. Stay tuned for Part 2, putting in the lining and adding the handles.

Mulled Wine

2006-11-12T13:09:00.000-05:00

It's a rainy, slow paced Sunday - the perfect kind of day to have some wine and cheese, watch a movie, and catch up on projects and blogging.

The yarn: Knitpicks Panache (cashmere, silk, alpaca, merino) oh so silky, smooth and soft, about 1.75 skeins
The color: mulled wine
The hook: size k
The pattern: Get the Skinny Scarves, from Interweave webcrochet

It's about 3 inches wide and 46 inches long. I wish I'd made it a little longer. Still, I'm pleased with it. I haven't blocked it yet. I'm not sure it necessarily needs it.

You gotta love Target

2006-11-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

I was so happy to find that my local Target stocks Interweave Crochet. It also had Interweave's Holiday Gifts which has some nice things in it, but only 1 crochet piece. Target also had some cool, argyle over the knee socks - I'm wearing them in the photo.
The FO in the photo: a drawstring bag. I used the bikini bag pattern in "The Happy Hooker" book but changed the strap and added balls to the drawstrings. The yarn is Louet Avalan, linen and wool. Oh, and I'm wearing a crochet bracelet with little corkscrews. It also works as a necklace. I used pearl cotton I had in my embroidery tin.

More than a month later...

2006-11-01T23:03:00.000-05:00

and November brings with it a new hard drive, some FO's, some WIP's, some discards, and some photos to recapture. Life has been a bit busy, while I also had a need to slow down. I'll try to catch up and post a few things I've been doing. I'll be enjoying this bobble hat. The pattern is from fable handmade goods. Jen has some lovely designs. The yarn I used was Plymouth Encore. Not a fancy yarn but I liked the color.
And I had enough yarn left to crochet this neckwarmer! It's not a pattern - just alternated single and double crochet stitches.

Voting Day

2006-09-19T17:56:00.000-04:00

Yeah, it's been a couple weeks since I posted. No excuse really, although my camera seemed to have gotten the flu and refused to take any decent pictures. It did cooperate today. I made this bag from Interweave Crochet Spring '06. But I'm not a big tassle fan so I'm going to do some other sort of embellishment. Here's where you can vote again today (or for the first time if you didn't have primaries today). Please give me your opinions and suggestions!
Here's my changes: I used KnitPicks Sierra yarn. Instead of the crocheted handles I'm going with leather straps. The fabric is for the lining. The embellishment options: a line of little corkscrews or varying leaves and flowers. I'm also thinking maybe some sort of trim edging like an elaborate picot trim. The colors of the flower, etc are just a sample. So what do you think?

Other updates: my hooked bag is waiting for its handles to arrive in the mail and the spokes stool is about halfway done but looking different from my original vision. More photos soon if my camera decides it wants to be helpful.

Flowers and Vines Pouch

2006-08-28T12:48:00.000-04:00

I finally got around to sewing up the flowers and vines pn embroidery. Now instead of using a plastic bag I have a pouch for carrying around current crochet projects.

And yesterday Ganesh Chaturthi began. Wouldn't it be great to go to India for the festival.

This, that, and the other thing

2006-08-25T17:15:00.000-04:00

August has been full of a variety of small projects. Here's a sampling of some of them. "Zinni" is my first attempt at crocheting a Amigurumi toy. She was alot of fun to crochet, but less fun to sew together.

I crocheted a little (about 3x4) jewelry pouch for my mom to give her a yarn sample for some doilies she wants me to make for her. The very nice yarn is Jaeger Aqua, a mercerized cotton, and the color is water.
A long time ago I had gotten some Manos del Uruguay yarn for a rug hooking project. I decided to crochet a ruffle scarf with it. I think it'll make a festive scarf for the holidays.

And I started an easy, casual shawl. I'm really liking the pattern and the color of the wool, a soft Berroco Ultra Alpaca. The fabric in the background is going to be the lining for the hooked circle handbag. Have a nice weekend - hard to believe August is almost gone!

In the bag

2006-08-17T15:44:00.000-04:00

The evenings and early mornings have been cool enough to hook and get the circles handbag done. It still needs to be steamed, and then sewn together and a lining put in. I haven't decided on a lining fabric yet or the type of handles or strap I want to use. I've been browsing online at M-J Trim, UMX, Tandy, Joann's, etc. Here's a picture of how it'll look when it's put together. It'll be about 11.5x7.5 inches, with a 2 in bottom.

And here's a close up!
Now I'm off to play tennis. It's a beautiful day!

Think Pink

2006-08-06T11:28:00.000-04:00

There's something soothing and cozy about pale pink and that's why I used a light shade of pink for a couple scarves for The Think Pink Challenge (supports breast cancer awareness). I used the crochet cravat pattern from the One Skein book. I couldn't find an affordable bulky pale pink yarn at my local LYS's, so I used worsted weight Ultra Alpaca. I made the first scarf using one strand and K size hook. It's a fun, easy pattern and super quick and pleasant using a bamboo hook. The pic below shows me wearing both scarves. I hooked a second one (2nd pic) using a double strand and the K hook as I don't have a P size hook as recommended. The bulky yarn really does make the scarf. I'll definitely be making more!

Blocking the Bamboo Scarf

2006-08-03T18:31:00.000-04:00

A quick picture while I'm pinning down the bamboo scarf. Woolcott Yarns in Cambridge is having a sale tomorrow so I'm browsing my potential patterns in preparation. More tomorrow!

Bamboo and a Wrap

2006-07-23T19:21:00.000-04:00

The last time I was at Windsor Button I saw a pretty crochet scarf on display made with Bamboo. You got the pattern when you purchased a skein - so I couldn't pass it up. Here it is in progress. It'll be a nice scarf for all seasons. I like how the color makes it look a bit nature-inspired.

While I was at WB I also picked up some Berroco Touche (cotton/rayon). My intension was to make a summer tank but I changed my mind and I'm crocheting a wrap. I'm changing the stitch pattern every 4 inches or so as a way to try out different stitches.
It's looking like it's going to cool down enough this evening to actually do some rug hooking, so I'm off!

Catching Up

2006-07-15T08:08:00.000-04:00

Summer Coasters! My sister, Bonnie, gave me some KnitPicks Shine Sport yarn to try out. It's incredibly pleasant to crochet with, and so soft. These coasters are the results-perfect for resting a beer on during this summer heat.
Last Sunday I went to Plum Island and Newburyport so I made a stop at the Wenham Museum to see this hooked rug exhibit. Alot of nice rugs with summery themes, and a wide range of styles. If you're in the North Shore area, check it out. I really liked seeing the late 1800's stamping blocks by Philena Moxley that are also on display. She's the great grandmother of the woman who now owns Green Mountain Rugs in Vermont-rug hooking passed down through the generations.
Oh, I visited the Fiber Art Center in Amherst (see sidebar) also and saw the Dutch Fiber Artists show on view until the end of the month. I liked the spiderweb-like wall installations by Marain Bijlenga, who uses horsehair, thread, and fabric and paper remnants, and the paper jewelry by Nel Lins.

I Love Bobbles

2006-07-02T12:39:00.000-04:00

Bobbles sure are alot of fun to crochet. This little bag is from the One Skein book. I used Louet Merlin Avalon, a merino/linen wool, as suggested in the book. The bobbles and wool give it a great texture. I was hesitant about sewing in the zipper, but for the first time doing it, I'm happy with the results. I can't wait to use it!

Happy Summer

2006-06-21T08:26:00.000-04:00

Check out this link to grow your own flowers

'tis the season for another bag

2006-06-13T19:58:00.000-04:00

Well, it might always be the season for another bag. I made this bag last night because I was worried - worried that the bag I've been embroidering with intentions to use as my summer biking book bag wouldn't get finished. This bag is what I'm envisioning the embroidered bag will be like. A long strap good for biking, light for summer, and big enough to carry the usual stuff. It's about 9.5x13 in., made from a worn out linen dress and no longer worn skirt. I love the print fabric, which also covers my kitchen stool. I used it today and I have to say we had a pleasant journey together.

weekend wrap up

2006-06-11T14:43:00.000-04:00

It turned out to be a productive weekend. Here's a few things I completed. Yesterday I had to go into work for a little bit and while I was waiting for visitors to arrive I crocheted a little cozy for my mp3 player. That was the extent of my crocheting in public for "worldwide knit in public day". It's made with sugar and cream cotton yarn from the Ben Franklin down the street. I used one of my punch needle embroidered buttons for it. It was a good, quick way to learn decreases. I used the passport bag pattern from Fuzzy Galore, but changed the size. And now in use is a crocheted potholder/dishcloth. I thought I'd make a couple as a way to learn different stitches. I also finished up sewing a needle case for my pne needles. It's got a few spaces for needles, scissors, notebook and pen, and a see through zipper pouch for floss and needle threaders (and a magnet to hold onto those easy-to-loose threaders). I should have done it properly making a pattern or using a ruler but instead I just eye balled cutting the fabric, and so there's some imperfections. But what the hey, I'll still use it!

During the week I finished hooking one side of my circle handbag. I purchased the pattern from Nola Heidbreder, whose design has a big "concentric circles" on one side. I've marked out my changes and will do another set of 12 squares on the second side. I need to start thinking about what type of handles I want to use. The finished bag size will be about 8 by 11 inches, with a 2 inch gusseted bottom.

to market, to market...

2006-06-06T07:07:00.000-04:00

with a cool, lavender string bag. I finished my first crochet project, and before the start of the farmers market! I'm happy with it and pleased with myself. Now to decide what will be my next project. Right now I'm thinking about a ruffle corkscrew scarf or shell stitch clutch.I'm really enjoying crochet - guess I'm hooked.

A Square a Day

2006-05-31T21:19:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to hook a square a day on the handbag (well, maybe it's been more like a square every other day). There's something pleasing about filling in the grid, and it's easy to see the progress being made. It's been nice using just the leftover strips - in a way I have to think about color a little more.
And look at this sweet rabbit! Being petless at the moment, I can't resist cute animal shots. This is Tai Pae, my sister Jenny's new rabbit. Jenny raises angora rabbits and uses their fur for yarn. She's an amazing weaver, spinner, felter, and knitter.

Thinking of you, Dad

2006-05-26T18:22:00.000-04:00

Remembering my father today and through the weekend with lots of love.

A Bag Full of Leftovers

2006-05-21T19:37:00.000-04:00

I originally thought I'd hook my Kandinsky's circles handbag using primarily red wools. But then I looked at this basket of leftover and unused wool strips...

and decided it was time I empty that basket a bit. I'm now hooking the circles bag using only leftover strips. So far, it's coming along fine. The striped section will be the bottom of the bag.

the rain stopped

2006-05-17T17:46:00.000-04:00

No rain yet today and the outdoors are looking more colorful, like this rug. This was the third hooked rug I made. It's no house in particular, just made up. The inspiration came from Paul Klee's "White House" painting and also antique hooked rugs with houses that often seem to have unusual shapes and motifs swirling round them. This rug gets tramped on daily in my living room. The photo is actually a scan of a small resized photo and so it's pretty grainy. I just can't find the cd with the original pic and I'm feeling too lazy to take a new one. I'll replace the pic when I find the original.

Preparing for the Farmers Market Season

2006-05-14T19:51:00.000-04:00

Over the past week I've been practicing my crochet stitches and started a real project. Here's the beginnings of a string bag. Hey, have to start easy! The yarn I'm using is Samoa Mouline, a 50% cotton/50% acrylic. My town is finally going to have a farmers market-no more commuting around to get to a market. The market starts June 15. I think I'll have time to finish it by then and will soon bike to the market and shop in style. The bottom photo is the finished bag from "First Crochet Projects for Beginners" by Lesley Stanfield.

Hook of a Different Kind

2006-05-07T11:28:00.000-04:00

Saturday I rode my bike over to The Knitting Room in Arlington to take a 2 hr. beginning crochet class. I probably shouldn't have had so much coffee before going! Anyway, here's my very beginner attempts at single and double crochet. It was easier than knitting, which I'm hopelessly bad at. This morning I experimented free form which resulted in the little scallop corkscrew. I ended up getting the "Stitch 'n Bitch" crochet book because the directions and drawings are very clear. I decided to try crochet because I wanted something I could easily take to work. My work space tends to spread with rug hooking and embroidery so they don't quite work at work. I'm going to practice a bit more and then decide on a simple project.

Fa-fa-fa-fa-fashion

2006-05-02T19:39:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I heard Bowie songs in 3 different places while out and about. Somehow that naturally turned my mind to fashion - and I thought, "why not turn the dyed-skein-gone-bad into fashion?" Could this semi-felted neck gaiter be a next fall trend? Well, I just couldn't discard this poor skein. What can I do with it? Trying to felt it more seems like too much work. Could it be needle felted? Hmm, it could make a fashionable bird nest.

what a pretty hell this is

2006-04-30T17:30:00.000-04:00

It was such a gorgeous day I had to spend most it outside. But now I'm paying for it with watering, itchy eyes, constricted throat and chest, etc, etc. The dry, breezy weather is making this one bad spring pollen season. It's great to see the trees coming back to life and unfurling their leaves but I'll be thankful when those pesky maples and birches are done with it!

Flowers and Vines Variation

2006-04-30T09:31:00.000-04:00

This punchneedle embroidery version of the hooked stool is done I think. I may rearrange the vines a bit. It's done on hand-dyed wool, using 2 strands of embroidery floss. The loop pile is fairly high. I applied woven interfacing to the back of the wool in order to punch through it successfully. I think I'll make a handbag out of this; still thinking about the bag design.

Dying with Bonnie

2006-04-23T16:55:00.000-04:00

My sister, Bonnie, had to come into Cambridge Saturday to drop off one of her pieces of art at the Cambridge Art Association for their upcoming National Prize Show in May. Afterwards she came to visit and we dyed some of her wool yarn. One skein came out a brilliant terra cotta and the other a yellowy-gold. Unfortunately we weren't paying attention when rinsing out the gold and it started to felt! Cascade 220 yarn really is a great felting yarn. Later, I tried out some Pro-chem dyes I got. I used a new washfast acid dye color, golden pear which I used on a natural wool. I love it - mottled some and very pear-like. I also tried a new one shot dye, Autumn, on a dark oatmeal wool. It's nice, a bit darker than I wanted. And definitely not as delicious as the homemade pumpkin bread Bonnie gave me! I also got to see in person many of her beautiful perfectly knitted pieces that I covet. You can see them for yourself on her blog, Towards the Blue Peninsula, in the sidebar.

Cover Up

2006-04-18T20:12:00.000-04:00

Another punchneedle embroidery gets a permanent home. The cat gets to grace this address book cover. This was quick and easy to put together!