tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13222244805308176002024-03-12T23:54:41.941-04:00Under Victoria's HatMusings of a Mad Hatter!Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-33724939486645662412016-03-27T15:45:00.000-04:002016-03-27T15:45:25.505-04:00Warm Shoulders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/199808416/uploadedImage_small_best_fit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/199808416/uploadedImage_small_best_fit.png" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
Sometimes you just need a bit of warmth around your shoulders. This is particularly true in office buildings where no matter where you sit, the A/C or fan seems to settle in around your shoulders and nip at the back of your neck. This is especially true in my office -- sometimes the temperature will drop 20 degrees over the afternoon hours, leaving me shivering and chilled to the core.<br />
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I crafted this shawlette to sit naturally at the shoulders and out of the way of your arms. It can hang untied down your arms, or draped with a gentle knot at your chest.<br />
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It is constructed sideways, starting with a 4-stitch SC row and expanding every other row to a width of 45 stitches that is worked in a sideways shell for 30 rows before reducing back down to 4 SC stitches. This produces a shawl with a straight edge and a lower edge that looks like a flat-bottomed wedge.
The border consists of (2) a row of sc stitches, (2) a row of sideways shells (sc, ch2, 2dc, all in the same stitch, sk 2, repeat), and (3) a partial row of sideways shells worked on the lower edge from end to end.<br />
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This wrap was made with300 yards of <i>Louet Gems</i> fingering weight yarn in candy apple red, but if you prefer a wider shawl, try it with sport or DK weight of your choice. Wool is optimal for warmth and not being too heavy.Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-41433845501148661412013-01-28T00:42:00.002-05:002013-01-28T00:44:38.682-05:00A Wealth of Washcloths . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/144146061/uploadedImage_small_best_fit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/144146061/uploadedImage_small_best_fit.png" width="292" /></a></div>
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It seems as if I spent most of last year in pain. No, not the pain of a watching a steadily deteriorating 2012 presidential election campaign, nor the pain of living in a swing state, although by the time November 6 had rolled around, I was ready to unplug myself from all modern -- and not so modern -- communication mechanisms. And, no, not the pain of a slow recovery from two back-to-back minor car accidents that had me in weekly physical therapy for 6 months.<br />
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Rather, I'm talking about the pain of tendonitis. For much of last year, I suffered from recurring tendonitis in my right wrist. Tendonitis is a bitch, particularly when the inflammation holds hostage the very muscles one uses for a favorite activity. At several points in the year, I would pick up my hook, make a hat or two, only to have to immobilize my wrist when the pain came flaring back. Even a steroid shot didn't provide long-term help.<br />
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Happily, I can report that the inflammation is virtually gone. As I struggled to figure out why the pain kept returning, I discovered that how I cradled my wrist when I crocheted further inflamed an already inflamed tendon. <br />
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As recovered, I took crochet slow and in small doses. I focused on crafting a series of washcloths for my eldest, eldest niece, who recently moved to New York City where she is living on the shoe string budget of a struggling actress <em>cum</em> waitress. As I experimented with ways to reduce the chance of aggravating the tendonitis, I toyed with different yarns (cotton, hemp, linen) and stitch patterns. <br />
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I even managed to get over my dislike of the front post stitch. Executed only on the front side of the fabric, in alternating rows, the fpdc created a beautifully textured designs, such as these two squares. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree of Life Afghan pattern, LionBrand Yarns</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weldon's Practical Crochet, Second Series, ca1889</td></tr>
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I made 12 washcloths last year. I also ended the year with a wealth of knowledge about how to reduce the chance for injury, as well as gained a greater appreciation for the craft of crochet. <br />
However, I still hate the back post stitch.<br />
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Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-69972345531811807702012-03-31T17:28:00.000-04:002012-03-31T17:28:48.225-04:00More Off the Hook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/92426011/document_upload5707-4_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/92426011/document_upload5707-4_medium2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During February and March, I managed to crochet more than 2200 yards. No, my wrist still hurts but not as much since I'm started wearing a splint to immobilize my wrist and thumb at night.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>FEBRUARY Projects</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/92128286/document_upload2151-0_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/92128286/document_upload2151-0_small.jpg" width="238" /></a> First out of the gate was the <b>MacKenzie Tartan Bookmark</b>, made from some vintage thread purchased at an estate sale several years ago. The <a href="http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html">Fan Bookmark</a> pattern was designed by <a href="http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/">Crochetroo</a>. Named in honor of the the primary color in the MacKenzie Tartan, this will be a gift to someone in a Ravelry swap I'm in. Made from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/collingbournes-luxura-size-20">Collingbourne's Luxura, Size 20</a> crochet thread, (marketed as artificial silk thread), this actual spool was manufactured sometime between the mid-1920s to as late as 1943. After a slow start, this bookmark worked up fast. I will definitely make a few more. Yardage = 25 yards</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During February I took a stab at knitting. I even went so far as to attempt stranded color knitting. I made two different versions of <a href="http://lindsaykoehlerdesign.blogspot.com/">Lindsay Koehler</a>'s <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/piano-hat">Piano Hat</a></b>. The first hat was completely knitted (with crocheted ear flaps added as an afterthought), while the other was crocheted with the keyboard knitted added before the crocheted ear flaps. These ear flap hats were crafted for DN #1 and her buddy, both cheerleaders at their local junior college. They wanted hats in their school colors (green, white, and gold) to wear while cheering during outdoor games. DN#2 calls these "Henry Hats." <i>Long story.</i> Total yardage = 415 yards</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/93948180/document_upload23023-0_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/93948180/document_upload23023-0_medium2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/92426011/document_upload5707-4_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<b>MARCH Projects</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97214215/document_upload30195-0_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97214215/document_upload30195-0_small.jpg" /></a>I started the month off with <b>Mondo's Scrappy Key Lime Dish Cloth</b>. Having been tasked to craft something out of scrap yarn, I took inspiration watching Project Runway when Mondo Guerra pulled together and won! with this <a href="http://www.nanettelepore.com/mondo-s-dress.html">little dress</a> made of different fabrics. I alternated two different balls of cotton yarn -- one was solid green and one transitioned from white to various shades of green. The texture is created using the SC-Ch stitch combination.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was then tasked to find inspiration from a <a href="http://www.gustavklimtcollection.com/">Gustav Klimt</a> painting. I love images of trees, so naturally when I saw this picture, I had to craft something! And would you know it, I had three skeins of Lion Brand Homespun in the exact same colors! Thank goodness for bulky yarn because my <b>Birch Forest Homespun Shawl </b>went from start to finish in less than 10 hours. I used the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/half-granny-square-shawl">Half Granny Square Shawl</a> pattern by <a href="http://anastaciaknitsfreepatterns.wordpress.com/">Anastacia Zittel</a>. Despite a wingspan of more than 70 inches, the shawl weighs just over a pound. A perfect shawl for the office. Total yardage = 555 yards</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97487882/birch_20forest_20gustav_20klimt_medium.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97487882/birch_20forest_20gustav_20klimt_medium.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97551851/document_upload23988-1_medium2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97551851/document_upload23988-1_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97487882/birch_20forest_20gustav_20klimt_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next up was a <b>felted tote </b>that started out as a wool watch cap for my father. My sister Constance has always said that my father has a big head so I made it a bit large. Knowing that it was going to be felted, I made it a bit bigger. However, when I finished crocheting the brim, I realized that it was <i>waaaaay </i>too bit, even for my "big-headed" father. So, I turned it upside down, added on the straps and button, and felted the hell out of the new tote. This will make someone a great project bag. Yarn used was Patons Classic Wool and Lion Brand/s Wool Solids. Yardage = 762 yards</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97928754/document_upload6592-1_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97928754/document_upload6592-1_small.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/98281616/document_upload27127-0_small_best_fit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/98281616/document_upload27127-0_small_best_fit.jpg" /></a>This little baby bib was a simple project to craft, using almost a skein of Ornaghi Filati Gong, a plush mercerized DK cotton yarn. Its trimmed in a single ply of red cotton pulled from a scrap of 4 ply TLC Cotton Plus. Yardage = 121 yards</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/98901056/document_upload25260-0_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/98901056/document_upload25260-0_medium2.jpg" width="118" /></a>I made this Massage Ball Sack to use as part of my physical therapy. This sack is designed to hold two tennis balls next to one another to aid in trigger-point therapy, an alternative type of massage used by physical therapists to break up the trigger points or muscle knots that are the source of pain throughout various parts of the body. The balls effectively reach either side of the spine, upper back, and other targeted areas of the upper and lower-body, as well as thigh and calf muscles. I used Lion Brand Sock-Ease in Grape Soda. Yardage = 219.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-27262262674653711772012-03-24T23:00:00.000-04:002012-03-24T23:00:55.168-04:00Anatomy of a Stitch: The Single Crochet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember my first crochet project -- a red cotton washcloth made entirely of single crochet stitches. Not yet versed in counting my stitches or knowing where to begin the next row, the sides were basically straight, if a bit wonky. My aunt's next door neighbor, a master crocheter if ever there was one, taught me how to form the requisite stitches -- the chain and single crochet stitches. I still have that washcloth, somewhere, faded and misshapen from use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The single crochet (sc) stitch is the second stitch (after the chain stitch ) most beginning crocheters learn. It has been deemed one of the most important stitches every crocheter needs to know. Many crochet patterns and projects incorporate single crochet stitches in some form or manner. I learned to crochet before the advent of the Internet and YouTube videos but the single crochet remains one of the easiest stitches to master. Simply insert your hook under the loops of the next single crochet stitch in the row below, yarn over, pull through hole, yarn over, pull through both loops on the hook. Pretty hunky-dory.</div><a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/graphics/learnToCrochet/14-SingleCrochet-4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://www.lionbrand.com/graphics/learnToCrochet/14-SingleCrochet-4.gif" width="320" /></a><br />
Okay, time for a bit of honesty. The single crochet stitch, when used by itself, lacks . . . lacks . . . lacks beauty and style. It is a very ugly stitch when worked flat and, occasionally, in the round. The fabric it creates when worked in a straight row as shown in the border of the washcloth below, showcases each row, each stitch hole, in painful detail. One can easily see the "knots" that make crochet fabric so thick and unwielding, and so unattractive that it dissuades many from picking up a hook. The resulting fabric is just plain fugly; it does not drape well, not even when worked with an overlarge hook. Can you tell that I am just not a fan of this stitch? <br />
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Several years ago, I made my first lace shawl. Its recipient remarked that she did not know that crochet could be so beautiful. <i>Praise and damnation</i>. Unfortunately, the only crochet she had seen were "old-fashioned" granny squares, and single crochet washcloths and hats. She had not been exposed to the beauty of crochet, which lies in the variety of textures and patterns that can be produced when basic stitches are used in combination with other stitches. You'll find that this is particularly true for the lowly single crochet stitch that seems to blossom when used in combination with other stitches (i.e., chain, half-double crochet, double crochet, etc.). Take another look at the washcloth below. The rigid bands of single crochet surround shells created by placing 3 sc stitches into one stitch. A totally different fabric that looks less like a bunch of neat knots in a row and more like textured fabric. Worked in the proper sized hook, the resulting fabric is full of drape.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-syFwHL3LQfS3TpHGUI2Ah8J4Av5kvXyKRTr4atcwx9WZ_ytDUNXguNsL0rBmy4osKAR3jNwpAgjf18Ha0Yzl75BtzxCkkF0twEN-ebQwJ-zi83Zlsvpi72B5AWFfWqH3J6Ygwd0Elktf/s1600/IMGP2048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-syFwHL3LQfS3TpHGUI2Ah8J4Av5kvXyKRTr4atcwx9WZ_ytDUNXguNsL0rBmy4osKAR3jNwpAgjf18Ha0Yzl75BtzxCkkF0twEN-ebQwJ-zi83Zlsvpi72B5AWFfWqH3J6Ygwd0Elktf/s400/IMGP2048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><br />
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<b>Single Crochet-Chain combination</b>:<br />
In recent years, I have avoided the single crochet, opting instead for the half double crochet when making hats in the round, 5- and 7-double crochet stitch shell patterns for afghans, and double crochet-chain combinations for lace shawls. Anything but straight sc. But I''ve found some neat patterns calling for single crochet in straight rows. Hunting around for alternatives, I found instances where some crocheters substituted a sc-ch combination where you sc into the chain in the previous row and ch one, skipping the sc in the previous row. This creates a relatively solid frabric with a semi-criss cross texture (see below) that lays flat, is stretchy when pulled from the top and bottom, but stable when pulled from side to side. The stitch combination works in the round as well. Two examples -- a washcloth worked flat and a heating pad worked in the round.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97214215/document_upload30195-0_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/97214215/document_upload30195-0_medium2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/yarntomato/29963877/comfort_pack_818_ed_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/yarntomato/29963877/comfort_pack_818_ed_medium2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2005 by Donna Hulka</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Split Single Crochet:</b><br />
This is more about hook placement rather than stitch combination. Instead of working into the top loops of the stitch in the row below, you insert your hook between the 2 vertical legs of the single crochet stitch in the previous row, See my previous post for more information about how this works when working flat versus working in the round. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/2599720/IMGP1397_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/2599720/IMGP1397_medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here, a series of split-sc stitches alternates with a series of chain to produce what could pass for sloppy garter/stockinette. When blocked, this fabric stretches easily from side to side but less so when pulled top to bottom. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/58135756/photo_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="627" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/58135756/photo_medium2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>There are infinite possible ways to use the single crochet stitch. Obviously, you can work it in straight rows. More importantly, you can also use it as a building block for creating more complicated stitches when used in combination with itself and other stitches. Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-59131499759039780572012-02-05T13:33:00.000-05:002012-02-05T13:33:06.634-05:00Completely Off Topic<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I know this is completely off-topic but I had to post these send ups of the Twilight franchise. Oh, since I got them off a Ravelry thread, this post may not be as off-topic as I thought.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Let's talk about <b>Edward </b>first who can not hold a candle to our friend <b>Angel</b>!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMvPjzlv3O8/Ty7EmAggERI/AAAAAAAAAjo/MeyYHfCM_8U/s1600/Angel-Puppet-twilight-vs-buffy-21622891-750-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMvPjzlv3O8/Ty7EmAggERI/AAAAAAAAAjo/MeyYHfCM_8U/s640/Angel-Puppet-twilight-vs-buffy-21622891-750-600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vampires? Sparkle? Yeah, right. What <b>Buffy </b>says.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Va8EWzTzhe4/Ty7EnFj7KqI/AAAAAAAAAj4/vACvZSVIK9g/s1600/buffy-reaction-to-twilight-twilight-vs-buffy-21552329-300-200.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Va8EWzTzhe4/Ty7EnFj7KqI/AAAAAAAAAj4/vACvZSVIK9g/s1600/buffy-reaction-to-twilight-twilight-vs-buffy-21552329-300-200.gif" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then there is <b>Bella</b>. To paraphrase Forrest Gump's mother, "<i>Stupid is as Bella does!</i>" </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zd5R-AKuuKI/Ty7Enb1YjSI/AAAAAAAAAkA/qhjMyy-0FZ8/s1600/twilight-vs-buffy-the-vampire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zd5R-AKuuKI/Ty7Enb1YjSI/AAAAAAAAAkA/qhjMyy-0FZ8/s640/twilight-vs-buffy-the-vampire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Bottom line: why I have not read beyond the first half of Twilight, nor will I see any of the movies. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMvPjzlv3O8/Ty7EmAggERI/AAAAAAAAAjo/MeyYHfCM_8U/s1600/Angel-Puppet-twilight-vs-buffy-21622891-750-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdlnV_ygLj5nExmxSKsbOR5W8CzVJ_-vrl7CMXi1KeAOJaJ7hJBwoVEUDNJPN_GtYFtudWHY8OyrOArtTBYDDvvhP7MH_wpW-yeNX5fKQayEzY6rq7YNsWT4QQ7asmaJ64Qo6mxWvKd4d/s1600/Buffy-fan-VS-Twilight-fan-critical-analysis-of-twilight-11506982-760-428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdlnV_ygLj5nExmxSKsbOR5W8CzVJ_-vrl7CMXi1KeAOJaJ7hJBwoVEUDNJPN_GtYFtudWHY8OyrOArtTBYDDvvhP7MH_wpW-yeNX5fKQayEzY6rq7YNsWT4QQ7asmaJ64Qo6mxWvKd4d/s640/Buffy-fan-VS-Twilight-fan-critical-analysis-of-twilight-11506982-760-428.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>What can I say but . . . . </b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrplO5IgXiY/Ty7GTQgZS0I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/_7WSg6763yo/s1600/Twilight+Plagerism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrplO5IgXiY/Ty7GTQgZS0I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/_7WSg6763yo/s640/Twilight+Plagerism.jpg" width="384" /> </a></div><br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Josh Whedon, my condolences.</div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-49177477658835714372012-01-28T18:36:00.000-05:002012-01-28T18:36:02.887-05:00Hooked Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/88829076/document_upload21102-0_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/88829076/document_upload21102-0_small.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After a bit of a hiatus, I finally have gotten back into crocheting. What finally got me going after nursing a sore wrist and a college freshman through her first semester? My Outlander Fans swap that started January 1st. Based on <a href="http://www.dianagabaldon.com/writing/the-outlander/a-breath-of-snow-and-ashes/">A Breath of Snow and Ashes (ABOSAA)</a>, the sixth book in <a href="http://www.dianagabaldon.com/">Diana Gabaldon</a>'s excellent Outlander series, the swap features the Highland Games in which four clans (Beauchamp, Fraser, MacKenzie, and Murray) compete for points. For this gathering of the clans (i.e., swap), we are crafting things in response to a series of challenges tied to ABOSAA. Bowing to my competitive streak, I have submitted an item for each of the six January challenges. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <b>JANUARY PROJECTS</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Beauchamp Felted Cap:</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This lightly felted helmet (above) was made for a friend of my eldest, one of a set of twins who helped her survive her first college semester. DN #1 (dear niece) is always a willing, if not a jokester, of a model. I used 3 skeins of Lion Brands Landscapes. I gifted DN with the remaining 21 skeins -- 24 skeins or 1,320 yards gone from my stash.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Book Tie-in:</i> We had to craft something for a friend. I chose to do so in in colors reminiscent of the Beauchamp clan colors.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Asclepian Comfort Pack:</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/88377549/Asklepian_Comfort_Pack_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/88377549/Asklepian_Comfort_Pack_small.jpg" /></a>This little 8 x 10 cotton pouch features a lined hot pack filled with lavender-scented flax seeds. It's Egyptian cotton construction allows it to be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer. Let me just say that Knitting Fever's King Tut 100% Egyptian Cotton yarn is one of the most scrumptious cotton yarns around. The sc-ch stitch pattern produced a wonderfully textured yet soft fabric. Previously selling at $15, this yarn been discontinued but I have a few skeins left. Easy to make, Donna Hulka's <a href="http://crochetme.com/media/p/88484.aspx">pattern </a>can be found on the <a href="http://crochetme.com/">Crochet Me</a> website. 182 yards gone from my stash.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Book Tie-in:</i> The rod of Asclepius, also known as the asklepian, consists of a serpent entwined around a staff and is an ancient symbol associated with medicine and healing. The name of the symbol derives from its early and widespread association with Asclepius, the son of Apollo, who was a practitioner of medicine in ancient Greek mythology. This comfort pack makes a fantastically relaxing and comforting combination that soothes the body and mind. Use this pack on your back, neck, feet, or anywhere that could benefit from a little TLC.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Stone Circle Hat:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/90032672/document_upload9120-1_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/90032672/document_upload9120-1_small.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hat number 2 was a gift to the friend of DN #2. Said friend loves purple so hence Lion Brand Yarn's Sock-Ease in Grape Soda. Unfortunately, the wool-nylon blend of is a bit scratchy. I only hope it gets softer with washing. 285 yards gone from my stash.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/89814593/document_upload2154-1_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/89814593/document_upload2154-1_small.jpg" /></a><i>Book Tie-in:</i> Many members of the Beauchamp Clan are not linked by blood but rather by their ability to be transported by the circles of stones that only they can hear. In ABOSAA, Donner is looking for a safe way back home, through the stones. In addition to the stones encircling the hat’s edge (see unblocked version at right) , lines of stones are aligned along 8 spokes or axes, drawing the travelers to its center, to their destinies. In Wiccan spirtuality, the number 8 vibrates: power, practical endeavors, status oriented, power-seeking, high-material goals, sacrifice, money-oriented, decisive, and stern -- traits that travelers like Otter Tooth and Donner were seeking to fulfill in their journeys to the past.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Roger's Neck Garter: </b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/87728488/document_upload30840-3_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/87728488/document_upload30840-3_small.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This slim cowl is made from <a href="http://www.kraemeryarns.com/">Kraemer Yarns</a> Tatamy Tweed DK acrylic cotton blend. Although the manufacturer calls for 3.75 mm needle, I used a 4.5 mm hook combined with what I call a “back bar hdc” stitch to create a slightly loose gauge without losing the drape or being holey. Crocheting into the back bar created by the original yarn over results in a reversible plush fabric. Despite the “thickness” the fabric does not feel knotty or cumbersome. Nice yarn. 250 yards gone.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Book Tie-in:</i> This little neck garter is a gift for Roger from Bree, to warm and sooth his throat from the winter chill. Bree wants Roger to know that she understands his pain and will do what she can to help alleviate whatever discomfort she can. Although Roger loves Bree in the muted colors of homespun, Bree hungers for the brighter colors of her own time. The muted tones of this blue-green homespun styled yarn represent a bit of a compromise, but, as we know, Roger lets Bree have these little victories.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Jenny's Wedding Pouch:</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/88201355/document_upload2353-5_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/88201355/document_upload2353-5_small.jpg" /></a>This little cotton bag used a full skein of <a href="http://www.swedishyarn.com/swi_yarn_babybomull.htm">Gjestal </a>Baby-Bomull, a Swedish yarn that translates simply to Baby Cotton. 197 yards from my stash.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Book Tie-in:</i> Jenny Fraser, like all the Frasers, is verra proud. Wanting to put her best foot forward, she made this little bag as her only outward luxury during her 18th century Highland wedding to Ian Murray. Forever practical and lacking the resources to spare pearls for something that would be used infrequently during her lifetime, Jenny imitated the look with a bobble stitch. Always practical, Jenny intends to pass the bag to her eldest daughter upon her marriage.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/86727420/document_upload27136-5_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/86727420/document_upload27136-5_small.jpg" /></a><b>Firecracker Beret:</b> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The third of three hats made this month, this one for sister Connie Jean down in Houston. Constructed of Lion Brand Yarns <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/amazing.html">Amazing </a>(yeah, that its name), the yarn at times felt a bit scratchy while working the hat but luckily produced a hat soft to the touch. 'Twas a quick project started in the wee hours of the new year as I awaited phone calls from family living out west. 176 yards gone.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Book Tie-in:</i> Playing on the firecracker red and orange Aurora colorway, the beret represents the wee matches Briana spent much of the winter of 1773 creating. Despite the threat of a house fire hanging over her parents heads, despite her husband's uneasiness about possible fire in their own home, Brianna insisted upon experimented with bringing instantaneous fire to her hearth. This hat would serve to keep her fiery red hair under control as well.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All in all, six projects totally 1,222 yards -- all out of my stash.. I'm gearing up for the February challenges where I plan to finally make the Stone Path Hat, item number 2 on my Bucket List.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>As an aside, I am the chieftess for Clan Beauchamp, as well as the chief chieftess for our biannual gathering. The Games have been played five times before, and I am proud to say that we Beauchamps have triumphed each time. My clan sisters are a wonderful set of women.</i></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-67780352295322825672011-11-27T11:47:00.002-05:002011-11-27T19:27:53.908-05:00A Crocheter's Bucket List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_full_width/hash/88/9f/yarn-bucket-LilGoldWmn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_full_width/hash/88/9f/yarn-bucket-LilGoldWmn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825232/">Bucket List</a> is a movie about taking the time to find the joy in your life. In that film, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson hit the road to complete a wish list of to-dos before they "kicked the bucket." Naturally, I have a few far reaching things I want to accomplish before I shuffle off this mortal coil, including walking atop the Great Wall of China, identifying my grandfather's father (<i>try finding a oriental rug salesman from India who made his way to Kansas City only to have an affair with a mulatto woman from Sherman, Texas!</i>), and getting a tattoo (<i>okay, done that twice</i>).<br />
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A bucket list is, in essence, a list of things you want to do or experience in your lifetime. Ideally it will contain things that you wouldn't do in your average day. But by keeping an up-to-date list of your hoped-for conquests, and referring to it every now and then, it stays at the forefront of your mind and therefore more likely to influence your daily activities.<br />
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Health issues have hindered my daily crochet activities this year. So, to get my butt in gear, here are my top five crochet To-Dos:<br />
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[ ] <b>Finish my CGOA <a href="http://www.crochet.org/education.html">Master of Advanced Stitches and Techniques</a></b>, a course for intermediate plus crocheters to stretch their knowledge and show mastery of advanced techniques and stitches. Thought this would be a good way to practice those stitches I just can't seem to get a handle on . . . like post stitches. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssEZOoVusgaDxkLpxC9h8bw9OjzDDyFZxV4qaaJsjo4umpGPiGRDaWRWwLmRcKpnpR5GoFL_Ir3Typ9XwK_btuUnZ_3dmiaTYBxNgX7HnF_rSrkC-QuiFv5ksgSRYg4Zu1fTslHc9PO8J/s1600/naskrent200_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssEZOoVusgaDxkLpxC9h8bw9OjzDDyFZxV4qaaJsjo4umpGPiGRDaWRWwLmRcKpnpR5GoFL_Ir3Typ9XwK_btuUnZ_3dmiaTYBxNgX7HnF_rSrkC-QuiFv5ksgSRYg4Zu1fTslHc9PO8J/s1600/naskrent200_small.jpg" /></a></div>[ ] <b>Make <a href="http://www.crochetgarden.com/crochetblog/">Lisa Naskrent</a>'s <a href="http://crochetgarden.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92&products_id=313">Stone Path Hat</a></b><u>:</u> I hate post stitches. Don't ask me why because I really can't explain it. However, I love this little hat, particularly when Claire of <a href="http://www.aylins-wool.com/home.htm">Aylin's Woolgathers</a> showed me hers done up in <a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-berroco/webs-knitting-yarns-berroco-comfort-sox/?gclid=CKfUp-OH16wCFYHe4AodYHDUqA">Berrocco Comfort Sock</a>. So I think I will give it a chance. Perhaps with a little practice, I might change my mind about crochet post stitches. <i>Perhaps</i>.<br />
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[ ] <b>Improve my knitting skills</b>. I know what you must be thinking: <i>Heresy! What's this talk about knitting on a crochet blog?</i> I'm a firm believer that there are things I can take from knitting and use it to improve my crochet. Knitters are encouraged to learn a bit of crochet. I want to learn enough knitting so that I can use it to embellish my crochet. Besides, what's a knitted scarf between friends?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/56833182/Split_Personality1_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/56833182/Split_Personality1_medium.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>[ ] <b>Finish writing up the pattern to my Split Personality Shawl</b>, done completely in split single crochet. Why Split Personality, which is a neurosis in which the personality becomes dissociated into two or more distinct parts? This shawl is crafted using Split Single Crochet (split sc) in three distinct parts. The pattern shifts from a semi-solid mesh of split sc-ch to an open mesh of split sc-2ch mesh to a band of arches. In addition, split sc creates a faux knitted stockinette texture. So, thus the split personality -- crochet or knitted. Actually, this really should be on my list of New Year's Resolutions but I will take what I can get. <br />
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[ ] <b>Figure out the best way to organize my stash</b>. Stashes of yarn can be a beautiful thing. At least that's how it looks on TV. You know, baskets of colorful yarn positioned in corners, on naked book shelves, that sort of thing. Why hide them? Currently my yarn is sitting in plastic bins in my closet or somewhat out of view in that no man's land between the bed and the window. I think it might be cool to incorporate the good stuff from my stash into the decor.<br />
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So, what's on your list of top five crochet things to do before you bite the dust, fall off your perch, give up the ghost, or <i>"kick the bucket"</i>?Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-84329957169552430992011-02-08T17:49:00.000-05:002011-02-08T17:49:32.992-05:00Crochet Lace: Your Great Great Grandma's Crochet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/53691872/Half_Granny_Blocked_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="209" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/53691872/Half_Granny_Blocked_medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Crochet lace is one of the most beautiful forms of crochet, particularly when applied to the shawl or wrap. There are so many new patterns, like Evan Plevinski's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elise-shawl">Elise shawl</a> that I completed last month and Vicki Mikulak's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flying-diamonds-shawl">Flying Diamonds</a> lace shawl that I crocheted as my Falling Leaves shawl last summer. My most recent <em>Finished Object</em>: Tealiscious Half-Granny Square lace shawl trimmed with a lace edging modified from a chart by <a href="http://www.mypicot.com/crochet_patterns_cole3017.html">MyPicot.com</a>. The yarn is KnitPicks Bare --Merino Wool Fingering Yarn dyed in a bath of Shapna Organic Black Tea that has a wonderful red undertone. A traditional, lacey crochet pattern enhanced by a great lace edging. <br />
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A search of Ravelry's patterns reveals more than 925 crochet lace shawl patterns, just one-sixth of the slightly more than 5,420 knit lace shawl patterns. Thankfully, the number of crochet lace patterns is growing as many contemporary crocheters look past their grandma's crochet to explore the historical application of our art.<br />
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<a href="http://www.interweave.com/needle/piecework_magazine/">Piecework Magazine</a> celebrates and expresses, through its articles and projects, historic and ethnic fabric-related handwork. Lace figures prominently in this effort. For the past three years, Piecework has featured lace in its May/June issue. For many lace lovers, these issues are a goldmine, filled with the history of lace and modern updates for replicating some of the lace. Unfortunately, it's a knitter's goldmine. Crochet is conspicuous by its relative absence. <br />
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A quick perusal of the index of the three Piecework issues reveals five crochet-related articles -- one about replicating Laura Ingalls Wilders filet crochet doily, one using painter's tape to help keep loops small and consistent, one about Maltese lace versus Maltese crochet (i.e., hairpin lace), and two about a Crochet Lace challenge to replicate an edging. There also was an article about "crochet tatting" but for the life of me, I don't know how one would confuse a tatting shuttle with a crochet hook. Three issues but only two patterns.<br />
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The three annual lace issues featured articles that illustrate the history of a certain technique or style of lace -- intricate Orenburg lace, lace bonnets from the Netherlands, and the story of Herbert Niebling (the grand master of lace knitting!). No stories about the Mlle. Riego de la Branchardiere, who published patterns to replicate raised Spanish needle lace. No articles abaout Cassandra Hand, wife of the local Church of Ireland minister who introduced Clones lace in 1847 as a famine relief scheme. No stories about the role pineapple lace has played in home arts. In the spirit of openess and transparency, in 1993, 1997, and 2005, Piecework had included a few articles about Irish lace. But nothing more recent than that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2583042474_e5490e662c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="133" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2583042474_e5490e662c_z.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Admittedly, modern crochet, which dates to the early 1800s, is a relative newcomer to the realm of needle arts when compared to other handwork, such as knitting and embroidery. Yet, many contemporary fiber artists and designers endeavor to keep these arts alive, such as <a href="http://doriseverydaycrochet.blogspot.com/">Doris Chan</a> and her larger than life adaptation of pineapple lace to wearables, and <a href="http://www.crochetgarden.com/crochetblog/?p=558">Lisa Naskrent</a> whose Dragonfly and Maia lace shawls seem to have a life of their own. Although my own lace shawls are not as intricate, I would hope that soomeday, my efforts (<a href="http://undervictoriashat.blogspot.com/2009/04/bird-of-paradise-shawl.html">Bird of Paradise Shawl</a> of my design) will, in some small way, help people recognize and celebrate the beauty that crochet lace is.<br />
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Perhaps it's best to let pictures do the talking. Olga Litvina, a Russian crocheter took a Japanese doily pattern and created this masterpiece!<br />
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I'll say it again. Crochet lace is one of the most beautiful forms of crochet.Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-22021003964110520392011-01-30T15:27:00.000-05:002011-01-30T15:27:09.181-05:00Off the Hook<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">January has been productive. I filed my taxes. We removed the carpet from the living room (love the hardwood floors). I even managed to complete a few projects:</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/52574018/Elise_Shawl_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/52574018/Elise_Shawl_medium.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/vicjorob/elise-shawl"><b>Terra Cotta Elise Shawl</b> by Evan Plevinski</a>. Worked in Louet's Gems Fingering, this little gem (<i>no pun intended</i>) was fun to work. Featuring a 2-row pattern repeat, I was able to take this along on my daily commute to work. After the first six rows, the easily memorized pattern is relatively mindless. This shawl is reserved. Don't ask me to change my mind or name names.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1QWudTpmes0fF4fjM1TwKGR61-Oip7yoOTE0oeqEHyksil0FKYJUHyJUmSLbB_JaNX4vWQwTSLYj6Itz5r25RUbE_LYRboHrUTf_BwAfO2Zb4jgYwSxinHtrZ1Y_w-GtDa-IwHzBlURE/s1600/Plum+Delights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1QWudTpmes0fF4fjM1TwKGR61-Oip7yoOTE0oeqEHyksil0FKYJUHyJUmSLbB_JaNX4vWQwTSLYj6Itz5r25RUbE_LYRboHrUTf_BwAfO2Zb4jgYwSxinHtrZ1Y_w-GtDa-IwHzBlURE/s320/Plum+Delights.jpg" width="320" /></a>Two <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/vicjorob/sun-ray-slouch-3">Plum Delight Sun Ray Slouch Berets</a></b> designed by <a href="http://undervictoriashat.blogspot.com/2010/10/pattern-sun-ray-slouch.html"><i>moi</i></a>. Both lacy tams were hooked in Garnstudios Drops Delight, a sock wool yarn with a handspun texture. Although billed as "luxurious and super soft," I don't think it stands up to this billing. Despite this letdown, I love the yarn and its extraordinarily long, well matched color transitions results in striping that Garnstudios has dubbed "magic-print." The pattern results in a beret with a touch of hexagon in the shaping. <i>Solution?</i> Block the hat on a 12-inch round melamine plate purchased at the local dollar store. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7-rLvnBVs_6NHNpg9cZk5wAZ-MchCnz7OBVg-PUmawRpmIfZyLZWDujwAw_LpgQ8V0gFYtg_qRbHVkkpOWOFrG-EP-TvPYNQTKlRI23BFuIXC5SDfCLK5zp1UxFkrhZpuDYE2hCRMqx3/s1600/Vernice%2527s+Tam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7-rLvnBVs_6NHNpg9cZk5wAZ-MchCnz7OBVg-PUmawRpmIfZyLZWDujwAw_LpgQ8V0gFYtg_qRbHVkkpOWOFrG-EP-TvPYNQTKlRI23BFuIXC5SDfCLK5zp1UxFkrhZpuDYE2hCRMqx3/s200/Vernice%2527s+Tam.jpg" width="200" /></a>While visiting relatives for the Christmas holidays, I made a hat for my twin sister. She loves it but wanted another one to match her new coat. Of course I promised. She picked out the yarn and I made her this <b>tam </b>worked in double strands of Loops & Threads Impeccable. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I frogged the <b>Ostrich Fan Fandango shawl </b>(lovely but complex pattern) because the gauge was too tight and I realized I would run out of yarn way too early. I plan to redo with a larger hook in a different yarn. I will keep you posted.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Almost off my hook</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnJUpynDBMsnvKroRj6lIcRlskEEMdmFq6IV76yUsQc47BJ-3PaYxNeHl1ehEuxvQ0n4uF4BozvralJhJFGLKeGyBuFsx8BfLMLqFL-E9xOI9Vp36Tem4pxoBXJBwIEyZ-ZiQPsBkk2Xs/s1600/Denim+Wool+Watch+Cap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnJUpynDBMsnvKroRj6lIcRlskEEMdmFq6IV76yUsQc47BJ-3PaYxNeHl1ehEuxvQ0n4uF4BozvralJhJFGLKeGyBuFsx8BfLMLqFL-E9xOI9Vp36Tem4pxoBXJBwIEyZ-ZiQPsBkk2Xs/s200/Denim+Wool+Watch+Cap.jpg" width="200" /></a>Likely to be completed first is a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/vicjorob/daddys-winter-watch-cap">Denim and Navy Blue Winter Watch Cap</a>. With only about 5 rows to go, this one is reserved for my father. My father's the type who will wear the same hat or pair of shoes until they wear completely out. So, count me as surprised when he asked me to crochet him a hat when he has a perfectly serviceable winter hat to keep his gray head warm. I'm not speaking out of school when I say he has more salt than pepper but he is quite happy he has a full head of hair at his age. Paton's Classic Wool Merino yarn will ensure relatively easy felting to shrink this slightly oversized cap to fit my father's head.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/52353409/Half_Granny_Square_Shawl_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/vicjorob/52353409/Half_Granny_Square_Shawl_medium.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Second up is a <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/vicjorob/half-granny-square-shawl">Half-Granny Square Shawl</a></b> designed by Anastacia Zittel. A one-row repeat has this cute little shawl flying off the hook and is just made for commuting. Worked in Knit Picks Bare 100% Merino Fingering Wool that I tea-dyed some time ago, I may re-dye it in a bold evergreen. This one likely will go out as one of my Pay It Forward commitments. I'm not saying to who, though.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Okay, February. Bring it on.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-332069973631211212011-01-17T19:45:00.000-05:002011-01-17T19:45:28.080-05:00Paying it Forward 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlRqLg6ID2rcLpD8mYRxqHS-X1oCOXNxod1QbWJqz1nuFma8m3FhNvTYO05Gjsfo6l0YFoazVyQk2fjXy88koOkARxjjAcpwwtZK6RNwOmwODMGq623kXaZOlmJAwIYoS7VHIyj470zmy/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlRqLg6ID2rcLpD8mYRxqHS-X1oCOXNxod1QbWJqz1nuFma8m3FhNvTYO05Gjsfo6l0YFoazVyQk2fjXy88koOkARxjjAcpwwtZK6RNwOmwODMGq623kXaZOlmJAwIYoS7VHIyj470zmy/s320/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scattered around Facebook are posts about passing along our crafty goodness. Called <i>Pay It Forward 2011</i>, folks like me have committed to making handcrafted items for the first five people who respond to my post. Each person in turn is supposed to post her/his commitment to make handcrafted items for the first five people who respond to their post, and so forth and so forth. What a great way to work off our bloated stashes. I committed to six (don't ask) projects, five of which will hopefully will eat away at my yarn stash. What I love about this commitment is that I get to choose the yarn and the project.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just today, I completed the second of six handcrafted items which have eaten up two skeins in my stash. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both completed projects are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hats crocheted from the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visgarn.php?garn=Delight">Garnstudio's Drops Delight</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, a 75% soft superwash wool/polyamid blend that features long yet smooth color transitions. Nice yarn with great stitch definition and a slight tendency to split when knit, but I was crocheting. B</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">oth hats use my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://undervictoriashat.blogspot.com/2010/10/pattern-sun-ray-slouch.html">Sun Ray Slouch</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pattern, slightly modified for a fingering weight yarn. The first hat followed the pattern with few modifications. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For kicks, I decided to knit a ribbed brim to the second beret. Easier said than done. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without thinking, I dove into my US 5 [3.75 mm] 30 inch circular needles and quickly picked up the horizontal bar created by the half double crochet stitches I used to make the body of the hat. As I struggled with the first row of knit stitches, it dawned on me that I needed shorter circular needles. I moved on to my US 3 [3.25 mm] 24 inch circular needles and managed to work a few rows of k2p2 ribbing before I had to move down to my Addi Turbo US 2 [2.75 mm] 12 inch circulars. Picking up stitches was smooth and fast. However, I realized that the ribbing I was knitting would fit a preemie rather than the intended adult recipient. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Stupidly, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> not taken into account that knitting stitches are skinnier than crochet stitches and so had </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">forgotten to add stitches when I first cast on!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I frogged back to the last crocheted row and added a stitch for every four I was picking up. Working from a base of five stitches, I chose a k3p2 ribbing. One inch later, the ribbing still looked a bit smallish. Time to take gauge. Several measurements later, I found I should have added a stitch for every two I picked up. I frogged again and bought a set of Hiya Hiya US 3 [3.25 mm] 16 inch circular needles before beginning anew with a k2p2 rib.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As they say, the third time's the charm. The yarn ran out, the stitches bound off, but the hat fit. It was tough going [7 hours to work a two-inch ribbed brim!] </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I am happy with the results. My neck is killing me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of this effort reminded me of the recent furor over crochet/knit combo patterns. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Crochet/Interweave-Crochet-Magazine/Interweave-Crochet-Fall-2010.html">Fall 2010 Interweave Crochet</a> (IC) issue hit newsstands, the inclusion of seven knit-crochet combination patterns (out of 24 total patterns) created quite a stir. Some dedicated crocheters announced they would cancel their subscription. Others were pissed that they their subscription included the primarily knit with crochet embellishment patterns while the crochet-laden special IC Accessories Issue was not included in the basic subscription. Most felt betrayed by the publishers of Interweave Crochet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My complaint was less about the inclusion of knit/crochet combo patterns but more with the fact that the beautiful patterns were better suited to a knitting magazine showing how crochet can embellish knitting. A crochet magazine should illustrate how knitting can embellish crochet, which is exactly what a cross-over pattern generally means for a crocheter. For a knitter, crossover is about how crochet can embellish knitting. Instead, what we got were patterns that showcased knit patterns (many of them at the intermediate or advance level) with a bit of crochet thrown in.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knit a little but crochet a lot. Although I prefer crochet, I would still like to practice my knitting skills. For me, given the demands on my time, adding knit to my crochet would help enhance my skills. Unfortunately, there are few patterns that are primarily crochet with some knitting. However, encouraging the development of such patterns is what the intention of such a special section should have been. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If crochet traditionally has been an embellishment for knit, let’s turn the tables. For example:</span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">knit ribbing on a crochet sweater/tank/hat/socks</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">knit i-cord and other embellishments for a crochet tote/drawstring bag/etc.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">knit lace sleeves on a crochet sweater</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After this weekend, I could have used a few educational articles about (1) how best to pick up crochet stitches to begin knitting (perhaps it is better to knit first and then pick up stitches to crochet), (2) tips to better seam crochet and knit pieces, and (3) how to choose the right hooks and needles to work in combination with a yarn (we know that crochet stitches are wider than knit ones using the same mm hook/needle).</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time I attempt to embellish my crochet with a bit of knit I hope to be better prepared. BTW, pay it forward has hit the blogosphere as well. So, I repeat my my 2011 pledge here:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><b>"</b>I promise to make something handmade for the first five people who comment to this post. Each </i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><i><b>must in turn post this pledge on their blog and make something for the first five who comment on their status. </b></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><b>The rules are simple: all items must be handmade by the poster, and they must be received before 2011 ends."</b></i></span></span><br />
<div><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div>So, if this sounds like something that you'd like to be a part of:</div><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Be one of the first five to comment to this post.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Please leave your e-mail address so I can contact you directly.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Be sure to repost this pledge to your own blog if you do comment, since that is the whole point of <b>Paying It Forward</b>! :)</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Help me to bust some stash.</span></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-88116601373878520132011-01-15T12:13:00.003-05:002011-11-27T18:16:57.550-05:00[Insert Post Name Here]<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bonluxat.com/cmsense/data/uploads/orig/Marcel_Wanders_Crochet_Table_af9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://www.bonluxat.com/cmsense/data/uploads/orig/Marcel_Wanders_Crochet_Table_af9.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">Defying all fabric capabilities, this laced Crochet table is from <a href="http://www.marcelwanders.com/index.html">Marcel Wanders</a>, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">a Dutch designer who was one of the first <a href="http://www.droog.com/">droog</a> designers. I would have loved to be</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">one of the crocheters commissioned to make this table or the limited edition <a href="http://www.marcelwanders.nl/new-pages/droog-crochet-chair.html">Crochet Chair</a>.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sometimes we don't realize how much family and friends appreciate our fiber craft. Just the other day, my Mother called me to tell me that she had a co-worker who needed some crochet done <i>(her words).</i> No "<i>hi</i>" or "<i>how-dee-do</i>" just So-and-So needs some crochet done and to give her a call. When my Mother says to call someone, you do. Right then. Not later. So I did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I didn't think my Mother ever gave any thought to my crochet. Although I have gifted family and friends with all manner of handcrafted accessories, I've only made my Mother a few items - a cap, a shawl. I wasn't sure how she felt about handcrafted gifts; all communication about the things I have made her came through my sister. Needless to say, I was surprised that she called me herself to say that she had offered my services to her co-worker. My mother -- pimping my crochet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was going to call this post, "Getting Pimped," but apparently it doesn't mean what I thought it did. According to the <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=getting%20pimped">Urban Dictionnary</a>, getting pimped now means writing or drawing on someone [who] is passed out due to intoxication. <i>Shudder</i>. When you get pimped in medicine (the Socratic method or as some interns call it, shame-based learning), it means that your upper level, attending, or your professor basically tears you a new arsehole in front of your peers by firing off a million questions designed to put you on the spot and make you look like a dumb ass in front of everyone. <i>Makes no sense.</i> I thought getting pimped was when someone puts you "into the game" for some form of consideration. Progress. <i>Sigh</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, I did as my Mother said and called her co-worker. We talked briefly about her 6-year old daughter's desire to have a green and red and pink sweater "just like the one she saw on TV." She's not quite sure exactly what her daughter saw or wants but is working on it. Hopefully, in a month or so, she will let me know what she wants made. Although we have exchanged contact information, I'm not worried about us keeping in touch. We both know where my mother works.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now, I am stuck without a name for this post. Any suggestions?</span>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-87556317457496885642010-12-07T17:32:00.000-05:002010-12-07T17:32:20.894-05:00These are a few of my favorite [crochet] things . . .<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em></em> <em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When my knee cracks<br />
When the phone rings<br />
When I'm feeling sad<br />
I simply remember my favorite things<br />
And then I don't feel, so bad.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em></em> </div><div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Christmas is a short three weeks away and once again, I am struggling with how to answer the question, "What do you want for Christmas, Aunt Vickie?"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of things that I would like, no love, to have -- a million dollars, a brand new house, permanent hair dye that magically colors the gray as new hair grows in, the names of those elusive ancestors who insist upon hiding from me, world peace. Seriously, I would love to be introduced to a new author, to find a pair of boots that fit all over, to take a real vacation where I'm not expending energy for someone else's pleasure, or to be on the receiving end of a pair of black or navy blue <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/SilkInterlockPants~29011_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::BLA&CM_MERCH=search-_-thermal&origin=search">silk long johns</a> to wear under skirts and pants to keep my legs warm as I commute. And of course, world peace.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The list could go on but I am prevented from responding with the obvious -- crochet goodies or anything related to genealogy. My girls won't have any of it. They do not want to contribute to what they call my obsessions and what I call my hobbies. That means no crochet or genealogy magazines and books, no hooks or notions, and, <em>gasp</em>, no yarn.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But if I could have some of my favorite crochet things, they would include:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://berroco.com/images/1y_am/latitude/latitude_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" ox="true" src="http://berroco.com/images/1y_am/latitude/latitude_lg.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong>Yarn,</strong> like <a href="http://www.berroco.com/shade_cards/latitude_sh.html">Berrocco Latitude</a>, a cotton and rayon which combine to produce a subtly variegated worsted weight yarn wrapped with a coordinating thread. I think the colors (although limited) are great. Like most good cottons, this yarn produces great stitch definition that would show off almost any fancy stitch. Of course, I already have quite a stash of yarn but who says when enough is too much. Particularly when I get <em>verrrrry</em> specific requests for a pair of socks or a pair of mittens or a shawl.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.skunk-works.com/ccd/GC/Gauge/taper_gauge_v10_Illust_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.skunk-works.com/ccd/GC/Gauge/taper_gauge_v10_Illust_01.jpg" width="280" /></a>A <strong><a href="http://www.gourmetcrochet.com/index_files/Page8145.htm">crochet hook gauge</a></strong> designed specifically for, you guessed it, crochet hooks! All the other gauges on the market are of the 'hole' variety, in which you insert your hook or needle. Those of you who know crochet hooks, know that hooks by different manufacturers can vary widely so that type of gauge is relatively useless. But this gauge is tapered, allowing you to see the true physical size of each hook where it matters, regardless of manufacturer and regardless of the size markings given. Relatively inexpensive (less than $8), this notion should be in every crocheter's bag. <em>Caution: although made of thick plastic, it can crack at the bottom where the gauge narrows. Just remember to keep it in your bag with your hook collection and not traveling with your works in progress.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.amibari.jp/english/products/products_image/sykk_6g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://www.amibari.jp/english/products/products_image/sykk_6g.jpg" width="25" /></a>Crochet hooks to go with the gauge. I have been using <a href="http://www.amibari.jp/english/kinkiamibari.html">Kinki Amibari's Yuraku</a> aluminum hooks with bamboo handles this last year. Despite the 5-inch handle length, these tapered headed hooks handle like a dream (no pun intended). I only wish I can find a distributor who sells the in-between sizes.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a cmimpressionsent="1" href="http://www.fabric.com/notions-patterns-buttons-novelty-buttons-novelty-button-1-3-8-cute-as-a-button-blue.aspx" id="dlProductsAndCategories__ctl5_ctlProductSimple_hlProductImage" style="clear: right; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Novelty Button 1-3/8'' Cute As A Button Blue" border="0" src="http://www.fabric.com/Webdata/Product/edc841bf-f8e1-46dd-a340-4eb4cde606bd/Images/List_BLR-069.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.fabric.com/notions-patterns-buttons-novelty-buttons.aspx"><strong>Fancy Buttons</strong></a>! God, I love me some buttons. I think they just add so much to a garment and can really spruce up a hat or scarflet. A button added to a flat 2-dimensional flower suddenly springs to life with the unexpected button that expresses that the wearer is "cute as a button."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><a href="http://www.theleisureboutique.com/shop/clover/103512-pom-pom-maker-large/?filters=knit-crochet%2Fproducts%2Fcrochet-notions&page=1">Pom-Pom Makers</a></strong>. Just the right gadget with which to make those furry little balls that embellish hats (at the top of the head and at the bottom of the ties) and other garments. Granted, I can use a piece of cardboard but my pom-poms always turn out like crap. That's probably why I typically steer clear of them. Perhaps with one of these little doo-dads, I might have better luck.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/GoCrochet/5691559/0308_mosaicthrow_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="photo_image" height="200" id="photo_image_5598490" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/GoCrochet/5691559/0308_mosaicthrow_medium.jpg" width="126" /></a>A good <strong>Granny Square Afghan pattern</strong>. The oldest will be going off to college next fall and has asked, no told me, that she expects to take along a handmade-by-me granny square afghan with her. You may say, no problem, but for me, this will be quite a challenge to make one large enough for a twin bed. Not being a huge fan of granny squares, I just haven't attempted to make one, and most certainly have not had an opportunity to settle on a favorite. After a bit of preliminary research, I thought she might like Lisa Naskrent's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/moorish-mosaic-afghan">Moorish Mosaic Afghan</a>, but <em>noooo</em>, she wants something a lot more traditional. Perhaps she might like the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-throw">Mosaic Throw</a> by Ellen Gormley (pictured right).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">More <strong>crochet and genealogy podcasts</strong> that are funny, slightly irreverent, and full of useless facts. Podcasts enhance my weekday commute, as does a good portable crochet project. What's on my MP3 player is <a href="http://knitwitspodcast.blogspot.com/">TheKnitWits</a>, a wife and husband team who just chat away about her knitting and spinning, all within the context of sharing stories about their life. Since they live in Tennessee, I will just say, they are a hoot. Go give them a spin. As for a genealogy podcast, I listen to several but none are of the "laugh out loud, pee your pants" variety. I also must admit to following the shenanigans of Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers of <a href="http://cartalk.com/">NPR's CarTalk</a>, which I listened to religously for years until the local station kept changing the broadcast schedule. Now, with the advent of Star Trek inspired technology, I no longer worry about missing the show -- I download the podcast and listen at my leisure. Unfortunately, these weekly 1-hour shows I'm currently following are not enough. I need more. Anybody got any suggestions for good crochet or genealogy podcasts to add?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, these are a few of my favorite things. A girl can dream, can't she?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="color: lime;">Happy Holidays!</span></em></strong></div></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-41882570052692279852010-11-05T07:06:00.000-04:002010-11-05T07:06:18.203-04:00Sneak Peak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EG-fKtWz8BR8_K3beVzFPsZjETCqKZi6f5Dlo-7kLHgp5_j9QdrADm-P_wOlvwq2OYPrdolBS4Xar0ENR-CsSg1Hl1TrDMEb0fMIRcAvCK5dKuUQ9nDlCJ0GrMnKHYvrPQATunnVZM9G/s1600/SneakPeak1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EG-fKtWz8BR8_K3beVzFPsZjETCqKZi6f5Dlo-7kLHgp5_j9QdrADm-P_wOlvwq2OYPrdolBS4Xar0ENR-CsSg1Hl1TrDMEb0fMIRcAvCK5dKuUQ9nDlCJ0GrMnKHYvrPQATunnVZM9G/s320/SneakPeak1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No, it's not the remnants of a Halloween haunted house. Rather it is a sneak peek at a project I am working on for a CFC raffle her at work. For the neophytes, CFC stands for <a href="http://www.opm.gov/cfc/">Combined Federal Campaign</a>, the annual federal workplace charity campaign. The mission of the CFC is to "promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My agency has set as its goal $1.2 million, which is raised through a combination of employee pledges and creative fundraisers (many of which feature food like hotdogs, burgers, and cupcakes). Our little office runs an auction -- last year we raised $700. This year we also are supporting a raffle sponsored by our program office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have agreed to contribute a crocheted [<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>SHHHH -- </em></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>TOP SECRET</em></span>], made with <a href="http://www.louet.com/yarns/gems_fingering.shtml">Louet Gems 100% Merino Wool</a> fingering weight yarn in Terra Cotta. Louet is machine washable and can even be dried in the dryer, although I don't recommend it for this project. Simple blocking will help it retain its beauty. The ---------- is coming along nicely; it's about 25% complete. Although I am continuing to work on my goal of 16 hats by mid-December, there is still time to get this charitable deed done by the December 2 due date. That is when I will post pics of the finished item. In the meantime, here is another sneak peek. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HzCTdpd5Whw-gmI0DGeSDHZn9Y7g5m8XJ19p2zhOh9p1mVfv2sXeJixWCRbA1uQjfpyyvlu7e89pKSARz7JsaAlZmIw3s7VUcDtLvELKT5MKpBHLYxADMXyoWpzOY8UYMQqP1Os492m9/s1600/SneakPeak2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HzCTdpd5Whw-gmI0DGeSDHZn9Y7g5m8XJ19p2zhOh9p1mVfv2sXeJixWCRbA1uQjfpyyvlu7e89pKSARz7JsaAlZmIw3s7VUcDtLvELKT5MKpBHLYxADMXyoWpzOY8UYMQqP1Os492m9/s320/SneakPeak2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-47664049454842570922010-10-26T18:00:00.000-04:002010-10-26T18:00:00.793-04:00Crochet: No Longer the Ugly Step-Sister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3393263514_9138307762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3393263514_9138307762.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br />
I've always thought Crochet was a beautiful craft worthy of a hell of a lot more respect than what it typically receives. Unfortunately, it has taken a back seat to it's traditionally more glamorous sister, Knitting.<br />
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If fiber arts were a fairy tale, then crochet would be Cinderella. For decades, crochet was kept close to the cinders, forced to do all the housework, what with doilies, washcloths, lace edgings, and bedspreads. Occasionally, our sensible craft was allowed out, moving beyond the house to garments. But rarely was she invited to the ball. But, times have changed. Cindy Crochet isn't waiting to be invited to the ball, although she is getting more invitations.<br />
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<b>What is old is new again </b><br />
Take a look at what new old techniques have done for traditional home crafts. Tunisian crochet has transformed washcloths and afghans and now lace shawls. Kim Guzman is quite the whiz with the 16 inch hook. GeGe Crochet's <a href="http://gegecrochet.blogspot.com/2009/03/mario-party-part-1.html">Super Mario Brothers Super Blanket</a><span style="color: black;"> (above) is</span> an amazing piece of work, at approximately 5 ' by 9'. Can you believe the detail? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Mermaiden/762931/butterscotch-cardigan200_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2329226183_3f122676c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2329226183_3f122676c6.jpg" /></a></div><strong>"Young Man, are you sure you are trying it on the right foot?"</strong><br />
Crochet has left the comfort of utilitarian household goods and taken her act on the road. First, the socks. Socks are coming out of the woodwork much in the same way that the forest animals reached out to Cinderella. Check out these Troubadur Socks by Danielle Kassner (<i>pattern published in Interweave Crochet Spring 2008</i>). Crochet also is great for elaborate cuffs. Just be warned -- go for the fingering weight yarn -- DK and sport weight is more appropriate for crocheted socks for boots.<br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Mermaiden/762931/butterscotch-cardigan200_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Mermaiden/762931/butterscotch-cardigan200_medium.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
Great sweaters accentuate the wearer's body. Gone are the days of stiff knotted fabric better suited for washcloths and afghans. Julia Vaconsin has applied her knowledge of yarn and drape gained from her knitting to her crochet, creating beautiful garments like this Butterscotch cardigan. Julia's <a href="http://www.juliavaconsin.com/?page_id=9">published designs</a> can be found on her blog which is written in both English and French.<br />
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<b>A dream is a wish your heart makes</b><br />
Those of us who have toiled for so long at our craft, who have faithfully dreamt of being welcome at the fiber artists ball, are happy to see others appreciate crochet for what it is and what it can be. There are no limits (well just a few waiting for someone to work out the kinks). The best news is that the various crochet magazines are starting to recognize that for the craft to attract new devotees, they must <a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Mermaiden/762931/butterscotch-cardigan200_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a>provide updated, contemporary patterns that use all weights and types of yarns. <br />
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Let's not wait for our Fairy Godmother to wave her magic wand. Climb aboard and get designing.Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-82130575282491042542010-10-19T08:44:00.000-04:002010-10-19T08:44:52.047-04:00Mulled Over Yarn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUC0vAcxbI1S-uFqeGnsUIsFrDcKdE51qkAop4uy5PRAYyWvRkasiVpbHtkvEu68_u_3gYVhVh4_LLMEWHGg-lQ67i3v-PyxvP6-xMnIqojJdTGHjNVuSu5vdJjrrvpSmfvsd9NOblX8x/s1600/Mulled+Wine+Toque+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUC0vAcxbI1S-uFqeGnsUIsFrDcKdE51qkAop4uy5PRAYyWvRkasiVpbHtkvEu68_u_3gYVhVh4_LLMEWHGg-lQ67i3v-PyxvP6-xMnIqojJdTGHjNVuSu5vdJjrrvpSmfvsd9NOblX8x/s320/Mulled+Wine+Toque+(2).jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />
Just a quick post about a hat I completed yesterday. Actually, this post is about the yarn -- Mister Joe Sangria, a mohair-nylon-wool blend yarn that I had received in a swap about two years ago.<br />
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First, the hat, named Mulled Winne Toque after the yarn colorway. I chose to make a simple skull cap that fits loosely about the head. This toque, which is a hat with a narrow brim or no brim at all, is shaped wide at the top, sits loosely about the head, and then evokes the curve of the crown by narrowing slightly at the brim for a secure fit. I only had the one ball and it took exactly one ball to make. When I finished the last row, I had three inches left to weave in. Talk about cutting it close. The pattern will be posted soon. <br />
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Now the yarn. Mister Joe Sangria is a self-striping yarn, featuring two colors with similar hues. A third stripe of shiny white (likely the viscose rayon) wrapped around the mohair/wool/acrylic strand provides random pops of color. Personally, I don't like it. It looks like the remains of bird droppings at worst and dried paint at best. My sister says the white looks like the remains of melting snow. But hey, I'm not the paragon of fashion. My two teen self-proclaimed fashionistas love the dashes of white. Go figure.<br />
<div><br />
</div>The specs for Mister Joe Sangria are below. One would think that a yarn with 60% mohair-wool would be soft to the touch. Sadly, Mister Joe is quite crunchy to the touch and a bit stiff from the tight ply with the acrylic rayon. However, despite its crunchiness, the yarn is just a tad scratchy when you run your hand over the fiber halo that is typical to mohair yarns. Perhaps the crunchiness will go away with washing.<br />
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Would I use this yarn again? Not very likely, unless I receive it as a gift, again.<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="color: inherit; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font: inherit; width: 249px;"><tbody style="color: inherit; font: inherit;">
<tr style="color: inherit; font: inherit;"><td align="right" class="archived-boldfond" style="color: #ae7c41; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; vertical-align: top; width: 84px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fibre Content:</span></span></td><td style="color: inherit; font: inherit; vertical-align: top; width: 157px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">53% Mohair/ 22% Acrylic/ 18% Viscose Rayon/ 7% Wool</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="color: inherit; font: inherit;"><td align="right" class="archived-boldfond" style="color: #ae7c41; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Made in:</span></span></td><td style="color: inherit; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Italy</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="color: inherit; font: inherit;"><td align="right" class="archived-boldfond" style="color: #ae7c41; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Care:</span></span></td><td style="color: inherit; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hand Wash/ Dry Flat</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="color: inherit; font: inherit;"><td align="right" class="archived-boldfond" style="color: #ae7c41; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gauge:</span></span></td><td style="color: inherit; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">14 st/4 inches 6.0 mm (US 10)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="color: inherit; font: inherit;"><td align="right" class="archived-boldfond" style="color: #ae7c41; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yardage:</span></span></td><td style="color: inherit; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">100 m (109 yards)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="color: inherit; font: inherit;"><td align="right" class="archived-boldfond" style="color: #ae7c41; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Size</span></span></td><td style="color: inherit; font: inherit; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">50g (1.75 oz) ball</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-45997931273946417992010-10-11T22:41:00.032-04:002010-10-16T21:53:46.152-04:00PATTERN: Sun-Ray Slouch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RqA8q6pEtOKsKoaYfpJSbgZAlWnW1OlFDkAJppemhkQr7Da5ObzPZjTtnsiUUKPl3MbGQ9qTTrg0kwVKnE3riZT_I_98V9mly6SwvyH7ZQhxVFi83AUtBrWcQjpDe0xfCu4MvR26RXVJ/s1600/Photo0029_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh-nbEeICNCTojF6KxZrMgrTq1Qb_cIc_vQEgRXhLIYUuAacihBIczBdP7gN-xRoay01vJsZlc9Aykw2YPIZY2zHHubBEOhQOgO2Dsz9j8Ws97QqSRb7hUfl3rEp3JWCOYjJ7jyfJR-fX/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh-nbEeICNCTojF6KxZrMgrTq1Qb_cIc_vQEgRXhLIYUuAacihBIczBdP7gN-xRoay01vJsZlc9Aykw2YPIZY2zHHubBEOhQOgO2Dsz9j8Ws97QqSRb7hUfl3rEp3JWCOYjJ7jyfJR-fX/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Materials:</span></span></b></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hat A: Patons Silk Bamboo, approx 125 yards </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hat B: Caron Country, approx 125 yards</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hook: 5 mm </span></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TIP</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Some yarns, like bamboo blends, tend to produce a heavy fabric. When using a heavy yarn like Patons Silk Bamboo, you may want to substitute a slightly smaller hook so that the weight of the yarn does not stretch the hat. This is particularly true if you tend to crochet loosely.</span></i></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Markers: one to mark each row and one to hold your stitch when you put your work down<br />
</span></span><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Guage:</span></span></b></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hat A: 14 st x 12 rows = 4"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hat B: 16 st x 12 rows = 4"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stitches used (US terminology):</span></span></b></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ch = chain</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ea = each</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hdc = half double crochet</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sc = single crochet</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sl st = slip stitch</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">st = stitch</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Technique used:</span></span></b></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Although crocheted using a hdc, the texture is created by inserting the hook under the back loop and the rear horizontal bar, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">resulting in the front loop as a bar running the width of the fabric that faces me when working [see</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> the underside of this hat pictured below</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">]. This side is the wrong side and will remain hidden. The reverse side, or the side facing away from you, creates a cool texture like a sideways garter stitch. It should be noted that the wrong side can actually be the right side when worked in sc for a hat, which creates an interesting texture as well.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Many thanks to coworker Rosanna for introducing me and my fellow Crochet Collaborators to this technique last year.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The pattern itself is quite simple to memorize. The spiral ray is created by a "ch1-2hdc-ch1" separated by an increasing (or decreasing) number of hdc stitches. The hat is crocheted continuously in the round rather than joining each row with a slip st and chaining 2 for the next row. Joining each round would create a unsightly seam that would interfere with the textured pattern.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>INSTRUCTIONS</b></span></span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ch 4, sl st to join, forming ring</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 1</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 2, 7 hdc in ring [8 st] </span></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TIP: Remember to keep the tail of the yarn to the right of all the hdc stitches as you add them. This will make it easier to pull the ring closed.</span></span></blockquote><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 2</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: 2 hdc in ea st [16 st]</span></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 3</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: *hdc in first st, 2 hdc in next st, * rep to marker [24 st]</span></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 4</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: *hdc in first two st, 2 hdc in next st, * rep to marker [32 st]</span></span><br />
<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 5</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk hdc, *hdc, ch 1, sk next hdc, 2 hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next hdc, * rep to marker [40 st]</span></span></div><blockquote><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TIP</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: the 2 hdc in next st must be worked in the 2 hdc of previous row</span></span></i></blockquote><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIx_Uas35rfrVGRfZc78Nwnv6KpBcTbe11sDMh-gzHQigzWBN3BZ5mMd0-xZ84vIodVN7M2JfK0EN7XFszb9g6iji2RVj3gIL92fJAFdeSlC704A6fEvEHiXPLZroPRPbXV2vUffjPGuU/s1600/Sunray+closeup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIx_Uas35rfrVGRfZc78Nwnv6KpBcTbe11sDMh-gzHQigzWBN3BZ5mMd0-xZ84vIodVN7M2JfK0EN7XFszb9g6iji2RVj3gIL92fJAFdeSlC704A6fEvEHiXPLZroPRPbXV2vUffjPGuU/s320/Sunray+closeup1.jpg" width="239" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 6</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 2 st, ch 1, sk next ch, 2 hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next ch, * rep to marker [48 st]</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>TIP</b>: when first working row 6, there may be some confusion as to where to insert the hook after the ch1-2hdc-ch1 stitch combo. I had the same problem. Here is a picture of where to insert your hook. Note that when you finish the ch1-2hdc-ch1 combo, it looks like you have two chains, when in reality, there is only one. The best way I can describe what to do after the 2hdc is to insert your hook into the “chain” to the right of the first hdc of the row below</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> This is what it should look like: </span></i></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eXbO5JouYrNRE5WKBJcEWlhPKL0xJ0D2AdiNGggQBL3Sd6s_pJiM0beJpxzVXHSJqksqrGyW5tC8txAqwLdEmvcP8gTRRSI4hoVtLcdnlyVFxRM17BKuLmVXGw0jqcFpcPWmRNH96R2o/s1600/Sunray+closeup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eXbO5JouYrNRE5WKBJcEWlhPKL0xJ0D2AdiNGggQBL3Sd6s_pJiM0beJpxzVXHSJqksqrGyW5tC8txAqwLdEmvcP8gTRRSI4hoVtLcdnlyVFxRM17BKuLmVXGw0jqcFpcPWmRNH96R2o/s1600/Sunray+closeup2.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 7</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 3 st, ch 1, sk next ch, 2 hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next ch, * rep to marker [56 st]</span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 8</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 4 st, ch 1, sk next ch, 2 hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next ch, * rep to marker [64 st]</span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 9</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 5 st, ch 1, sk next ch, 2 hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next ch, * rep to marker [72 st]</span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 10</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 6 st, ch 1ch 1, sk next ch, 2 hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next ch, * rep to marker [80 st]</span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 11</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 7 st,ch 1, sk next ch, 2 hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next ch, * rep to marker [88 st]</span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 12</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 8 st, ch 1, sk next ch, 2 hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next ch, * rep to marker [96 st]</span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 13</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 9 st,ch 1, sk next ch, 2 hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next ch, * rep to marker [104 st]</span></span></div></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rows 14-17</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Repeat row 13 [104 st]</span></span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TIP</span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Hat should begin to curl up. If it appears too flat, substitute sc for each hdc in row 17</span></i></span></blockquote><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 18</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 3 st, hdc2tog in next st, hdc in next 4 st, ch1, sk ch, 2hdc in next st, ch 1, sk ch, * rep to marker [96 st]</span></span></div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 19</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 3 st, hdc2tog in next st, hdc in next 3 st, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ch1, sk ch,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2hdc in next st, ch 1, sk ch, * rep to marker [88 st]</span></div></div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 20</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 2 st, hdc2tog in next st, hdc in next 3 st, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ch1, sk ch,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2hdc in next st, ch 1, sk ch, * rep to marker [80 st]</span></div></div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 21</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: ch 1, sk ch, *hdc in next 2 st, hdc2tog in next st, hdc in next 2 st, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ch1, sk ch,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2hdc in next st, ch 1, sk ch, * rep to marker [72 st]</span></div></div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 22</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: *hdc in ch, hdc in ea hdc, * rep to marker [72 st]</span></span></div></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 23</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: hdc in ea st [72 st]</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BRIM</span></span></b></div><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">[TIP: If brim is too loose, change to a slightly smaller hook, such as a 4.00 mm or 4.5 mm hook]</span></span></i></blockquote><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rows 24-27</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: repeat row 23 [72 st]</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 28</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: sc in ea st to the last 3 st, sl st in last 3 st [72 st]</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bind off, weave in ends.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/41684343/DSCI0316_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/41684343/DSCI0316_medium.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-32219359366695081252010-09-21T22:53:00.001-04:002010-09-24T16:05:02.135-04:00When All Else Fails . . .<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">. . . Follow Directions!</span></span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lace shawls are all the rage now, with both knitters and crocheters. I think their ethereal beauty is what has been drawing fiber artists to them in droves in recent years. I've started making lace shawls, largely because of a real need to bust my stash, particularly of the lovely fingering and sock-weight yarns I have been lucky to receive in my various Ravelry swaps.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My current project is the </span><a href="http://homegrownandhomespun.wordpress.com/about/free-crochet-patterns/ostrich-feather-fandango-shawl/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ostrich Feather Fandango Shawl</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, created by Tracey McCorkle. It is a very different shawl; its feathered shells add a three-dimensional quality to what traditionally are flat, two-dimensional pieces of fabric. See what I mean? It looks like it is ready to take flight. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2607915062_008d1ddcc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2607915062_008d1ddcc9.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This beautiful Ostrich Feather Fandango Shawl was crafted by </span></span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal;"><br />
<h2 style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Siljuska </span></span></span></span></i></h2></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">from Finland. I only hope mine turns out as well. </span></span></span></span></i></h2></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linda, my friend and crochet mentor, often jokes that I am an "uptight crocheter" because I tend to crochet on the tight side. One would think I would have a strong preference for following </span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">written</span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> crochet instructions. Hah! I embarked on this project much in the same way I approach most of my crochet jobs crafted from someone else's pattern. First, I glance at the pattern, then memorize any repeat, and wing it from there. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, my </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">modus operandi</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> didn't work here. Unlike all other shawls I have made, this pattern is not symmetrical, although the result is supposed to be. Clear as mud?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rows 1 through 14.</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> All was well -- symmetry reigned. </span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 15</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. A shell seemed to be missing. Okay. Easy fix. I added one.</span></span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Don't know why but it started with a sc but ended with three dc. Again, the shells were off. Thank goodness shawls are symmetrical and it is easy to match up the right and left sides. Fixed this one.</span></span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 17.</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Ughh! My wide shells and open shells and closed shells seemed to fall in all the wrong spots. And that nonsense about starting the row with a sc and ending with a dc just didn't seem right, right?</span></span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 18</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Damn! Nothing is right. In fact, it's looking more than a bit lopsided.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Made the decision to frog, to rip back to the last symmetrical row. Printed out an updated version of the pattern, studied the offending rows, and marked up the margins like I used to do when cramming for college finals. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 15, again.</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Ignored the obviously missing shell.</span></span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 16, again</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Worked it as written. Still not comfortable starting with a sc and ending with a dc.</span></span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 17, again.</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Made sure to count every stitch.</span></span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Row 18, again</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Things are looking up. I'm beginning to see the symmetry. In fact, it's no longer lopsided.</span></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rows 19-21.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Making progress. Finished the first repeat, although row 21 was a bit convoluted! </span></span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rows 22-26</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Finished the second repeat. Only another four or five repeats to go.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess I should have taken Tracey's cautionary notes to heart:</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, INCLUDING THE NOTES AT THE END OF THE PATTERN, BEFORE ENDEAVORING TO BEGIN YOUR SHAWL. THE NOTES FOLLOWING THE PATTERN WILL BE TO YOUR BENEFIT, AS THE SHAWL IS NOT SYMMETRICAL WHEN THE PATTERN IS BEING WORKED."</span></span></i></div></blockquote><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tracey notes that several people have complained about the pattern because it is not truly symmetrical, although the finished product looks symmetrical! Last week, i would have been among that crowd. Now, after frogging, I see the error was with with me rather than with Tracey's pattern. Admittedly, I would only recommend this pattern for advance crocheters who feel they can grasp the pattern and then recreate it themselves through the repeats.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that I am following directions, this shawl is going to be beautiful when completed. I already have a recipient in mind.</span></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-89416917368857391422010-09-11T18:46:00.009-04:002010-09-24T15:40:11.047-04:00Playing Hooky<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"My name is Victoria and I am a truant blogger." <i>Lowers head in shame.</i> "It has been more than six months since my last post (not counting last week)."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are now supposed to say, in unison, <i>"Hi, Victoria."</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With blog truancy comes guilt. True, I have not blogged much this year </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(as my sister Constance is wont to remind me of on a rather regular basis</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">), but I have not strayed far afield the world of crochet. Although I have had a lot of work and family demands during that time, I did manage to play a little "hooky."</span><br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/23560819/DSCI0048_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/23560819/DSCI0048_medium.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">February</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I felted my first Fedora hat -- </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">four skeins down but first, I had to add them to my stash</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I made a pair of mittens -- </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">two skeins used but purchased four more to finish the mittens as well as another pair</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">July</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I attended the Knit and Crochet Show in Manchester, New Hampshire, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">where I picked up nine skeins of yarn. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later that month, I made a silk purse, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">using up one skein purchased in NH and another purchased to finish the project. I also added a double sized skein to justify the cost of shipping</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">August</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I made Vicki Mikulak's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flying-diamonds-shawl">Flying Diamonds Shawl</a>; although beautiful and fun to make, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it was not quite a stashbuster at less than 2 skeins.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In the early days of </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">September</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I finished a cover for a hot water bottle, using yarn gifted from one Raverly swap partner.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/34555614/Fallen_Leaves_Shawl_1_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/34555614/Fallen_Leaves_Shawl_1_medium.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My yarn adventures introduced me to several new yarns, including a couple that already were in my stash</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T-C_Sv1EhRd-0gxTQaxLEe0MekdCVkSxl_rJbAKrFKbBYjfGa2C7zmG9tF-D9m4V8hsfmOylggGk9gEqeaHjPkTlHDhoU_xB9INsL4taVXn0OKNJz4S5pa7Q-FG8jsWpEOoetd1F_GE-/s1600/DSCI0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T-C_Sv1EhRd-0gxTQaxLEe0MekdCVkSxl_rJbAKrFKbBYjfGa2C7zmG9tF-D9m4V8hsfmOylggGk9gEqeaHjPkTlHDhoU_xB9INsL4taVXn0OKNJz4S5pa7Q-FG8jsWpEOoetd1F_GE-/s200/DSCI0245.JPG" width="156" /></a><b><a href="http://www.frogtreeyarns.com/Products/Yarns/Picoboo/tabid/72/Default.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frog Tree's Picoboo</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> -- a pima cotton/bamboo blend in a sport-weight yarn that is actually closer to a light DK. Wonderfully soft, it drapes well and shows stitch definition without being stiff. Here it is worked up into a hot water bottle cover.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/34691789/Habu_Silk_Clutch_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/34691789/Habu_Silk_Clutch_medium.JPG" width="111" /></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_943139662"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Habu Textiles' </span></a></b><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_943139662"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A-111 1/2.5 Tsumugi Silk</span></a></b><b><a href="http://www.habutextiles.com/webfile/a-111.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Combination</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> -- an unusual 100% silk yarn that has several colors within each strand. This is not a yarn to highlight highly textured crocheted stitches, although it does an admirable job of subtle stitch definition, such as </span><a href="http://www.e-offinger.net/knitandcrochet/sessdet.cfm?evPick=A11110&SCODE=S206C"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dee Stanziano's Pushmi-Pullyu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> stitch technique. Why this yarn is called a fingering weight yarn, I don't know. rather, it works up like a DK and most folks are using a 6 mm needle or 4 mm hook. Here it is as a silk purse.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"></span></div></b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/29835026/Peacock_Mittens_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/vicjorob/29835026/Peacock_Mittens_medium.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><a href="http://www.mandywools.co.uk/stylecraft-signature-chunky.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">StyleCraft's Signature Chunky</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> -- this "Plain Jane"-named yarn is far from nondescript. A 50/50 wool/acrylic blend from Britain, it is luscious and very soft, and, dare I say, inexpensive. I started off with two skeins but had to order more to finish these mittens in the Peacock colorway. I even ordered extra skeins so I can make a set for myself. This picture does not do them justice.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking back, several projects were completed, but overall, not much stashbusting done. Counting yarn gifted from swaps, yarn purchased by me for me, yarn gifted to others during swaps, yarn used to make various projects, and yarn purchased to complete projects, I would say that my stash remains about the same. Playing hooky has been productive.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-16986600945903729652010-09-06T11:40:00.000-04:002010-09-06T11:40:36.064-04:00Angling this Fishing Yarn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSu05zCuFI_tMwgrKnKknZZc6RnnAdidvfW0Ev8PPzV6YGc3IB3qaz_bKcW-advRX98lHcP7K7LsSneVTSG8ZTvnYEKqhJDuVbmc1E80JRUbHJvp1hWV2L91j3zBesGkFTK78lTSwsMVO/s1600/fishingyarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSu05zCuFI_tMwgrKnKknZZc6RnnAdidvfW0Ev8PPzV6YGc3IB3qaz_bKcW-advRX98lHcP7K7LsSneVTSG8ZTvnYEKqhJDuVbmc1E80JRUbHJvp1hWV2L91j3zBesGkFTK78lTSwsMVO/s400/fishingyarn.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Labor Day typically signals the unofficial end of summer. But out here in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Labor Day weekend typically is hot and humid, steamy at best. But thanks to Hurricane Earl (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">who knew one could ever be grateful for a hurricane</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">), the weather here this past weekend has been nothing short of beautiful. So I fought the urge to spend the holiday weekend as I typically have done in the past -- at home, sometimes with a grill, sometimes with a crochet hook, but always getting the kids into a back-to-school frame of mind. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This year, we made the two- hour drive to Maryland's Eastern Shore to visit old friends.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> N and S live on the Choptank River, where I thought it would be fun to fish off their brand new pier, which had not been inaugurated, not counting their curious orange tabby or their always curious Kerry Blue Terrier. I also thought fishing might keep the girls from getting bored. So as we headed east, I picked up a couple of simple (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">read cheap</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) rod and reels and a couple of hooks and lures. We were all set. I also brought my current crochet project with me, just in case.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> First, I taught the girls how to cast off (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">no, not knitting, this is a crochet blog</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">). For you non-anglers, casting simply is the act of throwing the fishing line out over the water using a flexible fishing rod and reel. Vashti soon became quite adept at casting with her </span></span><a href="http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/fishing/howtocast.htm#spincast"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">closed spin cast reel</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. It took Lariat a bit longer because I had saddled her with an </span></span><a href="http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/fishing/howtocast.htm#openface"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">open-face spinning reel</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, but she also was casting with confidence. Before you ask, no, no fish were harmed during this escapade. In fact, no fish were even caught, although Lariat got two nibbles that ripped the hook off the line, and I got a heck of a pull that ripped the hook and bobber clean off the line.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> This is where this fish tale connects to crochet. It soon became evident that I had made the mistake of buying reels with 8 pound test line - so thin you can bite it clean through with your teeth. To add insult to injury, the reels were cheap. I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> moved from Lariat then to Vashti to untangle their lines. And just as with a tangled ball of yarn, my first urge was to tug and attempt to unweave the knots. But, thankfully, I remembered my previous forays into detangling yarn and stopped trying to outhink the tangles and twists. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> That afternoon, as summer was singing her swan song, I sat patiently on the dock untangling fishing line. As the sun began to set, turning the water from a cold dirty blue to a shimmering orange, I donned my sweater and sat patiently on the dock untangling fishing line. Eventually, it was to time to "cut bait." The tangles won out. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Weak filament plus cheap reel equals tangled line.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You could say I got what I paid for</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Although the fish proved as elusive as an untangled line, we did enjoy good weather, good food, and good friends. I even came prepared for a bit of crochet and came away with this fishing yarn. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Wishing you all a wonderful Labor Day weekend. </span>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-58016842881377282402010-02-22T14:43:00.002-05:002010-02-22T14:46:09.173-05:00Commuting with Fiber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FwKRUF4AT2Q/SNElY7s0a0I/AAAAAAAAAL4/Qx0uygpR060/s1600/commutercrochet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FwKRUF4AT2Q/SNElY7s0a0I/AAAAAAAAAL4/Qx0uygpR060/s400/commutercrochet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>Source unknown. Received this photo via e-mail several years ago. The man knows how to make a statement! </em></span></strong></div><br />
<div>I'm a commuter. I take the bus and then the Metrorail (i.e., a subway that runs a significant portion above ground). My door-to-door commute runs about 45 minutes on average but somedays, due to weather or a sick passenger, it can drag on another 15 minutes. I used to think I was one of the lucky ones until I read that local commuters in the metropolitan D.C. area spend an average of 33 minutes getting to work, nearly 8 minutes a day more than the national average, according to data released last September by the U.S. Census Bureau's <a href="http://www.census.gov/acs/www/">American Community Survey</a>. But, despite a commute that is 12 minutes longer than the regional average, I am still better off than the more than 100,000 local workers who spend 90 minutes or more commuting to work. Most of them do it behind the wheel of a car. I do mine behind the head of a bus driver or train operator.</div><br />
Despite the seemingly cranky mantle I wear when I finally arrive at the office, I secretly like my commute. Commuting via public transit provides the most wonderful opportunities to read a book in peace (no constant interruptions for "Can we go . . . " or "What's for dinner?"). Commuting via public transit also allows long stretches of down (as in sitting) time during which I can take out my project bag and start hooking away. Despite the relatively short commute time, I can rock out a hat in two days of commuting, a small neck scarf in a day. Although I miss listening to the radio (Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! rocks) during my daily commute, I no longer enter the building already the stereotype of the harried government worker. What shape I am when I leave the building is another story altogether.<br />
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Unfortunaltely, the needle arts are not as popular among the commuting set as reading the Washington Post (or its unfortunate little offspring, the <a href="http://www.expressnightout.com/">Express</a> that often is left on seats for others to enjoy), listening to the latest tunes with expensive I-Pods with cheap earphones that allow folks two rows away to "enjoy" the music as well, or simply staring off into space. But every now and then, I run across a kindred soul who industriously spends this precious time indulging in these ancient arts, unknowingly keeping them alive for future generations. Sometimes our eyes will meet and we smile a knowing smile, sort of like an invisible nod of acknowledgement. If we are within talking distance, we politely, so as not to bore the other passengers, inquire about the project but it's a bit like talking in a secret code:<br />
<ul><li><em>"That's a lovely blanket you are crocheting/knitting"</em> translates to <em>"You go, Girl! I love public displays of fiber."</em></li>
<li><em>"What yarn/pattern are you using"</em> translates to <em>"You are not alone. There are a lot of us hiding in plain site."</em></li>
<li><em>"Have you been to XXX local yarn store"</em> translates to <em>"There's a place where folks like us meet up. Perhaps you would like to join our secret society."</em></li>
</ul>Then the train or bus stops and one of us departs for work or home. Thus endeth the secret dialogue and we sadly pack up our yarn and hooks and prepare for what lies ahead on our desk or in our kitchen.<br />
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Perhaps my crankiness upon arriving at work is not a facade.Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-60208798738205074082010-02-10T13:59:00.000-05:002010-02-10T13:59:05.263-05:00Size Matters ! ? ! ?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W4rqf-MN1qg/S1834KZlQXI/AAAAAAAAAfU/JyhPM2oO3_U/s1600-h/yarnbuspark_500x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W4rqf-MN1qg/S1834KZlQXI/AAAAAAAAAfU/JyhPM2oO3_U/s320/yarnbuspark_500x375.jpg" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.flyingfingers.com/home/content/index.html">Flying Finger</a> operates <i>its </i><a href="http://www.flyingfingers.com/home/content/yarnbus.html"><i>YarnBus</i></a>, a free shuttle from Manhattan to its store in Westchester, NY. </span></div><br />
Yarn, like so many other things (balls, underwear, people, crochet hooks, etc.) comes in a variety of sizes. And with different proportions comes different labels - pool, tennis, baseball, basketball, small, medium, large, extra-large, thong, bikini, brief, boy short, short, tall, fat, thin, A, B, C, etc. Endless labels for an endless assortment of the things that populate our universe.<br />
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As for yarn, its size, <i>or weight</i>, is determined by its thickness. Yarns typically fall into six broadly-defined categories of weights: (1) super fine or fingering or sock, (2) fine or sport, (3) light or DK, (4) medium or worsted, (5) bulky, and (6) super bulky. There's also the lace/cobweb/gossamer weight yarns that often are labeled 0. <i>Need visuals? </i> <b>Cobweb (0)</b> -- think of the <b>über</b>-skinny women whose gassamer-thin limbs would be swimming in a size 0 top. <b>Super-fine (1)</b> -- think of the <i>haughty</i>, ahem, God's Gift, ladies for whose anorexic bodies <i>haute-couture</i> is designed. <b>Sport (2)</b> -- think of all the athletic non-running, non-gymnasts, non ice-skating women out there who look as if they can lift a 5-lb weight. <b>DK (3)</b> -- well, you get the point.<br />
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According to the <a href="http://www.yarnstandards.com/" target="_blank" zt="-o1/XJ">Craft Yarn Council of America</a>, specific weights of yarn should produce a somewhat predictable number of stitches when using a particular sized crochet hook or knitting needle. The higher the yarn number, the heavier the yarn and the fewer stitches per inch you will get. But these are just general guidelines. As most crocheters and knitters have found, not all yarns of a certain weight are exactly the same. Thus the importance of swatching. <i> There! I've done my part to encourage folks to take the time to make the dreaded but necessary swatch before embarking on projects where size (stitches that is) does matter. </i><br />
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My personal preference for yarn is driven by the project on which I'm working. Lately, I have have been working in lighter or finer yarns so that I can make garments with better drape. Crochet stitches produce a series of knots that produce bulkier stitches than knitting. So, to make a garment (whether a sweater or a hat) with a soft drape, we need to use a bigger hook, but by doing so, we risk creating a something full of holes. Works great on lace but wouldn't keep a slumbering bear warm on a bitter cold winter night. In general, it would be better to keep using your handy dandy G, H, or I hook and drop down to a skinnier yarn like light/DK and fine/sport weight, although sock weight works wonders. Last year, I made a <a href="http://undervictoriashat.blogspot.com/2009/02/right-fiber-wrong-yarn-and-vice-versa.html">scarf</a> using a fingering weight washable wool and loved how it turned out. Hats made of any weight yarn will keep your head warm, while I doubt women of a certain age (<i>we know who we are</i>) would be comfortable in a sweater hooked up in a super bulky yarn. <br />
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Yet, I also like to quickly work up a hat or scarf, or even, sweater. Pair a big hook with some big yarn, throw in a couple of hours and you've got a hat. A few more hours, a scarf is born. From skinnier yarns can come supple, lightweight fabric does not grow the fabric as fast as bulkier yarns. Slow and steady may win the race but sometimes you need the heady rush of producing something of substance quickly.<br />
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<i>Does size matter?</i> Well, yes and no. As with life in general, yarn size just depends on what you make of it. <smile> </smile></div>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-35891099263109625582010-01-21T07:41:00.002-05:002010-01-21T07:44:09.995-05:00Inspiration: What Crocheters Want in a Yarn Shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.purlbee.com/storage/crochet.insp.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.purlbee.com/storage/crochet.insp.2.jpg" width="303" /></a><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b> Source: Crochet Inspiration by Sasha Kagan, a stitch compendium. Check out this <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.purlbee.com/storage/crochet.insp.2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2007/8/8/book-review-crochet-inspiration-by-sasha-kagan.html&usg=__a6xQ_MYKQ7MS7v99puWeD_UTH04=&h=455&w=432&sz=114&hl=en&start=5&um=1&tbnid=gElgZOgG643ipM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=122&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dimage%2Bcrochet%2Binspiration%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26um%3D1">review</a>!</b></i></span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last year, a new LYS opened less than a mile away from my house. Count me among the lucky. <a href="http://www.fibrespace.com/">FiberSpace</a> is an attractive little yarn shop tucked away in a little corner of Alexandria, focusing on moderate priced yarns (almost the entire line of Berroco), as well as some higher end fiber. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the store just this side of funky. I mean, what else can you say about a store that successfully pulls off a retro outerspace theme. But, what I think makes this shop so special is that it carries several yarns that help to sustain womens' cooperatives in developing countries. Their social consciousness extends even further -- last weekend, they donated 20% of its yarn sales to <a href="http://www.oxfamamerica.org/">OxFam</a> to help with disaster support in Haiti. From two days of sales, this little store is sending almost $1800!<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What I also love about this shop is that it does not eschew, or shun, crochet. Nothing irks me more than walking into a yarn store to spend my hard-earned money and being made to feel like I am some hick from the mountains. <i>Okay, so I grew up in the Intermountain West but I am far from a hick.</i> Although far from being crochet-centric, FibreSpace wants to encourage more crocheters to see them as a resource. Recently, the owner asked, what do crocheters want in a yarn shop? I mentioned a few things:<br />
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</div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>Crocheted project samples -- inspire us by showing how your beautiful yarn looks crocheted into a little garmet<br />
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<li>Crocheted yarn swatches -- it helps to see how a yarn will work up</li>
<li>Good, attractive crochet books -- there are so many new ones out there<br />
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<li>Adequate crochet notions -- such as crochet hooks you can't find in Michael's or AC Moore<br />
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</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Bottom line, think about what attracts knitters and other fiber artists to your shop, your yarn, your classes, and then do the same for crocheters. <i style="color: black;"><b>Inspiration is our muse too.</b> </i></span><br />
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</div><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So this is the question I pose to you crocheters out there: What do you want in a Yarn Shop? Inquiring minds want to know.</b>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-19540045044302396032009-10-11T15:42:00.006-04:002009-10-11T16:59:06.200-04:00<div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2008/01/23/2004140434.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 386px;" src="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2008/01/23/2004140434.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Spiderman had his Aunt May. Harry Potter relunctantly was raised by Aunt Petunia. Dorothy yearned for her Auntie Em (can you just hear the Wicked Witch screaching Auntieeee Emmmmm in a mocking whine - sends shivers down my spine). </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />I'm watching a Lifetime movie, </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0918557/">Saving Sarah Cain</a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">, about a newspaper columnist who becomes the legal guardian for her deceased sister's five Amish children. It reminds me of another <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aunt-who-suddenly-becomes-Aunt Mommy</span> movie, </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0350028/">Raising Helen</a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">, about a woman who becomes the legal guardian for her deceased sister's three children. Sound familiar? This plot has been repeated countless number of times. In all, these aunts (hardly ever a single uncle) seem to be clueless characters in a Mission Impossible movie, trying to decide how to answer the question, <span style="font-style: italic;">your mission should you choose to accept it</span>, although they act more like fish out of water, unsure. perhaps unaware of their unrealized dream of being a mother. Of course, once they realize this, then, magic of all magics, they get a man. God, I am tired of these movies.</span> <span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">So what has this post got to do with crochet? Nothing. It's just that I am a bit weary of stories about kids being given to an unqualified relative who has to be dragged kicking and screaming into a life-altering experience. There are so many flesh-and-blood women, and a few men no doubt, who have willingly opened their homes and hearts to their nieces and nephews for the simple reason that they are family and family takes care of family. No tricks, no guilt trips. And even though it may take a village to raise a child, it often is up to an aunt or grandmother or even an uncle to keep a family together. I just wish they would do movies about families who just happen to have an aunt with nieces and nephews and not make that relationship the premise for the plot.<br /></span>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-28817425454500436142009-09-14T17:25:00.000-04:002009-09-15T17:25:28.598-04:00Wyld Ryd<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W4rqf-MN1qg/SrAC1kvWPzI/AAAAAAAAAec/0dpNEPZCJjw/s1600-h/Wyld+Ryd.bmp"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 172px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W4rqf-MN1qg/SrAC1kvWPzI/AAAAAAAAAec/0dpNEPZCJjw/s200/Wyld+Ryd.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381804674126331698" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Almost every Saturday, </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I volunteer at a genealogy library. Volunteering means hanging with my other crochet buddy, Meredith, who always inspires me to think outside the box when it comes to crochet and knitting. We discuss our current projects, new yarn finds, our families, our ancestors. It is, after all, a genealogy library and we are there to help patrons with their often elusive family searches.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Last Saturday, on my way to my "volunteer" (a genealogy library but my girls have always called it going to the volunteer), I pulled up behind a black Lexus sporting license plates that read "WYLD RYD." I thought, what a great title for a blog, but gave it up because cars and crochet don't mix, right!?. <br /><br />I had brought my ball winder with me to wind a few skeins of yarn in preparation for some lace projects I am getting underway. Holiday gift giving and all that. <span style="font-style: italic;">Note to Vern and Con: yes, you each will be getting a lace shawl. </span>I don't own a <a href="http://www.stanwoodimports.com/servlet/Detail?no=43">yarn swift</a> so I thought I would take advantage of the highback chairs at the center to serve as an extra pair of hands. First up was a skein of KnitPicks <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Bare+Peruvian+Highland+Wool+Fingering+Yarn_YD5420144.html">Bare Peruvian Highland Wool</a> fingering weight. Gonna use this for StitchStud's Peacock Track Mystery Crochet-A-Long. I plan to dye it in peacock blues and greens. Next up, <a href="http://www.fiberfarm.com/">Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm's</a> Sock Weight, perfect for an oversized scarf. Although the chairs were a tad bit narrow to hold the yarns with any real tension, the skeins rolled off nicely as I wound them into balls. Then came Araucania's Lonco Multy. Some of you already are aware of </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">my <a href="http://undervictoriashat.blogspot.com/2009/03/argh-perhaps-ye-be-pirate-parrot.html">love-hate relationship with this yarn</a>. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've been avoiding working on a second Bird of Paradise Shawl because of the hours spent unraveling this tough little cotton yarn.<br /><br />Hoping to avoid any opportunity for a mishap, I grabbed the leather office chair. Its back is wider so it should hold the yarn better. As I cautiously started to unwind the skein, the chair shifted, revolving slowly like a yarn swift. I pushed it along and the yarn came off with little hesitation. I held my breath. The chair jerked to a stop as the yarn snagged. I cursed the yarn and wondered why I even bothered. In frustration, I gave the yarn a little downward tug, surprisingly freeing the yarn. I nudged the chair, smooth sailing for a few yards. Another snag, another damn, another tug. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I spun the chair, faster. Another snag, another tug, finally, freedom.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Soon, the chair was turning like a kid spinning on a merry-go-round. Patrons walking into to the library stopped short, fascinated by the spinning chair as yarn was pulled off and formed into a little ball. Finally, the last length of yarn left my hand, completing the new yarn ball. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I reached out, stopped the chair, and took a deep breath -- </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I had been holding my breath somewhat. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">What took 13 hours to wind the first skein, only </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">took 45 minutes for this ball. <span style="font-style: italic;">Cue the chorus of angels.</span> I was in yarn heaven. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lesson learned?</span> </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Yarn can be quite temperamental. Some can be quite easy going, allowing you to wind it up with a child's helpful arms. Others need a swift kick in the @#$ and can only be controlled by the unyeilding arms of a yarn swift. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Although I know that the unusual way the Araucania Lonco Multy was put up into a skein had a lot to do with my earlier problems, I realize that I had unwittingly created more twists and turns as I tried to "figure out" each and every snag by untwisting every perceived twist, only to twist it upon itself even more. Human nature being what it is, we try to outwit such yarn and think ahead of a snag, a twist, a perceived tangle. But under the constraint of a yarn swift, you are forced to let the swift and the yarn work together. Your hand just goes along for the ride.<br /><br />So, if you need an extra pair hands and no yarn swift is handy, go to work and give that office chair a wyld ryd. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">P.S. Get yourself some Araucania Lonco Multy but don't forget the swift.</span><br /><br /></span>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322224480530817600.post-29159655176599604902009-08-31T23:10:00.002-04:002009-09-10T13:44:28.231-04:00You Say Crotch-et-y, I Say Cro-chet-ee . . .<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpRioL4J0vh2qHJU4te_QViPSRO6MRB_RpP8CHFKT03v8bzFLGIuukcT9FvERRRduQWbQu_a6s9Kq-q1eGP15MLIU9VTUWy87-WjHlF2nm_bc6uiqmik24rzy-QU4UI0RSUR8_LqGnfss/s1600-h/crotchety3.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpRioL4J0vh2qHJU4te_QViPSRO6MRB_RpP8CHFKT03v8bzFLGIuukcT9FvERRRduQWbQu_a6s9Kq-q1eGP15MLIU9VTUWy87-WjHlF2nm_bc6uiqmik24rzy-QU4UI0RSUR8_LqGnfss/s200/crotchety3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379896008736028002" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Crotch-et-y</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><!--EOF_HEAD--><!--BOF_DEF--><!--//<br />//--><!--EOF_DEF--><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >--adj. Capriciously stubborn or eccentric. Given to crotchets, subject to odd notions, whims. Having a difficult and contrary disposition. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >--Synonyms: fussy, eccentric, grouchy.</span> </div> <span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">At lunch last week my good friend Linda said I was a bit "crotchety." It all started when another friend noted that </span></span></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >I was the only person at the table wearing a watch, adding </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >that, <span style="font-style: italic;">"in this day and age, why wear something that only does one thing?!"</span> Lazybones that I am, I told her I refuse to pull out my cell phone or blackberry just to see the time. Looking back, I guess I was a bit stubborn in my defense of wristwatches, admittedly a bit capricious since my watch is stuck on 9:00 as I wait to find a replacement battery.<br /><br />Naturally, lunch and meandering conversations being what they are, we were stymied by the question, <span style="font-style: italic;">what the hell is a crotche</span>t? </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />Some have suggested that perhaps being crotchety might be an affliction of people who crochet. </span><!--EOF_HEAD--><!--BOF_DEF--><!--//<br />//--><!--EOF_DEF--> <span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Hrmp! </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >While it is true that "crotchety" does sound and look very much like "crochety," and that only a T separates the two, i</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >t doesn't help that Internet search engines assume you can't spell and must mean "crochet" so offer links to all things crochet</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >. </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >The etymology of "crotchety" is related to the crotchet</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >, which in 1573 was a </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >"whim or fancy," which seems to have taken its meaning from a 1394 usage as an architectural ornament of curled leaves, which in turn may have been taken from the Old French word for </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >hook. <a href="http://www.etymonline.com/">The Online Etymology Dictionary</a> says the sense evolution is obscure.</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" > Really?! Seems to make perfect sense to me -- curled leaves resembling a hook that during the Renaissance might well have been considered quite whimsical or fanciful. A hook is also a barb and can be quite sharp. Thus someone who displays an odd fanciful or whimsical notion or uses a sharp tone (i.e., grouchy) is crotchety. See?! Not exactly rocket science.<br /><br />And certainly not limited to the practitioners of my favorite craft, as we all know and bitch about crotchety knitters, crotchety weavers, crotchety bosses, crotchety neighbors, crotchety friends, crotchety . . . The list is endless.<br /><br />Being called crotchety gets one to thinking, thinking about getting old. Admit it, only people of a certain age remember when that word was in common usage. When have you ever heard people complain about some "crotchety little kid?" I turned "mmph" this year and it finally hits you that you are now the third oldest person in the office and that you are old enough to be mama to almost half your co-workers. It's a bit mind-boggling, considering that you feel as young as they are. Sometimes act like it too.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Am I a crotch-et-y old lady? No?<br /><br />Am I a cro-chet-ee old lady? Yes. And proud of it.</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span>Vic-Jo-Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10963784006204062210noreply@blogger.com0