Crochet Weave?

I came across this picture in Aging Successfully, Fall 2009 (Vol. XIX, No. 2) Newsletter.

For those of us who love needle work the article, Zola, is also a sweet read (p. 15-16).

I love the look of this simply beautiful stitch.

Does anyone know its name? How do you do it?

I am going to ask the author of the article, Barb Tackitt, if she knows any more about this stitch. I will keep you posted.

UPDATE: (2009-DEC-14) With help from other Crocheters on Ravelry I think we have a solution. This is a picture of a woven fabric. The needle artist is adding an sc crocheted edge. It feels good to have a solution, but I am so unhappy that it was not a crochet solution.

Other thoughts were, basketweave stitch, X-stitch, and Woven Stitch.

Vintage Mesh Bag

Pattern: Mesh Bag

Source: Gifts and Accessories by Beehive, Book 90. Pattern, p. 20.

Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy (dk), Rose 006, Turquoise 008

Content: 41% Cotton, 34% Hemp, 25% Modal

Balls: 50 gm, 160 m (I used 2 and a bit to complete this)

Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (US E, US 4)

I finally made this bag. I have wanted to make it for years. I like how it folds down to fit into its own carrying clutch. My version is one row short on the mesh, but it was getting so large I knew it was time to stop.

I hope to give these colourful bags as gifts. They are sure to help reduce the use of a few plastic bags, and do so in style!

I plan to modify this pattern to use one ball of Hempathy. I am not sure it can be done. If successful, the finished pattern will be posted here. In the mean time you can download the vintage pattern. I believe Gifts and Accessories by Beehive, Book 90 is now in the public domain and therefore I can share. If I find out differently I will remove this link immediately.

Download the pattern for this mesh bag (pdf).

Pattern a Day Contest

Here is another contest to consider for your patterns - the Pattern a Day Calendars.

The contest rules are:

1. Entries must be received by December 15, 2007, 10:00 pm EST.
2. Entries must include an image and the completed form.
3. Entries must not include images that infringe upon someone else's copyright, trademark, or license.
4. To be eligible to win a prize, the participant must be over the age of 18 and must not, in any way, be affiliated with Accord Publishing or Ripley Designs, Inc.

And there is prize money to be won too! You can submit as many patterns as you like.

Another good reason to submit; you get a free copy of the calendar that you submit your pattern too (selected for publication or not!). Submit to both and get TWO calendars!

Striped Tea Cosy

As promised, here are pictures of my completed Striped Tea Cosy.

I didn't like the pom-pon scale, nor how it perched on top of the cosy. Instead I attached modified Bachelor's Buttonhole. (as usual, click to enlarge each picture)

	Striped Cosy with Pom-Pon (Emu, Pattern No. 6196), 8-cup teapot. Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky: Earthy Brown & Canyon Variegated, 1 x 100 g ball each. Needle: 6 mm Denise Interchangable
	Bachelor's Buttonhole (modified), The Harmony Guides 300 Crochet Stitches, Volume 6, p. 72. I didn't make the stem and I used chunky and aran weight yarn to crochet this. I ran out of Paton's Shetland chunky and completed it with an aran weight yarn I had remaining from a previous project (You can see the colour difference).
	I like this robust embelishment to the tea cosy. It is funny, the Bachelor's Button looks larger here than I perceive it to be in real life. Ah well, I like it either way. (The pom-pon looked smaller to me too; almost anemic.)
	Close up of crocheted Hot Pad, in Granule Stitch, The Harmony Guides 300 Crochet Stitches, Volume 6, p. 36. Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky: Canyon Variegated (remants) The Hot Pad is slightly irregular (that's why I am not showing the single crochet stitch border) but I like the Granule stitch and I wanted to show it to you.
	You're right, this has nothing to do with tea! I couldn't resist showing you this. . . It is some of Noro Iro, Colourway # 44 that I knit in 2-Stitch Garter Ribs from The Harmony Guides 450 Knitting Stitches, Volume 2, p. 18. I really like it. However, I have changed to my own pattern and will be making a scarf (under the influence of Jared's brooklyntweed blog). The needles are 6.5 mm (horrid stuff, I have switched to Denise's Interchangeable Needles). ETA: This scarf has become the Commuter Scarf!

Multi-tasking

	I love tea and I was lucky enough to get a Brown Betty Teapot! It makes such lovely tea. One thing though, it cools off if we take our time drinking it. The solution, of course, is to make a tea cosy. And I have done it (Emu, No. 6196 - Striped Cosy with Pom-Pon). My love is teasing me that I now have truly become an old fogey! I will take pictures soon. / I tried the pom-pon but did not like it. Instead I crocheted a modified Bachelor's Button. I also crocheted a hot pad for the bottom of the teapot. / The yarn I have used is Patons Shetland Chunky - Earthy Brown and Canyon Variegated from my stash. / I had purchased this yarn for another Pick-up Diamond Helmet, Knitter's Magazine K77, Winter 2004, p. 46 (the one pictured here is also knit with Patons Shetland Chunky) but to make the tea cosy instead.
	I am also doing more work on my Reversible Cable Knit Scarf. I am loving it. (Sorry, this is an old photo.)
	I have started the Catalina Shawl with Fiddlesticks Garnet Lace yarn. It is 50% silk and 50% merino wool. This is my first lace project and there has been a steep learning curve. I think I have had to rip out at least 5 times! I am making headway now. Pictures are coming.
	After seeing Jared's zeebee and garter stitch scarf I knew I had to make one too. (see his entries for 5.29.2007 and 6.07.2007) I am making my own with Dee's Posh Yarn, Eva 8 ply cashmere & silk in Love is... colourway. Truly luscious!
	And I have added another project to my list (the only one I will admit to today). I want to make a Clapotis wrap in Hand Maiden fine yarn, Lady Godiva, Renaissance Colourway. I bought this yarn from an American shop (lovely to do business with them) and had to pay duty when it arrived (ouch). And it burned all the more when I found out that Hand Maiden fine yarn is hand dyed in Canada!

I have not touched my Autumn Afternoons Cardigan since March...

Hip Hats

Title: Get Your Crochet On: Hip Hats & Cool Caps
Author: Afya Ibomu
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Taunton (Nov 7, 2006)
ISBN-10: 1561588504
ISBN-13: 978-1561588503

Given my love of crocheting hats I knew I had to get this book when I saw it on the CraftSanity Blog here. I wasn't disappointed! It is appealing from the very start. Although a paperback, the paper weight is substantial. The cover is pre-folded 1/4" from the spine to help keep the book open without hands - a good design element for a pattern book. It is a colourful book with wonderful pictures and an easy to read style. The Getting Started section is targeted to the beginner. Afya has created the best set of crochet instructions I have seen. She has full colour pictures and diagrams to illustrate all the key points and step-by-step instructions. The diagrams are large and easy to understand. The "Making a Bib" (also called a bill) section is terrific; I haven't found this information elsewhere. Afya offers instructions for both a smaller or larger bib that can be added to many of her designs.

The 20 original designs are terrific. I think my favourites are The MC (Master of Ceremonies Rap Artist) a classic baseball cap, Queen (see picture), Kinky Reggae (this pattern is available for free on the CraftSanity Blog); Soon Come (similar to a newsboy-style cap), O.G. (Original gangsta) fedora type, Soldier (see picture), and Superfly. There are a few designs that are made to accommodate dreads. The patterns are clearly written. The only problem is that there are no measurements available for each finished project. The patterns either are for one-size or have small, medium and large adjustments.

All in all, this book is a very welcome addition to my crochet library. All my other crochet hat books have only caucasian models and many of the designs are downright hilarious. I think the beginner to the advanced crocheter would enjoy and use this book. Thank you Afya for publishing your work!

Ottawa Knit & Crochet Group

I have found an Ottawa Knitting & Crochet Group! I am nervous about attending but I am determined to go.

Here is the information for those of you, dear reader, who may happen to be in Ottawa too.

When: Every 3rd Friday of the month after 6 pm (next meeting will be June 15th - I don't think I can go this date, but I will go on July 20th)
Where: Arrow & Loon Pub 99 Fifth Avenue (at Bank Street, in the Glebe.
Show up for dinner and drinks, bring your work with you.
Apparently there is a core group of about 6 people and they are happy to have others join.

The group was formed out of a local yarn store, Yarn Forward & Sew On at 581 Bank Street. Their telephone number is (613) 237-8008.

Perhaps we'll meet there!

Mangoes for Breakfast

Crochet Hooks: 9 mm (N) & 5 mm(H) Yarn: (Main Colour = MC; Contrast Colour = CC) MC 1: Cotton BIG Sport by Idena - Mango, 20 balls, 65% Cotton/35% Acrylic, 100 gm, 80 m, Needle: 7 mm, Tension: 12 sts = 10 cm (4”) MC 2 (or CC): Melody by Patons - Sunny Yellow, 20 balls, 68% Acrylic/32% Nylon, 100 gm, 78 m, Needle : 10mm, Tension: 9sts = 10cm (4") CC: Big Point by Gedifra - Cherry, 1 ball, 60% Cotton/40% Acrylic, 33 m, 50 gm, Needle: 10 mm, Tension: 9 sts x 10 rows CC: Luisa by Gedifra - Cantaloupe, 1 ball, 55% Cotton/ 45% Acrylic, 60 m, 50 gm, Needle: 6 mm; Tension: 14 sts x 18 rows CC: Luisa by Gedifra - Lime, 1 ball, 55% Cotton/ 45% Acrylic, 60 m, 50 gm, Needle: 6 mm; Tension: 14 sts x 18 rows CC: Melissa by Austermann - Tapenade, 4 balls, 33% Acrylic Microfibre/ 33% Cotton/ 28% Nylon/ 6% Polyester, 45 m, 50g, Needle: 5.5-6.0 mm, Tension: 10 st/10 cm CC: Melissa by Austermann - Burgundy Lights, 4 balls, 33% Acrylic Microfibre/ 33% Cotton/ 28% Nylon/ 6% Polyester, 45 m, 50g, Needle: 5.5-6.0 mm, Tension: 10 st/10 cm Afghan size: 8" squares, Double bed, 8 x 10 = 80 squares Pattern: (makes one 8" x 8" square) Start using 9 mm crochet hook Foundation chain: Using CC, ch 4, join with Sl st to form ring Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as DC now and throughout), DC2 in ring, ch 2, *DC 3 in ring, ch 2, repeat from * 3 times, join with Sl st to top of beginning ch 3 Round 2: Ch 3, 1 DC in next st x 2, then DC 2 in ch 2 corner, ch 2, and DC 2 in same ch 2 corner, *1 DC in next st x 3, then DC 2 in ch 2 corner, ch 2, and DC 2 in same ch 2 corner, repeat from * 3 times, join with Sl st to top of beginning ch 3. Round 3: Change to MC 1. Ch 3, 1 DC in next st x 4, then DC 2 in ch 2 corner, ch 2, and DC 2 in same ch 2 corner, *1 DC in next st x 7, then DC 2 in ch 2 corner, ch 2, and DC 2 in same ch 2 corner, repeat from * 3 times, 1 DC in next st x 2, join with Sl st to top of beginning ch 3. Round 4: Ch 3, 1 DC in next st x 6, then DC 2 in ch 2 corner, ch 2, and DC 2 in same ch 2 corner, *1 DC in next st x 11, then DC 2 in ch 2 corner, ch 2, and DC 2 in same ch 2 corner, repeat from * 3 times, 1 DC in next st x 4, join with Sl st to top of beginning ch 3. Round 5: Change to 5 mm crochet hook and MC 2. Ch 3, 1 DC in next st x 8, then DC 2 in ch 2 corner, ch 3, and DC 2 in same ch 2 corner, *1 DC in next st x 15, then DC 2 in ch 2 corner, ch 3, and DC 2 in same ch 2 corner, repeat from * 3 times, 1 DC in next st x 6, join with Sl st to top of beginning ch 3. Round 6: Ch 2, 1 sc in next st x 10, then sc 2 in ch 3 corner, ch 3, and sc 2 in same ch 3 corner, *1 sc in next st x 19, then sc 2 in ch 3 corner, ch 3, and sc 3 in same ch 3 corner, repeat from * 3 times, 1 sc in next st x 8, join with Sl st to top of beginning ch 2. Fasten off. Join the squares using a thin yarn of similar colour to MC 2 using a mattress stitch. I will join my squares in random order using this List Randomizer. The stitches used in this pattern are easy to learn. If you wish to read a tutorial on these stitches go here (left hand & right hand). Abbreviations: ch = chain, DC = double crochet, sc = single crochet, sl st = slip stitch

Mad Hatter

Picture 1	Picture 2

I have fallen in love with making crocheted hats. It is so much fun and so fast!

This all started with an odd ball yarn (Clara by Filatura Di Crosa in Melon) . It is a lovely braided 100% wool yarn that is so soft and stretchy. I thought it would make a terrific hat, but for whom? (I confess, my lovely large head does not sport hats well.) Then I realized, I have a very good friend who is trying to grow her natural black hair. She feels it is at an awkward stage right now and loves to wear hats. I now had a project with a purpose!

I started with the Headhuggers There Are Holes In My Hat -- Skully Version pattern. The Clara turned out to be too bulky for this pattern. So, what to do? Go check out the LYS of course! (Note: I made the large adult size of this pattern - 16 rounds)

I came home with Lang Tosca in 059 (gold, orange, rust) and 095 (brown, red). It was so lovely to crochet with and so much fun with the changing colours.

I was having such a great time and couldn't stop there. I went out and got some cotton - Bernat Handcrafter Cotton in Potpourri Ombre. (I also got Sunkissed Ombre and Country Sage Ombre - at less than $1.50 a ball I couldn't resist.)

I learned how to make a Reverse Single Crochet border (see below)

Reverse Singe Crochet Border - At the end of your crochet row chain 1. Do not turn your work (or if you are working in the round, go in the counter clockwise direction). Insert your hook in the previous stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook. Draw the yarn through the stitch. You will now have 2 loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over your hook again and draw the yarn through both loops. Continue in this fashion to create a lovely border.

Picture 1: (L to R) Tam (variation on Skully) in Tosca 095 , Skully in Tosca 059, Skully in Potpourri Ombre, Mesh Cap (Hooked Hats, 20 Easy Crochet Projects p. 29) in Clara with some Cotton and Tosca.

Picture 2: Side view of the Tam in Tosca 095 (the brim is in Lily Cotton Sugar'n Spice Worsted Warm Brown)

Ravelry is cool

I think. I'm not a member so I don't know for sure.

This is a new group (the developers call it a knit and crochet community) that is starting up. Right now, since it under development (beta), one can't sign up without an invitation. But sometime, hopefully soon, the rest of us will be able to join.

Check it out!



ETA (2007-JUN-05): Ravelry is still in its beta form. They have had a greater request for membership than they anticipated. So those of us on the waiting list, don't despair, read this instead. (An explanation by one of the developers, Casey)

New Afghan

I have started on a new crocheted afghan. I am calling it Mangoes for Breakfast.

I don't think my pictures do justice to the colors; the yellow is more sunny. This all started with the purchase of a yarn on sale called Cotton Big Sport - Mango. This bright colour is much zestier than my usual preference. Understandably, it made me think of mangoes and their golden yellow flesh. My thoughts then took me to memories of a dear friend who has moved halfway across the continent. She loves yellow. Every time she moves she paints her kitchen a glorious yellow colour. Then the idea came to me; why not make her a bright, sunny, glorious afghan that pays tribute to mangoes everywhere and their sunshine yellowness?

I have been inspired by posts elsewhere that celebrate these bright colours. Here are some for you to visit:

• The Knitting Adventuress on blogspot.com ;
• The cover photo for Debbie Bliss's book Home;
• The Prairie Braid Quilt at patchpieces.com;
• Nona's Log Cabin Swatches.

There are actually many more places and people that inspire this project. There are too many to list (and I have lost some of their links - sorry).

I planned to knit these squares. I considered intarsia squares, centre-out mitered squares, and outside-in mitered squares. Unfortunately the yarn I am using is moslty discontinued and of slightly varied weights. I find that crochet is more forgiving of this and that's how I returned to my standard granny square pattern.

Question 17 0507

I am trying something different. On the 17th of each month I will post a question for you. I am hoping this will generate some interest and help promote our craft. Please answer by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of this post. Thanks a bunch! (Feel free to grab the Question 17 button for your blog.)

Question 17 (0507): What is your favourite free pattern found on the web? (Please supply the link.) Have you made this pattern yet?

pattern contest(s)

Dear Reader;
Have you ever thought of designing a pattern? Are you a secret designer (you make things of your own design, don't write the pattern down, or tell others about your work)? Are you a developing designer? Here are some opportunities that you should consider. Go for it! Share your talent and creativity! You have nothing to lose. (I'll post the contests as I find them.)

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Click for details!

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Create a Knitty.com Submission

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Simply Knitting Pattern Challenge

13 publications per year

Send your pattern and photos of the item and yourself (or you can send them the actual item) to:

Pattern Challenge, Simply Knitting, Future, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW

or email the details and your photos to simplyknitting@futurenet.co.uk

e.g., Spring 2007 Winner - Simple Knit Hat made with 1 x 50 gm DK yarn (self-patterning)

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on a snowy day

The Easy Granny Quilt Afghan is done. The finished size is 37" x 54.5". It was supposed to be 39" x 59".

I did do a mini kill of the acrylic (see blocking acrylic). I used an ironing board, an plant spray bottle filled with tap water, an iron set on medium high, a cotton ironing cloth. The completed afghan was bumpy and had curled edges. Here is what I did:

1. Preset the iron temperature to medium high without steam;
2. I soaked the cotton cloth and then wrung it out;
3. Measured the width I wanted the afghan to be on the ironing board;
4. Started at a narrow side of the afghan and sprayed it damp with water. I did not soak it;
5. Stretched the afghan to the desired shape;
6. Covered a section of the afghan with the pressing cloth and gently pressed until the cloth was almost dry;
7. The rest of the afghan was done in the same manner until completed;
8. I found that I did not have to press for as long as I did at the start (this may be different if you are using acrylic to make a lace project);
9. The end result is more well behaved, but a little less lofty;
10. It can be machine washed & dried and this process does not need to be repeated.

I am still working on the pillow covering. I will post a picture of it once it is completed.

I have a little of the completed project blues. It's done. I am quite happy with the finished product. But now I don't have any granny squares to work on. I have to let go of the perfect dream of the imagined finished afghan. Don't get me wrong, I am happy, but I do have a wee bittersweet feeling underneath it all after deciding it's done.

slow going

I don't think I will be killing any acrylic this weekend. I am still under the weather. We think it is pertussis, or also known as the 100 day cough (lovely). True, I have been vaccinated against this bacteria, but in adulthood one's immunity can wain, and there you are, whooping away. Enough said about this. It's just that my hopes for finishing the Easy Granny Quilt Afghan this weekend will not be fulfilled. I am still at the joining phase, and can only do it in small bursts.

Initial Post: long overdue

Related Post(s): squares are done, memories of colour

I stopped off at Jane's Yarnstorm again today and left a short note. So if you're coming by to check out pictures of my Red Rose Tea box, here here they are.

Happy tea time!

guessing game

Amigurumi
(as I understand it, amigurumi, translated from Japanese, means knitted or crocheted doll)

Ta da! Here we have a blue crocheted ball. It was going to be a Crochet Cat (Amineko)* designed by Nekoyama. However, I won't have enough of this left over yarn to complete the cat. So I am pondering other options for this future amigurumi. Or perhaps it will remain a large and oddly shaped hacky sack. I'll keep you posted.


You can see more pictures of amigurumi books at Clementine's Shoes Photos.

*Nekoyama's website contains this pattern in English as well as Japanese.

one step forward

A boy's own jacket
The ShineSport (in River & Sky) arrived on Thursday from Knitpicks. It feels wonderful. I knit up a swatch using 4 mm (instead of 5 mm as indicated for Rowan's Calmer) and the tension matched! The problem is that I think the swatch is too limp for a jacket. So I broke down and purchased the required amount of Calmer in Slosh & Calmer colours! So now what to do with the ShineSport? Since the Knitpicks yarn is fairly inexpensive I don't think it is worth while to return the yarn. I don't like the idea of paying shipping twice and having nothing to show for it! The swatch made me think, this would make a luscious camisole. So I am considering Interweave Knits Lace Nightie (Spring 2007) or a version of Erika Knight's cotton camisole (Classic Knits, p. 83). Still, the colours River and Sky are not what I would have chosen if I had planned to make these projects. Perhaps I will exchange these balls for something else. I hope the Calmer arrives soon - I don't want to cut it too close to the wee one's birthday!

Initial Post: baby boy blue

Easy Granny Quilt Afghan
I have tried both a chain stitch and an invisible stitch to join the squares. I really prefer the invisible stitch - it looks more classic. The chain stitch created a more rustic look. Some may have liked it, but it's not for me. I am about 1/4 through piecing it together. So far I am quite happy with the the result. Pictures will follow.

Initial Post: long overdue
Related Post(s): squares are done , memories of colour

Hunter V-neck Sweater
I am about 2/3 done the back. That's a lot of stocking stitch, for sure. But I don't mind, I find it soothing at the end of the day.

Intial Post: something my love will wear

memories of colour

It's strange how I recall colours. As I have been working on the Easy Granny Quilt Afghan I keep thinking of blue bottle flies. Their colour amazes.

Photo Credit: Vicky Adams, 2005

Initial Post: long overdue
Related Post(s): squares are done, slow going

squares are done

I have completed the squares for my Easy Granny Quilt Afghan. It sure feels good! The excitement of nearing completion woke me up 2 hours before my alarm. Now I have to figure out how I am going to connect them together. I have been thinking of a chain stitch that would be visible from both sides. My preference is usually to have an invisible stitch. I'll try them both and then make my decision.

The colour is off in the above pictures - especially the blue. It is more muted and is blue, purple, with a slight hint of green. It reminds me of the colour of blue bottle flies. (I hope this doesn't offend your sensibilities too much - but I have spent many a hot summer afternoon admiring the colour(s) of blue bottle flies. In principle I am not so fond of flies, but when hanging out on my grandmother's farm I accepted them as inescapable.)

Initial Post: long overdue
Related Post(s): memories of colour, slow going

long overdue

I am working on an afghan for my brother and sister-in-law. I had started working on an afghan before their marriage (it was to be a wedding present) but only got 1/4 completed before I saw that my tension had changed as I had progressed. The beautiful jewel tone afghan was lopsided. I gave up. In my non-craft period I gave away all of the beautiful yarn (wool mohair blend) along with the lopsided "throw."

They have been together for 2 decades and I thought I would finally make them an afghan. This one is not as ambitious as my first attempt. It crocheted in squares so it is very easy to take with me. The pattern is very basic - Easy Granny Quilt Afghan. The squares are 19 cm, and oriented on the diagonal. The finished squares are very soft and rich looking - I think this will turn out well.

Pattern: Easy Granny Quilt Afghan. Page 11

Book: Homespun 6 Crocheted Quilt Afghans, by Lion Brand

ISBN: 023032799025

The yarn is Homespun a Bouclé by Lion Brand (not my favourite to work with, too squeaky)

Amount: 169 m /170 gm balls

Content: 98% acrylic, 2% polyester

Care: Machine wash and dry; do not bleach or iron

Status:

Colour A (373 Ebony) - 8/8 Squares, 6/6 Half Squares, 4 /4 Corners

Colour B (312 Edwardian) - 1/6 Squares, 4/4 Half Squares

Colour C (320 Regency) - 2/8 Squares

Colour D (302 Colonial) - 1/17 Squares, 6/6 Half Squares

Follow-up post(s): squares are done, memories of colour, slow going