tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19586104462006392322024-03-13T11:50:46.116-04:00Hooray Crochethappy, lovely, handmadeClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-56529399784675994302013-07-16T10:30:00.000-04:002013-07-16T10:30:03.398-04:00Hook size, gauge, and drape<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RPLjarBjdk/UeSWhp7gbWI/AAAAAAAAAug/Q9pfU8_slek/s1600/holla+knits+pic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RPLjarBjdk/UeSWhp7gbWI/AAAAAAAAAug/Q9pfU8_slek/s400/holla+knits+pic.jpeg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My "County Fair" scarf</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Crochet gets a bad rap for producing thick, stiff, ugly fabric--suitable for an <br />
afghan, maybe, but too awkward for garments or anything requiring drape. And it's true--there are a lot of bad sweater patterns that seem to bear this out.<br />
<br />
But it doesn't have to be true. And it's actually really, really easy to fix.<br />
<br />
Certainly, crochet lends itself nicely to projects that need structure. It's ideal for amigurumi and other stuffed toys for this reason. I love my dense single-crochet potholders, too. But as the patterns in the new <a href="http://hollaknits.com/Crochet_2013.html" target="_blank">Holla Knits crochet collection</a> prove, it's also easy to make beautifully drapey crochet fabric as well. (Seriously, check out Rohn Strong's lovely "<a href="http://www.hollaknits.com/blog/store/products/betty-betty-grable-crochet-pattern-by-rohn-strong/" target="_blank">Betty... Betty Grable</a>" and admire the way that fabric falls.)<br />
<br />
"Drape" refers to the way a fabric flows, and, well... drapes. In crochet, as in knitting, it's affected by several factors: yarn weight, fiber content, stitch pattern, blocking, and hook size, among others. Today, we'll just focus on hook size.<br />
<br />
In the picture below, I've got Henri the artist's model showing off three different swatches. All of them use Lion Brand's Cotton-Ease, a worsted weight cotton/acrylic blend (the same yarn I used in my <a href="http://www.hollaknits.com/blog/store/products/county-fair-scarf-crochet-pattern-by-claire-denny/" target="_blank">County Fair Scarf</a>, modeled above), but they're worked up with three different hooks. From left to right, they are: J/10 (6.0 mm), H/8 (5.0 mm), and F/5 (3.75 mm).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-By3xS3cZwUw/UeSV3po0T8I/AAAAAAAAAuY/Yd_JQS-66rw/s1600/crochet+swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-By3xS3cZwUw/UeSV3po0T8I/AAAAAAAAAuY/Yd_JQS-66rw/s320/crochet+swatches.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Work that runway, Henri.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even without feeling the fabric in your hands, it's easy to see how the swatch made with the F hook barely drapes at all, while the swatch from the J hook flows quite nicely. I chose the H hook, in the middle, because that's the recommended hook size on the ball band. It makes an okay fabric, but here's a secret: when yarn manufacturers include a recommended hook size at all (and many don't), it's usually the exact same as the recommended knitting needle size. But since crochet and knitting produce fabric in very different ways, and with very different characteristics, making a one-to-one swap like that doesn't always work out well. Often, you'll need to go up a size or two from the recommendation to get a fabric with a drape that's comparable to the knitted version.<br />
<br />
From the picture, it's easy to see how a small change can make a huge difference in the finished product, and how important it is to consider how your yarn, hook, and stitch pattern will interact in the fabric you're creating. I wanted my County Fair Scarf to be drapey and super squishy--so I pair worsted weight yarn and a granny stitch pattern with a K (6.5mm) hook. This made the fabric thicker, but also airier--exactly the sort of "squish factor" I was hoping for.<br />
<br />
On the opposite end of the spectrum, take a look at Ann Leachman's pattern "<a href="http://www.hollaknits.com/blog/store/products/prim-crochet-pattern-by-ann-leachman/" target="_blank">Prim</a>" from the collection--the small hook gives her collar the stiffness and structure it needs to hold its shape. It's a great way to harness crochet's natural sculptural qualities and use them for good and not evil. Or at least for cute accessories instead of toilet paper cozies.<br />
<br />
Don't be afraid to experiment with hooks and yarns until you find a combination that's perfect for your project. I promise, there are no crochet police who are going to ticket you for ignoring the recommended hook size. <br />
<br />
<b>BONUS TIME: </b>As your reward for wading through this little essay, I'm giving away a free copy of the pattern for my County Fair scarf. It's easy pattern, very suitable for beginners, and uses surprisingly little yarn for its size (less than a skein of each color). Just leave a comment below, and be sure to include a way for me to get in touch. I promise I will ONLY use your contact info if you're the winner--no spam here. The contest will be open until midnight eastern time on July 23 (one week from today). Good luck!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-56046029899250314312013-07-15T20:22:00.000-04:002013-07-15T20:22:02.433-04:00True confessions<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnfXf3KPTDg/UeSRnxWyJtI/AAAAAAAAAuI/R19p6WOpsX8/s1600/yarn+and+stitch+markers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnfXf3KPTDg/UeSRnxWyJtI/AAAAAAAAAuI/R19p6WOpsX8/s400/yarn+and+stitch+markers.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gorgeous yarn, though, right? I just want to snuggle it.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not saying that I make coordinating customized stitch markers every time I get an exciting new yarn or pattern, but...<br />
<br />
... I'm not saying that I don't, either.<br />
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-66842447249018504082013-07-05T12:00:00.000-04:002013-07-05T12:00:03.119-04:00Brainstorming<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czMgw2v365I/UdBy0_tvfqI/AAAAAAAAAto/P2AaUz_Rdec/s804/day+23+planning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czMgw2v365I/UdBy0_tvfqI/AAAAAAAAAto/P2AaUz_Rdec/s804/day+23+planning.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A little glimpse into my brainstorming process</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-22823378098053000642013-07-03T12:00:00.000-04:002013-07-03T12:00:04.452-04:00What's on my needles: Scarf edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0fb1cueLz68/UdBWFscl6xI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/hgWhVfzzrvE/s1600/paranoid+android+WIP+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0fb1cueLz68/UdBWFscl6xI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/hgWhVfzzrvE/s1600/paranoid+android+WIP+1.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
This is my current "purse project"--something compact and simple I can work on in waiting rooms, on lunch breaks, and sometimes, when I'm very lucky, on the Metro.<br />
<br />
The pattern is "Trillian" by the incomparable Martina Behm, and it's both simple and quite clever. Every two-row repeat includes one decrease and two increases, which creates a long asymmetrical triangle designed to use exactly as much yarn as you happen to have. The eyelet edging is worked at the same time as the body of the scarf, and the whole thing uses stitches simple enough even for a beginner like me.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-VPIjItcI0/UdBWF1ybFxI/AAAAAAAAAtU/8MgJvyJ7304/s800/paranoid+android+wip+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-VPIjItcI0/UdBWF1ybFxI/AAAAAAAAAtU/8MgJvyJ7304/s800/paranoid+android+wip+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>The yarn is Berocco Comfort Sock, a surprisingly squishy nylon/acrylic blend. (I know, I can hear you animal-fiber folks cringing, but it's really rather nice--feels cottony, but with more give.) It came to me by way of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/quovadishandspun?ref=pr_faveshops">Quo Vadis Handspun</a> on Etsy, where it was hand-dyed in those brilliant shades of gray and red. I'm normally wary of variegated yarns, but with only two colors I thought this might be a safe bet. So far, I like it; the colors are pooling in interesting ways and it makes an otherwise rather mindless stitch a little more fun to watch develop.<br />
<br />
I posted two pictures to show how it's developing (and don't worry, the car was parked in photo #2). I've only used about half my yarn, so I've got a ways to go yet, but with no particular hurry, I'm enjoying the process.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-80220269853376194522013-07-01T11:00:00.000-04:002013-07-02T16:10:33.869-04:00Update: Long-standing Guilt Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zX5AEO1PXlk/UdBKADhqIKI/AAAAAAAAAtA/l9WD0kyP_Mo/s1600/hobbes+finished+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zX5AEO1PXlk/UdBKADhqIKI/AAAAAAAAAtA/l9WD0kyP_Mo/s1600/hobbes+finished+2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
This is the finished version of the <a href="http://hooraycrochetblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/whats-on-my-hook-guilt-shame-edition.html">long-standing WIP</a> I mentioned a few months ago. I worked on it pretty steadily after that post, and although it was tedious in the extreme, it was so worth it. My husband is eminently craft-worthy, and he waited a long time for this.<br />
<br />
The finished Hobbes is 16 inches from toes to ears, with another 10 inches of tail. Eleven total pieces needing assembly, plus a few bits of felt applique. Given that assembly and finishing is my least favorite part of any project, this was definitely a labor of love.<br />
<br />
The scarf wasn't included in the original pattern, but Hobbes (in tiger form) wears a red scarf in several of the comics, and I thought he needed a little something. It's just two or three long rows of double-crochet, whipped up in about fifteen minutes.<br />
<br />
The white and orange yarns are Red Heart Super Saver (not my favorite, especially for amigurumi, but it was the only suitable orange, and I had the white on hand anyway), and the black is Red Heart Soft Yarn. The red might be Vanna's Choice, but I wouldn't stake money on it--it's been in my stash forever and the yarn band's long since lost. I used a 4.5 mm hook.<br />
<br />
The pattern is free and available <a href="http://sukigirl74.blogspot.com/2011/03/free-hobbes-crochet-pattern.html">from sukigirl's blog</a>. I also recommend taking a look at Needle Noodle's <a href="http://needlenoodles.com/home/node/139">tutorial for jogless stripes in the round</a>, which made a huge difference in the look of the finished project. Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-7772859008098773372013-06-30T10:58:00.000-04:002013-06-30T10:58:59.869-04:00It's possible I've actually learned something about knitting<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcLUB3l_yFk/UdBBOdaNEsI/AAAAAAAAAsU/l-zb72EbtM0/s1600/sapphire+and+steam+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcLUB3l_yFk/UdBBOdaNEsI/AAAAAAAAAsU/l-zb72EbtM0/s1600/sapphire+and+steam+3.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Terrible picture, favorite scarf.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://hooraycrochetblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/hooray-knitting.html">Some time ago</a>, I decided I was ready to learn to knit. It... did not go well. A year later, I decided (again) that I wanted to learn to knit--for really really, this time. It also <a href="http://hooraycrochetblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/being-fancy-is-hard-work-or-how-to-go.html">did not go well</a>. I did get that yarn untangled, eventually (I outsourced), but that particular project is still only five or six pattern repeats in. I look at it sometimes, and sigh, but I haven't actually picked it back up yet.<br />
<br />
That does NOT mean, however, that I haven't been knitting. I'm made huge improvements in that arena, although given what I was starting out with, anything would have been an improvement, up to and including setting that first swatch on fire. My projects page on Ravelry tells me I've got twelve finished knitting pieces, and while some of them are pretty terrible (I'm looking at you, beach-towel-sized dishcloth!), some of them are actually pretty great. (See photo at left.)<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPKgBgAauwQ/UdBCb42PvHI/AAAAAAAAAsg/0zmZBD3O1BU/s1600/dinsdale+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPKgBgAauwQ/UdBCb42PvHI/AAAAAAAAAsg/0zmZBD3O1BU/s1600/dinsdale+1.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>DINSDALE!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I even marshaled all my wits and knit a few small things in the round with double-pointed needles (DPNs). I admit, I didn't think anything good could possibly result from adding<i> more</i> needles to the mix, but then things started working <i>exactly the way they were supposed to work</i> and suddenly I had a painfully cute stuffed hedgehog. (The free pattern is available from <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/2/9/whits-knits-knit-hedgehogs.html">Purl Bee</a>, which is a great source of attractive, beginner-appropriate patterns.)<br />
<br />
I've learned that I do best if I choose patterns that only have me learning one or two new things at a time. There are some people who can make the leap from a garter stitch scarf to a shaped sweater, and feel invigorated by the challenge, but I'm not one of them. Limiting the number of new skills per pattern keeps me interested, but also allows me to actually master all of them by the time I move on to the next thing.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aMeXwe_UAQ/UdBE1RuhimI/AAAAAAAAAsw/TzzBWCZJFJ8/s800/paranoid+android+wip+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aMeXwe_UAQ/UdBE1RuhimI/AAAAAAAAAsw/TzzBWCZJFJ8/s800/paranoid+android+wip+2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A scarf-in-progress</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I've also found the videos at <a href="http://knittinghelp.com/">KnittingHelp.com</a> to be invaluable. That's the magic of the internet, right there: watching someone do the exact thing I'm trying to do, in slow motion, over and over again for as long as it takes me to understand (without having to worry that someone's looking over my shoulder, rolling their eyes, and wondering why I'm so dense, it's just an ssk, <i>jeese.</i>) They even have separate videos for continental and English-style knitters. Magic, I tell you, magic!<br />
<br />
I don't think I'll be changing the name of this blog to "Hooray Knitting" any time soon--it doesn't have the same ring to it, for one, and crochet remains my first love. But it's exciting to see actual progress, to be able to knit things that I actually want to have, finally. Apparently being bi-craftual <i>is</i> all it's cracked up to be. Who knew?!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-10456869714485023082013-05-24T20:26:00.000-04:002013-05-24T20:26:00.170-04:00Never say neverSo remember awhile ago, I said I was interested in learning to dye pretty yarn, but not interested in spinning?<br />
<br />
Well.<br />
<br />
This happened:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTRUGEASz4c/UaAE8EElcEI/AAAAAAAAAro/0minjv059kk/s1600/CameraZOOM-20130521195918954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTRUGEASz4c/UaAE8EElcEI/AAAAAAAAAro/0minjv059kk/s1600/CameraZOOM-20130521195918954.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Oops?Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-45146393521666445902013-03-13T20:50:00.000-04:002013-03-13T20:50:27.138-04:00What's on my hook: swatching<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apgQFQy3oY4/UUEc83UTowI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/_lsBlw9eJ9w/s1600/granny+square+swatches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apgQFQy3oY4/UUEc83UTowI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/_lsBlw9eJ9w/s1600/granny+square+swatches.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Neither of these ended up being my final swatch.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I would have thought that I've made enough granny squares in my life that I don't need to swatch before beginning a granny-themed pattern proposal, but it turns out I do. The difference between those two squares shows why. I made both with worsted weight yarn, and both are about 4" square. But the gray swatch on the left was done with a J (6mm) hook, while the green square on the right was done with a K (6.5mm) hook. Nearly the same size, but one less round, uses less yarn, and will give the finished product a very different look--more open and "holey." Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing depends on what I want to achieve. Thus the swatching. From the swatch I can also calculate the size of the finished product and the total amount of yarn it will use. It almost makes up for the tedium of making a square, measuring it, making another square with a different hook, ripping out the first one, re-doing it in a different yarn, re-measuring... et cetera.<br />
<br />
All of these granny squares are towards another pattern proposal, this time for a yarn company. I can't share further details or photos (most publishers prefer the patterns they publish to not have been plastered all over the internet beforehand, understandably), but so far it's going well. The swatch I'll be submitting is turning out to be <i>gigantic,</i> but such is life with a motif-based afghan, I suppose.<br />
<br />
And now it's back to work! Taking a break from crocheting in order to type is probably not an orthopedist-approved action, but at least it's <i>different</i> repetitive motion, right?Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-56064635099004112232013-03-11T12:30:00.000-04:002013-03-11T12:30:00.978-04:00Yarn store score<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Joo96V6aGN4/UT0F_UuSOvI/AAAAAAAAAoA/dm45eoW79Ck/s1600/yarn+store+score.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Joo96V6aGN4/UT0F_UuSOvI/AAAAAAAAAoA/dm45eoW79Ck/s1600/yarn+store+score.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So soft! So squishy! So plant-fibery! And it's mine, all mine!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My closest local yarn store (A Tangled Skein in Hyattsville) is within days of closing. (Sad face!) I went for (what I thought was) the last time a few weeks back, and left with a bunch of lovely linen yarn, but when I heard everything was down to 75% off, I had to go back. There was almost nothing left when I got there--mostly some weird novelty yarn and a few needle sets, but I managed to leave with a decent haul anyway.<br />
<br />
From left to right: 2 skeins of Fibranatura Flax (100% linen), 3 skeins of Classic Elite "Seedling" (organic cotton and <i>so</i> soft), 4 skeins of Classic Elite "Cotton Bam Boo" (cotton/bamboo, also super soft and squishy), and 5 skeins of Queensland "Bebe CotSoy (cotton/soy). The CotSoy is the only thing I have an actual plan for (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hogwarts-express">Hogwarts Express</a>, to be cast on as soon as I finish <a href="http://hooraycrochetblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/whats-on-my-hook-guilt-shame-edition.html">Hobbes</a>, because I need it <i>like breathing</i>), but I have great faith in my ability to find suitable projects for the other yarn, too.<br />
<br />
Oh, and the best part? I walked away with 1600+ yards of squooshy delicious plant fibers for $25. Amazing! I'll miss A Tangled Skein, but man, was that an awesome sale.<br />
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-47185408493879644952013-03-08T18:08:00.000-05:002013-03-08T18:08:09.099-05:00<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;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGkTEHlTEbo/UTpuIscV7KI/AAAAAAAAAnw/oZIDewCRs6M/s1600/sapphire+and+steam+2.JPG" height="253" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I thought I checked the dye lots on the yarn, but this photo is making me wonder...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGkTEHlTEbo/UTpuIscV7KI/AAAAAAAAAnw/oZIDewCRs6M/s1600/sapphire+and+steam+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
I took advantage of Wednesday's (snow-free) snow day to block my "Sapphire & Steam" scarf (<a href="http://hooraycrochetblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/whats-on-my-needles.html">posted as a WIP</a> last week). Blocking items need to be constantly supervised around these parts--I have four very curious cats who would love nothing more than to make a cozy nest out of my knitwear. We managed to get through the whole process without any kitty-related incidents, though, and I wore the scarf today. I can already tell it's going to become a new favorite.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-65308181658404836072013-03-06T19:46:00.000-05:002013-03-06T19:46:01.164-05:00What's on my hook: guilt & shame edition<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvOhcjnjL-Y/UTfhPdYpidI/AAAAAAAAAnk/eXK8bjnNDlQ/s1600/hobbes+in+progress+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvOhcjnjL-Y/UTfhPdYpidI/AAAAAAAAAnk/eXK8bjnNDlQ/s1600/hobbes+in+progress+1.JPG" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished: head, body, muzzle. Still left: arms, legs, tail, belly patch, ears.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I mentioned last week that I had works in progress (WIPs) that were nearly a year old, this was the one I was really thinking of. I promised my husband, a lifelong Calvin & Hobbes fan, a crocheted amigurumi Hobbes (from <a href="http://sukigirl74.blogspot.com/2011/03/free-hobbes-crochet-pattern.html">this pattern</a>) for his birthday... last year. Given that his birthday is coming up (again! it's like they happen every year) at the end of this month, I thought I'd better get on this. It's been hanging over my head, filling me with (well-deserved) guilt since last year. Time to do something about it. Besides, I'm no longer trying to keep the project a secret from him, so it's a lot easier to find time to work on it.<br />
<br />
I finished the blue scarf that I posted about last week, so perhaps this post will be the boost I need to finish this project, too.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-33564969559288518412013-03-05T18:30:00.001-05:002013-03-05T18:30:15.297-05:00Tuesday Treasury: Snow Day <h2 style=" font-size:16px; font-family:sans-serif; margin-left: 10px; "> <a style=" color:#333333; text-decoration: none; " onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODIxOTU3OXwyNzIxNTEzNjQz"> 'Snow Day' </a> by <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hooraycrochet"> hooraycrochet </a> </h2> <h2 style=" font-size:16px; font-family:sans-serif; margin-left: 10px; "> Normally I'd say it's a little late in the season for this theme, but the National Weather Service seems to disagree.<br> </h2> <table style=" border-spacing: 8px; width:auto; border-collapse: separate; line-height:19px; "> <tbody><tr> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70170011" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5982605/il_170x135.227690474.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70170011" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Yeti Illustration :... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kaydididart" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Kaydididart </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $20 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109650613" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/001/0/6978722/il_170x135.375884480_496s.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109650613" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> PEARL GREY Infinity... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Scarfworld" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Scarfworld </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $20 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/115219569" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/003/0/7397986/il_170x135.396106084_5mrj.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/115219569" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Snow Day' Spark... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyMetamorphous" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> MyMetamorphous </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $27 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117551313" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/015/0/6590135/il_170x135.434369997_thrj.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117551313" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Green Pocket Mug, S... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahwelchpottery" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> sarahwelchpott... </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $22 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108923066" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/002/0/6727646/il_170x135.373269138_lfn4.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108923066" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Slouchy Beanie Slou... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lacywork" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Lacywork </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $56.99 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125107333" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/010/0/7654011/il_170x135.433059314_imua.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125107333" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Vintage Enamelware ... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BravaVintage" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> BravaVintage </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $17.5 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91185512" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5898231/il_170x135.305268905.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91185512" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Hand knitted socks </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/QueenBeeElita" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> QueenBeeElita </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $35 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125046110" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/012/1/6708227/il_170x135.432833191_gche.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125046110" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Young Boy Sledding ... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageManhattan" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> VintageManhatt... </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $2.99 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110678486" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/007/0/7227086/il_170x135.379564286_puwo.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110678486" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> 12 Large Bavarian C... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CitrusAtelier" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> CitrusAtelier </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $7 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/116556820" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/010/0/6953562/il_170x135.433520626_pbnd.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/116556820" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Vintage Crochet Afg... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GirlPickers" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> GirlPickers </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $35 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117984171" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/003/0/5372293/il_170x135.406723093_33qg.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117984171" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Sweet vintage sled </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeathersCollectibles" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> HeathersCollec... </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $69.95 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/107904344" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/006/0/5697679/il_170x135.369450490_j486.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/107904344" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Dutch Blue Cabled M... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OuterKnits" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> OuterKnits </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $17.5 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/112783479" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/001/1/6377718/il_170x135.387209053_extp.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/112783479" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Photo booth prop Ab... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyDuneCuts" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> KittyDuneCuts </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $9 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/107589327" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/008/0/6789087/il_170x135.368297935_h932.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/107589327" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Crochet Fingerless ... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theknottedpineapple" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> theknottedpine... </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $20 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111475370" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/005/0/6039078/il_170x135.382451712_ts7n.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111475370" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> chai ORGANIC hot co... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHedgerow" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> TheHedgerow </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $6 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="110px" width="110px"> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/123789278" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style=" border:none; padding:0px; " src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/015/0/6860425/il_170x135.428188204_3xzi.jpg" width="110px"> <br> </a> <a style=" text-decoration: none; " href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/123789278" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Vintage Icelandic H... </span> </a> <br> <div style=" font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; " href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintage211" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> vintage211 </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:7px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $50 </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p style=" color:#B2B2B2; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; margin-left: 10px; "> <a href="http://redrowstudio.com/tools/treasury.php"> Treasury tool </a> supported by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thedoghouse">the dog house</a> </p> Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-11539862409746046732013-03-04T20:25:00.001-05:002013-03-04T20:39:51.803-05:00So many puns, I don't know where to startSo let's pretend I opened with a groaner and move on from there, yes?<br />
<br />
Lately, I've been really interested in learning how to dye yarn. Up until recently, this was something that interested me about as much as spinning--which is to say, not at all. (Sorry, spinners. It's not you, it's wool.)<br />
<br />
But when the more I've started to think about it, the better it sounds. Firstly, and most obviously, it's a chance to play! with! colors! And I love playing with colors.<br />
<br />
More specifically, though, it's a chance to get the colors I want in the fibers I want. I'm sensitive (though not allergic) to animal fibers--any fiber, any blend, any quantity, pretty much. Plant fibers, though? Oh, plant fibers. I want to marry plant fibers and have their plant fibery babies forever. Merino, angora, alpaca? Meh, whatever. Cotton, linen, bamboo, soy, hemp? A thousand times yes! (Silk too, even if that is, properly speaking, an animal fiber.)<br />
<br />
But animal fibers are easier to dye, and animal fibers are what the rest of the world loves best, which means that the vast majority of the scrumptious, gorgeous, brilliantly-dyed yarns out there are--yes--animal fibers.<br />
<br />
So maybe, instead of getting needlessly frustrated over whatever latest handpainted bit of lovely I can only find in bleeping merino, I could just... do it myself.<br />
<br />
So I did some research, and it turns out it's not as intimidating as it could be. (Knitty did a great article on <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/FEATdyeingplants.html">dyeing plant fibers</a> that I suspect I'm going to be coming back to again and again.) Of course, it's not something I can do right this minute--dyeing of any kind requires dedicated containers and utensils--you can use kitchenware, but you better only use it for dyeing. I don't have room to store a whole separate set of pots, let alone the counter and sink space for it. (And we won't even talk about where I could possibly hide the drying skeins from my horde of destructive cats.) But we're talking about buying a house this summer (!!!), so perhaps this won't have to stay on the back burner for too much longer.<br />
<br />
And in the meantime, I'm developing an increased appreciation for the hand-dyed silk/linen I'm knitting with now. There's something really hypnotic about watching the color changes slip through your fingers as you work.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-61897732696688122222013-03-01T21:16:00.000-05:002013-03-01T21:16:00.345-05:00<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDaYPtkbbT0/UTFgl2Gv87I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/q4yg1Y8Ty8A/s1600/baker+street+cushion+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDaYPtkbbT0/UTFgl2Gv87I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/q4yg1Y8Ty8A/s1600/baker+street+cushion+3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apollo manages one of his rare serious faces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-76674729849760971312013-02-27T22:00:00.000-05:002013-02-27T22:17:11.335-05:00What's on my needles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BolDRSHMms/US6QjGAeM0I/AAAAAAAAAnA/o5XpT-EoQp0/s1600/sapphire+and+steam+wip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BolDRSHMms/US6QjGAeM0I/AAAAAAAAAnA/o5XpT-EoQp0/s1600/sapphire+and+steam+wip.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The stitch markers are handmade and owly. Yes!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> projects page, I have eight current works-in-progress. That's bad enough, but it gets worse when you factor in the fact that a) not everything I've got going is on Ravelry, and b) that's just the knitting and crochet. Not the embroidery, the cross stitch, the sewing, the mosaic plant stand...<br />
<br />
I've heard this referred to as "startitis," but whatever you want to call it, I've got it bad. I've got projects in "progress" from this time <i>last year</i>, and we won't talk about the wedding afghan for the couple who got married in October.<br />
<br />
<i>That said</i>, I've been working on this scarf/shawlette pretty steadily since I started it a week ago. It's the very popular <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-age-of-brass-and-steam-kerchief">Age of Brass & Steam</a> by Orange Flower in Patons Silk Bamboo yarn. (The yarn is nice, but not as magical as I'd hoped. It's quite soft, though, and has a lovely sheen, and I think it'll be very nice draped around my neck.)<br />
<br />
I have been on a major triangle scarf kick lately--I finished a different one (striped, cotton blend) immediately before starting this one, and I've got a couple other scarves on the go as well. All that stockinette makes it great TV knitting, so I had an excellent time on Sunday working on this and rewatching both seasons of <i>Sherlock</i>. (Come soon, season three. <i>Sooooooooooooon</i>.)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-65090229673701970982013-02-26T17:04:00.001-05:002013-02-26T17:04:45.088-05:00Treasury Tuesday: Cloudy Days<h2 style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODIxOTU3OXwyNzIxNDc2MDIx" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"> 'Cloudy Days' </a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hooraycrochet" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"> hooraycrochet </a> </h2>
<h2 style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 10px;">
Because even gray days can be lovely...<br /> </h2>
<table style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 8px; line-height: 19px; width: auto;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59026270" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5160953/il_170x135.368923218.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59026270" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Large Cloud Factory... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PearsonMaron" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> PearsonMaron </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$50 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122581207" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/014/0/7797931/il_170x135.423690538_j7hz.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122581207" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Hermosa Pier - 12&... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennyHawesPhotograph" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> JennyHawesPhot... </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$15 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104825338" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/003/0/5433432/il_170x135.358091574_gnhi.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104825338" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Cloudy Day Ceramic ... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ebenotti" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> ebenotti </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$158 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110444630" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/008/0/5398569/il_170x135.378733206_51pw.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110444630" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Organic merino, han... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HamptonArtisticYarns" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> HamptonArtisti... </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$16 </div>
</td> </tr>
<tr><td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122040511" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/014/1/7568866/il_170x135.421675594_kdp6.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122040511" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Cloudy Day Tiny Ros... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DeliciouslyStitched" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> DeliciouslySti... </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$5.25 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111716256" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/001/0/7292968/il_170x135.383310721_cmud.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111716256" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Raindrops Keep Fall... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarrotsCo" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> CarrotsCo </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$21 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85491553" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6123282/il_170x135.297773690.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85491553" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Gray Garland - Pape... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtsDelight" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> ArtsDelight </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$10.5 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122428666" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/015/1/5174722/il_170x135.423106092_9cf6.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122428666" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Cloud Ring Sterling... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MiiraC" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> MiiraC </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$57 </div>
</td> </tr>
<tr><td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/121317030" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/012/1/5405288/il_170x135.424675463_183y.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/121317030" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> White,Grey,Light Bl... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/leptitpapillon" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> leptitpapillon </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$59 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91156850" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5945631/il_170x135.321879729.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91156850" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Twinery Stone Gray ... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheJoyfulCup" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> TheJoyfulCup </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$11.99 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/35097169" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5193227/il_170x135.104482833.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/35097169" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Sky Designed Clouds... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/maclancy" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> maclancy </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$24 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/113470239" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/006/0/6597602/il_170x135.389731962_fc3k.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/113470239" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Baby Shower Paper S... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bevebylaurenfish" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> bevebylaurenfi... </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$8 </div>
</td> </tr>
<tr><td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111779647" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/008/0/7167913/il_170x135.383541070_2avf.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111779647" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Franciscan cup and ... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EclecticBlueVintage" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> EclecticBlueVi... </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$12 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/124083778" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/7461084/il_170x135.429294293_gk8h.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/124083778" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Hand knitted light ... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleWhiteLilyUK" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> LittleWhiteLil... </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$8 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104154375" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/010/0/6071789/il_170x135.416454802_h28m.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104154375" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> 24 Baby Blue Umbrel... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BelowBlink" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> BelowBlink </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$4.5 </div>
</td> <td height="110px" style="border: 1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="110px"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109385517" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <img src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/007/0/5137882/il_170x135.374937020_78ho.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="110px" /> <br /> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109385517" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px;"> Coin purse rain clo... </span> </a> <br />
<div style="float: left; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/oktak" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #b2b2b2; text-decoration: none;"> oktak </a> </div>
<div style="color: #78c042; float: right; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
$30 </div>
</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #b2b2b2; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://redrowstudio.com/tools/treasury.php"> Treasury tool </a> supported by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thedoghouse">the dog house</a> </div>
Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-61599229707309428442013-02-24T17:26:00.003-05:002013-02-24T17:30:06.712-05:00I have a dark addiction...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXr9K3qg5CA/USqP400T5pI/AAAAAAAAAms/L4EMWmmUwpg/s1600/my+dark+addiction.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXr9K3qg5CA/USqP400T5pI/AAAAAAAAAms/L4EMWmmUwpg/s320/my+dark+addiction.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is not my entire collection.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...namely, stitch markers. For years, I just used paper clips (when I used stitch markers at all). They're cheap, bountiful, and work really, really well. But... they're boring. And they kept getting commandeered to, I don't know, <i>clip paper</i> and stuff. (Crazy talk!) And I kept seeing all these adorable ones on Etsy and Ravelry.<br />
<br />
I gave in. I had to have them. And for someone who doesn't make a lot of jewelry, I have a pretty impressive bead stash. So I made a few. Tried them out. Liked them. Made a few more.<br />
<br />
The rest, as they say, is history. I make them for my Etsy shop now too, but this is how it usually goes: make a set for Etsy. Make two sets for myself. Make a set for Etsy. Make another set for myself. Buy more beads--theoretically because they'll look nice in the Etsy shop, but really because I want them for my own. (Those skulls, man. <i>Those skulls</i>.)<br />
<br />
And now that I'm knitting, well. That's a whole different kind to make! (Knitting typically uses closed-ring stitch markers, held between the stitches on your needles, while crochet requires removable stitch markers that clip onto the stitches themselves.) I won't pretend that I don't get excited when I start a project that needs stitch markers. Heck, I'll go a step further: sometimes I choose the markers to match the yarn. Sometimes I switch them out halfway through because I'm bored with those markers now, time for new ones!<br />
<br />
I'm just saying: once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.<br />
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-49447677092669141982012-05-28T15:36:00.001-04:002012-05-28T15:36:38.205-04:00Being fancy is hard work; or, how to go from determination to despair in 16 easy steps<ol>
<li>Decide you are going to learn to knit. For real this time. No, <i>really</i> for real.</li>
<li>Solicit opinions on Ravelry. Choose <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hitchhiker">Hitchhiker</a> as your first real knitting pattern.</li>
<li>Buy the pattern, buy the needles.</li>
<li>Stare at it for awhile.</li>
<li>Decide that the best way to convince yourself to learn to knit is to bribe yourself with really pretty hand-dyed yarn.</li>
<li>Buy some. Realize you can't knit with it (not very well plied, too splitty), but can probably crochet with it.</li>
<li>Buy some more. It is gorgeous, a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/81531535">fingering-weight silk-linen blend</a> in shades of sand and aqua.</li>
<li>Begin mentally preparing yourself to actually learn to knit. For real this time. No, <i>really</i>. This will probably take at least a week of staring at your pretty yarn and your scary circular needles. That's okay. You have time.</li>
<li>Congratulations! You've psyched yourself up. Grab the pretty yarn, the scary circular needles, and the pattern.</li>
<li>By this time, your skein has been untwisted from the nice hank it arrived in and is now just a very large loop. This is your fault, because you couldn't stop touching it and also maybe you wanted to drape it around your neck like a very pretty silk/linen necklace. It doesn't matter. No one's judging you. (Are they?) The point is, you can't knit from that. You don't have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033F0A40/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hoorcroc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0033F0A40">a swift</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hoorcroc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0033F0A40" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, a ball winder, a <a href="http://blog.designedlykristi.com/?p=335">nostepinne</a>, or really anything except a very large knitting needle. This internet assures you that this is okay.</li>
<li>This is not okay.</li>
<li>Drape your big loop of yarn around the back of the chair, which the internet assures you is an acceptable substitute for a swift.</li>
<li>This is not an acceptable substitute for a swift. Tangles may result.</li>
<li>Tangles <i>do</i> result.</li>
<li>Cast up a silent prayer of thanksgiving that it's the cats' naptime and all four of them are totally unaware that there are Yarn Things happening.</li>
<li>Blog about it. Or cry. Or both?</li>
</ol>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-64412394319515979872012-04-08T20:59:00.000-04:002012-04-08T20:59:17.096-04:00A Month of Craft Photos: Days 2 - 7You can find Day 1 in its own post <a href="http://hooraycrochetblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/month-of-craft-photos-day-1-wip.html">here</a>.<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYH2ThIN2bc/T3-M7BNG2kI/AAAAAAAAAcc/gJ9rVZc5TW0/s1600/day+2+fave+drink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYH2ThIN2bc/T3-M7BNG2kI/AAAAAAAAAcc/gJ9rVZc5TW0/s320/day+2+fave+drink.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2: My favorite drink. That's home-brewed blood orange hefeweizen in that thrift-store mug. Oh yes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEejhd6Kb00/T3-M73suFHI/AAAAAAAAAck/Orc31Dpv-wM/s1600/day+3+something+new.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEejhd6Kb00/T3-M73suFHI/AAAAAAAAAck/Orc31Dpv-wM/s320/day+3+something+new.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3: Something new--a knitting loom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFtvvZRVY1M/T3-M8Rfa6_I/AAAAAAAAAcs/TBvTnI6nj4o/s1600/day+4+inspiration.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFtvvZRVY1M/T3-M8Rfa6_I/AAAAAAAAAcs/TBvTnI6nj4o/s320/day+4+inspiration.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 4: Inspiration. I love raw materials, notions, and supplies. Too often I get so overwhelmed by what they <i>could</i> be that they never actually become anything. But I'm working on that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BnLwt5IB1x0/T3-M-goOIdI/AAAAAAAAAc0/qz4a1GW8rBo/s1600/day+5+craft+envy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BnLwt5IB1x0/T3-M-goOIdI/AAAAAAAAAc0/qz4a1GW8rBo/s320/day+5+craft+envy.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 5: Craft envy. 'Nuff said.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cshJJlx7zJ0/T3-M_Kd_caI/AAAAAAAAAc8/D8DSDuE7WqY/s1600/day+6+my+feet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cshJJlx7zJ0/T3-M_Kd_caI/AAAAAAAAAc8/D8DSDuE7WqY/s320/day+6+my+feet.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 6: My feet. I wish the argyle socks were hand-knit, but no...they</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'re from Target. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0yqkZM3_TU/T4Iz4u3pEmI/AAAAAAAAAdE/6ZW2BeEbuVM/s1600/day+7+traditional.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0yqkZM3_TU/T4Iz4u3pEmI/AAAAAAAAAdE/6ZW2BeEbuVM/s320/day+7+traditional.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 7: Traditional. A thread crochet bedspread made by my grandmother. It's huge (covers a full-sized bed) and beautiful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-87535285870212710772012-04-02T20:15:00.001-04:002012-04-02T20:15:50.596-04:00Month of Craft Photos: Day 1, a WIPI first saw the "Month of Craft Photos" challenge at <a href="http://untangling-knots.com/">Untangling Knots</a> last month, but by then the month was nearly over and I thought I'd lost my chance. Luckily, it's happening again--there's a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/month-of-craft/">Flickr group</a> and everything, so it must be official!<br />
<br />
In celebration of my newly cleaned-off, far more photogenic workspace, and in an effort to take better photos and post more, I'm jumping in.<br />
<br />
Here's day 1, a work in progress:<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8B119It4GA/T3pAbTOFC8I/AAAAAAAAAcU/clKRrCTtMUE/s1600/day+1+WIP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8B119It4GA/T3pAbTOFC8I/AAAAAAAAAcU/clKRrCTtMUE/s320/day+1+WIP.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A white and aqua potholder? NO WAY.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After today, I'll post these in a once-weekly "digest" rather than one by one each day, but I wanted to kick things off on the right note. (Also, I think I'm already a day behind, but the once-a-week schedule will fix that too. Onward!)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-46538736447863266742012-01-26T15:00:00.000-05:002012-01-26T19:25:51.074-05:00"Home is where you are"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXDxwj1P0m0/TyCM0fDa5fI/AAAAAAAAAcM/PZKTIzahYqI/s1600/home+is+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXDxwj1P0m0/TyCM0fDa5fI/AAAAAAAAAcM/PZKTIzahYqI/s320/home+is+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the pattern that first led me to <a href="http://www.urbanthreads.com/index.php">Urban Threads</a>, now one of my favorite sources for embroidery patterns. I just loved the swooping, retro-cool type, and of the course the message went straight to my secretly-sappy heart. I stitched it up in my new favorite color combo of teal, purple, and gray, and only realized after I finished that it goes perfectly with my <a href="http://hooraycrochetblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/tale-of-two-afghans.html">granny square afghan</a>.<br />
<br />
I made this last January, and it was my first really ambitious embroidery project, or at least my biggest, with the most colors. I'm generally pleased with the way it turned out, although I'm sure I could do it better now. Still, I'm happy to hang it in our dining room, across from a display of family wedding photos (soon to include one of our wedding photos!).<br />
<br />
And, of course, it was a nice little ego boost when Urban Threads described my rendition of the pattern as "heartmelty" on their Facebook page. :)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-28642186798769311222012-01-25T18:11:00.002-05:002012-01-25T18:11:24.515-05:00Afghans on the brain<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmJ3Nykkugo/TyCL5PrfqdI/AAAAAAAAAcE/mL-0gnrLfIE/s1600/afghan+square.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmJ3Nykkugo/TyCL5PrfqdI/AAAAAAAAAcE/mL-0gnrLfIE/s200/afghan+square.JPG" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1 down, 27 to go...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't know why, but I've been on an afghan kick lately. Maybe it's the season (winter demands an afghan on every chair and at the end of every bed), maybe it's because I haven't made one in a year and boy, are there some good patterns out there. Unfortunately, because afghans take so long, being on an afghan "kick" really just means I'm daydreaming about a dozen and praying that I have the stamina to finish just one.<br />
<br />
I'm making <a href="http://www.crochettoday.com/crochet-patterns/your-grandmas-rose-throw">this rose throw</a> from the March/April 2010 <i>Crochet Today</i>. It's my first "pieced" afghan, made up of individual blocks that have to be sewn together. This method is a lot more time consuming than an afghan worked in one piece, but also easier to work on in the interim (more portable), and with way more design possibilities. Right now I have all of the center rosettes done, and 9 of the 28 blocks fully stitched. I imagine it'll be another month or so, at least, before the whole thing is complete and festooning the back of my couch.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'm dreaming of other afghans. I have two weddings coming up for which I'd like to make afghans, so I've been browsing and bookmarking other patterns. For your stitching pleasure, here are a few I've collected, all free:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mooglyblog.com/2011/09/21/free-pattern-blackberry-salad-striped-baby-blanket/">Blackberry Salad striped baby blanket</a> from Moogly. I LOVE the bobbles and the bright colors. I've never been a huge fan of pastels, even for babies, and the colors she chose are just so pretty and fun. And of course the color and striping possibilities are endless.</li>
<li>The Lazy Hobbyhopper combines two of my favorite things by demonstrating <a href="http://thelazyhobbyhopper.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-crochet-granny-ripple.html">how to crochet a granny ripple</a>. I don't think I've ever seen that done before, but I love the effect. I can't wait to try it out on a project of my own.</li>
<li>This isn't quite an afghan tutorial on its own, but Eggbird's <a href="http://eggbirddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/springtime-hexagon-free-pattern.html">springtime hexagon pattern</a> would make a stunning pieced afghan. </li>
<li>Lion Brand's website has a ton of free patterns, including dozens (hundreds?) of afghans and throws. I've had this <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0605.html?noImages=0">sampler throw</a> bookmarked for quite awhile. In the bright colors they use, it's cheerful and modern; in a more subdued palette (perhaps all one color), it becomes an elegant heirloom piece (like this <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70801AD.html?noImages=">sampler throw</a>). My parents actually have a similar afghan crocheted by one of my grandmothers. It's a nicely worked sampler piece; unfortunately, it was made entirely in shades of orange. Ahh, the seventies...</li>
<li>Speaking of heirloom pieces, what about this <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80266AD.html?noImages=">stunning Magnolia afghan</a>? That center panel is just beautiful. Normally I'm not a big fan of variegated yarn, but I think it works nicely here.</li>
</ul>
I haven't even began to browse <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#photo=yes&craft=crochet&availability=free&view=captioned_thumbs&pc=blanket">Ravelry's afghan patterns</a>; I'm afraid if I do that, I'll spend the rest of my life stitching blankets and nothing else. <br />
<br />
What have you been making lately? Anybody else out there with afghan fever?Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-67536720634748098192011-12-04T17:09:00.000-05:002011-12-04T17:09:02.704-05:00Crocheted rag rug: Part 2<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uR2l8qIFoE/TtvqcP3T6oI/AAAAAAAAAbI/1DfMK5gBB14/s1600/rag%2Brug%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uR2l8qIFoE/TtvqcP3T6oI/AAAAAAAAAbI/1DfMK5gBB14/s320/rag%2Brug%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>About 2/3 of the way through.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://hooraycrochetblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-project-crocheted-rag-rug-part-1.html">Last time I posted</a>, I wrote the first part of a semi-tutorial about crocheting a rag rug out of old t-shirts. The rug's now complete, so I thought I'd post pictures of the finished product and share a few more tips.<br />
<br />
I crocheted the entire thing over the course of a weekend, and it's a great project to do while you watch a movie, since it doesn't require that much concentration or counting once you get going.<br />
<br />
I used this <a href="http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa100299.htm">basic tutorial</a> for crocheting an oval, but of course you can do any shape you like--round, oval, square or rectangle (in the round or in rows). If you're doing a circle or an oval, once you get past the first few rows, don't sweat too much making sure you're doing the "correct" number of increases around the curve. Keeping the rug flat is more important, and since your "yarn" isn't going to be perfectly uniform in width, you might have to add or subtract increases to keep things even. No big deal! Just trust your instincts and adapt as you work.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrppUsfK9x0/TtvsYAPcjfI/AAAAAAAAAbU/96zAA5cnezE/s1600/rag%2Brug%2Bwith%2Bhobbes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrppUsfK9x0/TtvsYAPcjfI/AAAAAAAAAbU/96zAA5cnezE/s320/rag%2Brug%2Bwith%2Bhobbes.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hobbes-approved, so you know it's good.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Overall, this rug took ten t-shirts (size adult small through extra large) and its final size is around 17 x 30." If I'd had more t-shirts, I might have kept going, but I think it's big enough. I used a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AE65OG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hoorcroc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AE65OG">Lion Brand P-15/11.5mm hook</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hoorcroc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000AE65OG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, but if I do this again I might use a bigger one. I tend to crochet pretty tightly, and by the time I was finished, my hands were aching a little.<br />
<br />
Right now it's in the laundry room being used as a place mat for the cats--a glamorous use for a <i>very</i> glamorous piece of DIY home decor.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for more rag rug inspiration, or more detailed instruction, there's a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/rag_rugs/">great rag rug Flickr group</a> (of course there is!). Some of the tutorials I looked at include:<br />
<ul><li>This Vintage Chica's <a href="http://vintagechica.typepad.com/the_life_and_times_of_thi/2006/10/rag_rug_tutoria.html">rag rug tutorial</a> </li>
<li>Little House in the Suburbs's <a href="http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2008/11/secrets-of-no-sew-rag-rug.html">no-sew rag rug</a> (it's braided, not crocheted, but it's still pretty cool) </li>
<li>Mia's Boys <a href="http://miaandtheboys.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-crochet-rag-rug.html">rag rug tutorial</a></li>
<li>CraftStylish, <a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/39345/how-to-crochet-a-rug-out-of-t-shirts">how to crochet a rug out of t-shirts </a></li>
<li>Craft Passion demonstrates a slightly different method for <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/2009/05/recycle-tutorial-making-of-t-shirt-yarn.html">converting t-shirts to yarn</a>. </li>
<li>Bonus link: DIY Life shows how to make a <a href="http://www.diylife.com/2011/07/06/totes-from-t-shirts/">market tote out of an old t-shirt</a>.</li>
</ul>Plus, there about a zillion more links and videos to be found with a quick Google search. Happy crafting!<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-3431274807340346982011-11-19T09:52:00.009-05:002011-11-19T10:28:46.973-05:00New project: crocheted rag rug (part 1)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EE61d1PU1M/TsfCTVxqCGI/AAAAAAAAAaY/5C6ADfwjslM/s1600/tshirt%2Byarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EE61d1PU1M/TsfCTVxqCGI/AAAAAAAAAaY/5C6ADfwjslM/s320/tshirt%2Byarn.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>T-shirt yarn!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Raise your hand if this situation is familiar: you graduated from college in the past few years, and you are absolutely drowning in slightly over-sized, no longer wearable souvenir t-shirts from every high school and college event or activity you ever participated in. I've got sports t-shirts from high school, service project t-shirts from high school and college, club t-shirts, you name it. I even have a t-shirt that my <i>Brownie troop</i> made in elementary school. And I don't--or at least shouldn't--wear them anymore. I've already turned half of them into housecleaning rags,* but there are still a bunch left.<br />
<br />
What's a crafty girl who hates throwing things away to do? Turn them into a rag rug, of course!<br />
<br />
To that end, I've spent the past several evenings cutting a pile of t-shirts into long strips and rolling them into balls. Luckily nearly all the shirts are part of the same gray/white/blue/navy color family, so the finished product will look nicely unified.<br />
<br />
To cut the t-shirts into strips, I started at the bottom hem and cut the body of the shirt into a long, continuous spiral all the way up to the armpits, rolling the strips into a ball as I went. I tried to keep the strips about the same 1" thickness, but didn't really sweat it. Perfectly even strips of material aren't necessary, but try to keep them all between 1/2" and 1" in width. Wider than that and it'll get harder to catch with your hook, but going much narrower might make your "yarn" too weak. Now that I've started crocheting, I would also recommend cutting off and discarding the bottom hem entirely, and starting your cut just above it. The double thickness of the fabric is really hard to stitch with and makes the final product lumpy.<br />
<br />
A little bit of printing on the shirt is okay, but it does make the fabric a little stiffer, so avoid shirts with very large overall designs, or anything that feels stiff in your hands. Since the fabric tends to roll in on itself as you crochet, printed designs won't make the final product look weird. <br />
<br />
For the first few t-shirts, I also cut the sleeves into strips as well, but now that I've started crocheting, I don't think it's worth the effort--it doesn't make a very long length of material, and all that joining really slows the speed of my crochet. But if you don't have that many shirts to start with, it might be worth it for you. <br />
<br />
If you don't have t-shirts, old bed sheets, or pretty much any other scrap fabric, will also work. It is a rag rug, after all! <br />
<br />
*Pro tip: old t-shirts make <i>great</i> cleaning rags. They're soft, absorbent, tough, and if they've been washed enough times, almost totally lint-free.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958610446200639232.post-78541713393201930532011-09-06T20:21:00.000-04:002011-09-06T20:21:26.771-04:00More faux bois<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TAzM1Pw7AQ/Tma4Bb06uUI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/DCZvajZb9fE/s1600/faux+bois+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TAzM1Pw7AQ/Tma4Bb06uUI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/DCZvajZb9fE/s320/faux+bois+heart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There isn't much to say about this, except: yay! faux bois! I love it so. The design is my own; I sketched it out freehand and then used dressmaker's carbon paper to transfer it to the fabric.<br />
<br />
I don't know why I love faux woodgrain so much. It looks a little like a fingerprint, and drawing it seems to have a sort of zen-garden effect on me. So I cover everything with it.<br />
<br />
(DMC floss, regular quilter's cotton, 4" hoop)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06510590197217600249noreply@blogger.com0