Tag: crochet

Monochrome With A Touch Of Grey

I’ve always been attracted to the pairing of black and white with geometric patterns, stripes and photographs.

One afternoon while browsing through my collection of knitting books,  I turned to a page marked with a post-it note and discovered a project on my  forgotten “this looks interesting” list.  Eureka! An opportunity to use Louisa Harding Yarns‘, Akiko (70% Wool and 30% Alpaca) in cols. 004, 005, 006.

Monochrome with Grey Sweater #7

I selected the pattern from, Vogue Knitting, Very Easy Knits, The Best of Very Easy Very Vogue, Split-Color Pullover, designed by Barbara Nudleman and Susan Prince for the Fall/Winter 1984 issue of Vogue Knitting.  I decided to color block the sleeves of the sweater, lacking symmetry.

Monochrome with Grey Sweater #2_1

The neckline has an “unfinished look” so I’ve added a crochet picot edge on the neckline.  I photographed the neckline unfinished for comparison.  Monochrome with Grey Sweater #3

Knitting with Akiko is amazing. There is a slight thickness variation between the colors which affects the drape of the yarn, but does not significantly alter the gauge.

Where There’s A Will

Last week, my niece Jessica wanted to crochet a scarf for her boyfriend’s mother.  She went to her stash and found the perfect yarn, but did not have a large enough hook to accommodate the gauge of the yarn.  How did she handle such a dilemma? She looked on YouTube to learn how to hand knit.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT3gdc44Lp8

I am amazed at her instant success.  Usually, it takes a crocheter practice getting comfortable using two needles after developing muscle memory holding a hook.

Jessica and Scarf (1)

Jessica has some tips of her own before embarking on hand knitting:  Use the restroom, have a cigarette and turn off your cell phone because you won’t be able to answer.

Fantastic job Jessica!

Neck Candy Part II

I’ve finished adding a crocheted edge to Neck Candy.  Knitting and crochet are perfect pairs in the world of stitches.  The edge was crocheted using Noro’s Taiyo Sock Yarn.  The ruffling effect added an interesting dimensionality.  The edge frames and supports the knitted stitches which balances the appearance resulting in a finished look.

Shoulder Cozy #2

Cable Knit Skirt

I’ve always wanted to wear a knit skirt.  My desire for a knit skirt brings back memories of my mother speedily working through rows and rows of triple crochet producing a neon green skirt and vest.  I wore the skirt and vest to school and definitely stood out in a crowd!

Should I risk wearing a knitted skirt?  Why not?  The Seaport Skirt designed by Kristina McGowan found in Modern Top-Down Knitting is knit in the round with Karabella Aurora 8.  A few more inches are needed to complete a stitch pattern which makes the “skirt hug in all the right places (and forgive in all the others), resulting in a fit that is flattering and comfortable.”  I hope so!

Cable Knit Skirt #2

 

 

Do You Scrumble?

I was first introduced to scrumbling in 2003, by the ever-so intriguing, Prudence Mapstone.  Immediately, I realized crochet needed to become part of my repertoire of stitches.  Further investigation uncovered The Crochet Workbook by Sylvia Cosh and James Walters, well-known crochet designers opened my worldview to Freeform.  From NSW, Australia, Jenny Dowde also explores color, texture and freeform with her scrumbling, Freeform Knitting and Crochet along with  FREEformations include many projects, I look forward to exploring.

Scrumbling/freeform swatches provide an opportunity for experimentation with different color and stitch combinations.  The “no rules” policy of freeform liberates the fiber artist from the “usual” to the “spontaneous.” Combining the culture of knitting and crochet exposes an abundance of shape and texture.

I’ve also added dorset buttons to the mix…the purse form from Japan may be purchased at Lacis Museum and Textiles http://www.lacismuseum.org/ in Berkeley, CA.  Crochet popcorns and bullion stitch are my next stitch challenges.  I’m digging through my stash for different textures of yarn for a variety of visual interest.

Do You Scrumble