Crochet

Shades of Summer

July 8, 2013 Amy4 Comments

What colors speak to you in summer tones? I see summer in shades of the sea. I’m not sure why. I live in a place far from the shore where humidity hangs heavy in the 100 degree heat. It seems more probable that my summer palette might be something more akin to orange and red, but it’s not. Cool blues and greens define summer to me.

I couldn’t pick between a scarf and a shawl. So why not both? Maybe calling it a “wrap” is more apt?

I used Catania again. Clearly, we’re in a relationship. I just love the stitch definition that comes from mercerized cotton, and the array of colors available with Catania allow me to indulge in color play.

I’ve struggled creatively over the last several months. Sometimes, when you feel stretched, it’s difficult to indulge yourself in pursuits that require additional self-discipline. Luckily, this pattern and I are old friends, and we were in no hurry.

Crochet

Tunisian…Ta Da!

June 13, 2012June 13, 2012 Amy9 Comments

I completed the first panel of Jennifer Hansen’s Tunisian Multi-Garment!

It was fun. Learning Tunisian has been very gratifying. These pictures were taken after my first quick run at blocking. I still have some perfecting to do with the structure.

I have a sneaky suspicion that I would have been happier with a slightly larger size. I won’t know for certain until I’ve completed the second panel. The sizes were based on bust circumference and I think I would prefer a little more length on what will inevitably be the “torso”. Maybe I’m long-waisted….or maybe my tummy is a little more of an issue than my bust….

The color work is fascinating. Let it be known, however, that it leaves a gazillion ends to be woven. Hence the probable delay in starting the second panel for the garment. I need a little time to forget what a pain those ends were.

All in all, however, I’m extremely pleased! The Craftsy class on Tunisian was a great experience. I’ve signed on for three additional classes since beginning the Tunisian. I’m not sure that the instruction I’m seeing is the same quality that Jennifer Hansen provided in the Tunisian class, but I love the platform and recommend it for anyone who struggles to find classes available in your location or that work with your schedule.

Crochet

Playing the Field..

June 6, 2012 Amy2 Comments

I’ve been multi-tasking….burning both ends of the candle, if you will. On the one hand, I am full steam ahead with my Tunisian Crochet class and the Multi Garment.

Simultaneously, I am “go” for my sewing “Do Over”.

It’s like dating two guys when you’re single. You usually spend one date wishing you were on another. Then you feel guilty when you’re on a date with a guy you really like, because the other dude is more responsible and more stable. Usually things fall apart with both of them at about the same time and you wind up with no date…but I digress…

Apparently the sewing “do over” is Mr. Stability. The Tunisian multi-garment is the hotter Mr. Smooth. (This is a bizarre analogy, but let’s go with it.)

The stitch patterns are gorgeous.

Even though I’m using cotton instead of silk, the stitching still promises attractive drape. With the Tunisian, despite being in learning mode, everything is easier.

Sewing, not so much. I’ve finished my first set of pillow covers. I haven’t worked up the enthusiasm to photograph them yet. They’re cute….that’s it. Just cute. I wanted spectacular…wow! But nope, they’re cute. Like I said, the craft equivalent to Mr. Stability. I think I’ll wait and post them when I can add a few more for a grouping.

Until then, back to Mr. Smooth…

Crochet

Three Color Tunisian

May 23, 2012 Amy2 Comments

So the Craftsy journey continues, and I have to say, I liked the three color Tunisian soooo much better than the single color work. I chose Catania Cotton (yes, shocking I know).

I love these colors!

The three color is easier because each different color strand highlights and accents the architecture of the stitches. You don’t have to figure out where your “vertical bar” is because it’s color coded. Very cool!

So I’m into my next Tunisian project. Titled the “Multigarment”, it’s a two-panel wrap that can be worn as a shawl, sweater, or poncho (love the peekaboo shoulders). Not to be redundant, but also very cool.

Also very ambitious. I’m branching waaayyyy out on this one. I’m using Paton’s Grace-another mercerized cotton (practically identical to Catania-the waaayyy was sarcasm). I’m not sure that the photos do my palette justice. I think it’s going to be pretty….if it ever gets completed. Did I mention it’s very ambitious?

The blue is my “color pop”. Hmmm…still thinking about it…love it in theory, though.

I’m off to stitch!

Crochet

Whitney’s Scarf

March 26, 2012March 26, 2012 Amy3 Comments

Ok, I know. To the naked eye, I look to be in a be bit of a rut. But it’s just such awesome gratification when I complete a variation on this scarf. Not to mention the fact that my dear, sweet darling daughter has been asking for one since the process began. So this is the “Whitney” scarf. She sat down with the rainbow of lovely Catania cotton and chose these colors.

You’ll note that the stitch pattern is very similar to the Spring Green scarf I posted last week. But the color variations bring it a little more into alignment with the Seascape version. Instead of chaining 308 to begin, I chained 208 to adjust for the ten-year old factor.

My child has an eye for color. Always…all her life. This color pallet reminds me of Easter. The pastels and gemtones of Easter eggs nestled in the grass.

Have a great Monday!

Crochet

Fresh Off the Hook

February 22, 2012February 22, 2012 Amy2 Comments

I love this scarf. I’m not sure if I’m swept away by my color combination, but I loved the way it came together and the feel of the mercerized cotton on the hook. This pic was taken before I finished weaving in my ends and blocking. I know, I know. I jumped the gun. I do that…