First, the bad news: I decided to frog the Gathered Pullover. Yes, at about 95% completion, I took a good long look at the fabric and how it draped, and decided the Mirasol Cotanani was not the right yarn for the job. The color was gorgeous, the stitch definition was fabulous, but the whole thing was just too heavy, and I'd have hated wearing it. So, we took a trip to the frog pond. However, I did take a picture of it before destruction...
And a closeup of the cabled knot detail:
I'll definitely make this top someday, but with a lighter yarn (i.e. NOT a wool/cotton blend). Gee, maybe even the yarn the pattern suggests. Now there's a concept! *grin* And as far as the Cotanani is concerned, all is not lost: I have a couple of ideas for the right pattern for that particular stash.
Onward.
The Houndstooth Bag is awaiting assembly:
Assembly involves heavy duty fusible interfacing (not shown) and a zipper. I have always disliked sewing zippers. However, I have a new sewing machine:
Which should make sewing a pleasure again instead of the struggle it was as my old machine died a long and painful death.
I only work on Delphine when I can pay fairly close attention; therefore, we're just inching along:
The lace pattern is easy, but it's not mindless. Gotta watch that stitch count carefully.
And then there's the Denimbrigo, so called because I'm using Rowan Denim instead of the suggested Malabrigo laceweight:
Do you see the problem? I didn't, at least not until I took this photograph. Notice the major color variation where I changed skeins, that is. Checked the yarn...different dye lots! Damn! I thought I'd been so careful. Luckily, only two skeins are different, so I'll use them for the upper bodice. I already ripped this one out and expect to start over this evening. As you might expect, given the vastly different weights between the suggested yarn and what I'm using, I'm making some major modifications to this pattern. Notes will be posted with the finished project.
Of course, the baby blanket is still in pieces:
and the Pom is in permanent hibernation:
Still, the goal of the moment is to finish something before picking up the Cotanani again. We'll see how well that goes.
....since I wrote an entry? Guess so. And now the latest issue of Crochet Today! is waiting for a review as well.
Still working on the Gathered Pullover. I actually thought I was done except for the seaming until last night, when I sewed on a sleeve and tried it on to check the fit. Not good. The sleeve is too long. And too tight through the shoulder cap. *sigh* So, this morning I removed the sleeve, ripped it back to where the increases began, and will now re-knit with more frequent increases and a taller sleeve cap. Lather, rinse, repeat for the other sleeve. This should be interesting. I hope I don't have to rip out the main body to redo the armholes too.
The crocheting part of the Houndstooth Bag is done; the lining, interfacing, zipper, and hardware have all been purchased; and the lot of it sits on my craft table awaiting assembly, next to the new sewing machine I had to buy to finish this project. (Hush: that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.)
In the meantime, I could not resist casting on for Delphine from French Girl Knits, using Skacel Collection's Urban Silk in 03 Pretty Pink. Kind of a fussy yarn, but it knits up beautifully with a great sheen and texture.
And, because I needed a portable and mindless project, I decided to adapt Julia Vaconsin's Malabrigo Top from Interweave Crochet's Spring 2009 issue to use the Rowan Denim that's been sitting in my stash for sometime. I say adapt because the pattern is written for a laceweight wool, which the Rowan most certainly is not. Also, I'm making it as a sleeveless V-neck cardi/vest, rather than a sleeveless V-neck pullover vest. Someday I hope to be as comfortable changing and adapting and essentially rewriting knit patterns to suit me as I am crochet patterns.
Right now I'm resisting the urge to pull out the Classic Elite Desert and cast on Stephanie Japel's Thick and Thin Cardigan from Fitted Knits.
Still no pics. Recently I am most remiss when it comes to pictures.
....too busy knitting. And crocheting. And, well, other stuff, like work, laundry, errands, and so forth.
And apparently too busy to take photos of current projects in progress, as well. So, I'll link to the patterns instead.
- Houndstooth Bag from Crochet Today's Mar/Apr 2009 issue. The crocheting is all done, using Plymouth Encore Worsted in Black 217 and Soft Grey 194. Now I have to get the lining made, and find the appropriate zipper, purse feet, and handles.
- Gathered Pullover from Interweave Knits Winter 2007, using Mirasol Cotanani in Turquoise 407. I've got the body through the center cable detail finished, and am now working on the front pieces on either side of the V-neck. At the rate this project is proceeding, I'll probably be finished in another couple of weeks, unless...
- ...I give in to the urge to start something new. The stash, it callz me. Cast-on-itis, I haz it.
Speaking of Interweave, the Summer 2009 issue of Knits is sitting here on my desk, daring me to write a review. I'll get to it eventually.
After threatening you all with it for weeks, today I'll finally take the time to write the review of the latest offering from Vogue Knitting.
First impression upon retrieving the magazine from the mailbox: "OMG, look at that cover knit: it's gorgeous!" Second impression: "OMG, look at that cover knit: it's so complicated!"
We'll skip right on past the editor's column, the gadgetry plugs (some very cool scissors featured in this, umm, feature), and the news & notes columns because, frankly, there's really nothing worth noting here. Except those very cool scissors. Oh, and a link to download a sweater pattern worn in the film Coraline.
Silks are the focus in Yarns, with VK's top 10 culled from the usual suspects like Debbie Bliss, Rowan, and Nashua Handknits, as well as a couple of unfamiliar yarn companies. I was especially intrigued by Tsumugi Silk from Habu Textiles, a laceweight yarn with some 40 colors, available in a 450-yard (50 gram) cone for about $14.00 per cone.
Although the sock book looked interesting, what really grabbed my attention was Country Weekend Knits by Madeline Weston, with its focus on traditional ganseys, Arans, and Fair Isle patterns. I may soon be adding yet another book to the ever-growing avanta7 knit library. Just don't tell my husband.
Frugality is the watchword in the Spotlight, with a special emphasis on repurposing old sweaters, especially those found in thrift stores, by frogging them and using the yarn for new modern projects. The column includes a detailed how-to on taking apart that thrift-store find, information easily found on the web and elsewhere, but always good to review.
Meg Swansen's column discusses the Bohus Stickning movement of the late 1930s through 1960s, an era in knitting history previously unknown to me, and a subject which I found fascinating. I only wish Ms. Swansen had gone into more detail; however, one of the column's purposes was to plug a book on the tradition available through Schoolhouse Press, so it's understandable she left some mystery in the subject.
Of course, this also means there's yet another knitting book to be added to the above-mentioned ever-growing knit library. Again, please don't tell my husband.
Skipping over a lengthy article on internships for fashion students in the fiber arts industry (which I read but didn't care about), we come to the Techniques column, which talks about my newest love, skinny yarns! Yes, it often takes longer to knit a sweater with a fine-gauge yarn but, as this article points out, the results are worth it: a more tailored garment with a more flattering fit that can usually be worn throughout most of the year. Besides, who wants to wear a sleeveless tank or camisole made from some bulky wool?
Runway Trends: Glitz. *sigh* If I have to read the word "bling" one more time in any article about shiny sparkly fashion items, I may commit a crime against humanity.
And finally, the patterns: The first pattern offered in the magazine was back a few pages in between articles: an excerpt from Nicky Epstein's Knitting in Tuscany, the Tuscan Sun Scarf. The book itself is a combination pattern book/travelogue/tour guide. The scarf is a sparkly thing constructed from multiple sunflower-shaped medallions knitted in a sequinned yarn. Looks like a fun accessory, casual or glamorous as the wearer chooses. Not to my taste, but I can see how other knitters might love it.
- Star Motif Pullover -- Short-sleeved lace raglan-style top with deep ribbing at the hem and foldover neck. Made from a cotton/bamboo blend. Pretty lace pattern. Unusual seamed construction, with a diamond-shaped front and back, and triangular-shaped sides. Not currently in my Ravelry queue, but it's a possibility.
- Star Camisole -- Pretty tank with a star-shaped medallion knitted from the center outward on the front, and a deeply scooped back. I like it a lot but would never make it for myself, mainly because I can't figure out how I'd ever wear a bra with this piece. Frankly, me sans brassiere = not a pleasant sight.
- Multi-Shapes Top -- If ever a piece were aptly named....Constructed by knitting one geometric shape, then picking up stitches on a side and knitting another geometric shape, and repeat. Beautiful design, and probably a great deal of fun to knit. Drawback #1: Comes in only two sizes, XS/S (31" bust) and M/L (40" bust). Drawback #2: The magazine contains instructions for the 31" size only. The M/L sized must be downloaded from the web. Still, it's another possibility not currently in the queue. Perhaps once I reach my goal weight.
- Botanica Medallion Cardigan -- LOVE!!! The cover knit, and what a beautiful piece of work this is. A completely circular knit, with an intricately detailed center medallion surrounded by an equally intricate wide band which makes up the shawl collar and lower half of the back, with slits left for armholes when attaching the band to the medallion. If you plan to knit this, make note of the errata, and check out the step-by-step instructions. In my Ravelry queue.
- Short-Sleeve Cardigan -- Feminine, lacy, short-sleeved, crew-neck cardigan with intentional gaps between the front buttons. Multi-directional knitting and construction, and a unique lace pattern. I like it, after a fashion, but I'm just not crazy about gappy front openings. A plus-size pattern, though, and that's a good thing.
- Feather and Fan Dress -- Lace dress in a classic stitch knitted in the round from the scalloped hem upward. Tiny cap sleeves and a scooped neckline. I put this in my queue with the intention of making it much shorter and using it as a summer top. I'll probably add set-in short sleeves, as well.
- Lace Tunic -- Sleeveless tunic-length fastener-free cardigan would be perfect for the office over a dress, as shown by the model, or perhaps over a fitted shirt and slim-fitting trousers. Very nice back yoke detail. A plus-sized pattern. In my queue.
- Lace Cardigan -- Tunic-length flyaway cardigan with belled raglan 3/4 sleeves in eyelet lace for the body and what appears to be a mock cable lace for the bottom several inches of the hem and sleeves. Moderate V-neck. Depending on the yarn chosen, could be equally suited to the office or a night out. Probably best worn with a skirt or dress -- I think the dense pattern at the hem would make this piece too bottom heavy if worn with slacks. In the queue.
- Laced Tank -- Sleeveless V-neck tank with eyelet pattern and I-cord lacing on the front. Nice summery piece. A possibility, but not currently queued.
- Tie-Front Cardigan -- Another 3/4 sleeve flyaway cardigan that escapes the mundane in its details: V-necked yoke in a slanting lace and cable stitch, and upside-down eyelet Vs on the sleeves and below the bust line. The real surprise in this piece is its recommended yarn: Patons Grace, a budget-priced yarn available at virtually any big box craft store, such as Michaels or Joann. A plus-sized pattern. In the queue.
- Feather Trim Vest -- The defining feature of this A-line surplice-front vest is the ostrich feather trim around the front and neck edge, and that's the detail I dislike. Feathers are just plain fussy. Otherwise, this is a well-designed basic wardrobe piece.
- Lace Afghan -- LOVE!!! 4' X 6' throw in a beautiful scallop lace pattern with ribbed edges. In the queue, and likely to be the first major lace project I attempt.
- Drop Stitch Scarf -- Simple, casual scarf in a dropped-stitch basketweave pattern that looks light as the feathers I disliked in #11 above. The pattern seems to be a quick knit and requires less than 450 yds of sport-weight yarn, making this project a great choice for gift-giving. Not currently in the queue, but it's a possibility.
- Bias Lace Shrug -- VK almost always has at least one pattern per issue that I call the "What were they thinking?" piece. In this issue, it's this piece. The odd truncated body seems to have way too much fabric below the arms, but maybe that's just the way the model is sitting. The set-in 3/4 sleeves are odd, too, for a piece they're calling a shrug. It's as if the designer (Michele Rose Orne) couldn't decide between creating a shrug or a cardigan, and ended up with some mutant cross-breed of both. Pretty lace pattern though. And kudos for another budget yarn choice: Lion Brand's Microspun.
- Lace Crochet Coat -- LOVE!!! Kristin Omdahl's below-the-knee duster is constructed of huge lacy crocheted medallions with belled sleeves and a tie front. I have no idea where I will wear this, nor for what occasion, but I'm making it anyway.
- Vine Lace Dress -- Knee length tank dress with a scoop neck and delicate eyelet vines from neck to hemline. The pattern calls for patch pockets which, to my eye, are a completely unnecessary detail which interrupts the flow of the dress. Otherwise, this is a beautifully simple design, and one I'd consider were I a more slender version of myself. Even so, it's still a possibility in a much shorter length as a casual summer top.
- Ripple Pattern Cardigan -- Standard-issue 3/4 sleeve flyaway raglan cardigan made special by the choice of yarn and the wide collared V-neck. The more I look at it, the more I like it. Not currently queued, but I haven't completely ruled it out.
- One Button Cardigan -- Okay, so this issue of VK has two "What were they thinking?" pieces. The chief problem with this otherwise interesting design is the wideness of the neck and the narrowness of the caps of the sleeves. Yoo hoo! I have sloping shoulders. These sleeves would slide right off and droop around my upper arms rather than stay put where they're meant to sit. They even look like they're about to do the same on the model, and we know she has nice square walking-clothes-hanger shoulders. That's why she's a model. I suppose if I really loved this sweater, I could widen that very narrow upper right and left front as well as retool the fit of the upper sleeves to make the garment sit properly on my shoulders. But I don't love it. I like the texture of the multiple stitch patterns, and the unique twisted cable at the top of the sleeves, but I don't love the sweater. So I won't bother.
- Textured Top -- Nifty tee with short sleeves and a Peter Pan collar, knit in several different textured stitches that unfortunately are mostly lost in the choice of a bi-colored yarn. I like the yarn (which looks great in the ribbing and the cable stitch, BTW); I like the top, but I don't like them together. Not completely. In my queue anyway, because I'm sure I can find a better yarn choice for this pattern. A plus-sized pattern.
- Halter Tank -- I'm not entirely sure I understand the fuss over Twinkle, because I have yet to see a design from that source that I like. This racer-back tank is no exception. It's not ugly, but it's just not my taste. Maybe it's an age thing.
- Two Color Top -- Top-down raglan with short sleeves and a cowl neck in a nylon/rayon metallic yarn. Deeply ribbed hem, with the ribbing repeated on the sleeves and cowl. Cute! But not for me.
- Mitered Top -- Scoop-neck sleeveless tank knit in metallic yarn with a sparkly spangled carry-along for the neckline and armholes. Ribbed waist detail, A-line shaping below the waist, and a scalloped hem. Very dressy. Not in the queue, but it's a possibility for the right occasion. A plus-sized pattern.
- Pleated Top -- A (barely) sport weight yarn in a mohair/silk blend knit on just-one-size-too-large needles results in a nearly sheer lightweight confection of a tee. Pleated cap sleeves and Swarovski crystals decorating the pleated V-neck make this a sweet sexy special evening out garment. Another piece I have no idea when or where I'll wear it, but I'm making it anyway.
- Ruffled Cardigan -- Knit in a sequinned sparkly yarn, this cardigan has barely there cap sleeves and a ruffled neckline and button band. Rhinestone buttons and a split hem make this evening topper extra special. A plus-sized pattern.
- Tank Top -- Metallic yarn and a shaped silhouette give pizazz to this otherwise plain-jane tank. The deep-scoop neck is bordered by ribbing, as are the hem and armholes. A plus-sized pattern, and a possibility.
- Diagonal Rib Top -- I put this short-sleeved V-neck tee in my queue because I love the diagonal stitch pattern and lace border around the neckline. I think it will be just as striking, and more wearable, in something other than the shiny metallic and sequinned suggested yarn.
- Fingerless Gloves -- A leaf pattern on the back and an elongated ruffle at the wrist give extra feminity to these sweet mitts. Pretty, but not for me.
- Lace Shawl -- You know how I keep saying "I'm not a shawl person"? This piece might make me change my mind. Knit with an ultra-fine mohair silk blend, this rectangular shawl looks like it weighs no more than a feather ("feather" is apparently the word of the day) and might even qualify as a wedding ring shawl (which, if you are unfamiliar with the term, is a shawl knit so finely that it can be pulled through a wedding ring).
- Lace Socks -- Pretty little anklets with several complementary lace patterns. I just realized I haven't queued these. Will remedy that as soon as this entry is finished.
- Lace Scarf -- Simple lace repeats make up this straight-edged rectangular scarf. Currently not in my queue, but I'm thinking I may have yarn suitable for this piece already stashed, so it is a possibility. Another potential make-it-quick gift item.
- Lace Stockings -- Spectacular thigh-high stockings with flowers on the back of the legs, leaves on the front...so demure, so sexy, so bridal! Too bad I didn't know how to knit when I got married. Spouse might have gotten the surprise of his life on our wedding night. *grin*
Happy knitting!
Finished last night....I call it my California Poppy:
Pattern: Ring Around the Posie by Tammy Hildebrand from Interweave Crochet Spring 2008.
Yarn: Bamboozle from Crystal Palace Yarns, color Ember Glow, 9 skeins.
Size: 45"
Satisfaction with end product: LOVE LOVE LOVE!
MODS: Used size K hook because I couldn’t find the J. 11 motifs for
side strips; 5 motifs for back center strip; 4 motifs for center front.
The extra motifs on side and back strips added necessary length; using
4 motifs for the front gave the finished piece a deeper front neckline
which is more flattering to my (ample) figure. Eliminated side gusset
and used single crochet for seaming.
The neckline isn’t really crooked: Just before spouse snapped the pic, I had adjusted the straps on the cami under the shirt so they wouldn’t show and accidentally hiked the neck up a tad too much on one side.
I wore it to work today and loved every minute of it.
First, I'll show you the pretty one:
Pattern: Petunia Tote by Katie Himmelberg, from Interweave Knits Spring 2007
Yarn: Bernat Gloucester Sport (I'd link to it, but it's discontinued) in French Blue, 660 yards
Satisfaction with end result: I really like it. It's the perfect spring/summer casual running around town bag. The lining really sets it off, as you can see in the picture below.
In fact, here's the entire bag turned inside out, so everyone can see the fabulous lining fabric.
The fabric is half a yard of a 60" rayon challis purchased from JoAnn. Other than that, I can't tell you a thing about it.
The only modification to the pattern was making the strap somewhat shorter than the pattern dictated. I'm not tall, you see, and didn't want the bag to hang down to my knees when worn slung across my shoulder. Additionally, I'm thinking about adding a magnetic closure at the top. I'll carry the bag around for a while before making a final decision.
Now, the not-so-pretty one. I finally finished spouse's Treads socks from Son of Stitch and Bitch. The cuffs turned out beautifully:
The rest of the socks, not so much:
Yarn: Cascade's Heritage in #5601 Black, approximately 656 yards (approx. 1.5 skeins)
The foot is so wide you'd think I made them for a hobbit. My fault totally. I didn't pay attention to gauge. If I had, I'd have realized I was using the wrong size needle (a 2 instead of a 0). Even then I probably could have saved them if I had decreased across the instep when I turned the heel. Instead, spouse ended up with a baggy, saggy, shapeless pair of socks. I told him it wouldn't hurt my feelings if he never wore them outside the house. Note to self: not all sock patterns are created equal. One must pay attention to the damn pattern while knitting the foot!
It took a while, but Crochet Today! finally put up the preview for the most recent issue. They must wait for it to be available on the magazine stands before posting the preview, which is kind of a pain for those of us who might want to, you know, review the magazine in anticipation of its availability to non-subscribers.
Regardless, that's an adorably sweet toddler on the cover for this "Special Baby Issue", wearing a cute little summery tank dress. Although, being childless, I doubt I'll find many projects I actually want to make in this issue, I'm still a sucker for adorable toddlers in dresses.
In Products and News, the usual assortment of gadgets, gizmos, and accessories prance across the pages. Two in particular caught my eye: a solid wood hook caddy and the Yarn Bra. Cleverness!
In the Reading section, one book in particular stood out: Heirloom Afghans is apparently filled with lace, pineapples, filet, floral designs and kitschy pictorial blankets. I'm a traditionalist at heart, and love to make gorgeous blankets, even if I haven't the faintest idea who to make them for. (I am a process crocheter, even though I'm a product knitter. Go figure that one out.) On the wish list it goes.
This issue's Crochet Class is all about seaming. I don't know about you, but I can't get enough lessons on seaming. It's my chief obstacle in finishing a piece, be it crocheted or knitted. As is usually the case with this feature, the illustrative photographs are superb.
Next, in People, we meet a teacher and a group of Brooklyn high school students who have turned their "crochet club" into life lessons on charity and persistence. Uplifting, to say the least.
In keeping with this issue's baby theme, the Crochet Doctor Q&A feature focuses on crocheting for little ones: lining baby blankets, adding a crocheted edging, fitting garments, and choosing yarn. Seems like fairly basic info to me, but I've been crocheting and sewing a very long time.
So much for the articles; let's look at the patterns!
- The Pepped Up Placemats are this issue's reworked vintage pattern, turning a boring 1970s vintage granny square table setting into something colorful and fun with #3 thread in punchy bright colors. These placemats would be perfect for a patio party or the breakfast nook. They're so dang cheery, I'm half-tempted to put them in my Ravelry queue. If they were in the Ravelry database.
- A Blooming Headband with interchangeable button-on flowers is our first project for baby. Awww. Too bad my youngest niece is too old to wear this sort of thing.
- A-B-C-1-2-3 -- Numbers and letters to sew onto a fabric pillow or perhaps a wall hanging or blanket. Of course, there's nothing that says they can't be added to a plain crocheted pillow or blanket, either. A cute and easy project to decorate any young child's room.
- The cover piece, a Sweet and Swingy Dress, comes next. I love the contrasting "piping" around the edges and the lacy shell-like V-stitch for the skirt. This is really sweet. Again, too bad my youngest niece is too old....
- Swirly Bibs worked of alternating spirals of brightly-colored cotton yarn would be a fun way to liven up mealtime, methinks. The pattern has an interesting construction technique, as well: the switch-off between colors is accomplished by dropping Color A's loop at intervals and picking up Color B; then dropping Color B's loop and picking up Color A. Never seen that technique before. I may have to make these bibs just to try it out.
- Frilly Feet might be the cutest crocheted baby booties I've ever seen. They're certainly the most colorful! Most baby booties are in dinner-mint colors. Not these! And they take only one ball of sock yarn: an economical project to "boot". (Sometimes I'm just amazed at my own cleverness. *snort*)
- The Bunny Buddy rattle is so sweet it makes my teeth ache. I may die from the cute.
- I must have the Diamond Back Snake! It is utterly adorable and will be in my queue as soon as Ravelry has it in the database. My husband will just have to get used to sharing the bed with me, the dog, the cats, and the snake. What do you mean it doesn't match our decor?
- Little Man Vest -- Hey! A baby item that isn't obviously aimed at the girlies. This is a sweet little vest with its intarsia mock tie. Are any of my grandnephews still young enough for this? Must ask my sister. (I'm afraid I don't keep track of her grandchildren....)
- An amigurumi bunny and carrot make up the Garden Pals. Truthfully, I thought the bunny was a mouse. It's still abundant in its cute factor.
- The Diagonal Baby Blankie is a welcome change of pace from the usual baby blanket offering. I love the bright colors and slanted stripes. And the shell border adds just enough touch of tradition to finish off the piece in style. Very nice design.
And now, we leave the babies behind and enter the world of adulthood.
- The Summer Breeze Cardi is essentially like every other 3/4 sleeve flyaway cardigan pattern out there, with the sole exception of the bobble detail around the yoke and sleeve hems. It's a good basic wardrobe piece, and probably quick to stitch. Not in my Ravelry queue, but it's a possibility. I'd make it out of something other than Red Heart Designer Sport, though. Bamboo/acrylic blend, maybe?
- Summertime Dress -- LOVE LOVE LOVE. Not in dress length, although it's lovely as a dress, but I can certainly see myself making and wearing a shortened version of this as a summertime top. It will be added to the queue as soon as the pattern is added to Ravelry. (More about that later: I feel a rant coming on.)
- Believe it or not, the Romantic Wrap was the first (and as of the moment I write, the only) thing from this issue I added to my queue. (Again, wait for the rant.) Yes, I know I'm not a shawl (AKA wrap) person, but I looked at this and saw beyond the wrapness to its suitability as...wait for it...a lace tablecloth. True confession: I've been hunting and hunting, without success, for a thread lace tablecloth pattern that wasn't constructed of motif after endless motif. This pattern, as beautiful as it is for a shawl, is perfectly suited for adaptation to tablecloth size. Woo hoo!
- Houndstooth Purse -- LOVE LOVE LOVE! To borrow the magazine's blurb, professional and chic. I mean, be honest. Who wouldn't love this bag? It's small, it's sharp, it's trendy, it has leather handles...It's just perfect! Will be added to the queue as soon as the pattern is in Ravelry's database. (Rant coming, seriously.)
- Frankly, the Urban Wave Top looks unfinished. Robyn, darling, normally I love your stuff, but this piece? Where's the bottom half? Oh, we're supposed to attach fabric to it? Okay. But why choose such a god-awful cutesy yellow and red floral print? It's so incongruous that it looks like an afterthought. OMG, we need some fabric on this piece for the photo shoot! Wait, I've got this in the bottom drawer, left over from that quilt I made a few years ago. A few quick stitches later, and voila! Ick. Still, I like the black and white color scheme and surplice front of the crocheted part, abbreviated though it may be.
- I don't know that I will ever understand crocheted jewelry. At least the Crafty Earrings look wearable and fun and not weird.
- The Lacy Jacket is just the kind of crocheted piece I love, with lots of variety and texture in the stitch patterns and an end result that is versatile, easily worn, and looks great. If I were to make any changes to this, I might lengthen the body, narrow the sleeves, and add a little waist shaping. We'll see what happens once I get there. To be added to the queue once it's in the database yada yada yada.
- The Colorful Cushion is my least favorite piece in this issue. I just don't like ripples. And I'm not overly fond of the color choices for this pillow top...the blues, browns, and tans don't blend well.
- On the other hand, the Grannies On Point pillows make me smile, even if they are made of old-fashioned granny squares. Sometimes kitschy retro is a good thing. These pillows would be perfect on the sofa in a screened porch. If I had a screened porch. If I had a porch.
- The Green Dream Throw also employs granny squares...tiny granny squares...tiny fiddly granny squares. Between 90 and 102 of them. *shudder* I'm sure I've mentioned my dislike of motif assembly. I don't mind making motifs. But I hate putting them together. *sigh* One day I simply must take the time to become familiar with the "seam 'em as you go" process. Nice bright colorful greens in this piece, though. At least there's one redeeming feature.
- The Basketweave Blanket is another motif afghan, but one I'll actually consider making. In this piece, the seaming is a design feature, using yarn in a high-contrast color to the motifs themselves. Lots of visual interest in this blanket. A definite possibility.
- The last blanket, the Little Suns Throw, is constructed of motifs, as well. Lovely lacy circles on the join-as-you-go plan become a light lacy coverup for that summer afternoon nap. Very pretty. But I'm not making it.
- Our final project, a Trio of Vases, looks like it's a breeze to stitch but might be a tad fiddly in the finishing. Balloons, cardboard, and fabric stiffener are involved. Actually, the pattern calls for making one's own fabric stiffener out of a sugar solution. If I made these, I'd use something less likely to attract ants. The vases are striking and unusual enough to be a possibility.
As the cover promised, this is a baby-heavy issue and, as such, has some wonderful child-oriented projects. The adult and home decor offerings are rather hit-and-miss, although there more hits than misses, even given my prejudice against motifs. It's a failing, I know. I need to attend motif-sensitivity training.
Speaking of failings, however, I promised you a rant. You were warned.
First thing, let me express my love for Ravelry. This website has been my greatest inspiration and motivator in knit and crochet work since joining in early 2008. In the last year plus, I've completed more projects and learned more about yarncraft than I had in my entire life prior. That is not exaggeration: it's truth. Ravelry is a fabulous resource: knowledgeable members, helpful designers, and, to my knowledge, more yarn and pattern information than anywhere else on the web. It's a treasure, and a privilege, and I'm ever so grateful to be a small part of it.
But. (You knew there was one.)
Ravelry is so knit-centric that sometimes I just want to scream. When a new knit magazine is released, most or all patterns in that issue are in the database almost before the ink is dry on the print run, while a crochet magazine is lucky if even half the patterns in a new issue can be found weeks after the magazine hits the news stands. Case in point: Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2009 was released at least a week, maybe two, after the Crochet Today! issue we just discussed. As of today, all 32 patterns from Vogue are in Ravelry. 11 of Crochet Today!'s 24 patterns are in Ravelry.
Why the disconnect? Where's the crochet love? Don't crocheters rate any attention? Our patterns are just as important to us as those of the knitters. Why do knit patterns get top priority? Are the knitters just that much more noisy? Or numerous? Do crocheters need to be more vocal? Or active? Who is responsible for getting the patterns into the database in the first place?
I know that Ravelry has some kind of arrangement with Interweave, which means both knit and crochet patterns from that source show up more or less in full, along with their photographs. Has Ravelry made any effort to make the same kind of arrangement with other major crochet magazines? If not, why not?
Perhaps this isn't so much a rant as it is a call to action. What can we do to make Ravelry a more crochet-friendly place? Perhaps we can each upload a missing pattern from a crochet magazine on a regular basis. (There are four from this issue that I will take care of, simply because I need to queue them.) Perhaps we can contact Jess and Casey and Mary-Heather and encourage them to get Interweave-style permission from other crochet magazines. Perhaps perhap perhaps....I don't know what else. Right now I'm tired and out of ideas. Even though I knit (and love knitting), I'm tired of the sometimes overwhelming knit-snobbery.
I think I need a cup of tea.
And the above-mentioned VK will be reviewed in a couple of days.
Pattern: Cable Rerun from Crochet Today! Sept/Oct 2008 issue.
Yarn: Bernat Berella 4 in Soft Taupe, 12 skeins (2340 yards). I love this yarn.
Hook: Size K
Satisfaction with end product: Very pleased. The throw has substance but is still soft and drapey; and the texture is gorgeous. I just wish I could get a decent picture to show the true color of the yarn. It's not nearly as muddy as it appears. Oh, to have professional lighting equipment....or maybe I should just read the operating manual for my camera.
This throw required some heavy blocking to achieve its 60" x 35" dimension. I crocheted the piece off and on over the last four months: my row gauge apparently varied according to my stress level which, of course, I didn't notice until I was ready to put the pieces together and realized none of them were the same length. (Insert rolling eyes here.) It all worked out in the end, thanks to some heavy duty T-pins and my trusty steamer.
Now I just have to figure out who I made it for!
Okay, I don't play one on TV. I've been on television, yes, but that was a very long time ago and no one in the world remembers it but me. And I wasn't wearing a shawl at the time. I was wearing a 4-H uniform.
However, I made a shawl. As a gift. Because I'm not a shawl person, as you can plainly see from the pictures below:
The pattern: Seashore Shawl by Drew Emborsky
The yarn: Patons Brilliant in Beautiful Burgundy, three skeins (498 yds total)
Satisfaction with end product: I think it's pretty. My main concern is that its recipient likes it (mailed it off today).
This pattern is easy and quick to stitch. I think it took me 4 or 5 evenings of watching TV, plus another day to pin it out and block it. The finished piece is smaller than the pattern exemplar simply by virtue of the sportweight acrylic/nylon yarn I used versus the worsted weight silk/rayon/linen yarn used for the original. I probably could have blocked it out wider and killed the yarn to maintain the blocking, but I liked the elasticity of the finished piece.
As for my other projects, I finished all the squares for the baby blanket and all the strips for the afghan referenced in this entry. The squares need blocking; the strips have all been blocked and are now my sitting-on-the-sofa-and-seaming-while-watching-television project. I also picked up spouse's wayward Treads socks again, fixed their problem, and am proceeding apace toward the toe.
In magazine news, I'm still waiting for Crochet Today! to put up the preview for the May/June 2009 issue I received last week. In the meantime, the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Vogue Knitting landed in my mailbox a couple of days ago. Give me another two or three days to go through it thoroughly and then I'll post a review.
Two, count 'em, two new magazines landed in my mailbox this week. Let's take a look at the first to arrive, Interweave Crochet, Spring 2009:
Pretty cover! Light and fresh and, dare I say, springlike? I dare indeed. The cover promises "Full Figure Fits that Flatter". Hmm. We'll see.
"Strands" (the editor's column) indicates a change in leadership. Goodbye, Kim Werker; hello, Marcy Smith! Ms. Smith points out a hitherto unknown-by-me connection between Interweave Crochet and CrochetMe! Interesting. (I'm a member at CrochetMe, but don't have much of a presence there...I mainly use it to look for patterns I might want to make. Don't find too many, sadly.)
"New and Notable" has the usual assortment of kits, accessories and hooks, plus a book that seems to be right up my alley: Contemplative Crochet: A Hands-On Guide for Interlocking Faith and Craft by Cindy Crandall-Frazier.
Judging simply by the title and the brief blurb in the magazine, this will more than likely be the next yarn-related book purchase (the last being French Girl Knits). Working with yarn gives me a deep sense of satisfaction and feeds my soul to a certain extent; it will be interesting to get another perspective on the spirituality of yarncraft, crochet in particular.
This month's "Crochet Around Town" column, written by fellow CLFer Aimee Woolwine, takes us to Atlanta, Georgia, on a jim-dandy yarn and restaurant crawl that even features the Atlanta Botanical Garden!
Lorna's Laces Pearl shines in the "Yarn Spotlight." A silk/bamboo blend that sounds simply lovely, it's a DK weight put up in 220-yards skeins. Marcy Smith makes a point of mentioning its "precious price point", which led me on an unsuccessful search for the actual dollar figure. If anyone out there can tell me the cost of a skein of this yarn in US dollars, I'd be most appreciative.
"Back to Basics" teaches us the "linked crochet" stitch with detailed pictures, and the "Reader's Gallery" shows us four projects from previous issues modeled by their stitchers. I love this feature, even though this issue doesn't show any patterns I've considered making. "Beyond the Basics" discusses crocheted lace, including exploding the pattern and reading the fabric. Lots of good information in this article, and some great example photos. An interview with Julia Vaconsin and an article on the history of crochet round out the non-pattern sections of this issue.
Before we go on to the patterns, however, I am compelled to point out an error in the history article, "A Tangled Trail to Crochet's Origin" by Dora Ohrenstein. Well, not so much an error in fact as an error in interpreting a fact. Ms. Ohrenstein quotes from the book Victorian Lace (by Patricia Wardle) that crochet arose from tambour work ..."some time around the end of the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth century...." and "...may be found in manuals from the 1820s onwards...". Ms. Ohrenstein then declares this dating is a discrepancy. She writes: "If it appeared in manuals of the 1820s, why does the writer date the transition [from tambour work] several decades later?" Um. She didn't. The late 18th century is also known as the late 1700s; and the early 19th century is also known as the early 1800s. An 1820 date is perfectly in keeping with a date referenced as "early 19th century." In other words, the dating is internally consistent within Ms. Wardle's book, and Ms. Ohrenstein needs to review basic historical date terminology.
Ms. Ohrenstein's error is bad enough. What I really want to know is where was the editor? The fact checker? The typesetter, for Pete's sake? This piece had to have crossed multiple desks and been read by multiple pairs of eyes and no one caught this boo boo before publication? 'Scuse me? I certainly hope this blunder is not an indication of a quality shift due to the change in editorial staff. </end gripe>
Okay. Patterns. This is what we're really here for, right?
- Forest Flower Pullover by Kristin Omdahl -- Kristin has another winner here! I love the slimming vertical striping (worked in the linked stitch method mentioned above), made by working the body from side to side; and the lacy flower motif yoke gives this pretty piece the perfect springtime touch. In my Ravelry queue.
- Rib & Fan Socks by Carol Ginsberg Brown -- The very idea of crocheted socks sort of creeps me out....I like very smooth delicate [read: knit] socks, and crocheted fabric by its very nature is relatively thick and bumpy: I don't think my tootsies will like such footwear. Therefore, I've never crocheted a pair of socks. I'm sort of open-minded, though, in a creeped-out manner of speaking, but I'm not likely to crochet these socks as my first attempt. They look more like my husband's gym socks than anything I'd wear. But they look interesting.
- Glittering Capelet by Lily M. Chin -- I am not a shawl person. (Is there an echo in here?) However, I was up late reading in bed the other night, the heater had turned itself off for the evening, and my shoulders got cold. "Gosh," I thought, "I need to make myself a bedjacket so I can read without fighting with a blanket around my shoulders." If this little cape, with its delicate filet yoke and open shell body, had sleeves, I'd consider it for that very purpose. Otherwise, sorry, Lily. It's pretty, but it isn't for me.
- Simply Bibs by Lisa Naskrent -- Aaauughhh! I think I just died from the cute! Okay, not so much from the bibs -- they're fairly basic -- but that baby! I just want to eat him up nom nom nom, oh lookit dose toesies, nom nom nom, and his wittle bald head nom nom nom... ahem. 'Scuse me. Got carried away. Sorry. Nice bibs. Yeah.
- Malabrigo Top by Julia Vaconsin -- Hey! It's our interviewee! No, not the model, the designer. Nice design on this vest, too, with vertical ribbing on the body and a delicate shell-stitch V-neck bodice, all done in laceweight yarn. Perfect for the office over a blouse or under a jacket or both; or perhaps over/under nothing at all for an evening out. The length as shown is a tad short for my taste, so I'd lengthen it by at least a couple of inches. In the queue.
- Amazing Grace Wrap by Ellen K. Gormley -- A "Plus Size" pattern, up to a 56" bust. Personally, I'd call this a cardigan rather than a wrap. It's got sleeves. To my way of thinking, the defining characteristic of a wrap is the lack of sleeves. But maybe I'm just a pedant. Anyway, lacy join-as-you-go motifs, long belled sleeves, and a single tie closure at the scooped neckline make for a sweet just-light-enough layer on a breezy spring day. Deep slits at the hem allow for plenty of ease over the hips. I like it, but I don't want to make that many motifs for anything, join as you go or not. (This from the woman whose last several afghans have been constructed with either motifs or strips. Which is why motifs are currently on my not-to-do list for the near future. Seaming is a pain in the...ah, neck.)
- Tremendous Tote by Marlaina Bird -- LOVE LOVE LOVE! About the top third of this bag is felted, with the remainder done up in colorful stripes according to the Fibonacci sequence. (NOTE TO SELF: Someday do a little research and find out exactly what that means when it comes to striping, because it's a phrase that gets slung about all over the yarn world.) Inexplicably, the pattern doesn't give the finished dimensions, but I think the bag may be bigger than what I usually carry. Otherwise, with its leather handles, an interior pocket, and a magnetic closure, this is just about the perfect bag. In my Ravelry queue.
- Seaside Throw by Rhonda Davis -- Want to know the colors and theme in my guest bath? Look at this blanket. Blue, cream, chocolate, with a hint of gold, and the suggestion of starfish. This couldn't have been more perfect as an accessory to drape artfully over the etagere had I designed it myself. Of course it's in my queue. Even though it is a motif design. A girl can make exceptions, can't she?
- Fan and Petal Neck Lace by Doris Chan -- Although this side-buttoned lace collar is beautiful, I honestly can't think of an occasion when I would wear such a piece, nor with what I would wear it. The pattern calls for a cashmere/silk blend yarn, which would make the collar deliciously fuzzy and soft, though....
- Sólás Caomh by Jodi Euchner -- A cabled Celtic knot-inspired baby blanket in a beautiful shade of green. I know just the Irish baby (and her mama) that this blanket needs. In my Ravelry queue.
- Spring Shell by Simona Merchant-Dest -- A "Plus Size" pattern, up to a 52" bust. Call me a pedant again, but if it has sleeves, it's not a shell. And I'm not crazy about this particular type of sleeve anyway; from past experience, I know they are not flattering on me. Otherwise, I really like this top. The varying stitch detail means it will be a fun-to-make project, plus it's interesting to look at. Pffth to the sleeves. Sleeves are easy to modify. In my Ravelry queue.
- Audrey Hat by Christina Marie Potter -- I want to like this hat. Really I do. I wear hats like this all the time, both because they keep the sun out of my eyes and because of a family history of skin cancer. (I don't go outside without sunscreen. Ever.) But floppy brims drive me insane. The pattern calls for starching the crown and brim with heavy spray starch. If I decide to give this pattern a try, before committing to the entire project, I'm likely to swatch and test with real liquid starch, like I used on my candy-striper hat way back in the dark ages when nurses and their aides actually wore starched caps.
- Blossom Kimono by Robyn Chachula -- A "Plus Size" pattern, up to a 57" bust. More motifs. (And more pedantry -- this is sooo not a kimono. I owned a kimono once: a real one with an obi and everything, made by a Japanese pen pal. Sadly I was too young and stupid at the time to store the 100% wool garment properly; it was utterly destroyed by moths. But I digress, as usual.) One of these days I must get over my dislike of seaming. A lot of very nice patterns out there are constructed of motifs. Like this one. Its long sleeves and deep scoop neckline with that center fastening just below the bust line make this an elegantly wearable cardigan for office or special occasion. The main colors chosen for the sample shown are subtle enough that the black accents really pop. In fact, they're almost jarring. I love the black on the border and around the hem, but I think I'd leave it off the sleeves. Not in my queue, but it's a possibility. By the way, be sure to download the charts from the Interweave site. The charts in the magazine are nearly too small to be read without a magnifying glass.
- Tulip Skirt by Annette Petavy -- A "Plus Size" pattern, up to a 48.5" hip. More vertical striping, with a flared hemline and a drawstring waist. This is another pattern I want to like. It seems easy to wear and the vertical stripes would help hide an expansive backside (mine, that is). My main objection is the drawstring waist. I think it looks sloppy and I can't stand loose floppy ends dangling in front of me like that. So, if I made this, I'd have to modify the waistline to lose the drawstrings and insert elastic instead. Probably not too difficult a modification, so it's a possibility.
- Still Waters Shrug by Ellen K. Gormley -- A "Plus Size" pattern, up to 2X, up to a 17.5" upper arm. This is probably the pattern I ought to make as my reading-in-bed jacket. Too bad I don't really like it. Oh, the stitch pattern is lovely, and the pattern looks like its a breeze to make, but the garment itself just doesn't seem quite right. Or maybe it's just that god-awful empire-waisted paisley dress the stylist made the model wear.
- Emerald Scarf by Tracy St. John -- A delicate shell stitch in laceweight Alpaca Silk makes for a beautiful spring scarf, just the right touch of warmth for those chilly spring mornings. I bet Mom (maybe not mine, but somebody's) would like one of these for Mother's Day. A possibility.
- Spring Market Bag by Carol Ventura -- Hey, a grocery bag in Lenten colors! I often wonder how many variations on a market bag designers can create. Apparently there was at least one more: this colorful Tunisian crochet bag with a drawstring closure in 100% linen. I'm not quite prepared to spend upwards of $70 USD to make a grocery bag, but it's still awfully pretty.
- Snuggly Hoodie by Lisa Naskrent -- And there's that edible baby again, this time in a beyond-precious sleeveless hoodie with patch pockets and buttons up the front. What a sweet little outfit. Why are all the moms I know with infants young enough to wear stuff like this so far away?
- Adalia Tank Top by Marikka Hughes -- A "Plus Size" pattern, up to a 54" bust. It doesn't happen all that often, but every now and then a pattern comes along that elicits an automatic "ugh." This was one of those patterns. The front view isn't all that bad: it's actually kind of cute with the skinny straps, scoop neckline and flared A-line shape. But the back? Racerback style I can deal with, but racerback crocheted lace motifs? Not so much. I'm sure someone somewhere thinks this is the greatest pattern ever. But not me. Even when I was young and skinny, I wouldn't have worn this.
Overall, I think Interweave did a great job with this issue, with only the one real clunker of a pattern and barring the time reference fiasco. I especially appreciated that many of the "Plus Size" patterns were actually modeled by someone with a little meat on her bones, although she could only be considered plus-sized in comparison to the usual walking clothes hangers (I mean, let's get real: a 38" bust is plus sized?). Regardless, thanks, Interweave, for acknowledging that not all women are walking clothes hangers, and the majority of us haven't worn a size 2 since we were, umm, two.
Recent Comments
-
avanta7 said:
You might contact Vogue, or see if your local library has that issue. If all else fails, I guess getting... read more
on Magazine Review: Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer 2009 -
lela said:
that is . . . something spilled on the page & i can't read part of the instructions. do you... read more
on Magazine Review: Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer 2009 -
lela said:
i am in the process of knitting #22 (the mitered top) but something spilled on the page read more
on Magazine Review: Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer 2009 -
mary ann k. Da bohemian scrapbook chic! said:
Wow! ya all startin up in the summer so that you'll have stuff for the winter , geeze, Im just... read more
on Magazine Review: Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer 2009
awwww, poor little Pom read more
on UFOs, this time with pics