Sometime back, the secretary mentioned that she would love to have a crocheted Christmas stocking for Peytan. So, I set about to create one. I found a book online and ordered it through my LYS since I couldn’t find it locally. I was disappointed to learn, once I received the booklet, that EVERY pattern in the book was made in single crochet - my least favorite crochet stitch! But, I persevered - since this was a special gift and wouldn’t take weeks for me to make like an afghan would.

As usual, however, I used the pattern as a suggestion rather than a true pattern. I did follow the basic SC stocking pattern in the book, but created the decorative ‘cuff’ on my own. I made the triangles separately in two sizes then sewed them onto the top of the stocking. I crocheted a picot at the bottom point of the smaller triangle so I can sew a jingle bell onto each one. Further, a friend who is an artist and ceramist has created a ceramic name tag to adorn the stocking.

Here’s the stocking:

Here’s the detail:

Share This

The world of crochet and knit was revolutionized several years ago with the introduction of hooks made with a wide variety of woods. The most common of those woods is bamboo. Knitters and crocheters alike have been wildly attracted to these tools.

I like bamboo hooks, but feel that there are problems here that create a hit and miss market. The first issue for me is finish. I purchased a couple of the Clover bamboo hooks and had to return several of them before I was happy with the smoothness of the head of the hook. I don’t think I’m any pickier about getting a finely finished hook than any other crocheter. I don’t mind using an emery board on the mold marks of a $1.99 plastic Q hook. But I do object to doing the same thing with a wood hook from a good manufacturer like Clover.

Another issue I have with bamboo hooks is the ‘drag’ they put on the yarn. Some hooks will glide right through any yarn. In fact, I have often counseled others, and have been advised myself, that if there is a problem with yarn splitting or dragging, the first fix to try is to change hooks. Changing from bamboo to rosewood proved a better match for me.

I know lots of knitters and crocheters who swear by bamboo. Not me. I like them, but I don’t LOVE them. I find that other woods and most metallic hooks are easier to work with than bamboo.

Share This

I ran across this project packed book in the new release section of my local public library. It’s subtitled ‘25 must-have items to make’. I agree that there are a good number of attractive projects in this book, making it a good value for the money.

The book is divided into several sections by type of project. When I first thumbed through it, I wasn’t captivated by the Scarves section as it looked like pretty mundane stuff to me. Then I scanned the Shawls section and became more pleased. The Shrugs section had even more goodies in it. Then there were the Capelets & Mittens section and finally the Bags. Each provided its own charming projects.

First, the Shawls. There are four shawl patterns, three of which I consider to be outstanding. They are well presented in the pictures and show off the lovely yarn and color choices.

Next, the Shrugs which have been so popular recently. Again, there are four shrug patterns, and three are exceptional. My favorite is called Foxglove. It is unique in its shaping and is one I’m sure to crochet for myself. The Pearl is a lovely floral that will appeal to all ages and would look lovely topping a prom dress. Daisy is billed as a ‘little cardigan’ and will fit the bill for those looking for a bed jacket.

The sections on Ponchos and Capelets provide rather mundane offerings - nothing that I find truly inspiring. Not so with the Hats & Mittens section. Every hat is a gem! Further, Dawson even found a way to create fingerless mittens that don’t appear Gothic or Hippy. I have nothing against Goth or Hippy, but it’s nice to see this practical idea made more mainstream.

The Bags section offers three patterns, two of which I find especially appealing. The ‘Ginger’ satchel is presented in two differing looks. And, the Jelly Bean is a roomy purse crocheted in cheery chunky weight yarn, a delight to look at.

I don’t usually comment on the Materials and Techniques sections of most books because they have nothing special to offer. Good stitch guidelines abound for free on the internet and in lots of beginner’s books. In this case, a combination of photographs and illustrations are used for each stitch. This presentation is especially clear and helpful. If you’ve wondered what those ‘xsttog’ stitches are supposed to look like, this book will clarify that for you. In addition, since the book was published in the UK, the author is kind enough to include not only the obligatory glossary of US/UK terminology, but a handy little Yarn Equivalency Chart too. This is most helpful.

STATS:

This book is 128 pages with numerous color photos, was published by Guild of Master Craftsman Publications in 2007 and bears ISBN 978-1-86108-434-7.

Share This

These are my absolutely favorite crochet hooks. I even have a set of them in sizes for thread. Those are hard to find. I googled and found that this site still has a few left in thread sizes - http://www.yarn-store.com/crochet-hooks.html.

I have never ordered from that site, so I can’t actually endorse them. But, the Clover Soft Touch Hooks in thread sizes are hard to find. I purchased mine through my LYS a couple years ago. The dearth of them on the internet may well mean that they are no longer in production. That’s too bad. BUT - the yarn sized hooks are readily available and they are not overly expensive. Besides - these are our TOOLS, folks. We NEED good tools.

Why do I like these hooks? They fit my hand nicely and the thumb rest is nicely cushioned, hence the name ’soft touch’. Their heads are also a nice ‘in-between’ inline and traditional hooks. I prefer inline hooks, but have adapted to these easily. For a quick head-to-head comparison of inline vs ‘traditional’ crochet hooks, check out the pictures at www.karpstyles.com/crochet/Types-of-hook.html .

Before I discovered these hooks, I used a Caron silver hook which is no longer produced. I found those at Garden Ridge back when they used to carry more yarn, hooks, and needles. Haven’t seen the Caron hooks in years. Then, I discovered the wonders (for me) of inline hooks and bought a whole set of Susan Bates hooks. The Susan Bates Silvalume hooks are readily available in full sets and in single sizes. Not having to buy an entire set of hooks every time I need a new G hook is a definite plus.

I have encountered a few problems with individual Clover Soft Touch hooks. In one, the brown thumb rest pad came loose. Another friend encountered this problem also. I should have called the company to complain, but just used a bit of Super Glue to tack the pad back down. That has worked well. Another issue was one hook that came out of its handle. That was a bit of a shock when it happened, but again, it was quickly fixed with a speck of Super Glue. You might say, rightfully so, that one should not have to mend one’s crochet hooks. But, we do any number of things to our hooks to make them work better for us - adding padding, custom clay molded handles, filing, oiling, etc. So, a speck of Super Glue here and there doesn’t bother me since it’s a simple, inexpensive, and effective fix.

The thread hooks each come with silver-colored hook covers. This is a nice feature since they are really lethal weapons - think ice pick - if mishandled. I’m sure the airport luggage searchers would call for the arrest of anyone attempting to get those things in their carry-on luggage!

Clover Soft Touch hooks are the ones I recommend to new crocheters that I teach. My LYS carries them - as do Hobby Lobby and Michael’s - making them easy to find. Invariably a crochet student will show up with a skein of worsted weight acrylic yarn and a set of newer Boye hooks. The yarn is fine, but the hooks have to go. You’ve probably already read in another blog how I feel about THOSE hooks!

Keep an eye out for another hook review soon.

Share This

I want to keep this blog dedicated strictly to crochet. The Administration has single-handedly made that possible. But, if yours was one of the comments that was delayed for publication, please accept my apologies. I’ll be more aware of this situation in future.

Now, let’s get our hooks and yarn (or thread) out and get back to crochet!

jd

Share This

So, I’m home recuperating from my knee replacement (doing well, thank you) and a bit fuzzy because of the pain meds. First, Saturday’s mail held the latest copy of Crochet Today! Yippee! Something to stare at that requires no attention span. Lots of pretty pictures. Monday, TWO boxes of books arrived. I had ordered several new books from Overstock, timing their arrival for my recuperation period so I would have some pretty pictures to enjoy. But, I also received TWO MORE Interweave Press books to preview!!! I’m in a blurry Crochet Heaven!!

So, stay tuned for several reviews of books and patterns.

Crochet Today! Magazine

Share This

Sweater Surgery: How to Make New Things from Old Sweaters (Domestic Arts for Crafty Girls) (Hardcover)
by Stefanie Girard (Author)
Here’s a book I really want to buy. It combines two of my favorite things - crochet and recycling. Actually, I can buy other people’s cast off crocheted and knitted sweaters and use them to create some wonderful new projects for my own purposes - and for cheap! Love those thrift stores. Of course, the best time to buy wool sweaters is in the Spring when they’re on sale really cheap even at the thrift stores. Don’t let a few moth holes put you off. They’ll felt away or can be covered with applique, beads, buttons or other creative techniques.

This pic was on the author’s blog. A nice example of a very simple sweater recycling project:

http://sweatersurgery.blogspot.com/

For other ideas, refer to some of my other blog entries where I’ve touched on this subject. Or, better yet, get yourself some thrift store wool sweaters (with at least 50% feltable wool - not superwashed) and come up with some great ideas of your own. Send me a picture of your project (JPEG format, please) and I’ll post it here. You might be surprised at how quickly and inexpensively you can come up with some functional and attractive gift ideas. Treat yourself to some too!

You can email me your designs at jdwln@sbcglobal.net. Be sure to put ‘Crochet Blog’ in the subject line for me.

Share This

You gotta check this thing out. I wonder if we can still buy this item anywhere but Ebay?? Anyone out there own one or ever used one? Does it really work? Inquiring minds and fingers want to know.

Well, I answered my own question by going to Ebay and finding two of these for sale. I’ve bid on one and will be receiving it before long. I’ll report back on how well it works. Can’t wait to give it a try!

UPDATE - I purchased one of these ‘Knitters’ on Ebay. Couldn’t figure out how to work it with the instructions that were included. Took it to my local crochet club meeting where experienced crocheters and knitters each had a try at it. No one could figure it out!! No wonder K-Tel didn’t keep them on the market very long. Would love to hear from anyone who has used this implement successfully.

Share This

by Erika and Monika Simmons

Published by Interweave Press, 2008, 128 pages, ISBN 978159668006630

Erika and Monika, identical twins, are young, beautiful, fashionable, and talented crochet entrepreneurs. Their crochet designs are fashion forward - aimed at younger women with great shapes. As with many books of crochet fashion, some of the designs are more conceptual than practical. I take these designs as being more inspirational than practical, not what I’m likely to see on the street but a great source for learning how the bounds of crochet can be stretched and redefined. The lovely Deep V Halter that leads off this collection is well suited to the model wearing it, but unlikely to be worn in public because of the impracticality of wearing the 24 inch long fringe that circles the hem. But what a great looking halter top this is!

My favorite designs in the book are the hooded poncho with its flattering vertical detailing and the V shaped hemline treatment, the Gypsy Duster which could easily be created as an elegant ‘topper’ or a beach cover-up by changing only the yarn selection, and the Shrunken Jacket, another versatile design with vertical and horizontal accents that would flatter most figures.

Were I a tall, slender twentysomething, I’d be especially enthralled with the Peek-a-Boo Dress and Shawl and the T-Neck Top.

Peek-A-Boo Dress With Shawl

Yarns used in this book vary from high end alpaca/silk blends to the more modest TLC Amore and LionBrand Wool-ease. This variety is always a plus.

Helpful things in this book? The black and white line drawings and the multiple color photographs showing the garments from a variety of angles, including clear examples of stitch details. This is invaluable to me. Clear type-face and outlined pattern notes create a crisp visual array on each page that is without clutter. Stitch counts at the ends of key rows are extremely helpful.

Ever design in this book is visually stimulating. While there are certainl designs I would never personally crochet (the Bell Sleeve Shrug with Feather Collar for one), there are plenty of great ideas here to inspire me to crochet a flirty fringy belt for a young friend or adapt the Webbed Halter for my own use. The Shrunken Jacket will definitely become part of my wardrobe while my 23 year old daughter has her bid in for for the Beach Bikini with Skirt and the Fitted Shrug with Cap Sleeves.

All in all, this collection of almost thirty designs has a lot to offer a wide variety of crocheters. There’s certainly nothing shapeless or boring about these designs, just the kind of designs I have come to expect from Interweave Press.

Share This

No, Monica Burnett has not hyjacked my blog! It’s just that I love the look of her website and wanted to share!

Monica has a great blog as well. Her crocheted designs just make me smile. Check out some of her goodies. These aren’t inexpensive - but they’re also NOT expensive. Consider the yarns, design time, and crochet time that goes into each piece.

Here’s one I like especially for a child:

I’m not one - but there are a lot of people who could pull off this look:

So, take a few minutes and visit her website and blog. Here’s the link to her website:

http://www.monicaburnetthats.com/

She has beanies, caps, hats, headbands, gloves, and more.

Just for my blog readers, Monica is offering a 15% discount - even on her custom work. To get your special discount, use the coupon code ‘gossip’.

Let me know what you think!

Share This