Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Things I Would Never Crochet

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Now, I strive to remain an openminded crocheter.  I know there are many creative crocheters, people with way more talent than I have – and apparently way faster at crocheting or they have way more time to crochet than I do.

Exhibit A:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11449800

Exhibit B:

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/crochet/?p=3

I appreciate the time, energy, and talent it took to create the two items pictured here.  I believe both creators are talented crocheters. I just wonder what they do for the remaining hours of their days?  I enjoy experimenting with yarn and hook as much as the next person.  I’ve created some disastrous experiments.  Be thankful I have not shared pictures of those with you!

Can you estimate how much time the cowgirl filet set must have taken?  Then, after it was crocheted, it had to be blocked and starched.  This is a real labor of love!  Imagine what masterpiece this crocheter could have created if s/he had directed the creative juices in a more useful or decorative manner.  Well, I guess this could be considered decorative.  It’s certainly not utilitarian!

I barely have time each day to crochet the things I really ‘need’ to work on – gifts, apparel, etc.  I enjoy trying new techniques and surfing the web for inspiration.  But, in this lifetime, I would never have enough time to create the items pictured above.  The necklace is actually for sale at etsy.com!  I hope (I guess) that someone wants to wear it.

Want more filet crochet patterns? Check these out on Etsy and  these Filet Crochet Patterns books 

Comments

  1. Now now! Just because you wouldn’t buy these things doesn’t mean they aren’t still fun. Certainly these are done in the spirit of irony and for that purpose, they are very effective. Surely this isn’t the first “celebration of meats” item you’ve ever seen. That etsy seller has lots and lots of sales!

  2. IamSusie – point well taken. I tried to make it clear in my original post that I do appreciate the talent and workmanship in these pieces. Just not my piece of cake. I wish the Etsy seller well. I say – Good For Her/Him!
    Thanks for sharing! jd

  3. Something is weird with the formatting of this blog. Did you know that the categories, blogroll, and most popular sections are coming up with GIANT fonts, but your actual posting is normal. Maybe it is just in my browser, but I though I’d let you know. 😉

  4. Yes! I can appreciate the talent that goes into making the whimsical things, and Yes! I ask my self Why! Especially why people create the likeness of food. If I can’t eat it, I don’t want it. Whoops! My all-too-practical side is showing. Thanks for some interesting, thought-provoking articles

  5. That is truly some awesome work…but, cannot for the life of me figure out the “why” of it.
    I understand the necklace, yes….it’s the holster/pistols set that gets me. Was this for a contest of some sort maybe?? A consignment piece? Oh well, it’s still nice to gaze at it…thanks for the post!
    Garnie

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.