tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608662944035155362024-02-19T11:58:33.629+10:00Never Knew... crochet was so much fun!"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-8857493472761487862011-07-24T14:30:00.006+10:002011-07-24T14:59:40.735+10:00Finally FINISHED!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtX9w0kEi1p38Pca8FZsj4rzMIbAp9ErbPm0HdQvyR7dNqt7TyMwDImbq8QHNKoA3SLgfeCz7DSEAI07EUG3PgzrQfkdyF39m4QeEVRERF7Y6s_Y9OHVn-gkyG7oWyZkFsCMP7SAnlESXh/s1600/IMG_8483a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtX9w0kEi1p38Pca8FZsj4rzMIbAp9ErbPm0HdQvyR7dNqt7TyMwDImbq8QHNKoA3SLgfeCz7DSEAI07EUG3PgzrQfkdyF39m4QeEVRERF7Y6s_Y9OHVn-gkyG7oWyZkFsCMP7SAnlESXh/s640/IMG_8483a.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkiluVehg1D9pbZ2gSayyIrfZmCVJBqj0bEpmb3Yx4UvU3tTZSvvP4P9eIdYU_lEMcl4ngjTCBHJc8SbESVc1NoStC_qSDtW-kdYc63PwzuCA-48WVslbS0zggK8gXSB8kJJmx_WgdMuh/s1600/IMG_0071a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A LONG, LOOONG time ago, about a year ago, actually, I was bitten by the inspiration bug when I saw <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2010/02/stashbusting.html">this post</a> by Lucy at Attic24. She was making all these lovely little squares using left-over yarn. She talked about how quick and fun it was to make these squares. And wow, didn't her blanket look great once it was <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2010/03/index.html">all finished</a>. So I gave it a go... and I thought it was quick and fun, too... for a while... then I got a little bored and so this project came and went over many months. They were a great thing to do while waiting in the car for the kids when they were at their many after-school activities - each square only took a few minutes.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But it does take a lot of time to make enough for a blanket. And to add to the seemingly never-ending-ness of it, I'd decided to use a smaller-than-recommended hook, a 3.5mm. And it was a spiky one at that, so it kept catching and splitting the yarn. Most annoying. And then there are all the ends to weave in - so many ends!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0u5ri5XpxTSylWvDzQmXwfdsn0ODOKCVc_XbR9cx1dgYZhMb4dv1SjmrwaE00qFu5-3WlabOs673eCqfY3Y7pRPrD2AU4hXrJWhA87dVovLQ1qUP7SW1YfjKBoovCWmFKGexpt81JjGrP/s1600/IMG_8480a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0u5ri5XpxTSylWvDzQmXwfdsn0ODOKCVc_XbR9cx1dgYZhMb4dv1SjmrwaE00qFu5-3WlabOs673eCqfY3Y7pRPrD2AU4hXrJWhA87dVovLQ1qUP7SW1YfjKBoovCWmFKGexpt81JjGrP/s400/IMG_8480a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So after wandering away from this project and then returning to it many times, I finally had lots of lovely squares. Then came the problem of the half-squares. I couldn't for the life of me work out how they were done. After many internet searches and lots of enquiries, I finally found help on flickr, thanks to "hooked on yarn", who kindly told me how she had made hers. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hooked_on_yarn/4502331936/in/photostream/">Here</a> is the link to her beautiful blanket on flickr, and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hooked_on_yarn/4475565214/in/photostream/">here</a> is the picture where she explains how the half-squares were made. (And you can find her lovely blog <a href="http://hookedonyarn81.blogspot.com/">here</a>, something that I have only recently found myself!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So then, I worked on half squares.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And eventually I used up all my yarn. I am pleased to say I used up almost every scrap of this yarn that was in my house. It is Carnival Soft 8ply, left over from <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/05/and-then-i-found-lucy-bag-my-second.html">my Lucy Bag</a> that I made in late 2009. There is a little bit of the beige colour left, the rest is all gone.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then I had to sew it all up.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, my mum taught me to sew (both with a machine and by hand) when I was a little girl. But that doesn't mean I like it. In fact, I avoid it like the plague. And, although I thought it might be different when crochet was involved, I quickly realised that whip-stitching dozens of little squares together was nothing different - it was just .... sewing. Boring old sewing. I hated this part of the project and had to make myself do it. First I arranged my squares into my over-all pattern/design (very tricky as I can't be "random" and I get all OCD about the squares being "fairly distributed"!).</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF5lwqg4bBHy5HLiyd8S9yw7kdp4oLeXXxk2YTuuEUbPy1dD1UN6WOFVAdVU2Ggdq_Z_MZQCUal1XJmxv0z83qv76K89z4ivJPa72adAq7uIiPQ3tfdAnPr1Wh4pdXwWFR7IG1-b8HUse/s1600/IMG_9590a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF5lwqg4bBHy5HLiyd8S9yw7kdp4oLeXXxk2YTuuEUbPy1dD1UN6WOFVAdVU2Ggdq_Z_MZQCUal1XJmxv0z83qv76K89z4ivJPa72adAq7uIiPQ3tfdAnPr1Wh4pdXwWFR7IG1-b8HUse/s400/IMG_9590a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then, after finally telling myself to stop fiddling with the arrangement, I sewed up the 8 individual rows.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">By now I had realised that it was all too small. It was going to be the Smallest Blanket in the History of the World. I did contemplate making it into a pillow instead, but eventually decided that it would do as a security/comfort "blankie" for my youngest and that it would work as a lap blanket for her in the car. So I pressed on.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once the rows were sewed, it was time to do the zig-zag crochet. After more online research, I got enough ideas to give this a go. I had a cheap variegated yarn in stash that was very similar to the Carnival Soft so I decided it could be part of the zig-zags.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wV7MtFKidHhUHts0M66rCILKBiOPLUkkMkfqGgn8xjV4ILKeHWvwJrG24aBPsE57VSU957M6QrXNlhssltwPrxYcgNBmZiEasmqfhcOc6iwuwEfN8I159ebtsop8rtyTr7ce80AlFJIG/s1600/IMG_0404a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wV7MtFKidHhUHts0M66rCILKBiOPLUkkMkfqGgn8xjV4ILKeHWvwJrG24aBPsE57VSU957M6QrXNlhssltwPrxYcgNBmZiEasmqfhcOc6iwuwEfN8I159ebtsop8rtyTr7ce80AlFJIG/s400/IMG_0404a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lucy did a very small row of zig-zag between each row of squares. Because I had the smallest blanket in the history of the world, I decided to try to making my zig-zag rows a lot more substantial. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First I thought I'd see how the zig-zags looked in dc (UK tr). I didn't like it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkiluVehg1D9pbZ2gSayyIrfZmCVJBqj0bEpmb3Yx4UvU3tTZSvvP4P9eIdYU_lEMcl4ngjTCBHJc8SbESVc1NoStC_qSDtW-kdYc63PwzuCA-48WVslbS0zggK8gXSB8kJJmx_WgdMuh/s1600/IMG_0071a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkiluVehg1D9pbZ2gSayyIrfZmCVJBqj0bEpmb3Yx4UvU3tTZSvvP4P9eIdYU_lEMcl4ngjTCBHJc8SbESVc1NoStC_qSDtW-kdYc63PwzuCA-48WVslbS0zggK8gXSB8kJJmx_WgdMuh/s400/IMG_0071a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So then I went back to Lucy's idea of sc (UK dc). Better. A little tedious to do, but better. In back loops only, to create a lovely ridged look. And lots of sc rows, to make the blanket as big as possible.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDyWDu98OVlz_IE_kb-hZlfcWIrOiqnDWFqGm_2ERArDO2B34NRUwMdJ8XKksBVZ_XU6noQOYIKXSUmJ_wXSj5K56fopYXIuTOLOR6deRzV-7BY3DUfxB1BtYt1330O3j0yKFYIC85JhR/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575935528203624466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDyWDu98OVlz_IE_kb-hZlfcWIrOiqnDWFqGm_2ERArDO2B34NRUwMdJ8XKksBVZ_XU6noQOYIKXSUmJ_wXSj5K56fopYXIuTOLOR6deRzV-7BY3DUfxB1BtYt1330O3j0yKFYIC85JhR/s400/IMG_0406.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once my rows had their crochet zig-zags, it was time to sew the rows together. I again did not enjoy the sewing, but must admit this time it was a little more fun because I could see the end in sight.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxJP_1t0EOiimadv765h5ao-IUVX9dxJdmuCZdHIXboXw-yL53ZrvoTrZQIIJk4ZmZ4TkeEZ3XL26IKuscomwb16ngODWCF8JeGC6Ojl6RjWkYgdyVR5v0_fI4kHc01_kjR3ADHwbnn6s/s1600/IMG_0408a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxJP_1t0EOiimadv765h5ao-IUVX9dxJdmuCZdHIXboXw-yL53ZrvoTrZQIIJk4ZmZ4TkeEZ3XL26IKuscomwb16ngODWCF8JeGC6Ojl6RjWkYgdyVR5v0_fI4kHc01_kjR3ADHwbnn6s/s400/IMG_0408a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One advantage of a sew-it-together-at-the-end project is that you can correct variations in tension a little bit. You can see here that at one point I was making squares much looser than at another time over the months, but once it was all sewn together, they flattened and evened out fairly well.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T7sGyCshPFsqIAaIryknVeoCw_5yLWoQ40fqhOCTjJAWlSk5bg-I2GzZIsEywUGoUfKVVeQHWdJsUwrJMDbfOYzsv6HfQ1wyYQ0ap031huIooXpJx70wLHH0yhIRCkTNUVfDB1qY01Mn/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575935515625244866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T7sGyCshPFsqIAaIryknVeoCw_5yLWoQ40fqhOCTjJAWlSk5bg-I2GzZIsEywUGoUfKVVeQHWdJsUwrJMDbfOYzsv6HfQ1wyYQ0ap031huIooXpJx70wLHH0yhIRCkTNUVfDB1qY01Mn/s400/IMG_0421.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>You can see here how some of my squares are much bigger than others!</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I then added more zig zags to the top and bottom, and a simple sc edge down the longer sides.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7Xug2vaxA2arJhHXWS7lWGvVnrURs4LJa2nmQAacp8REmyqySi3eOrsZb6mhgBl_ri-zehWyOL3nnjNz3zjqalGvKOBDMnpkpU5Ngff013RRzTk3AaaC59H-SUzgbB3Ii-TrYpV6RCag/s1600/IMG_0423a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7Xug2vaxA2arJhHXWS7lWGvVnrURs4LJa2nmQAacp8REmyqySi3eOrsZb6mhgBl_ri-zehWyOL3nnjNz3zjqalGvKOBDMnpkpU5Ngff013RRzTk3AaaC59H-SUzgbB3Ii-TrYpV6RCag/s400/IMG_0423a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had started this blanket so inspired and excited, and then had moved through phases of boredom, avoidance, annoyance, frustration, exasperation, and then resignation and determination to get the darn thing finished. I was so happy to get to the end - to have this project done and OVER. I didn't really even like it anymore.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until I looked at it. All finished and ends woven in and sewn up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUubUEo0gg-Ek1Di4zk14aDWf9N7KXb5JlUtR7fD6uW-o0Fmzdnn6qAKMiq8AZwtr4MNx6qkMkUhHBll4OOJbAyNcozYeKehCo7caAkR04WxFz3nVLQMsz46M6lqZnCXIlxsnKR5LKto-/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575935535902506930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUubUEo0gg-Ek1Di4zk14aDWf9N7KXb5JlUtR7fD6uW-o0Fmzdnn6qAKMiq8AZwtr4MNx6qkMkUhHBll4OOJbAyNcozYeKehCo7caAkR04WxFz3nVLQMsz46M6lqZnCXIlxsnKR5LKto-/s640/IMG_0422.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then I thought, wow! It looks really great! And then I loved it again. :-)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And my little girl loves it, too. So nice that she can have blanket of her own, even if it's the smallest blanket in the world. (By the way, it probably isn't the smallest blanket in the world, but it is small. It measures 73 cm x 57 cm.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2CmSyyXx7HnGXkCuHey5lMobFLa7oPjG7RadVoeQGgamISob2Y6xLG7nWQMqtKFT_mS0XmLYwSFRuSbrX9lJF0od2D0GKWI-QOB8hfV3thMgEmrDHPOBBkFPBS9o5q1mWezJMnKEvhNn/s1600/IMG_0418a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2CmSyyXx7HnGXkCuHey5lMobFLa7oPjG7RadVoeQGgamISob2Y6xLG7nWQMqtKFT_mS0XmLYwSFRuSbrX9lJF0od2D0GKWI-QOB8hfV3thMgEmrDHPOBBkFPBS9o5q1mWezJMnKEvhNn/s640/IMG_0418a.jpg" width="560" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So there you are. The story of my zig-zag blanket, all the highs and lows. It took an awful lot of hours to make, and I'm not sure I will ever make another sew-it-all-together-at-the-end blanket, but now that it is done I do feel mighty pleased with it all. And I'm so glad that I did persevere to the end.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfOroAs3QqzVTACQzJYohyphenhyphenbQHveQeU2iR931U-Y29-AUhADHnLGF4e0454XrMOs_M72ojfednWcD34_GI0IC4woYwJtyr-1EEIZFkMVWEcdSJyjcuxpw-SLeKh13Szv7tk1eo-f4m4KdZ/s1600/IMG_0419a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfOroAs3QqzVTACQzJYohyphenhyphenbQHveQeU2iR931U-Y29-AUhADHnLGF4e0454XrMOs_M72ojfednWcD34_GI0IC4woYwJtyr-1EEIZFkMVWEcdSJyjcuxpw-SLeKh13Szv7tk1eo-f4m4KdZ/s640/IMG_0419a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoyed reading about this project's journey, and that it leaves you feeling inspired to get on with your half-finished projects, too (or am I the only one who has them??). ;)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a happy, hooky day,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Caz :)</span></div>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-5080054179113455692011-07-14T01:23:00.005+10:002011-07-14T01:30:21.239+10:00Chevron Cardigan - Finished!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, it's been a l-o-n-g time between posts, but I am here now, and very excited to share the news that my cardigan is finished and is a "wearable"! And, therefore, a success!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAbgqveZed0HwraN1YemUIRYTBVbELIK-UNugixS-oZ1h33QMgRIFMk0wtaFJoPukQm1Hy476P-EMsjzGJ8adPABaCPUsyE4H2H_5KGcm0-Rya5JVEG_jyCP64BYRrsW5KnYy-uGkqwgc/s1600/IMG_1148A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAbgqveZed0HwraN1YemUIRYTBVbELIK-UNugixS-oZ1h33QMgRIFMk0wtaFJoPukQm1Hy476P-EMsjzGJ8adPABaCPUsyE4H2H_5KGcm0-Rya5JVEG_jyCP64BYRrsW5KnYy-uGkqwgc/s400/IMG_1148A.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">My cardi getting blocked</span></i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sleeves worked out in the end; I pulled out the one that was flared and tried again. At first it all seemed to hard and I put the whole project aside for a while. But it was while reading <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/crochet-clothing-crochet-along/508749/401-425">a discussion on Ravelry</a>, (from a CAL back in 2009!) that my problem was revealed to me. Someone wrote about their pattern repeats: Hmmm. I count 4 sets on one sleeve and 5 on the other….. This simple comment, written way back in 2009, but stored in Ravelry (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> is AWESOME!) showed me the light. I had another look and saw that, indeed, this was the problem. So I had to fudge the start of the sleeve, continually referring to the other one, until I had managed to create a round with 4 pattern repeats, and a joining stitch that matched the other side. (I don't think where I joined the rounds was quite the way it was explained in the pattern, but it worked, and was the same on both sides, so I went with it!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After that, it was plain sailing! The bodice went very quickly. I changed to a 6mm hook for the waist/below the bust area, and after that changed back to a 6.5mm hook so it fitted more easily over my hips.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I think it looks great! And it feels great on - I love wearing it!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, do you want to see? Okay, here goes...</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ta-da!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamoIhB1Xid_1c-83U-jOAUt9b8jD9ofvqWUQcOVhg41m_5YOPBSr1isUuoDqm32ojH_uRgY0ca0Siz-SAu6tk1_81aVjzr1NmTkipBMvNGiP98zthQgeGirMXzbRDuyrmMPYgnBBpsqIf/s1600/IMG_1241A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamoIhB1Xid_1c-83U-jOAUt9b8jD9ofvqWUQcOVhg41m_5YOPBSr1isUuoDqm32ojH_uRgY0ca0Siz-SAu6tk1_81aVjzr1NmTkipBMvNGiP98zthQgeGirMXzbRDuyrmMPYgnBBpsqIf/s640/IMG_1241A.jpg" width="388" /> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjcICOLKglOW20l0gwVAAMpXh7Y7RGklhCM0i19D1d930wjj0MtQdVolh0o9bDeaD_h9_1lcK1kB0lkdBA_BkMYGY4Q7Svf2BdBCbgSh_qUrKp9H1pTSaX48jTbMkc1mbLWHZ6tu6OBSb/s1600/IMG_1240A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjcICOLKglOW20l0gwVAAMpXh7Y7RGklhCM0i19D1d930wjj0MtQdVolh0o9bDeaD_h9_1lcK1kB0lkdBA_BkMYGY4Q7Svf2BdBCbgSh_qUrKp9H1pTSaX48jTbMkc1mbLWHZ6tu6OBSb/s400/IMG_1240A.jpg" width="306" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The trim was another tricky point. I read up on other people's projects (I'll say it again: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> is AWESOME!) and I saw one that I really like (see it on Ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/seeApenny/chevron-lace-cardigan">here</a>) used slip-stitches instead of single crochet on her edge/trim. Now, that might sound simple, but a quick Google search on slip-stitches revealed to me that there is a whole world out there of slip-stitch crochet, and really interesting stuff it is, too. But that's for another post, another time, me thinks. :-) You see, there are all different ways to do slip-stitches, which left me unsure what to do on my cardi; what did this lady <i>mean</i> by "I just did several rows of slip-stitch"?? I finally decided, after trying a few things, to simply slip-stitch the "normal" way - through both loops - and after about 6 (?) rows, I was happy with my edge.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then the buttons... I'm still not 100% sure about these... I'm thinking of changing them to a simple black... what do you all think?</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But it is <i><b>DONE</b></i>, it <i>fits</i>, it is <i>wearable</i>, it doesn't look too granny-ish or hideous. And I have even dared to wear it in public. I am out and proud with my crochet! :-)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am so glad I have finally found some time to hop on here, type this, and share this with you. I have missed my blogging very much, but paid-work and life-in-general crop up an awful lot at my place, and get in the way of my blog. I hope you don't all mind too much that I've been away for so long.</span><br />
</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As you might have noticed (!), I am a big fan of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>, and I'm finding myself over there more and more. It is a great way to share projects quickly and simply. So if you're ever wondering what I'm up to, look for me over there as I am going to get all my projects updated on Ravelry very soon. (My profile name is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/NeverKnew">NeverKnew</a>.)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I still love my blog and I do want to keep it going (as well as being on Ravelry). I am going to try and not over-think my posts too much (I tend to do that) and try and keep them quick, brief, simple. Hopefully I will be able to share with you more often, then.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because I do have a lot more crochet to share. Oh, boy, do I ever. I haven't had time to blog lately (sometimes not even time to read other blogs I love! *sniff!*) but I <i>always</i> find time to crochet. Even if it's just 10 minutes before bed, I try to crochet every day. I <i>need</i> to crochet every day. This is why my blog is called Never Knew. I Never Knew that crochet would become such a huge part of my life, my daily zone-out wind-down, and also such a trigger for creativity. I don't know (now) how I ever lived without it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I will see you all soon, with more crochet to share. I would love to know what you think of my cardi; your comments are always welcome. :-)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Till next time, have a happy, hooky day,</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Caz :)</span></div>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-67341840023218221292011-04-29T16:41:00.010+10:002011-04-29T16:41:00.193+10:00Ummm... that doesn't look right...My <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2011/04/crochet-clothing-projects-part-4-new.html">crochet cardigan</a> is coming along nicely... generally speaking... but I have hit a little hiccup.<br />
<br />
Here it is with a little bit of the bodice... looking good (if I do say so myself!) and fitting quite well...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8gBxxQzdGcr8qA3v8weVx3Lz_9Nm5dcM_azgXlbDSAdayh0PJs6uYHdouzSpz9Ffjexw8O9K8UPVDnhUevgbaQc4C8xsbOKz4lSYf9hw_UYfiInyAgUd01OvaxIDgYtB7g_LKU7wQAEu/s1600/IMG_0886A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8gBxxQzdGcr8qA3v8weVx3Lz_9Nm5dcM_azgXlbDSAdayh0PJs6uYHdouzSpz9Ffjexw8O9K8UPVDnhUevgbaQc4C8xsbOKz4lSYf9hw_UYfiInyAgUd01OvaxIDgYtB7g_LKU7wQAEu/s400/IMG_0886A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I then continued to work on the sleeves. There was one tricky bit - where the sleeves meet at the end of each round. I really didn't get it but I just sort-a fudged it and the stitches there look a little different (it's like there are 2 "valleys" (decrease stitches) side by side) but no matter as it's on the underside of the sleeve... no one should see it... and, anyway, this cardi is for me, and if I don't care, why would anyone else?<br />
<br />
It started out okay... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_po6JNAe9hq4buwfxaTQdoEryAT2Z__9NvO0ERNFvbmEkriZCugqINB6mRdB1LLbMaXlPoh6rMblFbeD8cGxOOb9cJeLOsZf-uZGnX9Uzfd4xuQu_eIDsL412L3kGwVjbRDaAOOaAEweR/s1600/IMG_0909A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_po6JNAe9hq4buwfxaTQdoEryAT2Z__9NvO0ERNFvbmEkriZCugqINB6mRdB1LLbMaXlPoh6rMblFbeD8cGxOOb9cJeLOsZf-uZGnX9Uzfd4xuQu_eIDsL412L3kGwVjbRDaAOOaAEweR/s400/IMG_0909A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCob_a8gL8who_XDEQS8y4kaU2edF8K-0eV15FlrKV9_PB_IIXXBcgibJMOY3J8lCSRP0HsP-mEuCA1RNASCnjC2G35p_Qx2k3EiAmnpRjtF4wh5KJz6YnFGMPDkN-6P9444245fmD6o1/s1600/IMG_0916A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCob_a8gL8who_XDEQS8y4kaU2edF8K-0eV15FlrKV9_PB_IIXXBcgibJMOY3J8lCSRP0HsP-mEuCA1RNASCnjC2G35p_Qx2k3EiAmnpRjtF4wh5KJz6YnFGMPDkN-6P9444245fmD6o1/s400/IMG_0916A.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><br />
But... something strange started to happen, and I suspect it's related to my "fudging". The sleeve was slowly getting wider all the way along my arm. I wondered if maybe this happens in the pattern to everyone. I decided I would press on regardless ... maybe a flared sleeve would look nice anyway.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWx5FC5sV-tvEUv0LK3ELr_i1j5LGRjYy8mzgfAlsSZYhOwchJOkqv7IepLQVGyTNBVgsn3Jgc9xks0djR5cmT5vb_8rBa9S0PvRIZd7M7_HpaSTQ865KnU0bqFA6WnrXhw29ie-Yz0W5/s1600/IMG_1066A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWx5FC5sV-tvEUv0LK3ELr_i1j5LGRjYy8mzgfAlsSZYhOwchJOkqv7IepLQVGyTNBVgsn3Jgc9xks0djR5cmT5vb_8rBa9S0PvRIZd7M7_HpaSTQ865KnU0bqFA6WnrXhw29ie-Yz0W5/s400/IMG_1066A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right sleeve (flared)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
BUT... when I worked on the second sleeve... hmmmm... this is MOST odd. I think (I believe) that I am joining this sleeve exactly as I did the other one, in my strange, slightly-made-up method, but this time the sleeve is NOT growing. Not getting wider. In fact, it looks quite nice, all fitted and snug.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViX7P5D1R7KmXja7u7kPm27oLpAaP5hLBQ1607TCBGqhaNSEB0712tB_whz5eUUtmq9yvTBgSeAsgGGRYMXbWvQlnRsWL6m9RXO-IAnbus3aJJGlrqnioXwDtfyECPBun0-YuVBb7g9yC/s1600/IMG_1067A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViX7P5D1R7KmXja7u7kPm27oLpAaP5hLBQ1607TCBGqhaNSEB0712tB_whz5eUUtmq9yvTBgSeAsgGGRYMXbWvQlnRsWL6m9RXO-IAnbus3aJJGlrqnioXwDtfyECPBun0-YuVBb7g9yC/s400/IMG_1067A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left sleeve (fitted)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Grrrrrrrr.<br />
<br />
So, what now?<br />
<br />
I guess I will have to rip out the first sleeve, and try again? I will have a very, very close look. Try and see where the sleeves look different to each other.<br />
<br />
I hope I can work out where I went wrong - because if I can't... I'll have 2 very different sleeves!! :-P<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxuykRldphZy1jRGCgbSg_LkutjxNzW84mmihJMPgPnclYmSYPThMsM9ngTEAWVnlqMfGPUy9u6mLz6AkD7boQKidQacJWHwC6gX4YUgWxyDlTPnPHjBJyfLtyyd8V3l4dTkN48H6GuX3/s1600/IMG_1072A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxuykRldphZy1jRGCgbSg_LkutjxNzW84mmihJMPgPnclYmSYPThMsM9ngTEAWVnlqMfGPUy9u6mLz6AkD7boQKidQacJWHwC6gX4YUgWxyDlTPnPHjBJyfLtyyd8V3l4dTkN48H6GuX3/s640/IMG_1072A.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Will let you know how I get on.<br />
<br />
Thanks so much, by the way, for all the wonderful comments I have been receiving of late. So glad you like my crochet cardigans. Some readers mentioned that they were thinking of looking up the pattern I am using for this cardigan. I thoroughly recommend it! (Pattern can be found - for free! - <a href="http://milobo.wordpress.com/">here</a>, and info on Ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chevron-lace-cardigan">here</a>.) It is very easy to follow and very well explained and there are lots of pictures to help you along the way.<br />
<br />
Also check out <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/crochet-lovers-victoria-australia/1494227/1-25">this link</a> on Ravelry (if you are registered on Ravelry, if not, you should join - it's great!) - there was a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/crochet-clothing-crochet-along/508749/1-25">CAL (crochet-a-long) for this cardigan</a> back in 2009. Although it was a while back, there is still heaps of info on that forum and you can search through the posts to find discussions on the areas in which you are confused/interested. And a more recent CAL discussion can be found on Ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/crochet-lovers-victoria-australia/1494227/1-25">here</a>. Actually, now that I mention it, I might pop over there again now and see if anyone else had this problem with the sleeves! :-)<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
Have a happy, hooky day,<br />
Caz :)"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-1807799070101575422011-04-26T13:08:00.015+10:002011-04-26T13:08:00.716+10:00For Wills and Kate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtbO8CaZH_ogFdROJwZJUDCTWKkJr1tZBAu9I7EV92rS0mrvt_uYeAzJFV7RI9ILLpUzbWyc1SjJMXzxy7zvK5mzZzJ1pFde2oIxEAMDoC6zkd07iGEIqn9kjMKHkmrsJdPjC__nw4FKZ/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtbO8CaZH_ogFdROJwZJUDCTWKkJr1tZBAu9I7EV92rS0mrvt_uYeAzJFV7RI9ILLpUzbWyc1SjJMXzxy7zvK5mzZzJ1pFde2oIxEAMDoC6zkd07iGEIqn9kjMKHkmrsJdPjC__nw4FKZ/s640/IMG_0869.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
In my head I am a republican but in my heart I am a monarchist. :-) Especially when there is a royal wedding on the way. I am a sucker for all things grand and royal, especially when they involve handsome princes and beautiful soon-to-be princesses.<br />
<br />
I remember when Prince William was born - I was about 8 years old at the time - and there was (almost) as much fuss and excitement here in Oz as there was in the UK. I remember thinking that I might be a little bit old for him, but, still, I <i>could</i> marry him one day. It was possible. :-)<br />
<br />
Well, now, 29 years on, it turns out that it was not to be for me and Will. But he did, indeed, choose a "common" girl*, and a lovely one at that. And another Catherine, to boot! (See, it really <i>could</i> have been me!) I thoroughly approve, Will. (I'm sure he's pleased to know that.)<br />
<br />
And the fact that Kate is an ordinary girl, that it could have been you or me, makes the royal wedding seem all the more exciting to me. A little bit of fairytale fantasy still (oddly!) exists in this very practical, modern world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs4bwvIzT7rey0Pr65hfmaUs5uaaCbFvZhE65AQwUuXaK_c7DhNYs61oQLdoA-72eJ1q4DABEedMi3QMFpkpSQHVNix7XC4DimuDvrneLiBwcsZZ-UB9y7QwL27rJWD63uofY9HWy9QCl/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs4bwvIzT7rey0Pr65hfmaUs5uaaCbFvZhE65AQwUuXaK_c7DhNYs61oQLdoA-72eJ1q4DABEedMi3QMFpkpSQHVNix7XC4DimuDvrneLiBwcsZZ-UB9y7QwL27rJWD63uofY9HWy9QCl/s400/IMG_0868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So my romantic, monarchist leanings got the better or me and I was even taken over by some granny goodness (<a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a> must be having an influence on me!) and I have started creating this cushion cover. The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62755330/grandmas-english-cushion-pdf?ref=em">pattern</a> was cleverly created by Michelle over at the <a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/">Royal Sisters</a> and can be purchased at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/royalsisters?ref=seller_info">her shop</a>. I actually won my copy of the pattern in one of Michelle's wonderful give-aways and now is the perfect time to pull it out and give it a go.<br />
<br />
The pattern is created using <a href="http://www.tapestrycrochet.com/">tapestry crochet</a>, where you work with multiple colours at once, crocheting over the colours you don't need (so they are hidden behind the work) and then changing over to the next colour that you want as you go. This means there are very few ends to weave in, but the balls of wool can get a little twisted as you go along!<br />
<br />
It is a great pattern and Michelle has explained everything clearly and in meticulous detail, so it is not at all difficult to follow.<br />
<br />
I plan to finish my cushion cover while watching the live coverage of the wedding on Friday night (my local time). I will be camped out in front of the telly with crochet, wine, and nibbles, and will be soaking up every grand, historic moment while hooking away. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbkJznoD19eb0okm7rMUNcdmTS7LBhtljLkE32oE0bc4kta04Mu1Xjz1nVQ40MMGNYES4PhRkcKKRG2Hw6jrsVJIN9knu-EowVsJpp9GyrG4XW0dLKSbxRdwVZIGQBSb4vZ44vizeuIOi/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbkJznoD19eb0okm7rMUNcdmTS7LBhtljLkE32oE0bc4kta04Mu1Xjz1nVQ40MMGNYES4PhRkcKKRG2Hw6jrsVJIN9knu-EowVsJpp9GyrG4XW0dLKSbxRdwVZIGQBSb4vZ44vizeuIOi/s640/IMG_0867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So, do you think my finished cushion will look good on Wills and Kate's sofa? Anyone know exactly what address I should send it to? I want to make sure they get it. I'm sure they would love it and I must be the only person who has thought to send them such a thing. ;-)<br />
<br />
Happy Royal Wedding, everyone!<br />
Caz :)<br />
<br />
*common girl - being a girl whose family could afford to send her to posh schools and universities. But common, all the same. :-)"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-31910794216437292942011-04-23T22:14:00.003+10:002011-04-25T13:59:20.579+10:00Crochet Clothing Projects Part 4 - A New Cardigan for ME! :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEira5WKm8oYhT64rSBh0vD3F6jYXmv3jH7I9kPJg9kJo3hstIVXUJBxaw_Or0lezTSvV1PuHMXpUTzfqXYIfAIkSpIO8GHc3aekycj7Q-IdVyxZ_Hn4zPKe17c3qOhyVpmHmvCa6Oh6UBrA/s1600/IMG_0805A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEira5WKm8oYhT64rSBh0vD3F6jYXmv3jH7I9kPJg9kJo3hstIVXUJBxaw_Or0lezTSvV1PuHMXpUTzfqXYIfAIkSpIO8GHc3aekycj7Q-IdVyxZ_Hn4zPKe17c3qOhyVpmHmvCa6Oh6UBrA/s400/IMG_0805A.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">First of all, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all those who commented on my last post. It was so great to read all your messages and I'm just thrilled that you love my daughter's cardigan!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of you liked it so much that you said you wished it came in adult sizes... well, some people have managed to do that... let me explain more...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was only after finishing Rosie's cardigan that I realised the pattern was on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-baby-set-106">Ravelry</a>. (Duh! I should know to check there by now!) I found out that a few other people had made the baby top kid-sized as well. AND a few had even pushed it to adult-sized (like <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Mooglosaurus/crochet-baby-set-106-2">this one</a>), simply by using bulky yarn and large hooks. It looked really groovy, so that got me thinking...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Could I make one for ME? I had enjoyed making Rosie's so much, and it looked so gorgeous on her... could the pattern be modified enough, easily?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Well, in the end, I found something even BETTER!<br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had a browse on Ravelry at zig-zag/chevron cardigans and I found an AMAZING pattern that is FREE. More than ONE THOUSAND projects using this pattern have been posted on Ravelry - and almost all of them RAVED about how easy and great this pattern is. Pattern is found on <a href="http://milobo.wordpress.com/">this blog</a> (check the side bar) and can be downloaded as a <a href="http://milobo.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/chevron-lace-cardigan-v4.pdf">PDF</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I got all excited and decided to give it a try.</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrwPBgW8Kr0sK5w1MY_h2rUZ8Qgnp7PRl0sQVpIp5j1czwTWRdd55mUgGbFOX2KgjbUuk2DdyYCJqdZKsj_PbOTsQ-v2w7VMba8ekCckFKGJy790QjGI_y0VmcyD6CqcDhTpKrjc2DJQe/s1600/IMG_0801A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrwPBgW8Kr0sK5w1MY_h2rUZ8Qgnp7PRl0sQVpIp5j1czwTWRdd55mUgGbFOX2KgjbUuk2DdyYCJqdZKsj_PbOTsQ-v2w7VMba8ekCckFKGJy790QjGI_y0VmcyD6CqcDhTpKrjc2DJQe/s640/IMG_0801A.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I bought an enormous amount of yarn from a discount store (Crazy Clark's) at the end of winter last year. The discount store yarn was discounted even more than usual! In fact, I think I scooped up this collection because it was a ridiculous 70% off their normal discount price or something like that. I think it worked out at less than $1 per 50g ball. The yarn is 50% cotton, 50% acrylic and is lovely and soft - I am surprised by how nice it is considering the bargain price.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, amongst that stash I have about 10 balls of black. I had no plans for this light-worsted weight, black yarn as yet, so I decided to try it with this pattern. I hope I have enough!</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNU8pQt7qszV38TwjNmyg7ZKrNtU43m3pqaG-ryoa7vVdTnauzNR1L25nGNEj4yzHG78ZTRVJNOjlp0SiBj_bpjcYRt6Qged8OZEgSiMuRPsVliTJCa7v17q3wOMloHPGU75SVlzxAUnQK/s1600/IMG_0779A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNU8pQt7qszV38TwjNmyg7ZKrNtU43m3pqaG-ryoa7vVdTnauzNR1L25nGNEj4yzHG78ZTRVJNOjlp0SiBj_bpjcYRt6Qged8OZEgSiMuRPsVliTJCa7v17q3wOMloHPGU75SVlzxAUnQK/s640/IMG_0779A.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, as you can see, I have started! Feeling very excited about this one! The pattern works from the top down, and can be tried on as you go. I LOVE working with this system - you can see if it's going to work out or not. But I am still having trouble deciding when to create the arm holes. How loose/tight they should be. Thankfully, there is OODLES of advice out there on Ravelry (thanks, everyone!), so I'm going to take a deep breath, give it a go, and see how it pans out.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I ended up ripping out my work back a couple of rows to row 13 and attempting the join there. Hope it's not too tight... but I also don't want it too loose... I guess it's a Goldilocks cardigan... :-)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">So now I'm working my way down the body... will let you know how it goes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKpKBPW64rSnEAj1FkFVn8taRVnpmnH_jqgAJs5LUQ0xdwjiEBLCzfaF8hlp28d46yKnuAWzWwB8Wp7MDHvogtz4rxBaZqXiel9uYCeoB0AwyTkPI62NJwWDJvptsGgzTbv8untOp10a3/s1600/IMG_0800A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKpKBPW64rSnEAj1FkFVn8taRVnpmnH_jqgAJs5LUQ0xdwjiEBLCzfaF8hlp28d46yKnuAWzWwB8Wp7MDHvogtz4rxBaZqXiel9uYCeoB0AwyTkPI62NJwWDJvptsGgzTbv8untOp10a3/s640/IMG_0800A.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">(By the way, yes, I have noticed it has holes in it, so, yes, it may have similar problems to my "Shroat" in that it will be really warm but also cool (from the holes) but I am willing to take the risk based on the wonderful-ness of this pattern. Anyway, the holes are less... hole-y... so I'm hoping it doesn't matter so much...)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Easter, everyone!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Caz :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-79175736419226671852011-04-16T12:28:00.001+10:002011-04-16T12:28:00.043+10:00Carried away by inspiration... (Clothing Projects Part 3)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG-hc8dQPOesCWpKFXFQsY9XwLQphJ_nXw4FMQ9bRA22T-KzNyyUC6yFxwvLtZOUkgmB9wtlfWP_VGmB2tAyJ7N-mz7lJd73Q_hlucl0V3qEqYQIVa8Rrkn9l8SrRKIxbyMAz74mXRxnz/s1600/IMG_0759A.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594184118902630242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG-hc8dQPOesCWpKFXFQsY9XwLQphJ_nXw4FMQ9bRA22T-KzNyyUC6yFxwvLtZOUkgmB9wtlfWP_VGmB2tAyJ7N-mz7lJd73Q_hlucl0V3qEqYQIVa8Rrkn9l8SrRKIxbyMAz74mXRxnz/s400/IMG_0759A.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is a more recent clothing story, one that I am really excited about.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since my <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/05/crochet-clothing-projects-part-1.html">shracket</a> and <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2011/04/crochet-clothing-projects-part-2.html">shroat</a> projects back in February and March 2010, I haven't dabbled in the clothing side of crochet at all (unless you count scarves and hats?). It all seemed a little too tricky, a bit daunting, really.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But a couple of weeks ago that changed - when I saw something that inspired me so much I just knew I </span><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">had</span><span style="font-size: large;"> to give it a go.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was following links on blogs and came across <a href="http://ptepimprenelle.canalblog.com/archives/2011/03/21/20689837.html">this beautiful clothing item</a> - a sweet top for a little girl. Please follow the link and check out all the photos and details of this lovely top.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I discovered that it was actually a pattern for a baby, I became most intrigued. The blog post provided a link to <a href="http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/baby/no106-baby-set-pattern.html">the original, free pattern</a> (in English, which was great, because the blog is in French). It was first published in 1950 and is designed for ages newborn to 6 months. But, with a bigger hook and heavier yarn - no other alterations needed - this clever French blogger had managed to convert it to 6-year-old size!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been thinking about making my own daughter (also 6 years old) a poncho. But the whole arm-less thing about ponchos always bugged me. This pattern, I think, still has that lovely swing-look of a poncho, but with sleeves. Perfect!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I decided to give it a go. I was so excited I couldn't wait. I put all other WIPs aside, and dug into stash that had been reserved for a blanket (not yet started), thinking that can be replaced eventually (if need be). My daughter, Rosie, is currently crazy about blue, so I chose blue shades and white. And I just got stuck into it. Followed the pattern exactly, but with the thicker yarn (Moda Vera Cupcake - I love it, it's so soft!) and a 5mm hook. It's basically a ripple, so it was all pretty easy to work out...</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8GwG4ZBHlEX2qq0RxZzbEQiuM-vg78aJ9y-M2rUDp0htfHkwxKjdjGGKzkC_1T1WowOEIHB-6WB3Ac3F_r9TuKgvCqPl-GxP8_-tiweenOT2ABVqGGcTN8kFeKxh_BL4OE0PMh4FkKbs/s1600/IMG_0762A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594184126520207282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8GwG4ZBHlEX2qq0RxZzbEQiuM-vg78aJ9y-M2rUDp0htfHkwxKjdjGGKzkC_1T1WowOEIHB-6WB3Ac3F_r9TuKgvCqPl-GxP8_-tiweenOT2ABVqGGcTN8kFeKxh_BL4OE0PMh4FkKbs/s640/IMG_0762A.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">That was on a Saturday morning, a couple of weekends ago. By Sunday night, I had done everything except the sleeves. I couldn't believe it - a top in one weekend. I did crochet like a woman obsessed, almost all weekend, but (for me) this was still very speedy work.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpWq-zi66-5iImdbHV4jz91igJpHlQhv5GeFf21TX7BLs9-_vurjCiRdznlfpzrpjTSX2Z5QJHkQBEOFYUcat-CljWRgvQ0RN2n_u0fwjWwD1xfvEcveyBkI8NQoMP-m_cot2QxTy9xdd/s1600/IMG_0764A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594184126108436322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpWq-zi66-5iImdbHV4jz91igJpHlQhv5GeFf21TX7BLs9-_vurjCiRdznlfpzrpjTSX2Z5QJHkQBEOFYUcat-CljWRgvQ0RN2n_u0fwjWwD1xfvEcveyBkI8NQoMP-m_cot2QxTy9xdd/s400/IMG_0764A.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="347" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">So, as you can see, here is the top without sleeves. I love it like this, but in our climate it is just way too impractical. Maybe I will make another some time using cotton thread, and then I could go the sleeveless idea. But not in this thicker, warm yarn.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEMT57lhcUUOOCuKdAm1dc4LxrL3ObxJgMNIG7aK03EE8hRdzr4QIcIP1iB1iUnhA1VpIl6OQ_ho3rY4SgqcMfBBeKY6w12BN0Y0ZwW6HiLOch0DBX659BBcYvZLMArPHnP_mSqi9GkNF/s1600/IMG_0766A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594184129721565986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEMT57lhcUUOOCuKdAm1dc4LxrL3ObxJgMNIG7aK03EE8hRdzr4QIcIP1iB1iUnhA1VpIl6OQ_ho3rY4SgqcMfBBeKY6w12BN0Y0ZwW6HiLOch0DBX659BBcYvZLMArPHnP_mSqi9GkNF/s400/IMG_0766A.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="321" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Over the week I added the sleeves. Then there was the endless end-weaving. (I hate that part!) And an edging - I just did sc (UK dc) around the neckline and fronts. And also the buttons. My daughter chose them herself (of course) and she does love everything "fancy" - glitz, sparkle, shine, frills, lace, ruffles. So, after much consideration, she chose these pretty purple crystals.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then we were finished! From idea to complete in a week. I am feeling rather amazed, to be honest. And very chuffed indeed. :-)</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2NxwuSZGS3p9wN6cRp0ZAjkYijJ06Tm2F-MZW7LnfYbGFpoSvdMYfZnywtkwmrO5N6XTbIWbiYXttYgXE4wLdAwyCRsBnjZfDdhJFKh6Lw-6QUmHVvPznOyA4dwtFlka0pM6CkFkUlRY/s1600/IMG_0827A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594182551545936082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2NxwuSZGS3p9wN6cRp0ZAjkYijJ06Tm2F-MZW7LnfYbGFpoSvdMYfZnywtkwmrO5N6XTbIWbiYXttYgXE4wLdAwyCRsBnjZfDdhJFKh6Lw-6QUmHVvPznOyA4dwtFlka0pM6CkFkUlRY/s400/IMG_0827A.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="291" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure that the stripes were a good idea. It makes the top look very, very retro, which isn't, personally, my thing - I'm not trying to deliberately create a retro look. Of course, it's hard not to with crochet, but a single colour may have reduced the granny-factor. Then, again, maybe the stripes are okay ... I do look at my work with a very critical eye. I also think wool would work better in this design (but wool is waaaay too hot for us up here in the north!) and I could have probably gotten away with a bigger hook - it might have ended up in a looser drape.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmuUMAYwzanmgh3N830KONa6iTInGRqzf2XU-2buC2BKz4fbjkOpctbmsb4fXdwzOgHdI-gwvGRJA-qkkiSD-P-uRCtenUa8Vh6dJWvRrOOJR54C5pQ9SZfgN6WXDltTLVRh2peBBVXpO/s1600/IMG_0826A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594182547770472242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmuUMAYwzanmgh3N830KONa6iTInGRqzf2XU-2buC2BKz4fbjkOpctbmsb4fXdwzOgHdI-gwvGRJA-qkkiSD-P-uRCtenUa8Vh6dJWvRrOOJR54C5pQ9SZfgN6WXDltTLVRh2peBBVXpO/s400/IMG_0826A.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="353" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">So, while I love my creation, I think the original inspiration is better and I am already thinking of making another in a single colour.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Miss Rosie wore it for the first time tonight - to a local restaurant and I found that I couldn't stop looking at her in it. Maybe I am being too critical about the stripes. The top looked so beautiful on her - and I kept thinking: I can't believe I made that. It doesn't look so retro to me now... Or maybe I'm losing perspective... but in a good way?</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, what do you think of it? - I would love to know! And if anyone wants to try it, please don't hesitate to give it a go. The pattern is dead easy, and can be found <a href="http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/baby/no106-baby-set-pattern.html">here</a>. Please contact me (comments below or email) if you have any questions at all - I'm only too happy to help you out if I can.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a happy hooky day,</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Caz :)</span></div><div></div>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-18750297164731886622011-04-13T09:37:00.002+10:002011-04-15T00:27:32.973+10:00Crochet Clothing Projects Part 2 - My "Shroat"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vSfCg5tn3DX9kODvQbtQFifVg_unzG9wKhkbUrGFveMhQYHZO5EOHHxKir4a4tyCTUV4waWdI65AlOiJnw3dd3XVZ-io9lbcO85hNL2wJJyXA5yP4yFtUPa4UJZmVLXKWGBwixxgwvra/s1600/IMG_8671a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503725544268388546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vSfCg5tn3DX9kODvQbtQFifVg_unzG9wKhkbUrGFveMhQYHZO5EOHHxKir4a4tyCTUV4waWdI65AlOiJnw3dd3XVZ-io9lbcO85hNL2wJJyXA5yP4yFtUPa4UJZmVLXKWGBwixxgwvra/s640/IMG_8671a.jpg" style="display: block; height: 248px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 330px;" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: 120%;">Okay, so as I mentioned in my last post, I took the plunge last year and attempted some crochet clothing. It was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shracket">this pattern</a> on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> that made me decide to give it a go.<br />
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Making a "shroat" (shrug/coat) for me was going to be a bigger investment in time and money than the little one I had made for my daughter. I finally decided to get some Paton's Washed Haze Aran (since I was enjoying using it for <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/06/rainsong-blanket-all-finished.html">Oliver’s Rainsong Blanket</a> – which wasn’t finished at the time, by the way!) and, I'm not sure how, but I worked out that I’d need 10 x 50g balls. I got a great deal on ebay for $30. I finally settled on a 10mm hook. I tried with my 16mm one (the pattern calls for 15mm) but the stitches it produced were just ridiculous. Too loose, too hard for me to manage. (In hindsight, though, looser stitches may have been better in the end...)<br />
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Okay - so this is how you make it:<br />
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<div><br />
<span style="font-size: 120%;">The idea is that you start with a shrug. That was really easy - just a rectangle that you fold in half, stitch up the sleeves, and slide in your arms.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wRYWpnaB35gALJhH7ciI9wlu9iSAPPd9OTsw1axm8Dmt8LVWmISD_HSfbNJmckzO7ztsLovCa61rphf5PzR5d3h5V3sutkULhO6b5rTCAk15zFD1azxGPqTqwqPC29r8D9AhdqkkXmqU/s1600/IMG_8668a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503725526874053618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wRYWpnaB35gALJhH7ciI9wlu9iSAPPd9OTsw1axm8Dmt8LVWmISD_HSfbNJmckzO7ztsLovCa61rphf5PzR5d3h5V3sutkULhO6b5rTCAk15zFD1azxGPqTqwqPC29r8D9AhdqkkXmqU/s400/IMG_8668a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 199px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibDGc7IDxbBVYrOn0czoJAgwmo8n9VVsruc9-rj1-pCr8ohIiY_2jAf3hYpC_mJGB-t1QgxemLv1lpIFWDAEeyF0pmvQMWqPvKMw-YaavzkPVzd2nPmWcmdk8LTIxQcFunVZt3Cwxj4Qr/s1600/IMG_8669a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503725533642871730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibDGc7IDxbBVYrOn0czoJAgwmo8n9VVsruc9-rj1-pCr8ohIiY_2jAf3hYpC_mJGB-t1QgxemLv1lpIFWDAEeyF0pmvQMWqPvKMw-YaavzkPVzd2nPmWcmdk8LTIxQcFunVZt3Cwxj4Qr/s400/IMG_8669a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3QW3QY27WvrG4v9eh3TJ8f3TRtktdh524x2TRRt-xoAe0wAfxO81b6IIHJaO9zhhlufzSl5veJL4wtT4bd_NeajAiRReUJRkB1oAHZXCOk7Ao2BevCAnQL42ef734fLnOOdTvcxtB360/s1600/IMG_8687a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594177984002829218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3QW3QY27WvrG4v9eh3TJ8f3TRtktdh524x2TRRt-xoAe0wAfxO81b6IIHJaO9zhhlufzSl5veJL4wtT4bd_NeajAiRReUJRkB1oAHZXCOk7Ao2BevCAnQL42ef734fLnOOdTvcxtB360/s320/IMG_8687a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 235px; width: 297px;" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyuyTEI5R8_eZvLMcCccNwXjoggxuzx6QrIs4DYfBNq36wqTWr2NbDuP0Ylzx2DCbFs6YZvipFHusj2oZssqOAyRuyipQX8WL8zAGOSJp98e2t4LI_QVyfwos8m0GGOFTnApANh6wGbif/s1600/IMG_8708a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594177996767654402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyuyTEI5R8_eZvLMcCccNwXjoggxuzx6QrIs4DYfBNq36wqTWr2NbDuP0Ylzx2DCbFs6YZvipFHusj2oZssqOAyRuyipQX8WL8zAGOSJp98e2t4LI_QVyfwos8m0GGOFTnApANh6wGbif/s320/IMG_8708a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 236px; width: 322px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZYZaPGPuCaS-ehzL8eOYqW3KDSlejB74FZicNEEGej_8tNoj1eaSZFs0trtQpL-hHIxOcgxMUSJxfsEsJdCbqa6hcKp9BibKitQR0zO1ynF7Elc_TGmWDKuZC_TlRfmIIm_6iAgaYZBp/s1600/IMG_8708a.jpg"><br />
</a>Hard to take photos of myself wearing it!<br />
</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: 120%;">Then you run stitches in a circle around the back-of-the-neck and around and down to the bottom at the back, and back again. This adds a collar and a ruffle on the bottom - a "shracket" - a shrug/jacket. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5a3K0LIjGhFnTBQcL56xoUPuYZ3kyEqU-vc0y6WXT10Xuv16D0S_lDbQtFJmXFR_jR2paWFoEZD78gKuymuXk_RUtZO0sQZpKHJ4LCP88-7Kd7EguqKtoh3yEUQvnsWkaPirJ0O3Qa0d/s1600/IMG_8758a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503747798567922786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5a3K0LIjGhFnTBQcL56xoUPuYZ3kyEqU-vc0y6WXT10Xuv16D0S_lDbQtFJmXFR_jR2paWFoEZD78gKuymuXk_RUtZO0sQZpKHJ4LCP88-7Kd7EguqKtoh3yEUQvnsWkaPirJ0O3Qa0d/s400/IMG_8758a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe2Fvd10qNwlQhPZYigWLl_is6huChrQ9VydNPegb-hR9Xtc0XqnipkZ1-V5DN0XFUaP8jdznmgorUgct_VkWPZ92Cp9mxLrHSlKpnmdRYIZwMqW3SEK9-oUeAiY1qk2zTTTC5tsG5XDu/s1600/IMG_8756a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503745167876206258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe2Fvd10qNwlQhPZYigWLl_is6huChrQ9VydNPegb-hR9Xtc0XqnipkZ1-V5DN0XFUaP8jdznmgorUgct_VkWPZ92Cp9mxLrHSlKpnmdRYIZwMqW3SEK9-oUeAiY1qk2zTTTC5tsG5XDu/s400/IMG_8756a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkDmkoEMUzAohf3nxnctM1etTnXCUs9HGuDUTzLotLtx2ortYjtAAvk_9usd8RIuVPH0iJOayreapJTgoiM8tKpBGUK_uQ1RxsbHC3C0kP7u4BhalKDPijY2loD7BYpWjP49r4S_2I-R2/s1600/IMG_8753a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503748934446437314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkDmkoEMUzAohf3nxnctM1etTnXCUs9HGuDUTzLotLtx2ortYjtAAvk_9usd8RIuVPH0iJOayreapJTgoiM8tKpBGUK_uQ1RxsbHC3C0kP7u4BhalKDPijY2loD7BYpWjP49r4S_2I-R2/s320/IMG_8753a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 302px; width: 320px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpnfEYcSj2ri_MKmt6l5CWRE3yo-oJAFcYubPk0r7jxvbhuIJvhfxxuU7NFlczW9nsHbqc2EgvHnvuVLu-D3cpfgDBIfIH8eNQdfXsyLzlOrAp2lnJEAwScnNaFzAXAJwQM-AFIYRq1Gy/s1600/IMG_8751a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503748917848359010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpnfEYcSj2ri_MKmt6l5CWRE3yo-oJAFcYubPk0r7jxvbhuIJvhfxxuU7NFlczW9nsHbqc2EgvHnvuVLu-D3cpfgDBIfIH8eNQdfXsyLzlOrAp2lnJEAwScnNaFzAXAJwQM-AFIYRq1Gy/s320/IMG_8751a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatmz4v7nrflbIDMn3WV00-zE96DB2Kv6JtBwtLnUn7hsay8bscRUIQAChFGZ4JWiDSbzgtdM7c2XBMMF3mTyd9FEP_1ihXYNsqd1wEJ3jlfvBL3cfWvmQt8z9yvgdYV8hvgsmGVt057zK/s1600/IMG_8754a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503748929211428338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatmz4v7nrflbIDMn3WV00-zE96DB2Kv6JtBwtLnUn7hsay8bscRUIQAChFGZ4JWiDSbzgtdM7c2XBMMF3mTyd9FEP_1ihXYNsqd1wEJ3jlfvBL3cfWvmQt8z9yvgdYV8hvgsmGVt057zK/s320/IMG_8754a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 306px;" /></a><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
Okay, you with me so far?<br />
<br />
THEN (if you still want to keep going!) you can add more to the back (and a little at the front - that was the confusing part for me!) and you end up with a "shroat" (a shrug/coat).</span></div><span style="font-size: 120%;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 120%;">AND/OR you can add more length and add ties and make your "shracket" into a "shrap" (a shrug/wrap).</span></div><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 120%;">For mine I went with the shroat idea and decided to keep going until I'd used up every ball. I really like the length.<br />
<br />
These next few photos were taken a couple of days ago - more than a year after the photos above!<br />
<br />
I was having trouble taking photos of myself... ha ha... not my best photo...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYPmJgbECohFkrdRhs6wbjhvL6lp_aFf1UMlvy43pkJhudnVCGO9ry_8of9S4ORC84UvZ9EGWBVjDIh2-6RcCFxTylkFUqZV8WlGZJrkyNewVbFpztM3DFNBko_ZVEHfVttfO7D-Vt6HY/s1600/IMG_0808A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594126189113549042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYPmJgbECohFkrdRhs6wbjhvL6lp_aFf1UMlvy43pkJhudnVCGO9ry_8of9S4ORC84UvZ9EGWBVjDIh2-6RcCFxTylkFUqZV8WlGZJrkyNewVbFpztM3DFNBko_ZVEHfVttfO7D-Vt6HY/s400/IMG_0808A.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
So Miss Rosie took this one for me...<br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjATHc5H1mgfUO8Vz9YLElJVbvUTrxNn5U6KrH8EkHX_K6QHJS1c8teboR0xC2RN8JRHRWNy26NXt8souww3sNwU_wvmhDXdxz17mk_Rzw6om5rJm0wj0klsXJAGx9BuYlXiTVnk5dm2L/s1600/IMG_0818A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594126192400785218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjATHc5H1mgfUO8Vz9YLElJVbvUTrxNn5U6KrH8EkHX_K6QHJS1c8teboR0xC2RN8JRHRWNy26NXt8souww3sNwU_wvmhDXdxz17mk_Rzw6om5rJm0wj0klsXJAGx9BuYlXiTVnk5dm2L/s400/IMG_0818A.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 394px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
And this one...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-eiBSQRpbFhmMFJAW9TDudcs4jPKL6QyYbOeBI2Jl3maH7izbtHYwxN9QLQYdSJOF0H8O_dbUyV-ZnuD4bt8ncD1lT75nd5bDY-trw-rwSBwkzAFtvh7gEawWDJN_SBHURKxP9pvQyMC/s1600/IMG_0820A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594126196522147810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-eiBSQRpbFhmMFJAW9TDudcs4jPKL6QyYbOeBI2Jl3maH7izbtHYwxN9QLQYdSJOF0H8O_dbUyV-ZnuD4bt8ncD1lT75nd5bDY-trw-rwSBwkzAFtvh7gEawWDJN_SBHURKxP9pvQyMC/s400/IMG_0820A.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 120%;">I hope this gives you and idea of the finished item!<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 120%;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 120%;">The pattern is okay but a little confusing in places. An ol’ crochet pro would probably have no problems following it, but not me. More than one time I wasn’t sure what they meant, and so I panicked and just... stopped making it for a while! I ended up sending messages to a couple of fellow Ravelers asking for help, and they kindly replied. (If they are reading this – thank you!)</span></div><span style="font-size: 120%;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 120%;">In the end I just had a go, and it worked out. And the other Ravelry-ers were right - it IS very quick. And it is VERY easy.</span></div><span style="font-size: 120%;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 120%;">Only problem is... Rosie was right! It doesn't keep you warm because of all the holes in it - unless I wear it with something long-sleeved underneath! And with the yarn I used it is actually quite a warm coat so it ends up all a bit hot-cold if you wear it just with a cami underneath.<br />
<br />
I know, this is such a terrible problem! ;-) It is too WARM up here for me to wear it very much! Oh, how awful to live in a place where the average maximum temperature in winter is 25 degrees! :-) The evenings can be cool, but, like I said, not cool enough for the long-sleeve top and shroat combo, and too cool for the shroat on its own. :-P<br />
<br />
So, a bit of a silly project then? Not necessarily. It was still a really great learning experience. I never, ever thought I'd make my own crochet clothing. And now I have. So, it's all good. :-) </span></div><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
Now about the pattern... Ravelry provided a link to the pattern, but the link no longer worked. I then googled and searched and googled some more and eventually found a link that sort-of worked. The website is a bit dodgy - sometimes it will load up for you, other times it says it can't access the webpage. If you want to try the website, follow this link <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20061104043825/http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_other/article/0,2025,DIY_14142_5078127,00.html">here</a>. Let me know if it doesn't work and I will try to track it down for you.<br />
<br />
I have also just found out that the pattern can be purchased <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/hooked-on-shrugs/1358003#detailsSection">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Well, I hope you enjoyed this post today. My first two crochet clothing items have now been shared on this blog - only a year after I made them! :-P<br />
<br />
Till next time, have a happy, hooky day,<br />
Caz :) </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vSfCg5tn3DX9kODvQbtQFifVg_unzG9wKhkbUrGFveMhQYHZO5EOHHxKir4a4tyCTUV4waWdI65AlOiJnw3dd3XVZ-io9lbcO85hNL2wJJyXA5yP4yFtUPa4UJZmVLXKWGBwixxgwvra/s1600/IMG_8671a.jpg"><br />
</a>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-25573203763289140012011-04-11T12:58:00.001+10:002011-04-15T00:27:08.982+10:00Crochet Clothing Projects Part 1 - A "Shracket"<span style="font-size: 120%;">Okay, this is long overdue. I have wanted to write about my attempts at crocheting clothing for AGES. In fact, this post has been in draft for so long, it has been hard to put it all together today. (So my apologies if it's all a bit ... bitsy.)<br />
</span><br />
<div><div><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
But I really do want to document what I've done so far... and try and keep it into some sort of chronological order.<br />
<br />
So here goes, with the very first crochet garment I ever tried - way back in February 2010 (yes, more than a year ago!).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcXHdv9K6VdEsXJZkDz4_AhA9jAQHg2cF7JGHcCgJP4A6tFrRuA9UFDGhPrshoAy29zlGQh2fPFTOT0FR_MoJ9o7PkW7gtBWOpa9sNmMJTxzewCZCiTtTJJ2KKBl1EPZRegXaH7_k7Rvs/s1600/IMG_8235a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503738704595628242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcXHdv9K6VdEsXJZkDz4_AhA9jAQHg2cF7JGHcCgJP4A6tFrRuA9UFDGhPrshoAy29zlGQh2fPFTOT0FR_MoJ9o7PkW7gtBWOpa9sNmMJTxzewCZCiTtTJJ2KKBl1EPZRegXaH7_k7Rvs/s400/IMG_8235a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 120%;">So, this is a “shracket” – a shrug crossed with a jacket – that I made for my daughter. I found the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shracket">pattern</a> while browsing on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> and was most intrigued – mainly because everyone kept saying they found it amazingly quick and easy. That’s my kind of clothing project – quick and easy. :-)<br />
<br />
So I dabbled with it and modified the size and I came up with this one for my daughter. By using 8ply yarn and a 10mm hook, it worked out to be just the right size for her. I was particularly chuffed because I made it in just 2 days and with one ball (100g) of yarn, and the yarn was from a discount shop and cost only $2.50. A jacket for $2.50 – how cool is that. And my first ever crochet garment to boot. </span><span style="font-size: 120%; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzg6WK1HqTLYTkrc_JOvbW4eobymXJxXaYT0aHt3hWMjdVNZl-rt5y6ukVZtA5QXpXdqsWQOOY2H8AMr4vP1vVZOgeMwo9LiKqcPKFI9YtkYsfqqUeIbOaCh-adR-m5A6F_Z3ScCbbKPvo/s1600/IMG_9387A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512729493381206642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzg6WK1HqTLYTkrc_JOvbW4eobymXJxXaYT0aHt3hWMjdVNZl-rt5y6ukVZtA5QXpXdqsWQOOY2H8AMr4vP1vVZOgeMwo9LiKqcPKFI9YtkYsfqqUeIbOaCh-adR-m5A6F_Z3ScCbbKPvo/s320/IMG_9387A.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 291px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 120%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 120%;">My daughter liked it but her first comment was, "Mum, it won't keep me warm, there are holes all over it!" She is, in fact, correct, and it only really works with a long-sleeved top underneath. (And where we live it is rarely cold enough to need more than a long-sleeve t-shirt!) :-) I really liked the pattern and enjoyed making Rosie's, so I decided to take the plunge and make a grown-up one for myself.<br />
<br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcdUtxEdy0RGc08Awg8j8xoD-ajGzptsZy6yEzQlYJYaRs17jttA9HKNYQ8bGXPA5v6EmY6hOsaIdvizyrIsYJQ63XLNnX5rzCgp1iQtvzNbu0IwtaQ7Fj-KokTyLou6JgE1UBgg_NHas/s1600/IMG_9392.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512729503659954098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcdUtxEdy0RGc08Awg8j8xoD-ajGzptsZy6yEzQlYJYaRs17jttA9HKNYQ8bGXPA5v6EmY6hOsaIdvizyrIsYJQ63XLNnX5rzCgp1iQtvzNbu0IwtaQ7Fj-KokTyLou6JgE1UBgg_NHas/s320/IMG_9392.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 120%;">I'll tell you more about that one next time - stay tuned for "part 2"!! :-)<br />
<br />
Caz :)</span></div></div>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-61498737204734851832011-04-05T14:15:00.012+10:002011-04-06T10:06:30.656+10:00Happy Bloggiversary To Me!<span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >It occurred to me the other day that my blog is a year old. What a quick year that has been!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCtfRJ7GmZs0v1shUbLolXQoFwE4bns3jLBOmegtLU_MNa5y-6YTFSX3qHhxYh4WgYrdIDQdf-ORcLmi-4Qav1aV_iNqwqISAxb4y_B6ytmnhmg6al8DtZ5dEX6Z9YLqzXVyH1iVm68ae/s1600/Cf16mth75.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCtfRJ7GmZs0v1shUbLolXQoFwE4bns3jLBOmegtLU_MNa5y-6YTFSX3qHhxYh4WgYrdIDQdf-ORcLmi-4Qav1aV_iNqwqISAxb4y_B6ytmnhmg6al8DtZ5dEX6Z9YLqzXVyH1iVm68ae/s400/Cf16mth75.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592252710708954402" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me aged 1. Seems appropriate!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;">My personal, non-blogging life has been busy and eventful over the past year (generally, it's all been good, but it has been busy!) and this has made regular blogging quite difficult for me. I really do enjoy writing on my blog, though, so I try and find time whenever I can.</span></div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br /></span><div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;">I Never Knew how much I would enjoy it! It feels great to have a place where I can record and document my crochet projects and my crochet journey. I enjoy writing it and I love hearing back from people. I Never Knew and Never Expected that so people would comment on my posts or follow my blog. I am amazed, flattered and thrilled by the response I have received over the past year. I'm quite stunned to see today that I now have over 150 followers! Amazing, and wonderful, and all I can say is thank you so much for showing such an interest in the crochet that I have shared.</span></div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br />And I Never Knew that I would "meet" so many amazing people in Blogland! I honestly didn't realise that people "follow" blogs and that through regular reading and comments, people can actually build up connections and relationships with each other. I really didn't expect that. I thought my blog would be this simple little web-page, floating all alone in cyberspace, unconnected to anyone or anything else. I thought people might just stumble across it through a google search, and that's it. Blogger.com is so much more than I realised - I had no idea that it would help me find other crochet-lovers and how our blogs keep us all connected.<br /><br /></span><div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;">Basically what I'm saying is I Never Knew there was a Blogging Crochet Community out there - but I'm so glad I've found it and that I'm connected to it. I love visiting and reading all the great blogs I have found (I read blogs far more often than I post on my own). And I have met some really wonderful people. We may not be "real-life" or "face-to-face" friends, but I feel a real connection with many of you. I don't know ANYONE else in "real life" that is my age and loves crochet. It makes me feel very lonely at times, so I have come to feel that I don't know what I'd do without you, my blogging/internet friends. You live far away, and are busy living your own lives (as am I!) but you are still very "real" to me. :-) </span></div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br />Awwwwwww! That's getting a bit sentimental! LOL But it's true. :-)<br /><br />I guess what I really want to say is THANK YOU so much for visiting this little blog, whether it's only been the once or if you visit regularly, you are all welcome and I love having you here. Please never hesitate to leave a comment, ask a question, or send me an email. I love to hear from you!<br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br /></span><div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;">So, here's to my next year of blogging!</span></div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br /></span><div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;">See you around in blogland!</span></div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br /></span><div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;">And again THANK YOU for making this so fun. I really Never Knew. </span></div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br /></span><div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;">Caz :)</span></div></div>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-59915242819698984862011-03-14T23:14:00.002+10:002011-03-14T23:16:12.719+10:00More crochet gifts...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49eMCxrjRFSSHifkRfCPEio51epOB-WRH6nOgbZfZHKOYT3Iuh5ohYhNnidbrsRdd0A4WVlz37TvaBxTWog2D1ShjrsfK3uL4lp_ca4v-bKpySs4vDRmpUWgzXCtbgH_Y0tUCBC6nALG9/s1600/IMG_0165A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49eMCxrjRFSSHifkRfCPEio51epOB-WRH6nOgbZfZHKOYT3Iuh5ohYhNnidbrsRdd0A4WVlz37TvaBxTWog2D1ShjrsfK3uL4lp_ca4v-bKpySs4vDRmpUWgzXCtbgH_Y0tUCBC6nALG9/s400/IMG_0165A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583790883070311346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Following on from my last post, here are some more gifts I gave at the end of last year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">My daughter's teacher was about to go on leave and was heading for the UK and Europe as soon as school ended... hoping for a white Christmas and I'm pretty sure she would have had one. So with her bottle of wine she got a scarf, and a block of Toblerone. (Just 'cause she likes them. :-) )</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The scarf is lovely and soft, but there are a few things about it that I wasn't happy with.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For starters, it took more wool than I expected; that's why it has black rows either side of the purple. (I had more black than purple. I used purple as this particular purple is this teacher's favourite colour and she wears this colour somewhere on her person almost every day. But I thought the black would work okay with it.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Also it's a bit too short; I was worrying about the amount of yarn I had. It's the sort of length that will work tucked into the front of a coat, but it's not the sort of length for multiple-wraps-around-your-neck or tossing-over-your-shoulder stuff.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdHIbvmE1PYys7IzVGXTXLOf8FcHB8mkRfgO2dWgGjRL96EXanArB8Rq1Lh8AACZcuWkGuJC06jmVxbZDmZTR42KQ9JulguHj-FqwcXuzZKFNOHMGAMkN2hfyy8-ytoRkIvhlfyGlju7n/s1600/IMG_0163A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdHIbvmE1PYys7IzVGXTXLOf8FcHB8mkRfgO2dWgGjRL96EXanArB8Rq1Lh8AACZcuWkGuJC06jmVxbZDmZTR42KQ9JulguHj-FqwcXuzZKFNOHMGAMkN2hfyy8-ytoRkIvhlfyGlju7n/s400/IMG_0163A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583790877417627986" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm 99% sure that I used </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=2583">this pattern</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. (It was a few months ago and I was pretty busy - I didn't note down anywhere what I was using!) The pattern is simple, but a little bit different: all you do is US dc, US sc, all the way along. Then, on the next row, do a dc in every sc from the row before, and in every dc from the last row, do a sc. Make sense? The pattern explains it better than me. :-) It produces a nice bumpy texture and helps the yarn to drape softly. I liked it and will probably use it again, next time trying a more chunky yarn like the pattern suggests.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm not even sure of the hook size any more, but I think it was a 5 or 6mm (bigger than recommended for the yarn to help the scarf to drape). The yarn I do remember, it is Moda Vera Cupcake. A nylon/acrylic blend, it is sooooo soft. Lovely to touch and work with.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">And here is one more thing I made last year. I found </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://tangledhappy.blogspot.com/search/label/earwarmer">this great pattern</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> over at </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://tangledhappy.blogspot.com/">Tangled Happy</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. Tangled Happy is a great new blog absolutely choc-full of crochet ideas. I absolutely LOVE it! If you haven't visited it, please do - it is such a beautiful place to browse and get ideas.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6mZjeUDUwvJuwhIlHB8qu3XL6XD9QLlxYTwH87ogfdq2Yvwncm7_kGdmP0Zc17AqGcftOQQvMEIuf-O9Hn6J1V3_PKki0odKdkc67pkNPrrutFhz9niTP0HYKpbb82GbVKAAwuC9MXFh/s1600/IMG_0218A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6mZjeUDUwvJuwhIlHB8qu3XL6XD9QLlxYTwH87ogfdq2Yvwncm7_kGdmP0Zc17AqGcftOQQvMEIuf-O9Hn6J1V3_PKki0odKdkc67pkNPrrutFhz9niTP0HYKpbb82GbVKAAwuC9MXFh/s400/IMG_0218A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583790887485783122" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Anyway, this </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://tangledhappy.blogspot.com/search/label/earwarmer">"ear-warmer" pattern</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> - I thought - was also a great headband pattern. I made these for two sisters, aged 2 and 5. The red one is for the little girl, so it is a bit smaller and one row thinner. The pattern is dead simple and sooooo quick! I used 8ply cotton/acrylic yarn and a 4mm hook. Such a quick, easy gift.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">To attach the flowers, I used an idea from </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-baby-hat-and-bootie-patterns-in.html">Little Birdie Secrets</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> - I sewed a button on to each headband, and the flowers are attached to the hat using the button and the centre-loop of the flower. This means the flowers can be swapped over if the girls want to, or they can be left off the headband altogether for a simpler look. I really liked doing the flowers this way and think I will use this method a lot in future, as my own little girl often changes her mind about what she likes!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4-nlyBhZnxKMxu_BvGB3wnQ77ylu-iLVBxZe0lFaOBAxsapOTZiYj8qvuJ3Z1pVjaYcJbqyZmPisGUCPnmu7kEWuEG2TuwAu27brzr-zmOyi9FTJ2LOF8h41m11kNCkNKS20uzIUvX8i/s1600/IMG_0222A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4-nlyBhZnxKMxu_BvGB3wnQ77ylu-iLVBxZe0lFaOBAxsapOTZiYj8qvuJ3Z1pVjaYcJbqyZmPisGUCPnmu7kEWuEG2TuwAu27brzr-zmOyi9FTJ2LOF8h41m11kNCkNKS20uzIUvX8i/s400/IMG_0222A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583790902552990354" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">As for the flower patterns... I'm pretty sure the first flower I did (the red one) was from a link provided by </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://tangledhappy.blogspot.com/search/label/earwarmer">Tangle Happy</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> (pattern can be found </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.get-hooked.net/free-patterns/peek-a-boo-flower-hat/">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">). But I found this pattern to be a little to open/loopy, so I got some ideas from patterns </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://yarnneedlesandacupofcoffee.blogspot.com/2010/10/vanilla-crochet-headband.html">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> and </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://rosehip.typepad.com/rose_hip_blog/2008/11/index.html">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, and modified my second flower a bit so that the petals sat a little closer to each other and to the button. I wish I'd taken more note of what I did, because now these have been gifted, I can't look back at them at all. Sorry! But if you try those links, you'll get some great ideas for layered flowers.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUEuMrlIYDkYND0TRy5Gm3vhtTpq0wsMCps6wV2H8NsM0aniU8V3x-UDiLxpo6-x3XmDqLYS8073yAdHUmwtbgz-6RPQC1BnwgHxT29OA34UevgaYfmdA3iLSDh7WG22dc2E4lA46AQDN/s1600/IMG_0220A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUEuMrlIYDkYND0TRy5Gm3vhtTpq0wsMCps6wV2H8NsM0aniU8V3x-UDiLxpo6-x3XmDqLYS8073yAdHUmwtbgz-6RPQC1BnwgHxT29OA34UevgaYfmdA3iLSDh7WG22dc2E4lA46AQDN/s400/IMG_0220A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583790895126534594" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Well, that's all I have for my "show and tell" today! :-) But more to come soon as I had a very productive Christmas holiday.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Have a happy, hooky day,</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Caz :)</span><br /></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-4548797587915302292011-02-14T14:48:00.002+10:002011-02-16T13:40:28.515+10:00Long Time, No See<span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It has been almost two months since I have said hello to you all in the world of blogland, and I must say it is very nice to finally find a spare half-hour to sit down and type a quick message to you all.<br /><br />Yes, I am still here, still visiting all the crochet blogs that I love from time to time (though not as often as I'd like), and will hopefully now have time to post more regularly again for a while.<br /><br />We are finally back into a semi-normal routine of school and work and me playing taxi-driver for my kids (for swimming lessons, dancing lessons, soccer training, etc etc) and somehow finding time to crochet (and blog!) occasionally.<br /><br />Over our long, tropical, very wet summer I have enjoyed a relaxing holiday, with lots of visitors coming and going. We spent a lot of January watching the continuous media coverage as flooding spread over huge parts of Queensland (the area underwater was the same as France and Germany combined!). The flash flooding west of Brisbane was terrifying and heart-breaking. We had family evacuated from that area, but all are, thankfully, safe.<br /><br />We felt devastated to see Brisbane (my home town) experience flooding almost as bad as in 1974. Some of my family had to evacuate their homes, but fortunately they were spared the inundation others experienced. We do have friends in Brissy whose homes went under, and they are still being affected by the disaster, unable to live in their homes. The community spirit during the clean-up was amazing to see and hear about - Queenslanders were at their finest at this time.<br /><br />Here are some photos from news sites: <a href="http://www.news.com.au/pictures/gallery-e6frflv9-1225986955356"></a>Brisbane at the peak of the flooding: <a href="http://www.news.com.au/pictures/gallery-e6frflv9-1225986955356?page=1">here</a> and <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/#id=3110791&num=0">here</a>; and the amazing army of volunteers helping with the clean up: <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/#id=3113841&num=0">here</a>.<br /><br />We then experienced the chaos of the whole back-to-school new-school-year - always a busy and exciting time for my kids, and extra-crazy with both my husband and I being school teachers. This year my responsibilities at work were changed unexpectedly just before students returned which has really thrown me in a spin and added to my workload.<br /><br />AND in the second week back we had school closures as the biggest cyclone to ever hit Australia was heading our way! Our town was originally right in line with the cyclone's predicated path.<br /><br />Last year we endured cyclone Ului (category 3) and fortunately experienced minimal damage. But this cyclone (Yasi) was a category 5 and much bigger in size as well as speed. We ended up packing up everything that we could and evacuating our home, before the cyclone changed course slightly and headed slightly north of us. In the end our town only experienced minimal rain and winds.<br /><br />The beautiful seaside village of Mission Beach and the towns of Tully and Cardwell were worst-hit places when cyclone crossed the coast. Many homes have lost their roofs; some houses were completely ripped apart. If it had hit a larger town (like Cairns) head-on, the devastation would have been enormous. But that is little comfort for the families who have lost everything in these smaller towns.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Click <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/#id=3128594&num=0">here</a> for a gallery of photos showing the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So, like I say, it has been a busy - and unusual - start to the year, but things are starting to fall into a more regular routine once again. Cyclone season isn't over yet, so we always have one eye on the weather reports. Touch wood my beautiful state won't be hit for six again.<br /><br />Amongst it all, I have found <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span> time for crochet. I have lots to show and share with you all, it's just a matter of finding time to get the pics uploaded and to write about it all. Sounds simple in theory, I know, but when you have kids and you work part-time, very little is simple, at least that's how it seems to go at my place!<br /><br />Hope you are all well, and look forward to sharing some crochet with you soon,<br />Happy hooking,<br />Caz :)<br /><br />P.S. If you would like to donate to the Brisbane flood appeal, visit <a href="http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html">this</a> website. There are thousands of people who have lost everything, and every bit you can contribute WILL help!<br /><br />And donations to support those who have lost their homes from Cyclone Yasi can also be made there.<br /><br />(This is Queensland's official government website and is a ligit, safe method for donating. If you can give, even if it's only a few dollars, then please do.)<br /><br />http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html<br /><br /></span></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-39139431930727382092010-12-26T01:29:00.011+10:002010-12-26T17:06:22.664+10:00My First Ever Cable<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvz9V7MEloBSJbWS_qGIBCfQ18Tz5_Pzuzak4WQjN2ngynSt5G06UvRSK018SuY9g4n9QCb5Emf47QkpV94WfxlOp_K8Cztm0Z-Nw10kgGtL9W5nz2mT4A-mJPGL6hbCluNaQZF8xLJBU/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvz9V7MEloBSJbWS_qGIBCfQ18Tz5_Pzuzak4WQjN2ngynSt5G06UvRSK018SuY9g4n9QCb5Emf47QkpV94WfxlOp_K8Cztm0Z-Nw10kgGtL9W5nz2mT4A-mJPGL6hbCluNaQZF8xLJBU/s400/IMG_0395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554877395788475506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I got this magazine for Christmas yesterday. Yes, it's summer here, but we still get the Northern Hemisphere magazines... complete with winter patterns... :-)</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzylXSULYn38CdsjuAvJx_AEfnSi2bFPF2OSQ_AeiwLP4uD6fomFs8QIgFn6epNvc2pc7AM743B7mkS_xzBbevJ8C2TI2F5Wqbpi0k02wxwYDKWmQcffNI4ZNAGvv1MKyG-iDIq7eOLDa/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzylXSULYn38CdsjuAvJx_AEfnSi2bFPF2OSQ_AeiwLP4uD6fomFs8QIgFn6epNvc2pc7AM743B7mkS_xzBbevJ8C2TI2F5Wqbpi0k02wxwYDKWmQcffNI4ZNAGvv1MKyG-iDIq7eOLDa/s320/IMG_0399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554875108474784162" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">No matter! They are still interesting and chock-full of ideas. I love reading through crochet magazines - I learn so much!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So, on Christmas night, with all the fun and festivities winding down, I decided to give this pattern a go. I (almost) finished the first glove that night.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV1lKzKe-YVaYS8jwWID4-1rifzLRlGcA3TK8N7nuXqqVdi3qs_rzmJtL5mWc8epj0ctaJm1MUvd81UUckWMoRkVaAzdMEoT1InAkjGzOv0h5g_P0SlnbNboAEMI2Az3rraFn0nP6uhz2/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV1lKzKe-YVaYS8jwWID4-1rifzLRlGcA3TK8N7nuXqqVdi3qs_rzmJtL5mWc8epj0ctaJm1MUvd81UUckWMoRkVaAzdMEoT1InAkjGzOv0h5g_P0SlnbNboAEMI2Az3rraFn0nP6uhz2/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554875112534175506" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am really pleased with the cable part of the pattern. Normally I feel too daunted to attempt such complicated-looking projects, but being a small item I decided to take the plunge.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It seemed a little tricky at first, but once I saw what the pattern was asking me to do, it all made sense. I Never Knew how cable designs "worked" - how they reveal themselves as you stitch along - but now I do. And it's not that difficult at all!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQo4RrWM6mJRSR6mFu1DLfCmTdxn-QnH1dJNqwc_OgPsvWpzTfxoCocH1Iuk30NtKv0UC7MdQLaSeD3EmcbIkGpcnMvkSMNb31sMkB913zyesvGTS2TQlQeeLys-N9vCxSjwnxMUOfyzJ/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQo4RrWM6mJRSR6mFu1DLfCmTdxn-QnH1dJNqwc_OgPsvWpzTfxoCocH1Iuk30NtKv0UC7MdQLaSeD3EmcbIkGpcnMvkSMNb31sMkB913zyesvGTS2TQlQeeLys-N9vCxSjwnxMUOfyzJ/s400/IMG_0394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554877393429889202" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The stash yarn I used, with its coloured flecks, takes away from the texture of the work a little, but I still think it looks nice.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I was so excited that I couldn't wait to share it with you and I got photos up on here as soon as I could! :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Not that I'll be wearing these, though... maybe I can send them to one of my friends living in the UK or Europe - it's cold enough there at the moment!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Since I last posted, I have been really busy at work and then my holidays began. Since <span style="font-style: italic;">then</span> I have been busy with Christmas and family time, and I have found only a little bit of time to crochet, and no time to blog! I have been trying to keep up with reading all my favourite blogs, though, but can't seem to find the time to create posts of my own.<br /><br />I am trying to finish some WIPs that have been lingering for a little too long. I'm losing interest but I really want to persevere and finish them; I've told myself that I can't start anything else until they are done!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Except for these mitts, mind you! ;-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, I do have some crochet to share with you, and I can't wait to do so. Just a matter of finding the time in this busy, festive time of year. Our home is full of visitors at the moment - this is a very family-oriented time for us - it's lovely but busy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Will share my other projects with you just as soon as I can.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and are enjoying the festive season. Hope you all find some time to crochet amongst it all!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Caz :)</span></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-56288571970150293252010-11-23T08:40:00.002+10:002010-12-27T21:15:59.084+10:00Christmas Bunting - A Pattern!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lcNHB5ZpOvz5dkIEsHlqBI39U7Rk2yEF5qyj2VftOaJRZ_ZNJFGJbZmFkrx07sSsRvlDSgyx3fASM1VhypaMPcbPUBk-qFJt0uk1MtBLamn1pOfON3z_1mx7jbdGT8qkn-lpNH6DMJ_m/s1600/IMG_9888A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lcNHB5ZpOvz5dkIEsHlqBI39U7Rk2yEF5qyj2VftOaJRZ_ZNJFGJbZmFkrx07sSsRvlDSgyx3fASM1VhypaMPcbPUBk-qFJt0uk1MtBLamn1pOfON3z_1mx7jbdGT8qkn-lpNH6DMJ_m/s320/IMG_9888A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542556830500439410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />Okay... FINALLY... I have attempted to turn my Christmas Bunting into a pattern.<br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />Like I mentioned, this is a combination of patterns and ideas from other clever people on the web.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >Making the star</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br />The first step is to make a star and this pattern is part of another pattern from Michelle at <a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/">The Royal Sisters</a> and she has kindly said that she's happy for me to share it with you.<br /><br />If you want to see the original pattern and instructions for this part, have a look at Michelle's <a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2010/08/grandma-star-hexagon-tutorial.html">Grandma Star Hexagon Tutorial</a>. I am using the first part of that pattern.<br /><br />Like Michelle, I am writing in English crochet terms (and American terms in brackets).<br /><br />This flower/star has "petals" made with a cluster/bobble kinda-stitch.<br /><br />This is the cluster stitch:<br />yarn over hook, insert into next stitch, yarn over hook and pull up loop (3 loops on hook),<br />yarn over hook and draw through 2 loops,<br />yarn over hook and insert into </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >same</span><span style="font-size:120%;"> stitch, yarn over hook, pull up loop,<br />yarn over hook and draw through 2 loops,<br />yarn over hook and insert into same stitch again,<br />yarn over hook, pull up loop, yarn over hook, and draw through 2 loops,<br />yarn over hook and draw through all 4 loops remaining. Cluster stitch done!<br /><br />Okay, so here we go:<br /><br />Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to make a ring.<br /><br />Round 1: chain 1, 12 dc(sc) into the ring.<br />Join with a slip stitch to first dc(sc)<br /><br />Round 2: chain 2, then:<br />yarn over hook, insert into same stitch,<br />yarn over hook pull up the loop (3 loops on hook),<br />yarn over hook and draw through 2 loops,<br />yarn over hook and insert into same stitch,<br />yarn over hook, pull up a loop,<br />yarn over hook and draw through 2 loops.<br />yarn over hook and draw through all 3 loops remaining.<br />(this is the cluster stitch but it's a bit different/weird because it started with a chain 2)<br /><br />THEN<br />*chain 5, skip one dc(sc)<br />make cluster stitch into the next dc(sc)*<br /><br />Repeat * - * until there are 6 petals and one dc(sc) remaining.<br /><br />Chain 5 and join with a slip stitch to the top of the first cluster.<br /><br />Finish off and weave in ends - you've completed the first part - you've made a star!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e8iEuQ9DI4RojfVq-CJprzI5WYNtFdatNsIQ4p4YwOHfRuFKlJ1suWGr40exSSFo9OtYY-DdFdXS14gm_1cjcB4DTEKycI2XtMZHLYBfNPAU-0j_h3I2gnSraAjxoUuV6qlKPcI_1SvD/s1600/IMG_9875a.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 174px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539611470765612930" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e8iEuQ9DI4RojfVq-CJprzI5WYNtFdatNsIQ4p4YwOHfRuFKlJ1suWGr40exSSFo9OtYY-DdFdXS14gm_1cjcB4DTEKycI2XtMZHLYBfNPAU-0j_h3I2gnSraAjxoUuV6qlKPcI_1SvD/s200/IMG_9875a.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />As you can see, I made my "stars" in a groovy gold thread. I made all my stars first, then moved on to the next part - surrounding them with a granny triangle that becomes the Christmas Bunting!<br /><br />OKAY... (How am I doing? :-) Feeling quite nervous here!)<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >Making the flags</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br />Now time to make the triangles. I used red.<br /><br />S0....<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;">Change to new colour. Attach new colour with a slip stitch to one of the chain 5 strands. Chain 3 (counts as a treble/dc).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQunUSS0OnJbtn_Tpmc-rih7qzl0Rsz2G90flGiTOFFp-2qKfEHEO9HfBPXuPgVdfo_uEl1oFD28rwp12E-bUabBRHp2Ejey2BpUOE4YNkny80AJkQX9RdDh5xap_72RzLHhVLnZZ0M_nv/s1600/IMG_9964.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539623761458830114" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQunUSS0OnJbtn_Tpmc-rih7qzl0Rsz2G90flGiTOFFp-2qKfEHEO9HfBPXuPgVdfo_uEl1oFD28rwp12E-bUabBRHp2Ejey2BpUOE4YNkny80AJkQX9RdDh5xap_72RzLHhVLnZZ0M_nv/s200/IMG_9964.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;">Do three more trebles(dc), chain 3, do 4 more trebles(dc), all along that chain 5 strand (in between 2 petals). Chain 1.<br />In the next space (on the next chain 5 strand): 4 trebles(dc), chain 1<br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAQvjhfcdO3gIkLw0Bj3zCrwJJbLqwqpQ9i2WkDW6mCkLYcLJxM0ZeM08AGfA5ruQRaoKgUzMZF-SplQ2IM_E6J05TrvgF5bKZ88X559Lkcz13TchtSEvx0Y0XVDOVqIKVKMtb5TmZlAw/s1600/IMG_9878A.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539611477279872642" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAQvjhfcdO3gIkLw0Bj3zCrwJJbLqwqpQ9i2WkDW6mCkLYcLJxM0ZeM08AGfA5ruQRaoKgUzMZF-SplQ2IM_E6J05TrvgF5bKZ88X559Lkcz13TchtSEvx0Y0XVDOVqIKVKMtb5TmZlAw/s200/IMG_9878A.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">In the next space: 4 trebles(dc), chain 3, THREE trebles(dc), (corner made leading into the "shorter" side of the triangle), chain 1<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">In the next space: 3 trebles(dc), chain 1<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;">In the next space: 3 treble(dc), chain 3, FOUR treble(dc) (corner made, you are now going down one of the longer sides again), chain 1<br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbLrYuE14TJjFV9vsLyfq5QDIusEB3Vh9DQB34Zjj_kbpLaV4r6Ha9x9MgfOC2wCnvqUllU7-Y-m-ffHrL0hbjBn2JoG8qn7drstiFNOT-ECu1SjuC_7IfZVziti5rhwy8VHSXLLbRnwy/s1600/IMG_9989.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539623771599564002" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbLrYuE14TJjFV9vsLyfq5QDIusEB3Vh9DQB34Zjj_kbpLaV4r6Ha9x9MgfOC2wCnvqUllU7-Y-m-ffHrL0hbjBn2JoG8qn7drstiFNOT-ECu1SjuC_7IfZVziti5rhwy8VHSXLLbRnwy/s200/IMG_9989.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">In the last space: 4 treble(dc), chain 1<br /></span></div><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain three, completing that round.</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbO5ZJPnttVNPInQj02qmxt7li3u5Lw9aAYz9um09LVeDMoysPnxAJls_siaeObGsEulTjSFV_wK0OK8p1YFoudL3AmYKAzr2_IP52lUIbk1Iwk1DIdtPo74bONVmCvlmfYuWwQDMDRcj/s1600/IMG_9990.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F33Tx4h3sNv7Ur3Ukla_XdZCp-R_pI7iXXFFflvABmUqEb7p5KDM1WIo5wn8ufR9Rtqx_ZnUEXGd1G04oeCi-iPR9Mnk9rSr146rj3Gj9EHRD8t5q1Fjlqn4JUHa8d_57JsyzFWVGwd0/s1600/IMG_9991.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539623780981056578" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F33Tx4h3sNv7Ur3Ukla_XdZCp-R_pI7iXXFFflvABmUqEb7p5KDM1WIo5wn8ufR9Rtqx_ZnUEXGd1G04oeCi-iPR9Mnk9rSr146rj3Gj9EHRD8t5q1Fjlqn4JUHa8d_57JsyzFWVGwd0/s200/IMG_9991.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />Did that make sense? Can you see in the pics above the treble(double) "groups" as I call them? On two sides the treble(double) groups have </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >four</span><span style="font-size:120%;"> stitches per group, and on one side of the triangle the groups are groups of </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >three</span><span style="font-size:120%;">? This makes one side shorter than the other two. Or have I confused you more now??<br /><br />Well, moving on to the next round...<br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Slip stitch across to the next chain 3 space</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">In this space:<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;">Chain 3 (acts as a treble/dc), 3 trebles(dc), chain 3, 4 treble(dc), chain 1,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hPUiQ9WsfdW5bDN4rSfnYqBf3AHoPH8y-sGHZyxBz7tLaX9EBXmZHzW_ZCvNplxwMZB2_eSBUUTxIbCnRf7WIWUp1DF4dnOtP_qhnpOb-6yauaVuvN1RcxBw3oLkjynipYL9dqJB8U7l/s1600/IMG_9993.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539623790111210946" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hPUiQ9WsfdW5bDN4rSfnYqBf3AHoPH8y-sGHZyxBz7tLaX9EBXmZHzW_ZCvNplxwMZB2_eSBUUTxIbCnRf7WIWUp1DF4dnOtP_qhnpOb-6yauaVuvN1RcxBw3oLkjynipYL9dqJB8U7l/s200/IMG_9993.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;">In the next chain 1 space: 4 treble(dc), chain 1<br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;">Repeat in the next chain space<br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Then you reach the corner again. Remember, this is the corner that takes you to the "shorter" side, so this corner will be:</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;">4 treble(dc), chain 3, THREE treble(dc) (corner made) chain 1<br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs66OMBJi-THG1QpNtx0YiutPHnA16pk4pgUeZvEVPhR3ZxC8fRwsV2RR6mOAdaa6LW0J1xIb1KpaYXskQdKbUP_fXM0PSAArUN_iZnrCitFy7YAErDOJzgofDsWhUm57-wpbFN1l6-Ao/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625046235634882" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs66OMBJi-THG1QpNtx0YiutPHnA16pk4pgUeZvEVPhR3ZxC8fRwsV2RR6mOAdaa6LW0J1xIb1KpaYXskQdKbUP_fXM0PSAArUN_iZnrCitFy7YAErDOJzgofDsWhUm57-wpbFN1l6-Ao/s200/IMG_9995.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7X_tgQB3u7SFiVAR9ykieSN2p1AebE3L1GtIaGgEJVssGZpO4ugMdH3hVaollHKD5RL116W8mU65-EwWxfZXIFv2nxFgwevHKU50ZJZ3EbFLRDibb-M7ZCQlXjQFtobEb68C2S6HHRgi/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625057589337202" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7X_tgQB3u7SFiVAR9ykieSN2p1AebE3L1GtIaGgEJVssGZpO4ugMdH3hVaollHKD5RL116W8mU65-EwWxfZXIFv2nxFgwevHKU50ZJZ3EbFLRDibb-M7ZCQlXjQFtobEb68C2S6HHRgi/s200/IMG_0001.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Then in each of the next chain 1 spaces: 3 treble(dc), chain 1<br /></span></div><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Then you reach the next corner. You need to finish your "shorter" side and start the next "longer" side, so you do:</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />3 treble(dc), chain 3, FOUR treble(dc), chain 1<br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Then in the next two spaces: 4 treble(dc), chain 1<br /></span></div><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">You should be back at the start of this round. Join with a slip stitch at the top of the beginning chain 3.</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Slip stitch to the next chain 3 space...</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">And repeat for a many rounds as desired!</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br />Does that make sense???? I really hope it does!<br /><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">When you are ready to finish your work, you can do this soft, shell edging:</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">After joining with a slip stitch at the end of the last round DO NOT slip stitch all the way over to the next space. Instead, you only slip stitch to the MIDDLE of the treble group. Then you use that corner space, but you are reaching over to it.<br /><br />4 treble(dc) in corner space, chain 4<br /><br /><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625083669739426" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqMoXrGfpVB4lZk-MQboxvFj_RjZZiDTHUj3WDZhtnUNBXd4JG46qvBEF_AskI7PzRfbkwkz0bTlNayrCoxOA-I_jtsq7mZeg7r-pANAxneHEc404v-z9WC2ZqD07anani22DWlokflRs/s200/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;">slip stitch into the 4th chain from the hook (picot made),<br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvRlGALcLXu33f1OROOG7RLq_KLKBp_7lbEgBp9v_RkPs3SdkwIY1AjdoRPDhDp-o6ASQyUqSAs3nP3yodTtTW7Ip2SlWumMSSMy-u8tchK1t4rdxcd5XU6afJtJO7BVu51ah0mOMjioC/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625766146564962" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvRlGALcLXu33f1OROOG7RLq_KLKBp_7lbEgBp9v_RkPs3SdkwIY1AjdoRPDhDp-o6ASQyUqSAs3nP3yodTtTW7Ip2SlWumMSSMy-u8tchK1t4rdxcd5XU6afJtJO7BVu51ah0mOMjioC/s200/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><div><br /><span style="font-size:120%;">4 treble(dc) in the same (corner) space,<img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625769163042370" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjFDyLusVDqx66BKYXxOpArecKS7ajb2Yp3im5aJvPjwODdnWCRgFttzMS1msP2slFhwuvauWJ6cI3_3CCDXflgGAZ4s-QTHABFBZrBqTNJQaDgJ_xqmW2NkgR2nH-aD4edvtWq-O7inI/s200/IMG_0014.JPG" border="0" /></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />join with a slip stitch in the middle of the trebles(dc) in the next "treble(dc) group" from the last round.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghln8JikNYyhHzm7Q4yUcsraTZ_PIsJ5KGApPpnQ7HxXJvQ8TwpyKTZW9yKF1LFtxnWqOwMaxoXK2rKQsGmnGf_xlmxuqwfhSQ78Qtdi7FJ2e8uyJeuP2Mk85GeFsqtjYysm1V81vK59yR/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625775169842418" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghln8JikNYyhHzm7Q4yUcsraTZ_PIsJ5KGApPpnQ7HxXJvQ8TwpyKTZW9yKF1LFtxnWqOwMaxoXK2rKQsGmnGf_xlmxuqwfhSQ78Qtdi7FJ2e8uyJeuP2Mk85GeFsqtjYysm1V81vK59yR/s200/IMG_0015.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />Then, in the next chain 1 space: 4 treble(dc), join with a slip stitch to the middle of the next "treble(dc) group".<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><br />Continue until you reach the corner.<br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">At the corner, 4 treble(dc) in the corner space, chain 3, then THREE treble(dc) in the corner space, chain 1. (Do NOT join with a slip stitch as you have just been doing down the side.)<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Continue along the "shorter" side as you have in </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:120%;" >previous</span><span style="font-size:120%;"> rounds: 3 treble(dc), ch 1 in each space (so this side will look straight - no shell edging)<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />At the corner: 3 treble(dc), ch 3, 4 treble(dc), join with a slip stitch to the middle in the next treble group from the previous round (so you're starting the shell edge again for this side).<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Continue down this side:</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">4 treble(dc) in the next ch1 space, join with a slip stitch to the middle of the next treble(dc) group from the previous round.<br /><br />Continue until you reach the end of the round. Then join with a slip stitch to the original slip stitch from the start of this round (end of the previous round).</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Finish off and weave in ends.</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">You've done it!</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:120%;">Joining your flags</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Chain about 20, maybe more. It depends how much "hanging up thread" you need at your ends.</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Then dc(sc) into the top right corner or your flag. *Chain 3, 1 dc(sc) into the next chain 1 space.* Repeat *-* to the next corner. Chain 10 (or however far apart you want your flags). 1 dc(sc) in the next flag's top right corner. Repeat *-* to the next corner. Chain 10 again and continue until all flags are connected. Chain 20 to create "hanging up" thread for the other end, then finish off and weave in ends.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">NOTE: the "top right corner" is the corner that has 4 treble, ch 3, 3 treble</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /><br />Phweeeew! I'm exhausted! :-)<br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">This is the first time I have ever, ever, EVER tried to write out a pattern. It is so much more difficult to do than I realised. I have a new appreciation and respect for anyone who manages to successfully write out patterns for others to use.</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;">So, that said, if any part of this doesn't makes sense, please let me know! Chances are I've left something out, or typed something incorrectly. So please tell me so that I can help you out, and also fix it up so it makes sense to others.<br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Hope you can do it/that it makes sense!</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Happy hooking!</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:120%;">Caz :)</span></div>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-10607502596534916892010-10-31T10:20:00.006+10:002010-11-06T23:35:16.189+10:00Cushion Success!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKRRVN5xrT1rTAsYJ5RNqMys6TRUJ3Ysuh1rmZoIpPg4kUbMMJ3G8vyHZu2syk9RVvszj4CKkV5JN9AS9KbRDUQdSyrTEpkUdPf26Xe6zlqaropS7mBhceUO9ZuJtOCZjOJyTPVOAeamE/s1600/IMG_9902A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKRRVN5xrT1rTAsYJ5RNqMys6TRUJ3Ysuh1rmZoIpPg4kUbMMJ3G8vyHZu2syk9RVvszj4CKkV5JN9AS9KbRDUQdSyrTEpkUdPf26Xe6zlqaropS7mBhceUO9ZuJtOCZjOJyTPVOAeamE/s320/IMG_9902A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534004278489106450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br />Well, it all worked out in the end - better than I expected!<br /><br />I added a couple of extra rounds to the back (daisy) side, and then I blocked both cushions.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVitMQwYJv4-CBZVZECohVJK-yDAk7qzQI4pPtROTw-f2jDFXE2S0vj5SDvKemNLXkhJRKQYMyqN3IKnHAvqND1-MpAhqsxMn71gxE4Tml_sFl3kDBm8ePVv6xKiQ19SkZz7tLilhgxp8/s1600/IMG_9915A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVitMQwYJv4-CBZVZECohVJK-yDAk7qzQI4pPtROTw-f2jDFXE2S0vj5SDvKemNLXkhJRKQYMyqN3IKnHAvqND1-MpAhqsxMn71gxE4Tml_sFl3kDBm8ePVv6xKiQ19SkZz7tLilhgxp8/s320/IMG_9915A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534004264954374754" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br />So now I'm a blocking convert - it makes such a difference!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIMRLUZAk-i8jQDwqQDA_qMYI1hEJENA5zGIyGWWOKaxrpqGJZQMx4GBviTIIx37kvoSQ5SBwG5gq8wUgBH9-dVZKY2ACrlx6q1N2OYZcYDvElL75WLcoDTZi1zxEJ6fGlhkF91BB7N_T/s1600/IMG_9900A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIMRLUZAk-i8jQDwqQDA_qMYI1hEJENA5zGIyGWWOKaxrpqGJZQMx4GBviTIIx37kvoSQ5SBwG5gq8wUgBH9-dVZKY2ACrlx6q1N2OYZcYDvElL75WLcoDTZi1zxEJ6fGlhkF91BB7N_T/s320/IMG_9900A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534004275382337682" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br />I also did this amazing concept called... wait for it... counting stitches. I know! Crazy, huh?, but it just might work!<br /><br />It turned out that my squares were now almost identical in stitches - one side was about 4 stitches smaller than the other.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0efHfoe4YZCrdlK5D_PZBAcHKP1WFreUC3z7Y08QV9jJjpKH-Jf3lhnQtUHaIvrnNE2wvhxHHlLyBntqh1IcREl7_YGms-OYUG1094IhuEvWd2r7KT8Glu6UPtP9WylNALzocztEcVXW/s1600/IMG_9945A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0efHfoe4YZCrdlK5D_PZBAcHKP1WFreUC3z7Y08QV9jJjpKH-Jf3lhnQtUHaIvrnNE2wvhxHHlLyBntqh1IcREl7_YGms-OYUG1094IhuEvWd2r7KT8Glu6UPtP9WylNALzocztEcVXW/s320/IMG_9945A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534005322735594306" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br />So, taking the advice from some of my lovely comments, I just made sure that as I went along, I did a stitch that sort of squished two crochet stitches from one side into one stitch from the other side. It looked like it was going to be noticeable, but just two little stitches stitched into one didn't show up in the end. I made sure that it was done about 4 times for each side, and that I kept these spaced apart, fairly evenly, across the side.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rpv8K3KefjNpcQqVccrPpNZEIBNCs0R-hrs1IhOZS1OEl4ay6ZbKahhvmwHTHfi15Zii1Ced9yvIwGE32Zor0ffWLX0jspkCjgqBTSgBgxwB23nFX46wCOT0pK27NtQ8rlZQyGh2mhVf/s1600/IMG_9948A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rpv8K3KefjNpcQqVccrPpNZEIBNCs0R-hrs1IhOZS1OEl4ay6ZbKahhvmwHTHfi15Zii1Ced9yvIwGE32Zor0ffWLX0jspkCjgqBTSgBgxwB23nFX46wCOT0pK27NtQ8rlZQyGh2mhVf/s320/IMG_9948A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534005329277885298" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I hope this is what Jacquie from <a href="http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.com/2010/10/button-closure-for-crochet-cusions.html">Bunny Mummy</a> meant by:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >"join the two halves by putting them right sides together and over sewing in outer loops only"!?</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br />Then when I reached the end of the side, the stitches lined up and I could sew to the corner with ease. Whoo Hoo!<br /><br />Something else wonderful happened through all this blocking and extra-round-ing - the cover got bigger! So much bigger, in fact, that I thought it might, just might, make it around this cushion that came with a blue cover.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5Q7XgVg59CRlPsnRvpl42xVoRcgT_-XYYRdMmx7fWHtx7vADf4Vpe411mWN_-osnQtc_TV8-cKoCG5WITHifAnYmRSCPYeuWpou0nVswwdyyvpi0EejmfhQay53eE46PwerzSLnFjmOr/s1600/IMG_9947A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5Q7XgVg59CRlPsnRvpl42xVoRcgT_-XYYRdMmx7fWHtx7vADf4Vpe411mWN_-osnQtc_TV8-cKoCG5WITHifAnYmRSCPYeuWpou0nVswwdyyvpi0EejmfhQay53eE46PwerzSLnFjmOr/s320/IMG_9947A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534005319070093810" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A little hard to judge at this stage!</span></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br />This cushion (cover + insert) was $7 at Big W. And a white insert, same size? $5. Silly, hey?<br /><br />(Also silly - who's making crochet cushion covers when she could just buy a perfectly fine cushion and cover for $7?? ;-) Hmmm.....)<br /><br />This cushion is 40cm x 40cm - a standard size that I thought I wouldn't be able to cover... before blocking and adding those extra rounds. But now... it was going to be snug but it just might work! And with the blue cover - much nicer than a white filling thing.<br /><br />(I know I could always sew my own covers, to any size I liked, but I really, REALLY dislike sewing. I have a sewing machine, up in the cupboard, I know how to sew, but I will avoid it whenever possible - including with this cushion!)<br /><br />ANYWAY... I sewed it up... I used <a href="http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.com/2010/10/button-closure-for-crochet-cusions.html">Bunny Mummy's button closure</a> method... I didn't have enough buttons so my opening is pretty small... and I had a moment of panic because I thought NO WAY is that cushion going to fit through that opening!<br /><br />Then I decided I would MAKE IT FIT! So I squished and pushed and squashed and punched and shoved... and ...<br /><br />I got it in! Sewed on the buttons (yes, I only did that at this moment!), and ...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QHzv6Ut4ihAYu-t0JV3pdUP0EiTMnaLX7vK1n0GpmNNqfqUzpP3kpDoCI323FnDAob3hpk8j-6QhG5KbfomDK-3YNBkzqGo81T9W7Q1XtEl9DFw50SG_uwVnUM37c6huWeVDr8Mqf6As/s1600/IMG_9956A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QHzv6Ut4ihAYu-t0JV3pdUP0EiTMnaLX7vK1n0GpmNNqfqUzpP3kpDoCI323FnDAob3hpk8j-6QhG5KbfomDK-3YNBkzqGo81T9W7Q1XtEl9DFw50SG_uwVnUM37c6huWeVDr8Mqf6As/s320/IMG_9956A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534005343097890322" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >It was done!<br /><br />YAY!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkzwVG0bLrFqlKBnnCKQPhllZ7mUlXyIHQv039cLFld-YCI4KdOxGuJnpzrx3K304mI1JDbRUjvBQni0mqROWl7fvQa4P8S4WUmHrqa3DBVVOreOYCWlRChlxBF70VJfa5Pno44QRVayC/s1600/IMG_9953A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkzwVG0bLrFqlKBnnCKQPhllZ7mUlXyIHQv039cLFld-YCI4KdOxGuJnpzrx3K304mI1JDbRUjvBQni0mqROWl7fvQa4P8S4WUmHrqa3DBVVOreOYCWlRChlxBF70VJfa5Pno44QRVayC/s320/IMG_9953A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534005341655157730" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvnknrSGk9Qop0xdDcAMTUV2dwUDi3Ed7XvR9qGkOL5j0hwb6wm2p4RUacHr5pS7Dl8MuC79fTLiQI_iPvGhPTi-EwVszza89NtvEWXXdLMhKDf1BzG0gum1F3FjfKaMZaJ44zBKKIma_/s1600/IMG_0020A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvnknrSGk9Qop0xdDcAMTUV2dwUDi3Ed7XvR9qGkOL5j0hwb6wm2p4RUacHr5pS7Dl8MuC79fTLiQI_iPvGhPTi-EwVszza89NtvEWXXdLMhKDf1BzG0gum1F3FjfKaMZaJ44zBKKIma_/s320/IMG_0020A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534004252582650002" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >Voila! I think we can call this: Cushion Success!<br /><br />That said, I doubt I will be doing another cushion any time soon! It all took a lot longer than I thought, a lot more yarn than I thought, and a lot of fiddly-sewing drama which is SOOOO not to my liking!<br /><br />Back to blankets, methinks!<br /><br />And a few other projects I've been dabbling with...<br /><br />Will share it all as soon as I can.<br /><br />By the way, I haven't forgotten about that bunting pattern. It's going well, I've been taking photos and all... just haven't gotten it all finalised yet. That pesky Paid Work is getting in the way big time at the moment - this is one of the busiest times of the year for me. :-(<br /><br />And when that's all out of the way, I will be able to blog a lot more. Looking forward to that. :-)<br /><br />See you all soon, I hope,<br />Caz :)</span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-68134940055720143412010-10-23T08:30:00.002+10:002010-10-23T08:30:00.221+10:00Cushion Confusion<span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I know, no-one should be confused by a cushion, should they?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I thought it would all be rather simple.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">But I'm having a devil-of-a-time trying to sew up this thing! Well, not sew it up, per se, but:</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">a) work out how big to make it! You want it to be firm and snug - not floppy and ripply - but it also has to actually fit over the insert</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">b) get both sides the same size!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Problem "b" is proving quite difficult because the front and the back are quite different. The front is made up of granny squares... here it is... I mentioned it in another post, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/10/cushion-creation.html">here</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAikzsyxGJuuXntjqVugZWjxIB_BcYmfSrxbZz-xG84xz_jlp9melZr0zGkThJD8-c1lt7olJU3HRJnS4W8NIObngFkg-lNoDJcZm76mdgiibNL59Hyk0lUsQKNtYJUmdOG_XJy1RWlVl/s1600/IMG_9917A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAikzsyxGJuuXntjqVugZWjxIB_BcYmfSrxbZz-xG84xz_jlp9melZr0zGkThJD8-c1lt7olJU3HRJnS4W8NIObngFkg-lNoDJcZm76mdgiibNL59Hyk0lUsQKNtYJUmdOG_XJy1RWlVl/s320/IMG_9917A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530079428485027762" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And the back is (mostly) a solid granny... it's the one that I made from the Charity Daisy that I wrote about </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/09/pretty-as-daisy.html">here</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o_PRo3t07FM7Yt58If4DyV04EnlvRcCldo7LWm0w7wqxctre9tJ_SjtPyyVeY45hpy6emYlTYOKUylYU2eEvGGkxOMf0g6v766EsRi02SpzmUpqdP7o_HlLnB3iae-SeazTCNgwZ5j0U/s1600/IMG_9915A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o_PRo3t07FM7Yt58If4DyV04EnlvRcCldo7LWm0w7wqxctre9tJ_SjtPyyVeY45hpy6emYlTYOKUylYU2eEvGGkxOMf0g6v766EsRi02SpzmUpqdP7o_HlLnB3iae-SeazTCNgwZ5j0U/s320/IMG_9915A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530079434130854850" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I know I should have blocked them. It would have made everything clearer. But I thought - since it would all be stretching over a pillow eventually, anyway - that I could get away without doing it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So I just tugged and pulled at them a bit, lay them flat on top of each other... thought to myself: yeah, that looks about right...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And then I started sewing them up... and this happened:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxJ3hOQ1S5axMFWk1oMkd6-YX_Pv3XindOIX-u34i6FfEceifTXd4daTSFVqAejuhKC-FwtrDEjKrwUj8lLahyphenhyphenFJVRHIztnPnQhcIv3ngKKYaAsySP89dNMpw8uOs2OBXZvymdT-7ab5u/s1600/IMG_9846.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxJ3hOQ1S5axMFWk1oMkd6-YX_Pv3XindOIX-u34i6FfEceifTXd4daTSFVqAejuhKC-FwtrDEjKrwUj8lLahyphenhyphenFJVRHIztnPnQhcIv3ngKKYaAsySP89dNMpw8uOs2OBXZvymdT-7ab5u/s320/IMG_9846.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529704151396881186" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Whoops.</span><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uJ15wheie7v4jcgzQdTMxJ-W4xGhKYxLXyCO7FsDk1plfPeuqF9pVipDw-eqKfP4D965gXuTy7S9nTqRWVBYS25CJHCwB91KAtImVB55TC7D6R-HKYyvgBfPnKa5eo-Nf_FmnTctpmg_/s1600/IMG_9844.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uJ15wheie7v4jcgzQdTMxJ-W4xGhKYxLXyCO7FsDk1plfPeuqF9pVipDw-eqKfP4D965gXuTy7S9nTqRWVBYS25CJHCwB91KAtImVB55TC7D6R-HKYyvgBfPnKa5eo-Nf_FmnTctpmg_/s320/IMG_9844.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529704158300744850" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Hmmm.... so... back to enlarging the daisy side.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And then we can try again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'll let you know how I get on.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Caz :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">P.S. I still don't know how to solve problem "a". I'm just hoping it will somehow magically be the perfect fit?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">P.P.S. Can any more experienced, wiser crochet-ers help me out with any of this?? Would love to hear from you if you have any advice (or even if you don't - comments are always welcome :-) !).</span></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-39840961313063784302010-10-20T10:47:00.000+10:002010-10-20T10:52:05.577+10:00Cushion Creation<span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thanks to everyone who responded to my last post about my Christmas bunting. I'm so pleased that you all like it, and it is clear from the comments I received that there are people out there who would, indeed, like me to write up the pattern I kind-of invented.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Well, I said if you wanted me to do it, that I would. So I will. (Did that make sense?) :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am happy (but a little surprised) that I have made something that others are so interested in that they might want to try it for themselves. That's really cool, actually, now that I think about it. Awesome! I'm very happy to share, so I will.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I just have to get around to typing it up. That pesky Paid Work is getting in the way of Life again, but I will have a go at the pattern this weekend. I've never written down a pattern before - I'm sure I can manage it - but I suspect it will take a bit of time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So, bear with me, if you can?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In the meantime, I have another project I'd like to share with you, if you'd like to see?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Some time ago (before I went on my bunting frenzy!) I wrote about a </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://krochetkrystal.blogspot.com/">Charity Daisy pattern</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> that I was using for a cushion cover.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Well, here it is again:</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkdoYsYkY424fb21OPwFLeSrr2paWdo7eO9PkWr9KJSlduU4cSxtnL1actRlbwNrOCFRBhdQigVAP_20nSpubXsrRYrbq9l1OQbXgNGF0jwKVLH3dqacRvC8gLQTQjE9g5SV3pktVvlvD/s1600/IMG_9483.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkdoYsYkY424fb21OPwFLeSrr2paWdo7eO9PkWr9KJSlduU4cSxtnL1actRlbwNrOCFRBhdQigVAP_20nSpubXsrRYrbq9l1OQbXgNGF0jwKVLH3dqacRvC8gLQTQjE9g5SV3pktVvlvD/s400/IMG_9483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518436722143212306" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">And, while on holidays, I also made the other side for this cushion:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UqYOEeVaBgCY6BZOcIVRCpXD4REZdoIJqMMm6TZgEFvU9EBYDN2kkwdPj9DNrsxBWpzrqfzLMqBhjhWrw5h3M0_Uazd7vUb3V1IaXb-dD1kIdc8hUox0r5i_19zKXK73FOKoXgyXqq6T/s1600/IMG_9503.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UqYOEeVaBgCY6BZOcIVRCpXD4REZdoIJqMMm6TZgEFvU9EBYDN2kkwdPj9DNrsxBWpzrqfzLMqBhjhWrw5h3M0_Uazd7vUb3V1IaXb-dD1kIdc8hUox0r5i_19zKXK73FOKoXgyXqq6T/s320/IMG_9503.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529704139805147442" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Pretty, hey?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This side is made using a groovy flower pattern from the talented </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabethcat/sets/72157622376668881/">Elizabeth Cat</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The pattern is not on her </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://byelizabethcat.blogspot.com/">blog</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> (but please check out her blog anyway - it's very beautiful and interesting!). The pattern is instead written in the comments under a picture on Flickr.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This picture, actually. Click </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabethcat/4297619238/">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> to go to the pic and read the pattern.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabethcat/4297619238/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4297619238_28b5ce93d3.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 368px; height: 277px;" alt="" /></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:120%;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabethcat/4297619238/">My Andy Warhol Cushion</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/elizabethcat/">Elizabeth Cat</a>.</span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Now the pattern is a little confusing - at least for a beginner like me. I also found it quite fiddly and it took me a few goes to work it out. I </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >think</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> I've got it right, now, but I'm still not entirely sure!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This is what my version looks like:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXM8RBMgBv3fEzoMBXFxwIptIpNubojPx2_k-y6jKDsiv7sGoZXT1PCj1zi1HQWfdM-ProgcEjMSDtnKlpcc0ZBfqt-MXgPIeSe5je2RI2dcDTJMdMbBUXZA8_s1m_J9yedc6yHLjeIkl/s1600/IMG_9504.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXM8RBMgBv3fEzoMBXFxwIptIpNubojPx2_k-y6jKDsiv7sGoZXT1PCj1zi1HQWfdM-ProgcEjMSDtnKlpcc0ZBfqt-MXgPIeSe5je2RI2dcDTJMdMbBUXZA8_s1m_J9yedc6yHLjeIkl/s320/IMG_9504.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529704144837583618" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">After the flower is made, a granny square is wrapped around it. Now, some of you may know that I've not always been a fan of the granny square (as I wrote about </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/04/more-things-i-never-knew.html">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">), but I must say they are growing on me, especially ones that are a little bit different and interesting - like this one.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I looked at a lot of different ways to join squares before deciding on trying a join called Flat Braid Joining. I found out about it at Marie Anne's blog, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://macrochet.blogspot.com/">Every Day Crochet</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> - you can read about it in this post, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://macrochet.blogspot.com/2010/09/flat-braid-join-instructions-for-granny.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EveryDayCrochet+%28Every+Day+Crochet%29">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Marie Anne really loves this join and uses it all the time. Her blog gave some links to </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfBKZwqBgE">video tutorials</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> and these explained it really well. It looks tricky, but it's actually not too hard after a few goes. I really like the lacy-braided look it gives and thought that went well with the granny squares. (Well, I thought it made them look less like granny squares, actually, and more like an all-in-one, interesting, lacy creation.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So, thank you, Marie Anne, for those great links and all the info on the join. I am very happy with the result.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I then added a few rounds of double crochet (UK trebles) in the "solid" granny style around the whole thing because I thought that would match the back nicely.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I only hope that the tension is all okay and that when it is a finished cushion it isn't too ripply. I guess I should probably block it but I never seem to get around to blocking - it all seems like too much of a hassle to me!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I think (I </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >think</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">) it is going to fit a 36x36 cm cushion insert and I have now bought one. I was thinking about buying a blue pillow because that would look better (I don't like the white insert peeking through the holes of the grannies) but I couldn't find one small enough. So at the moment, it's just the white insert that I'm using. Whether or not I fix that later might depend on how "over" the project I am by then! :-P</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So now I'm ready to attempt to sew the two sides together! By wonderful, happy co-incidence, Jacquie over at </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.com/">Bunny Mummy</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> recently posted some info on </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.com/2010/10/button-closure-for-crochet-cusions.html">sewing cushion sides together</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> - showing how she adds buttons down one side. I am so thrilled because it's all perfect timing for me and her method looks really easy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'll let you know how I go.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">And, no, I won't forget about the bunting pattern. :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Till next time,</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Have a happy, hooky day,</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Caz :)</span></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-43959094787504466272010-10-16T12:32:00.006+10:002010-10-16T12:32:00.233+10:00Another idea!<span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >Okay, I had another idea....<br /><div face="trebuchet ms"><br />I was working on my Christmas Bunting, doing UK Trebles in groups of four, as per the <a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">Grandma Tree Pattern</a> from The Royal Sisters (like I explained in my <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/10/christmas-bunting-sort-of-pattern.html">last post</a>, and in <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/10/geometry-and-inspiration-and-bunting.html">the one before</a>). And I was thinking to myself "Why does this pattern have stitches in groups of four, rather than the traditional three? What does that do to the pattern?"</div><br /><div face="trebuchet ms">And then I got my idea:</div><br /><div face="trebuchet ms">Do ALL the sides need to have the same number of stitches in their clusters/groups?</div><br /><div face="trebuchet ms">What if - what IF - I did groups of four on the two long sides of my bunting, but just groups of THREE on the shorter side??</div><br /><div face="trebuchet ms">Would it go all wonky? Or would it work?</div><br /><div face="trebuchet ms">Well, I tried it ... AND IT WORKED!</div><br />Yes, yes, alright, all you clever people who already knew that would work. I've only been crocheting for a year, remember? This is all amazing to me! I Never Knew that you could DO that!<br /><br /><div face="trebuchet ms">And the result? A more isosceles-ish triangle! Perfect for my bunting!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;" face="trebuchet ms"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZYy4ti7WaD6YC02pjI0GPDwzk7Q7ouyhJ-Tw1Av87pzblZzyFJMeV-RPRfYvtSY9xk4jq_G11YnU1z-i6vkePLlsO55L0jdx5x8OF7DGLTm5xOfH4IOiEfvFGgTevajN9Y38bo9MGbu8/s1600/IMG_9888A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527337363737031282" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; cursor: pointer; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZYy4ti7WaD6YC02pjI0GPDwzk7Q7ouyhJ-Tw1Av87pzblZzyFJMeV-RPRfYvtSY9xk4jq_G11YnU1z-i6vkePLlsO55L0jdx5x8OF7DGLTm5xOfH4IOiEfvFGgTevajN9Y38bo9MGbu8/s400/IMG_9888A.jpg" border="0" /></a>YAY!!<br /></div><br />Alright, I'll leave you in peace now. Please excuse my frequent postings this week. I'm back at work after the holidays, you see, so, of course, that means I'm avoiding said work whenever possible. Hence the increase in crochet and in blogging. ;-)<br /><br />I better get back to it, though. The (paid) work, I mean.<br /><br />But before I do, I would like to say a huge <span style="font-style: italic;">THANK YOU</span> to everyone who has been stopping by this week, checking out my bunting and leaving me lovely comments. It was so great to read them all! I loved that you loved my bunting, and that you thought the Christmas pattern-combo bunting was groovy. That was great to hear because I've been <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> excited about it.<br /><br />I was particularly pleased to see that the consensus seems to be that I have actually, kind-of, made up my very own pattern here! Even Michelle herself (from <a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/">The Royal Sisters</a>) stopped by to say that she loves my new idea! And she even suggested that I provide a tutorial about it! Wow. I really admire Michelle's beautiful and clever crochet, so I do indeed feel very chuffed to get that "seal of approval" from her.<br /><br />So, what do you all think? Would you like this pattern-of-sorts written out on here? With photos or some-such? That would be a big thing for me - heading into new territory there. Never Knew I'd end up in such a spot. Never Knew I'd end up inventing something!<br /><br />Well, I'll do it if you want. I will. But I feel a bit daunted by it. So I won't if you don't need it. Like I said, you can easily pop over to Michelle's blog for an excellent photo-tutorial of her hexagons. Do you really want my help, too?<br /><br />Please let me know.<br /><br />Anyway, back to that paid work I mentioned. If only crochet could pay the bills. *sigh*<br /><br />Thanks again for stopping by!<br /><div face="trebuchet ms">Happy hooking,</div>Caz :)</span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-71626726553809105682010-10-14T06:19:00.003+10:002010-10-14T06:19:00.464+10:00Christmas Bunting! A (sort-of) pattern!<span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well, after <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/10/geometry-and-inspiration-and-bunting.html">yesterday's bunting post</a>, I found I couldn't be stopped! It's Crochet Bunting City here!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I feel so excited and on such a high of creativity - want to know what I've gone and done now?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've invented a new kind of bunting! Christmas Bunting!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h8NyGV38FOWUHrsOkOqk1zDKmm7WcBFncM3tve4EyRK-dqQtlMdmeudtiWS5NkDfoZjBPQWEbvoiMwKEAQaSmY7EAHsky0VD2DOTq-XITTKhiuZwnvLg4AV7IXIwqaLPUdAk_EiRsfF8/s1600/IMG_9858A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526716887132181154" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 316px; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h8NyGV38FOWUHrsOkOqk1zDKmm7WcBFncM3tve4EyRK-dqQtlMdmeudtiWS5NkDfoZjBPQWEbvoiMwKEAQaSmY7EAHsky0VD2DOTq-XITTKhiuZwnvLg4AV7IXIwqaLPUdAk_EiRsfF8/s320/IMG_9858A.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">What do you think?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Again, this is not actually my own invention - I can only take credit for the clever-combination. :-) It's a mix of clever patterns and ideas from other clever blogsters.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In fact, it's the same lovely ladies that I mentioned yesterday - Michelle from </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/">The Royal Sisters</a></span> <span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and Alice from</span></span> <span style="font-size:120%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/">Crochet with Raymond</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The star is from The Royal Sisters - it's from the </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2010/08/grandma-star-hexagon-tutorial.html">"Granny Star Hexagon"</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> tutorial.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11H2mIipkAjA8fr6_ps76WWqx7Gv09V2mT2VMZ6razVvSJ8Yeef4KlsQeRCvbyr91Vv6unVhblGMduwl7rk125Ryd6yzhcAagiJlYGQodXVInMGpevyYHho8Uamyjl_v2vTSLf8PM2kjf/s1600/IMG_9875a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526717472381543394" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 278px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11H2mIipkAjA8fr6_ps76WWqx7Gv09V2mT2VMZ6razVvSJ8Yeef4KlsQeRCvbyr91Vv6unVhblGMduwl7rk125Ryd6yzhcAagiJlYGQodXVInMGpevyYHho8Uamyjl_v2vTSLf8PM2kjf/s320/IMG_9875a.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I was making some of these a few weeks ago with the idea of joining them into a ... I don't know... maybe a table runner?... something. Just trying things out, really. I made the star part in this amazing gold thread that I found in Spotlight, and then I tried adding the extra rounds in a cheerful Christmas red.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gV1YHWBBi6fwSIPlHKr5X7KxiuNtrYj8t25-MxFvMMPyQpLh4U3usmt9KdcwkESJLi6lmzxJPc9mp9aKW5QhYuFP6Hy2hEWv-pSmyjvniItM4bwYSneVt0g0gdD1uQNBmZvghtBHMFLV/s1600/IMG_9855crop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526716883226464274" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 270px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gV1YHWBBi6fwSIPlHKr5X7KxiuNtrYj8t25-MxFvMMPyQpLh4U3usmt9KdcwkESJLi6lmzxJPc9mp9aKW5QhYuFP6Hy2hEWv-pSmyjvniItM4bwYSneVt0g0gdD1uQNBmZvghtBHMFLV/s320/IMG_9855crop.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, last night, I was looking at those stars and thinking... if they are six-sided, couldn't they be turned into something three-sided?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Then I was looking at Alice's blog (</span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/">Crochet with Raymond</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">) and I saw, on her </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2010/10/09/bunting-time/">new bunting pattern</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, what has she done? Started with a centre made from six clusters! And then she made that into a three-sided triangle!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So, yes, it can be done! Thanks, Alice! :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So I took my lovely gold star, and started creating granny-triangle rounds.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD64MQ5WVkmmhwgmsLQKFtP2eh0r8Yt6Mya1AGYuYfR2VSDefZqyaxkfqOvbYoHOb2V7jfMMkZoeMu2TE6nJl-1qlcFrFOIwXzPSA1cGaxwg66cudbft0wWRLpewuM9LOCDYEVhGzsEpdE/s1600/IMG_9878A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526717479311622802" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD64MQ5WVkmmhwgmsLQKFtP2eh0r8Yt6Mya1AGYuYfR2VSDefZqyaxkfqOvbYoHOb2V7jfMMkZoeMu2TE6nJl-1qlcFrFOIwXzPSA1cGaxwg66cudbft0wWRLpewuM9LOCDYEVhGzsEpdE/s320/IMG_9878A.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Following the </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">Granny Tree pattern</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> on the Royal Sisters, I used groups of four double-crochets (UK trebles), not the traditional three. This actually worked well because that covered the gold chains around the star better than a group of three, as those chains are rather long (5 chains stitches, from memory).</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XUdX86mLMcVWCO_Kg9_sWa-406p9ZhL-JKzDVpmlnVRGcrwvLURg-TKd29UrVA8nE_YSYy8YlgP4Rc2Y6UQZUAbxOiUD9LmHFh_FdOckiL3bw2PEkA_FLpc2kQXY4Rh8ZeuxiGQNM2JM/s1600/IMG_9880A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526717501000453362" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XUdX86mLMcVWCO_Kg9_sWa-406p9ZhL-JKzDVpmlnVRGcrwvLURg-TKd29UrVA8nE_YSYy8YlgP4Rc2Y6UQZUAbxOiUD9LmHFh_FdOckiL3bw2PEkA_FLpc2kQXY4Rh8ZeuxiGQNM2JM/s320/IMG_9880A.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Then when I was happy with the number of rounds, I edged them following the </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">Granny Tree pattern</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> again. But at the tip I added a little picot again. (This is an idea that I got from </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/bunting/">Crochet with Raymond</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> and I mentioned this in my <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/10/geometry-and-inspiration-and-bunting.html">last post</a> - apologies for the repetition!).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And suddenly, there before me, was this very fancy, very special-looking Christmas-y bunting! Well, it looked fancy and special and Christmas-y to me, at least! :-P</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Yes, I do feel rather proud of my special Christmas bunting and I couldn't wait to share it with you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So if you want to make one of your own, pop over to </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/">The Royal Sisters</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> and have a look at her </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2010/08/grandma-star-hexagon-tutorial.html">Grandma Star Hexagon tutorial</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, and then combine that with her </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">Grandma Tree tutorial</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. If you're not sure how to turn six clusters into a triangle, have a look at Alice's </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2010/10/09/bunting-time/">bunting pattern</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> on </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/">Crochet with Raymond</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> - her photos make it nice and clear. And before you know it, you'll have yourself some Chrissy bunting like mine!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">(I don't feel that I can put the pattern here, can I? Since it's not really my own - it's a combination of others... you know what I mean? But these blogs are just a click away - just follow my links. They are great blogs with lots of great ideas and the photo-tutorials make everything super-easy.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And, if you try this, please let me know how you get on! What else did you make that was similar? The possibilities are ENDLESS! Cool, hey? I Never Knew. ;-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Have fun and happy hooking!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Caz :)</span></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-17197385817409027642010-10-13T09:02:00.005+10:002010-10-13T11:41:07.150+10:00Geometry and inspiration... and bunting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU8lTWQrmc9YKV8mZTYdaUKwqqUBQGy-efevbmzL4chUIb8rV2VuC9vOHtNp9H4Qe2zZxifI4lpnLH6-iWfa89cSx69dR7Int90jZ_HixKGQX_jGUt-vsVqBj9VCSxelUPXi1cJUpilH2/s1600/IMG_9865a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526625251771758706" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 259px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU8lTWQrmc9YKV8mZTYdaUKwqqUBQGy-efevbmzL4chUIb8rV2VuC9vOHtNp9H4Qe2zZxifI4lpnLH6-iWfa89cSx69dR7Int90jZ_HixKGQX_jGUt-vsVqBj9VCSxelUPXi1cJUpilH2/s320/IMG_9865a.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >I love looking at crochet blogs and web-sites for ideas, reading what people have done and how or why... seeing the amazing things people can make. And these ideas all mull around in my head...<br /><br />And sometimes - not often, but every now and again - some ideas merge. Combine into something new.<br /><br />And tonight something came together in a way that surprised me. My easily distracted and wandering mind put two things together and any other day I wouldn't have seen them as similar.<br /><br />Let me explain the wanderings of my mind... if you could humour me...<br /><br />First, I was admiring bunting. Yes, bunting. In my last post I explained that I really quite like bunting, and I recently received some as a little gift in the post from Sue at <a href="http://thequincetree65.blogspot.com/2010/08/one-hundredth-post-giveaway.html">The Quince Tree</a>, and this cheerful bunting had gotten me all inspired about making my own.<br /><br />So I was looking at granny-bunting, which is basically a granny triangle. And thinking about how it is so very... even-sided. Equilateral, if you want to get technical! :-P And the thing is, I'd like to make my bunting a little more long-sided... a little more ... isosceles!<br /><br />But how could this be done? <span style="font-style: italic;">Can</span> it be done with a granny triangle?<br /><br />I love the bunting that Alice created over at <a href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/">Crochet with Raymond</a>. She has two bunting patterns, and I really like <a href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/bunting/">her first one</a>. The frilly sides make her bunting quite pretty and also a little more isosceles-like. (I'm not sure they really </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >are</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" > isosceles triangles, but they just </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >look</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" > more longer-sided.) And the picot stitch at the bottom of each triangle stretches it all out just a little more. Very clever indeed.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt57gQ-rCl7LCM8diftfrYSE7uDGIUXBveE0rIr05MpIsfkmGVn1O8NhiaikEV7oZ_2Ssg0bBlyRV1g5497cJAzY0fkylt066l00y1vu9RG50U1H_qOYC8feHsiDYTeqR6T1xIuEukqf0a/s1600/crochet+with+raymond+bunting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526584502445479314" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; cursor: pointer; height: 225px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt57gQ-rCl7LCM8diftfrYSE7uDGIUXBveE0rIr05MpIsfkmGVn1O8NhiaikEV7oZ_2Ssg0bBlyRV1g5497cJAzY0fkylt066l00y1vu9RG50U1H_qOYC8feHsiDYTeqR6T1xIuEukqf0a/s320/crochet+with+raymond+bunting.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Lovely bunting from <a href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/bunting/">Crochet with Raymond</a>!</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span></div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" ><br />Anyway, then I put my love of bunting aside, and started browsing for Christmas ideas.<br /><br />I was thinking of maybe making some Christmas <a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">Granny Trees</a> following the pattern on <a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/">The Royal Sisters</a>, maybe making a garland or some-such. And that was when it happened. I was looking at the (very clear and helpful) photo-tutorial that Michelle has for her trees and suddenly I saw it.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqR0XMwJj1410E9KMblLiEhN_ns13ibaBk0HKlvrtMoETQ5MKWqsGsQaprnRVB4f9Vq6YqxR0H3t13FaKULUj2tnqEmiYy6CHnV0zGnLmU9zZDO8CtmhLQfFmDjjrygJ2rn5abVNrL0lIu/s1600/royal+sisters+granny+tree.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526584509519023810" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 213px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqR0XMwJj1410E9KMblLiEhN_ns13ibaBk0HKlvrtMoETQ5MKWqsGsQaprnRVB4f9Vq6YqxR0H3t13FaKULUj2tnqEmiYy6CHnV0zGnLmU9zZDO8CtmhLQfFmDjjrygJ2rn5abVNrL0lIu/s320/royal+sisters+granny+tree.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Grandma Tree from <a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">The Royal Sisters</a></span> </div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >Her trees, with their bumpy sides but straight bases, were rather isosceles-looking! In truth, they were very similar to Alice's bunting triangles - just with four-treble groups instead of 3. And the bumpy sides were similar, but just a slightly different way of doing them. Hmmm... I thought to myself, I quite like these tree-y triangles!<br /><br />What if - what IF - I made Michelle's tree, but didn't add the stump? And what if I added Alice's picot droplet at the tip of the triangle? Could this become the ultimate bunting pattern - the shape I was looking for?<br /><br />I tried it - and I LOVE it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmgBuejEYVRHLFCtB9YVG2wpVECJqQ_BRv7YVpB0YO915AyiSKoB8j0jGNZKLBDRoRMHkUNubApte75JvTDtAvSeHYDVuu-m2GhStg9fltLMGrfRnA2z2RzEHp15QVyybDgySb9hvef2J/s1600/IMG_9869A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526625046986068306" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 295px; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmgBuejEYVRHLFCtB9YVG2wpVECJqQ_BRv7YVpB0YO915AyiSKoB8j0jGNZKLBDRoRMHkUNubApte75JvTDtAvSeHYDVuu-m2GhStg9fltLMGrfRnA2z2RzEHp15QVyybDgySb9hvef2J/s320/IMG_9869A.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >So basically, what you do (would you like me to explain how I combined them?) is: follow Michelle's </span><span style="font-size:120%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">tree pattern</a></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" > (at the Royal Sisters) until the last round, BUT when you reach the tip of the "tree" (or the bottom tip of the bunting flag), do the four trebles as you start the corner, then chain four and make a picot by slip-stitching into the fourth chain from the hook (that's the idea I got from </span><span style="font-size:120%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/bunting/">Crochet with Raymond</a></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >), then do four more trebles to finish that corner, then continue on as per </span><span style="font-size:120%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">The Royal Sisters' pattern</a></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >. And stop at the end of that round - before you make the tree stump. Obviously. :-)</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >Did that make sense? Visit their websites - I'm sure it will make more sense once you do! :-)</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >And that's it! Like I said, not that clever really, but, boy, does it feel good when something in my mind just "clicks". I have looked at </span><span style="font-size:120%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">The Royal Sisters' Granny Trees</a></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" > so many, many times, but never before saw a bunting triangle.</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >Many people say I have a strange mind ;-) but sometimes it just WORKS. Hee hee. :-)</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >I'm off to make some more bunting now! And, um, then get back to those other projects! :-)</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >Happy hooking,</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Caz :)</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Editor's note: Since writing all this, I have come to the realisation that there are <span style="font-style: italic;">many</span> ways to make long, thin, crochet bunting flags. Simply doing stripes of single (double) crochet with decreases at the end of each row, something like that would probably work, wouldn't it? And no doubt there are patterns out there following that idea. But I was looking at granny-triangle bunting, and that's why they were equal-sided, and that's where my thinking started. I may or may not go and look for other options, but this Granny-tree-triangle combo has left me feeling so pleased that I think it will do, for now, in my quest for the perfect bunting. :)</span></span><br /></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-11624475505668728162010-10-11T13:33:00.009+10:002010-10-15T21:45:19.598+10:00Good to get away... and good to come home!<span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have two things to share today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">First of all, we've been away on holidays. Down to Brissy (Brisbane) to catch up with family. And a lovely time was had by all - t'was fun enough for the kids and relaxing enough for me. :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">While we were down there, I was able to visit my little sister's new townhouse apartment. I'd seen it in pictures but it really was great to actually </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >be</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> there. She is very proud of it, of course (it's the first home she's purchased), and loved having us over and showing us around.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And what did I see as I climbed the stairs to the living room? What was waiting for me, draped across the couch, looking comfy and welcoming?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My (I mean, </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >her</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">) <a href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/09/event-plaid-ta-dah.html">Event Plaid blanket</a>!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I did say I'd share a photo of it </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >in situ</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, didn't I?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well, here it is! Looks fabulous, if I do say so myself!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41wPGy42eurNpAv5HuE1A2FdRwjoHRikH02XHy0O0k7cdDwcl1GD-fPNA_NeumBvhwO2SKtcLKVRmvfya0o9G4HS9K-N_ZB_gmxTJjEM0MuWyoi8T_UAc1S_aV4MfpGWUe_qGrTGyBWBQ/s1600/IMG_9575A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41wPGy42eurNpAv5HuE1A2FdRwjoHRikH02XHy0O0k7cdDwcl1GD-fPNA_NeumBvhwO2SKtcLKVRmvfya0o9G4HS9K-N_ZB_gmxTJjEM0MuWyoi8T_UAc1S_aV4MfpGWUe_qGrTGyBWBQ/s400/IMG_9575A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526378815743935954" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My sister says she loves curling up under it at night, in front of the telly. Checks email on her laptop, on the couch, blankie over her legs. It is actually getting USED, which I think is awesome. I would hate to think of it being kept in the linen cupboard because "it is too special for every day" - NO! - that would be a big, big WASTE! So good on you for using it, Sis! Spill coffee and cookie crumbs on it! It is washable, after all.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, I'm starting to ramble, but I think you can see that I was so pleased to see it in its rightful home, being used and loved. It felt really good to see that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My sister was happy to pose with the blankie, but then she got a little camera shy! :-)</span><br /><br /></span><div style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdzDJjHcWZavSuJj96dn82QaNIt7hG7ZtIppokaaa2K2ZnpHWrnD262uxohh9LQLB1VO8EiveGY2e7rpN2t5TB9nt70eFBU6UNaqHVFLKqds4YzOZ7qRe5IuQdCH-9o2OwdazbdVsfZUN/s1600/IMG_9584a.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdzDJjHcWZavSuJj96dn82QaNIt7hG7ZtIppokaaa2K2ZnpHWrnD262uxohh9LQLB1VO8EiveGY2e7rpN2t5TB9nt70eFBU6UNaqHVFLKqds4YzOZ7qRe5IuQdCH-9o2OwdazbdVsfZUN/s400/IMG_9584a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526387797311610242" border="0" /> </a><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jtb1v2oEcsbtyzITssp4Pm6UvQ-1P-9nPlBVHrGJqSCIfE9RmWY4Y4PMb3YQz_b6w7rrABN85RO7Kiz_au1bxvcSVcnfQV3LCLtzEMlTNCt1J8_v95ahcDVFKrMqTvSzPiYpLDrdbc9O/s1600/IMG_9586a.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jtb1v2oEcsbtyzITssp4Pm6UvQ-1P-9nPlBVHrGJqSCIfE9RmWY4Y4PMb3YQz_b6w7rrABN85RO7Kiz_au1bxvcSVcnfQV3LCLtzEMlTNCt1J8_v95ahcDVFKrMqTvSzPiYpLDrdbc9O/s400/IMG_9586a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526387805716391202" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, after all the fun and relaxing of our trip down south, it was time to head back to the tropics and get ready for the new school term (groan!). Was feeling a bit un-excited at the thought of holidays ending and chaos resuming, so I must say it was very nice indeed to arrive home to a parcel from the U.K.</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A parcel from the U.K.? Ooooohhhh! I know what that is: it's a parcel of goodies from Sue at </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://thequincetree65.blogspot.com/">The Quince Tree</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I won a give-away, you see. It was most exciting as I almost never win anything! And what a lovely lot of goodies Sue was giving away - all to celebrate the </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://thequincetree65.blogspot.com/2010/08/one-hundredth-post-giveaway.html">100th post</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> on her blog. (It really is such a lovely blog by the way, full of colourful crochet and lovely food ideas and recipes. If you haven't stopped by her way, I thoroughly recommend that you check it out.)</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEQNVoAq1BbvAUynV7i_qb79ghoQIfE_2ilJ6YqGKrsnGTCEVB9QdmqwrtpSYrfgu4h_SjupYZECLD6gM-IGPN_cTMbU88rwiep48BC8_XdYUuW2vA2DDlEb3DGyaqD9i1Ee7DoqTknZh/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEQNVoAq1BbvAUynV7i_qb79ghoQIfE_2ilJ6YqGKrsnGTCEVB9QdmqwrtpSYrfgu4h_SjupYZECLD6gM-IGPN_cTMbU88rwiep48BC8_XdYUuW2vA2DDlEb3DGyaqD9i1Ee7DoqTknZh/s400/IMG_9826.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526381307134393778" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So I opened the parcel and found it full of little wrapped items. My kids found this sooooo exciting, so I was able to act all excited with them (which was good because I actually WAS really excited).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And in the parcels we found these:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEUHZVfd7-ETOErD8RyuNHID8C3oJb9pk5iO8yvM1oiKwdzNrDWxN5_2tOiU2RNktS6GxrZw_3BZQVbv8ff22_fp5kgzsoLyh83Zid8n6QaDkqjNU5rtBgYCihLLM1uQHIFkCFlVR6DFH/s1600/SAM_0053.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEUHZVfd7-ETOErD8RyuNHID8C3oJb9pk5iO8yvM1oiKwdzNrDWxN5_2tOiU2RNktS6GxrZw_3BZQVbv8ff22_fp5kgzsoLyh83Zid8n6QaDkqjNU5rtBgYCihLLM1uQHIFkCFlVR6DFH/s400/SAM_0053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526381311219684994" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Lovely smelly soap, chocolate from Cornwall that is just DIVINE, a bundle of Sue's beautiful mini-cards (which were made from a collection of her stunning photography), and - best of all - a lovely string of rainbow, crochet BUNTING!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm not normally a frills'n'fancies home decorator - I don't fill my home with ornaments and excess cushions and frills and trims, I'm far too practical for all that - but I do make an exception for bunting. (And paper chains, when children are involved.) Bunting is just so cheerful and festive, don't you think? I made some paper bunting for one of the children's bedrooms, but this string of crochet triangles will be perfect in the other bedroom. In that bedroom my little girl has quite a wide window, and - what do you know! - it fits across it beautifully!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkVT89LiVFkyCBN67dB0eQKTpoF4-4LB3OCvUjfybQzOyXKHk7DNVRNyrsb3gCmxQvE26e6B-6tqpgjAMAD-Ye6RsyD9webX85XPjm4__UgX_nafaGZ7q3-6OuaUZdzUrkiqOnYKt1rnw/s1600/IMG_9835crop.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkVT89LiVFkyCBN67dB0eQKTpoF4-4LB3OCvUjfybQzOyXKHk7DNVRNyrsb3gCmxQvE26e6B-6tqpgjAMAD-Ye6RsyD9webX85XPjm4__UgX_nafaGZ7q3-6OuaUZdzUrkiqOnYKt1rnw/s400/IMG_9835crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526387197331590306" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm finding that I turn my head every time I pass her room; I can't help but look through her open door at that cheerful string of flags and smile to myself as I walk by...</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v40W7QXOALJzwQTLdaS9lK5W2VGT8yKLdM3MUxYfRDIMj3YR9xplAc3RDgtx3OpKTBiwyiBCr5cULV989KgFIF7Vn9uSIkmLCvEDqW40Fi7yuWRRREBoqSj-xlyedojwnMzejgttr1bN/s1600/IMG_9838.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v40W7QXOALJzwQTLdaS9lK5W2VGT8yKLdM3MUxYfRDIMj3YR9xplAc3RDgtx3OpKTBiwyiBCr5cULV989KgFIF7Vn9uSIkmLCvEDqW40Fi7yuWRRREBoqSj-xlyedojwnMzejgttr1bN/s400/IMG_9838.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526360102734236210" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So, thank you, thank you, thank you, my dear friend, Sue! I think it is so kind and generous and wonderful that you would send me such lovely things half-way around the world. And congratulations on 100 posts - here's to many, many more.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It was a lovely, cheerful thing to come home to.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Now it's got me thinking about making some crochet bunting of my own...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Just as soon as I finish the half-a-dozen projects I'm working on at the moment! :-P</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Or maybe I could just dabble a little bit with the idea tonight... ;-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">*sigh*... I like starting projects so much more than finishing them!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">See you soon with more news on all those projects,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In the meantime, happy hooking,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Caz :)</span></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-79920881552790193752010-10-10T16:44:00.008+10:002010-10-10T22:20:57.306+10:00This time last year...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwMrSWBsrKeRgCJNJaLFYCNrzu1OzRc3MlQ9Ef0CquuHqB7ESgDookIi7ERE1XbI4YVNVDspqnQ1C7-rg1ltBq2hSOntRfMzRL8_kPAHrRvwzwvHDulHRLT5Ige9haJDx6onzAlpZZsfV/s1600/DSC00619A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwMrSWBsrKeRgCJNJaLFYCNrzu1OzRc3MlQ9Ef0CquuHqB7ESgDookIi7ERE1XbI4YVNVDspqnQ1C7-rg1ltBq2hSOntRfMzRL8_kPAHrRvwzwvHDulHRLT5Ige9haJDx6onzAlpZZsfV/s400/DSC00619A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526328135969699586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">It was at the very beginning of October last year, right at the end of the Spring school holidays, that I sat down beside my mum (who was visiting at the time), and I uttered those fateful words:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">"How do you DO that?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">My mum was doing some crochet. It took some persistence, but - after after convincing her that I really wanted to know - she showed me how to do it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I Never Knew what that would lead to. Never Knew that a year later I would have a blog about my crochet, and some finished items of which I am so, so, proud. And a box, a basket, and a bag-or-three filled with WIPs and UFOs, and lovely, lovely yarn!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">As I wrote about </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-never-knew.html">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, I Never Knew this was coming. Never Knew I would find this amazing LOVE of crochet, Never Knew I would get such a THRILL from creating something with hook and yarn.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">And if you'd told me, I would have laughed.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The thing I like most about it is that it seems to have awoken a creative side in me, a side that had laid dormant for far too long. I saw a wonderful quote on </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.handmaidliset.blogspot.com/">Handmaid Liset's blog</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, a quote from Charles Dickens. It said:</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >The whole difference between construction and creation is this; that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists.</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">And I understand that now. I Never Knew, but now I do. :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Just goes to show everyone show try something new once in a while.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">You just Never Know what it might do to your life and your well-being. You Never Know where it might take you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">My crochet has taken me here so far, and I'm loving the journey I'm on.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCis0Qs_ggv95injBMsv09CM3Hyo2t1NlELOUhi1nHq8wARs46V-CfH-5O_0faDuZDZ6EtX61yPmmPrKyu_9N6UfTWViC5NYJaEFueypR_ZzGbY-Q9_TpKUJBleoxPhh1RP0gMpV5x6rv/s1600/IMG_9360.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCis0Qs_ggv95injBMsv09CM3Hyo2t1NlELOUhi1nHq8wARs46V-CfH-5O_0faDuZDZ6EtX61yPmmPrKyu_9N6UfTWViC5NYJaEFueypR_ZzGbY-Q9_TpKUJBleoxPhh1RP0gMpV5x6rv/s400/IMG_9360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526328155239926242" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thanks for sharing it with me as you visit my blog, and view my pictures on </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/never_knew_crochet/">Flickr</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. I'm so glad that as I move into my second year of crochet discovery and creativity, I can share my revelations with you. :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Caz xxxxxxxxxxxxx</span></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-14852792138682005542010-09-19T12:55:00.002+10:002010-09-19T13:11:06.018+10:00Pretty as a Daisy<span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've got something I'd really like to show you. Feels like I'm a school-girl again and it's my turn for show-and-tell and I'm feeling really excited about it. Crochet does that to me. :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's this lovely, tricky (well, tricky for me!), very grooooovy daisy square!</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >(this one was not made by me - details below the photo)<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/waffles2005/4874098122/" title="first daisy crochet square by meowy takes photos, on Flickr"><img style="width: 429px; height: 410px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4874098122_b93e483802.jpg" alt="first daisy crochet square" /></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">made by "meowy takes photos"</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/waffles2005/4874098122/"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/waffles2005/4874098122/</span></a> </span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Let me tell you about this funky, free pattern and the great project going on behind it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The pattern is available from </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://krochetkrystal.blogspot.com/">Krochet Krystal</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. Krystal has a really cool idea. She will share the pattern with you for </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >FREE!</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> (You just need to register with her and then she'll send all the info to you).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">There's just one, simple condition: </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >you need to make her a square, using her pattern, and then send that square back to her.</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And what does she do with all these daisies, being sent to her in exchange for her pattern, from people all over the world?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">She makes them into blankets and donates them to worthy charities.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Like this one:</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5herGOYo5zcaXQhs5dZ0mngqPe-rkIjEryglyCqNlr7J8NnusS3hHFxzr18KECSvbP16oeH2fEWOOopXpMupSCZLKavAsClwrgcsJsQ4xGcguWhcQsv0A8x0rkz3F0gF1H6mxGJugfYF/s1600/2009daisy5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5herGOYo5zcaXQhs5dZ0mngqPe-rkIjEryglyCqNlr7J8NnusS3hHFxzr18KECSvbP16oeH2fEWOOopXpMupSCZLKavAsClwrgcsJsQ4xGcguWhcQsv0A8x0rkz3F0gF1H6mxGJugfYF/s400/2009daisy5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518444721316643426" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://krochetkrystal.blogspot.com/2009/04/2009-afghan-5.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blanket number five at Krochet Krystal</span></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's an honesty system, basically. In a world-gone-mad, full of accountabitily and lawsuits, there is someone out there still working on the idea of goodwill.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Makes me feel good inside, knowing that. And, as I am an honest person (really!), I fully intend to complete my end of the bargain.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Only problem: I didn't know until I got the pattern that she wants you to use worsted weight yarn. And I have so little of that kind of yarn! It's hard to find in Oz. But it gives me a great excuse to go yarn shopping, doesn't it? ;-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In the meantime, I made this one with some of my left-over Patons Smoothie yarn, the yarn I used in the </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/09/event-plaid-ta-dah.html">Event Plaid blanket. </a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Pretty, isn't it?</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkdoYsYkY424fb21OPwFLeSrr2paWdo7eO9PkWr9KJSlduU4cSxtnL1actRlbwNrOCFRBhdQigVAP_20nSpubXsrRYrbq9l1OQbXgNGF0jwKVLH3dqacRvC8gLQTQjE9g5SV3pktVvlvD/s1600/IMG_9483.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkdoYsYkY424fb21OPwFLeSrr2paWdo7eO9PkWr9KJSlduU4cSxtnL1actRlbwNrOCFRBhdQigVAP_20nSpubXsrRYrbq9l1OQbXgNGF0jwKVLH3dqacRvC8gLQTQjE9g5SV3pktVvlvD/s400/IMG_9483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518436722143212306" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I found the pattern quite tricky at times, but I </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >think </span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've got it right. Good practice for the one that I'll send her.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is going to become part of a new project. A small-ish, spur-of-the-moment project. These don't often happen to me - I'm normally planning and budgeting carefully for some time, thinking about the costs and amount of yarn, etc, etc. But because this is now officially stash yarn, I can go with the flow a bit more. It's nice. I'm liking it. :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So, if you are interested in the pattern, or are interested in Krystal's charity work, head on over to </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://krochetkrystal.blogspot.com/">Krystal's blog</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. By making her a square, you get the pattern, and you get to help a good cause at the same time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Of course you can do more than one square, if you like. But one square is all that Krysal asks for. That's it. Then the pattern is yours to use and enjoy forever.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Let me know if any of you give it a go. I'd love to see your daisies and hear what you think about the pattern.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Til next time,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Happy hooking,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Caz :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">P.S. Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone that commented on my Event Plaid blanket. I'm so pleased with the finished result and it's great to read that you guys like it, too. I love reading your comments; they really make my </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">day. :)</span></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-8890081639060872992010-09-13T08:45:00.002+10:002010-09-13T09:12:24.624+10:00Event Plaid - TA DAH!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bz08jqAjgH9tMoaW-NRbBG08RSmCCymEsLw9TOgipvX0YG16Etl7d9lnEMe3iiQqvska6vPCHICgTV8eCV54dsQ7TFJMW4drwFCbOT3ckEmuRcG3pRIRWtZC63LI3HlpqG0TFjCT18q8/s1600/IMG_9476cropped.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515849544262883202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 353px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bz08jqAjgH9tMoaW-NRbBG08RSmCCymEsLw9TOgipvX0YG16Etl7d9lnEMe3iiQqvska6vPCHICgTV8eCV54dsQ7TFJMW4drwFCbOT3ckEmuRcG3pRIRWtZC63LI3HlpqG0TFjCT18q8/s400/IMG_9476cropped.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Extreme close-up of extreme weaving!</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;">Yes! It's finished! Yay!<br /><br />It is so true what the other blogsters said: it is only once you finally pull through that last row of weaving, stand back and look at it, that you can really see it. And then you think WOW.<br /><br />It was all worth it.<br /><br />So worth it.<br /><br />It looks GREAT!<br /><br />Well, actually, it looks like an ordinary blanket! LOL :-D Not at all like crochet.<br /><br />But that's good, because my sister wouldn't want any vintage, granny-esque crochet in her lovely new place. Her new home is very modern and minimalist and I think a granny square on the sofa would look so... well, wrong. But this won't. This looks like a lovely soft, woven blankie. Perfect for carefully-draping-so-it-looks-casually-thrown over the back of the sofa. And also perfect for curling up under while watching a bit of late night telly.<br /><br />I will be down in Brisbane in a couple of weeks so I will be able to give it to her then. I'm so excited!!<br /><br />So, anyway, I won't keep you in suspense any longer.<br /><br />You want to see?<br /><br />Here it is!<br /><br />TA-DAH!<br /><br /></span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnXGiDa7XzAScl5Rne_lX1bdPtVrhrNNfoDpQv77NfIb7zAjq-DyfOE6JNYIW_MzUUix7wfDABPiNBsOPvHITLWoTa8n2hwBB9oWqo0C4Z6KurEpGwD05pXhbOpfNbDNyPFvNiwrQby1t/s1600/IMG_9474A.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515849528143632978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnXGiDa7XzAScl5Rne_lX1bdPtVrhrNNfoDpQv77NfIb7zAjq-DyfOE6JNYIW_MzUUix7wfDABPiNBsOPvHITLWoTa8n2hwBB9oWqo0C4Z6KurEpGwD05pXhbOpfNbDNyPFvNiwrQby1t/s400/IMG_9474A.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;"><br />Do you love it? I sure do. I hope my sister does, too.<br /><br />When I finally finished weaving, I knotted all the ends. I tied each end with its neighbour, if you get what I mean, so that each tassel had four strands: </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7ql1Wec9SriLoSWEDDVxDWgd5xD5I3xLxW0XbTmimHyLDvRnhoQZLdq1juHhVXNx5QTbEdCbJt26FGr4K0ukttHHV3jWizMnj-HYTNP8rQs1Ocx2P343PBL4iuFVPb0lAndWON1eRxTE/s1600/IMG_9471A.jpg"></a></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;"><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxBSLOino9TLUelHDy2VJUWXtvTfQY_wpSc7CIif36MbjsTDOyJ6vox1NREQknAJ0A8EwioHYQAQNltG-QhfqlQBqVe-K30lfFKswTZRQQ83hGxekf3G-HG3QZWYCbT9wRC_1dAIANS7H/s1600/IMG_9480A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515856050646448482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxBSLOino9TLUelHDy2VJUWXtvTfQY_wpSc7CIif36MbjsTDOyJ6vox1NREQknAJ0A8EwioHYQAQNltG-QhfqlQBqVe-K30lfFKswTZRQQ83hGxekf3G-HG3QZWYCbT9wRC_1dAIANS7H/s400/IMG_9480A.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;"><br />Then I trimmed them all to the same length - about 12 cm long. I found it a little tricky to keep it even, but I think it's worked out okay. (I also need to worry less about such things. :-) )<br /><br /></span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCwDLA-R4pvLfwZQNvubjh_vvgWWaO8yDbcitJURsLjbeX2Takqc41OWyKVzmm9ZTWsux0-8ImnLcRJJ5Lo-HuEikIMRi_15tzA7D046QRXQ0pHrHqYcpdwV9uyJ7oBT17awWN0JVgabR/s1600/IMG_9472A.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515849512332533906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCwDLA-R4pvLfwZQNvubjh_vvgWWaO8yDbcitJURsLjbeX2Takqc41OWyKVzmm9ZTWsux0-8ImnLcRJJ5Lo-HuEikIMRi_15tzA7D046QRXQ0pHrHqYcpdwV9uyJ7oBT17awWN0JVgabR/s400/IMG_9472A.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><br />Now all that's left to do is give it!<br /><br />Once I've visited her place in Brissy, I'll share a photo of it <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">in situ</span></span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;">, in her actual home, on her actual couch.<br /><br />That'll be really cool.<br /><br />If you have any questions about the pattern or how I managed to wrangle it, please feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I'm only too happy to help.<br /><br />And don't forget to visit the blogs where I first got the inspiration: these posts at </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="http://aimeewrites.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/an-event-and-a-blanket/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;">This Life</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;"> and </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="http://laughingpurplegoldfish.blogspot.com/2009/03/event-plaid.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;">Laughing Purple Goldfish</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;">. As I mentioned in </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/09/event-plaid.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;">this post</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;">, these lovely ladies explain the whole process very well, and their blankets are most excellent, so check them out!<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" face="trebuchet ms"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6qv1NmuhWFNACp3ZJJkOwFiASK0YR1Rrq6lyJnOVBt4Hj5qSDNXTueDk5QXCBMZfP3xOdCGz9shFbkU-1RJw30SFr2sjDOI4oB01StT65gvhl7uOWCeFxY7JgpraLGveK-hn50ZeFSNq/s1600/IMG_9477A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515849552264809730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6qv1NmuhWFNACp3ZJJkOwFiASK0YR1Rrq6lyJnOVBt4Hj5qSDNXTueDk5QXCBMZfP3xOdCGz9shFbkU-1RJw30SFr2sjDOI4oB01StT65gvhl7uOWCeFxY7JgpraLGveK-hn50ZeFSNq/s400/IMG_9477A.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">One more photo, on our bench, on our front verandah, to help you get an idea of the size: :-)</span> </span></span></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;">Well, thanks for sharing my Ta-Dah with me. I don't know many people around here who would understand my excitement quite the way that you, my lovely readers, do. :)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Til next time,<br />Have a happy, hooky day,<br />Caz :)<br /><br /></span>P.S. Laughing Purple Goldfish's current blog can be found </span></span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="http://laughingpurplegoldfish.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;">. The link to her Event Plaid post (above) takes you to her older blog. Both are worth a look and I think the newer one links to the older one - somehow! C :)</span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-44703750558192737142010-09-11T20:58:00.001+10:002010-09-11T21:45:40.987+10:00Event Plaid - Nearly There!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFbxFKsCxC0vNNGVPcckm4tIpT9G-J1OzA11q8E9jPK8JSv2k5P5XRD7ly5NSDiFsKUMhTu0v8Mg441rDbqM-W7a8xPnjZd76Rcj-KGY2MTSEwJWyeZ2q4QfVIawmNkuZ4xge0HFRODiM/s1600/IMG_9420.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFbxFKsCxC0vNNGVPcckm4tIpT9G-J1OzA11q8E9jPK8JSv2k5P5XRD7ly5NSDiFsKUMhTu0v8Mg441rDbqM-W7a8xPnjZd76Rcj-KGY2MTSEwJWyeZ2q4QfVIawmNkuZ4xge0HFRODiM/s400/IMG_9420.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512724252912544146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:120%;">I'm still working on the weaving part of my Event Plaid.<br /><br />It's weird when you're half-way - it's sort of like a "before" and "after" image at the same time!<br /><br />Want to see how it's going?<br /><br />Here's how it was looking just a little while ago:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZSrSfCnIyLsZeNTO4AXHa8d_FUSGfRvCqkzbrQg52qebxEZ7y6XMBmtxRCZupJj1W8jO4RYIzAUUjZn5F9oe9bY3XiXQfWHuhjdLLBwabD54snDA8kpV7AIoFP21AbOKTsqT-9-LM3Wd/s1600/IMG_9419.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZSrSfCnIyLsZeNTO4AXHa8d_FUSGfRvCqkzbrQg52qebxEZ7y6XMBmtxRCZupJj1W8jO4RYIzAUUjZn5F9oe9bY3XiXQfWHuhjdLLBwabD54snDA8kpV7AIoFP21AbOKTsqT-9-LM3Wd/s400/IMG_9419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512724263767613714" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;">Anyway, I'm off to keep working on it.<br /><br />Hopefully a Ta-Dah moment coming very soon!<br /><br />Til then,<br />Have a happy, hooky day,<br />Caz :)</span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-260866294403515536.post-18605961410979929622010-09-07T21:14:00.005+10:002010-09-11T21:45:28.540+10:00Event Plaid<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AZFVZGb-KM26qvEVdJBJCEB6expNIie6WbG_OqacJZlM4r4DlhVCflZzbOTlEeHmNTGoxfbxamoaFb47jCesSysRHfCvpl0YoJQDvSmqOFD_cB2PyP618fdypv2rMF61QAehsvic5iu3/s1600/IMG_9399.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AZFVZGb-KM26qvEVdJBJCEB6expNIie6WbG_OqacJZlM4r4DlhVCflZzbOTlEeHmNTGoxfbxamoaFb47jCesSysRHfCvpl0YoJQDvSmqOFD_cB2PyP618fdypv2rMF61QAehsvic5iu3/s400/IMG_9399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512715167066064754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is my latest project - and it's almost finished! It's called an "Event" Plaid because the plaid is created by a special date.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I first saw this idea on this lovely blog, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://aimeewrites.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/an-event-and-a-blanket/">This Life</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. She lives in the US and </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:120%;" >she</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> first saw the idea on </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://laughingpurplegoldfish.blogspot.com/2009/03/event-plaid.html">this post at Laughing Purple Goldfish</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, which is a blog in Melbourne. So back to Oz I went to see that one, too. (</span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://laughingpurplegoldfish.com/">Laughing Purple Goldfish</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> is a great blog, by the way, full of interesting ideas, tips and patterns. I thoroughly recommend it!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, please follow the links above to their posts on Event Plaid blankets, because they explain the whole idea very well. But I'm about to try and explain it as well. Okay, here goes:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">First of all, you need a special event/occasion/anniversary, etc. My special occasion is my sister has bought her first home - this is a house-warming gift.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Next you need to decide on a date. My date is 24 June, 2010. It's the date that my sister moved into her new place.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Then you need to choose yarn and colours, and organise the colours according to the date. My yarn is </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.bubs2grubsknitting.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=96_45">Patons Smoothie DK</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, which I showed you in </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://neverknewcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/08/yarn-glorious-yarn.html">this post</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. I chose 5 colours and they match the date like this:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">twenty- (2 rows dark red/claret)</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">fourth (4 rows teal)</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">of</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">June (6 rows pink)</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2 thousand (2 rows yellow)</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and ten (10 rows blue)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">See what I mean? (Again, check those other blogs - they explain it better!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So that also decides the order of your stripes. EXCEPT... I didn't like that colour-order :-P so I kept the numbers but re-arranged the stripes. So, I've kinda messed with the whole idea there... oh, well, it's still the concept behind the whole creation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So THEN you start to crochet. You crochet rows following that stripe pattern and the number of rows so it corresponds to the date.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The basic crochet stitch pattern is this: double crochet, chain one, skip next stitch (which is a chain-stitch), double crochet in the next double crochet. This creates a kind of mesh effect, like a net, with lots of holes:</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:120%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOILzJou_-cWQHAXYlMYPHQqMekwx-BCHh-vwsXcWt9vQS1oiVi8yvnRemgSdi7yDvdiy0Pevzolb8M3fT3JPKicIKGf9PUozd9ZtlDQbD5UCUiufWw2XhvGK_O2JO9At9FpZ9WzfHHb6/s1600/IMG_9401.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOILzJou_-cWQHAXYlMYPHQqMekwx-BCHh-vwsXcWt9vQS1oiVi8yvnRemgSdi7yDvdiy0Pevzolb8M3fT3JPKicIKGf9PUozd9ZtlDQbD5UCUiufWw2XhvGK_O2JO9At9FpZ9WzfHHb6/s400/IMG_9401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512715186861594546" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >dc (UK treble), ch1, dc, ch1...</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:120%;" >6 rows pink, 2 rows yellow, ten rows blue... etc</span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Does that make sense?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It ends up looking like this:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g7aGSZrfk2Cy6ig6K9xROhprO-doBqB3HSx8fKHhfKzyLcXgClX4Q3cI78nI7KwPW24neXrndEJPQJMOjvAH-wwF_ouvRG_XMM9BwWak84ARJVXa_IbNVToZvgQPWLj9YHOHwyIqczkK/s1600/IMG_9397.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g7aGSZrfk2Cy6ig6K9xROhprO-doBqB3HSx8fKHhfKzyLcXgClX4Q3cI78nI7KwPW24neXrndEJPQJMOjvAH-wwF_ouvRG_XMM9BwWak84ARJVXa_IbNVToZvgQPWLj9YHOHwyIqczkK/s400/IMG_9397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512715179659641314" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">THEN once that part is done, you do something a little different and it's really kinda groovy - you WEAVE. You weave over, under, over, under, all the way along the vertical, so the weaving is 90 degrees to the crochet stripes. Again you follow the stripe pattern so the same colour order and number of rows is followed. You usually need two or three strands to "fill" the weaving spaces well.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And this makes a plaid effect!</span><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWlIhKXWfKMNTTlAimNPO2EJ4lyblFL9riESvpjI5pdhj6bswLFak88S-VLlIbVourJK2p6LRqZ3o7KvKIplqMmXqcnEznEICizXtub6d6dce91ztP_nm0wb4zNogYU9HnVcqj0lWBuHz/s1600/IMG_9409A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWlIhKXWfKMNTTlAimNPO2EJ4lyblFL9riESvpjI5pdhj6bswLFak88S-VLlIbVourJK2p6LRqZ3o7KvKIplqMmXqcnEznEICizXtub6d6dce91ztP_nm0wb4zNogYU9HnVcqj0lWBuHz/s400/IMG_9409A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512719218687543154" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKV3VsWQ7WolUQB28ft96R7bJYakfL3HOxsAQU0-t9ahChb0xNm9d5_NsEUe26PPYJfoiXPYF6U8GgUH4pvajqGTaeeKZ4ei8VG4SR_EW86So1EB7TOQsXxJEpUzjE0fg_0GWmuhREMkBG/s1600/IMG_9409A.jpg"><br /></a><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3pr2yQCEzzvzB0QWlX6ZiDZ4Dr56GBXugcktM9CVL6bA-UyLxmL_lvcbY-kbkDqJpezuPKktrO6mJuulihJ0kSJdFCqaq8svWIoRarNzWuC9ZHmCJLNohbMS-I3Y9AAdck0-8X-t6Y3p/s1600/IMG_9410A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3pr2yQCEzzvzB0QWlX6ZiDZ4Dr56GBXugcktM9CVL6bA-UyLxmL_lvcbY-kbkDqJpezuPKktrO6mJuulihJ0kSJdFCqaq8svWIoRarNzWuC9ZHmCJLNohbMS-I3Y9AAdck0-8X-t6Y3p/s400/IMG_9410A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512719227299959234" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:120%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">See what I mean? Cool, hey?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have actually done heaps more weaving than this now - I'm about three quarters of the way through it - but I haven't taken any more photos!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A couple of things to mention, though. This project gets very boring at times. The crochet part seems to take forever. And it doesn't look very special or interesting at that point. I am so glad both the blogs mentioned above talked about this in their posts, because if they had not, I may have given up. But they both assured me it was worth continuing on with it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And then the weaving feels like it takes ages, too. And I found it quite tricky and fiddly. First I tried it with a weaving hook that my daughter has from a craft set but it was too short and awkward. Then I tried with a sewing needle, but that made the yarn strands twist over each other. In the end I switched back to a crochet hook, and that worked quite well. As I went on it got easier.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I used two strands for the weaving, as I found that easier to weave - I measured the lengths I needed (which were about 3 times the length - this allows for the fringe as well) and then I doubled it over and pulled it through with the hook.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am almost finished the weaving, and it looks really cool once the weaving is there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well, I hope that all made sense. I'm off to work on this again, and hopefully in a few days I will have a wonderful, big TA-DAH! to show you all. :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Til then,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Have a happy, hooky day,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Caz :)</span></span>"Never Knew"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03936154381935412665noreply@blogger.com12