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| The mesh base |
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| Closeup of mesh base - double crochets and chain stitches |
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| Chains of various color yarns to be woven into mesh base |
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| Closeup of weaving process |
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| Chains being woven into the mesh base |
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| Block 6 Woven Plaid |
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
July 30, 2013
In this block, using just basic stitches - single crochet, double crochet and chain stitches - a mesh base was created and then crocheted chains were threaded vertically through the holes to create a plaid fabric. It is an easy technique that shows how even simple stitches can be used to create unusual and interesting results.
Monday, July 29, 2013
July 29, 2013
Block 5 was a quicker crochet today than yesterday's block. In this block, the stitch what is probably the second most popular crochet stitch - the Double Crochet - was used with several variations.
Jack-o-lantern Teeth uses short chains as a base for the Double Crochet stitches worked on the following row.
Jack-o-lantern Teeth is also a good pattern for multicolor work since it reaches down into the row below. It s a good pattern to use up leftovers since every two rows form a distinctive pattern. Three repeats of "teeth" worked in contrast color would look well at the bottom edge and cuffs of a cardigan. Choose a neutral color such as black or white then pick out various colored leftovers of equal value. For a fun, small-scale project such as a vest, keep the main color neutral and randomly change the colors of the teeth. Or, if you're feeling ambitious and have lots of leftovers, it would make a fabulous colorful afghan.
Linked Double Crochet is a handy technique for joining stitches together, and it can make long, usually open stitches into a solid fabric.
Linking stitches is a technique you'll wonder how you got along without. For example, linking the end stitches on rows of tall stitches makes them much easier to seam. Linked Stitches make a smaller stitch gauge, so linking the stitches in the yoke of a garment would automatically narrow a shoulder area. Linked stitches are perfect for edges and bands because they are firm. They are also opaque so you could use them where you want a solid fabric. Linking stitches enables you to use a longer stitch and still maintain a firm fabric. And it's quick to work.
In the Squares Variation, the pattern is formed by working a three-stitch-Double Crochet Cluster alternated with a chain. In the variation in this block, they are lined up in a grid to form a neat little pattern, hence their name: however, they would look equally well offset.
The neat gridded version of the easy Squares Stitch makes a wonderful trim. An offset variation would make a nice all-over surface texture for a wearable or for home decor.
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| Block 5 Double Crochet and Variations |
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| This section of teal and bone yarns displays the Jack-o-lantern Teeth Stitch. |
Linked Double Crochet is a handy technique for joining stitches together, and it can make long, usually open stitches into a solid fabric.
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| The wine yarn displays Double Crochet Stitches. |
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| The wine yarn in this section displays Linked Double Crochet Stitches. The stitches in the photo prior to this one shows longer stitches with more open area between each one. The ones in this photo are joined together or linked and this makes a tighter fabric. |
In the Squares Variation, the pattern is formed by working a three-stitch-Double Crochet Cluster alternated with a chain. In the variation in this block, they are lined up in a grid to form a neat little pattern, hence their name: however, they would look equally well offset.
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| Squares Stitch |
July 28, 2013
Block 4 is completed. In this block, there are variations applied to the three stitches already covered in the first three blocks plus some yet to come. What these three patterns have in common is that they all alternately work a short stitch next to a taller stitch. This has the effect of scrunching up or compressing the taller stitch so that it protrudes and forms interesting surface texture on the fabric. These techniques can be used with many different stitch combinations.
Crumpled, crunched, and compressed stitches offer an infinite variety of easy and interesting surface textures. Short stitches can be placed directly above the short stitches of the row below, or the appearance can be changed by offsetting the same stitch combination - place the short stitches above the tall stitches of the row below, which is what the above three patterns did.
Because these patterns don't have wide repeats and have a shallow row gauge, designing with them is very flexible because you can stop and start the pattern pieces where you want rather than having to be concerned with beginning or ending repeats evenly.
Crumpled Griddle Stitch worked from the back as an edging makes a nice variation to the more commonly used Crab Stitch and is not as awkward to work.
Easy to work; easy to design with; easily applied to a variety of stitches; can be offset or gridded - what more could I want! These stitches merit some design play.
I'm 20% finished with the required blocks for this afghan. On to Block 5...
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| Block 4 Combination Stitches |
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| This section displays Crunch Stitches. |
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| This section displays Floret Stitches. |
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| This section displays Crumpled Griddle Stitches. |
Because these patterns don't have wide repeats and have a shallow row gauge, designing with them is very flexible because you can stop and start the pattern pieces where you want rather than having to be concerned with beginning or ending repeats evenly.
Crumpled Griddle Stitch worked from the back as an edging makes a nice variation to the more commonly used Crab Stitch and is not as awkward to work.
Easy to work; easy to design with; easily applied to a variety of stitches; can be offset or gridded - what more could I want! These stitches merit some design play.
I'm 20% finished with the required blocks for this afghan. On to Block 5...
Saturday, July 27, 2013
July 27, 2013
I really love crocheting this afghan. The colors are so vibrant and the stitches and different variations are such fun to learn and crochet. I actually started this block yesterday but couldn't finish it because I didn't start crocheting until late afternoon. I finished the block but not the edging. So this morning I started the edging while making Crock Pot Cinnamon Almonds, which requires stirring every 20-minutes for 4-hours. So it was simply to sit and crochet while stirring.
This block is called Double Single Crochet and Variations. Double Single Crochet is a vastly underused stitch. It is similar to the single crochet, but with a chain worked before the stitch is completed. It is a handsome stitch, slightly more elongated than single crochet, yet not quite as high or as "bumpy" as the half double. It is the stitch to use when you want a simple, firm fabric with a little more "give" than single crochet.
Two variations on the Double Single Crochet Stitch are used in this block. The Grit Stitch is one of several patterns formed by skipping a stitch, then working two stitches into one stitch.
The Comma Pattern uses a type of Spike Stitch in which the hook is inserted one or more rows below the current row being worked.
Spike stitches make a wonderful overall fabric when used with multicolors. You can substitute almost any stitch as the base stitch when making spikes. Experiment with lining them up in a grid pattern or offset them for a staggered pattern. The spikes may also be varied in the same row by working a series of stitches, which reach down four, three, two, and then one row below the current row. Try making the spikes closely spaced and then spread out. A few rows of contrasting colored spikes inserted at the cuff, neck, or border maybe just the amount of accent color needed. Spiked stitches are also a good design technique to segue from one color block to another. The zigzag effect is more interesting than a flat, straight color change.
Now on to Block 3 - Half Double Crochet and Variations...and cinnamon almonds :-)
The cinnamon almonds are great. They taste just like the ones I buy at the fair or other portable food-stands. Yummy!!!
Half Double Crochet is the first stitch in which you yarn over before inserting the hook into the stitch. The purpose of this is to give you more yarn or thread loops to use to elongate the stitch. All of the new stitches crocheted from now on in the remaining blocks will have one or more of these beginning yarn overs.
The two variations on Half Double Crochet in this block are Chained Crosses and Diagonal Spikes. Both are formed by rotating the hook back in the direction just worked - back to the right for a right-hander and back to the left for a left-hander. These stitches are an example of how different a stitch may look when worked by a right-hander or left-hander.
The look of the right-and-left-handed Chain Crosses varies only slightly: The only difference is which angled stitch lies on top. The Diagonal Spike is more distinctively different because the diagonal slant is clearly in the opposite direction. The two sides (front of block and back of block) slant in opposite directions. Remember, both variations can be worked with other stitches.
The Chained Cross lends itself to many applications just by changing the length of the stitch used. Longer stitches produce a more airy look suitable for a shawl, stole, or little jacket. Shorter stitches make a firmer fabric.
When working the Diagonal Spike Stitch with a thick yarn or when several strands are held together, try a variation that uses a longer stitch to create a less dense fabric. Diagonal Spike Stitches make "instant" buttonholes that form naturally because of the little holes in the stitch. Try weaving contrast-color yarn through the holes for a woven effect or use for the bands on a sweater for instant buttonholes.
Well, that's it for today. I have been crocheting all day and I want to change directions now that will allow my shoulders to relax. There is a major storm outside, which makes perfect weather for reading or watching a movie. I will eat dinner and then do one or the other.
Good night!
This block is called Double Single Crochet and Variations. Double Single Crochet is a vastly underused stitch. It is similar to the single crochet, but with a chain worked before the stitch is completed. It is a handsome stitch, slightly more elongated than single crochet, yet not quite as high or as "bumpy" as the half double. It is the stitch to use when you want a simple, firm fabric with a little more "give" than single crochet.
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| Block 2 Double Single Crochet and Variations |
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| This section displays the Double Single Crochet Stitch. |
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| The bone color yarn displays the Grit Double Single Crochet Stitch. |
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| This section displays the Comma Pattern Stitch (Spike Double Single Crochet) |
Now on to Block 3 - Half Double Crochet and Variations...and cinnamon almonds :-)
The cinnamon almonds are great. They taste just like the ones I buy at the fair or other portable food-stands. Yummy!!!
Half Double Crochet is the first stitch in which you yarn over before inserting the hook into the stitch. The purpose of this is to give you more yarn or thread loops to use to elongate the stitch. All of the new stitches crocheted from now on in the remaining blocks will have one or more of these beginning yarn overs.
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| Block 3 Half Double Crochet and Variations |
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| The bone yarn displays the Half Double Crochet Stitch. |
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| The wine yarn here displays the Chained Cross Stitch. |
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| The wine yarn here displays the Diagonal Spike Stitch. |
The Chained Cross lends itself to many applications just by changing the length of the stitch used. Longer stitches produce a more airy look suitable for a shawl, stole, or little jacket. Shorter stitches make a firmer fabric.
When working the Diagonal Spike Stitch with a thick yarn or when several strands are held together, try a variation that uses a longer stitch to create a less dense fabric. Diagonal Spike Stitches make "instant" buttonholes that form naturally because of the little holes in the stitch. Try weaving contrast-color yarn through the holes for a woven effect or use for the bands on a sweater for instant buttonholes.
Well, that's it for today. I have been crocheting all day and I want to change directions now that will allow my shoulders to relax. There is a major storm outside, which makes perfect weather for reading or watching a movie. I will eat dinner and then do one or the other.
Good night!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
July 25, 2013
Today I started the Learn-To-Crochet Afghan by crocheting the first Block. I am calling these afghan parts "blocks" rather than "squares" since I called them that for the knitted afghan I just completed. Just makes it easier for me to identify, that's all. If you will remember, I am using the information found in the book Crochet Your Way by Gloria Tracy and Susan Levin. I borrow almost all my information for making, designing, and teaching these blocks from them.
This afghan only requires 20 blocks instead of the 63 squares the other afghan needed. Each of these crocheted blocks measures 13" X 13", so they are quite a bit larger than the previous knitted ones. I was not sure if I could complete one block daily since they are larger, but voila I can. Here is the first one. The colors are gorgeous and the patterns very nice.
I really like crocheting. The stitches, if counted correctly each row, are usually very clean, neat, and give a finished look when done. It seems strange to be using a crochet hook rather than a knitting needle since I've not crocheted for a while. I find that I hold the hook in my right hand just like I hold my knitting needle in that same hand. But I hold the yarn in my left hand when crocheting and keep the skeins of yarn to my left rather than my right when I knit.
Each block edge is finished as part of completing the block. Not so with the knitted squares. I like this. Each of these crocheted blocks will teach crocheting techniques and stitches starting with the single crochet and advancing through more difficult patterns with each consecutive block.
Single crochet is the perfect beginning because it is one of the most commonly used of all crochet stitches. It can be used alone as the body of a project; as a decorative join; as a one or two-row edging; or as the base stitch for other edgings in crochet, knitting, or other types of needlework.
Additionally, in this block we learn three simple techniques that change the appearance of single crochet stitches. Three chains in the middle of every fourth stitch form a neat little picot bump;
working into the back loop only of each stitch forms a little ledge or "front porch" across the front of the work;
and working alternately into the back loop and front loop creates an interesting surface texture.
Although I'm working every stitch in this block in a variation of single crochet, each of these variations can easily be used to create a similar effect when worked with another stitch.
When making the three stitch variations in Block 1, don't think of them as techniques to be used only with Single Crochet stitches but as variations that can be used on all crochet stitches. They are tools you will tuck away in your crochet took kit to use over and over any time you want that particular effect. Just as knowledge of many tools serves a carpenter, the more crochet tools you know how to use, the more likely you are to create a finished product that is exactly what you had in mind.
One or more rows of single crochet picots may be inserted as a decorative element with any stitch. A few rows make a great divider to separate broader bands of color or stitches. In this block, the rows of picots were separated with one row of single crochet, but any stitch maybe used. For instance, you could broaden the stitch pattern by using a row of double single or half double stitches between the single crochet picot rows. Or you could form a lacy open effect by placing tall stitches between the rows.
Picot single crochet rows make an effective design feature at a cuff, neck, or hat band, or they may form an allover pattern. The picots may be offset by placing the loops of the second row of picots between the loops of the first row as designed on this block, or they may be placed above each other to form a grid effect. They may also be positioned more closely or spaced farther apart to achieve other effects.
This same variety is true of stitches worked into the front and back. They may be offset or formed in a grid, and you may work into the back or front loops of any stitch.
Okay. That's it for today. I'm putting the hook aside and will now find something else to do to relax a little. My shoulders are complaining. Ha! Time for dinner and a movie. Maybe a loooooonnnngggg talk with my honey, who is still on the road for a few more days.
This afghan only requires 20 blocks instead of the 63 squares the other afghan needed. Each of these crocheted blocks measures 13" X 13", so they are quite a bit larger than the previous knitted ones. I was not sure if I could complete one block daily since they are larger, but voila I can. Here is the first one. The colors are gorgeous and the patterns very nice.
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| Block 1 Single Crochet and Variations |
Each block edge is finished as part of completing the block. Not so with the knitted squares. I like this. Each of these crocheted blocks will teach crocheting techniques and stitches starting with the single crochet and advancing through more difficult patterns with each consecutive block.
Single crochet is the perfect beginning because it is one of the most commonly used of all crochet stitches. It can be used alone as the body of a project; as a decorative join; as a one or two-row edging; or as the base stitch for other edgings in crochet, knitting, or other types of needlework.
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| This section displays Single Crochet stitches. |
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| This section displays the Picot Single Crochet stitches. |
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| This section displays Front Porch Pattern stitches. |
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| This section displays Alternating Front and Back Porch Pattern stitches. |
When making the three stitch variations in Block 1, don't think of them as techniques to be used only with Single Crochet stitches but as variations that can be used on all crochet stitches. They are tools you will tuck away in your crochet took kit to use over and over any time you want that particular effect. Just as knowledge of many tools serves a carpenter, the more crochet tools you know how to use, the more likely you are to create a finished product that is exactly what you had in mind.
One or more rows of single crochet picots may be inserted as a decorative element with any stitch. A few rows make a great divider to separate broader bands of color or stitches. In this block, the rows of picots were separated with one row of single crochet, but any stitch maybe used. For instance, you could broaden the stitch pattern by using a row of double single or half double stitches between the single crochet picot rows. Or you could form a lacy open effect by placing tall stitches between the rows.
Picot single crochet rows make an effective design feature at a cuff, neck, or hat band, or they may form an allover pattern. The picots may be offset by placing the loops of the second row of picots between the loops of the first row as designed on this block, or they may be placed above each other to form a grid effect. They may also be positioned more closely or spaced farther apart to achieve other effects.
This same variety is true of stitches worked into the front and back. They may be offset or formed in a grid, and you may work into the back or front loops of any stitch.
Okay. That's it for today. I'm putting the hook aside and will now find something else to do to relax a little. My shoulders are complaining. Ha! Time for dinner and a movie. Maybe a loooooonnnngggg talk with my honey, who is still on the road for a few more days.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Ta-daaah! All the Squares are completed for the knitting class.
July 19, 2013
I went to The Spinster today for the Potluck. I had a wonderful time meeting new ladies from the Saturday group and saying hello to all the ones from my group on Wednesday. After asking permission from each one, I took pictures of my new friends to match to their names in my phone. Now I can begin to learn their names easier. Here are a few photos that capture the event.
I was sitting between Isabel, the one on the left in the photo above and Bev, the one on the right in the photo below.
I also purchased two new books - one for designing and one for small crochet projects. With all the books on sale for 20% off, I couldn't resist.
1. The Knitting Stitch Bible by Maria Parry-Jones (The essential illustrated reference. Over 250 traditional and contemporary stitches photographed with easy-to-follow charts.)
2. Clever Crocheted Accessories edited by Brett Bara (25 Quick Weekend Projects)
July 20, 2013
Square 59 completed. I worked on this one all day long, picking it up and putting it down while doing lots of other chores and activities. But I finally finished it. This square was not difficult to knit, just a little boring. I also found it challenging to get each dip the same length. When the pattern says, "draw a loose loop through", it becomes necessary to make each loop "loose". My first few rows were tighter than was best for the pattern. By the time I got the hang of pulling through loose loops, I'm not sure it made any difference. When I first started this square I was impressed with how pretty this pattern would be in a border row. So I captured this in the following photos.
Dip Stitches are usually, but not always, either passed over or worked together with the next stitch on the needle. In other dip-stitch patterns, the extra loops are sometimes treated as increases. When working Dip Stitches, it is necessary to draw through long, loose loops so that the fabric will not be pinched by them.
I am now 90% finished with the Learn-To-Knit Afghan Squares. Only four more to go...
July 21, 2013
Short rows are extremely useful in garment shaping. With the turns placed 4 or 5 stitches apart, for instance, they make the best way of forming a shoulder slope. They are used in shaping the heels in a pair of socks. Also when curves are needed for darts at the breast, short rows can be used. Short rows use a technique called "Wrap & Turn". To prevent leaving a hole in the knitting whenever working a short-row turn, do it like this: holding the yarn to the right side of the work, slip the next unworked stitch temporarily in order to pass the yarn around this stitch to the wrong side; then replace the unworked stitch on its original needle and turn the work around. The "wrapped portion" is later picked up on the return knitting.
Four down...three to go!
July 22, 2013
Picking up stitches is a way of making a firm join, without sewing, between two pieces of knitting worked in different directions. It is used in garments to begin neckbands, borders, button bands and sometimes sleeves. It's important to know how to pick up stitches evenly and neatly, as almost every project in knitting involves a little of this technique somewhere.
Three down.....2 to go!!
July 23, 2013
This square uses a circular needle and then double-pointed needles when the stitches get too few to stretch on the circular. A very good project for teaching the use of both.
The Decreasing Seamless Square is a good design for mats, bags, pillows and potholders; it also illustrates the basic technique used in knitting a raglan yoke from the bottom up. Usually, for a raglan yoke, the double decreases are made every other round. But in this case they are made on 5 rounds out of 8 (i.e., Rounds 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7) because a square of Stockinette Stitch will lie flatter when the double decreases are so spaced.
Notice that in circular knitting a Stockinette Stitch fabric is created by knitting every round. There is no purling. This applies equally to flat seamless pieces like this square, and to tubular pieces like seamless socks, sweaters and hats.
This square started from the outer edge and decreased to the center. The next square will start in the center and increase outward to the edges.
Two down...1 to go!!!
July 24, 2013
I started the last square last night really hoping to finish it, but alas, I couldn't. So I finished it first thing this morning before driving to The Spinster to spend the day knitting with the Weds. Purls group. <turning cartwheels>
The Increasing Seamless Square has the same uses as the Decreasing Seamless Square. Its obvious advantage is that its final size does not have to be planned in advance; the knitter can simply keep working round after round until the square has grown to the desired dimensions. This Garter Stitch version illustrates the basic technique for kitting a seamless raglan yoke from the neck down, with the customary rate of increasing 2 stitches at each corner every other round.
Notice that in circular knitting a Garter Stitch fabric is created by knitting one round and purling the next. This applies to any seamless circular knitting, flat or tubular. Like anything worked in Garter Stitch, this Seamless Square lies flat and requires little or no pressing. Not so with Square 62.
I will put this project away for now until September when the snowbirds return to Bullhead City and the knitting class can be started. I still need to type all the pattern instructions, techniques, and resources needed.
I also now will start the Squares for the Learn-To-Crochet Afghan because I will be starting that class this Fall, too. There aren't as many blocks so I will have ample time to complete them before September, too.
I finished the first scarf for the 5th Mystery Project while I was "sitting & knitting" at The Spinster. I have started the second one but will work on it more slowly.
These mystery projects are allowing me to use the many one-skein yarns I have. I am slowly but steadily using them all and finishing projects that do not require much time, are easy to knit or crochet, and will be nice gifts to give away.
I also met Kate Woody today. She teaches knitting at the Community College. Or at least she did. She now meets on Monday mornings in Bullhead City with a group of ladies that I haven't met yet. So I asked her to send me the group information, which she agreed to do.
I want to start working on my designs again, so I am setting aside Monday for that. Tuesday will be The Needler's meeting, which will shortly be teaching how to knit and crochet. Wednesday I will sit & knit with the group in Kingman. Thursday and Friday are dedicated to quilting. So I am going to be quite busy. Saturday is shopping and meal preparations. So I have decided to knit Prayer Shawls on Sunday. Of course, all this is apt to change at a moment or a whim. But for now it works for me.
Now I am going to relax. I will sit down and study my teaching materials for crocheting and then probably make an early evening with a movie before retiring.
I went to The Spinster today for the Potluck. I had a wonderful time meeting new ladies from the Saturday group and saying hello to all the ones from my group on Wednesday. After asking permission from each one, I took pictures of my new friends to match to their names in my phone. Now I can begin to learn their names easier. Here are a few photos that capture the event.
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| Robin, the owner, is standing in the back wearing green. |
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| This is a potluck, but after all we DO come to knit. |
I also purchased two new books - one for designing and one for small crochet projects. With all the books on sale for 20% off, I couldn't resist.
1. The Knitting Stitch Bible by Maria Parry-Jones (The essential illustrated reference. Over 250 traditional and contemporary stitches photographed with easy-to-follow charts.)
2. Clever Crocheted Accessories edited by Brett Bara (25 Quick Weekend Projects)
July 20, 2013
Square 59 completed. I worked on this one all day long, picking it up and putting it down while doing lots of other chores and activities. But I finally finished it. This square was not difficult to knit, just a little boring. I also found it challenging to get each dip the same length. When the pattern says, "draw a loose loop through", it becomes necessary to make each loop "loose". My first few rows were tighter than was best for the pattern. By the time I got the hang of pulling through loose loops, I'm not sure it made any difference. When I first started this square I was impressed with how pretty this pattern would be in a border row. So I captured this in the following photos.
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| One pattern repeat |
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| Closeup of the above photo |
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| One and one-half pattern repeat |
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| Closeup of above photo |
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| Square 59 Dip-Stitch Check The color difference from the above photos is due to the lighting. The above photos better reflect the genuine colors. |
I am now 90% finished with the Learn-To-Knit Afghan Squares. Only four more to go...
July 21, 2013
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| Square 60 Short-Row Stripes |
Four down...three to go!
July 22, 2013
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| Square 61 Parquet Squares |
Three down.....2 to go!!
July 23, 2013
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| Square 62 Decreasing Seamless Square (Stockinette Stitch) |
The Decreasing Seamless Square is a good design for mats, bags, pillows and potholders; it also illustrates the basic technique used in knitting a raglan yoke from the bottom up. Usually, for a raglan yoke, the double decreases are made every other round. But in this case they are made on 5 rounds out of 8 (i.e., Rounds 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7) because a square of Stockinette Stitch will lie flatter when the double decreases are so spaced.
Notice that in circular knitting a Stockinette Stitch fabric is created by knitting every round. There is no purling. This applies equally to flat seamless pieces like this square, and to tubular pieces like seamless socks, sweaters and hats.
This square started from the outer edge and decreased to the center. The next square will start in the center and increase outward to the edges.
Two down...1 to go!!!
July 24, 2013
I started the last square last night really hoping to finish it, but alas, I couldn't. So I finished it first thing this morning before driving to The Spinster to spend the day knitting with the Weds. Purls group. <turning cartwheels>
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| Square 63 Increasing Seamless Square (Garter Stitch) |
The Increasing Seamless Square has the same uses as the Decreasing Seamless Square. Its obvious advantage is that its final size does not have to be planned in advance; the knitter can simply keep working round after round until the square has grown to the desired dimensions. This Garter Stitch version illustrates the basic technique for kitting a seamless raglan yoke from the neck down, with the customary rate of increasing 2 stitches at each corner every other round.
Notice that in circular knitting a Garter Stitch fabric is created by knitting one round and purling the next. This applies to any seamless circular knitting, flat or tubular. Like anything worked in Garter Stitch, this Seamless Square lies flat and requires little or no pressing. Not so with Square 62.
I will put this project away for now until September when the snowbirds return to Bullhead City and the knitting class can be started. I still need to type all the pattern instructions, techniques, and resources needed.
I also now will start the Squares for the Learn-To-Crochet Afghan because I will be starting that class this Fall, too. There aren't as many blocks so I will have ample time to complete them before September, too.
I finished the first scarf for the 5th Mystery Project while I was "sitting & knitting" at The Spinster. I have started the second one but will work on it more slowly.
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| Garter Stitch Scarf |
I also met Kate Woody today. She teaches knitting at the Community College. Or at least she did. She now meets on Monday mornings in Bullhead City with a group of ladies that I haven't met yet. So I asked her to send me the group information, which she agreed to do.
I want to start working on my designs again, so I am setting aside Monday for that. Tuesday will be The Needler's meeting, which will shortly be teaching how to knit and crochet. Wednesday I will sit & knit with the group in Kingman. Thursday and Friday are dedicated to quilting. So I am going to be quite busy. Saturday is shopping and meal preparations. So I have decided to knit Prayer Shawls on Sunday. Of course, all this is apt to change at a moment or a whim. But for now it works for me.
Now I am going to relax. I will sit down and study my teaching materials for crocheting and then probably make an early evening with a movie before retiring.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Almost there...
July 16, 2013
In this last section there are a few "different" pattern operations, and some knitting skills needed to know when making garments and other articles - such as picking up stitches, working short rows and shaping pieces in seamless circular knitting.
This interesting pattern has several unusual characteristics. For omen thing, it changes colors at the left-hand instead of the right-hand edge; for another, it passes a knit stitch over 2 other stitches instead of a slip-stitch, as is more usual. The use of different colors in the pattern is optional. Colors may be changed every other row throughout (Rows 1 and 2 with B, Rows 3 and 4 with C), which gives a very different effect. Or, the pattern may be worked in many colors, one or two stripes of each at a time; or it may be worked in one single color. It makes a delicate lacy fabric that stretches readily.
July 17, 2013
Today I spent all day at The Spinster knitting and chatting. I am beginning to learn a few things about the different new friends that also attend. I haven't yet put names to faces, but I will ask permission to take their pictures and attach to their name and info in my phone. That should help me learn by association better.
I started and completed the Mystery Project, which was a crocheted kerchief. I used a beautiful red-purple wool-alpaca blend yarn. The pattern is called Lacy Crochet Kerchief. The pattern was very simple and quick. I still need to attach a button to it. This fastens under the chin,
Friday there will be a potluck at Noon to celebrate Robin's 60th birthday. She is the owner of The Spinster. Everyone will bring a dish and a project that is causing problems, or just one that isn't completed yet. Should be lots of fun. I am thinking about making chicken pot pie turnovers as my dish. Right now I haven't decided which project to take - maybe the knitted scarf for this week's Mystery Project. Robin always has two patterns, one for knitting, one for crocheting for the Mystery Projects. Sometimes I only do one, but I like both of the choices for this Mystery Project.
I also bought another book. This week Robin marked all inventory of books to 20% off. So I chose one that will help me continue with designing patterns - Design it, Knit it by Debbie Bliss. I was looking at another book but choose this one because I liked the format, design, and patterns better. There are also templates to copy, which will be rather helpful.
I still need to start the next square and see how much progress I can make. After dinner and before bed.
July 18, 2013
Last evening while watching The Food Network, I started another square. I completed half of it before going to bed, but as I was knitting it I wanted to capture the beauty of the pattern as I envisioned it bordering a sleeve or hem. So I took a photo of it to help me remember this.
I'll share more about the actual pattern later when the square is completed. But I can see two - three rows of the puffs bordering a garment and then several rows above that two knitted rows of the contrasting color to capture the design. Hmmmm!
Really busy today. I decided to block Vickie's vest before mailing it to her, so it is laid out on my bed drying.
I aso finished seaming the Kerchief and decided it didn't need a button under the chin.
I went to the grocery and purchased the needed supplies for the Chicken Pot Pie Turnovers. I put the chicken in the oven to bake, prepared the puff pastry, and measured all the ingredients. While the chicken is cooking I prepared my knitting project for tomorrow to take with me to the potluck. I found two fingering yarns in my stash that will make two scarves. One is a sock yarn from Katia Mississippi 3 Print and the other is a sock yarn from Mountain Colors Crazyfoot. The Mountain Colors were still in two hanks, so I spent some time winding the two hanks into two balls easier to unwind. I am knitting two scarves because the photo demonstrating how to wear the scarf shows two tied together and fashioned very stylishly. I like it and even if I don't keep them for myself, I have two gifts to give.
Finished with the Turnovers and Square 58. Woohoo, I'm almost finished with the afghan.
This pattern teaches not to be afraid of dropping stitches off the needle. I don't know why that is such a fearful thing, but every knitter, especially beginners, dreads this. Dropped stitches don't really unravel very well by themselves. They have to be helped. In this square I helped them, not by pulling the knitting apart, but by gently plucking the Color A strands out of the dropped stitch one-by-one with the right-hand needle point. When picking up the Color C stitch below it is important to be sure to insert the needle under all 4 A strands and catch them securely in the stitch as it is knit. I will show you what I mean.
Only five more squares to go.
In this last section there are a few "different" pattern operations, and some knitting skills needed to know when making garments and other articles - such as picking up stitches, working short rows and shaping pieces in seamless circular knitting.
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| Square 57 Star Stitch |
July 17, 2013
Today I spent all day at The Spinster knitting and chatting. I am beginning to learn a few things about the different new friends that also attend. I haven't yet put names to faces, but I will ask permission to take their pictures and attach to their name and info in my phone. That should help me learn by association better.
I started and completed the Mystery Project, which was a crocheted kerchief. I used a beautiful red-purple wool-alpaca blend yarn. The pattern is called Lacy Crochet Kerchief. The pattern was very simple and quick. I still need to attach a button to it. This fastens under the chin,
 |
| Lacy Crochet Kerchief |
Friday there will be a potluck at Noon to celebrate Robin's 60th birthday. She is the owner of The Spinster. Everyone will bring a dish and a project that is causing problems, or just one that isn't completed yet. Should be lots of fun. I am thinking about making chicken pot pie turnovers as my dish. Right now I haven't decided which project to take - maybe the knitted scarf for this week's Mystery Project. Robin always has two patterns, one for knitting, one for crocheting for the Mystery Projects. Sometimes I only do one, but I like both of the choices for this Mystery Project.
I also bought another book. This week Robin marked all inventory of books to 20% off. So I chose one that will help me continue with designing patterns - Design it, Knit it by Debbie Bliss. I was looking at another book but choose this one because I liked the format, design, and patterns better. There are also templates to copy, which will be rather helpful.
I still need to start the next square and see how much progress I can make. After dinner and before bed.
July 18, 2013
Last evening while watching The Food Network, I started another square. I completed half of it before going to bed, but as I was knitting it I wanted to capture the beauty of the pattern as I envisioned it bordering a sleeve or hem. So I took a photo of it to help me remember this.
Really busy today. I decided to block Vickie's vest before mailing it to her, so it is laid out on my bed drying.
I aso finished seaming the Kerchief and decided it didn't need a button under the chin.
 |
| Lacy Crocheted Kerchief |
Finished with the Turnovers and Square 58. Woohoo, I'm almost finished with the afghan.
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| Square 58 Blister Stitch |
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| The stitch allowed to drop off the left needle. |
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| Unraveling all the white stitches down to the green stitch. |
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| All white stitches unraveled leaving the green stitch exposed. |
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| Capture the green stitch from the front with the right-hand needle. |
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| Insert needle under and behind the unraveled white stitches without loosing the green stitch. |
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| Yarn over to knit. |
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| Knit the green stitch capturing the unraveled white stitches from behind. |
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| The completed stitch. See the captured unraveled white stitches behind the knitted green stitch? |
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