Crochet Project for a Change - Fall Feeling

It's still pretty warm here in Florida, but I'm working on the Fall Feeling with this new project. I had an urge to crochet and found this loden green yarn in stash as well as the brown. It's woolease from Lion Brand so is nice and sturdy and washable - perfect for a throw.

As for the colors, I don't know why I bought 10 balls of this green. It's a pretty color, but I sure can't wear it as a sweater - it makes me look sick. The brown, left over from earlier projects, is called Mink Brown and is a really lovely flecked and "fibery" color. Again, it's not a good color for garments on me. SO, the next best thing is to make a warm and cozy blanket sort of project.

The hexagons are modified from an octagonal block found in one of my stitch dictionaries and they are simply edged with the brown. Single crochet holds it all together.

The hexagons don't take very long to make but I figured out that I'll have to make somewhere between 120 and 192 of them to make a fair sized throw. We'll see if I chicken out early and it ends up more like a scarf!

What is it with Starting Projects?

We’ve talked about UFO's , those unfinished objects lurking in tote bags and closets, now let’s have a look at the other side of that story. Starting projects is fun, fun, fun, but it does have a dark side. Many of them turn into UFO’s with time passing and interest waning. So, why start so many projects when they can never all be finished?

Temporary Infatuation. What else can I say? It’s a crush on some new yarn, material or technique that just has to be tried. So, there’s another project started and the first hours or days are wonderful and exciting. Then, the crush dissipates, reality sets in and the faults and flaws of the thing are obvious. The color’s wrong, the technique is boring or truly aggravating or the finished item just isn’t something worth having. Here’s a UFO newly born and one that probably won’t ever be completed.

Simple Projects. These are the projects I like to call “mindless”. These are the ones that travel to the in-laws and the meetings to keep the hands busy and just enough of the brain occupied to keep from going nuts. These are useful and necessary projects. Very seldom do they age into UFO’s even though some take quite a while to finish.

Real Love. This is the prize in projects starts. These are things that the end result is something I love and truly want in my life. These projects can vary greatly in difficulty and time commitment. The materials and techniques are secondary to the item itself so learning something new or working with not so favorite materials is often worth it. The UFO danger here is taking too long to finish the project. If that happens, changes in taste or lifestyle can make it obsolete before it’s done.

There are just a few of my excuses to start a new project. I’m sure there are countless other explanations waiting to be discovered and used. So go ahead and start something new, you’ve got a good reason.

A Favorite Crochet Stitch

It’s called “Shell Stitch” or “Shell on Shell” or “Solid Shell” or what ever you happen to call it. No matter the name, it's one of my favorite crochet stitch patterns and I use it a lot when designing projects.

As the name Solid Shell indicates, it is solid, not lacy, but has a light look and lovely texture. Fabric made from a lighter yarn, such as sport or fingering weights, in this pattern drapes beautifully.

Another reason I like it is simplicity. Only three stitches, chain, single and double crochet, make the entire pattern. The rows alternate in a half drop pattern so, once established, it’s easily memorized. Shaping in solid shell is straight forward as well. The shells are easily adjusted for half shells when decreasing or added stitches when increasing.

Another of its wonderful properties is the ability to tame variegated yarns. Variegated yarns can have some disturbing color effects in the most unexpected ways. They are lovely in the skein but can become “jittery” or “clumpy” or just plain unattractive when worked into fabric. I’ve had success with the solid shell pattern with several variegated yarns.

Try this pattern. Here are the written directions and the chart. Start with some leftover yarn and make a pillow or throw. See what happens and have fun.


Solid Shell

Multiple of 6 + 1 (add 1 for beginning chain)

1st Row: 1 sc into 2nd ch from hook, *skip 2 ch, 5 dc into next ch, skip 2 ch, 1 sc into next ch; repeat from * to end, turn.

2nd Row: 3 ch (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc into first stitch, *skip 2 dc, 1 sc into next dc, skip 2 dc, 5 dc into next sc; repeat from * ending last repeat with 3 dc into last sc, skip turning ch, turn.

3rd Row: 1 ch, 1sc into first stitch, *skip 2 dc, 5 dc into next sc, skip 2 dc, 1 sc into dc; repeat from * ending last repeat with 1 sc into top of turning chain, turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 for pattern.

The UFO (Unfinished Object) Problem

I have lots of UFOs because starting projects is my favorite thing. The thrill of new yarns, fibers and fabrics and the shining possibilities of the finished projects – that’s heady stuff.

Of course, reality is somewhat different, isn't it? Like many, my expectations are often higher than my ability to finish them all. I’m usually happy with the finished projects and they are very often as nice as or better than I envisioned. It’s just so darned difficult getting to that point. In my own land of the UFO, I’ve decided that there are three methods of dealing with them.

First, just drag it out, grit your teeth and finish it. This works very well for things that are almost done and for the projects that are going pretty well to begin with. Usually, I find that it’s enjoyable to work on a long put away project and the extra bonus of finishing is wonderful.

Second, repurpose it or condense it and make something new. Because this usually takes more thought and planning, it works better on projects that aren’t going very well, aren’t turning out as planned, or are just way too large to finish as started. This reworking is good for projects that you like the materials and are still interested in. Of course, the new project may run the risk of becoming another UFO.

Third, admit to yourself that you no longer even like it, will never finish it and then get rid of it without any guilt whatsoever. This option is the fastest but not always the easiest because we all agonize over the guilt part. It’s as if we’ve asked the project to go steady and now want to break up. Try having a UFO swap with friends – one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure – or donate them to charity. Either way, get it out of your life and see how much easier you breathe.

The best part of tackling the UFO problem is the twin rewards. You’ll have many lovely finished projects that make you the envy of your friends and associates. And, better yet, you can now start even more new projects!

Interview on YarnCraft

Wow! I've been interviewed by Zontee on Yarncraft by Lion Brand Yarn Co. Listen in here

I was really worried about how I would sound - Yikes! It is strange to hear your own voice as if it were a strangers. But, they did a great job making me sound good.

Give it a listen and let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you.

Back from a Very Long Trip

Have just returned from a long trip - Florida to California - where I was given the opportunity to attend the craft and hobby industry trade show to help promote my first book Knit & Crochet Combined.



That's a long way to go away from home for me. I'm very much a homebody but this was too good to pass up. Having just returned home this morning around 1:00 AM, I'm still a little tired and fuzzy so this post will be short. I'll elaborate on the trip and what I saw and learned in future posts.


To spice things up a bit, I tried to keep a sketch diary of sorts as I traveled. Due to a full schedule, it didn't get used as often as I would have liked, but I did manage a few things.


To start, I left home at 5:15 AM on Sunday morning to make sure to sit at the gate in our regional airport. The transportation service I used gave me that pickup time which allowed me about an hour to check in and go through security. That all took around 10 minutes so I was in no danger of missing the plane.


With plenty of time to draw, I also got a nice sketch of the carpet patttern at the gate too.

Changes and Phases

I took a little break from working on the books over Christmas. It was nerve wracking to just set everything aside but has proven to be just what I needed. When I returned to it (so very much closer to the early February deadline) it was very clear that the beginner knitting book had moved into the next phase of the process. While that sounds like a simple statement, the division isn't so clear from the thick of things.

That got me to thinking about the whole process and why it was suddenly in a different mode and why. So, I puzzled out my own structure for what writing a book involves. For me, the process of creating a book divides into roughly three parts (with a lot of overlap):

1.The generative phase where new material is generated. This is where the ideas for projects are thought up, actual designs are created and many, many notes are scribbled. Imagination and creativity are hallmarks of this part.

2. The organizational phase. This is as you would think. All that loose, voluminous and messy material from the first phase is marshaled into a logical and coherent form. Not so easy as it sounds! There is a lot of concrete and analytical thinking going on here.

3. The finishing phase. This is what goes on after the manuscript has been sent to the publisher. There is a tremendous amount of work going into the actual making of the book and questions inevitably come up or more material might be necessary for a spot or two. This phase is highly collaborative and requires commitment and quick thinking.

Knitting, Crochet and Books in Progress!

It's been a while, but I've talked with my editor (a lovely and gracious woman) at Kalmbach Publishing who also published my first book (see it here) about blogging the development and writing of a book. As long as I don't use specific material from the books, I can share the process here.

Right now, I am working on two books - one each for new knitters and new crocheters. We're actually well into it now and are at the pattern drafting stage. That means making swatches, working out the math and then putting it together into a project that works.

This morning, I've just finished a swatch with a nice Bam Boo yarn from Classic Elite. It's really lovely and drapes beautifully. It puts me in mind of nice summer weight things -things that we can actually wear here in Florida! I'll put that idea on my ever growing list of things to do when the books are done.

One other fabulous thing I stumbled on - the wrist yarn holder by Lacis (here) This is great! It lets me make swatches and other work while standing and walking around. I'm working up to taking it with me on my morning walk.

A Completed Sweater - Too Little, Too Late

Well, that title just about sums it up. I mentioned starting another sweater for my goddaughter in my last post, and it's finished. Here's a peek:



The problem is that the temperature here is in the mid eighties to low nineties now. That is definitely too late! As for the too little part, it's very likely to be too small by the time cool temperatures roll around in November or so. Even though I made it purposely large, she will have probably outgrown it by then.

Oh well, nothing to do now but move on. That's what I've done with the next little girl project. Because it is warm now, it seemed that a lacy, feminine vest/overdress would be a good choice. Because knitting and crochet have different "personalities," they lend themselves to different applications. This idea is the basis for my book, Knit & Crochet Combined: Best of Both Worlds.

For this new project, I chose to crochet because I like the look and feel of that technique for this type of garment. It has a substantial hand and nice drape and weight. Using a cotton blend yarn keeps it from being too hot - an important consideration here. Another thing crochet has going for it is that it is faster for me than knitting for a similar size item. Maybe this one will be done in time for her to wear it! Here is a preview:



The bodice is a denser wavy shell stitch while the skirt is a much lacier wave stitch pattern. Since it is meant to be worn over another outfit, the neck and arms are a little more open. The yarn may or may not give out, so I'll have some decisions to make regarding the front bands and the edgings, if any, when I reach that point.

The Sweater is Finished!

Well, it seemed to take forever, especially at the end, but I've finished the sweater for my Goddaughter. And, just in time to give it to her this weekend! We'll be seeing her and her parents for a special breakfast at Disney World so I can see if it fits her as well if she likes it. Surely, after all this effort she has got to like it!

Here it is in all it's finished glory.

The front (forgive the adult size hanger, no small ones on hand):


A detail view of the front:



For the closures, I found some decorative coat hooks and loops at Joann's while I was looking for grosgrain ribbon to finish the inside band. There is a hidden coat hook at the top neck to keep it looking tidy. The flowers are all attached individually - there are 18 of them - in clusters of three. The embroidery is simple chain stitch with the darker shade of wool that I split down to two ply.

A bit of explanation about that ribbon facing inside. Normally, the cut edges would have been fine the way they were. But, because I had used a thread color that stands out so it would show in the photographs and changed the band treatment from what I had planned, they were unattractive and really needed to be covered. While the ribbon isn't my favorite thing to have in a sweater, it doesn't give like knit fabric after all, it is better than the edge that was there and still suits the more coat-like nature of this sweater.

The back:



The little decorative belt is just single crochet with coordinating buttons sewn at either end.

Overall, I am pleased with how it turned out. The color scheme is as I had planned, feminine but not babyish and it has a nice overall decorative effect. Maybe, if I hadn't already worked on the finishing for so long, I might have done a different type of embroidery on the fronts or, perhaps, more of that same theme. But, she is only two and will outgrow it if I don't finish it!

Now, the knitting bug is backing off a bit . Embroidery has been calling my name lately! I've already started an old fashioned table runner using the very grannyish, but still attractive, Aunt Martha's transfers and am checking out the Sublime Stitching patterns as well.

In Progress: STILL Working on the Sweater

Yes, I am still working on this sweater. It seems, to me anyway, that I am the slowest needle worker in the world. But, some of that is just because I am working on way too many projects at one time. In addition to this sweater, there are two other sweaters on needles plus a multitude of other types of projects.

Not that I'm blaming the weather, no this dawdling is all my own, but it is hard to concentrate on warm sweaters when the temperature is in the eighties. This looks like one of those years we won't have a winter. I hope my goddaughter gets to wear this sweater at least a little bit this year!

Now, to show off my progress on the front bands, neck and sleeves. Last time, the fronts of the sweater were just cut open and all wobbly and scary looking. I had planned a crochet band, but that just didn't work out. So, falling back on good old garter stitch, I was able to work a nice continuous band on the fronts and around the bottom in the contrasting color.



As you can see, the neck edge is now finished in a lacy crochet collar to match the bands. It is a very simple crochet pattern of mostly chain and single crochet that I made up by trial and error. It is quite full so it ruffles nicely. The same crochet lace is on the sleeves as well, only there are not as many rows.



Another view of the sleeve showing the stitches a bit better:



There's not a lot left now: a closure for the front, the belt on the back, and the flowers and embroidery. What am I thinking? There I go again with that crazy talk about finishing it quickly!

These last details and some inside finishing work should be posted here soon!

Thoughts on Finishing Knitting and Crochet

OK, so I am a complete lunatic thinking that I could finish the pink flower/lace/pirate sweater by this evening. What was I thinking? Chalk it up to baseless optimism.

After working on the sleeve edging and front borders for a couple of hours last night, it's clear that it won't be done today. Everything I tried did NOT work so that means re-thinking most of the details that I had in mind. Fortunately, we are having unseasonably warm weather here in Central Florida right now so she won't need the sweater for a bit.

In my mind, just about all of this work falls under the category of finishing the sweater. You know how that looks in patterns - there's a caption that says "Finishing" and it has short snappy little instructions like "Pick up and work single crochet along front edge," or "Sew side, underarm and sleeve seams," or, one of my old-school favorites, "Finish in the usual way."

The problem with this is that "Finishing" really does make the difference in how well the project turns out, whether it's a full blown sweater or just a simple purse. However, it is a set of skills rather than just some instructions and the knitting and crochet patterns really aren't the place to spell that out.

The good news is that because finishing is a set of skills, it can be learned. The way to go about that is to start with reference material and then practice. Here are some sources to get you started:


The "I Hate to Finish Sweaters" Guide
This book is only about finishing. The author has a blog you might want to check out as well.

The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques

Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book
This is an old standby with a lot of useful information.

Crafster.org
An online forum for all types of craft and handwork. The place to ask specific questions.

Well, that should be a good start for getting information on finishing projects. Be sure to practice a new technique and ask questions when in doubt.

The most useful, though not necessarily pleasant, tip I can give on getting a professional finish is this: Just suck it up and re-do it if it doesn't come out right. Repeat until correct.

In Progress: CUTTING the Sweater!!

Finally, back to my goddaughter's sweater. Since we missed them at Christmas, I have another chance to finish this up as a gift. We have plans to see her and her parents on Saturday, so I am trying, again, to complete this sweater. Nothing like making another deadline for yourself!

Even though all the knitting is done, there is still quite a bit of work to do to finish it up. Today, I cut it open to make a cardigan. As promised, the process is shown here in pictures.

First, the before picture. The underarms have been woven closed and the ends are worked in. It is a perfectly good, though plain, sweater. Well, except that the neck is way too small to go over a child's head as a pullover. Kids and babies have heads that are much larger in proportion to their bodies than adults. Note that the back neck is higher than the front neck. This helps keep the back hem from creeping up and makes for a much more comfortable garment.



First, using the decreases at the neck edge as a starting point, find the center stitch and mark it with contrasting yarn basted down the length of the stitch. This is the cutting line, so be accurate!



Next, using a sewing machine set to a wide width and medium length zig zag stitch, sew the stitches on either side of the center stitch. I used red thread because it was what was in my machine and it would show up in the photos. Ultimately, it won't show in the finished sweater, but using matching thread is a good idea.



Here is a closer view of the stitching showing how the two side stitches are enclosed by the zig zag stitch. Some people like to sew each stitch twice for security. I've never had a problem with just one row of stitching and the extra stitching adds bulk to the edge that I really don't like.



Time to cut! Using regular scissors, cut carefully along the center of the marked stitch. Be sure to only cut the top layer of the sweater or you will really have a mess.



That's it! Now you have an uneven, wobbly and slightly stretched out edge, just what we wanted.





Don't worry, the unevenness and lenghtwise stretch will be taken care of when the borders are worked. The sewing thread and that ragged front will also be hidden by the stitches worked over the edge. The fronts will be finished with crochet bands of some sort.

Now, it's time to work out the details for the crochet front borders, hem bands and sleeve cuffs. Also, I need to start giving some serious thought to the buttons and other finishing details- like the flowers that I promised her. Thinking about it, I'm not sure if this will be done by Saturday, but let's see what happens.

Everyone Needs a Little Whimsy in Their Life

Happy Holidays All! We are settling in for our Christmas break and I am working on a variety of projects, and nursing an unpleasant cold as well, and thought to share one of my gifts with you. This was from a good friend who knows me well. I was so excited that I actually jumped up and down. It is a kit for a miniature fairyland forest. Look here to see the product information. It even comes with the little fairy house!

This is a perfect gift and shows how well my friend knows me as the fairies have camped in my garden this past summer. Here is a picture of the camp among the flowers. You can just see the rosemary on the little bed and the wee fire pit is ready for the evening fire.


Another bit of whimsy in my life is the WhimpleTree Bunny Cottage. While it is still in progress, the outside is not painted yet and some niceties inside are missing, the residents seem happy with it. Mr. and Mrs. Bunny are hand made, to scale, bunnies living in this one twelfth scale doll house. The furniture and decorations are moved and varied with the seasons - and Mrs. Bunny's whims!

Here is Mrs. Bunny downstairs with the Christmas tree and other decorations. The table base is a tree stump sculpted out of Creative Paperclay and then painted and sealed. The stove is from a kit and there are crocheted and tatted rugs on the floors. Mrs. Bunny really likes her cast iron stove and she has a sewing machine upstairs.



Because it is the holidays, Mr. Bunny felt that the outside of the house should be a little more festive. Here he is on the front porch with the wreath and garlands he put up.



There are quite a few more things to do in addition to painting the outside of the house. The Bunnies would like a comfy couch downstairs, Mr. Bunny's garden is not finished, they might like some clothes, and not to mention all the accessories that make a house a home, but they seem happy in the meantime so it will be an enjoyable process to complete and furnish the house.

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of a whimsical diversion. Now, back to all the projects waiting!

Girl's Sweater Update and FAST Christmas Gift

Well, it has become painfully obvious that I will not finish my goddaughter's sweater by Christmas. Thankfully, we have gotten her lots of other presents.

Here is a picture of it in progress - in all its edge rolling, yarn ends flapping, underarm gaping glory to document my progress, or lack of it.



When the yoke is deep enough, it will be time to sew and cut the front open. To document that thrill, there will be step by step photos. Then the borders and edgings can be worked to take care of that stockinette curl that develops at the edges.

On the design front, I can say that I've chosen the yarn for the flowers and will be swatching those soon. It is the next darker shade of Woolease-Dark Rose Heather. I found a couple balls of it in my stash.

To address the last minute, or at least last day, handmade Christmas gift, I give you Felted Potholders. These are fast to make and are quite nice to use. I have been kitchen testing a pair for myself and they work as well as any purchased potholder I have had. Here are the Cadet Blue potholders from my kitchen.



To make them, use 100% wool yarn that will felt - be sure it is not superwash wool. I used Lion Wool for this pair in Autumn Sunset. These happen to be crocheted, but you can knit them as well. They are about 8.5 inches square before felting. This photo is before felting.



To Crochet:

Chain 28, work a half double crochet in the 2nd chain from hook and each chain across, chain 2 and turn. Continue in half double crochet until potholder is square and end with chain 12 (for loop) and slip stitch in beginning of chain. End off and work in ends.

To Knit:

Cast on 32 stitches. Work in garter stitch until potholder is square, bind off. With last loop remaining, chain 12 (for loop) and slip stitch in beginning of chain. End off and work in ends.

To Felt:

Wash in washing machine with hot water and a towel for more agitation. Dry flat and adjust shape to square.

If you have a need for a useful handmade gift, give these a try!

In Progress: Design and Knit a Little Girl's Sweater, Part Two

Well, we had a wonderful time visiting with our friends and goddaugther. My goodness, she is really tall for her age! At only 2 1/2 years old, she is 38 inches tall. She looks more like a 3 or even a 4 year old. If I didn't mention she is absolutely beautiful, I should. Sorry, since she's not my child, I can't post her picture here - privacy and all that.

On to the sweater.... The body is nearly to the armhole now and one sleeve is done - all in extra long of course. I did add about two inches of length to each piece after seeing her in person, but the circumference is nearly perfect. Big enough to leave room to grow, but not so large as to be sloppy.

Now that I've had some knitting and thinking time, the details are starting to come into focus. Here's a very rough sketch from my idea book.



A Pirate Meets Princess look will suit her nicely as she likes both. The flowers and other trim will be embroidered or sewn after the sweater is finished. The flower heads will most likely be crocheted for more dimension with the stems embroidered. A little faux passementerie on the sleeves adds a little more decoration.

The crocheted lace on the sleeves will serve a dual purpose. It will finish the plain stockinette. It will also be a lengthening device as it can be folded down as she grows. The construction will have to be worked out, but something along the lines of a French cuff held with a decorative button should work. The belt on the back will be adjustable for the same reason as the body will be a tad loose to start.

The collar is still in the contemplation stage as are the front borders and closure. Another, more detailed, sketch will be forthcoming when they sharpen up. After I finish the other sleeve, it will be time to join it all together and complete the yoke. Then the cutting open - with photographs!

In Progress: Design and Knit a Little Girl's Sweater

Today, I'm starting a sweater for my Goddaughter and thought it would be interesting to detail the design and construction steps as they proceed. The design process is not necessarily as straight forward as design and then knit; the designing goes along with the knitting to some degree. Sometimes it goes along with the unknitting (or frogging, as we like to call it) as well!

I promised her a pink sweater with flowers, so the color and design theme is set. Then, I found some Wool Ease, great for kids and moms because it is machine washable, in the local store. It is Rose Heather, a very soft muted rose that is not as babyish as the candy pinks, but still good for a little girl.

Since I knit better and faster in the round, this sweater will be constructed that way even though it will ultimately be a cardigan. To that end, I'll sew and cut the front then finish with the borders. The yoke and shoulders will be raglan style simply because I think it looks neater and more tailored than the round yoke style.

The body will be basic stockinette stitch so I can go ahead and get started without having to work through stitch patterns or consider too many finishing details. The edges will be worked on at the end along with the cardigan borders and will likely be crochet of some type. That leaves me free to work all that out as I knit. This little sweater will really be designed as it progresses.

Sizing is next but since all I know for now is her general size and that she is tall for her age, I'll just use standard size charts to get started. From those charts, I know that the chest measurement is about 23 inches and the ease to add for a loose-fitting garment is 4 to 6 inches. So, the sweater will be 28 inches around.

We'll be seeing her and her parents this weekend and that will give me a much better idea of the proportions. That will enable me to develop the sizing in more detail in the next post as well as have a sketch of the design idea.