girl at large

Can there ever be too much?

Yes...there are alot of Hooked entries today! I've been crocheting again like crazy--my shoulder has loosened up, and more importantly, I have the yarn stash to beat all yarn stashes. My favorite local yarn shop, Lint, closed it's doors a few weeks ago and I loaded up on half price yarn. Blue Sky's Suri Merino, Filatura Di Crosa Baby Kid Extra, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and Pure Silk, Be Sweet's Mohair Boucle, Rowan's Soft Ply Wool, Berroco Memoirs, the list goes on...the second bedroom is turning into a craft library...there'll hardly be room for Mom this fall!

Breezy Toddler Hat

standard doily pattern, then added sides and brim in size 10 Crochet Cotton Thread, size 2mm hook I started with an old-fashioned doily pattern for the crown, then meshed in the edges and added solid rounds for the sides, finished with a picot edging to make this lightwieght little hat. I think the blue color really makes it look current---I wish there were more complicated crochet patterns out there. The current fashion is for chunky, simple designs that use only a few basic stitches and uncomplicated patterns. The intricate lace and doily patterns that are outdated in style are WAY more challenging and fun to do, but the results are usually only applicable for Grandma's christmas present.

Summer Threads

Track Stitch Tunic from 'Loop-d-Loop' by Teva Durham (sleeves omitted) in Nashua Natural Focus Organic Cotton color Logwood 0086, size 3mm hook Hopefully there's enough summer left for some toddler to use this lightweight, breathable tunic top/coverup. The sleeves were overly bulky, so I just left it as a tank and added side slits. The color here is not accurate either--it's a variegated light ash color, very appropriate for 'organic cotton'. I have enough left over for another small project too...

This one's just for me.

Staggered Web Lacy Top from Loop-d-Loop Crochet by Teva Durham in Rowan Damask Viscose/Linen in color Mica 40, hook size 3mm This top turned out to fit perfectly, not easy when substituting yarn in a woman sized pattern. These pics don't capture the color at all--it's a delicate taupe with touches of shell pink and cream, in a high sheen. It looks great over a cami.

Baby Kimono Sweater

Crocheted Kimono from 'Vintage Styles for Today' by Thomas and Quiggle (with added Popcorn edging) Tahki Bunny Merino/Alpaca in color 004, trimmed with Brown Sheep Prairie Silks Silk/Mohair/Wool in color Dough, size 4mm hook This yarn is scrumptious--very cuddly. I need to add a frog closure, and then it's off to some lucky baby.

Simple Sundress

Toddler Sundress from "Simple Crochet for Cherished Babies'' by Jane Davis in Scarlett mercerized cotton color 017/203, size 2.5mm hook It's the silky cotton yarn that makes this sundress feel so good, the pattern is dead easy and didn't take many skeins--I even have a few left over. I have yet to add the button closure in back, and I'm debating about adding trim or flowers.

The Irony

Pattern: Juanita Top from Interweave Crochet Spring 2006 (with change to bottom half--omitted Solomon Knot stitch, substituted Boxed Block Stitch) in Tahki Willow in color 5006/linen+cotton, size 3.5mm hook The very first time I wore this little linen summer vest/top, my co-worker said "Hey, you have a hole in your sweater!" Ha ha, the sweater is made of holes! Turns out, he was sincere---I had snagged it on something in the back and ripped right through a crucial row. I've repaired it since, but I can still see the flaw, ugh.

The 18 Month Blanket

Blanket of various squares from '200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans' by Jan Eaton in hand-dyed wool DK weight, size 4.5mm hook I finally finished sewing together this granny squares blanket--making the squares is fun, but the sewing is pain in the ...which is why it took me more than a year to get around to it. The sunny colors make me think I should send it to someone in southern climes...

Summer Driving Season

Ruby and I spent our weekend in coastal Wheeler, then driving up and down the ocean-view 101, something we both love. Though it leaves only her panting and breathless.