girl at large

Working Through The Stash

A ballet-style dress for Stella, in hot pink Merino wool---I hope it fits, toddler sizes and gauge changes can be a challenge.

This summer tunic and cap are in organic, hand-dyed cotton--very Oregon. Mmm, granola!

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 The intricate lace and doily patterns that are outdated in style are WAY more challenging and fun to do, but the results are usually only applicable for Grandma's christmas present.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...

Sassy Toddler Togs

Stella has shot up, and I was caught unawares. I made this Dress for her for Christmas. Note I said "Dress". It was not intended to be a sassy hipster's belly shirt.

The first step is admitting...

I have a problem. I'm addicted to yarn.

Kristan, lovely willowy Kristan, was in town a few weeks ago. She has spent the last year teaching highschool English/Creative Writing (forgive me if I have that wrong) and mentioned that one of her favorite submissions for a creative nonfiction essay was from a girl admitting her yarn addiction in just that 12-step manner. For the afflicted, like myself, it's a perfect descriptive match. I'm stealing it from a 14 year old.

I've been adherring to a new yarn-buying rule: I cannot purchase new yarn until all UFO's (UnFinished Projects) are completed. Including the ones I was bored with months ago. Including the gauge mistakes. Including the bad ideas.

My list of UFO's includes a set of pillows intended as a house warming gift for a friend who has since moved again. An armless baby sweater that will no longer fit that particular baby (soon to enter middle school??) is at the bottom of the pile. A granny-square blanket, all squares complete, awaits my still unfound patience to piece together 40 pieces. In a plastic bag, in the back of a cold dark drawer, are the sad componants of a teddy bear...one leg laying near his little disembodied head.

I've made some progress...last night, I completed the '"In exactly what light did THIS color combination look good?" Toddler Spring Sweater. I'll keep you posted.

something for myself for once

pattern: Stitch and Bitch, the Happy Hooker "short 'n' sweet bolero"
yarn: Rowan's Wool/Cotton in color 964/'Still' (an indescribable mossy brown green)
hook: 3.5mm (to obtain gauge with substituted yarn, pattern called for 5mm)

Spring weather here does not call for bare arms and shoulders...it's still too chilly to me. So, here's the latest addition to my lightwieght sweater/bolero collection...

toddler sweater

pattern: from Candy Tots book
yarn: Brown Sheep Company Lamb's Pride Worsted (wool/mohair) in Wild Oak, Khaki and Creme
hook: 3.5mm

could this work for a boy? sure, right?

sources

If I won the Lotto, I would buy every yarn I've ever coveted; these are my recent favorite finds:

Lorna's Laces Amazing hand-dyed, wildly multi-colored yarns. Just finished a toddler dress in the softest Superwash ever; 'Shepard Worsted'.
Manos del Uruguay Thick and thin hand-spun co-op created yarns--working on pillows in Hot, Hot Pink with a simple stitch--the texture of the yarn creates the interest all on it's own.
Brown Sheep Co. Such a wide collection of reasonably priced wools, big projects don't break the bank. Recently finished a full-size blanket in the 'Lamb's Pride' yummy wool/mohair blend.
Great Adirondack Yarn Co. Just started working up a camisole top in their MOST LUCIOUS hand-dyed multi-color 100% silk 'Silk Delight'--spendy, but so special.
Blue Sky Alpacas Organic yarns for the tree-hugger, perfect for infants and kids. Made a baby blanket a few months back in the super-soft 'Organic Cotton'.

There's a gorgeous mohair out there with my name on it, just have to find the right pattern for it...I'm begining to outgrow my pattern library..might have to add books to the Lotto List.

Family all in Stitches

Stella's suited up in a hat I crocheted for her (with yarn purchased in Vancouver, BC when Angel and Dan visited), the sweater (that finally fits!) Mom knitted for her (in Antibes, France) and it took me a while to notice, but sister Peg is wearing the scarf I made for her too.

Hooked on Hokey

I knew I did good when the phone rang and it was Grandma Eileen (of the Long Distance Is So Expensive generation)! She loved the lacey crocheted table cloth I finally finished and mailed off to her, knowing she's the only one who would appreciate the extra-large-doily look. It's a shame this style of crochet is out of vogue (or is it? or is it just to me?) because it is so fun to make---thread is easy to work with and the complicated pattern details are very rewarding to master.

Perty in touches of Pink

I love the picture of Stella pulling the hat entirely out of shape! (So much for blocking next time!)

I made this dress and hat for Stella back in June, it's great to see that it still fits. I have a sweater nearly completed that I worry might be too big for this year, too small for next...darn those kids and their pesky growing.

Bersitis Be Damned

I finally finished this fancy schmancy frilly tablecloth, a present for my grandma Eileen. It's cotton thread, 1.75mm hook, 48 motifs to make a 60" d round. It was intended to be done in time for Christmas, but the attack of bersitus cost me more than four weeks. I don't think she'll mind. I'm just so glad it's done, at last!

an hour without yarn is an hour wasted

I sent my sister Margaret a box of goodies a few weeks back, mostly crocheted goods; one for her upcoming birthday and many crocheted goods for her little Stella. In her kind thank you note, she says "I don't know how you find the time!".

Oh, lord if she only knew. I have more time to spend on crochet than any under-60 person should be allowed to have. That's the one benefit of living somewhere you really rather wouldn't.

springtime babe

These gifts have officially been given, so full views now available. Both are made with crochet thread, which I now adore--it's so smooth and easy to work with. And both are for little Stella.

idle hands? not in this house

waaay too much time on my hands....

sneek peeks

I can't reveal the full images of these completed projects because they are, each and every one, gifts. Now that I've put the hook down, I have to get myself to the post office!

crochet meets higher math

this is so cool!

have hook, will travel

I have this weekend off....never been to Seattle...but now I REALLY want to go...for this!
Sad? Maybe..but me and my yarn don't care!

some baskets I made in spring-time colors, long before spring actually arrived.

cool is cyclical

How could I (k)not know that March is National Crochet Month? That article, brought to my attention by sister Peg, only makes passing comment on crocheting, focusing on the 'hipper' hobby of knitting, but it's still sticks and thread.

In honor of this special month, I'll share the best crochet story I've ever heard:

When my mom was a young administrative assistant at the hospital in Evanston, IL (where she met my father), she worked the quieter late shift. To pass the time, she crocheted. She crocheted little triangles. Dozens of them.

When someone asked, preferably a male dr. or med student, she would say she was making herself a bikini. Visual---mom coyly holding up a teeny triangle and asking "What do you think? Will it look good on me?"

Crocheting may be cool again, but nothing beats that!

p.s. I have vague memories of playing with a basket of colorful, crocheted triangles as a small child. Just my imagination? I can't say.

What would I do on Sunday nights without all you breeders?

yarn: aarlan's arwetta 75/25 wool/poly blend (from Grandma Eileen's stash, possibly from mom's Fibre Shop)
pattern: 6 Mos. Baby Set from www.crochetpatterncentral.com ( I LOVE the colors shown in the pattern directions, may do another like it).

I just finished this sweater (not the complete set) today, as you can see it's blocking and I have to attach a button yet at the collar. I ran short of yarn for longer sleeves, but I think short ones still work. The only question now is, WHICH baby gets this project? Is there something in the water?

speaking of that area...

yarn:Katia's heathered grey mohair
buttons: vintage mother-of-pearl
pattern: Girly-girl Capelet from Hip to Crochet

I finished this poncho just after arriving back in America--I started it in Mom's livingroom in France, had to rip it out and start over because of a mistake (!), completed the middle (boring) portion on the plane and in airports in New York City and Atlanta, added a few stitches in Grandma Eileen's livingroom in Nebraska and then finished the edging here in my then-empty livingroom in Portland.

All to find that the trendy poncho look was NOT created with chesty gals in mind!! Circus tent anyone?

If you ask me, I think it's "stellar".

the set being blocked, baby Stella 'wearing' it

Not the greatest images (sorry), but this is the 'layette' set i made for little Stella's first Christmas---booties, sweater and bonnet all in cream cotton with french silk ribbon, silk edging and with vintage mother-of-pearl buttons. And yes, I actually crocheted it all myself. Interesting--the cotton thread and pattern (circa 1987) were given to me by Grandma Eileen when I stopped by in Nebraska--the thread had been hanging around in her basement along with loads of yarn all given to HER by Mom after she closed down The Fibre Shop back in Fondy, back in the day!

I was shooting for tears (on the part of my sis when she opened it in London on Christmas) and I think I got 'em!.

more pros than cons (especially once I get that sun lamp)

view from balcony, note "Volvo" sign---I'm never lost with a beacon like that.

a few of the things I like about Portland:
-open knit (or crochet) night at Lint, the yarn store for hipsters (but why the cliques ladies?)
-riding the Max train for free for more than a week, until I realized that the tickets need to be validated. oops.
-the Driftwood Room
-walks in nearby Washington Park (it looks very 'X Files')
-the abundance of sausage
-an amazing Goodwill Thrift Shop that never fails to have exactly what I'm missing/needing for a buck. (dangerously located just across the street)
-cheesy public events (beer fest, christmas tree lighting) in Pioneer Courthouse Square
-Noah's Arf grooming and playdates at Lexi Dog, off-leash hours at the parks---generally, it's a very dog-friendly town
- H.

quelle surprise?

This was meant to be a surprise Christmas present for Grace (well, the surprise was intended mostly for Maria, as I had to have Grace try on the hat in secret to make sure it fit right before I finished it off), but the little one dug it out of the box in my room the other day, prancing out into the living room in it, where Maria and I were having coffee---the little bugger! So, no surprise, but at least I know she loves them and I get to share them early---I think they turned out really great, especially as I designed the patterns myself as well. Love, love working that ultra-yummy, super-chunky Rowan's Big Wool (left overs from one of mom's projects for the coming grandbaby) with the Big Hook--can't wait to start another project like it. Anyone else need a hat and scarf set???

dog: what do you mean i'm not the center of the universe?

No sooner did I finish the big blanket than Miss Ruby thought it was for her!

snippets

I can't divulge complete photos of these finished projects as they are all intended to be Christmas gifts...but I did want to share glimpses. I'm having a bit too much fun with the yarn and hook (and the BIG HOOK is a dream to work up fast with) these days. Why didn't I stick with fiber arts????

p.s. Anyone else seeing these pics as yarn landscapes? I can imagine them blown up to something like 40 x50 and mounted....

bon anniversare!

Today was Grace's birthday party---she's two years old! After Grace realized that I wasn't there because her mom and dad were leaving (I watch her so regularly, she always associates me with mom and dad leaving), she enjoyed her party and all the presents. The sweater Mom made her for her first birthday is still too big (!) but the poncho I made her this year---the perfect wieght for the area's mild winters--was a hit, she found it particularly fun to swing it around and wap things with it. Thatta girl.

give me the biggest you got

Visiting the notions stall at the market this morning, in search of a very large, fat crochet hook:

-Yes, Madame, what are you looking for?
-I need a big hook please.
-Like this?
-No, I like it much bigger. Like this. (hand gesture, you can imagine it)

pause.

-Will this do Madame?

("like"? why, why did I use the verb for 'like" when I meant 'want?', ok, 'want' doesn't sound much better.)

petite poncho

Just finished up this one for Grace's 2nd birthday---it's from a grown-up poncho pattern, same as I used for mine, but with a few changes: sized down for her of course, in the bobble stitch (rather than double crochet stitch) with double-crochet stitch contrasting seams and trim, and those dandy pom-poms. She loves it!

like butter. or chocolate. yum.

I have to tear myself away from this project under duress, it's such a pleasure to work on---the yarn, Bouton d'Or Dandy Bo Wool/Silk in Cigare and Taupe, is YUM, YUM, YUMMY. Though it's just a simple stitch (double crochet throughout) and a simple beginner-style project pattern (two rectangles of same dimension sewn together to form poncho, edged in I'm-not-sure-what-yet), it's this sheeny, cushy, bouncy gorgeous yarn that's making it a treat to make up. I'm never gonna be able to go back to bargain bin yarn again. Sigh.

I dream in stitches.

The big blanket is getting even bigger, by necessity. I'm heading off to Portland later than originally planned due to the difficulties involved in arranging an apartment from so far away. I'm still waiting for the final confirmation and paperwork to be complete, as soon as it is then I can book a flight. So, looks like I'll be leaving, most likely, the first week of October. No complaints of course, but when I do go I'll be heading directly into winter. Have to finish this big blanket!

...all this handwork and learning (lots of reading up, studying patterns and techniques) has me regretting not picking it up again years ago...there was a time when I wanted to study fiber and textiles design in art school (at least that's what I ticked on the form).....and of course, I'm missing the endless information, books and classy yarn selection that Mom had both at home and at her store, The Fibre Shop, back in the day....I had no idea how good I had it....

...and, I missed Portland's Knit Out! (like how they tack on 'and crochet too'? crocheters always get the second-class treatment in yarn circles, ha ha). But, both Fiber Arts Northwest and Mabel's Cafe should still be there when I arrive...and Yarn Garden.....and .....

darn it

I've started a new crochet project, after having found a new learn-to-crochet book entitled, appropriately enough, Learn to Crochet (by Sue Whiting, published by New Holland) at the local english book shop. It is a very helpful addition to my other teach-yourself crochet guide, Vogue's 1971 Guide to Knitting, Crochet and Macrame (!), found in the basement used book section of the same shop. Between the two, I'm getting the hang of it. I'd better be, since this is my fifth or six project. I know now why the blanket I made for my sister's baby shower was 'growing' so much--I had very carefully, erroneously, added a stitch to each row. Oops. This new blanket (something to keep for myself this time!) is coming along much better, especially as I've taken the time to block it out properly---Bert is bemused, though silent, about the large strips of crochet work pinned down on the dining table. As long as it's cleared away by dinner time, he doesn't say a word.

Maria, on the other hand, noting my speedy progress on such a big blanket, has suggested I might be in need of some male companionship. Duh.

note: In addition to the books, I've found a few online resources for crocheters (knitters don't get all the love anymore!), including patterns and help at crochet me and a friendly blog from yarngirl.

Baby Booty

We managed to keep it a surprise, just barely! The shower was a big hit today, the baby is sussed for clothing and more practical goodies (bath supplies, carrier, bibs and onesies, blankets, etc) for at least the first year. There were a few confusing moments: Ruby thought the Sophie giraffe squeak toy (a French childhood classic) might be for her, Peg thought the hat I crocheted might be for herself (see third photo---what a peanut of a head!), and just how does that baby carrier go on? (Maria, seasoned baby-pro, did the honors). The card from the Door County gang (and the phone calls!) were tear-makers, well done! Mom's knitted receiving blanket, the first completed knitting project in who knows how long, turned out gorgeous. With three blankets, a number of sweaters and countless knit underthings, the kid should survive London's winters in blessed comfort. And come spring time, that fancy-schmancy, frilly French number Aunt Peg picked out will be darling. Little Peg's only question, frequently repeated: "Will it be this big when it's born? Or this big? It won't be THIS big will it?"

I never knew how scary size 12-month clothing can be to the uninitiated.

hooked

i crocheted a hat today! an entire hat in one day, all by my lonesome! okay, so it's a little baby hat for Grace, but that still counts!

jeez, am i going to be the spinster living with mom and the lap dog, knitting and crocheting my days away? is it that awful if its on a sailboat in the south of France? i think i can live with that.

spinster in the making

the weather has turned sour today, a nasty wind out of the mountains and cold rain. but that does not deter the french! in the streets, everyone is out walking and doing their regular daily shopping...baguette, cigarettes, flowers...mom and i included.

i've taken up crochet again, after many many years...mom re-taught me a few nights ago, and i am off and running. i am so domestic, can you stand it? imagine the scene: glass of port on the table, dog at my feet, crochet in my hands, in my slippers by 9! and mom right next to me, doing The Jumble! is it possible that i am retired?