August 2010 CAL: Tunisian Scarf

Yep, I know I’m super late on the August 2010 CAL project. The month is more than half over and I hadn’t even decided on a project until yesterday. It’s been a lazy blogging month. What can I say?

Well, I’ve gotten as far as deciding to do a Tunisian crochet scarf and had settled on Obtuse last night… only to start it and discover that I wasn’t very happy with that decision. The pattern is a little confusing and not quite what I hoped it would be. But I have been wanting to design a Tunisian scarf so I’ve finally been adequately inspired to get on that. If anyone is CALing with me (anyone?) I’ll be happy to help you with Obtuse if you choose to try it OR I’ll let you in on the design process of my pattern-in-the-making and walk you through it as I go. Just email me or leave a comment if you’re interested. I’m planning to sell the pattern eventually so you’d be getting a free pattern and free help! The catch being that you might get pieces of a pattern at a time with possible errors (that I’d correct as soon as they are found, of course.) But, I would send you a nice PDF copy of the pattern when it’s finished.

I anticipate getting started on it right away (tonight) and finishing it sometime within the next 2 weeks or so. So far I know that it will be designed with bulky yarn and an M hook. You won’t need a special Tunisian hook for this, just a hook that has a fairly straight handle. I’m using this one… and this yarn:

Tags: bulky, CAL, crochet, pattern, scarf, techniques, tools, tunisian, wool
Category 8/10 Tunisian Scarf, Crochet, Inspiration, Uncategorized |

Why You Should Learn to Crochet: Part 2

Another great reason to learn to crochet yourself is so that you can custom make a garment to fit your body. Mass produced garments will often sag or billow or stretch in unflattering ways because they are not made for your shape. Many crochet patterns have notes or options for waist or bust shaping and can usually be made shorter or longer to closely fit your exact measurements. Amy Herzog at Stash, Knit, Repeat has recently created a 10 part tutorial on how to create a garment to flatter your body type. Her blog is geared towards knitting but you can certainly use her shaping tips to create form flattering crocheted garments as well.

My favorite crocheted sweaters are worked from the top down in one piece which makes them easy to try on and adjust as you go. Sure, some patterns are complex and it might be difficult to adjust them on the fly if you’re not a seasoned crocheter. However, many patterns feature a simple enough stitch pattern that even the novice would be able to customize it without much trouble.

The photo above is a custom crocheted sweater from CrochetMe.com that I made using a schematic type pattern, top-down, adjusted while I worked (click the photo for the pattern.)

Some more recommended crochet patterns (click for a link to the pattern):

Patterns above are:
Clarice tank my Kim Guzman and Anya tunic by Kristin Omdahl

Tags: crochet, inspiration, learning
Category Crochet, Inspiration |

Why You Should Learn to Crochet: Part 1

I’ve been reading articles all over the internet lately about how crochet is making it’s way onto the runways and into the latest fashion trends in a new way. It’s absolutely not all about granny squares or ironic retro 70′s hippie buzzword buzzword blah blah blah…

Crochet can be beautiful without being gimmicky of course. It pops up in trend reports every few years but I think the only reason it doesn’t get bigger or stick around longer is that it’s expensive to buy/manufacture. The reason for that isn’t about materials necessarily, it’s about labor. Unlike knitted garments, crochet can not be replicated by a machine. If you buy a “crocheted” garment from a store and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, it’s often knit made to look like crochet. Or even weaving or embroidery made to look like crochet. If a garment is truly crocheted, someone spent a lot of time crocheting it by hand and hopefully was compensated well for their time and skill. That’s why crocheted garments will be (and should be) expensive to buy… and why it’s worth it for you to learn to crochet your own garments!

It’s really not as hard as you may think. Some people are under the impression that crochet is always boxy or stiff or just for afghans but the simple trick to making beautiful, drapey, lacy crocheted sweaters, dresses, skirts, etc. is the right yarn and hook combination. Most cheap yarn’s that you will find at your local craft store are going to be bulky and synthetic which is not generally ideal for a crocheted garment. Look for thinner yarns (sport weight, sock weight) made from natural fibers and use a hook big enough to produce a light lacy fabric.

Some recommended crochet patterns (click for a link to the pattern):

Patterns above are
Walking After Midnight skirt by Doris Chan and Cecilia Chemise by Jennifer Hansen

Tags: crochet, inspiration, learning
Category Crochet, Inspiration |