Thursday, March 31, 2011

Inspiration Thursday

Thursdays are my planning day for weekend projects. If I need any materials, I can get them early or at least have my list first thing Saturday morning. So here are some of the pieces that inspire me to do great things:



(from left to right)
  1. Crochet driving gloves
  2. Tory Burch crochet ballet flat (sold out)
  3. Missoni crochet skirt
  4. Missoni Baden Crochet dress
  5. Crochet beach tote
  6. Rag & bone Pelham crocheted silk skirt

If only I had the figure I had twenty years ago, I would sooo wear a skirt like the Rag & bone over my suit to the pool. But I'll never be out of shape to wear the crochet and leather driving gloves.

What's on the hook for you this weekend?

Friday, March 25, 2011

Cruisin' and Crochetin' 2011

We took a bit of a break and went on a Spring Break Cruise this year to Mexico. Between the day trip to our departure and the five days on the ship, I had lots of time to work on crochet projects.

This granny square cuff was made on the way to New Orleans, our departure city. We had to make a quick stop for me to buy more yarn before we set sail.


Had to have biegnets from Cafe Du Monde on Decauter. Lovely sunny day to wait in line and watch the busy traffic. The cafe au lait was strong and delicious with the hot, crispy beignets covered in powdered sugar. My son said they were definitely worth the wait.



One of our stops was Cozumel, Mexico where we went to an adventure park for ziplining, repelling and snorkeling. I'd never done anything like it and tried not to freak out at the top of the first tower. But it was exhilarating! We will try some local zipline places this summer!



Of course, I couldn't just sit in the sun doing nothing, so I worked on a mini granny square necklace. Very happy with the results.



Relaxing trip, lovely weather, wonderful food. As we drove North towards home yesterday, the temperature fell ten degrees every couple of hours. Woke up at home this morning to blooming Bradford pear trees and new snowfall. So lucky to have had our tropical break!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Moral of the Story: Get the Right Yarn


Feeling a bit discouraged with my progress on the Tressa scarf. My yarn choice did not work well for the pattern. This silk bamboo blend yarn is too smooth to hold the loop joins the pattern calls for and it isn't thick enough. I can tighten the joins but as soon as I move the scarf around, they go slack. Plus, after reading the Ravelry forums on this pattern, I realized there were conflicting instructions on how far apart to set the loom. I used the larger 4" spacing and it seems those who used a 3" spacing had better results. So, I will frog the two strips I have already joined and try a single crochet join to see if that works better. I love the chevron pattern and hope I can find a solution to my woes!

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Great Grandma's Antique Venetian Crochet Collar




This Grape and Leaf motif collar was crocheted by my great grandmother, Ethyl Cole Sikes Mafies. This PDF has the pattern for a very similar Grape and Leaf collar to the one made by Grandma Ethyl. These collars were worn over an "everyday" dress for church on Sunday.


Grandma Ethyl is pictured with her sister and sister in law and is seated at the lower left. They are sporting these amazing Victorian era hats and dresses.

This website has an amazing collection of antique knitting, crochet and tatting patterns.

On the hook now ... I'm working to replicate this pattern for a cardi makeover. The original pattern calls for No. 40 crochet thread but I'm using #10. Though my stitches aren't as tiny as hers, I am excited about the way it's turning out.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Lucille's Shop

Columbia 754 l by cemetarian
Columbia 754 l a photo by cemetarian on Flickr.

My mom worked at Lucille's yarn and fabric shop in Columbia in the early 1970s. After I told her about my newfound love for chunky, oversized crochet, she told me that the girls from Stephen's College would come in the shop to buy yarn. They were combining three or four strands to make super chunky afghans, ponchos and sweaters. So I guess there really is nothing new under the sun! If you were a Stephen's girl or remember Lucille's tell us your story!

This photo is from cemetarian's Flickr pool group called "Campus Fashions." Love it!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...