Tree Topper Cowloncho

This year has been filled with twists and turns.  Happy thrilling moments and a few days best left in the "forget about it" column.

In and among all of the action, the rectangle has been my friend.  I often joke that I can make anything out of rectangles!  And thus began my exploration of the cowloncho.  I've made them with knit as the body and crochet edging.  I've made them with a crochet body and a knit edge.  And now, a pure crochet version is off the needles and ready for its release.

Tree Topper is a cowloncho – part cowl, part poncho.  Extended crochet stitches created a flexible fabric with just the right amount of stretch.  Contrast edging is finished with an armhole that converts the cowl into an asymmetrical poncho.  Worked side-to-side the pattern is easily adaptable for both chest and height measurements.

This is Tree Topper worn in a poncho style.  The armhole in the contrast edge holds the thing in place.

  

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And here is the same Tree Topper worn as a cowl.  The contrast edge that includes the armhole becomes a fun statement on the fabric swath.

Go ahead and give it a try.  The pattern is available for FREE at this link:

Tree Topper by François Stewart Designs

Cowloncho: Part Cowl, Part Poncho

One skein of this.  One skein of that.  Put them together and what have you got?  A cowloncho!

I might be stuck in a groove.  A wonderfully happy groove of mixing yarns and skills.  Joining knit stitches with crochet work has always fascinated me.  Whether as a simple edge, dimensional embellishment or full blown mix it up throughout, I love making texture with stick and hook.

Lemaire Channel is my first cowloncho.  You can read about the yarns by clicking the link to the Ravelry project page.  The main body is knit at a loose gauge.  Then edges are crocheted on (can you say "sparkle yarn?").  A few strategic seams and the cowloncho is ready.

It can be worn as a simple cowl if the arm hole is ignored.

That armhole allows it to be a poncho that stays put. 






Use the armhole and scrunch up the rest like a cowl and you've got a cowloncho.

Those of you with eagle eyes will notice that it fits both me and she who crochets.  If you are more in the large or tall category, more than one ball of each yarn will be required.  

This made me so excited that I made another version with a crochet body and knit edges.  I'm thinking that I'll have to write up both patterns and let you make your own cowloncho. 

Yarn Stash To The Rescue

The new Interweave Crochet just might be the best thing of the whole season.  As soon as it arrived at the store, I bought a personal copy.   Check out the cover pattern - pineapples on a huge triangle shawl.

Please know that I do not enjoy the crochet pineapple.  My mother and her sister could whip out those "old" doilies [in thread crochet!] without looking at a pattern and faster than I could crochet a Barbie skirt.  Hey - I was only 8 or 10.  What do you expect?

Well, anyway, I put away my disdain for the pineapple stitch pattern and put my hand into the stash.  I knew exactly where the three balls were waiting.  MY COLORS in Freia were just hanging around and hoping for the perfect pattern and this was it.

A very fast hook.  Very fast.  And check out the color shift.  Green became shaded and morphed into blue.

Love it.  Must work faster and faster and faster.

Z Top for Z Spring

Love it. 

My Z Top fits like a dream.  This is  Crane Hill by Miriam L. Felton and can be had free over on this page. 


I made one major change.  The back is worked without the V shaping.  It is just decreased (per the pattern) on the arm edges and then worked straight up.  Because the neck edge wanted to curl - the natural tendency of stockinette - there is a row of crab stitch across to control the fabric.

 The way that the yarn pooled might not be for everyone.  But it is so "me" that even my family said the magic word.  COOL.

My Z Top is Cool.

Ain't that grand?!

Caught Up In The Pool-ing

As soon as it hit the digital waves, the Spring+Summer issue of Knitty grabbed my attention.  There is always something that draws me in - a pattern (or five), a hint, an article or even an advert for something new.  And it is all free for the enjoyment.

Let me tell you, friend, I am enjoying Crane Hill designed by Miriam L Felton.  In this great summer garment, crochet and knitting combine to bring out the best in each.  What struck me immediately was the opportunity to break out the 1200 yards of Interlacements Rick Rack.  

Oh, sure.  There were things to consider.  Like the fact that the pattern uses a linen in Aran weight and my yarn is rayon in Sport weight.  And linen is natural and rayon is man-made from cellulose.  There is drape to be considered also.  

Let's not even think about what could happen when the Rick Rack starts pooling.  

Wait a minute.  

Let's celebrate what happens when the Rick Rack starts pooling color!   I'm doing my 'happy, happy, joy, joy' dance.


  


PS for those with inquiring minds.  Started this on the pattern preferred 5.5mm hook.  Worked three rounds and decided it was too big and loose.  Did not frog it.  Just changed to a 5.0mm hook and kept on stitching.  Result:  fits better and the bottom skims over my bottom.
 

Moving Apace In Full Color

The second project from designer Linda Skuja is moving along quickly.  And it is in living color!

This crochet short row design is fun and eye catching.  The yarn makes me feel secure in my goal of expanding my palette into colors that are not my normal comfort zone.

Schoppel-Wolle Zauberball is a friend of mine.  This Crazy version is, however, new to me.  And it is fun!

The color repeats of Crazy remind me of the way that Noro is plied - with a whole lot more wool.  Even though this pattern is quite open (requiring full coverage underneath) and the design features cap sleeves, the wool of the Zauberball will provide much warmth.  I'm thinking that this one will be a great addition to my winter wardrobe.

Here is the back.  The short row sections are not for the beginner and many suggestions for success abound within the social media yarn world.  That part is great and one of the reasons that I am so active in following blogs, notes & discussion on Ravelry and face-to-face participation in both formal and informal knit/crochet groups.

What do I mean?  I mean all the free help, advice and tips that are to be had by reaching out and joining in!  I get free help, I offer input, the yarn spins, the hook & sticks move and projects are completed.  Right now, I personally know four others who are all working on this pattern.  We help each other, we offer up well deserved "Oohs and Aahs" and we agree when it is time to add that extra row* into the pattern.

*The Extra Row reads:  Rip back now.

The Chain That Links

Wheeee!  Progress has been made on linking together the first two strips of the teeny tiny crochet.

I can't wait to see what all five strips will look like. 

And, for right now, that's all I have to say about that.

One Down, More To Go

Happiness abounds!  The Mock Hairpin Wrap is fast work when I have time to work on it.  The wrap is worked in strips that are joined as you go.  Already, I have one strip completed and am half way through the second. 

Don't get all worried over the rumpled look.  First, this strip has not been blocked.  What you might notice is that the edge appears to be a whole heap of twisted loops.  And you'd be correct in your assessment.

The center spine has chain loops on either side of the center.  Then those loops are twisted or joined in a unique pattern that causes the spine - that was crocheted straight - to curve gently down the whole length. 

I love it.  Never in my thinking could I have figured this out.  But now I've seen first hand how to manipulate the piece and it has me intrigued.  Frankly, it is so logical that it is almost too simple. 

So, one down and four more to go.  That's a whole lot of happiness from a great summer (non-wool) project!

Double Duty Bag

Vacation took me away for a bit, but I'm back.  There is still much to be accomplished on the WIP pile.  Long term projects (as in over two weeks to finish) tend to zap my yarn mojo.  Thus, I was forced - for creative reasons as well as instant gratification - to whip up a two day project.

It was time to start a new knit & crochet-a-long for ESSS.  I was a May no show due to vacation, but I can redeem myself in June and encourage the members to participate.  This market bag project provided an opportunity to become a double duty bag by also serving as a sample for my upcoming teaching of embroidery at The Knitting Tree, LA.

Fellow yarn-a-holics, I present to you my interpretation of the Provence market bag. . . .

It's Showtime

The new Destin-y Convergence top is almost worn out!  Last week was filled with opportunities to share this latest success with yarny friends.

First, there was the posting on Ravelry followed by the first official wearing to the Wednesday gathering at The Knitting Tree, LA.  Next up was a grand showing at the Riverside Knitting Guild where Master knitters abound.  Those ladies sure do know how to gush over masterful crochet.  Yes, I am flattered when anyone admires my work.  I am humbled when those more skilled than me say a kind word or two.

Then came email photos to certain friends who couldn't believe that this is less than 4 weeks of work. And there is still one more group meeting where I can show off this top and the little necklace that goes with it.

The big excitement is that  in just a few short days, this summer tee will finally get to showtime at the big event - - vacation.

I just love Destin-y and having the time to make it all happen.

A Fine Line

The crochet muse led a group of us on a path of Convergence.  If you are looking for a great experience, give this summer top a try.  Yes, there are miles (or yards?) of double crochet, but the opportunity to practice short rows makes it worth the effort.

There are opposing thoughts on using Noro - this being the Silk Garden Sock.  Some force the color to fall into a preferred sequence.  Some just let it flow and follow a "come what may" attitude.  When it comes to longish color repeats I fall into the middle.  I let the color and the inevitable knots guide almost all of this top.

The only time I forced color was at the top of the shoulders.  The back shoulders are both steel blue to grey, but not matchy matchy.  The fronts are the bright blue to steel blue shades.

When it came to seaming, I remembered that crochet gets seamed from the wrong side.  This pattern of short rows and double crochet makes matching seams so simple.  Even without prior blocking of both pieces, it was easy.

Here is that same seam, all finished and showing its public side.  One part of me still cringes over the non matching shades.  But the other part of me is thrilled that the crochet Goddess of Serendipity somehow guided the plain sections to be so close to blended.

So what's next?  A blocking and drying and then comes the wearing and comparing my final product to that of the rest of the CAL participants.  I know that each will look different.  I am positive that each will be perfect!

Branching Out

Another project is off the hook and in the final moments of drying after a soak and a shaping.  But that is for another day.

Normally, I don't make jewelry.  Oh, there has been dabbling in the past.  And like those efforts, this is probably a one-off thing while I caught up on useless television watching. 

The original plan was to incorporate this mélange of shells and beads into that which is now complete (more to come on that).  After sewing and trying on the new CAL top, it became obvious that it did not need a fringe of dangling bits about the neckline.  So, I strung up a bunch of things and chained up a necklace.

I love it!   Instructions:

String a whole heap of beads, bits and spare parts onto fingering weight yarn.  Put on way more than you think is needed.

Chain a few stitches, pull up object, chain it into place tightly, repeat the chain/object sequence until the length makes you happy.

That's it folks.  Fancy people and those who know how to do such things will smartly add some type of crimp bead and closure and be really uptown with the finished necklace.  I'm in a very mellow mood and chose to tie a knot.  That's right.  I put a good old fashioned K  N  O  T  in the yarn and declared it done.

"Don't sweat the small stuff. . . . "

Walking Pretty

Summer is not far away.  Plans are being made for vacation and cotton linen blends are quickly replacing alpaca or wool.  Time to yarn bomb the feet.

Understand that I do not advocating sneaking up on unsuspecting family members whilst they slumber and wrapping their tootsies with fiber.  That would not be cool.  Fun.  But not cool.

Rather, I suggest that you jazz up the summer flip flops with yarn covered straps and then add embellishments as you desire.

I found a deal ($2.99) on these spongy basic flips and used leftover acrylic to cover the straps.  The process is simple enough for any beginner.  Frankly, except for the hook and string thing, potential makers might think that this is just crafting and not realize that they have learned to crochet.

Perhaps you want a pair for yourself or maybe you have a sudden desire teach a group how to make these fun and fast to complete summer sandals.

There is a great video over here.  This one is clear and detailed enough for everyone.  Get out there and yarn bomb your feet - - with style.

So Happy Together

When the Spring issue of Interweave Crochet hit the store shelves, several of us drooled.  Don't worry.  We did not drool on the yarn in the store.  We drooled over the cover and the Convergence top.

Short rows mean that the Noro stripes are not quite horizontal which is a very good thing for those of us who provide our own horizontal-ness around the mid section.

We bought, we planned, we made a pact to all make this cotton summer top.   We even share our progress through the Facebook group for customers of The Knitting Tree, LA.

It is apparent that even though we are all doing the same pattern, the final result of each project will reflect the personal hand of the maker.  Switching yarn, moving to worsted weight, not getting gauge (and fudging just a little) and interpreting the look are providing great interest as our own little CAL moves along.

Here is my beginning.  This is the back.  Because I am between sizes (per the pattern, but my gauge is off*), I am making the back a smaller size - stitch count - than the front.  The front will be larger and that should make it converge on my body just fine. 

We are all learning & strengthening skills. 

• Foundation double crochet
• Linked double crochet at the beginning of a row
• Short Rows
• Counting

Yes, counting.  It turns out that working short rows that contain holes requires one to pay attention and to count accurately.  Notice that the word "accurately" is emphasized.  I can count.  I can count higher than the average person.  But counting stitches accurately is a skill that is several steps above counting to ten before yelling, "ready or not, here I come."  

Hey, Summer.  Ready or not, here come a whole bunch of women who Converge to crochet!

* My friends are not allowed to laugh hysterically about the public confession that "my gauge is off". 

Two Day Hat

If you happen to be anywhere near
this blog or Los Angeles you know that the great Yarn Crawl LA was last week.  One of the thrills is that the shop owners are all so generous.  Great samples - either worked in house or from a designer trunk show - are there for the viewing.  Absolutely free entertainment even if the budget is blown and you can't buy two skeins of cashmere.

Most of the shops that I visited had free patterns for the "crawlers."  Well, look here at the free hat pattern that Annette of The Knitting Tree, LA designed and made available. 

It is a jaunty crochet hat.  I chose to make it in Madelinetosh Vintage because I bought that from the Tree as well.   But really, folks.  Two days is all it took to make this hat.  It is part of my determination to branch out and explore new colorways.  You know what?  I could get used to "not teal or jade or merlot." 

I'm so happy with this one that I actually changed my Facebook profile pix to be this hat.  That's a whole lot of happy.  Thank You, Annette!

Crawling!

Don't bother me, I'm crawling.  As in driving at a crawl whilst getting from store to store during the Yarn Crawl.  My plan is to hit my local area on the first day, then branch out on the next three days.  Sunday will find me checking out a few stores that I've never visited.

 

The list is made and daughter - she who crochets - has added a few items of her own.  That pesky job has her unable to crawl on the first two days and I'll be at stores that might have just what she needs.

The list is not all yarn.  It includes such wonders as buttons, needles and beads.  I will pick up my tote bag and get my first stamp at The Knitting Tree, LA where friends await.  Then it is off to the south bay shops and a hop over to the Long Beach area to round out Thursday.

That's about as much info as I can divulge.  Somewhere out there in Los Angeles county is a yarn shop with 1200 yards of teal/grey sock weight all in the same dye lot, and I'm going to find it!

Tangled Mess

If you read the post from last week, you know I was stash diving for purple.  That search was fruitless.

Look what I did find! A wad of cotton and a ball of black.  Yippie for me.  

As it turns out, I need to knit up a sample for a Knit-A-Long.  Cotton will work great.  And since the cotton has a twist of orange & black, the solid will ground the whole thing.

Don't go asking what the KAL is.  I can't divulge that just yet.  Samples must be finished.  Words must be written.  Options and suggestions need documentation.  And then, in a few months all will be revealed to those who need to know.

PS - and it only took 15 minutes to untangle what turned out to be three balls of the twisty cotton.

iBag

Pure practicality - that's my new iBag.  There are times when all I need is my phone, a key and a card.  Carrying a lady purse seems like too much for just a few minutes.  Toss in the travel schedule and I find that often all I need is a little bag that crosses over the body much like a large messenger bag.

Enter a rectangle, a few side stitches and a long cord.

 Voila! 

The specifics:
ShiBui Heichi in the Canal color. 
One skein left over from a long vest that was knit about four years ago. 
Crochet Hook size G

There is no pattern.  With this yarn/hook combination all I needed was fifteen stitches to make the width that fit my phone.  Work a rectangle in esc - extended single crochet.  When the rectangle was long enough, I just folded it into shape.  The first side was closed up with slip stitches which extended via a chain to make the long strap and then the other side was slip stitched.  A simple turn and slip stitch in every ss & chain makes the sides quite sturdy and strengthens the strap.

That's it.  A patternless bag of practicality that works up before the movie ends.

Already?

It can not be March.  Not already.  What happened to February?  Oh, well.  I shall just look at the daily calendar and pretend that I am up-to-date and on task.

Speaking of tasks, last week offered a block of time to work on the second blanket of 2014.  I doubt that March will provide such luxury, so part deux might not see much hook time for a while.

The FPDC stitches really stand out against the plain single crochet background.  And I love that the raised stripes run at 90 degrees to the bands of color. 

A rather thorough stash dive (and a bit of organizing - it is Spring, don't ya know) proved that my supply of purple is greatly diminished.  I did find one bag filled with about 1100 yards of light lilac cotton.  That's enough for a nice tank, tee or even skirt so it will remain "off limits" for the acrylic blanket.  Other than that one find, there was nothing. 

The upcoming LA Yarn Crawl has me excited about hunting for just the right purple to use and the final edging of this afghan.  It is all about the hunt! So watch out Los Angeles yarn stores.  Miss Lenora is on a mission!

But It Was On SALE

A fabulous sale and my resolve to produce one blanket/afghan per year withered and melted away.  Yes, Ida was finished quite early in the year because I cheated and started it in late 2013 and I loved how it was evolving and I wanted to take it to its new home. 

So really, I should have been thrilled  patted my self on the back for months while planning for next year.

But then these very nice folks had a sale.  Not just a sale, but certain yarns that were taking up shelf space were put in the back corner for $3.00 per ball.

Three dollars!   How could I leave the stuff there.   I bought eleven balls of a DK acrylic and figured that I could use it for charity work when machine washable/dryable fiber is required.

This is very easy single crochet with FPDC spaced evenly across the width.  It is working up very fast and requires no pattern reading. 

There is enough yarn to make at least two baby blankets.  Or maybe a twin size. 

I can't believe that I'll make more than one blanket this year.  A sale combined with a need presented a temptation too great to resist.