Pax---Tears of a Clown

I started this pattern by Aoibhe Ni (free pattern) to learn the tunisian lace crochet techniques I would need for her other patterns that are beautiful and delicate.  The charm of this pattern and her technique is that you can use a regular sized hook without a thumbrest (straight shaft) and avoid the long afghan tunisian hook.  Although, you could use this hook if it is the only one you have. 

I had a little trouble starting this pattern and found it to be intimidating.  The designer has posted videos on youtube which are linked in the pattern to help.  I found them to be helpful.  There are also several discussions on Ravelry to help the confused and intimidated....me.

Here it is the finished project.

My project page on Ravelry

Sari Scarf finished!

It is blocking!  I am so excited.  It turned out a lot better than I hoped it would.  Here it is blocking.  If you are not sure what blocking is.....it is magic..not really, but close to it.  It is the finishing process to a garment/project that opens up the stitches and sets them.  Different fibers block differently.  This fiber is wool and silk so I am wet-blocking this project.  I submerged it in water squished it underwater a few times to make sure it absorbed water evenly.  I then carefully wrung it out a few times and balled it up and put it in a towel and stepped all over it... liking mashing grapes with ballerina shoes.  Then, I stretched it out and pinned it into the shape I wanted (on an absorbent cloth/towel) and left it to dry.  I am so excited to give this to my friend tomorrow for her bday.  I just hope she loves it.

Fsc Tutorial

Here is a tutorial on how to make a Fsc (foundation single crochet) chain.  This is such a wonderful stitch to know as it helps you avoid long starting chains in your crochet work. 

In this tutorial I incorporate a pattern to make a potholder that builds upon the Fsc in the beginning.  It also introduces and shows a Fpdc (front post double crochet) stitch which adds texture to your projects.  For potholders, washcloths, scrubbies, post stitches add ridges that give additional functionality--scrubbing power!

Download Pdf for this tutorial.

The Sari Shawl modified into a scarf

I am in love with the Sari Shawl in the July edition of Crochet Today!  It is beautiful.  As soon as I saw it I new I had to make this and added it to my never-ending list of projects and ideas.  Which brings me to.... I need to whip up something for a special friend’s birthday in two days…TWO DAYS….(gasp, panic).  The original gift I was working on for this friend lost its luster and appeal and I put it in THAT totebag....you know the one...."Graveyard".  So, looking at the pattern for the tenth or twentieth time and wiping the drool from my chin, I thought that incorporating the leaf motif down the middle of a scarf might be pretty…so I modified the pattern.

Here is my progress so far.

 

My Ravelry project page.

Tutorial: Foundation Half double crochet

Starting a new crochet project can be very exciting.  If you are like me you delve into the project and have a sinking feeling when you see long starting chains.  Working into a long chain has always been awkward for me...the tension moves, the chain twists, all the chains start to lose definition and the result is starting over....and over.  I have even put aside the most enthusiastic dreams of long stoles or shawls because of the starting chain...these projects remain in a totebag dedicated to projects "I'll get to later" only they never resurface to see the glint of light from my hook.  I should rename the totebag to Graveyard.

Through countless hours of online crochet research (stalking) I discovered foundation stitches.  They are amazing.  There are several types but for this post I am going to show you a picture of a Fhdc (Foundation half double crochet)  starting chain and provide you a link to download my free Fhdc tutorial.  I used HDC for a lot of my creations like hats, potholders, shawls and felting (fulling) projects.  I find that the stitch gives a very sturdy beginning and yields a more polished look along the starting edge.  I also don't find myself cursing and stabbing at the beginning of a project as I am infamous for when working with starting chains.  

Here is what a Fhdc will look like... this is a picture of only 5 beginning stitches worked but you can make your foundation chain as long as you need it to be.

See how nicely that works up!?  Click here for the tutorial, it is free and hopefully helpful.

I made a little bracelet out of mine.  (pattern for bracelet included in PDF)

 

Crown pattern in the works!!

Good morning, afternoon or evening to you!  I am currently working on a new pattern and it is in the testing phase.  

Here is a sneak peek at part of the pattern....

I am hoping that this pattern will be available towards the end of July!

Harmony Shawl

Here are a few shawls I have created from the Harmony Shawl pattern. I love making this shawl...it is a quick make and makes a perfect gifting shawl...that is if you can part with it.

Click here for pattern link on my Ravelry page or Download PDF