Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Never too early




Yes, it is only July.  But it is the end of July near August, and that means it's time to start getting into Christmas.  Of course, I make no excuse for absolutely loving these little stockings (apart from the time I made around 30 in three days, which was ridiculous and should not be mentioned in polite company), whether they emerge from the 4 mm hook in rainbow colours, solid blocks, or simple stripes.

Why do I love them so much?  Well, they're cute.  And they're a 'wearable', with personality and shape, rather than being flat.

I've made them according to colour preferences, used up scraps of yarn (and have even developed a 'range' in kitchen cotton that is surprisingly quick to make), and employed my mother on trimming ends.  My sister has had me (and it looks like it will happen again this year) making them as part of a gift for her workplace, and I've used them myself as mini presents with a candy cane or lollies inside, as well as hanging them on a cord as bunting decoration.  In effect, they've become part of my annual Christmas story.

It's no secret among those who know me that - no matter what - I love Christmas.  So, these little stockings represent a sense of occasion, and hanging as they do in various spots throughout the year, help to extend an enjoyable shared time and create their own stories.

The original 'recipe', created by Le monde de Sucrette (and which can be found on her website) provided a great starting point, which I have adapted slightly since.  I can close the toe by weaving the starting yarn in and out.  I slip stitch the heel closed, rather than sewing it, in a definite time saver.  And, by typically doing single stripes, I don't need a stitch marker.  (I do, on that front, ensure that I start in a different place each round, so as to avoid a diagonal 'step' stripe from the stitch texture).

Some time ago, I also tried making a bigger version of this stocking, employing my dubious maths skills to perfection.  It worked well, but it wasn't quite the same.  No - these stockings are meant to be little gestures and symbols of a special time, and in that way, they work perfectly.  And, in recognition of that, I've already made two from scrap yarn this year, destined for Christmas 2014!

Monday, July 28, 2014

Material world


It's been a world of busy-ness, wool and cotton swirling, essays being (kind of) ignored, cold weather infiltrating, and the days just marching on relentlessly.

It's been a world of perching beside the heater, admiring other worlds of summer, and checking that the cherry tree has small leaf bumps on it.  Spring seems a world away.

My cut back, chopped away, depleted wardrobe is not made for winter.  I have scarves aplenty, but the jumper/coat side of the bargain is largely unfulfilled.  Somehow, I seem to have adopted a number of coats that chop me in half, are stiff and not cosy, and - I shouldn't complain, I know! - I seek the elusive light, knee length, draped number that will provide a bit of winter magic.  It's out there, I'm sure it is.  Otherwise, I'd be quite happy with a long duffle coat.  The problem is that by now - and with complete lack of logic - retailers have started stocking warmer weather gear.  There's nothing like stepping into a shop from hail and icy winds to see short sleeved blouses everywhere.  Give us just a few more weeks.  Wait until the cherry tree's leaves have actually started to emerge.  It will happen.

In the middle of all this tangled angst and myriad cups of tea, there emerges serenity. It is unexpected, and a pleasant surprise.  Being interested in just what can be done with combinations of crafts, I placed some of my favourite photos in mirror image arrangements with Spoonflower.  I had tried out one other photo with them before, and thought it was worth another attempt.  And....I'm delighted.  I'm still deciding what to do with the results - a silky swathe of orchids, light voile maple leaves, and a poplin square of roses - but there will be more.  This is a bright triumph in wintry days.

Unfortunately - or perhaps luckily! - I don't quite have enough of any of them to make myself a coat....

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Round and round

There is nothing like memorising a crochet pattern when you've embarked on a huge project, you're hitting the deadline limit and you're thinking - why didn't I just do granny squares?!  (naturally, everyone knows how to do granny squares as a matter of course....)

There is also nothing - a late breaking discovery, this - like working with variegated yarn, and just sailing along, watching the colour changes, rejoicing at the lack of ends.

That's how it is for me right now.  While I also have a much deserted granny square project 'on the go', while I love - truly rejoice in - picking my own colours, and while I even enjoy the process of trimming ends to signal the completion of a project, this 'Sunny Spread' variation of mine needs to be done NOW.

It is for a huge competition - possibly the biggest I've ever entered - and I've gone for the combination of colour, intricacy and availability.  As anyone who pops into Ravelry will know, the Sunny Spread in all its variations is a spectacular item, but a steady challenge rather than overwhelming for anyone with a bit of crochet experience.  I have a substantial stash of Sirdar Crofter DK ready and waiting, coupled with some lovely Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 8 ply (when my budget allows, I'm restocking on this one) to frame each circle.

Am I nervous about getting it done in time and looking good?  Of course.  Such is the nature of these competitions that everyone's work will definitely look better than mine, and I'll have mini nightmares about a huge hole developing in a central seam.  But such are the risks we take in the cause of getting our work out there.  So, I'll keep going round and round and round...and....next year I think I'll do a granny square blanket!