Life's a Stitch

And more recently life’s a creative adventure with some travel thrown in.

Extra, Extra – Did you see that the current Vogue has an Alice Starmore pattern? What a treat. An A-S pattern without the hundreds of dollar expense of a kit!

Img_1659Now for the C word.Yes, I’ve crossed the line into the world of crochet. In my college years someone taught me to repeat one stitch, thousands of times, until it became an afghan. Many years later, not having touched a hook, I saw this pattern and vowed to learn how to crochet properly. It’s from a Leisure Arts booklet called Color Bright Creatures. It also has patterns for afghans made up of lions, puppies, frogs, birds, turtles and adorable pink piggies.

So I found myself in a three session class at my LYS, where hopefully, I’ve learned everything I need to know to make that afghan. In the meantime, I finished this scarf, quick and easy pattern with icky chenille (no wonder it’s been discontinued) Fiesta Chinchilla silk yarn. Pretty colours but rough wormy chenille. The pattern is Float Away from the Interweave website. I added picots to the wavy points and omitted the fruit loops-esque fringe. It photographs better than it feels.

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Finally, I was tagged by Nina, of Two Sicilian Chicks, with a meme. I like this one as it is short, sweet and interesting. You go to page 161 of the book you are currently reading and share sentence #5. My sentence is "I worked next to my mother-in-law, squeezing together the balls," (are you getting nervous?) "using this rice to protect more rice, that most precious of daily foods." Sentences can be funny our of context. It’s from Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. I had no idea that one in ten girls died from having their feet bound. I’m going to cop out on tagging anyone, but so many of you are readers and talk about books on your blogs, so if you’re interested, I invite you to take part in this itty-bitty meme.

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16 responses to “The C word”

  1. babette nardiello Avatar

    I’ve recently learned that The C word is not a dirty word anymore. I have even found some C sweaters that really are quite nice.
    That teddy bear blanket is beautiful! As is the FLoat Away scarf!
    Snow Flower and The Secret Fan is one of my favorite books ( I read it last year ).

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  2. Monika Avatar

    This blanket IS adorable! Good luck with it!

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  3. Beth Avatar

    The teddy bear blanket is definitely worth the classes. Beary cute! 🙂

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  4. Mary Avatar

    %@%&* Just clicked on your “worm” link…..I JUST received SEVERAL skeins of this yarn to make a scarf…..UGH….wish I had seen your post first!!!
    I have saved your tutorial and will most definitely take your advice!!!
    LOVE the blanket!!!!

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  5. Dorothy Avatar

    I learned to crochet before I learned to knit, but haven’t done it seriously for a very long time. That afghan, though, is enough to make me change my mind. It is beyond adorable. Are you making it for anyone in particular?

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  6. Kimberly Avatar

    I learned to crochet years ago but “forgot.” I gave myself a refresher course a few years ago but haven’t completed anything more than practice swatches. I promised myself that this year I would crochet something.
    I like the blanket you chose. I think the way the teddy bear faces are raised, rather than smooth, is very appealing.

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  7. Angie Avatar

    I learned to crochet in Grade 6 after I had knit for years. I didn’t’ know we were picking sides. I’m on the side that can create anything wonderful like your teddybear afghan.

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  8. Amanda Avatar

    I love your scarf, thanks for posting the link!
    You have a great blog. I have enjoyed lurking around and checking it out!

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  9. Rosie Avatar
    Rosie

    Snowflower and the Secret Fan is one of my favorite books too. It is so gripping you can’t put it down. The book The Mayflower is awesome too.
    Had a nice family party for Tony’s big 50 today. THe kids came home for a night and have now gone back to school. I miss them already. I told them I am coming up there in two weeks for a visit.
    Love, Rosie

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  10. eyeleen Avatar

    Wow, that’s a great blanket. Wonderful scarf.

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  11. Jane Avatar

    Is there a black dog style of that adorable blanket?

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  12. Peggy Avatar

    I can understand why you’d want to venture into Crochet… the teddybear afghan is cute!!

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  13. Rebekah Avatar

    I didn’t know that! Now I’m going to have to go buy the latest Vogue! Thanks for the tip.
    And I’m just going to pretend you didn’t say that “c” word 🙂

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  14. sherry Avatar

    hey, that is why I bought the new Vogue mag!!! too cool to have that AS pattern.
    Very nice crochet also.

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  15. chloe Avatar
    chloe

    Everything you knit is just great! You inspire me to knit more and more items.
    If it is still available, would you please share with me your pattern for the rib stitch scarf?
    chloe/MMA

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  16. Marianne Avatar

    You don’t offend me with the C word. I like crocheting too, especially if it is something as cute as this bear blanket.

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