There are several videos available for learning this stitch, but I wanted to have my version accessible for my students. I demonstrate it first with extra large yarn/hook so that you can see the stitch anatomy easily. Then I switch to a worsted weight yarn for a more conventional view. I also include a tip on how to keep your work from curving.
It’s that time of year. Gifts are being knit, crocheted or woven – often at breakneck speed to meet self-imposed deadlines. (Unless you are one of those who plan their gifts throughout the year …)
Regardless of your process, most of you are making gifts from wool which has special handling requirements. Everyone has their favorite horror story of the gifts they have bestowed, lovingly and painstakingly crafted, only to have the item tossed in the washer and accidentally felted. Can’t you just imagine the grief of seeing your cabled scarf ending up in the dog kennel because of improper care!
Wool garments have been in decline in the past century, so it is no wonder that modern families don’t know how to care for them. A recent video trip down Saville Row in London showed men who were proud recipients of their grandfather’s well-cared-for wool suits, something you don’t often see with polyester. Hence, a little education is in order when we give our gifts.
When giving your gifts, it is nice to include care instructions. Your ball band will often have these printed on them. A glance at the symbols can be confusing if you don’t understand them. Here is a little cheat sheet.
While there are more components than these, the most basic are the Washer and Dryer.
The next step helps you determine if and how to use them. Look for a series of dots for temperature, though an X indicates these shouldn’t be used.
For example, these show to machine wash in cold water, but do not tumble dry
The Cleaning Institute and the Textile Affairs websites have more information on cleaning than you thought possible. I learned a lot about general cleaning too.
For a complete listing of care symbols, download this PDF.
For wool specific care, you can’t beat American Wool. This Australian site, Woolmark, is so well done and full of care tips.
Whether it’s your favorite suit, upholstered chair, or performance wear, the American Wool Council has care tips for your wool,
Check the care label for stain and spot removal instructions and try to treat as soon as possible. First, dampen the area with cold water or seltzer, then blot dry with an absorbent clean cloth. If that doesn’t do the trick, here are some more specific tips on how to properly treat a variety of stains.
COCKTAILS
RED WINE OR FRUIT JUICE
BLACK COFFEE
CHOCOLATE, WHITE COFFEE OR TEA
BUTTER, GREASE OR SAUCES
BLOOD
INK OR BALLPOINT PEN
LIPSTICK OR MAKEUP
In part 2 we will look at why we like wool and some its characteristics and uses; part 3 will cover some questions we have about superwash wool.
All you have to do is ask! So begins Edie Eckman’s best-selling book, The Crochet Answer Book. Subtitled, Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face, Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask, this little book is one that every crocheter should have in their toolbox.
Every question, I ponder? Nobody says “every” and “all”. That’s hard to live up to. But Edie does a comprehensive and concise job of covering topics from choosing your yarn and hook to finishing. Her catchy chapter titles reel you in: Tense About Gauge; Going in Circles? . . . and Squares and Triangles; A Good Yarn. The Appendix is worth as much as the body of the book. One of my favorite pages there covers common crochet phrases, those sayings that people toss off and you’re left wondering, “What language are they speaking?” Finally, I found it interesting that in her section on reference books, she included this: “Any Japanese stitch dictionary or pattern book you can get your hands on.” My first foray into the world of charted patterns was from a Japanese pattern, so I can relate to her enthusiasm for them.
With cleanly drawn images of both right- and left-handed stitches and techniques, the book is easy to read. The use of wide margins makes it convenient for you to write in your own notes. And its small size – fits right in your hand – means you can keep it in your project bag without difficulty. Then, it is right there when you need it, when you have that question and need an answer. So grab your copy of The Crochet Answer Book today, and you’ll soon be winning the “Crochet Jeopardy” game. I’ll take “Why isn’t my circle round?” for $500, Edie.
*UFO = unfinished objects in your stash
Do you cringe when someone asks you about your unfinished projects? It seems the world is divided into two classes of crocheters: those who work on one project at a time, and finish it before starting another, and those who have multiple projects going at once. The folks in the latter category sometimes are looked at as impetuous and unfocused. “Do you ever finish anything you start?” they are asked. It is even considered a defect of character, like the inability to stick with a project is some sign of discontent or lack of discipline.
A process can be defined as a continuous action, operation, or series of changes taking place in a definite manner.
On the contrary, I have observed that people who are engaged in a variety of projects tend to be more relaxed than their counterparts. To them, their craft is all about the process, not the finished item. Whether it is the feel and color of a new yarn or the excitement of learning a new stitch, each project is an adventure. To these crocheters, it is the action of crocheting that is satisfying. Interestingly, these same people may have three or four books they are reading or multiples of other interests.
The next time someone inquires about your UFOs and WIPs, how will you respond?
Wednesday WIPs is taking a backseat today for two reasons: I’ve way too many WIPs, but I have a lot of finished projects I want to show off. It doesn’t help much that I’ve been gone for so long. What with two trips in two months under my belt, who has time to write. Additionally, I’m still publishing two newsletters a month for The Yarn Store at Nob Hill, teaching classes, and now getting ready for craft fair season.
One project that took quite a bit of time and effort was getting a teaching plan and patterns ready for a project for The Yarn Store (TYS). The store wanted to reach out to the university crowd by offering kits at a reasonable price. The kits are for either crochet or knit and include how-to instructions for beginners, five patterns, yarn and tools in a pouch plus lessons with an instructor. Another woman did the knit portion, and I did the crochet portion. I wrote three original patterns, a photo-tutorial on a granny square scarf in chart form, and an adaptation of the Amazing Grace headband. Since starting this blog, I’ve been updating my color scheme in my patterns, so you’ll notice that they coordinate well with the blog. I also like the bi-fold style layout which looks like this:
I had to put the watermark on them because they are for sale on Ravelry and in TYS kits. Here is what the others look like.
Continue reading “Here Is What’s Been Keeping Me Busy”
