Saturday, June 25, 2011

Spider scarf 2 / so scarf 7

Another spider scarf done.

I adapted my adaptation for this one and I'm quite pleased with the outcome.

I used a chain of 21 and worked 5 dc on either side of the spider. Two rows of dc between each spider. The edging is one round of sc, then one round of (sc, ch 2, sc, sk 1) in each stitch around.

Finished size is 6" x 58 1/2". The first spider scarf was longer because of the additional edging rounds.

If you have the book Quick and Cozy Afghans (or can get it from library) and are trying to adapt the pattern and have trouble, holler out. I'll help if I can.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

Friday, June 24, 2011

spider scarf

I'm calling this scarf my spider scarf because that is what it reminds me of.

I remembered seeing the spider stitch used in an afghan pattern in Quick and Cozy Afghans (Leisure Arts #102626). That pattern is for an afghan called Lacy Blocks and is worked in one piece.  So if you like this stitch, you can use it to make this afghan.

The pattern uses chains, single crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet.

Finished size was 6" x 60 1/2".  I used an I hook and chained 17. The edging is 1) red- sc, 2) blue- dc, 3) blue- sc.

I plan to do another one with some changes to get it closer to the correct size without the two round edging.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Pergola complete

The Pergola is done. I decided not to put an edging on it as it came out 6" x 56" which is right there within the requirements. 

Most importantly, I don't remember if I gave the link to the pattern. You can purchase this pattern at Knit Picks for $1.99. It is a pdf file. That's a very good price for such a complicated pattern and really it is two patterns as you make a solid back piece then crochet the two together. I've not done the back piece though.

As I said in my first post, I found the abbreviations confusing so I made my own little cheat sheet and after working my first scarf following those instructions, I decided to change a few things. When do I not? LOL It's the same concept of ripples separated by other stuff.

I used triple instead of the double triple (abbreviated as Dtc in the pattern). To that end, I used a ch 4 turning chain rather than ch 5.

There is a symbol chart so if you like to use a chart you will feel right at home and have no troubles. 

My color scheme is Red - rows 1-9, 2-5; Blue - rows 5-9. Then repeat, ending with a Red section.

I used a chain of 25 to begin.

I think that's it. This my fourth scarf. Now I'm thinking of what I want for #5. :-)

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

Monday, June 20, 2011

Pergola

I thought I'd pop back and give a quick update on the Pergola. I think I will be able to finish it today as I'm on the last section. It is taking me a while because firstly the pattern is complicated, and secondly I've been under the weather and have had no energy to think about complicated patterns. heh

When I'm finished this last section, there will be the sewing in of tails and the edging if I decide to put one. I generally do, but the size requirement is 6" wide and I believe it already is that.

I really think this is a beautiful pattern and if you work the back piece it would also be very warm. For $2 you really can't go wrong. If you buy it and have trouble, holler out to me. Even though this is not my pattern, I've made two and I think I'm getting the hang of it. :-)

My best suggestion is to write your own cheat sheet as I suggested in the post on my first Pergola scarf pictured here.

For these I've had to use the specific yarns and colors for the project, but if I were making it for a different project, I might like to use the colors specified in the pattern as I think it is a really beautiful effect.

Speaking of beautiful effects, I just love going to the SIBOL web site and seeing all the beautiful pictures of the squares and ghans Sue has received. They are donated to her local nursing homes. Sue has such a talent for photography. The pictures always highlight the items in gorgeous surroundings. Sue is in the UK, but I've donated to her cause a couple times because I get so much pleasure from her work and I know that the elderly need the extra warmth and comfort.

When I take photographs of my items, I don't pay near the attention to details that Sue does. My purpose is just to have a picture of the item for my record keeping and I am just not that creative. 

Happy crocheting!
Sandie