I found myself at Lincraft again the other day, 40% off....I had no inspiration for a new project, I have one on the go already, but I caved and brought some of my favourite wool colours - grey and red. I came home and plopped my bag of goodies next to my recliner (did I really just say that out loud) and felt a feeling wash over me. Guilt. Yarn guilt. I had a pile of balls, some new and some left overs gushing out of my basket. After some quick googling, I came up with this delightful pattern for a happy flower blanket. Truth be known, I'm not big on colour, but my crochet balls of yarn where leading me to it. I wasn't sure I'd be braking rules not keeping to all the one type of yarn, but that's the thing I love about crochet, as I do with cooking recipes, I'm finding as my confidence grows - I'm fooling around with the 'recipe' as I keep calling the patterns. Beginners errors :)
I started off using a 4.25mm hook but after some trial and more trial, I pulled it out and used my fav 5mm one. But no, it wasn't right so back to the first. The yarns are a mixture of mostly 8 ply and some acrylic and some pure wool. I do love using the 4 seasons pure wool 8 ply 100% australian wool made for Spotlight, but the colours are limited. I'd be keen to hear of any yarns you love to use as we are limited here where I live with only Spotlight and Lincraft and I'm actually surprised how poor the range and colours are. I've seen some gorgeous yarns on Attic 24's yarn shop in the UK, but I'm holding off a purchase until she releases her next CAL (crochet a-long for the uninitiated, up until recently I thought it was short for calorie ;))
I've been at these for nearly a week now and I'm getting more confident with the blending and picking of colours. I'm actually really loving the bright colours. I did change a couple of parts of the recipe though. As I didn't want huge squares, I omitted a round - round 4, as the pattern is using 3.5mm hook and cotton. I also did just straight double crochet (dc in US terms or tr in UK terms) for rounds 3, 4 and 5 of my crochet.
I'm looking to start joining it soon, but about another few dozen to do before then, there is no rush, this baby is for moi.
I wish you could all see me hooking and watching cooking shows in my recliner. This equals one happy Jan :D
I've recently learnt to crochet too. Like you I'm finding my way - I'm lucky that I can go to the cashmere market here and pick up wool for 60c a ball - I think it's bamboo & silk but really I have no idea as I can't read the label. So again, like you I try different hooks until it works. I'm using a 3mm at the moment and have just finished my first proper blanket.
ReplyDeleteI love the colours - I try to go muted but I just can't.
The other night my Hubbie asked if I wanted to go to the pub to watch the football with him and I said no thank you I'd rather stay home and crochet!! haha - you've inspired me to maybe share my crochet fetish too.
Wow Nancy 60c a ball!!! I'd be divorced :D Glad I could help inspire you, it's so addictive isn't it! Jan x
DeleteWith a title like that good old google search might be a little disappointed to see crochet and wool verses some ladies of the night but I nonetheless was thrilled with the post and seeing your new project. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane
ReplyDeleteYes, I confess I was being cheeky with the title Kathy, but I actually didn't think about google searches!!! There will be some thrill seekers extremely disappointed hahaha xxx
DeleteHehe I had to laugh at your title Jan! :P The flower blanket will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteGlad I could give you a laugh :D
DeleteI know just how you feel. I love to park myself on the couch with my bag of wool and crochet away.
ReplyDeleteI love your choice of colors for your squares - your blanket is going to be beautiful!
Thanks Susan :)
DeleteI love these squares Jan - do you have an etsy shop? You should! Just lovely xx
ReplyDeleteNo I don't have one, it's purely for pleasure :D
Deleteg'day
ReplyDeletejust found your blog through rhonda at DTE, love your crochet so colourful! i buy from wool from Bendigo Woollen Mills, they have lots of colours & are reasonably priced, they also have specials on their more 'exotic' wool from time to time too
have a great day
Thanks for the tip Selina and thank you for stopping by to comment :D Jan x
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