Yarn Along...

One of my simple pleasures is browsing crochet books - actually, I enjoy browsing any books that involve creative pursuits, particularly if they involve textiles.  My latest library finds are AUSTENtatious Crochet by Melissa Horozewski and Vintage Crochet by Susan Cropper.   The projects in AUSTENtatious range from items for the home to accessories to actual garments to some small items for a child.  And sprinkled throughout the book are all sorts of tidbits that will, no doubt, interest a Jane Austin fan, or history buff.   Honestly, there aren't many actual projects I'd consider making, but it is an interesting idea for book.  I've browsed the book several times just because there's too much to take in during one browse.  Vintage Crochet is similar in that while there are few objects I'd be interesting in crocheting, it is a nice collection of vintage-y looking crochet projects that I find inspiring - just for the ideas.  Though something worth noting, I think, is that the pillows pictured on the cover are not included in the book.  Odd, but true.  I looked.  Several times.

And this past week I've begun crocheting the Spice of Life Blanket.  Actually, I'm making two - one in as close to the designer's colors as I can manage and the other blanket in more earth tones, sprinkled with bright red, gold and terracotta, along with some peaceful blues.  I'm aiming for something in Tuscan colors.   I can't quite tell yet if I'm going to be successful at the Tuscan color scheme, but I'm finding the color changes and the changes in stitch patterns to be very interesting in this blanket. And besides...  with temps in the 90's this week, combined with stifling-high humidity, two blankets sounded like the perfect things to begin crocheting this week.  

Linking with Ginny Sheller's Yarn Along