Wednesday, July 6, 2016

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

13 comments:

  1. Your blanket is beautiful. I've read all of Jane Austen's books but have never made anything related to them. That would be fun.

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  2. What kind of yarn are you using for The Spice of Life blanket? I have a lot of acrylic (Red Heart and Impeccable) I'd like to use. i wonder how they would work on this blanket? Two blankets at once! You are off to a big start for your YOP. What a great beginning.

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    1. It's actually a combination of affordable acrylics - from Vanna's Choice, to Red Heart (Super Saver and Love), and Hobby Lobby's ILTY, Deborah Norville's Everyday, and Sincerely. I think that about covers it. When I post on Sunday with further progress pictures), I'll provide a link to my Ravelry project page (for both Spice blankets). All the colors and yarns will be listed there.

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    2. FWIW, if you can access my Ravelry page, the information is there already. I am yarnma on Ravelry.

      Let me clarify, too, by saying that I'm trying to use stash yarn. If I were building a blanket from scratch, I'd probably choose from Vanna's Choice and Deborah Norville's Everyday (and/or Willow Wash - I consider this identical yarn to the Everyday yarn). These are my favorites for crocheting an acrylic blanket. Easy care, washable, and long lasting. Close behind those is Hobby Lobby's ILTY.

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    3. I want to use stash yarn as well. I'm so close to finishing my granny square blanket. I won't start The Spice of Life till that one is complete. I will look at your ravelry page.

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  3. Two blankets is awesome!!! Starting your year off on the right foot for sure :)

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  4. Two blankets, I'm very impressed!

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    1. They actually crochet up very quickly. I'm amazed. And all the color and stitch changes makes it exciting to keep moving on it. I think they'll both be finished quicker than I dreamed they would be.

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  5. Love the colors in your blanket, it's not easy to mix so many colors and make them look harmonious, you definitely succeeded! I love having craft books, I don't many things from them, they are more like inspirational coffee table books for me...

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    1. Thanks, Alina. That's exactly how I see these books!

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  6. I love the looks of that blanket! Which one is that? The original or the Tuscan? You're off to a great start! Our library doesn't have many craft books and the ones they have are way out of date. Isn't that extremely odd that the cover photo is not included in the book? That's just wrong.

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    1. The one pictured above is supposed to be the Tuscan-influenced one. We'll see how it really turns out. I know - about the cover. It was what drew me to the book. I couldn't believe the pillows weren't included.

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