Noticing that my crocheting with thread has become very tight lately, I decided to give a larger hook a try. Normally, when I crochet size 10 thread, I use a 1.5 mm hook. It's just what I've had available to me. This time, I used a 2.5 mm hook (because I had it in my arsenal).
Surprisingly, Doily #57 (from the book, 99 Little Doilies) was still three quarters of an inch smaller than the pattern indicated it should turn out. For what it's worth, the pattern called for a size 1.65 mm hook, and the pattern indicated the finished doily should be 7". Mine measures at 6 1/8". If I had crocheted this with my normal 1.5 mm hook, I have no idea how much smaller it would be.
As I was making the above doily, I wasn't liking how limp and "holey" the whole thing was feeling as I crocheted with a bit larger hook. But once again, blocking with starch makes everything better. The doily isn't stiff, but it has a bit more body than before blocking.
As pretty as the color in the photo is, it isn't true. The thread used was Curio, size 10, in the color Sagebrush. The real color is a pretty sage green.
And that's it on the crafty front.
One more 90+ degree day this upcoming week, and then I'm counting on a cool down. This time of year is so odd - I feel dreary of summer, but, at the same time I can't believe it's nearly over. Since most of my readers appear to be in the northern hemisphere, I hope you're enjoying these last days of summer!
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Such a pretty doily. Funny how colors do not always photograph correctly. We actually have a forecast of below 100° temps a few days this week. I am super stoked about that!
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine regularly experiencing the summer temperatures you have, Marsha. We're back into the 90's this week with "feels like" temps above 100. I'm keeping my eye on next Tuesday when temps get down into the 70's. The first official day of autumn!
DeleteI find my hands don't want me to crochet that fine anymore so alas no pretty doilies are being added here. Luckily I have a couple tatted ones my mother made and a few crocheted ones from my maternal grandma. I think there might be a knitted one she made around somewhere too.
ReplyDeleteMary Anne, I imagine the tatted doilies are extra special. I've watched a video or two of tatting being done, and it is incomprehensible to me.
DeleteMy crocheting completely changed when I moved to a bigger hook. It became softer and more pleasing, now I always use when a size larger hook than the one recommended.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Personal preferences are interesting, Amalia. I think I tend to size down in my hooks. But I can see how sizing up could make for a more pleasant experience. For some reason, using a size 2.5mm hook with size 10 thread, I felt like I was compensating somehow the whole time. The thread seems to get away from me.
DeleteI'm on the lookout for a size 1.75 or 1.8 mm hook to make doilies with. I think that might be a good fit.
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The doily that photographed as blue but is really a sage green -- either way, the design is absolutely beautiful. You do such wonderful work with your crochet hooks, no matter the size!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. I'm about ready to move onto thicker yarn and bigger hooks, but I have a few more doilies to make before I'm finished. :)
DeleteHello! I am sorry it has been so long since I popped in! Happy fall, my friend!
ReplyDeleteNo apologies needed, friend. Happy Fall! 😊
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