"Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing,
The days pass quickly when I am sewing"
~Author Unknown

Friday, June 24, 2011

Happiness with a crochet hook!

How can one be so happy with just a crochet hook to hand? I had promised myself when I finished my Japanese flower scarf I was allowed to start a couple of new quick projects before pouring myself back into my flower blanket. These were two projects that I had bought yarn for, looked up online tutorials and were waiting in the wings.

I made this up so quickly and I am so pleased with how it turned out that I wish it was October and full of autumn chill outside. Last autumn, on one of our grocery runs we make to Germany once in a while, I found a fabulous chunky purple yarn with a tweed look. As soon as I saw it I knew it would make a great cowl. It was the only skein left in a drug store but thankfully a large skein of 200g so just enough for this project. There is literally about 12 inches of yarn left.

If you are interested in trying a cowl, this is the tutorial I used. Just adjust the chain size to fit you. I used only 60 chains to start and ended up with rows of 59 double crochets.

*sigh* I do have to wait for the autumn chill so for now this is draped over my 'Lord Byron's lady' statue in my living room. You can not hide away such yummy yarn now can you???

My second project was to create a stool cover in a large granny square. Now I must admit this is one of two. The second is a little more complicated with it elongated shape and I had to put it aside for now as I needed to search for another skein of the same yarn. That project is still in the works but this one came up in no time.

Maggie had asked if I would share some of the videos I have used to learn to crochet. This is the one I used to learn to make granny squares. It is a really good clear tutorial and this one is for using one color with a link to her video for changing colors on the blog page. This is the YouTube link for easy scalloped crochet edge I used.

I am still working away on some secret projects but there is great news. I sandwiched my pink and brown Farmer's Wife quilt to start the hand quilting. I will show you my progress over the weekend next week. I am excited to get started on the quilting now!

Have a creative and color-filled weekend!

17 comments:

Jenny said...

Dear Heidi,
Isn't it amazing what you can do with a skein of yarn and a crochet hook? You have made such lovely items....my Grandmother would absolutely love your blog and all your crochet ideas. I really love the purple yarn color and texture, now you have me thinking Fall, even though Summer has only just arrived....grins.....In between my 3 samplers I am working on I discovered a wonderful pattern for knitted dishclothes. I started one yesterday and am almost finished with it....everyone who has used them just loves them....so I will try it and see.....Hugs from CA.

Nancy said...

You are a whiz. I cannot believe you just started that yesterday afternoon. It is beautiful. I wish I was seeing it on you, but it is great.
The other items also are really nice.
Love you, Mom

Maggie said...

Heidi, i shal avoid showing my girls your crochet cowel else they will be putting their orders in ,lol.
Thanks for posting the links to the video tutorials, i shall go and have a look when i finally sit down tonight.

Have a great weekend x

Anneke said...

what a great scarf and what a great color!

Susan in SC said...

Love the cowl and the seat cover! You are burning that crochet hook up!! Beautiful work!

Annemarie said...

Oh, I know exactly what you mean! I'm completely happy with just a bit of yarn and a hook in my hand. At the moment, there are blankets-to-be *everywhere* in my little house. And the weather is going to be very far from autumnal, I understand. Sigh... Just three more months.

Your cowl is STUNNING! Gorgeous colour and design. Let's hope for cooler days, eh?

Hugs,
Annemarie.

barbara said...

Oh my heavens, Heidi, that scarf it just too gorgeous. I'd be wearing it now despite the season! Actually, it's chilly enough today that it would feel pretty good. ;)

Christine said...

Wonderful crochet, the cowl is gorgeous, and it looks completely at home on your statue.

Anonymous said...

I agree...the perfect scarf for crisp Fall weather! It is a beauty!! Years ago I crocheted granny squares and turned them into pretty little baby blankets and gave them away to pregnant friends and family. Now for the life of me I can't remember how to do it and would love just a pillow for me.

Pondside said...

I love the cowl and have just the yarn for it - thanks for the tutorial!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh I love that cowel! And that your you found for it is Perfect! I need to make one now!!!! I can crochet, but can't knit so it caught my eye!

Carolien said...

Oh how lovely this is, love the colour too!!!
Want to learn to crochet now!!! Can't, must go to a funeral of a friend in 15 minutes (Nootdorp) and afterwards preparing for Fleur's surprise party of tomorrow. Busy Lizzie but my fingers itch when I see this.

Have a great weekend & hugs, Carolien

P.S. Congrats on the birth of Abigail!!!!!!!! Will you please also say this to mom, I don't think I will be computering much before Monday ;)

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful projects. I'm anxiously awaiting the Farmer's Wife quilt pictures.

Willy said...

Je sjaal is prachtig.
Dat stoelhoesje is ook heel mooi, heb het al vaker gezien en lijkt me ook leuk om eens te maken.
Ik ben benieuwd naar je quilt. Werkze eraan.
Fijn weekend, groetjes

One Flew Over said...

Your cowl looks amazing!

Hazel said...

Gorgeous finishes Heidi. I love them both. It is so addictive isn't it? I have two blankets on the go at the minute and I have another two to do in the pipeline. Now I have got those darned japanese books as well... oh well there is no hope for me now. x

Kathy Ellen said...

Heidi,

Your crocheting is so lovely. My goodness but you are so gifted! What a beautiful cowl you have created, and no wonder that you are almost wishing that it was October so that you could wear it:)

You are blessed beyond measure with the art of needlework, handed down to you through the generations of your family. Think how proud your grandmother would be of you.

Blessings to you, my friend:)