Let's Talk about Crochet Stitch Dictionaries.

Have you noticed how stitch dictionaries give themselves worthy names like, 'Complete' and 'Indispensible'? But are they really and how do you choose between them. Well, the easy answer is that you don't. You buy them all of course, because a person can never have enough!
I've just realised that I now have five, as well as more specialised books of motifs and borders. My latest purchase was recommended to me and rather surprised me. I wondered if we could distill down the contents of a dictionary so that we can choose between them. So let's talk about Stitch Dictionaries.

I suppose this is the story of not being taken in by advertising and not judging a book by it's cover. The first book I want to talk about is a very humble volume which as you can see is very battered and well thumbed. That tells you all you need to know. Betty Barden's Handbook of Crochet Stitches is practically the first crochet book I ever bought. It's my 'go-to' reference book. Why is it so good? Let's see.

• Basic information on crochet
• How to read crochet instructions both written and diagrams
• Thorough information on how to form various stitches with clear illustrations
• Glossary of terms, abbreviations and symbols, including Tunisian
• Contents organised into chapters
• Contents displayed as thumb nail images
• Index
• 208 stitch samples, motifs and edgings
• Good range of stitch types including Solid, Lace, Post, Spike, Tunisian, and Broomstick
• Single and multi colour designs
• Pocket sized 
• UK Terminology

Melissa Leapman's Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters is my new, much-prized book. I wasn't looking for a new dictionary, after all I already had four, for goodness sake!

• How to read diagrams
• Excellent information on how to form various stitches with clear illustrations
• Glossary of abbreviations and symbols
• Contents organised into chapters
• Index
• Reversible stitch patterns clearly indicated
• 200 stitch samples and edgings
• Good range of stitch types including Solid, Lace, Post, Spike, Cable/Aran, Mosaic, Interlocking
• Single, multi colour and reversible multi colour designs
• Beautifully designed and photographed
• US Terminology

So now you're getting the idea of what I think is a good dictionary. When I bought Robyn Chachula's Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia I was initially disappointed by the large quantity of squares and motifs it held. I'm a bit of a crochet butterfly. I become obsessed with this or that for a while, but quickly something else takes my interest. So, I have to admit that many of those motifs have tumbled off my hook at one time or another!

• Written information on how to form various stitches including Tunisian 
• Glossary of abbreviations and symbols, including Tunisian
• Well organised contents with chapters, sub headings, which are combined with the index 
• 300 stitch samples, motifs and edgings
• Good range of stitch types including Solid, Lace, Post, Cable/Aran, Slip Stitch, Tapestry, and an excellent selection for Tunisian
• Single and multi colour designs
• Special 'Tip' boxes throughout including additional helpful information on a variety of topics
• US Terminology

So far, so good! Now we get to style over substance. Collins and Brown's Ultimate Crochet Stitch Bible is very attractive but I think it was put together by a committee! The stitches have not been organised in any way, so the lace stitches are mixed in with the solid stitches. There is an index, but it isn't particularly helpful! Some of the motifs have been duplicated by being shown in one colour and also multi colour. But no book is without merit, and if you're fairly new to crochet the general information is excellent.

• Basic information on crochet
• How to read crochet instructions both written and diagrams
• Good information on how to form various stitches with illustrations
• Glossary of terms, abbreviations and symbols,
• Small section on Irish crochet
• 500 stitch samples, squares, motifs and edgings
• Range of stitch types including Solid, Lace, Post, Spike
• Single and multi colour designs
• UK Terminology

My problem with The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs is probably just the title. It isn't the complete book by any means, if it were called 'the big book' then I would be quite happy! Perhaps on reflection, there are just too many designs all worked in the same cream coloured yarn. How can I possibly choose between them?

• Good information on how to form various stitches with clear illustrations
• Glossary of abbreviations and symbols
• Contents organised into chapters
• Contents displayed as thumb nail images
• 500 stitch samples
• Range of stitch types including Solid, Lace, Post, Wrap-around Spike, Spike and a single Tunisian
• Single colour designs 
• Us Terminology

So that's my little dictionary library. I should probably explain my fascination with them. Is it that each stitch design, that like an acorn, is just waiting to burst into life? Is it that each one gives a little burst of those addictive crochet endorphins? Or even that they give me a way of dipping my toe into a technique without risking all or nothing on an entire pattern? All I know is that I'm addicted!

Perhaps you disagree with me; or think you have the best book ever; or perhaps you have a different criteria? 

Fastening Off...

Mrs Eschers' Scarf

I've gone from pre-Christmas blues (also known as crochet burn out!) to New Year positivity. To celebrate I have an accidental pattern for you.

I almost called it synchronicity because it was the coming together of many things. Normally designing is a slow and painful process for me. I 'um' and 'ar' about stitch patterns, colours and yarns. I swatch with this and that; wave them at Nick for his opinion; change my mind a couple of times; and finally give myself a good talking to. This time I wasn't even thinking about writing a pattern. I was under the time pressure of Christmas, wanting a scarf or shawl for a gift. I was also working through my stash yarn and trying to de-stash acrylic yarns. I'd just started listening to The Crochet Circle Podcast, where Fay is currently on a yarn-buying-ban. And, I was recommended Melissa Leapman's Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters. Are you still with me?!

I am attracted to any design where the upright crochet stitches lay down and go horizontal for a change. So when I spotted 'Mellissa's Meandering Chains', Lace work pattern I was sold. When I swatched a sample, I saw what photography can't show. It has a three dimensional quality. It reminds me of MC Escher's Perpetual Motion waterfall. The design is simple enough to work up quickly but unexpected enough to be interesting.

Remember my post about alternate ways of making starting chains? Well I added the scallop foundation, et voilá!

Let's talk about customising.

Yarn:
I used the Scheepjes Whirl that was left over from my Dora Ohrenstein, 'Ava' sweater. It's a fingering/light 4ply, No1 superfine weight. You can use absolutely any yarn you like. Just make sure your hook is over sized to give you that loose lace work style. It would look great in a hairy lace weight mohair or alpaca yarn. But you could take your inspiration from Doris Chan and go chunky lace. Try a 5mm hook with sport weight, or a 6mm hook with DK.

Size:
It's so easy to adjust in this pattern. When you're making the foundation chain, you make it one scallop at a time. Each scallop is one pattern repeat. So keep making the foundation scallops until the scarf is wide enough! You might want to make it wider, so that it is more of a shawl than a scarf. My scarf has come out at approximately 10"/ 25cm wide.
As for length, stop when it's long enough!! I stopped when I ran out of yarn. If you swatch with your yarn you should be able to work out how big you can make it. Weighing scales which measure grams are ideal for this purpose. For Scheepjes Whirl there are 455meters to 100grams. So my scarf weighs 74g which means it contains 337m of yarn. My scarf is 53"/135cm long.

Blocking:
I'm going to tell you not to. Gasp! Wash it, by all means. Dry flat and lay it out with straight edges, absolutely. But please don't stretch it or pin it. We want to keep all that three dimensional ripple.

 OK, so here's the free PDF download. Have at it!

fastening off...

The Esoteric Christmas Edition!

I don't know about you, but I am currently experiencing full on Christmas Crochet Panic. Every year I tell myself that I will start earlier. But as I develop my skills, my gifts get more ambitious and it all takes longer. So here we are at blogging time with neither the time nor the energy to research anything worthy of you. 

Nick, knowing my dilemma, came home with a crochet kit. He was thinking that I could review it. At the same time he has been watching a TV show called 'The Toys that made us.' All this combined has sent me into a reflective mood.
What toys did you have as a child? I always felt hard done by as I never had a Barbie or a Sindy (the British version), instead I got kits. I made felt things, string things, Scraperboard pictures, and Airfix kits. We made candles, resin paperweights, and plaster-of-paris Beatrix Potter characters. I can remember the projects, the people who were with me and the places I made them. Now I am very grateful.
I value the hand made for the time, skill and thought that goes into the creation. I have kept many of the things that were given to me, but I often wonder what people think when they receive my handmade gifts and cards. Do they also value them? Or do they just think I am eccentric?! 

There's something to be said for a kit. You don't have to make any decisions for starters! I'm not good at making decisions! You don't have to decide if this colour goes with that colour, or what size to make it, or what type of yarn to use. You just open the box and start! Of course you could make your own kit up for someone. That would be a wonderfully thoughtful gift.

 

Lets look at this kit. At just £3.99 you can't expect fabulous quality, but I'd challenge anyone to actually use the hook that's supplied!

After peering at it for some time, and measuring it I finally decided that it's a 3mm.

It's a curious thing because it claims it is unsuitable for children. Is that a way of avoiding any safety issues? You do have to be able to crochet at least at beginner level. It strikes me that it would be an excellent project for a student and teacher, or parent and child to use together. Despite being made in China the instructions are excellent and are definitely written by someone who speaks both English and Crochet! They are also in UK terminology.

I never learnt to crochet as a child. I remember learning to chain long rows of stitches and then working double crochet (SC) into the chain stitches. By which time I was thoroughly bored. My elder sister was the crocheter, she obviously had more patience than me! I think we had this Ladybird book. It is brilliantly written, leading the child consistently through the stitches, language and abbreviations. But my goodness is it dull!! I met a lady in Hobbycraft a few weeks ago who wanted to learn to crochet but didn't know where to start. I hope I set her off in the right direction. I tried to steer her past the Ladybird method and straight into producing something, no matter how humble.

 

The kit claims to make two Jellyfish, but actually it would make four. I thought Jellyfish was a weird thing to make, until I checked out Jellyfish on Ravelry and realised how popular they are. I've obviously missed out on some cultural reference here! So I also decided to leave off the eyes and mouth. Blame it on me growing up pre-SpongeBob! I will eventually make four and hang them around a craft ring to make a mobile.

Just in case you think I've reached crochet burn out, let me tell you that I have lots of wonderful ideas for next year. I've already picked out a personal project with the new Scheepjes Bamboo/cotton yarn, which is nothing like the bamboo yarns I've used in the past. I have a number of patterns planned which will definitely include a lampshade and a large rug. On the research front I have been inspired to look further into texture and colour techniques.

It only remains for me to send you my very best wishes whether you are burning the winter yule log or celebrating in the summer sun.

Seasons Greetings

and

Happy New Year!

fastening off...

Britta's Juletrae Dreamcatcher

Ok, I'm going to need you all to keep quiet about this blog post until after Christmas. My mad dear friend Britta put in an order for some mini Christmas Tree dreamcatcher decorations for her gift this year. The only direction I got was that they should be, "shiny whitey silvery"! To be honest I've been putting off the whole idea since last year, but at last I've knuckled down and got on with the job. 
It seems like a waste of a pattern if I don't share it with you. You've just got time to make some yourself or use the idea to convert a favourite design to fit in a ring.

Let's start with the general idea. What ring can you use? Well anything you can find really! Try searching for craft rings or dream catcher hoops made of wood, metal or plastic. Also consider jewelry, macrame and florist supplies as well as lamp shade making and embroidery rings. It all depends on what size you need. In this design the wooden and embroidery hoops don't work very well as they are too deep.

 

The craft rings that I am using have a rather unattractive soldering mark. So If your ring isn't very attractive it can be wrapped in ribbon, cloth or try double crocheting (Sc-USA) around it. Alternatively hand them over to your handy hubby and get him to clean up the rings using emery cloth!

How do you attach your design to the ring? If you double crochet around the ring you can catch the high points of your motif at regular distances with slip stitches. Or use chain stitches to catch the motif at different heights. I've given you instructions for both.

Britta's Dreamcatchers are worked in Rico Essentials 'Crochet Glitz', which is a number 10 crochet thread. I am trying to give up plastic so I really shouldn't be using this yarn as it includes 6% polyester. You could replace this with a 100% cotton thread instead. For this size I'm using a 10cm craft ring.

Just in case you don't want to use thread I thought I better try it out in other weights.

Scheepjes 'Cotton 8', which is a fingering weight 100% cotton yarn, works well in a 12.5cm ring.

Sceepjes 'Twinkle' is a DK weight mixed fibre yarn and fits a 15cm hoop.

Let's talk about the pattern. I'm dyslexic so I try to write my patterns with that in mind, so you will find a full diagram in 3 colours and photos for each round. I'd say it's an intermediate pattern but hopefully I've given you enough information to help you over any difficulties you might have.
Here's the link you're looking for, The PDF Pattern Download!

Fastening Off... 

The Useful Half-Treble

I am inspired to investigate some Half-Treble variations. If you use American terminology you will of course know that I am referring to Half-Double crochet stitches.

Garments often use Half-Treble stitches due to their half way size. They crochet up more quickly than double crochet (SC) but still create a warm garment. This year I made two LillaBjorn garments which both use the same unusual stitch. It's used in both the Fjell Cardigan and Huldra Sweater. These are my versions.

The plain stitch on both these garments is just Half Treble, but the secret is the stitches are made between the stitches in the row below, under all three loops. Why? Because the stitches on front and back look very similar. That gives you the ability to work in a continuous spiral or to turn the work at the end of each row, as required. In the swatch below I've worked in rows.

In my next offering I've worked the Half Trebles into the back loop. It gives a very light rib to the fabric.

If you want to produce a deeper rib try working into that third loop instead. This third loop is sometimes called the back bump.

Perhaps you like that row of fake chain stitches but you want a thinner fabric. Well in that case only work the Back Bump Half Treble stitches every even numbered row. Work standard Half Treble stitches of every odd row.

A lighter weight, narrower striped variation of this is to work Half Treble on the odd rows and Back Bump Double Crochet (SC-USA) on the even rows.

Let's go back to those two top loops. I love the texture of my next sample. It is achieved simply by working into alternate back loop, front loop along the row.

That extra loop, which is unique to the Half Treble, is really magic isn't it? Think of a Puff stitch. They are usually made up of three or more Half Treble stitches. But what happens if we use just two or Half Treble 2 together in each stitch?

And finally!! Try working that Half Treble cluster over the next two stitches. The instructions might read; Chain2, *Htr2tog in same stitch and next st,repeat from* up to and including last stitch, single Htr in same stitch.

If you've enjoyed these diversions you might want to revisit the post I wrote about the non standard Slanting Half Treble stitch, there are also Linked stitches and Herringbone stitches. If (for some insane reason) you are not won over by the Useful Half Treble you might also remember that I wrote two posts about the Humble Double crochet, you'll find them Here and Here!

As a Post Script, I've been getting behind with my life (!) so from now on I will be posting once a month, but hopefully bringing you more patterns.

So Fastening off for now...

Welly Socks

Now that the Autumn rains have come flooding in this pattern is well overdue! You could knock a pair out for yourself in a weekend, but I think they would also make a great Xmas present for the men in your life.

From September to May I seem to live in Wellies and I've found that these socks have a really practical purpose. Rather than slopping around in my boots these liners help my Wellingtons fit more snugly. Rubber can get very cold in winter but my feet now stay warm. I used to hate the way my trousers ballooned around the top of my boots but now they stay neatly tucked in.

I was intending to sell this pattern in my Etsy shop but I realised that it fits so perfectly into my blog. Not only am I encouraging you to expand your crochet skills but I've given you lots of information to customise your work. Because I was going to sell the pattern it's much longer than you've come to expect from me. I just want to make sure you have all the information you need. If you're printing it off you may not need every page.

I can never make a pattern exactly as it's written, so I don't expect you to either! Although I've only given you three sizes I've made sure you can easily adjust the sizing. There is also a clear diagram giving you as much information as possible.

I've used an unusual linking stitch for the body of the sock. There are step by step photos showing you exactly how to make it. It produces a very stretchy, yet sturdy fabric. More importantly the inside of the sock is smooth and comfortable against the skin. The cuff is made with front and back post crochet rib. Of course there are links to the tutorials on this blog!

I chose to use Scheepjes River Washed, a cotton-acrylic yarn which is sport weight. Use any light weight DK or sport weight yarn that takes your fancy. As I've just written a post entitled Plastic Free Vegan Yarn I should encourage you to try a linen yarn. The prototype socks that I've been wearing were indeed made with linen and it's great for wicking away moisture.

Here's me and Shadow putting my linen socks to good use! (It's really an excuse to show you my gorgeous little boy. This is just after we'd rescued him in spring. He's put on alot more weight and hair since and is now even more adorable!)

Any how! If you fancy giving the pattern a go click here for the free PDF download.

Fastening off