The Birth of a Sweater

Taking a three week class at Loopy Yarns.

The goal, to crochet a "sweater".  Now, I wouldn't normally consider this garment a "sweater".  But it is sweater-like.  It has the basic form of a sweater.  It has a neckline, has arm holes.  It is very tiny.  I guess it makes sense since the class is only three weeks long.

But the big deal here is that it is indeed a garment that can be worn.  You have to get into it, poking your arms through the arm holes.  It has "construction" to it.  Not like a scarf or a shawl.

Then the other big thing.  I've owned two of Doris Chan's books for a while now.  I love looking at the designs.  But the patterns intimidate me terribly.  I've done one.  One of the simplest patterns from her Amazing Lace book, the mobius cowl.  But didn't have the guts to do something from Everyday Crochet.  So the opportunity to try it in a class was perfect.

I'm glad I did it.  At first, the pattern was confusing.  But I'm slowly beginning to see the light.  I can't wait to make another one, so I can feel like I truly know it.

The other thing I like about Doris Chan's patterns is that they build off of one another.  So now that I've done the Mei Mei, the next challenge will be to do the Mocha Rocha which has actual sleeves, looks like a real sweater, could be worn at work to shield me against frigid air conditioning or winter temps.

Here is the progress of this tiny sweater/shrug/thingie.

Happy Hearts

I've been crocheting little hearts lately.  Not something I ever would have thought I'd do...using tiny crochet thread and a wee hook made of steel.  Deadly on the eyes.

I saw the pattern on A Foothill Home Companion and since Valentine's Day was coming up, I thought, why not?

They became little gifts for people.  I like making little things that I think will make someone smile.  Valentine's Day is a weird Hallmark Holiday. I've never been too into it.  I like chocolate, though.  Any holiday involving chocolate has to be good.  But, this one, can incur sour grape-like feelings if you're single  (which I am currently) and you are tired of all the coupledom around you.  However, I'm not feeling that right now.  I'm liking reading all the crafty blogposts with Valentine crafts.  I'm liking all the hearts. I'm liking all the red.  I think after the snow and the bitter cold in Chicago, I want red.  I want the illusion of heat, the suggestion of fire, the illusion of happiness.  I'm ok with illusion. Sometimes, the illusion is just what is needed to get you through February and March in Chicagoland.

So, anyway, I made crocheted hearts.  Chains and stitches.  Winding the hook, pulling it through, weaving the ends.  It was meditative.  It required a bit of tedious work (dislike weaving in ends).  But once completed, they were recognizable as hearts.

So, here's my heart.  I'm giving it to you.