I think there is an old lady inside me trying to get out.
Let me explain... I had an opportune find at Oxfam yesterday, 7 balls of lovely green 100% cotton 'yarn' in good condition, that I immediately snaffled for crochet (at the princely sum of £3 for the lot).
I also saw this lovely little jug, and although I have no need for it - I just love the pattern on it. Discovered it is from Meakin pottery, which by happenstance I just seem to find bits and pieces of - I like their vintage designs a lot and will need to investigate more...
Anyway back to the old lady... last night I couldn't wait to get into bed with my crochet needle and some wool (!). I am just teaching myself to crochet, having now moved on from 'worm' to 'strange irregular triangle' or 'wrongly tensioned piece that looks like a smile'. If I was learning to drive, I've checked the rear mirror, adjusted the seat, and last night I thought I'd go off for a drive round the empty carpark.
Maybe this is guerilla crocheting, but I sat down, thought "what would happen if I stick this in there" and suddenly I was free, spiralling upwards, until I realised I'd created a little... pixie hat?
...so I got out my brown wool, did another one... and suddenly announced "I've made an acorn!".
Oh well, "great trees from little acorns grow"...
As you can see from my 'photoshoot', I also received this 'Quilt' book this week as a gift from a friend (thanks Annette xx).
It's a really lovely book, ideal for beginners or quick ideas - like just sewing 3 fabric panels together et voila, or tufting through one panel of pink silk - plus lots of ideas for handpiecing too.
I particularly like this quilt (maybe not the wee hexagons on the side so much) but the fabrics and I do love anything with a hexagon...
...nice clear images and instructions - feels possible!
'Quilts' by Murdoch Books ISBN 1-74045-758-7
I think I might need a crochet instructor, someone just to look over my shoulder and explain why my rows get shorter, take me out onto the highways of speed crochet and slam on the brakes before I get into trouble... so if there is anyone who knows me who is harbouring crochet mastery, please make yourself known... my 'L' plates are on.
..oh, by the way, the jug pattern is called 'Sol' - something we could do with a lot more of round here!
I love your acorn!! Great finds at the charity shop too! I love the image of you 'snaffling' the yarn - had a wee chuckle to myselfx
Posted by: suzanne | October 27, 2007 at 12:54 PM
I know well the shrinking crochet.
Love the idea of finding all that wool for £3. Congrats.
Love the book too. Might just have to accidentally on purpose mooch off to amazon to have a look. I am getting more and more into quilting.
Posted by: Patti | October 28, 2007 at 06:41 PM
that green yarn is gorgeous! i'm so proud you managed to crochet an acorn. i find crochet to be the most difficult craft i've tried- i have trouble remaining calm and patient when i'm being taught how to do it.
Posted by: melissa | October 28, 2007 at 08:00 PM
Do you make a chain stitch or two at the end of your row ? That might even out the rows somwhat.Sometimes it helps to count the stitches too (just like knitting).
I am going to send you some Japanese fabric scraps to make some hexagons like the ones in your book. I have some left over from Melissa's quilt.:)
Posted by: Sally Anne | October 28, 2007 at 09:55 PM