Tag: crochet

Another square

On By CarynIn Craft

I forgot about this project. I started making every square in the book Granny Square Flair with fine alpaca yarn from Peru back in March. I was hoping it would be a travel project, but it requires way too much concentration as every row is different and I need to refer back to the pattern frequently. So I designated it a home project and it has sat next to my chair for a few months.

Photo description: completed “Ianthe” square made with teal alpaca yarn, laying on a calico cat

This is another forever project that will sneak in the gaps of other projects. I have no problem telling people my age, but asking how many open projects I have going will get you a flippant answer.

Finished diagonal blanket

On By CarynIn Craft

I was finally able to weave in all the ends for the diagonal crochet blanket made from scrap acrylic yarn. Yes, I had to negotiate around persistent cats to do so.

Photo description: white, cream, gray, and green diagonally stripped crocheted acrylic blanket laying over a barcalounger chair

I did not add the edge because I’m so pleased with how even the edges came out, and how crisp the corners are, that I didn’t want to overshadow it with more stitches.

Photo description: calico cat curled up on the same blanket that is folded up on the ottoman

And the blanket will be staying in house, since it is a cat magnet. Izzy the calico is pleased.

The blanket is narrower than usual throws, but it works well on the chair, and is more a summer weight. The narrowness makes it easier to stick out a foot for temperature control.

The challenges

On By CarynIn Craft

I finished crocheting my diagonal scrap blanket, and now just need to weave in the ends. The challenge is extracting the cats so I can actually do the work.

Photo description: two calico cats managing to be touching the same blanket, on which I need to work
Photo description: blanket separated from the cats to show all the ends that need to be woven in, done in scraps of white, gray, tan, and green acrylic yarn

I don’t mind weaving in ends, but this blanket sprouts cats as soon as I sit down, so it will take awhile.

Tension ring

On By CarynIn Craft, Life Hack

My youngest was wearing her yarn tension ring in such a way that her finger couldn’t bend, which caused pain issues after three hours of crocheting. So we modified the ring to make it smaller and I am encouraging her to wear it so the yarn runs along the back of her finger, and the ring doesn’t interfere with her knuckles. I have also been teaching her hand and wrist stretches to do periodically while she is crafting.

Photo description: yarn tension ring made of 14 gauge aluminum wire with two spirals worn on the index finger with chenille yarn running through the spirals to provide friction

It is a good idea to look at your ergonomics as you craft, especially if you have something you enjoy doing for long stretches of time. As with computer work, there should be scheduled breaks and stretching activities. This will help you enjoy your craft longer both each day and over the years.

Check mate

On By CarynIn Craft

My lap continues to be a playing board for cat chess. The stakes have been raised as the blanket I’m crocheting gets larger and there is actually room for a toe beans.

Photo description: working on my crochet with a calico cat in the mid-ground and dilute tortie in the background
Photo description: this is a very happy cat, she won a round of cat chess and gets to lay on the in-progress crocheted blanket

Yes. There are cat hairs crocheted indelibly into the blanket.