The Superior Craft?

Is it just the debate of the craft world or is it a conspiracy theory based on the behavior of yarn shop owners? Knit vs. Crochet - which is the superior craft? Horror stories of snobbery and condescension abound - most recently on CrochetWithDee's journal - Needing to Blur the Line. Shop owners who ignore the needs/wants/desires of crochetiers while pandering to the whims of knitters. Granted there may be an huge misunderstanding of the needs/wants/desires of crochetiers. But what is the truth about which craft is superior?

We all have an opinion, right? And that opinion is probably biased - in large part by which craft we each gravitate to. You know where I stand - and if you're reading this I may be able to guess where you stand. But for the sake of argument lets examine a few facts:

Knitting: two needles that make noise when you use them
Crochet: one hook that silently glides with the yarn (ok that might have been a poke at knitters, but after all I'm using a blunt tipped crochet hook!)

Knitting: uses less yarn per project
Crochet: uses more yarn per project

Knitting: patterns and magazines more widely available
Crochet: patterns and magazines harder to find

Knitting: uses yarn in a variety of textures and fibers
Crochet: uses yarn in a variety of textures and fibers

Based on the facts it seems that there is a slight bias toward knitting, evidenced by the fact there are fewer patterns and magazines geared toward crochetiers. Knitters may even try to convince you that it is more economical to knit - you can get more projects out of an equal amount of yarn - but I submit this to you:

On page 46 of the BHG Learn to Knit booklet, knitters are encouraged to pack a small bag with the tools of their trade. Interestingly enough, of the 14 items listed - one is a CROCHET HOOK - and an explanation is offered for its use (for picking up dropped stitches!) Oh, and did I mention that the BHG Learn to Crochet also recommends a kit for crochetiers? Seven items on the list - nothing specific to knitting that could be used in case of crochet emergency.

So, clearly crochet is the superior craft - evidenced by the fact that crochetiers require fewer tools (we're lower maintenance) and knitters mistakes must be fixed with the one tool a crochetier cannot live without! (I admit that was a Python-esque stretch of logic but it sure was fun!)

Seriously folks, it is a bit ridiculous to imagine that one craft is more superior than the other. If we all think hard enough, we can come up with appreciable qualities for both mediums. I agree with Dee that there must be a blurring of the lines - why must either craft be looked down upon by the other? I only know about the recommended tools because I have BOTH books. I am trying to blur the lines in my own home by learning to appreciate a craft that frankly has left me somewhat dissatisfied in the past. I think if I give it half a chance I might come to appreciate it much more than I do. In honor of National Crochet Month, let's all get along - teach a knitter to crochet! (Considering they already have the most important tool in their bag!)

"It's a Wee 'umble Cottage"

I thought you all might be interested in how my page got it's name. This is where I hang my hooks, so to speak. Today's title is a line from one of our favorite movies - The Quiet Man. This picture was taken back in the Spring and hopefully, will look this way again real soon. Right now things are a little brown and dreary from the end of winter.

Regarding yesterday's post, someone over at CP posted a link to a tutorial about the seamless finish or Hidden Ends. Another link calls it Invisible Finish Off (IFO) has different pictures, same basic instructions. I think either way you can use it for more than just Granny Squares. I plan on finishing all my work this way! Wish I'd learned it sooner.

I've decided to try my hand at crocheting some socks for Christmas this year. I emailed my friend over at Flying Hooks to get a few pointers on patterns and yarn choices, so don't be surprised to see Sock WIPs in the future. I'm going to test a pair for myself first to see how easy that would be doing that many pairs this year.

I'm taking my friend back to the doctor next week and am hoping to make it to the yarn shop that I've discovered is quite close by the doctor's office. I looked it up on the 'net and found that an acquaintance from my hometown teaches knitting classes there. She'll actually be there the day we're going so I hope to get to say Hi! (And to buy some wool for a future felting project!) 

A Funny Thing Happened

on the way to Walmart. I had to take Chloe to play practice 30 miles from home - just so happens that's the where the closest Walmart is too! =) So we planned to go to Walmart and then grab a bite to eat before practice. Well, on the way out the door we got two very important phone calls. In all the hustle and bustle I FORGOT MY CROCHET BASKET! At Walmart, I had planned on looking at the yarn anyway but now I want HAD to buy something because I was going to be at the practice for 1-1/2 hours with nothing to do. So I looked at the patterns and chose a Leisure Arts Little Book, Granny's Delight Afghans. Then I wanted to pick out the yarns. They were out of several colors of Simply Soft, which I now HAVE to try because of the discussion on the Crochet Partners List, about the propensity toward splitting, especially with Boye Hooks. So I chose a different colorway and bought yarn, an extra hook (like I didn't already have 3 "I" hooks at home!) and a basket to tote it in - all for about $25. Of course I forgot to buy scissors too, but the yarn in my teeth is a different story.

As we were heading into the practice Chloe says to me: "Mom, I can tell you can't go anywhere without crocheting!" Well - yeah - if she had to wait an hour and a half for me somewhere she'd want something to do too, right? At the practice I got 11 squares done. I noticed that the yarn is wound rather loosely and could split if not careful but even though I was using a Boye Hook, I had no problems with it. I'm thinking that the looseness of the wind is part of what makes it so soft. (The opposite could be said of RH - the tightness of the wind is what makes it so stiff)

I also figured out the seamless finish on the Grannies that Dee was talking about on her blog on Monday. That was exciting! It really does make a wonderful finish - a real professional look.

So yesterday my promise was that I would not start a new WIP before I finished the Granny Grid Bag - but circumstances beyond my control (hee) - caused me to break that promise. (Hangs head in shame) Oh well, such is life at the Cottage: Grant me the serenity . . . and if I can't tell the difference - Crochet on!

Finally Finished Frogging

I don't know if it's because I've been under the weather or that I wanted so badly to finish this doily - but I frogged row 11 four times, and row 12 twice! By the time I got to the last row (13) I was so determined to finish this that I stayed up until 3 am. (It helped that Michaela was up late finishing her Senior Culminating Project as well.) In any event, the Valentine's Doily is complete! The pattern is from an old White Crochet magazine and is called 'Morning Star Doily.' I won the book as part of a package in the Recycling Contest over at Crochet Partners. You have to be a member to participate but the people over there know so much about crochet - the list is moderated in part by Jean Leinhauser, founder of Leisure Arts and the American School of Needlework. (Warning: the list generates a lot of email but you can be on digest or read the archives and the wealth of information is worth the time and effort!)

Now I have two WIP's left. I am going to finish the Granny Grid Bag before starting anything else and I am determined to keep going on the Table Runner in between other projects. I have yarn for baby blankets, a cropped cardigan and surprisingly eight balls of yarn leftover from the Olympic Shrug! Plus tubs and tubs of stash that I need to use. Maybe a Homespun Scrap Blanket for a wedding gift. We shall see! We shall see! 

Cutie Patootie Booties

DH: What's that?
Me: A bootie.
DH: It's bootie-ful.
















Made these last night for a shower that I'm giving today. Too cute and oh, so fun to make. And obviously they work up fairly quickly. I actually got halfway through a second pair before I had to start getting ready for the shower. The pattern is free at the Bernat website. 

(Not too) Bad Case of YAS

Went to the city today. Had to get my eyes checked. While I'm sitting in the waiting room, a lady picked up a magazine from the table next to me. I was crocheting on the doily and she says "Nice doily. You don't see too many knitting like that with tiny thread anymore. Well, ones that don't have gray hair!" I chose not to correct her because I was too interested in what she meant by "one's that don't have gray hair." I mean - I don't have gray hair but are there really no threadies who are younger women? Saucy me says, "Really? I must not get out much because I did not know that!" "No really . . ." She was wearing a Fun Fur Skinny Scarf. I asked her if she knitted it. She did. Now I'm really confused because - did she really not know that I was crocheting, not knitting? If I had not been called into my appointment, I would have been obliged to . . .

The last time I had my eyes dilated it took me all day to recover - today I decided I'd take a little time before I drove the 60 miles home and do a little browsing. ;-) Two crafts stores later, this is what I had:












You can't tell very well in the picture but there are two skeins of TLC Baby for another receiving blanket. The Bernat CottonTots will make baby booties and maybe a hat. Paton's BeMine for hats and booties. And the others are all sale items - Blush in Persimmon (reg. $8.99 for only $1.99), two skeins of Sullivan's Sensuale blue/purple for $1.25 each and one skein of Sullivan's Sparkle in Agate for $1.99. Not a bad day's browsing - especially with a little blurred vision.

The baby yarns were all for dedicated projects but the others - well, a girl can be impulsive every once in a while can't she? 

Nathan's Blanket

I finished this blanket (Wool-ease 'Wood') this morning. I can't believe I've finished two WIP's this week in addtion to my Olympic shrug. I could finish two more if I put my mind to it. I have an eye apppointment tomorrow that I may spend a fair amount of time in a waiting room for. But tonight is Olympic skating and I'm throwing a baby shower on Saturday. I had considered an extra project - booties or baby washcloths - even though I had already given a blanket before baby was born. We'll see how ambitious I feel. 

Receiving Blanket

I finished this while waiting in the doctor's office on Monday. In the pic you can really see that the pattern made by the variegation changes. It doesn't look this pronounced in person (thankfully) and I'm really pleased with the results. The finished measurements are about 22-1/2" x 23", perfect for a newborn.

I found out that the baby this was to be for is definitely a boy. So I'm thinking about making him something a little different and saving this for the next baby, which is due in June. I just about have enough time to do a different blanket before April - but that means abandoning my resolve to finish all other WIP's first. At least I already have the yarn for it! =)

I still have four or five rounds, plus a border on my giant granny square blanket - I got into watching the skating last night and would stop crocheting to watch. I may or may not finish it tonight, so keep checking for those pics.

 

Shrug in Action

Here's the shrug on. Below is a picture of the back. I really like the way it feels on. It was a little warm as I went to help Brianne pin her quilt onto the quilting machine at school but once outside it added just enough warmth to feel comfortable on a semi-Spring day.

As promised I have a story to tell from my trip. Sitting in the waiting room, of course crocheting, a woman looked over and commented on the Receiving Blanket I was working on. We began to visit as she is a fellow crochetier and spins her own yarn. We began to talk about Kool-aid Dyeing and other things. She told me about a Fiber Fest for spinners. I aked her if she ever felted. Oh yeah, and she began to describe the process of felting with - are you ready? - bubble wrap! Who knew?! (BTW, I finished the receiving blanket at the motel last night and am now working on the other Blanket WIP. Should be finished with that tonight and will post pics of both tomorrow.)

While I was gone I received an email from Dee of CrochetWithDee. She has been having guest bloggers while she celebrates her birthday. (Happy Birthday, Dee!) And she chose my submission as one of her guest blogs. Scroll down to Monday to see it! While you're there, browse through the rest of her stuff, check out her website. Talk about a lady having fun with crochet - Dee is fantastic!

Oh, and the sweet lady I traveled with yesterday has offered for me to go through her crochet patterns as she will not be using them anymore. She asked if I had enough yarn - silly me, I said yes! Ah well, maybe she'll offer again when I go for the patterns.

Back of Shrug

  

Finished Olympic Shrug!

It's not the best picture - hope to post on a live model before I leave, but it's done! Added to the list of COMPLETED projects - phew! 

Heading into the Medal Round

Things are heating up here in the Cottage. Things that have nothing to do with DH keeping the woodstove stocked, although it is much appreciated.

I finished the tie and even though I had my reservations, I am really pleased with how it is turning out. I plan on staying up to watch the Ice Dancing and put the shrug together. I'm feeling the heat though because I'm leaving for an overnight trip tomorrow and won't have access to my computer for posting my progress. If I can get the shrug done tonight, I can post in the morning. Can't you just feel the pressure? I'm hoping for a Seth Wescott or Hannah Teter experience and not the Bode Miller or Lindsey Kildow variety. Ouch! DNF doesn't sound good at all.

Unfortunately I won't be able to visit any LYS while I'm away but I'm surely taking a project or two to work on in the doctor's office and later on at the motel. Oh, which WIP will be chosen to make the trip?! That will be a fun diversion. I'll be driving 300 miles tomorrow - taking my dear friend to an appointment in the city. She's 88 and still drives locally but is hesitant to make the longer trips by herself. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my fireball of a friend. She's an amazing lady. She's been through a lot of rough spots in her life but has come through them intact and with an incredible faith that is definitely inspiring. We have the best time talking and laughing while I learn plenty about how to do this thing called life with integrity. I'm sure I'll have a story or two to tell when I get back. 

Baffling Belt Blueprints

Oy! What an headache! I've spent way too much time trying to figure out a belt for my shrug. I finally settled on something close to what I think the designer was going for but I wasted a good evening and part of the day searching for just the right look. Rather than get stuck on this project, I decided to press forward with my original thoughts. I had, in fact, crocheted about 25 rows this way yesterday and then frogged it because I wanted something a little more substantial. As my friend Tracey would say "Holy Buckets!" I really could be close to sewing it on by now.

I wanted to debut this creation at church tomorrow - will that be enough to spur me on today? Hard to tell. But I know this - I'm looking forward to getting back to some other projects. Like the Granny Bag I started a while back or some Scrubbies that are made with colored netting. I need a change, that's for sure. With that in mind, I'm off to finish the belt. Check back tomorrow to see if I finished it. ;-) 

Finished Fabric

Woo Hooo! I have finished crocheting the fabric for my shrug. I started crocheting the tie but the silly pattern has another mistake (or it is not written clearly enough for someone of my experience - advanced - to decipher) so I am making my own pattern.

I am hoping to get the sewing part done, either tonight or Saturday. And then I will be finished! This really is amazing because I used to be the kind of crocheter that would get frustrated with flawed patterns and quit when I couldn't figure out the directions. Now I just improvise and make the pattern work for me. This kind of trial and error is risky but has made me a better crocheter in the long run.

My newest dream is to design a garment of my own - maybe a skirt or sweater. And then who knows?! I don't know if I'll ever design for a living - I've found it usually kills the enjoyment for me when I'm under deadlines - but I do know that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought I would do! Wishing all my Team Wearables teammates similar Olympic success! 

Twelve Rows left in Torino Games!

OK, it doesn't look like I accomplished much yesterday. In reality, I didn't - eight rows is not much. But I only have 12 rows left! In my defense, Wednesday is the day that I don't have time to think, eat or breathe. Between tutoring, after-school club at church and worship team practice, I am gone from noon until eight. When I got home last night I had a hard time focusing on both the Olympics and my crochet. I finally curled up with the heating pad on my feet (there is Arctic air coming in this week but no snow) and fell asleep watching the speed skating. Luckily, I have all morning to crochet today and this afternoon, two hours in the car with my hubby for a quick trip to the city! Check back tomorrow for a possibly finished garment!?

Olympics Day 5

I think the neck shaping went very well. It was a little easier than I thought it would be. I have 22 more rows to finish the right sleeve. Then all that's left is the sewing and crocheting the belt tie. I am thrilled with the results. It didn't take too much thinking about how to enlarge the pattern slightly when the time came. My gauge being consistent has been both a surprise and a pleasure - I feel like a professional at this point!

If you haven't been to my blog recently you'll want to scroll down to view Lyn's Felted Red Hat. Didn't it turn out fabulous!? I'd love to try felting a bag or something else that size doesn't matter so much. (I don't think the sailor sweater my grandma knitted me when I was thirteen counts!) I'll have to keep my eye out for a pattern that I like.

I've also added a syndication button to my sidebar just in case some of you want to add my blog to your web clips! Isn't blogging fun?! Hope you enjoy visiting often! 

Lyn's Felted Hat

This hat was made by Lyn from Moab over on the Crochet Partners List. It is the first of her Crochet Olympics projects. Lyn made her hat of Merino Wool and then felted it. Doesn't she look too young to be a Red Hatter?! See below for another view of the hat. Great job, Lyn! 

Hat View Two

 

Olympics, Oscars and Overcoming Obstacles

I'm finished with the left sleeve. I have 5 more rows for the shoulder and will be doing the neck shaping later today. I am so excited about this project! At first I wasn't sure I would enjoy doing it (you remember my intention was that this would be for Brianne) for myself. I began to doubt my color choice, wondering if I could even adjust the pattern to fit me, I just wasn't sure it was a good project. Well now that I'm this far into it, I'm really excited about it.

You have to admit the Olympics have way of generating excitment. Before the games began, I had no idea who Shaun White was. I'm just not a snowboarding kinda gal. But it was really fun watching this guy compete. It made me want to see more. I was disappointed to see Michelle Kwan leave, but I'm anticipating seeing what Emily Hughes will show us - after all her sister came to Salt Lake in the same team position and ended up winning gold . . . I think Sasha Cohen must be nervous!

All the Olympics coverage makes me think of my favorite Olympics-themed movie Chariots of Fire. If you've never seen this film and you love the spirit of the Olympic games, watch it! It won four Oscars, including Best Picture. I would be hard pressed to say that there are any films at this years Academy Awards, that are the caliber of this movie. What I love most about this movie is that the two competitors learn to overcome the obstacles in the way of achieving their goals.

Which is how I have felt about my own 'Olympics' goal. I'm learning to overcome my expectations, my prejudices and my self-doubt to create a project worthy of the GOLD! 

Crochet Olympics

Making my swatch gauge for the Crochet Olympics wasn't as easy as it looks. First of all, I chose for my project, the Beatrice Shrug from the Berroco website. I'm using a Debbie Bliss wool/cotton yarn in taupe to make it monochrome. It's a really nice yarn that I got on clearance a while back. Although it does have a tendency to split if I get careless with my tension. The problem came when there were no specific instructions for the swatch. I had to estimate the number of chains to use for the pattern. Then as I got to the second row of it, I discovered a mistake in the pattern. It took a while ot figure out that it was actually a mistake. Because I only went through the pattern twice to get the swatch.

The great thing is that my gauge was perfect. I have two extra balls of yarn. And all that's left is the doing. I just hope I like the finished project as much as I like the swatch!