crochet, yes
Finally, I’ve followed a crochet pattern and learned that what I always say about knitting is also true of crochet: you can tackle anything as long as you take it it one step at a time. The trick is not to get overwhelmed or impatient. You don’t have to know everything just to get started!
When this Habu linen paper yarn arrived last week it called to me.
Another fascinating offering from Habu Textiles, it manages to be crunchy, but is also smooth and silky, with a lovely sheen. Quite a miracle. It doesn’t break, in fact you can’t pull it apart. And for those who like a little sound effect with their yarn, it rustles.
Worrying about how to do justice to this lovely yarn with my lack of skill, I took a deep breath and opened an old favourite, the Readers’ Digest Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches. I must confess I’ve ignored the second half of this wonderful book until now. Silly me. All those stitches, edgings, and motifs and excellent, clear illustrations of how to make them. Now I can single, half double, and double, treble and double treble. Sounds like I’m gearing up for the diving competition at the London Olympics.
There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the motif patterns and the how-to instructions (when you’re teaching yourself it pays to have a few bookmarks nearby) but after a while the techniques came more easily and I didn’t have to consult the pictures.The best part is that both of these motifs were labelled “intermediate”. Is that really me?
I’m partial to doilies and I don’t think they’re at all old fashioned. First I thought I’d use them as coasters, but then my mind ran to a linen purse, an excuse to use these rattan handles. Eventually I’d like to cover the whole thing in crocheted squares, but I’m starting with one on each side, and will add more whenever I have a spare evening and a handy crochet hook.
February 7th, 2010 at 5:29 am
The squares look lovely, and a very pretty addition to your bag! I haven’t tried Habu linen paper but have some of their laceweight linen that I’m trying to choose the right project for… They really do make the most amazing textiles.
February 7th, 2010 at 8:13 am
I love the idea of doing the motifs piecemeal and sewing them on as you go. I enjoy trying the different crochet stitches, but I’ve never been able to face the idea of a whole blanket of the same one over and over, and have had trouble thinking of what else I could do. I doubt I’m capable of making a purse, but I could buy one. Not to mention you could totally use different remnant yarns. Oh, boy, now I’m really getting excited. Thanks for another creative idea!
February 7th, 2010 at 9:30 am
I luv your idea! I make up patterns and give them to my friends. I may have to do one of yours. IF IT IS LEAGAL. Very pretty!
February 7th, 2010 at 9:31 am
I love making pot holders or hot mats using as many different patterns as I can find. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands! That way, I don’t get bored and I’ve made something pretty “and” useful! I’ve got most I’ve made hanging on my kitchen wall and it’s so nice to see.
February 10th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Hooray! And I love your motifs, particularly the one with the sticky-outey corners. I haven’t seen those ones before. Really beautiful in that yarn. The bag turned out wonderfully.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Love the bag! The paper is great but does it break down when in contact with water? This is a logical question, but seems silly. I’m sure Habu would have thought about that! I can’t wait to try it out!
February 11th, 2010 at 2:16 am
Hi. I like your crochet motifs.
I think its because I can never get straight in my head whether I am working on an English or American pattern.
I do quite a lot of crochet but still have to consult the instructions every time
I have a few motifs hanging around at home.. great idea to sew them on things!!
February 11th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Marilyn, The Habu paper does not break down when wet. It is linen and behaves as such. The two swatches you see here have both been washed and dried.
February 12th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
I love the shape of the bag, and the handles are gorgeous. A few years ago, I made a whole bunch of these types of crochet pieces for a shawl pattern from one of the Rowan knitting books, but never got around to putting them together to form the shawl. They are beautiful, though, and I am thinking that I might be able to use them for this bag. Is the pattern for the cloth portion of the bag available also? It doesn’t look that hard, and I could probably figure it out, but in case it is available, I thought I’d ask!