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Sweet Eleanor and the Mermaid Chair

8/8/2012

14 Comments

 
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Crocheting with a Group Offers Inspiration and Guidance

Have you ever participated in an "a-long"? My Sweet Eleanor is part of a Crochet-a-Long (CAL), and I'm having such a great time. There's a group called Crochet Shoulder Wrappers over on Ravelry, and they are just the nicest bunch of people. They do amazing work, offer a tremendous amount of encouragement, and are so willing to help you succeed.  Every month there are 3 new projects to choose from plus threads  to share patterns, to show off your work, just for designers - all kinds of things.  This is where I found my Juliana wrap.  She was the CAL for June. I'm getting close to finishing, and may even have done it if a new month hadn't started.  Because of course I had to take a look, and that's where I found Sweet Eleanor.
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This is Crochetster's Sweet Eleanor. Thanks for letting me use your picture and for the inspiration!
Honestly, I was a goner when I saw Sally's (aka Crochetster) beautiful version of this scarf/shawlette. I don't know if it's the "wingy" look, or because it's so different from any of the wraps I've made, but I couldn't wait to get started!  I'll admit, it was touch and go in the beginning.  I'm using a mystery yarn that seems to be a lace weight (3 ply) wool blend. It's brilliant, but a little splitty. And because it's so fine and bouncy it was hard to work the first 5 rows. I also wasn't sure I was doing it right. CAL to the rescue! I read through to see if anyone else was having trouble - and was quickly set at ease as I realized I was on the right track, and it would get better with each row!
This group is my first experience with an "a-long", and I'm glad I decided to join. I find the pattern tips, modifications and explanations are excellent resources. I imagine if I had started this on my own I would have become frustrated and thrown in the towel. Instead I'm making swift progress. I also like comradery  and fun we have cheering each other on. Whether you take part or just visit there's a lot of good stuff happening!

And what would Wednesday be without a little book chat? Yesterday I started The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. She also wrote The Secret life of Bees which I haven't read, but I did adore the movie. This book seems to have hooked me right from the start. Her words evoke images and feelings that give me moments of pause yet keep me turning the pages. I look forward to exploring all it has to offer.

A Mini Review for the Ravenous Readers

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Full Blast by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes
St. Martin’s Press Paperbacks
April 10, 2004; 344pages

I’m tossing this one in for Janet Evanovich fans. It’s an earlier work (Stephanie Plum was only up to “To the Nines” when this came out.) that’s part of a series she wrote with Charlotte Hughes.  The residents of Beaumont, South Carolina are a diverse and wacky bunch, just the kind of folks you expect from Evanovich. There’s a dog named Fleas, a car named Muffin, a hunky millionaire, a cute, spunky newspaper owner with a coffee and sugar habit, a lingerie shop run by a librarian (haha!), aphrodisiac brownies, a psychic who writes an advice column, a beauty queen, and a former professional wrestler who happens to be the mayor - just to name a few. With a population like this there’s never a dull moment, especially when someone starts offing women who seem to be connected to ads placed in the papers personals section.

Many years ago I read another book in this series so when I came across this one I figured, why not? It’s what I expected. Lots of quick banter, eye rolling and exasperated sighs. Some hanky-panky, a little arguing, and people rallying together to help each other.  It’s not her best, but since it had been a while it felt fresh enough that I was able to enjoy it. I’d say don’t go out of your way to find it, but if you happen upon it give it a try. Who knows? It just might tickle your funny bone!

Well friends, that's all for me today. It's be terrific having you here. I'll be linking up with my crafty pals who always have lots to share. I love clicking around and soaking in all the creative goodness - you never know what you'll find.

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Thanks for stopping by.
Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
14 Comments

The Granny Square Project - Part I

8/6/2012

34 Comments

 

Born of Necessity, Raised to an Icon

The Granny Square.  For many of us the name elicits memories of colorful afghans and outrageous fashions that helped define the 70s. But who is she and where did she come from?  To understand we need to take a look at the history of crochet to find where granny fits in.

A Crochet Timeline

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Early Centuries: Man creates handwork for practical purposes using materials like strands of woven fiber, cords or strips of cloth. Hunters and fishermen make knotted fishnets, openwork cooking utensils, knotted game bags and animal traps. Handwork is expanded to include decorations for ceremonial costumes, religious rites, celebrations, marriages and funerals.

1500s:  European royalty and the wealthy lavish themselves in lace made with a needle and/or bobbin.

Some believe that in Italy Nuns are doing a form of crochet called “nun’s work” or “nun’s lace” making textiles for the church.

1700s:   It is accepted by many that crochet developed from a type of Chinese needlework; an ancient form of embroidery that reached Europe in the 1700s and became known as Tambour. By the end of the 1700s Tambour evolves into what the French call “crochet in the air”.  (“Croche” is Middle French for hook).

Early 1800s:         Crochet becomes “the poor man’s lace” and experiences a surge in popularity thanks to Mlle. Riego de la Branchardiere who turns old style needle and bobbin patterns into crochet patterns. In 1824 the first pattern is published and Mlle. de la Branchardiere joins in publishing many pattern books making them available to legions of women. One of her books, Knitting, Crochet and Netting with 12 Illustrations originally published in 1846 is available today as a free e-book, as is The Ladies Work-Book.

1845-1850:          Irish workers (men, women and children) are organized into crochet cooperatives during the potato famine making fine lace for the wealthy.  They rely on the earnings to survive and emigrate from Ireland.

1845-1859:          Two million Irish immigrate to America (four million by 1890) bringing with them their vast experience with crochet.  American women who are already adept at spinning, weaving, knitting and quilting add crochet to their repertoire.

1897:     A pattern called “Patchwork Square” is printed in Weldon’s Practical Needlework, published by The Weldon Company of London. The description indicates that it is good way to use up scrap and leftover bits of yarn which can then be sewn together into an afghan, rug or baby blanket.  A look at the picture shows what we know today as the Traditional Granny Square!!

It is my belief that creative women were already making grannies, but this has come to be accepted (by many) as the first time we see the pattern in print.

Up to this time we see many patterns for lace accents, lamp mats and shades, doilies, antimacassars and even bird cage covers! But, crochet is changing, and it’s no longer just the poor man’s lace. As we enter the 1900s – 1930 we see women crocheting afghans, slumber rugs, travel rugs, sleigh rugs, tea cozies and water bottle covers, as well as the now standard dishcloths and potholders. In The Handbook of Wool Knitting and Crochet (also available as a free e-book), originally published in 1918 you'll find a well rounded selection of these patterns.

Following the stock market crash in 1929 and the resulting economic depression, resources and goods are limited and women are forced to find new and creative ways to meet the needs of their families. Old and worn sweaters are ripped apart and the yarn is steamed for reuse. Every bit of fiber is saved, and it is here that we see the matriarch (Granny) leading the way and turning the otherwise useless bit and scraps into squares to be stitched together making blankets and other necessary items for her family.  We don’t know who coined the name Granny Square, but we do know that what was once made out of necessity is made today because of its timeless versatility and style.

Granny becomes an Icon?

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The granny square has come so far that you can find them in the Smithsonian Museum, in the afghan that graced the back of the couch on the sit-com Rosanne (1988 – 1997). They can even be found in high fashion making their way down the catwalks as designers Henry Holland and Christopher Kane made them the focal point of their collections last year.

I venture to say that the granny square is an iconic symbol of crochet.  Most everyone (of a certain age) had a granny square afghan, or knew a family member or friend who did.  Ask anyone what crochet is and I bet they’ll think of a granny square – even if they don’t know what it’s called. I once had a knitter friend tell me that until she met me and saw all the things I made, when she thought of crochet she only thought of the granny square!

When I asked for your help in choosing my next project I had no idea what I was getting into! As I started looking at patterns I realized how diverse and plentiful they are. However, the history of crochet and in turn the granny is vague at best.  Through interviews, books and reputable websites I’ve created this timeline.  I’ve done my best to present accurate, factual information. Any mistakes or misinterpretations are mine.


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I hope that you enjoyed Part I of The Granny Square Project. A series that I'm working on as part of A Year of Projects over on Ravelry.


Now that I’ve taken a look at where granny comes from, I’m ready to see what she’s made of.  From the traditional pattern to the mulitlayered, the bobbled to the hexagon. Whatever stitch combinations you can imagine, someone has made it into a granny square! Please join me next week for Part II. Who knows what I’ll discover next!

Thanks for stopping by friends! Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Did you have a granny afghan on your couch? How about a vest or poncho? Was there a granny maker in your life? Do you know who gave granny her name or about her origin?  Please share your story with us in the comment section.

34 Comments

Friday Show & Tell - How I Stiffen Lace with Glue

8/3/2012

21 Comments

 
Hello, I'm so glad you're here! In an effort to keep cool this summer I've been making thread crochet bookmarks using a pattern called Graceful Gothic Cross. It's fairly easy (you need to be comfortable with joining thread as each point is worked individually off the center square) and works up quickly. They're lovely in any color and I'm planning on giving them away this holiday season.

In anticipation of making Christmas ornaments and decorations,  I decided it was time to experiment with stiffening lace.  There are a variety of ways to turn your lace from flimsy to firm.  Options include: purchasing spray or liquid starch (the kind for laundry); buying a product like Stiffen Stuff or Stiffen Quick (on line or at the craft store); boiling sugar and water together to make a sticky sweet home stiffener; or another homemade option mix together plain old white glue and water, from the tap, no cooking required. Of course you know which one I picked!

I gathered together all of the white glue I could find. I also came across a big bottle of Magic Mend Liquid Plastic Adhesive. What?! It's used for repairing book bindings. We don't use it anymore at work so I brought it home (2 months ago?) thinking I might be able to do something with it. I checked it out on line since  it does have warnings on the label and I didn't want my lace to disintegrate. No problem. It's PVC free, won't discolor the book pages, is archive quality and dries clear and flexible. Very cool.
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Before I got started I covered my work area with an old table cloth.  I cut the bottoms off old orange juice containers to make disposable bowls. I covered a piece of cardboard with tin foil and wax paper to make a disposable blocking board and I had my pins ready.  I also had my mixing utensils handy and paper towels laid out. Age and experience has taught me that I will make a mess, and it's better to be prepared than have to clean unnecessarily!
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I started with the white glue. I used 1 part glue to 3 parts hot water. They blended easily and the mixture was very thin. I thought about adding more glue, but I decided to see what happens with this ratio. I laid the bookmark in and let it soak for 3 or 4 minutes.
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I blotted the excess moisture with paper towels and pinned it into shape. It was easy to work with. It didn't stick to my fingers and I wasn't worried about it drying out on me before I was done pinning.
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Next up is the Magic Mend, which smells just like white glue and isn't offensive at all despite the warning label!  I used 1 part MM and 2 parts warm water. It blended easily and produced a much thicker mixture. I followed the same steps as the first bookmark.  It was much sticker than the glue, and a little harder to work with. I felt it getting tacky and starting to harden by the time I was done pinning.
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Once they were secured in the proper shape, I set them in the air conditioning to dry. 8 hours later they were done.
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This is the au naturale bookmark, which is lovely but flimsy. And the stiffened bookmarks, which stand firmly on their own.  I was worried that the white glue solution was too weak, but for a first try it's just fine. Next time I'll use less water, and see what happens. I'm pleased with the Magic Mend. It's very sturdy, but not brittle. I think it's a good option for use in the future. Both mixtures did darken the thread slightly, and stiffening brings out and defines the stitches very nicely.
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I love learning new things and sharing my experiences with you! Now that I've done this I have no reason to avoid projects that require stiffening. I also like that I was able to use things that I have on hand. I know not everyone has Magic Mend, but I bet you have a bottle of two of white glue hanging around!

Well friends, another busy week is drawing to a close, and isn't it amazing how much we've done?  I'll be linking up with these creative bloggers and sharing my accomplishments. I sure hope you'll come with me and see what everyone else is up to!
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This week I'm also joining in with Tricia and her Stash Bash. Click over for a look!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I had a great time, and I hope you did too!
Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
21 Comments

Gnomes, Grannies, Buttons and Shawls

8/1/2012

8 Comments

 
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This collection of whimsical stories are favorites that I've read many times.

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Did you know that young girl gnomes are taught the "homely arts" by their mothers and neighbor women? They learn cooking, spinning, knitting and identifying animals of prey. Everything a woman needs to know to run a home!  
To me, nothing is better than escaping into a magical place found on the pages of a book (except of course crochet). 
This week I took some time off from my granny square research to enjoy the delightful drawings and endearing stories of the Forest Gnome. But there's always work to be done (for gnomes and humans) so I got started on a granny square dishcloth in happy, brightly colored cotton.

And just to make sure that I have plenty to do...

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This week I joined a CAL over at the Crochet Shoulder Wrappers on Ravelry. What a terrific group this is!  I just couldn't resist the Sweet Eleanore Scarf that is on tap for August. You may recognize the yarn I'm using. It's from the stash and it was going to be socks. Since that never happened, I decided to use it for this funky little wrap. I can't get enough of them. The Juliana Mod is also from a CSW CAL.  I stalled a bit in the sweltering heat, but I worked on her during the opening ceremonies and I can see the end is near! If you've never done a CAL/KAL I really encourage you to give it a try. I've gotten excellent tips and pattern explanations from the group, and they're all so nice!

Finally, a book review for my fellow ravenous readers.

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Button Holed, by Kylie Logan
Berkley Prime Crime Publishing, NY
September 6, 2011; 288 Pages

Welcome to the Button Box, a specialty shop located in a converted brownstone in the New Town section of Chicago.  Josie Giancola, the young proprietor is quickly establishing herself as one of the country’s leading experts on all things buttons. She has invested her life savings in opening the Button Box and it looks as if her dreams are about to come true.  Hollywood starlet Kate (the Great) Franciscus has picked Josie to find her custom buttons for her wedding gown. This could be the client who puts Josie and her shop on the map.

Imagine her surprise (horror!) when she finds Kate the Great dead in her shop and an antique button hook looks like it’s the weapon. Now it’s up to Josie and Homicide Detective Nevin Riley to figure out who ended the career of America’s sweetheart right before her royal wedding to Prince Roland of Ruritania.

I picked up this paperback while I was packing. I don’t usually read them, but the buttons on the cover caught my eye, and I’m a sucker for a catchy cover. I was hesitant though, because my recent experience with this kind of book has been less than stellar. By this kind I mean mysteries in which the protagonist is the owner of a craft/specialty shop. There are many about knitters, quilters, foodies and the like, but this is the first about buttons.

This book is the first in a new series by Kylie Logan, and I think she really hit the mark. Josie is funny, spunky, smart and human. She’s believable and I could feel her love and obsession for the buttons she has dedicated her life to.  In addition to Josie, there is a terrific cast of characters at play. Some are specific to this story, but others – like Nevin the hunky detective; her sexy, unreliable con-artist ex-husband Kaz; and Stan Marzcak, her fatherly neighbor who’s a retired Chicago police officer are sure to show up again.

Here’s why I liked it: The book moves quickly, and the dialog is smooth and often funny.  There are twists and turns as Josie tries to put the pieces together to figure out who the killer is even though he’s doing his best to stop her. She finds herself in a variety of situations that I can actually imagine happening. And here’s the best part – I never knew who the killer was until the final pages! That is a big plus for me.

When I closed this book I had a smile on my face. It was entertaining. The author was always a step or two ahead of me keeping me anxious to find out what happens next.  I like Josie and the other people in her life. She reminds me a bit of the early Stephanie Plum, the heroine of the Janet Evanovich series. (The movie version of One for the Money was released earlier this year, and  Notorious  Nineteen is due out in November of 2012.) If you’re a fan of Stephanie and her gang, I’d say there’s a good chance you’ll be hooked by this one!

Now that I've had a chance to tell you about my projects, I'll be heading out to link up and visit with my friends on their blogs. These are  diverse, creative and interesting groups and I always find something that takes my breath away. I'm sure you will too!

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Thanks for stopping by. Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
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    My name is Robin.  I am a wife, mother and strong believer in the power of faith.  I'm a maker, a crafter and an artist. I love exploring new mediums and sharing my adventures with you.
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