 Pulling my pictures and thoughts together for today's post I'm struggling to find an appropriate opening line or catchy title. Typically I'm not at a loss for words - especially when I'm talking about crochet. Strangely enough, this Tunisian washcloth is a different story. It seems to have left me flat and uninspired. Weird isn't it? I love learning new techniques, and the excitement that goes with beginning a new project. I had all of that when I got started last week, but sadly it seems to have fizzled out. I think the reason is that I didn't really enjoy my first foray into Tunisian Crochet. That's not quite it. It's not that I didn't like it. Let's just say that we're getting to know each other and I'm not sure how close we're ever going to be! It felt awkward at first - with that big hook wobbling around, and I wasn't sure where to hold on. After a few (okay 8 or 9) rows of the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) I got a little bit of a grove on. (Notice the book is close by offering reassurance.)
I decided to try the Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS). And since that was alright I thought what the heck and tried the Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS). That was hard to do. It took a long time and lots of grumbling to complete two rows. I recovered by creating a pattern with a few more rows of TKS before switching back to the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS). Which is what people usually mean when they refer to the Afghan Stitch.
In addition to not knowing where to put my hands, my work was extremely curly. I significantly loosened my tension on the second half, but as you can see it remained unruly and determined to twist. I thought finishing it off with a SC border might help. It didn't. I know that this is a washcloth and destined to be wet, but I felt compelled to block it into submission. Mostly just to see if I could!
Overall, I liked seeing all those loops on the hook, and it did go quickly in the TSS once I got the hang of it. That said, I'm still spastic with the big hook and it never felt natural to me. Also, I noticed my wrist was sore. I'm not sure if that's because I was holding on so tightly or because I was moving my hand in a strange way! Since this is a washcloth I used cotton. It's absorbent, but not very flexible while you're working with it. The fabric I made is very stiff and the thickness varies greatly with each type of stitch.  Here it is, my first (and probably last) foray into Tunisian Crochet! What will become of me and Tunisian Crochet? I can't say for sure. I've been considering making a Tunisian Entrelac washcloth as part of my Year of Projects quest. Since it's done with a regular hook I think that it might be easier for me. Other than that, I don't see it being a big part of my future. I am glad that I gave it a try. Now that I'm done I can cross it off my list and move on to the next big thing.
Now if I can only figure out what that is!! Thanks for stopping by. There's a whole group of us at Come Blog-a-Long on Ravelry taking part in a Year of Projects. I'm going to go see what everyone else is working on this week. Why don't you come with me? It's always a lot of fun! While we're out, let's stop by Nicole's at Frontier Dreams. She hosts a charming bit called Keep Calm and Craft On. Who knows what projects we'll be inspired by? Until next time friends, Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
26 Comments
Ruth
7/16/2012 12:02:42 pm
I like your cloth and I'm sorry it wasn't the experience you were hoping for. Cotton can be very stiff to work with, for some of my washcloths I sometimes use a bamboo/cotton mix which is softer and more pliable and if you do decide to go with the enterlac washcloth it might be easier ? Tunisian does feel awkward at first, doesn't it? I found that switching from a straight to an extendable hook - ie a normal sized hook with a long cable on the end - was a lot easier on my wrists. I'm making a ginormous blanket in Tunisian (slowly. very very slowly), and I do find it harder on my wrist than normal crochet. On the other hand, Tunisian lace can be absolutely stunning, and is much easier than dense cloth. Might be worth a try!
Heh, well I've been at the blanket for over a year now, so I'm not expecting to finish it any time soon! Your washcloth looks lovely. When I made my Tunisian resolution scarf I cast on by inserting the hook alternately from the front and back and that seemed to help with the curling. I don't like these super long Tunisian hooks, they look rigid. You might want to try the bamboo ones with a long cord attached to what looks like a normal hook, much easier on the hand/wrist I think, you can get them quite cheaply online. 7/17/2012 01:22:44 am
Not bad for a first effort. One rule of thumb with Tunisian is to use a larger hook than you would use for traditional crochet, it makes the stitches a little looser and makes the finished article a little more flexible.
Hi there, 7/17/2012 04:13:48 am
Interesting breakdown. I'm curious to try it... some day. I know what you mean about techniques though. You know that afghan that taunts me? Well it has crab stitch on it. I'd never done crab stitch. And it felt SO awkward. I think I re-did that first row at least three times. Now it's not nearly so awkward but it does slow me down when I get to it! Actually that afghan has a few bizarro stitches now that I think of it... Scratching my head, was sure I had been here previously; but I don't see my comment...either I'm losing it; or it's a computer gliche of somesort. lol Looks great, we used to call it afghan stitch and I never liked doing it as it seemed to knit like. Now that I actually knit too, perhaps I should try it again. 7/17/2012 02:51:42 pm
Sorry about all the frustration, but looks to me like your washcloth worked out very nicely indeed. I think cloths are better when they're worked a bit tighter and stiffer than normal. And those thicker stitches? Why those are scrubbing ridges! 7/17/2012 04:40:27 pm
I think you're doing great for a Tunisian beginner! To echo what some of the others have said, try a much larger hook than you would normally use for crochet when you are making Tunisian stitches (I typically use 2-3 sizes larger). This helps a bit with reducing the curl but also makes the fabric more drapey and less stiff. The TSS is very curly, so another tip is to use TPS for the first row. As for the pain, I find metal hooks very uncomfortable for Tunisian crochet, and always use plastic or bamboo hooks when possible. I also prefer the flexible hooks to the rigid ones, which seem to make my hands hurt.
Glad to see you blogging a long. This is my first year doing this and I've challenged myself to knit. When I first started doing Tunisian crochet I loved it. I found that having a wooden hook helps tremendously. Tunisian crochet is notorious for curling and if you go to Kim Guzman's site she has tons of tips. (she also as a yahoo group specifically for this technique).
Victoria
9/20/2012 03:03:18 am
Hi! I just stumbled on this while looking for something else. I started with Tunisian crochet about 1.5 years ago, and I really like it! I know its awkward at first, but here are a few tips:
Victoria, Leave a Reply. |
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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. Did you enjoy your visit? Let me know by leaving a comment. I love knowing you dropped by, and hope to see you again soon! Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love! 
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