Sweet Eleanor and the Mermaid Chair

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.

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

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.

---

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