Crochet a Neck Warmer

It's so fun to crochet!

It is simple and quick to work. The technique with different stitches creates textures that are completely different than knitted fabrics.

 

 

This yarn is purchased from my LYS, Svalan. The yarn is made of  mulberry silk and merino wool, 100g/230m, and it's handdyed.

The yarn is very suitable for crochet.

One skein is enough to make the nice cowl 'Lisa'.

 

Here are links to the technique so that everyone can make it.

 

foundation chain

chain stitch = ch 

slip stitch = sl st

single crochet = sc

double crochet = dc

 

 With crochet hook 5mm (US H/8, UK 6), ch 210 stitches. Being careful not to twist your base chain, join into a loop by slip stitching into the first chain made.

 

Row 1: Ch 1, sc into each ch, sc into the sl st. End the row with a sl st into the first sc.

 

Row 2: Ch 4 = the first dc, 1 dc into each of next 2 sc, *ch 3,  skip 3 sc, 1 dc into each of next 3 sc*, rep ** to last 3 sc, ch 3. End the row with a sl st into the 4th ch of the first dc.

 

Row 3-20: Sl st into each of next 2 dc, sl st in the next ch, ch 4 = the first dc, 1 dc into each of next 2 ch, *ch 3, skip 3 dc, 1 dc into each of next 3 ch*, rep ** to last 3 dc, ch 3.

End the row with a sl st into the 4th ch of the first dc.

 

Row 21: Ch 1, 1 sc into each dc and ch. End the row with a sl st into the first sc.

 

Cut the yarn about six inches from the work. Draw the end through the last loop on the hook and pull tight. Weave in ends. Ready to wear!

 

The following pictures show the end and the beginning of the dc rows.

  

 

 

sl st into the 4th ch

 

 

the sl st ends the row

 

 

sl st into each of next 2 dc, sl st into the next ch

 

 

ch 4 = the first dc

 

 

1 dc into each of next 2 ch

 



 

The name of this pattern is 'Lisa'.

It was my nickname when I was a kid.

 

 

 

Honey Cowl

 

 So simple in design and so insanely cozy!

 

The color is perfect for my black leather jacket!

 

The texture looks good on both sides!

 

Absolutely wonderful, simply!

 

 

A New Sewing Machine!

I want to introduce my new friend,

an overlock sewing machine!

 

Janome My Lock 644D

 

 

For quite a long time now I've been meaning

 to learn to sew clothes.

I'm tall and even though I do find clothes that fit me quite well, very often the quality of the garments in knitted fabrics could be better.

That's boring since I've had difficulties in finding clothes

 that suit me and once I do that then the quality of both

the sewing and the fabric is poor.

 

But now I can change that!

It's just to go ahead and start practicing and eventually

 I can wear garments in knitted fabrics

that are as I wish them to be! 

 



Knitting Pattern Essentials

As everyone knows we have different body shape and that a size or a shape of a garment would fit all is impossible.

When I knit from published patterns there is always something that I need to change. To change the lenght of the back and front pieces is rather easy and often also the length of the sleeves. To change the shape of a garment by the placing of increases and decreases of stitches and rows, usually works well, as well. But, what I find rather difficult is to change the shape of the armhole and the sleeve cap.

  

Now it's here, the book that explains how to do it!

 

The book is about adapting and drafting knitting patterns.
It's dedicated only to garments that hang from the shoulders.

One reason to that is that a garment with seams holds its shape better.

In this book you find all the tools, the techniques and the math you need to create or modify a pattern so the finished garment gets the fit that you want.

 

When I look through the book I realise that a
 knitting designer has a great advantage in having
knowledge about pattern construction and sewing.

 

 

Knitting Pattern Essentials by Sally Melville

 

 

This books is the perfect guide to sweater construction whether you want to adjust a pattern or create your own design.

A poem from the book.

'You did the best you could until you knew better, and when you knew better you did better.' (Maya Angelou)

Now there is hope for better fitting garments!

 



Slip Stitch Cowl

Another cowl!

This cool spring invites to knit something warm.

Here in the North even summer evenings can be cool so scarfs and shawls in a lot of colors and shapes are indeed good to have.

  

The pattern is from madelinetosh and is available for

free download. 

 

 

The yarn 'Pashmina' is gorgeous.

Merino, silk and cashmere.  

The simple slip stitch pattern creates a dense texture 

with a supple drape.

  

 

 

The shade is 'ink'.

I thought for a while before a chose the color.

Blue is coming back into my life.

 

A Shimmering Shawl

This shawl is so useful.
An accessory for both everyday use or special occasions.

Nice, warm and very wearable.

 

 

A plain design becomes elegant in this shimmering yarn from Sublime.

 

 

The closure is clever.

A knitted leaf is drawn through a hole .

Simple and ingenious!

 



An Embracing Scent

If a perfume is universal in the sense of 'suits all anytime and anywhere', then it is this.

A fantastic fragrance that is both sensual, playful, mystic, innocent, elegant, alluring and pleasant.

A so called masterpiece.

 

 

Tocade from Rochas, created 1994

 

The bottle has a playful design that perfectly completes this multifaceted oriental floral fragrance.

 

The refreshing opening with green notes, bergamot and geranium turns into a refined and elegant bouquet

of jasmine, orris, magnolia, orchids and roses.

When the sweatness from the flowers slowly eases, a lingering warm soft and powdery scent of vanilla with a touch of fresch cedar and rich and deep amber unfolds.

 

Calm and embracing. 

 

 

 Precious drops.

A gift to me.