Leila Shawl

 Now it is ready to wear, the shawl 'Leila' in a larger version.

Very nice with an old-world feel.

 

 

The shawl is designed by Maria Gustafsson.

I repeated the pattern chart three times more

and it turned out to be very good.

 

 

The shades of the ombre dyed wool yarn create

subtle color shifts. 

 

 

The picot edge with beads.

 

 

A shawl for elegant summer evenings!

 

 

 

A Wish for a Cardigan

 A friend would like a cardigan with short sleeves for dressed up everyday use and I found this one.

We both like the simple and functional style.

The ribbed collar adds an elegant touch to the design.

 

Farabella from Sublime

 

 

Lustrous Extrafine Merino DK from Sublime

 

The yarn has a metallic sheen and is very soft.

 

 

New Book on Crochet

This is about a new book on crochet coming out in Sweden.

I hope it will be available in english eventually.

 

'Crocheting is among the simplest you can do.' 

So say the authors of this book and I can only agree.

 

'Virka mera' (crochet more), is a modern book on crochet.

It teaches the basics of crochet as well as it inspires to developement of the techniques.

 

The instructions are clear in both word and image.

The swatches are in colors that clearly show the texture of the patterns. The only disadvantage for those who don't understand swedish is that the patterns lack charts with crochet symbols.

 

The book contains some 40 patterns for children, adults and the home.

 

'Virka mera' av Eva Wincent och Paula Hammerskog

 

 

I love this shawl!

I've already looked through my stash and there are some color combinations to choose from.

It can be classic or elegant or awesome!

 

 

A nice shopping tote or a practical bag.

Stylish and useful!

 

 

The finest pillow on the couch!

 

The book summarizes what craft and needlework means to me.

Function, aesthetics and high quality materials.

 

 

Simplify Your Life

This is a practical book on how to simplify your life

and become happier and more harmonious.

Does it sounds too good to be true?

You could certainly think it does.

Even that it sounds ridiculously.

But I think that this book is really good.

 

The author compares life with a pyramid with seven steps.

 

1. Organizing your stuff

2. Simplify your finances

3. Take control of your time

4. Take care of your health

5. Simplify your relationships

6. You and your partner

7. Increased self-awareness - the way to greater simplicity

 

 

 

Simplify Your Life, Werner Tiki Küstenmacher

The book is available in many languages.

 

 

Whether you feel that the chaos is about to take over your life 

 or if the only chaos is the one in the closet, from this book you'll get concrete, clear and uncomplicated solutions to the problems
and how to deal with them.

If you long for simplicity and a more harmonious and fulfilling life,
this book contributes with a lot of good advice.

Learn the Art of Simplifying Your Life.

 

Shawl in Swedish Wool

This beautiful shawl is a request from a friend.

The yarn and the design give it a both rustic and elegant feel which suits her perfectly.

 

 

The shawl 'Leila' is designed by Maria Gustafsson.

 

The yarns used are 1-thread wool yarn and silk/cashmere, both from Ullcentrum on Öland, Sweden.

 

 

The stockinette stitch is done.

Now the fun begins, the lace pattern!

 

 

The edge is done in picot bind off with beads. 

Very nice!

 

You can by the pattern from Maria's Ravelry store.

 www.mariasgarnhandelser.blogspot.com

 

 



Lisa Cowl

I like tone on tone yarns.

A simple pattern works best when the yarn

plays the lead role.

 

 

 

Looks good with white.

 

 

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.