Crochet Zig Zag Skirt

 This week the weather has taken a turn for the better and it seemed appropriate to start a more Summery project. So I dug out the pattern for the Zig Zag Skirt by Mari Lynn Patrick from an old copy of Interweave Crochet and some Patons 100% Cotton 4ply. I am sticking with the colour scheme of the original skirt as I particularly like it. I am not sure why this pattern is written to be crocheted flat and then seamed at  the sides.  It would surely make sense to work it in the round - as have several crocheters on Ravelry. For some reason I decided to just go with the pattern and have now done so much that I couldn't bear to frog it and start again. Although I think the design is very effective and striking, it is really boring to crochet. Two panels of rippled stripes with decreases in the ripple pattern every few rows for the shaping. I am hoping that I can manage to finish this project before it becomes so boring that I abandon it and start something more interesting.
 
Another little Deer Hat is on the needles - baby size! This one is to a baby of about 6 months, so it will be perfect for wear this coming Winter. These hats are always a joy to make as they are just so darn cute - Tiny Owl Knits patterns are pure genius.  Every baby should have one!
 
Alfie has had a haircut which should make him more comfortable in this heat. Just back from the Pet Emporium, he is looking unusually tidy, sleek and handsome...

The Rosy Cosy

This tea cosy was based on several patterns that I have seen and admired on Ravelry.  It is a very basic cosy knitted in 2 pieces and sewn together leaving gaps for the handle and spout.  Then it is a case of making a whole load of pretty roses and leaves to arrange on top. The cosy is knitted on 7mm needles from Rowan Cocoon and the flowers are made from a variety of scraps of wool from my stash. It took an evening to make the parts and then another to sew it all together. The teapot is quite an unusual shape - a bit taller than most teapots so I had to make sure the cosy was long enough. I love the finished result. Pretty and practical.
Alfie was also quite interested...
 

May flowers

I am loving the little rose shawlette.  After blocking it is just big enough to wrap around the shoulders with the pretty filet crochet rose showing at the back.  The leaf and picot border is particularly attractive. All considered, this was a very enjoyable and successful project.
 
 I am keen to make another of the lovely shawls from my Japanese pattern book but have a few small projects to complete first. This tea cosy is inspired by several patterns that I have seen on Ravelry.  The tea pot is an unusual shape so I had to add about 5cm to the height before starting the shaping. The flowers are made from colourful scraps of yarn that I have saved up for just such a project. There will be more flowers, leaves and maybe a lining for the cosy. I got this far in one evening , so it shouldn't take long to finish.

Coming up roses...

I have now completed the rose pattern on my filet crochet shawl.  I like the way it is turning out and can't wait to see the finished item. The pattern is from this Japanese craft book...

There are several more patterns that I want to make in this book.  I am finding it fairly easy to follow the Japanese charts and there are really good photo tutorials on any special stitches.  The main problem is that I cannot tell what kind of yarn and size of hook have been used to achieve the given size.
 
My rose shawl seems to be turning out smaller than the one pictured and I am thinking that they may have used a worsted weight yarn. My yarn is a light dk and I used a 3.5mm hook.  I may have another go with a thicker yarn if I can find anything suitable in my stash.

Japanese Rose Filet Crochet Shawlette

I started this shawlette a few days ago.  The yarn is a 50/50 wool and silk mix that I was given by a friend at knitting club. When I saw this pattern in a Japanese crochet book I knew it would be a perfect match for the yarn. I love Japanese patterns - they are so stylish and the charts are really easy to follow.  Filet crochet is fun.  You have to concentrate but it is great watching the picture appear as you work. The shawlette will have a beautiful leafy edging if there is enough yarn.
Yesterday I was asked to make a cute baby hat and managed to knit this little Deer Hat by Tiny owl Knits in an evening.  I used Sirdar Snuggly 4ply held double and knit on 4.5mm needles for the hat.  The antlers were knitted in Rowan Kid Classic, which felts brilliantly.  It is really the ears and antlers that take a while.  Attaching them in the right place can be a pain but I am satisfied that they are now positioned for maximum cuteness...

Speaking of cute...
 
Alfie rolled around in something unpleasant and smelly today and had to have a bath.  He is now looking gorgeous with his fur freshly washed and styled. He also smells a lot better.