Crochet Celtic Cables

I'm bound and determine to figure out Celtic crochet cables that look good and are true to the Celtic look. I've worked on this on and off for a few years and I'm never totally pleased with my work. Here is my latest panel, I'm not totally happy with it BUT I'm not sure what it is that bugs me. I notice some mistakes (which can be fixed) but the overall look isn't what I've envisioned. Hummmm.....

Have you crocheted Celtic cables? Anyone out there with some tips or ideas?

Colinette's Mohair in Neptune

Colinette's Mohair - Neptune

Yarn Statistics

Fiber Content: 78% mohair, 13% wool, 9% nylon
Yarn Weight: Worsted
Yarndage/MSRP: 175 meters per hank @ $24.00
Care: Hand wash/dry flat
Years in My Stash Box: 3
Personal Notes: kinda scratchy, terrible to rip, beautiful colorway.

Project Info.
I'm crocheting a scarf, approx. 14" in width and I'll go to about 60" in length. I'm using a N (9mm) crochet hook and the standard shell stitch. To see this project the best, I held it up with the light in the back ground to show off the stitch. The super big hook makes for a fast project and works up quick. There is no bulkiness to this project, it is very lightweight. I love all of Colinette's yarn, I'm turning into a yarn snob. Next project I'm looking at Noro's Silk Garden.

On a Personal Note: Thanks for the calls, notes and words of encouragement after my surgery, I'm recovery super fast, feeling great! Life takes crazy turns and it is amazing how resilient you (and your family) can be. A big shout-out to my husband Scott, who is amazing, stepped-in to do A LOT of work around the house while I stayed in my PJs for 4 days. Also to my Mom & my sister Sue who helped with the kids. Also my sweet neighbors, Vicki, Dana, Tia, Sarah, and LeAnn who sent over yummy pre-made meals! I know! How sweet is that?! I'm pretty lucky. Also the owners of the yarn shop where I teach; Cis at 3 Kittens offered her personal home delivery service if I needed any yarn! I know! I know! THAT is why I love that shop, they go above and beyond.!

Also thank YOU, for those that stop by to "check in" on my crochet world, and those who leave comments, for those that don't, and for those who've purchased my patterns, those I've met in person at events, for those I know only 'on-line', for those friends 'across the pond' and for those long lost friends I've recently found!

Cheers!

Baby Beret and Mary Jane Booties

$2.99

My Grey A-Line Jacket

A heavily modified version of my "Fuchsia and Blues Jacket" that was in the winter 08 issue of Interweave Crochet, I'll call it My Grey A-Line Jacket.

I faced a dilemma, I wanted to make this really bad, but I couldn’t spend a lot of money on the yarn, I used my pattern in the winter issue of Interweave Crochet, page 26, "Fuchsia and Blues Jacket", BUT I substituted yarn and hook (to keep the gauge) AND I wanted something to button up front, so I made an addition to the front. Here are the details.

- Pattern Size: XL (44”-46”)
- Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky in Grey Heather
- Hook: I-9 (5.5mm)
- Only regret: I got lazy and didn’t measure often, I’m off a bit on the collar.

Setting in the sleeves

I used scrap yarn as stitch markers to mark every decrease row, you can barely see it here, (it is black yarn) this helped me keep count of the decrease rows, which is vital in making the a-line shape. Gotta hug those curves!

Thanks for stopping by!

Crochet Sampler Bag

Front of Crochet Sampler Bag

Back of Crochet Sampler Bag

In an effort to support exploring new stitches, I’ve created a ‘crochet sampler bag” using some of my favorite stitches. This is in conjunction with a crochet class to be offered at 3 Kittens Needle Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota.

For the class, we will learn all these stitches, plus have a cool project bag in the end!

I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca in color #6201. This yarn is 50% wool, 50% alpaca and has 215 yards per skein. I’m going to line the bag with plastic canvas for support. I have black leather straps for the handle. I LOVE the big cable up the middle, to me, this tied the bag together. I'll post a picture when I'm done.

Have you tired any new stitches lately? Are you making any resolutions to expand your crochet skill level? I suggest trying a few textured stitches, like the Griddle Stitch or Seed Stitch.

You'll never go back to a straight HDC item after seeing the beauty and ease of a good texture stitch!

Warm Up America Project 2007

Warm Up America Project 2007
I did several afghans for WUA in 2007 but didn't take any pictures. This kaleidescope of colors joined in black, is the last afghan I made in 2007 for WUA. This one goes to the VA hospital in Minneapolis next week.

Well I'm playing "catch up" after the holidays. I love looking back at the year's end, making meaningful resolutions and looking forward to the new year ahead. Have you made any crochet related New Year's resolutions? Acquire more yarn, (or less yarn!) perhaps finish a specific UFO? Try out new crochet techniques? Let me know, I'd love to hear about it!

****addition to post on 01/16/08*****
I did take a picture of all the afghans, forgot I had it! This stack of 13 afghans goes to the VA hospital in Minneapolis.