Geometry Lessons Stitch Along.
You all know how excited I was to get started on the SAL, I was there as soon as the video tutorial was released. Mikey is a great teacher and I soon got the gist, however I soon came to realise that this type of crochet was not for me. I get that the beauty of this type of crochet is that you can have geometrical patterns in your work without having to carry your yarn at the back as in the intarsia method, however for it to work you have to have good consistent tension or you are left with gaps and holes in your work. My tension varies so I wasn't happy with the finish, it meant I was pulling back and trying again and again and at that rate I would never have finished the blanket.
It appears that I am not alone in my thinking several crocheters have given up for the same reasons. Another thing I found is that it is quite hard on the hands, there is a lot of twisting and turning involved and for the longer waterfalls you need to use a hook with a long shaft or a Tunisian crochet hook. I use an ergonomic hook but they are too short for all the stitches the hook has to accommodate. However I must quickly add, there are many more who are absolutely loving the waterfall method of crochet and indeed several have finished their blankets already at only two weeks into the SAL.
I may revisit one day with a thicker yarn I was using Dk out of my stash and I think an Aran weight as used in the pattern would be the best way to go.
You can see how far I got below...
I'm pleased that I tried it even if the experience was short lived for me, it made me realise that you can get the same result more or less with Mosaic Crochet and that is a method I really enjoy so I have decided to make a mosaic blanket instead.
I have already made a start, it's going to be a 36"x 36" baby blanket and I'm using a pattern that I purchased ages ago by the very talented designer Rosina Plane I love her designs.
It will take me a while because Mosaic Crochet is slow as it only grows by a sc depth at each row however I don't mind as the results are always worth it, I will be happy if I can get this finished by the end of the month.
Other things
It's funny how different things seem to hold my interest at different times, the only thing that is truly consistent with me is crochet, I never tire of it, but I have to have something else going on too and as you all must have gathered by now it's embroidery, I don't know how long this will last but I'm really enjoying it at the moment.
The flower for this month is the daisy and as I love daisies I need to embroider a few to do them justice, I have yet another one I want to start, I enjoy sewing just a little bit each day.
I'm going in search of my Easter rocks so that I can complete my little Easter display.
Easter Cactus getting ready to flower.😄 |
Take Care until next time.😘😘
Linking with
I think we all try certain things which just aren't for us. It's still fun having a go, at least we know what we do enjoy and what we don't. Those daisies are so pretty, I've never tried embroidery, cross stitch is as far as I've gone with a needle and thread. Your cactus is going to be beautiful when it's in flower. My Christmas cactus has a couple of flowers on it at the moment even though it flowered beautifully over Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYour cactus is going to look so lovely when it's all in bloom.
ReplyDeleteThis month is already flying by, I can't believe it's Easter next weekend - about time I got our Easter decorations out :)
Have a lovely weekend.
All the best Jan
I love your new colorful banner, Linda! Your new mosaic crochet project is looking good. Good for you for trying the waterfall stitch (or technique). I understand not liking the effect of something (though from where I sit, your stitches look fine). :) Your newest embroidery is going to look very sweet!
ReplyDeleteWe creative types seem to just put up with all the aches our different crafts do to our bodies, don't we?? The geometric blanket sounds a bit tricky. The very word geometry causes me to feel stress. =) I rather love your mosaic blanket. It will look lovely when it is finished, even if it will take a while. Your daisies are beautiful. Such a pretty embroidery....and just look at all those french knots...so lovely.
ReplyDeleteLovely crafts ! Lovely daisy and cactus ! I've one just like yours and he is 28 years old....
ReplyDeleteHave a shinny week !
Hug
Anna
I will try waterfall crochet someday, because I think it is beautiful. I do love the mosaic blanket you have started. I have not seen that before. I researched that designer and have bookmarked her site. I must buy one of her patterns. I like this even better than the waterfall. Your embroidery is beautiful. I too always come back to crochet. I also must always have a cross-stitch piece in the works. Enjoy your stitching and crocheting!
ReplyDeleteFun to try new things! I try to vary what I’m working on to avoid repetitive strain injuries…I guess that’s why we all have so many different projects on the go. Pretty daisies and interesting crochet patterns!
ReplyDeleteWell done for trying the tutorial. Mosaic crochet looks amazing. I have done a fair bit of embroidery over the winter, must share it on my site soon. I did post a similar comment using my ipad but for some reason it doesn't always go through, this one if from my laptop. Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting post to read! Yes I do seem to cycle in and out of interests but hand stitching of any kind is always enjoyable. These crochet patterns are very complex, so you are doing a marvellous job to accomplish these rows!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post so much, I too have tried and abandoned the waterfall crochet it didn't hold the appeal for me and I prefer to admire finished pieces. The start of the baby blanket is lovely as are the hand embroidered daisies.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful crochet, and stitching.
ReplyDeleteNo indeed, we crafters are obsessed and cant give up. My problem is my back after spinal surgery, cant sit too long at the sewing machine, so I have to pace myself. But sitting doing knitting or hand stitching is fine.
ReplyDeleteYour crochet certainly looks complicated, not something I can do. And I love your embroidered flowers, so pretty.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteLove the new afghan you have started. And your daisies are nice. I've got the same pattern. I want to make a quilt of all the flowers in my yard one day. Have a great day!
Love your mosaic blanket, can't wait to see more of it! Your embroidery flowers are so pretty :)
ReplyDeleteJillxo
What lovely crafts and I like the flowering cactus. I hope you have a nice week Linda.
ReplyDeleteYour embroidery is so beautiful. It makes me want to give it a try. X
ReplyDeletevery beautiful job
ReplyDelete