More crochety goodness

[velvetpage]

I have found two absolutely wonderful crochet threads.

One is a size 3 crochet cotton. That makes it just barely a crochet cotton at all; it's almost thick enough to be a very fine yarn. I picked up one ball of it just to see what it was like, and I fell in love. It's perfect for accessory-type fashions - anything that's supposed to be lacy. It's heavy enough that it takes less time than size 10, but light enough to still be lacy when done. I can hardly wait to find a project worthy of it. Also, there are dozens of colours available, including a lovely lilac. I nearly started to drool in the store. (Another mark in its favour: it's available at Zellers. Brands that require me to go all the way to Michael's do not get a lot of mileage in my craft projects.)

The second is a size 10, but a different brand from what I usually use. It's Royale Classic, and it's gorgeous. It's got a nice sheen to it, and it's smooth and easy to work. It just flows between my fingers. Crochet becomes a very sensual hobby with thread like that. The only product I've ever used that was close was a sport-weight acrylic that had the word "silky" in the name. It was definitely silky. (Note to self: dig out that project and the pattern for it, and finish it. I could probably wear that sweater now. I was mostly done it when I got pregnant and put it aside, but it was a lovely fuscia colour with a pretty double cable pattern and I want to actually wear it.)

In the last two hours, I've finished the top of one coaster and half the back for it. Both pieces are Royale Classic, the top in taupe and the bottom in black. I've not worked with black very much; I've discovered it requires extremely good lighting. In any case, it's a nice change of pace from foot after foot of lace. I can't take too much of a break from the lace - the countdown is on for that wedding, after all - but a change is as good as a rest, and making something quick like this is good for the soul. See, soul? I do occasionally FINISH what I start!!

Piet has writing to do, so I'm going downstairs to play with my daughter and finish the back of that coaster. Pictures to follow. (I know, i know. I never do pictures. One of these days I'm going to actually learn how to post them, and then I'll clog up your friends pages for a week with all the crochet, baby, wedding, and general-interest stuff I can find!)

Comments

[anidada.livejournal.com]

I think that every craft project needs another project on the side as a "sanity break". Otherwise, doing the same thing over and over and over would make one go stark raving looney right quick. :) Mind, I've got three unfinished projects hanging around and infinite unstarted ones, so I'm not the best example of how this should work, ideally. But it sounds good, anyway. *chuckle*

You know, even as a fellow crocheter, I keep reading it as "crotchety" -- and laugh, because let's face it, we've all had crotchety crocheting projects! Luckily, yours aren't in that category. :D I enjoyed watching you work on that lace last time we were there, it's really beautiful.

I got really, really thick variegated cotton once (I can't even begin to tell you what gauge), meant for rugs. Tried making a rag rug with it and some burlap... ahahaha, no. I'm not so good at that. Instead I worked it into one large afghan-sized granny square with triple-crochet. It covered our couch for a long time, now it's languishing in the basement, poor dear. But it was incredibly easy to work up, and lots of fun. Haven't seen its like since then, though, which is sad. Can't imagine making lace with it, of course, but it was a neat change from the yarns I'm used to using.

I find Wal-Mart has an incredible variety of good quality yarns (and quite a lot of cotton). Bernat Handicrafter's a pretty heavy gauge for the kind of work you're talking about, but it comes in every colour imagineable, and they usually have a wide range of it.

[velvetpage.livejournal.com]

I love Handicrafter for some projects. For example, I have a stash of it somewhere for quick baby bibs. They work up in one or two evenings and are super easy. I did extend the ties on them, though, and I need to purchase snaps to make them more parent-friendly. Ties and toddler hair do not mix. I'll get you the pattern if you want it. I've also made a purse out of handicrafter yarn. It's almost time to switch back to it - it's a summer purse.

I avoid purchasing at Walmart as often as I can, because I don't like their corporate mentality and the way the closed a unionized store before they had a chance to bargain. Zellers is Canadian, and has about the same prices. Their selection is not as good, but I'll always check Zellers before Walmart, just in case they have what I need.

Actually, the "crochety" pun was intentional. :)

[anidada.livejournal.com]

*grin* Excellent. :D

I have a stack of booklets of Bernat bib and bootie (and goodness knows what all) patterns, I just never get to them (I tried making booties a couple of times but they never came out right -- the patterns were botched, methinks). The stalled cardigan for the bunny is in a gorgeous variegated dark purple/pink Handicrafter (you would love the colours!). I just can't get around to doing the last of the picot edging and sewing the shoulders together. Silliness, really. But until it's done I can't even bring myself to pick up another pattern. Boo. It's like the protestant work ethic met the slacker lack of ethic and they're too busy flirting over a cup of coffee to remember the argument, which is off pouting in a corner downing comfort food. Or something. :) Analogies + me = silliness.

I understand about Zellers vs. Walmart. I just have a seriously hard time finding things at Zellers anymore. Every time I go there these days they don't have what I want -- whether it's in the flyer or not. It's actually at the point where any mention of going to Zellers brings out a "yeah right" in our house (if not a "NOOOO! Zellers Brings Pain!" :). Mind you, we don't wind up going to Walmart as a result. We just don't go anywhere. *chuckle*

At the bottom of our street there's a sweet little wool shop. Soooooo tempted to go in there. Must stay out of it -- strong suspicion that it would remove the money from yours-truly-the-fool in about five seconds flat!

[velvetpage.livejournal.com]

One of these days I'll get round to your house for a visit, and then we'll go together. Whether to provide moral support or egg each other on, we'll have to wait and see. :)

[anidada.livejournal.com]

*snort* Indeed. :D