Playin' Hooky: An intro to crochet

Hi, guys!  It's been a very long time coming, but as promised, here's my spot on crochet...hopefully the first of many.  

Even though I call this "The Knitting Safari," knitting is but one of the three main fiber arts I enjoy, the other two being spinning and, of course, crochet.  

Crochet tends to be the mostly-overlooked cousin of knitting, and for quite a few crafters, it can be devicive.  Some people love it, some hate it.  Some will incorporate it into their knitting projects, some wouldn't dream of having the two near each other.  Some hold crochet with the same regard and esteem as knitting, others...not so much.  

I pride myself in being fluent (-ish) in both crochet and knitting, even though the last few months my current knitting project has rather monopolized my crafting time.  Because my grandma crocheted (as well as my great-grandma, if I'm not mistaken), I've been able to see it at some of it's greater potential.  Here is just one of my favorite examples:  

That's a close-up of one of Grandma's many blankets.  I love the chevrons that span the width, the solid corrugated stripes alternating with the delicate lacelike stripes, and oh the yarn!  As fluffy as a cloud, and soft as a baby bunny's bottom.

Okay, that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

Unfortunately, crochet is sometimes looked down upon, with opinions too numerous and too inflammatory to cover here.

But let me just say that if it's good enough for...



Yes, that is indeed Her Majesty Queen Victoria

 

...it can't be too bad! 
 

Hopefully I'll be able to shed some light on the subject and give the humble crochet the respect it deserves.  

Part 1:  Defining Crochet

Crochet is distinguished from knitting by several factors.  One is that crochet uses a single hook, rather than a set of needles.  This is one of many reasons I like crochet, especially for travel.  Another distinctive feature of crochet is the look and texture of the fabric produced.  

 

A close-up of knitting

 

Close-up of crochet--two rows of single crochet with a row of half-double in between.  We'll get into the types of stitches later in this post.

The stitches look a little more like little clusters, or even twists of rope than the neat little row of "v" shapes found in knitting.  Also, the resulting fabric is thicker for standard crochet technique (not including lace), and because of how often the crocheter wraps the yarn around the hook for a stitch, may use a slightly greater amount of yarn.  That being said, it's easy to make a single stitch longer or shorter to produce different effects.  

Finally, there's beginning the piece.  In standard crochet, a chain is made to create the starting edge of the piece.  This is where I have mixed emotions about beginning crochet projects; the good news is that it's easier to adjust the width of the project, or height when working side-to-side, whereas there's a bit more prep-work in knitting.  The bad news, though, is that working that first row can be very tedious if the stitches in the initial chain tighten up, which they sometimes do.  Just keep those stitches loose, and it will get better.  Don't worry.

Part 2:  The Gear

As with knitting, the crocheter has his or her own set of gear for successful crafting.  Let's start with the basics.

The standard crochet hook.  I was lucky enough to inherit my grandma's set of crochet hooks, all some form of steel or aluminum.  I remember how excited she was when I joined the middle school crochet club; since she had stopped crocheting some time before, she was thrilled that she could pass down the craft to another generation. 

Most of my grandma's original hooks--a couple are occupied in other projects.

Crochet hooks are sized by the same standard as knitting needles, as set by the Craft Yarn Council of America, and diameters range from 2.25 mm, or size 1, to 19 mm (size 35; you might as well be using a broomstick).  While knitting needles stop there with their notation, crochet hooks go another step and use letters to indicate size, starting with B-1 through S-19.  And for those that did the math, it doesn't make sense.  I agree. 

They even come in different styles, too, that correspond with different styles of crochet.  Besides the standard, there's the Tunisian...

in US size 9; I have it next to the case to get an idea of just how long this thing is. 

...the double-ended...


I actually pulled this image from the web.  I've never seen a double in person.

...and the list goes on. 


Oh, and you will need something to actually crochet--really, anything goes!  From traditional yarns and aptly-named crochet thread, to the unconventional-but-lovely raffia grass or strips of old fabric (or even weirder yet, strips of plastic grocery bags!), if it's flexible and you have enough of it, you can crochet it. 

Part 3:  Styles and Stitches

Crochet can be found in many different styles, and there are countless combinations of stitches that go with them.  Shells and fans are classic motifs; Irish crochet uses a mesh background and gorgeous floral patterns.  Tunisian picks up stitches from an entire row much like knitting, with the simplicity of a single hook.  They all, however, start in the very same way:  the chain stitch.  This is the equivalent to casting on in knitting, only the stitches don't collect on the hook.  The chain is really the crocheter's bread-and-butter.  It's the backbone of every project, all the other basic stitches build on this technique, and it's even used as a stand-alone stitch in many patterns. 

Well, it all really starts with a slip knot at the beginning, but you get my drift.  And make sure the end that you pull to tighten it around the hook (or undo it altogether if it's not surrounding anything) is the working end.  To make the first link in the chain, you wrap the working end of yarn around the hook from back to front (another deviation from knitting, where you wrap from front to back), also called a "Yarn Over". 



Then, you'll draw that loop through the one on the hook.  



There!  You did it! 

I'll do other posts on specific styles of crochet, but I at least want to leave you with something else to practice in the mean time.  

Usually patterns will call for a number of these to start off a pattern, so go ahead and do that twice more.  I'll wait...

This is what they should look like from the front...

Almost looks like a single column of stockinet, doesn't it?

...and the back.  



When you do your first row, you'll insert your hook into both ends of the little "v" shape at the front of the chain.  You won't have to worry about that in later rows since it will be pretty obvious which is your working side.  Unless you're doing the textures like in the blanket example, then you'll only pick up whichever loop the pattern calls for.  Some even prefer to crochet from the little bumps on the back to keep a nice even edge, but we're sticking to convention for now. 

Now it's time for the nitty-gritty.  You're eventually going to wat to build on that chain foundation you've made.  Let's get crackin'.  

Oh, and this is where US stitch names can get a little hairy, but bear with me.  I'll also include the abbreviations, and the UK names for the stitches since those make far more sense in my mind.  The chain stitch is always just that, and it's abbreviated "ch." 

1.  Slip Stitch (sl)
Simple enough, really.  Insert your hook into the chain stitch or stitch from the previous row, yarn over, and draw the YO loop through everything.  This one is often used to secure rings when crocheting flat circles, which is why my example starts on the further end from the hook.  



The last two pictures are flipped around, but I think it better displays what's actually going on. 

2.  Single crochet (sc), UK double crochet.  Insert your hook just as with the slip stitch, and yarn over.  When you're starting your first row, you'll want to skip the link in your chain closest to the hook, 1 for a single crochet and more for taller stitches (for other rows, just chain before/after turning).



This is where regular stitches turn away from slip stitch; instead of drawing the YO loop through everything that's currently on the hook, you will draw through only part(s) of the stitch that you picked up from your chain (or previous crochet row).  

Since we picked up both sides of the "v" in our stitch, we're going to draw through them both at the same time. 

Then yarn-over and draw through both of the remaining two loops.



So why draw through two loops?  If you draw through only one at a time, you're basically just creating another chain.  That could be interesting, but that's not what we're going for at this time.  You're looking for just one loop on your hook when a stitch is complete. 

Here's what a row of three sc looks like:

Okay, the last stitch in a row of three.

Note the two ch stitches at the end...remember, you'll always chain before your next row!


3.  Half double crochet (hdc), UK half treble crochet (htr)
This is where the terminology starts getting weird, and where the British crocheters have it right.  I promise I didn't invent this!

Anyway, this time you'll do another yarn-over before inserting the hook, elongating the stitch.  

Yarn-over...



...and start the stitch

Complete the stitch as normal:  YO, draw through the chain or previous row's stitch, then draw through two loops at a time until only one remains on your hook.  

At this point, pictures are going to be redundant.  All that is changing now is whether or not you have a YO at the beginning of your stitch and how many.

The sequence goes just like this for stitches like...
4.  Double crochet (dc), UK treble crochet (tr); YO twice before inserting hook
5.  Triple (or treble) crochet (tr, sometimes tc), UK double treble (dtr); YO three times before starting your stitch.
6.  Double triple crochet (dtr, or dtc), UK triple treble; YO four times.  

Theoretically, you could even go more, but let's stop there.  

Yeah, it's a lot to take in, but in time you'll be making stuff like this...

 

Sweet!  

Until next time...

A Night At the Spreckels

On March 10th, 2016, just over two weeks ago, I got to go to an incredible concert at the Spreckels Theater in downtown San Diego. 

For those of you who don't know already, I am a big fan of Loreena McKennitt.  Her music is primarily Celtic, but is often infused with a myriad of other global influences.  I've been hooked since the seventh grade, courtesy of my Literature and Language Arts teacher Mrs. Rienick.  We were studying Alfred Noyes' poem "The Highwayman" in class and she played Loreena's recording at the end of that week.  After getting the entire album (The Book of Secrets) for my 13th birthday, I had been enjoying song after song, and eagerly awaiting each album for close to eleven years. 

I had missed out on seeing Loreena twice since I had been introduced to her music.  The first time was when she performed at Humphrey's Concerts By the Bay; I found out she was touring the day after the concert.  The second time I missed her was just after I had booked my flights in and out of Seattle (I was planning a visit with my aunt) when I found out that she was scheduled to play at Woodland Park Zoo on the day of my flight back home.  I guess the third time really was the charm, and being able to attend in such a beautiful and intimate venue as Spreckels more than made up for the close calls and temporary disappointment. 

And speaking of charm, take a look at the theater...




The stage, all set up...

...and directly above.  I had to crane my neck for this shot, but oh was it worth it! 

To the left of the mural...

...and the right.  Can you imagine all the work that went into every beautiful detail, and then the work of maintaining it all?

The concert was a trio performance with Loreena herself, guitarist Brian Hughes, and cellist Caroline Lavelle.  They were all absolutely incredible--Brian and Caroline are stellar musicians in their own right, and it was wonderful to see their talent shine as they each played multiple instruments.  Alongside her cello, Caroline was wonderful on the concertina and recorder; as was Brian on acoustic and electric guitars, bouzouki, and oud.  The concert opened with "Samain Night" from the album Parallel Dreams--I was thrilled to hear that one in a live performance, and it was the perfect starting piece along with "All Souls Night" (The Visit).  Her live rendition of "Annachie Gordon" had me on the verge of tears; the recording on Parallel Dreams is already emotionally loaded, but the atmosphere in the theater took it to another level. 

After "Between the Shadows" and "Bonny Portmore" (The Visit), the first set wrapped up with a series entitled "Tears of Grosse Île," named for an island near Quebec--Canada's version of Ellis Island, if you will.  After starting with the lively Morrison's Jig (Featuring crew member Errol Fischer on the fiddle), Loreena read aloud passages from her own journal entries as well as narratives depicting emigration from the famine and the notorious Easter Uprising some decades later.  I was absolutely swept away; although I had read about these instances through my own curiosity, and had learned further from my own trip to Ireland with my family, the emotion was so strong that is was as though I were learning of these tragedies for the first time.  The readings were peppered between "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," "Down by the Sally Gardens," and "The Emigration Tunes" (The Wind That Shakes the Barley).  The set finished with a particularly gorgeous rendition of "Lark in the Clear Air."  I love the version from her debut album Elemental, but with Loreena opting for the piano instead of the harp, this had to be the best rendition I had ever heard. 

After the intermission, the second set picked up with "On a Bright May Morning," followed by favorites like "The Stolen Child" (Elemental), "Penelope's Song" (An Ancient Muse), "The Lady of Shalott" and "The Old Ways" (The Visit), with talks and introductions in between.  The concert finished with "Dante's Prayer" (The Book of Secrets) as the "official" ending piece, but our troubadours were kind enough to return for an encore, with "The Mummers' Dance" (The Book of Secrets) and "Full Circle" (The Mask and Mirror). 



***

Loreena's talks in between songs seemed more like conversations than just introducing the next piece; when "Annachie Gordon" had me all choked up during the first half, her humorous anecdotes about her past travels, as well as the journeys between cities on the current tour, had me in stitches! 

Her stories also revealed much about us as a society, and how we parallel, converge, and diverge with others.  The accounts that particularly fascinated me were those of the importance of oral tradition around the world, and how those that still practice oral tradition can memorize verse after verse of epic ballads. or even an entire family tree; also fascinating was her input on connection technologies (or as Loreena so aptly puts it, "distraction technologies") and how they actually tend to disconnect us from others and the physical and natural world that surrounds us; I also noticed that it often removes us from true human interaction such as face-to-face conversations, eye contact, and the list goes on.  Yes, even as I write a blog about my experience, I agree.  Technology can be really cool sometimes, helpful even.  But we do need to just step back from the screen and be a part of the world we're trying to connect to. 

After the concert, I was debating whether or not to stay in the lobby, just in case Loreena came up for a meet-and-greet.  My mom, who attended the concert with me, waited a few minutes but wanted to get on the road soon--the drive back home is an hour, 45 minutes if we're lucky.  After going back and forth between the lobby and downstairs to check on the parking garage conga line, I heard a voice announce that Loreena was upstairs in the lobby meeting the remaining concertgoers.  I sprinted back upstairs and finally got to meet her!  She was so sweet, and very gracious!  I brought the booklet from my copy of The Book of Secrets, which she signed along with the program.  I really wanted to talk some more, but I flubbed by not letting myself.  I wanted to tell her about my introduction to her music starting with "The Highwayman" and how other songs of hers had helped me through other projects up through high school.  I'd hoped to be able to say how I originally wanted to be a veterinarian, too, and that connection struck a chord with me.  But a combination of excitement and just being frazzled from the week's events made it difficult for the words to come out. 

On the other hand, we did get a great picture...



...believe me, even from the look on my face you will never know just how wonderful the experience was and just how much it meant to me. 

Here's to great music, an incredible night, and a wonderful memory!  Thanks for everything, Loreena! 

A Sister Blog!

Hi, everyone! 
Lately, it's come into my head that I should have another blog. 

Alright, alright.  I can hear some gasps.  No, I am not abandoning Knitting Safari, nor did I suddenly go crazy.  The thing is, while I'm having a lot of fun with this blog, I need something fresh, and that invites a wider audience than just people that share the fiber arts connection.  These two blogs will work side-by-side advertising one another, maintaining a bond while keeping their own unique identities. 

So with that, I have two titles in the works, and I need some help deciding.  Is it going to be...?

Harp and Beagle

or

Orange Blossom Special

Please vote in the comments below; or if you have a suggestion to combine both into one title, I'd love to hear it! 

Thanks a bunch!

On Hooks and Needles: A (personal) Crafting Comparison

Honestly, it's been way too long since I've had a post that actually pertains to two of my crafts of choice. 

So, I thought I'd do a little Q and A regarding questions and comments I've received from others who are either skilled enough in one but don't like the other, or from those who don't craft at all but are interested.  Since I craft in public frequently, it does garner a bit of interest. 

Some of these involve comparisons between knitting and crochet, others regard techniques on one or the other. 

So without further ado...here we go! 

Q.  Non-Crafter:  That's really cool!  So, what's the difference between the two?  They both do the same thing, don't they?                          

A.  *chuckles lightly*  Ah, you are new to this, aren't you?  In knitting, you use a set of two needles (sometimes more, but I don't want to scare you too badly).  In crochet, it's just a single hook.  The resulting fabrics are pretty different, too--crocheted fabric tends to be a bit thicker, and the individual stitches look very dissimilar to those in knitting, as well.  Knitter, crocheter, blogger and illustrator extraordinaire Franklin Habit further clarifies in this wonderfully funny post on the Lion Brand Blog, and describes how to navigate if you would like to write your own story on it.   

Q.  Other Knitter (Crocheter):  Wow!  You do both?  Which do you like better?  Is it hard to learn to crochet (knit)?  I've tried and I don't get it.      
     
A.  As far as how hard it is to learn one when you're well-established in the other, I can't really say.  I learned both within a short timeframe of each other--maybe a couple months, tops.  But just like how you took your time to learn and know your craft, it will take time to get to know the other.  Which do I like better?  When I first started, I somewhat preferred the process of knitting, but I was more inclined and ready  to start a crochet project; my grandmother had given me her set of hooks since she was no longer crafting, so I could just jump right into a new project if I had the yarn.  Nowadays, it really depends on my mood and current circumstances.  A long ride on a packed bus, plane or car?  Definitely crochet.  My elbows tend to spread out when I knit, and dropping stitches isn't as big a deal if you've got a bumpy ride.  On the other hand, if I'm at home working on a large project, then I'll knit.  I could go on and on, but I won't.  Suffice it to say, they each have their merits.  And, on occasion, I'll even use both for a single project!

Q.  Non-knitter:  How do you do it at all?  I don't have that kind of patience! 
A.  Just practice.  You wouldn't believe the awful stuff I was cranking out when I first started. 

Q.  Newbie Knitter:  which is better--English or Continental?  

A.  Like comparing knitting and crochet, that one is pretty subjective.  For the unfamiliar:  Continental knitting has the working end of your yarn in your left hand, English in the right.  I learned in the Continental style, so that's what I'm used to.  Having tried English knitting once, I don't like how slow it seems having to transfer your right needle to your left hand just to wrap the yarn around for every stitch.  But there are some English knitters out there that can knit faster than I can.  This youtube clip has one of the better demonstrations.  There is a benefit to learning both:  if one hand gets tired from using one method, you can give it a break by using the other.   So there you go.


Q.  Non-Crafter:  You're really good at that!  Would you ever sell what you make for money?  You could probably make a lot!  

A.  Ah, thanks but no thanks.  Some people do sell what they make and they enjoy it, and others have their reasons for not selling.  It's really more than I want to get into now, but since I have a job (soon to be two) that pays well, I just don't care to do so.  Granted, that's not to say I don't create things for others--I love to!  But, I like being able to pick out the pattern, select the yarn and other materials, and surprise the recipient.  

Q.  So, your blog is "The Knitting Safari," but you say you crochet too.  Prove it. 

A.  Well, first, that's not really a question.  Second, I will!  Stay tuned for another post on crochet, what it can (and can't) do, and how to use it to its full potential!  It will take a lot of planning, but I will get it done! 

See ya later! 

Alex

Spring Has Sprung!

Halloooooooo, everybody! 

I hope everyone enjoyed their Leap Day three days ago; I was hoping to get a post up in time, but life happens.  I've been fighting a nasty cold since about Saturday, and since I'm hardly ever sick it threw me for a loop.  Let's just say I didn't exactly do a whole lot with my extra day on the calendar.   I've also been on the job hunt (more to come on that), and working on projects (more on that, too). 

It's an absolutely beautiful day today, and even through my cold I can smell the orange blossoms in bloom on the trees surrounding the house and backyard.  Absolute heaven! 

Juggling Jobs

Up to now, there hasn't been much happening at the Safari Park, so I've been on the job search.  After two interviews with one company (I'm not saying who just yet--I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch) and being scheduled for a third, the manager I had been communicating with called me and essentially said forget the third interview, we want you on our team.  Not a direct quote, mind you, but it does show off the spirit. 

Unfortunately, there have been a few snags along the way. 

First my online application wouldn't pull up, so I had to re-submit the whole thing.  Then, even though the application has been in their system, the official acceptance e-mail that I was supposed to receive hasn't come yet.   

Now, to top the whole crazy thing off, after months of nothing on the books followed by maybe one meeting or new training session per week for several weeks, I'm downright bombarded with events for the park.   

I really don't know what to do.  I don't want to call it quits at the park--I love the job and the people I work with (not to mention the perks...)--but at the same time, I really want to be part of this other company.  It's something that I know I'll enjoy, and I can really see myself there.   

I honestly wouldn't mind the idea of working two jobs, especially if they entail things I genuinely love.  But sacrificing one for the other?  That's nothing I'm comfortable thinking about right now. 

I guess all I can do at this point is wait and see. 

 

Projects

Shore Thing

Finally, after months of work, hibernation, and more work, I have bound off the back half of my Shore Thing!

Yeah, it's unblocked, slightly misshapen, and I have loose ends everywhere, but I'm pretty darned proud of my work so far!  I just finished casting on for the front, but I'm wondering if I should take another break for something else (you'll see why). 

 

Blanket

At this point, I'm getting tired of the blanket.  Yes, I still think it looks beautiful.  Yes, I like crochet just as much as I like knitting.  No, it's not big enough to just leave it as-is.  Trust me, it's not even big enough to be a bulky shawl, let alone a blanket. 

Maybe it's the fact that I'm crocheting the same.  stitch.  over.  and.   over.  again.  After all, repeating the pattern of *extended single-crochet, chain one, skip the next stitch*  for a total circumference of 290 stitches gets really old, really fast. 

Maybe it's the fact that the warming weather is making it less and less comfortable.  I don't think using a bulky yarn and having the project resting on my lap helps, either. 

What I don't want to happen...



Not going to happen.  Nice try. 

 

Freeze the whole thing into a big yarncicle, huh?  If I have the freezer space, that might work...
 

At any rate, it's slow-going at best.  I might actually break down and follow the pattern!

A Hat For Dad

My dad is the family tease. 

He's the one to make me and my mom laugh. 

Sometimes it's a rib on some idiosyncrasy that either of us has; sometimes it's an over-exaggerated, "oh my gosh, this is delicious!" in a silly voice when my mom makes a particular dinner for the first time.  You know, little things to lightheartedly push our buttons and, despite our best efforts not to cave in, make us laugh. 

Even my knitting and crocheting hasn't been safe. 

Which brings me to a seemingly normal Monday in February.  About 7-ish in the evening. 

"Hey, Al!  You wanna make me a hat?" 

This wasn't the first time he had asked me to make him something, but it was the first time he had requested something "normal."  As opposed to some knitted monstrosity he had seen on some nighttime comedy show and I was unfortunate enough to witness.  Seriously, it looked like someone had kidnapped a Yeti and felted the poor thing.

"Um, sure..." I replied, my voice trailing upward slightly, but not enough to sound like I wasn't taking him seriously. 

"The hat I have, you know, the one I take up to Big Bear?  It's getting too tight for me.  It's fine when I'm just wearing it around, but I get a pounding headache every time I wear it taking the beast out at night, or going on a walk.  I'll get it out so you can see what it looks like."  ("The beast" is our nickname for the dog)

 As he left the kitchen, my mom and I exchange a look that essentially read, "wonders never cease."

"Wow!"  Mom said.  "That's pretty cool!"

"Yeah, he really wasn't kidding." 

He returned with the hat-in-question in tow.  The grey wool beanie, which had obviously lost the elasticity that animal fibers are so famous for, was stretched over his head, and it didn't look comfortable. 

Here's the thing itself, not on a head. 

 

He handed it to me, and I turned it inside-out.  The construction is simple enough:  knit flat, band doubled over and grafted on the inside with no ribbing (which is half the problem, since ribbing adds extra warmth and stretch without adding a second layer), and the sides and the top are seamed shut with the corners tacked together on the inside. 

Inside-out view

 

 

I would like to get one project off my needles before I start another, but I think that's something I can manage to get finished before another cold snap.    And a great guy like him?  He deserves it! 

 

 

 

 

 

Hopefully it won't be so long until the next post; I'll definitely have something in just over a week, on an event I've been waiting years for...I'm so excited! 

 

Until then, enjoy your life's adventures!

Late Winter Ramblings

After my last post it feels good to not be writing about a single subject in particular.

After a hiatus for a few weeks, the winter rains decided to return.  During the big El Niño storm in January, my house got 4 inches of rain in the course of two days.  That's a lot of water for such a short amount of time.  A week since the last rains, the weather has been beautiful; the skies have been blue, and the weather unseasonably warm with temperatures ranging through the high 60s and low 70s.  And let me tell you, I have been loving it!  I've been able to sit outside in shorts and a tee-shirt and enjoy my projects, or a good book, or a morning run without freezing.  Yeah, yeah, I know we're in a drought.  I know we need "normal" weather patterns, and the bad frosts followed by the heatwave and dry winds did take a toll on the garden, but I'm not going to complain too much. 


I've picked back up on my previous projects, namely the Shipwreck Blanket and the Shore Thing tank.  I like to have a crochet project (yes, I am working on a crocheted outside for the blanket) and a knitting project to switch off, mostly to save my wrists and my mind (that's also why I like working lace). 

Anyway, the blanket is still slow-going with stitch experimentation,

Slowly but surely, so far so good!

but the tank top is looking lovely...

  I really like using the Berroco Modern Cotton; the gauge was spot-on with the needles I had in store, it has a lovely soft touch, and the drape is dreamy!  And no, I'm not being paid to say any of this.  It's just what my LYS had in store for the best price, in  my favorite color, and (best of all) the amount I needed in the same dye lot.  I'm still working on the back, but I've finished the decreases before getting to the armhole shaping.  With the amount I've completed so far, I'd say I'm about a quarter of the way to my very first hand-knit top! 


I still enjoy spinning, although I will need to work with the yarn I actually have before I go on making more.  I do have a wonderful motivator, though:  silk. 
Earlier this month I went back to Temecula to pay The Wool Lady a visit; it was good to be back--Ruth still had the yarn swift I had my eye on, and of course all her lovely yarns and roving.  I'd been looking for something with which to ply my newly spun laceweight wool, and what did catch my eye but lovely hand-dyed (by Ruth herself!) silk noil, its golden hues the perfect backdrop for the jewel tones of the variegated singles.


Can't.  Look.  Away.

Now, for those unfamiliar with such exotic fibers, "noil" can refer to bits and pieces left over from processing said fiber for textile production.  Therefore, silk noil is the leftovers from major silk production.  The fibers are significantly shorter and produces an interesting texture when spun, but is no less soft and lovely in a finished product. 
From my short time working with it (again, I just want to complete a project with yarn I have), I think using a low-whorl supported spindle is going to be the best bet to prevent breakage in the middle of spinning.  I tried my feather-light top-whorl, and even that was a little too much stress for the thin singles I'm looking to get.

Daaah Beagle!

Yeah, blatant SNL reference.  Not my favorite sketch, mind you, but oh so quotable!  Anywhoo... 

That's my buddy!

The beagle has been good--just his same, sweet and silly self!  I've been trying to take him on more walks, especially since during the winter he's more inclined to snooze in the sunshine than sniff around in the backyard. 


Or in my favorite chair, but that's another matter. 

  My guess is that since there are fewer animals traipsing about there are fewer interesting scents, but whatever the reason, it's starting to show; he's been getting a little pudgier, and I want to nip that in the bud if I can.  I thought at first it was age-related--after all, at seven years old he's considered a senior citizen--but considering how frisky he gets at the same time every evening--around 6-ish (not to mention the way he pulls like a freaking idiot on the leash), age doesn't seem to be an obvious factor.  I think we all slow down a little during the winter months, and silly beagles are no exception!


His primary favorite seat in the house.

New and Soon to Come...

I have a few new things I'd like to start here on the Knitting Safari:  first, I would like to do a special feature on another blogger, famous or otherwise, frequently someone in the fiber arts community but I'm open to learning about other realms as well!  If you know someone you would like to see a post about, or if you would like to see your blog featured here, let me know! 
That leads me to something just in--I've added a full-blown comments page, entitled "Ask Alex".  Here, you can put up questions about...well, anything you like!  As long as it's within the realm of appropriateness and reason, of course.  If you have a suggestion for another installment of "Fear Factor Crafter's Edition", if you want me to follow your blog, or if you just want to say hello and let me know you're reading and enjoying (or, *gulp* if you don't like anything here), go on ahead--I can't wait to see how it works out! 

As my blog slogan goes, "life is a safari..."; as we continue on into 2016, I genuinely feel like that's true.  You never know what's going to be around the corner, and I can't wait to see what lies in store!  Until next time, cheers and enjoy the ride!

Fashion Fads: A Crafter's Catch-22

I don't claim to be a fashionista, but something I have noticed over the years (as I'm sure many of you dear readers have) is that fashions come and go.  Some last a long time, while others last about as long as a snowcone in the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon in the middle of Death Valley.  


Poor Norbert.

Experienced crafters, especially those that enjoy knitting or crocheting (or otherwise handcrafting) garments intended to be worn in public, tend to be pretty keen on such matters.  As a whole we know what has lasted year after year, generation after generation, and (as long as we mind our guage, follow pattern instructions, etc.) it always seems to look classy.  Classic.  Well put together.  Cases-in-point:  Aran or Fair Isle pullovers.  

 

My favorite sweater...ever!  Every time the mercury drops, this comes out of the wardrobe.



A very cute example of Fair Isle work in the yoke... 

Occasionally, though, the pattern designers for big yarn corporations will put out patterns that gear toward the latest trends and hot-ticket items flying off the department store shelves--keeping up with the Jonses, if you will. 

Initially, this doesn't seem like a bad idea.  If you work fast enough, you can have the latest and greatest accessory, and in colors and cuts that suit you so you don't have to look like everyone else.  But that, friends, is a big "if".  Even if you've got the fastest knitting needles, crochet hook, or sewing machine in town, you might be stuck with something that is here-today-gone-tomorrow in a nearly literal sense. 

Let me tell you a story...

In my experience with what I call the "Great Poncho Craze" when I was in middle school, I saw a few of my fellow students wearing the triangular-or-diamond-shaped pieces to and from classes.  Although I somewhat hate to admit it now, I relished the idea of a poncho and I was determined to have one.  I had just learned to knit and crochet that summer, and the new pattern-a-day calendars I had gotten for Christmas were chock-full of ideas.  

A couple of examples from my youth, as patterns from the local craft store...something else from the 70s that was making a comeback nearly thirty years later:  those big jeweled flower brooches. 

I could jabber on about the long process of looking at patterns after school and the endless daydreaming about how fabulous the final result would be, but to make a long story short my coveted accessory had landed back into the fashion recycle bin before I could think to beg my mom to take me to the local Joann's (a fabric and craft chain here in the US).


Fast forward ten years, and it almost looks like they've returned in a few new incarnations:  the cape, the capelet, and the ruana. 



Ponchos and capes, reinvented.  How long will these stay, I wonder?  A capelet, FYI, is a shortened version of a cape, usually ending at the elbow of the wearer.

Now, I'm not taking a stand for or against the poncho and its cousins (although I probably would never have lived it down if I ended up with one and wore it at the time), or any big trend for that matter, but it does beg a very good question: How willing am I to invest time, money, and space in my wardrobe in something that may only last the rest of this season and may or may not return the same time next year?  And if I'm making it from scratch, will it even be finished before it lands back into the runway recycle bin? 

There is a way to side-step this crafter's Catch-22, however, and even if you don't craft but still want to have your chance to get ahold of the current "it" item, but it does require some reflection , and a few more questions to ask yourself. 

Quiz Time! 

1.  First thing you'll want to consider--and probably the most important--is if you can see yourself wearing the thing even when the trend piddles out.  If so, then go ahead!  Knock yourself out! And if fate is on your side, whatever it is might even come back around before you think it will.  And if it does, you'll be prepared.  MWAAHAAAHAAAA!!!! 

If it doesn't come back so quickly (or at all), then you'll still look pretty cool; it shows that you know what suits you, and you don't care what the rest of the world thinks.

2.  If in response to number one you think, "I really like (insert name of item here), but I don't think I'd want to be the only one wearing it if it goes off the mainstream," then you might like something that can be restyled, or worn in varying creative ways. 

For instance, going back to the whole ruana/mega-wrap thing (because I'm pretty gosh-darned out of the loop when it comes to what's new), if you opt for a shawl instead you can have the freedom of enjoying it as a big luxurious wrap, but it can easily convert into a kicky scarf.  

Shawls are pretty awesome.  Wear it around your shoulders, or around your neck--it looks especially cool under a denim jacket!  (and yes, those are my own drawings.)

Granted, that one is geared more toward the makers in the group. 

For those who are more inclined to go store-bought however, that's not so easy unless you know someone handy with a sewing machine and willing to help (especially if a good bribe is involved).  If you're neither a maker nor know anybody who is, please move forward to number 3. 

3.  For argument's sake, let's say number two is more where you stand.  Unfortunately, your "it-thing-in-question" may not be something that can be restyled or worn in a slightly different way (because hey, a skirt is a skirt, and--unless you know some magical shoemaking elves or are one yourself--those platform shoes are staying just as they are).  This is when you'll need to ask yourself how much you're willing to spend and whether or not you're willing to let the item take up physical space in your wardrobe.  For the makers reading this, you'll also want to extend this and ask yourself how much are you willing to invest in the time and materials required to construct our "it thing".  Putting in the time is a biggie; I've seen and made some of those "quickie knits", where the pattern spouts claims of a cool new look in under three hours.  And trust me--they look like they were done in under three hours, and that's not a good thing. 

In the end of it all...

I hope this shed some light on how to survive the fads, from the resplendent to the ridiculous and somewhere in-between, that ebb and flow like the tides.  Some ideas will be a flash in the pan, others will grow and evolve, but like it or not, fads will always be the latest rage!