The story of a Starry Night (part 2)

After sitting in the bucket for rather a long time, the Starry Night project was let back out. However, instead of carrying on with the original project, the Designer started again.

The large stars were worked in the way as before but the joining was worked a little differently.

The other difference was that, instead of using Custard to create "The Starry Sky" part of the shawl, she used the outside of Banana Cream Hi. This meant that it gradually turned darker as it reached the top. This looked much more sky-like that the pale lavender of Custard and the Designer was happy with the finished effect. Next, the inside of Banana Cream Hi was used to carry on underneath the big stars and create the mountains.

The colours of the yarn fell perfectly into place and looked just like the sky between the stars and the mountains in the original painting. The Designer was very happy with this.

Banana Cream Hi was finally almost gone so it was now the turn of Custards replacement, Bilberry. Bilberry is a deep rich navy and much better suited to creating the buildings nestled underneath the mountains. As buildings were a bit difficult to create, the Designer came up with creating the illusion of buildings by just making "windows".

This worked well and, at last, the Designer was ready to complete the creation with a Sparkly Starry fringe! The next job was the blocking and photoshoot but that story will have to wait for another day!

Learning to crochet

I can't remember learning to crochet.  Not surprising really, it was about 55 years ago!

I do know that my Dad taught me the basics as he had a lot more patience then Mam.  She took over later when we could do the basics.

I remember making "Tank-Tops" that looked like string vests.  And ponchos that were all the rage.  And waistcoats, long lacy ones.

The problem with Crochet is that people tend to think it belongs in the 70's.  Not at all true!  You should see some of the things I have seen crocheted!!!

For something different, visit Patricia Waller.  Do NOT go if you are easily offended. Her work is really wierd, gruesome and, most of it, not at all to my taste. However, the crocheter in me appreciates the the innovation and work that has gone into these pieces. I love the Rowing Monkey.

James Walters and the late Sylvia Cosh are part of our British crochet heritage.  They made a formidable team. Sadly, Sylvia died from cancer in 2000.  James built a website about their work but it is no longer available. I have a few of their books which are now out of print.  Sometimes you can get lucky and get them on eBay but they are so popular they go for rather a lot. They are far more interesting than some of the modern books you can get.

Most of the information around is US based. However, I have a Tutorial in UK terms on my site.

And once you have mastered the basics you could try out this Mini Flower Tutorial.

When you get more adventurous, there are a whole load of Free Patterns on there.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 16

Block 25 is Tunisian Full Stitch (Tfs) This is a brand new stitch. There is a separate photo tutorial available.

Block 26 is Dogtooth This block uses a combination of the stitch we have just learned and some we already know.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.