I was so excited when I signed up. I went online and ordered up a bunch of Elann Sonata right away. It's such a lovely yarn. Great colors and a nice smooth finish. I also bought a few new crochet hooks that are more comfortable to use. Then I borrowed 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton from my library. This is a book I'd definitely love to add to my collection. It's got great blocks and I find the other information in it very helpful as well.
Finally I started testing potential patterns using random scraps of Sugar 'n Cream yarn and I just couldn't stop. I started with the block that really caught my eye. This is from the book and it's #35 Tricolor Square. Both DQ and Stinkerbelle have tried to claim this one for themselves. No matter which other pattern I try, this is the family favorite. Sadly it doesn't meet one of the criteria that I am looking for. I need a pattern that I feel I can really execute well and I think that this one is beyond my skill set.
Briar Rose (#78) was the second one I tried. I try not to let the color choice influence my impression of it but I just can't help being distracted by the crazy. I also think that the hook I used was not the right size. The stitches are a little loose which is odd because I've found that I'm a tight crocheter in general. It's something I'm working on.
The Gothic Square (#94) looked terriffic to me when I saw it in the book. It also worked well for me. The stitches and combinations were ones that I felt totally comfortable with. I just don't love this square even though I really want to. I'm not sure why but it's just not "The One".
I really enjoyed crocheting Willow (#189) and I thought it was a winner but the family disagrees. They're just not feeling the love for it. I like the shapes and I think it could be a good potholder if I added a solid or textured back. I just think that it could get tedious repeating this pattern again and again.Since none of the patterns in the book were jumping out and screaming at me, I kept trying more. I'll post about the rest of them including a bunch I found on the internet. I tried a total of nine patterns last week.
Cross posted to my blog.
Oh, Hillary, how fun, I really must get my hands on that book. It must be fun to try different squares in different color combos. I have (I think) selected my pattern. It's from a vintage source, and is called Honeymoon Cottage, kind of kitsch-y. I'm working on a prototype to post, maybe by next week.
ReplyDeleteI like the last square the best, for what it's worth. All are very nicely done.
I think they all are great and colorful, and keep in mind that five repetitions isn't all that much! I just did the 'square that works' for the fancy side and need to plot out my plain backing. This really is fun.
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