Hooked for Toddlers

Lots of photos today to cover up the fact that I have been out all day so nothing has been crocheted or knitted so far today. These designs are from Hooked for Toddlers by Margaret Hubert. The sizes go up to a size 2T but the chest size seem to vary from garment to garment. I haven't put all of the photos as one was on the front cover on yesterday's blog and some of the dresses were very similar.

My favourites are the white cardigan with the lilac and green trim, the colour block pullover in green, turquoise and lilac, the plain green cardigan with a blue stripe, the blue cabled pullover, the little pink sweater and the multi coloured hooded top.

The lilac and green striped dress also has a matching doll dress for a 17-19" doll. I will probably make less than half of these patterns but only because I don't have any little girls to crochet for.

My Purplelinda parcel arrived today so more photos tomorrow.I needed another ball of King Cole Riot as I have decided on different pattern and so I would not have enough for it with the wool that I have already bought. A couple of other things jumped in my basket.I can call them consolation prizes to myself.

Today I went to the hospital for the pre op tests for my knee replacement operation. I am not holding my breath as they have found something else wrong with me now which might affect the surgery. I suppose that they will let me know about that. I was born with arrhythmia so my normal heartbeat is a bit strange at the best of times. It beats to it's own tune. Today they discovered that I also have tachycardia. My heart was beating at 104 beats per minute instead of the usual 60-80 beats of a normal person. I read on the Internet that having a too fast heartbeat isn't good for me and can cause all kinds of problems. It could be a reaction to the prescription drugs that I take or it could be something wrong with my thyroid or lymph nodes. I think I should forget about the operation and form a percussion band. I could play the bongos and keep tempo with my heart. It would have to be a fast tune though! Can anyone else play a musical instrument? My son said don't worry Mum it's just because you are too fat. Nice boy!

When I read on the Internet about tachycardia it might be an explanation of what has been happening to me over the last couple of weeks. I keep nodding off without warning whilst watching TV or crocheting. I am "gone" for about 3 or 4 minutes and then I wake up again.I have been blaming my bad sleep pattern and my sleep apnea. Funnily enough one of the symptoms of tachycardia is small periods of time when you can lose consciousness just for a minute of two. I am now wondering do I fall asleep or do I just have a moment of loss of consciousness? I will see what the hospital says about my operation before I mention this symptom to them. I don't want to give them any more ammunition than they already have.

I am looking forward to going to Accrington Market tomorrow with Rachael, I will be back in the sweetie shop for sure but not for any more Sasparilla drops. I didn't like those. I will pick out another of my childhood favourites. I hope that we get as many people interested in learning how to crochet as we did last Saturday. We had a lot of interested people including a couple of small girls. Plus I have the added thought of that home made lasagne from the Market cafe. Yum Yum. I will never be slim!

Debra Cardigan - I Could Not Resist You

The first pattern in the Crochet It, Love It, Wear it by Drew Emborsky grabbed my attention from the moment that I opened the book. I had a similar colour in stash with hopefully the right amount so I could not resist starting it. I am, after all, stash reducing. I need to after the stash additions that I have bought recently. I knew that this colour would come in useful one day.

The pattern is quite easy. It is an alternating V stitch with a crossed around the front loops stitch that looks like a mini cable. It is slow going at the moment as the jacket is worked all in one piece until I have to divide for the armholes.It will have a wide front border after it is all finished off. The wool I have is, I think, a double knit. It is one of my label less bargains. I have bought bags like this before and have always been happy with the quality I get for such a small price. The hook I am using is a 4mm so I am getting a nice firm texture. As it is a long jacket I think it will be very useful for those colder days when I don't need a coat.

As you can see I have finished off Baby B's aran cardigan. It is from a Sirdar Baby in Aran pattern 225. I have quite a bit of wool left on the 400 gram ball that I used so I am going to start an almost plain pattern in the aran thickness and pray that I have enough wool. My friend Sylvia has bought me a pair of gram scales which will come in very useful for weighing part balls when I am using up my oddments. I will pick them up when I take the cardigans around to her house on Sunday.

The postman brought the missing book yesterday. I looked in the porch around 4.30pm and nothing was there but when I went out to pick up my evening newspaper around 5.30pm it was there. I have never know a postman deliver post so late in the day. I haven't had any post today so maybe it will arrive with the newspaper tonight.

I hadn't realized that the Hooked for Toddlers book that I had pre ordered was by the designer Margaret Hubert. She is also the designer for the Plus Sized pattern book. Once again it is spiral bound which I really like for a craft book. I will post more photos from the book tomorrow.

I got a phone call this morning from the hospital and I have to go for my pre operative tests tomorrow. I do hope that they don't find any reason to postpone my operation again but I am still not getting excited as it got cancelled at the 11th hour last time. I think that I will only believe it after I wake up after my operation.

I have ordered two more books from Amazon just in case that I do go in. I love Stephen Fry's sense of humour so decided to buy two of his books in case I feel well enough to read after the op. I find it very difficult to crochet when lying or sitting in bed. I will take some crochet to do though just in case they want me out of bed and sitting in a chair. I can't bear to just lie in bed watching TV and I am supposed to get as mobile as I can as soon as I can. I can't bear to have idle hands even if I only get a few rows done. Last time I was in hospital I knitted half a sock as I could not sleep the night before my operation. they had taken me in the night before as my spinal operation was scheduled for 8am.

Torrential rain again today so no change there then. Tonight I will be alternating between crocheting the Debra cardigan and knitting the plainish cardigan in the left over aran wool. I do hope that it doesn't rain hard when I have to go to the hospital tomorrow or it will be a taxi ride both directions.

Plus size Crochet - Part Two

As promised - the rest of the photos from the Plus Size Crochet book. I am sorry that your scoop neck cardigan didn't turn out right for you Bea. I will let you know what happens with mine should I decide to make that design.

Although I like the stitch pattern of the lime green lace pullover I would change the sleeves to longer narrower ones. Since I made my blue cardigan with the bell sleeves I have decided that any extra width that hits around the hip area is just not flattering for me.

The pink pocket cardigan is very basic and as such is not grabbing my attention at the moment. I don't think the addition of baggy pockets right on the stomach area is very slimming so I would make it without those. Another photos where the model is wearing a cardigan a couple of sizes too big for her.

I do like the design of the black and white sweater. I am not sure if I would make it in two colours though. I would maybe choose a nice patterned yarn instead.

The bag looks quite attractive but as you know I am not a fan of crochet (or knitted) bags as I am no good at sewing and they stretch beyond belief if they are not firmly lined. Plus the straps tend to carry on stretching when they are crocheted in the direction they are on the pattern.

The poncho definitely does not have any pizzazz for me. I personally think that it is awful. There is nothing about it that I like - sorry.

The orange cardigan is another example of a pretty cardigan being worn by a two sizes smaller model. I think this is where the comments on Amazon about the garments not being flattering come from. There are plenty of pretty plus size models so I am sure that they could have found one large enough to model these cardigans better.

The striped cardigan pattern I do like but I would choose more subtle shadings for the stripes. Those colours are a little too bold for me. They remind me of a deckchair although I do think that downward stripes make a flattering garment.

I like the turquoise aran style cardigan. Once again it is too big for the model but if you look past that I think that the design is a good one for autumn and winter months. I do like the swagger coat style. One for my to do list I think but I would hope that mine would fit me a bit snugger. Wearing clothes too baggy does not flatter anyones figure.

The elegant mohair shawl is a nice bigger size to fit anyone who is a plus size. It would be useful in the winter as a warmer or in a lighter colour to take on holiday for those colder evenings to put over a sundress.

Although I like the style of the short sleeve pullover the stepped edge is definitely not for me. I would make it as a conventional shape chaining all of the stitches on at the bottom edge. I think that it draws attention to the hips with the different length steps.

I am not that keen on the bow tie pullover. I have never been a fan of cutaway style patterns that reveal too much of what is underneath. Not for me I am afraid but still I do like a good majority of patterns in this book so I can't like them all.

I got a phone call today from the hospital. Providing that I pass my pre operative tests they are bringing my operation forward by a month. All being well I should be in toward the latter end of this month. I am not getting excited as yet as there are still a lot of things that could go wrong between now and then. I know that I sound pessimistic but they had issues about my weight at my last pre op test and I don't think that I have lost any weight since then.

The other book didn't turn up today even though it was posted out he same day as this book. Still I may have post tomorrow. Today I have finally finished the bands off on Baby B's aran cardigan and stitched on the buttons. I will post photos tomorrow.

Torrential rain again for most of today. It started to brighten up around 4pm so it was a bit late for doing any shopping. I prefer to go in the morning when there are less people in the shops as it makes it easier to navigate Pearl around the aisles.

Plus Size Crochet

Even the postman has noticed all of the books being delivered. He said you are going a bit mad at Amazon aren't you. It's just that all of my orders are arriving all at once and I hate to tell him but there will be two more soon and another one later in the year!

This book is Plus Size Crochet by Margaret Hubert and has come in a ring binder book which is useful as it makes the pages so much easier to turn and they stay open at the right page. I wish all pattern books came like this.

I had looked at this book several times and after reading the comments from buyers on Amazon I allowed myself to be swayed by comments such as unflattering styles for anyone larger. I wish that I had not let them influence me and had bought it earlier. The only thing unflattering is the fact that a lot of the models appear to be wearing garments too large for them so yes that will make them appear larger than they are. I think that if I get my size right then they will be no more unflattering than any sweater on a plus size person. Let's be honest about this. I am big so I am not going to look as good in things as people who are slim and shapely do so why do other plus size ladies want things that they think will flatter them into looking slimmer. Hey ladies on Amazon and Ravelry I can admit that the only thing that will make clothes fit me and look better is to actually be smaller so why can you not see that? Be happy with the size that you are. I am just grateful when I find patterns that fit me without having to alter them.

Anyway rant over. I like this book. It is a nice change also to be crocheting the smallest size in the book as it is sized up to 4X. As I have taken 21 photos I will show 10 of the designs today and the rest tomorrow. As usual there are some designs that I don't like but the percentage of those is much less than the ones that I do like so I consider this book to be a success. As to the fit of the garments I will only know that when I have made some of them.

Although I like the shape and fit of the bell sleeve cardigan in red I am not a lover of sleeves that come over my wrists so I would have to make some amendments to that. Otherwise it's a pretty design.

How can anyone say that the shawl collared mohair coat isn't flattering? Apart from the fact that I itch when I wear mohair, and so would have to find an alternate wool, I quite like the design although I would not make the over large cuffs.

The ribbon yarn jacket has a stitch that is very reminiscent of a Doris Chan cardigan but this one is made in pieces and not top down. This is the first pattern that I have put on my to do list. I have some yarn in my stash that would just suit this.

The Metallic Keyhole neck sweater took me back down memory lane as the first sweater that I designed for myself as a teenager (very few patterns in those days) was almost identical to this except that I made my own pattern stitch up. Mine came out very open so I had to sew a toning lining sweater to wear with it. I loved that sweater and wore it until it fell apart.

The Alpaca Applique cardigan is not one for me. I think that all the flowers are too fussy. The basic pattern though is a useful basic shape. Maybe an odd flower would look attractive but this pattern has overkill. Less is more.

I know that a bigger lady in theory shouldn't wear horizontal stripes but I do love the idea of using different yarns and textures to make the five yarn jacket. I fell in love with the autumn shadings so will have to try and yarn shop browse to find nice toning shades for this.

The sleeveless top is a match to the cardigan to make a twin set. I doubt that I would make the sleeveless top as my ageing bingo wings are not a pretty sight. I would make the cardigan though as it has a pretty pattern stitch.

I like the green silk scoop neck cardigan but I think the model is wearing a cardigan way too big for her so it's not flattering her figure at all. The actual jacket though is very pretty and I would adjust it by using a smaller hook to make the cardigan more form fitting. I do like the style for an openwork summer cardigan. I have an emerald green openwork crochet cardigan in my wardrobe and it always looks stunning worn over black.

Stand by for the rest of the photos tomorrow. I still haven't shown you photos from the 2011 calendar but as the patterns are loose and small postcard size I will lump a few together to take their photos rather than do them one at once.

I have been doing a bit more cleaning so not much has been done on the knitting front. I find knitting is very soporific and after a few rows I just can't keep my eyes awake. I have got half a sleeve and the button bands and neckband still to do on baby B's aran. I dare not start any crochet until I have finished this off. I am really tempted with all of the books that have arrived recently. There will probably be another book tomorrow - sigh.

Today has been dreadful. It has rained very hard all day. I felt so sorry for my lady gardener as she was soaked to the skin mowing my lawn. It had been a month since it was mowed before so it had grown quite long.

Crochet It, Love It, Wear It!

Another book that I really like. Crochet It, Love It, Wear It by Drew Emborsky otherwise known as the Crochet Dude. For once it is not a book filled with shawls, bags and hats. There is one scarf in it but I will allow that. It is a book of wearables.I have not used any patterns by Drew before so I can't as yet testify whether they are easy or hard to follow. I will have to advise you of that at a later date.

The first jacket 'Debra' is definitely on my to do list. It is shown on one photo in the book with a belt but I prefer it as an edge to edge jacket. I love the closed stitch effect for winter and I have a very similar colour of wool sitting in my stash that I feel sure will get made up into this jacket before very long. It is constructed all in one until the armholes so no side seams.

Although I love the Ruffled Cardigan with it's cutaway shape I think that at my age and shape that I would put a less ruffled edging on it. It has a very pretty stitch and once again it is made all in one until it divides for the armholes so no seaming which is always a bonus for me.

The Pencil Skirt has a very nice pattern stitch but is a no no for me. Not because I don't like it but the fact that it would not look nice on a short dumpy figure. On someone tall and slim it would be stunning.

I am so in love with the Budapest Nights red coat and would have had no hesitation making it for myself when I was in my 30's or 40's. I lack the social aplomb to carry it off these days but I do think it is a stunning coat with a nice crossed stitch pattern.

Antebellum is a top that I will be able to get away with wearing as it has a flattering baby doll shape which will cover a multitude of sins. Another one to add to the to do list.

What can I say about the Quintessential little black dress. Wow comes to mind. This would be another one I would have worn when I was younger and slimmer. It has a built in bra and elasticated waistline so I would imagine would make a lovely, easy to wear, addition to the wardrobe of someone younger and slimmer

Laurie is a basic wrap around cardigan that would suit most figures. It is made in lightweight lace and has a lovely shine to the yarn that is used. Drew has used a silk yarn which I think would help it to drape nicely.

I like the pattern stitch of the Angel of Music but for myself I would leave off the pussy cat bow and collar. I have an ample bosom and would not want to draw more attention to it with a big bow at the front. I do like the main part of the jacket though and sorting out the collar and bow would be an easy task. It has a little half belt at the back to pull it in slightly at the waistline.

I do like the ribbed stitch of the Saugatuck sweater and I can imagine that it would be very figure hugging and flattering to someone slimmer. I do like it but once again I think that pattern would cling to me in all the wrong places.

If I was in my 20's again or even my 30's I would make the Hesperas dress for myself. I think that Drew has shaped the bustier part of the dress beautifully. It might work for me as just a bustier top, without the skirt, with a long jacket over the top. I saw this dress on a video from the catwalk of one of the many wool shows that they have in the US.

The long Vashti skirt is pretty but not something that I would find a use for as I don't mix in the kind of social circles to wear something like this. Again it is a ageism thing as I know that I would have worn it when I was young.

Investing is a figure hugging waistcoat and for that reason alone I would never make it for myself but on anyone slimmer it would make a warmer for over a blouse in the office or over a T shirt and jeans. Again not for me but not because I don't like it. It's just the wrong age group for me.

The Keyhole scarf could look very pretty but in one colour. I know that the two colour version shows better in a photograph but I would imagine all one colour would be far more ladylike as the lace and the ruffles speak for themselves without making it duo coloured.

I have not done much of anything. I finished off one of the sleeves of Baby B's aran and so I have only got one more sleeve, bands and neckbands still to do.

I have been cleaning up a bit today. The little black cat from my neighbours did her usual appearance. Meow to be fed and then fell asleep on the rocking chair. I think I should call myself the crocheting Dr Doolittle. My son a and his wife have adopted another dog. This time a 9 week old pup called Ruby. She is a bit of a mixed breed so only time will tell how she will turn out. The other two dogs have taken to her right away which is a good sign as Buster never liked the other dog that they took in. Fortunately they managed to find a good new home for that adopted pup and he is now happily living in Yorkshire where he is the only dog of the household. They have just had all three of the dogs up on the moors for a good run so everything canine is now asleep after having paws, tail and tummy washed. Let's hope that Ruby behaves a lot better than Dillon did. Both Buster and his other dog seem to love her so that's a good sign. Buster hated Dillon and after Dillon bit Buster badly that was when he had to be found a new home. Two male dogs, even though they are neutered, don't always live happily together.

Accrington Market

I had a lovely day out in Accrington sitting in the market hall right next to Habiknits wool shop accompanying Rachael (Artyarn) whilst she was teaching people how to crochet or revising the skills of people who once crocheted but have forgotten. I sat like the Queen Bee in an armchair crocheting away and having a bit of a chat to passers by whilst Rachael did all the hard work! That sounds about right for me.I crocheted a couple of freeform things including the orange one which is sort of a cross between a squiggly Christmas ornament or an octopus with many many curly legs! I think the technique is called scumbling or freeform. The other shape that I made was like a bright orange and green sea urchin with fluted edges.

The idea is to be abstract. If you want to know more about the programme then click on the link to Artyarn on the right hand side in my favourite blogs.

The market hall has apparently been revamped and today we had the pleasure of entertainment. Last week it was a couple who sang really miserable songs but this week it was a guy singing and playing the saxophone. He was playing my kind of music so I was singing along and crocheting in rhythm. He had a really good voice and could also really play his saxophone, Apparently it's a different act every week so I hope that next week is as good as today.

There was also a very tempting old fashioned sweet shop which I managed to resist until just before we came home. I bought some Sarsaparilla drops, some liquorice tablets and some Pontefract cakes. They are not cakes at all but flat soft coin shaped pieces of black liquorice. The sweet shop took me right back to my childhood when all of the sweets came loose in jars. They had hundreds of sweets to choose from. Guess where I will be calling next week! I haven't tried any of them yet but I will be diving into one of the bags later tonight.

I also had a lovely economical lunch from one of the cafes. I had lasagne which was in it's own oval bowl and tasted homemade along with salad and chips. Really good homemade food for a reasonable price.

I was going to take the finished cardigans that I have made for the boys to Sylvia's tomorrow but she has woken up this morning with a stinking cold and doesn't want me to catch it. The outing has been postponed until next week which will give me more time to finish off Baby B's aran and perhaps have enough wool left over for Little legs to have an aran as well.

I was very good with regard to the wool shop as I only bought two balls of double knit. I will take a photo of that tomorrow. But ---- I am going back next week so will be armed with some more cash for then. Luckily they didn't accept bank cards so I had to limit my purchases.

I have put a little tempter of Drew Emborsky's book on here. I promise to give you better photos later. There are a few patterns that I like in this book and they are not all on the front and back cover so all will be revealed later.

It has rained really hard all day in Accrington but since I have been home the sun has come out but it is too late in the day to bring any warmth with it.