June 13, 2005
The Dark Side
It had to happen sometime. I've gone crochet.
Have you seen this lovely pattern?? Its from the RYC Classic Holiday book. I saw it online, bought the book, and found out that this bag is created soley through the dark art of crochet. oh. all crochet. not just an edging or optional finishing. The whole thing is crocheted.
What's a silly thing like crochet to stand between me and a cute bag? On Saturday, I gathered supplies and set out to learn it.
Supplies:
One copy , a super cute book dedicated to the dark side.
One set Boye hooks in many sizes.
Some yarn scraps.
The RYC Classic Holiday book, containing super cute bag pattern.
One cat (optional).
Following directions is really my thing. Nothing please me more than going through step-by-step instructions successfully. So I decided to do the beginner projects in Cozy Crochet. The first project is a very simple dishcloth in single crochet. I had enough yarn for half.
Then I made the next project, coasters, from the leftover Kool-aid yarn.
Finally, I decided I was ready to tackle the actual sling bag pattern, and practiced on the remaining yarn scraps.
See how its all ruffly?? A mistake. This wasn't a not-knowing-how-to-crochet error as much as it was a not-paying-attention-to-the-pattern error. Luckily, a helpful woman at the yarn store set me straight.
What's that? The yarn store? um yes. Projects on the dark side require yarn too. Nice yarn like Rowan Cotton Glace:
I almost don't want to say this, but here it is: crochet is actually fun. I got the same "hey look what I can do!" feeling that comes with first learning to knit. its not too bad over here on the dark side. not too bad at all.
Comments (17)
welcome to the dark side Diana! I learned to crochet first then knit. Next up spinning? A word of caution on English crochet directions. Their double crochet may be single crochet. If you get into any jams, let me know.
Posted by beth | June 13, 2005 1:06 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 13:06
Well, if you're going over to the dark side, it might as well be for a cute bag. I can't wait to see how it comes out. And that is one cute cat, by the way.
Posted by Stephanie | June 13, 2005 1:33 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 13:33
Cute bags are a legitimate reason to go to the dark side. And that green cotton glace is such a great green.
I'm very impressed with your quick-learned skills. Everytime try to crochet it looks so bad that I pull it out and go back to knitting.
Didn't you run a 10k this weekend as well? Or was that last weekend? If it was this weekend, well, you are impressively productive.
Posted by Purly Whites | June 13, 2005 2:20 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 14:20
i am actually working on some crocheted socks right now. i have no idea what i'm doing but so far it looks like it could become a sock one day, so i'll persevere ...
i absolutely love your supercute hooks and have been thinking about getting that cozy crochet book. hmmm, maybe some online shopping is in order!
Posted by kris | June 13, 2005 2:44 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 14:44
Knitting comes more naturally to me but I do love crocheting too! In case you don't know, one of my WIPs is a crocheted sampler afghan! I've done 13 out of 63 squares ... a long way to go, I know! ;)
Enjoy the art of the dark side!
Posted by Agnes | June 13, 2005 2:47 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 14:47
i crocheted the edge for the fluffy cami, i have to say, not at all fond of crocheting. my thumbs and fingers were aching so bad... i think i was holding the hook all wrong, no way to adjust tension, etc... but, every now and then there's a cute pattern that makes you want to crochet... i'm sure your moment was this weekend!
i own candi jensen's "hooked on crochet", it was a pretty good book. i want to get erika knight's simple crochet, in it was a pair of cute slipper!
good luck! maybe you will make some of us want to crochet!
Posted by blossom | June 13, 2005 2:50 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 14:50
I can't crochet...I just can't seem to do it! It's not really on my list to learn, but does come in handy for some knitting projects. I am so impressed that you tackled this! The bag is a big incentive...it is gorgeous...and the colour...LOVE IT!
Posted by carolyn | June 13, 2005 3:18 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 15:18
Uhm, how do I unsubscribe from your blog? [raises nose in the air and purses lips]
Hehe, just kidding! I know how to crochet, I just don't like to talk about it :). The bag is really cute, that much is true!!!
Posted by grumperina | June 13, 2005 3:33 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 15:33
Oh I'm awful at crochet, the only thing I can crochet is afghans, simply double stitch. I thought though all crochet patterns required a cat, I could be wrong though.
Posted by Rebekah | June 13, 2005 4:46 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 16:46
I started out crocheting, then moved on to knitting. But there are some really great patterns that drag me back all the time. I like the bag you're attempting to try.
(funnily enough, I felt like when I "abandoned" my crochet blog buddies, to knit, like I too, was going to the dark side...lol)
Posted by Jennifa | June 13, 2005 5:25 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 17:25
Yayy! Someone that's trying out crochet! I Lurve your cute hook set. Can't wait to see how the bag turns out.
Posted by Nichola | June 13, 2005 6:38 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 18:38
cool bag! I spotted a similar pattern once but got completely scared off by the crotchet bit. great to see the pics of your trials and experiments. Love the coloured crotchet needle set!
Posted by Clementine | June 13, 2005 6:44 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 18:44
I just learned today too! That is so funny... I was going to post today, but its coming tomorrow :) Though, mine was with beads..
I love the patterns you picked out, they are beautiful :)
Posted by Dani | June 13, 2005 11:10 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 23:10
You go on with your little bad crochet self-- Good for you :) I wish I knew how to do it--I love that bag pattern! I look forward to seeing some more of it.
Have a good one, D!
Posted by Lolly | June 14, 2005 9:48 AM
Posted on June 14, 2005 09:48
wow, you must REALLY like the bag! I hope it's worth it. :)
I liked a lot of the designs in that book - esp. the spiral-patterned stole. but it too is crochet, and I don't think I like it enough to learn.
at least, not yet....
Posted by Ann | June 14, 2005 10:58 AM
Posted on June 14, 2005 10:58
Hey, there's nothing wrong with being multi-talented. Just don't abandon us, okay? :) That bag is awesome though, so I don't blame you at all!
Posted by Tara | June 14, 2005 1:49 PM
Posted on June 14, 2005 13:49
tsk tsk all of these folks giving you grief for learning crochet. i think it's great. how can one hate something that allows one to buy more yarn!?
Posted by maryse | June 15, 2005 10:44 AM
Posted on June 15, 2005 10:44