Blog-aversary

Hard to believe it's been a year since I joined the "blog-o-sphere". No, I haven't posted as often as intended. Sometimes life gets in the way, or you feel like what you're doing or thinking is of no interest to anyone but yourself. And maybe it isn't, really. But you never know. We all touch lives and make a difference, and sometimes don't even know it. If you're wondering how you count in the lives of others, maybe it's time to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" again.

2009 has been a crazy kind of year. A book contract won and cancelled, the experience worth the outcome, and no regrets because I learned so much and know I'll try again. A long awaited and much remembered Jonas Brothers concert--including the meet and greet. Financial woes (yeah, so who didn't have those, right?) Days and weeks of knitting 12-14 hours a day, and loving every minute. A bountiful garden, rhubarb pies and lemon verbena. Walks in the park with my daughter. Learning about letting go and finding the courage to keep dreaming anyway.

Bottom line, and what I was always asked as a child--especially when in trouble-- "Well, did you learn anything?"

I learned that the world is all about perceptions and attitude. It is as kind or as unkind as you believe it to be. Each person sees the world and their place in it from a unique point of view and what is real to them IS REAL even if it isn't necessarily the truth or how someone else sees it.

Some hard lessons learned this year--
You can be sure and still be wrong.
Instead of "trust until proven otherwise", trust must be earned, repeatedly.
Some people still think "because everyone else is doing it" excuses any behavior.
Not everyone WANTS to be their best self.
Sometimes, it's nobody's fault.

Nice things I learned--
You are stronger than you think.
How to do the picot bind off.
How to write a book proposal.
How to translate lace patterns to circular knitting.
How to do the long tail cast on with one hand.

Things I still want to know--
If true love never dies, how do you know it isn't before it does?
Will steeks still work if you don't use wool?
How to use my drop spindle.


I learned that dreams and hope are most of what makes life worth living. Dreams of what we might become or what could be accomplished. Hope for a better day. I've learned that keeping dreams and hope alive is a personal responsibility. No one else can do it for you. Others can inspire and offer encouragement, but it is up to the individual to believe and act upon that belief. Others can also snatch your dreams away--but only if you let them.

As far as knitting and crochet, I've learned a lot of things. Especially in knitting. Most of that came from practise and being willing to try new things, or to rip it out and start over. Several projects were complete more than once, simply because I knew I could do better. Just today I listened to David Reidy's Sticks and String episode--Carpe Lanam

As he said so much more eloquently than I, life is too short to not enjoy your knitting (or crochet). As a designer, I am always thinking of the person who might follow the pattern I have written. Is it clear and concise? Is it easy to follow? Beyond pleasing the editor, one must think of the stitchers. Are they likely to be frustrated by the pattern? Will they be pleased with the result? Will they be proud to wear or give away what they have made? Now, more and more, I add to that list of questions, Is it fun? No matter how beautiful the design looks in the photograph, if I haven't done my job as a pattern writer and enabled the person following the pattern to replicate the design, AND enjoy doing so, I have failed miserably. So, thank you David Reidy for making me think of my work from another perspective.

Discoveries of note:
Knitting podcasts.
Lucy Neatby videos.

I have learned that happiness is a choice we make, regardless of circumstance. This sounds trite and cliche and even Pollyanna-ish. If optimism in the face of doom were my only shortcoming, I'd be doing pretty well.

Here's wishing you a New Year filled with new hopes and dreams. And if those dreams don't all come true, here's wishing you the strength and grace to be happy anyway!

Across the Board---New Designs

Newly Published Patterns


Find the Classic Jacket and the Trendy Pullover
in the January 2010 issue of Crochet! --on newsstands now!

Free Pattern ~ Christmas Tree Throw

Free pattern available at http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss49_tree_throw.html

Knitting Podcasts

OK, so maybe I'm late to the party, having just discovered the wonderful world of knitting podcasts. For many years, I've been listening to books on cassette and cd while I stitch, but there is something special about listening to someone talk about knitting while you're knitting. Perhaps I'm only now discovering this treasure trove due to the fact that I have yet to invest in an Ipod. Of course, my daughter has a very nice one, but isn't that what moms do--go without so their children can have everything they need and as much of what they want as possible? No matter, I don't need an Ipod to listen to podcasts, as they play very well on the computer--which happens to be in my "studio", so it's all good.

So the next thought was, if I'm just now realizing what's available, maybe someone else is as behind the times as I am, and why not compile a list?
Wouldn't you know, someone has already done that as well---yay!

Check out the Knitting Podcast blog at

http://knittingpodcast.blogspot.com/

for a recently updated list.

The first two podcasts that I discovered and began to listen to are
Cast On http://www.cast-on.com/
and Sticks and String http://sticksandstring.wordpress.com/
both highly recommended. It doesn't matter that the beginning episodes are several years old by now. "Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop." (Alice in Wonderland-Lewis Carroll) The wonderful thing is, there are so many podcasts, and so much catching up to do, that the end is far away. For now, my books on tape are all going back to the library!

Free Pattern-Bamako Mud Cloth Wrap & Kufi

Pattern for this fun-to-stitch Tunisian wrap and matching kufi can be found at http://bit.ly/1YPEgn

Free Pattern - Florentine Bargello

The most recent issue of "Talking Crochet" features the pattern for this afghan.

http://bit.ly/3IvrXm

Free Pattern - Cabled Heather Wrap

Find the pattern for this wrap at http://bit.ly/41DS4F

I think if you doubled the width, you could also make a nice afghan with this pattern. Someday I think I'll try it. I would need twice the amount of yarn, or 14 skeins Caron Simply Soft Heather. I would ch 154 instead of 84 and repeat the portion in ( ) 10 times instead of 5.

Free Pattern - Spring Green Cardigan

Find this pattern at http://bit.ly/3tvE4
Free-Crochet.com
You must join, but it's free to do so.

The original was made using CGOA Presents "Blithe" yarn, a cotton/rayon/nylon blend. You could substitute another fingering weight yarn--just so you "get gauge" and are pleased with the drape.

The Fire of Youth

The fire of youth
that still believes
it can do more than cause a ripple
in the giant pond that is the world
should be kindled, cherished, guarded, fed.

Adults chuckle knowingly
from both sides of their mouths
raise their eyebrows,
thinking, "pipe dreams",
while trying not to burst small bubbles,
or perhaps act more purposefully
(always well-intentioned)
to rain on young parades.

"Time to grow up and put away childish things...
Things are the way things are because they've always been so
and who are you to think that you alone could make a difference
better to accept the facts than to risk ridicule or pain".

Recall the dreams we once held dear
before the slings and arrows,
before the jibes and laughter
turned us cynical and "wise"

Ever looking backward, we long to recapture
the hope-filled heart, the starry eyes,
embarking on new journeys
embracing change, welcoming pain,
knowing the dream was worth the price.

When did courage, nerve, vivacity
shrink to become good manners,
hope fade into the background,
and we revert to being
seen but never heard?

Recall chasing after rainbows,
turning down blind alleys,
running full speed in the dark
unafraid of our mistakes.
Was it carelessness or faith more pure?

How many, having put away
the dreams that once were cherished,
transfer all their hopes
onto the shoulders of the young--
so that pressure dressed as "guidance"
puts a damper on their flame?

The fearlessness of youth
to challenge authority
and dare nonconformity
should be praised and imitated.
For once the fire's extinguished,
it's so hard to reignite;
and without dreams, as yet unbruised,
all else lies in ruin around us.

Free Pattern-Camelia Jacket

Frre instructions at http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=e06991

Sourdough Biscuits

Remember the guessing game? http://bit.ly/OcOKf
Did you guess Sourdough?

What follows is opinion--an essay, if you like, about sourdough. How to "start" it, how to use it, and why it's a family tradition I have kept. You are welcome to try it my way and see what you think. I'd love to hear how it turns out.

Sourdough may come from a simpler time and tending a sourdough jug may seem old-fashioned or impractical. It's so much easier to grab a loaf of bread from the store on the way home from work (if you still have work to go to). Trouble is, you can't grab a pan of hot sourdough biscuits on your way home. Biscuits...light and airy, crusty on the outside, soft on the inside and able to soak up as much butter and/or molasses as you care to slather on. Biscuits... sturdy enough to slice and toast or hold some nice sandwich fixings for tomorrow's lunch. Biscuits...whose short time in the oven fills the house with a fragrance that, better than any plug-in or candle, says, "Welcome. Welcome. Now, you're home."

These days, it's the daily trip to the market that seems impractical, and people are rediscovering the ways of grandparents who came through harder times with nothing but pride in the fact that even when there was no money, there was always something good to eat. "Times were hard, but we never went hungry". These are the country folk; those who grew gardens, and canned, preserved and pickled everything imaginable; who saved up to pay cash money for what they needed, or did without; who "put by" something for winter, or in case things got even worse. They wore things out or fixed them up and still had enough to share with their neighbors. I hope you never experience times as hard as those some of our parents and most of our grandparents lived through. Still, there is much to be learned from them and how they survived the lean years. More than that, some traditions are just worth keeping, even when times are relatively easy.

There may be as many ways to make sourdough as there are people who love this magical concoction, and tempers can flare hotter than the oven required to bake it. I am not here to join the fray by saying my way is the only way, or even the best way, only to share tips and tricks for an easy, economical way to make some good bread. Most of the tips are ways to keep the sourdough from tasting really sour, so if you like your bread to bite back, this may not be the way you want to do it.

Some will say you must obtain a start from someone else--these are usually the same people who'd like to sell you one. Others say you must use potato water and capture live bacteria--good luck with that. With all the antibacterial products we use these days, friendly bacteria can be hard to find.

Good sourdough is both art and science. The science has to do with time, temperature, carbon dioxide, mother yeasts budding baby daughters, and alcohol; the art is learned as you go. I can give you basic instructions and estimates of amounts, but exact measurements that work every time come with experience and trial and error. What I'm giving you is the start---the recipe for a starter and a place to start experimenting on your own. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive. Chances are, you already have them at hand. Sourdough, unlike regular yeast dough, is not labor intensive. Five minutes prep time, 10 minutes baking time, and only a spoon and a pan to wash. All that is really required of you is love, patience, and a spirit of adventure.

What You Need

• a crock, aka a "sourdough jug"
  

I have tried keeping sourdough in many types of containers: plastic ice cream buckets, wine chilling buckets, half-gallon wide-mouth mason jars, but never with as much success as some type of stoneware crockery. The sourdough jug we had when I was growing up looked something like this:

These are hard to find and pricey. They are considered "vintage" or "antique" and the prices reflect that status. The one I use looks more like a cookie jar and was purchased at a thrift shop for around two dollars. My "cookie jar" solution is a temporary fix. I'm still on the lookout for a "real" one. There is something about stoneware, the thicker the better, that helps maintain an even, cool temperature. You need a lid, or a plate to put over the top, just to keep the starter clean. You won't want a tight-fitting lid, because there are some serious chemical reactions taking place inside that need to breathe; just something to keep out critters (tame or otherwise) and dust.

The crock my mother used must have been a gallon size-nice if you can find one and good for a large family or a small, hard-working one. The one I use now is just over 5 inches high with a diameter of 7 inches. It holds about 2 quarts and has been known to overflow. For that reason, I put a pie tin under it. The recipes that follow are what work with a crock of this size. A larger one would be better, but it will do for now. The yield is about 6 large biscuits a day, depending. If you have a larger container and a large family, you can augment the recipes. ( If you just want to try it, but not invest in anything special to keep it in, try your old crock pot if you don't use it much-one with a removable crock would be best. )

You will also need:

• a sturdy wooden spoon

My mom had one carved from an Arizona ironwood tree. Nice, but not necessary. Just don't get the short, light-weight kind, because you'll be stirring some pretty stiff dough; and no, your fancy Bosch mixer will not be necessary or even useful (except maybe for the pancake batter--more about that later).

For the starter, you will need

• flour


• water


• sugar


• yeast.

I use regular, unbleached, all-purpose flour. You can try other flours such as whole wheat, and see what you think. I buy flour in 25 or even 50 pound bags. It's cheaper that way, and if you decide to maintain a sourdough jug, you'll be using about 3 cups of flour nearly every day, and the little 5 pound bags won't go very far. The water is straight from the tap. I buy yeast in the 2 pound bag, but one envelope of yeast will get your starter started.

When to start your starter? I don't put mine in the fridge, so in the hot summer months, I bake regular bread and count the days until autumn. Once the days have cooled to a high of 50 or 60, then it's time. As for time of day: if you want biscuits by evening, start the starter early in the morning. If you're OK with waiting until the next evening, then afternoon or evening is fine.

Make the Starter

Into the crock, measure

• 1 cup cool water (not ice-cold, just cool as it comes from the tap)


• Add a packet or 1 Tablespoon of yeast and


• 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Stir to dissolve the sugar. If you're accustomed to working with yeast, you may wonder why the water is cool instead of lukewarm. One secret to sourdough is to let it work slowly. Begin with warm water, and your jug will be running over before you know it.

Stir in

• 2 cups of flour
  

That's it. Put the lid on, put it in a relatively cool spot: not by the radiator, heat vent or fireplace; but by the backdoor, in the basement, in an unheated room, you get the idea. Surely every house has a cool spot. That's the place to keep your sourdough jug. It doesn't need to be "cold", just not overly warm.

Now go knit something and don't worry about it. It will do it's thing while you're doing yours. Later, when you start to think about what to have for dinner, you can check on it. It should look something like this:

It will have at least doubled in size and be sort of bubbly.

Making Biscuits

About an hour before you're ready to eat, it's time to make the biscuits.

You will need:

• small pan (Mine is about 7 x 10 and a bit on the heavy side.)


• measuring spoon


• your wooden spoon


• more flour


• baking powder


• sugar


• salt


• shortening

First, fork about a teaspoon of shortening into the pan and put it in the oven, 350 degrees. Watch it closely, you just want the shortening to melt. Hot oil will smoke and can even catch fire. As soon as the shortening melts, remove the pan and turn off the oven. Meanwhile, spread about 1 cup of flour on your board or counter top. With the wooden spoon, dump out about 2 cups of starter.

Measuring the starter is a messy proposition because it's sticky and small amounts harden if you don't clean up quickly. It's easier to eye-ball the amount of starter left in the jug. About a half-cup of starter will remain.



Measure 1 Tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt--right onto the dough.

Gently gather the sides to the middle. With a very light, soft touch at first, begin kneading the dough. It will be sticky, so gently work a little flour in-- kneading first with the finger tips and then with the heels of your hands as more flour is incorporated. This is not the major kneading job required of regular yeast dough where you are instructed to "knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic". You are just kneading to work in the sugar, salt, baking powder and enough flour to make the dough easy to handle. By the time you've worked in all the flour from the board, it should be a soft, but workable dough.

For each biscuit, use your thumb and forefinger to squeeze off a bit of dough somewhere in size between a golf ball and a lemon, or about 1/6 of the dough. Cup your hands slightly and work the dough into a nice, smooth ball by pressing the dough between the palms while quickly rubbing in circles with the top hand. Dip each one into the melted shortening and flip it over.

Now cover them up with a clean cloth and let them rise. The stove top is a good place to do this as it should still be nice and warm after melting the shortening.

The starter needs to be mixed back.


Add a cup of cool water --




and about 2 cups of flour--

Stir it well, taking care to push any starter from the sides of the crock back down into the mixture. Cover and return the starter to its cool spot and it will be ready and waiting for you tomorrow.

Now you can go about preparing the rest of your dinner or get back to knitting while the biscuits rise. In about an hour, they will have doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Bake the biscuits for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

They will be crusty while they are hot and will soften as they cool.
If there are any left (ha ha) wait until they cool completely and store in a plastic bag.

You can do more than make biscuits. I'll write more later about hotcakes and pizza and all manner of "yumminess".

Enjoy!~

Free Pattern-San Antonio Tunic

Find the pattern for this fun-to-stitch tunic at

http://bit.ly/a7Aq

It uses the new NaturallyCaron.com wool-blend yarn, Country, and drapes like a dream.

A Guessing Game

Each year at my house, when summer has passed and autumn turns cool, a special tradition returns.

Can you guess?

First clue:
















Second Clue:

A simple secret, so jealously guarded,
that even those who know do not agree.


Third Clue:

Tended carefully, it rises like the sun,
fresh and new, every 24 hours.


Fourth (and last) Clue:

You feed it and it feeds you.



Next week, you can find out what's inside the first clue, and how to "start" your own!

The Colors of Autumn

Nothing like fall to inspire a fiber frenzy-

The colors, the cool crispness of the air, the gathering in of harvest, the knowledge that winter's chill is just around the corner-- inspire a need to hear the needles clicking, and see the hook a-flying.

I'm just back from a weekend trip. It was strange to find myself behaving like a tourist, stopping the car on mountain roads to snap photos; though they are the same roads I've traveled all my life. This year, the colors seem more vibrant, more achingly beautiful; and the need to capture them before they're gone... of critical importance.

Perhaps, finally, I'm returning to the self who never took for granted: one day, one breath, one single autumn leaf.

If Not For Change

If not for change
the summer sun might burn holes in the sky
If not for change
the autumn leaves would ne'er delight the eye

If not for change
the infant child would never run nor speak
If not for change
the tyrant might always exploit the meek

What makes us curse the way things are
yet face with fear and dread
the twists and turns and detours
in the road ahead?

With arms braced hard and eyes shut tight
we anticipate the crash
then look around expecting
to see only smoke and ash

Slowly, slow, we grow into
the new way things are arranged
Never could a dream come true
were it not for change.

Free Pattern- Gila River Doily

Size 18" across after blocking.

Materials *Size 10 bedspread cotton - 500 yds. cream, No. 6 steel crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

*This project was made using Caron's Grandma's Best Style 279, Color 430

Gauge First 4 rounds = 2".

Pattern Notes
Always join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch. Beg ch 3 counts as dc.

Pattern Stitches
3dc dec: Keeping lst lp of each on hook, work 3 dc, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

Rdc: Yo, insert hook in next sp to the right, complete as a dc.



DOILY

Rnd 1: Ch 4, 14 dc in 4th ch from hk, join.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each dc around, join. (30)

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc. Rep from * around, join. (45)

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 2 dc, * 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 2 dc. Rep from * around, join. (60)

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 3 dc, * 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 3 dc. Rep from * around, join. (75)

Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 4 dc, * 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 4 dc. Rep from * around, join. (90)

Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc, *[(ch 2, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc) 7 times, ch 2, sk 1 dc,] dc in each of next 3 dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 8: Ch 3, *[2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, (dc in next sp, ch 2) 8 times,] dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 9: Ch 3, *[dc in next dc, dc between last dc and next dc, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2, dc in next dc, ( 2 dc in next sp, dc in next dc) 3 times, dc in next sp, dc in next dc, (2 dc in next sp, dc in next dc) 3 times, ch 2, sk next sp,] dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 10: Ch 3, dc in each of next 4 dc, *[ch 2, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 2 dc, (ch 2, sk next dc, dc in next dc) 7 times, ch 2, dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 2,] dc in each of next 5 dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 11: Ch 3, dc in next dc, *[2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2, dc in each of next 4 dc, (ch 2, dc in next dc) 7 times, ch 2, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 2], dc in each of next 2 dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 12: Ch 3, dc in each of next 5 dc, *[ch 2, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, sk 2 dc, 2 dc in next sp, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp) 7 times, ch 3, sk 2 dc, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2,] dc in each of next 6 dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 13: Ch 3, *[dc in each of next 2 dc, dc between last dc and next dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 2, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 2, sk next dc, ( dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 7 times, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2] dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 14: Ch 3, dc in each of next 6 dc, *[ch 2, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 2, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 7 times, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2], dc in each of next 7 dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 15: Ch 3, *[dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 2, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) twice, sk 2 dc, dc in next sp, dc in next dc, (2 dc in next sp, dc in next dc) 6 times, dc in next sp, ch 3, sk 2 dc, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2] dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 16: Ch 3, *[dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in each of next 2 dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 2, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) twice, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 2, sk next dc, ( dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 6 times, dc in each of next 4 dc, ( ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) twice, ch 2,] dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 17: Ch 3, *[dc in each of next 4 dc, dc between last dc and next dc, dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 2, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3,) twice, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 2, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 6 times, dc in each of next 4 dc, (ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) twice, ch 2], dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 18: Ch 3, *[dc in each of next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 2, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) 3 times, sk next 2 dc, dc in next sp, dc in next dc, (2 dc in next sp, dc in next dc) twice, dc in next sp, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp) twice, dc in next dc, dc in next sp, ch 3, sk 2 dc, ( dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) twice, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2], dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 19: Ch 3, *[dc in each of next 5 dc, dc between last dc and next dc, dc in each of next 6 dc, ch 2, ( dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) 3 times, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 2, sk next dc, (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 4 times, dc in each of next 4 dc, ( ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dec) 3 times. ch 2, dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 20: Ch 3, *[dc in each of next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 6 dc, ch 2, ( dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) 3 times, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 2, ( dc in next dc, ch 2) 4 times, dc in each of next 4 dc, ( ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) 3 times, ch 2,] dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 21: Ch 3, *[dc in next dc, (ch 2, sk next dc, dc in next dc), twice, ch 2, sk 2 dc, (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) twice, dc in each of next 2 dc, dc in next sp, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) 4 times, sk next 2 dc, dc in next sp, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp, dc in next dc, 1 dc in next sp) twice, ch 3, sk next 2 dc, ( dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3), 3 times, dc in each of next 2 dc, dc in next sp] dc in next dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], join.

Rnd 22: Ch 3, dc in next dc, *[ch 2, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 4 times, dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 3, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) 3 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) 4 times] dc in each of next 3 dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], dc in next dc, join.

Rnd 23: Ch 3, *[( dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp) twice, dc in next dc, 3 dc in next sp, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp) twice, dc in each of next 5 dc ( ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) 3 times, ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dec, ( ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) 4 times] dc in each of next 2 dc. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], dc in next dc, join.

Rnd 24: Sl st in next dc, ch 5, (sk next dc, dc in next dc, ch 2) 9 times,sk next dc, *[dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) 3 times, dc in each of next 15 dc, (ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) 3 times, 2 dc in next sp] (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 12 times. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next st) twice, join.

Rnd 25: Ch 5, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 9 times. *[dc in each of next 5 dc, ( ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) twice, ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) twice, ch 3, dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 2] (dc in next dc, ch 2,) 12 times. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], dc in next dc, ch 2, join.

Rnd 26: Ch 3, 2 dc in next sp, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp) 9 times, *[dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 3, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) twice, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 15 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, twice, dc in each of next 5 dc, (2 dc in next sp, dc in next dc) 11 times, 2 dc in next sp.. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp, join.

Rnd 27: Ch 5, sk next dc, (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 16 times, *[dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp, (dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3) twice, dc in next dc, ch 2, 3dc dec over last st and next 2 st, dc in each of next 13 dc, 3dc dec over next 3 dc, ch 2, dc in last st, (ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc) twice 2 dc in next sp] (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 22 times. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 5 times, join.

Rnd 28: Ch 5, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 16 times, *[dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next dc, ch 2, 3dc dec over last st and next 2 sts, dc in each of next 9 dc, 3dc dec over next 3 sts, ch 2, dc in last st, ch 2, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, ch 3, dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 2,] (dc in next dc, ch 2) 21 times. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], (dc in next dc, ch 2) 4 times, join.

Rnd 29: Ch 3, dc in next sp (dc in next dc, dc in next sp) 16 times, *[dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, ( dc in next dc, ch 2) twice, dc in next st, ch 2, 3dc dec over last st and next 2 sts, dc in each of next 5 dc, 3dc dec over next 3 sts, ch 2, dc in last st, (ch 2, dc in next dc) twice, ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, dc in each of next 5 dc, dc in next sp] ( dc in next dc, dc in next sp) 21 times. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], (dc in next dc, dc in next sp) 4 times, join.

Rnd 30: Ch 5, (sk next dc, dc in next dc, ch 2) 18 times, sk next dc, *[dc in next dc, 2 dc in next sp, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 3 times, 3 dc in next st, dc in each of next 5 dc, 3 dc in next st, (ch 2, dc in next dc) 3 times, ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next sp] (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 26 times. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 7 times, join.

Rnd 31: Ch 5, (dc in next dc, ch 2,) 18 times, *[dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 3, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 3 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (ch 2, dc in next dc) 3 times, ch 3, dc in each of next 5 dc,] ch 2 (dc in next dc, ch 2) 25 times. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], ch 2, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 6 times, join.

Rnd 32: Ch 3, dc in next sp, (dc in next dc, dc in next sp) 18 times, *[dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 3, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 3 times, (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 6 times, (dc in next dc, ch 2) twice, dc in next dc, ch 3,] dc in next 5 dc, ( dc in next sp, dc in next dc) 25 times, dc in next sp. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], (dc in next dc, dc in next sp) 9 times, join.

Rnd 33: Ch 5, sk next dc, dc in next dc, ( ch 2, sk next dc, dc in next dc) 20 times *[ch 3, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 12 times, dc in next dc, ch 3,] dc in next dc, ( ch 2, sk next dc, dc in next dc) 30 times. Rep from * 3 more times. Rep between [ ], (dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc) 9 times, join.

Rnd 34: Ch 1, *rdc, ch 1, Rep from * around, join with sl st in first rdc. Fasten off. Dampen and block if desired.

This piece also works well as a wall hanging attached to bright background color.

This piece was inspired by Native American pottery and the baskets of the Pima who live along Arizona's Gila River.

Copyright (c) 2001 by Margret Willson. All Rights Reserved

Alternate Edging by Marsha E. Seiber
To use Marsha's edging, complete pattern through round 33. Then work the following 2 rounds.

Alternate Edge:

Rnd 34: sl st into next sp, ch 1, (2 sc in each ch-2 sp & 3 sc in each ch-3 sp) around, join.

NOTE: To work reverse sc, you simply work an sc in each st around working to the RIGHT, rather than the left.

Rnd 35: ch 1, sc in same sp; work reverse sc in each st around, join, Fasten Off.

A Virtual Hug

If you were my neighbor,
I'd bake you some muffins,
some rhubarb pie, and home-made bread
If you were my brother, I'd call you up,
we'd talk for hours,
or I'd listen instead

If you were my daughter,
we'd go to the movies,
or maybe we'd go to the Panda Buffet
If you were my father,
I would come visit, get out the cards,
until morning we'd play

If you were my girlfriend,
I'd ask you over, we'd laugh and talk
over mugs of hot tea
But you are a "mouse-pal"...
linked only by email,
so far away, yet so dear to me


The first one I think of
when something exciting
has happened and begs to be shared
The one that has been there
through all of my troubles,
the one that I know will not care

if I'm still in my jammies,
on my first cup of coffee,
my hair isn't combed or my house isn't clean
The one that I think of
and pray for and cheer for....
A dear friend that I've never seen


So when you have troubles
and life disappoints you,
how can I be there for you?
Send you an email
that comes out all wrong,
keep checking my inbox for "new"

Emoticons can't take the place
of a smile,
Tweets are as curt as a shrug
So I'll use my blog
to say all I want,
and send you a Virtual Hug.

Thinking of you, my dear friend.

Free Pattern - Soft & Speedy Baby Blanket

Free pattern for this quick-to-knit baby blanket

Crochet Sister

The next few posts will be an attempt to salvage items from my website, which with the closing of Geocities, will disappear next month.

Today's post is a poem written several years ago about the feeling of "sisterhood" (brothers welcome) among crocheters--around the world and throughout time.

"Crochet Sister"

She holds her hook just like me,

yarn passing through her hands.

She is very close to me

though perhaps in a distant land.

Yarn over, insert hook,

is she using blue or red?

Is her pattern in a book,

or a memory in her head?

Does she spin her own wool

from sheep she grazes on the hills?

Does she create for pleasure,

or crochet to pay the bills?

I don't know, we've never met,

perhaps we will some day;

and I'm sure I'll recognize her..

my "sister in crochet".

Published Designs

A list of most of my published work to date. Some of the books are still available on Amazon.com. I've updated most all of the links (I think!)

NaturallyCaron.com

San Antonio Tunic
Cusco Vest
Allegra Jacket
Botanico Pullover
Toronto Pullover
Maroma Wrap
Sunscape Throw

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iKnit Intrepid Cables-Off the Beaten Path (Leisure Arts #4435)

Asymmetric Cowl Vest

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Mary Maxim

Exclusive Mosaic Throw
Baby Blanket

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How To Mosaic Crochet (Annie's Attic Leaflet)
Mosaic Crochet Throws (Annie's Attic Leaflet)

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Embellished Crochet (St. Martin's Press)

Sahara Shawl
Wrap Jacket

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Michaels

Caron Textured Stitch Jacket
Caron Knit Arusha Cabled Jacket
Camelia Jacket
Caron Cabled Heather Wrap
Yarn Creations for Christmas: Afghan & Pillow
Knit Military Jacket

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Crochet! Magazine

Romantic Layers -- September 2008
Sophisticated Shells Skirt -- July 2008
Sunset Colors Cowl Neck -- November 2007
Dressed For Success -- September 2007
Weekender Pullover -- May 2007
Continental Pillows -- May 2006
Confetti Cross-Stitch Jacket -- January 2006
Leaf Brocade -- September 2005
Night on the Town -- November 2004
Plum Lace Cardigan -- September 2004
Lacy Shells Tank Top -- July 2004
Spring Green Cardigan -- May 2004
Leaf-Lace Vest -- January 2004

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Embellished Crochet (Leisure Arts Leaflet #4310)

Trimmed Top

Style For You (Leisure Arts Leaflet #4269)

Wrap Front Tunic Vest

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Heirloom Afghans to Knit and Crochet

Aran Afghan

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Big Hook Crochet (House of White Birches Hardback)

Plush Pullover
Gossamer Throw
Luxurious Mosaic Throw

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Colorful Foot-Pocket Throws (Annie's Attic Leaflet)

Leaves of Autumn
Rosebud
Vertical Stripes
Granny

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Knit N Style

Flower Garden Sweater--April 2007

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Creative Knitting Magazine

Direct Cable Vest--January 2008----Vol. 30 No. 1
On-the-Town Cropped Jacket--November 2006--Vol. 28 No. 6

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Easy Living Crochet
(House of White Birches Hardback)

Shadow Box
Hand Paint Medley
Casual Stripes

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Kustom Krafts
Tank and Toppers

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CGOA Pattern Line

Ripple Cardigan
Antique Lace
Lace Tee
Center Cable Aran

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Crochet Fantasy

Shallow V Overblouse -- Summer 2005 #181
Shell Cardigan -- Summer 2005 #181
Bohemian Rhapsody -- Spring 2005 #180
Triple Harmony -- December 2004 #179
A Touch of Tinsel -- Winter 2005 #178
Merino Magic -- October 2004 #177
Men's Textured Stripes -- October 2004 #177
Peasant Blouse -- June 2004 #175
Romantic Ruffles -- April 2004 #174
Leaf Lace -- April 2004 #174
Mosaic Sweater -- February 2004 #173
Amazing Cardigan -- February 2004
Fur-Trimmed Jacket -- December 2003 #172

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101 Granny Squares
(Needlecraft Shop Hardback)
Pretty Patchwork Afghan
Signs of the Seminole Afghan

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Annie's Scrap Crochet Club

Tunisian Tiles Afghan
Mosaic Afghan
Eye Dazzler Afghan
Bright Delight Afghan
Slanted Stripes Afghan
Star Pot Holder

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Blue Ribbon Crochet (House of White Birches hardback)

American Mosaic Afghan
Diamond Rio Jacket
Fuchsia Fantasy Ripple Pullover
Jazzy Jewels Vest
Woodland Jacket

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Donna Kooler's Crocheted Afghans

Granny Afghan

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Crochet for Caring and Sharing (House of White Birches Hardback)
Tunisian Mosaic Pillow
Weekender Pullover

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Family Circle Easy Knitting (Plus Crochet)

Classic Afghan -- Holiday 2003

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Big Book of Scrap Crochet Afghans (House of White Birches Hardback)

Aran Overlay
Florentine Bargello

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Today's Crochet Sweaters from the Crochet Guild of America
(Martingale)

Fallscape
All That Glitters

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Crochet On the Double Made Easy
(Needlecraft Shop Hardback)

Cross-Stitch Vest
Guys 'n' Gals Sweater
Pebbles Duster
Coffee Cardigan

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Crochet World

Potholders Plain & Fancy-8/99
Bow Tie Afghan-10/01
Child's On-the Double Sweater-8/02
Treasure Sack-8/02
Flower & Ladybug Pot Holders-8/02
Lumber Jack-et-10/02
Autumn Stripes Pullover-12/02
Cro-Tat Top-2/03
Noel Filet Doily-12/03
Christmas Ruffle Doily-12/03
Holly Jolly Afghan-12/03

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Afghan Collector's Series (Needlecraft Shop)

Classic Art
Treasured Moments
Desert Caravan
Homespun Charm
Country Comfort
Reversible Scrap
Essence of Elegance
Luxurious Legacy
Citrus Grove
Country Sunshine
Sentimental Shells
Easy Elegance (Impromtu Charm)
Shadow Magic Afghan
Leafy Lace Afghan
Double Diamond Afghan

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Annie's Crochet Quilt and Afghan Club

Mexicana Mile-A-Minute
Floral Stars
Welcome Home Afghan & Pillow
Royal Blue Ripple
Cranberry Cloud Afghan (Fluffy Clouds)
Plumberry Patchwork Afghan

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Crochet Collector’s Series (Needlecraft Shop)

Wheat Harvest Doily
Snow Flowers Afghan
True Blue Afghan
Purple Circles Afghan
Ombre Stripes Poncho

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Wishes and Wonders (Needlecraft Shop hardback)

Rosebud Ripple Afghan

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Hooked on Crochet

Octagon Doily-#69
Butterfly Blossoms Doily-#74
Ada Marie Doily-#76
Autumn Splendor Afghan-#77
Strawberry Afghan-#82
Harvest Afghan-#83
Quick (On the Double) Potholders-#85
Pineapple Poncho-#85
Filet Frills Afghan-#87
Oxford On the Double Afghan-#87
Popcorn 9-Patch Afghan-#89
Popcorn Shells Afghan-#90
Watercolor Garden Afghan - #110

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Crochet Home (and Holiday)

Spring Meadow Afghan-#70
Generosity Afghan-#71
Antique Elegance Afghan-#75
Flamenco Dancer’s Afghan-#76
Gemstone Lattice Afghan-#77
Rose Reflections Afghan-#81
Square Dance Afghan-#83
Hairpin Lace Bookmarks-#86

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Annie’s Crochet Newsletter

Up, Up & Away Doily-#97

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Annie’s Crochet To Go

Southwest Sizzle Afghan-#125
On the Double Hat & Scarf-#125
House Slippers (On the Double)-#128
On the Double Poncho-#129
Yankee Doodle Dandy Afghan-#129
Broomstick Hat And Scarf-#130
Child’s Play Afghan-#130
Sand and Sage Afghan-#130
Rustic Ridges Afghan-#131

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Annie’s Favorite Crochet

Scandinavia-#145 February 2007
Round Aran Pillow-#107
Heart Strings Afghan-#112
Christmas Trees Doily Set- #132 December 2004

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Easy Weekend Afghans (House of White Birches hardback)

Snow White
Holly Berry Throw

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Afghan Splendor (Needlecraft Shop hardback)

Indian Harvest
Ice Cream Cones
Forest Path
Victorian Blues
Princess Patchwork

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Creative Crochet in a Day (Needlecraft Shop hardback)

Lacy Bookmarks
Broomstick Lace Tissue Holder

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Crochet For a Quiet Evening (House of White Birches hardback)

Easy Ombre Afghan
Rainbow Poncho Set

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2000 Afghan Calendar (Needlecraft Shop)

Saltwater Taffy

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2001 Afghan Calendar (Needlecraft Shop)

Modern Romance
Grapevine

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Old Time Crochet

Hairpin Posies Afghan-Winter 2001
Hairpin Shawl-Spring 2002
Round Hairpin Lace Pillow-Summer 2002
Hairpin Baby Set-Autumn 2002

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Crochet With Heart

Double Delight Afghan February 2002

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Leisure Arts

Seashore Retreat-Seaside Cottage Afghans Leaflet

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Scrap Sensations Leaflet (Annies Attic)

Springtime Shells Afghan

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ePatternsCentral

Hairpin Shawl
Pineapple Poncho
Poncho with Lace
Rose Reflections Afghan
Saltwater Taffy Afghan
Southwest Broomstick Afghan
Square Dance Afghan
Mandala Doily
Garden Lace Afghan

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Join-As-You-Go Afghans Leaflet (Annies Attic)

Garden Lace

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Desert Ripple Afghans Leaflet (Annies Attic)

Southwest Broomstick Afghan

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3 Dozen & One Bookmarks (Annies Attic)

Hairpin Bookmark

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