Monday, January 5, 2015

Warming up by beginning over: a crocheted scarf

     Do you think the people who moved to Florida and Phoenix can appreciate the warmth when they are missing the contrast of this cold weather? I love cozying up to a fire with a book or some craft in my hands. It hasn't happened. I have been on the road for the holiday season. When Joe was driving, I crocheted, sometimes evenings with a light in the car.


    At a meeting, I had seen Donna Jean crocheting an alpaca silk georgette scarf for her sister for Christmas and thought it pretty for crochet, a doable size. Usually I prefer knitting. Hadn't I, years ago in the 60s, crocheted Peruvian hats that Adrienne inspired? We singled crocheted, starting at the top, working down. More recently, hadn't I crocheted beaded bracelets that Anna taught me, the most difficult craft ever? Wouldn't it be cool to be like those ladies who effortlessly knit or crochet projects in meetings.

     A beginner again, I went to the LionBrand store in Chelsea, NYC, and showed the free Draft Dodger Scarf pattern I found online at Cobbler's Cabin.  A store helper picked out Superwash Merino and I had my H hook. I only used half the skein, but got two since I could not decide on a color. All I had to do was Google how to slipstitch, single and double crochet, videos on line. Let me tell you, the stitches were not so difficult as remembering to switch from single to double crochet to single to double over and over. I took out rows and rows and rows. How difficult could it be? How can I teach a grandchild if I can't conquer it myself, so I persisted. It does look like a beginner's scarf but Hannah wants it. I can't wait to start another, maybe with a bigger crochet hook.


    Google "Draft Dodger Scarf" or "Cobbler's Cabin" to look over the pattern that people in offices off-time were making for presents this season. Perhaps even a simple pattern such as this, from long ago, revived online, is good mental exercise. I start my painting class this week, but won't forget the frustrating fun of climbing this mountain. Click to enlarge photos.

P.S.  I found an inexpensive Leisure Arts book in a knitting store with instructions for the right and left handed.  I am thinking one should crochet a bit looser than I did. Still learning!

10 comments:

  1. It looks wonderful! Can't wait to see the pictures of Hannah wearing it!
    DJ

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  2. Looks like a few fun projects!! Hope your holidays were happy and restful!

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    1. Thanks! I wanted to ask you if you think crochet or knitting is easier?

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  3. I love those colors...lucky Hannah! Your persistence amazes me. Cozy up to that fire!
    NM

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  4. You make crocheting sound and look so appealing! That hat from days of old was absolutely beautiful! I learned to knit when I was a child but never really made anything decent. Never have crocheted! But when I think about learning a new craft, I get an overwhelmed feeling! I have too many quilting projects patiently waiting in line to think about starting something totally different. But the descriptions you give of women knitting or crocheting during meetings etc. is very tempting!

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  5. What little girl wouldn't want to wear that? Or adult for that matter. LS

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  6. looks gorgeous and brings back memories from long ago AR

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  7. Fabulous hat!!! I love the colors. I enjoy your blog 0 never know what is coming next.

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  8. The blog post on your crochet hat is delightful. Of course it takes time to "get into gear" when one hasn't exercised a skill for a while! That's what practice is for.
    EK

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