So I started crocheting (needle art with the reputation of knitting's poor, but fast, cousin) a Carnival clone, made from Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn. Oh, you're making pot holders, someone said. No, it's a shawl. Next person commented on my coasters. Actually, it's a shawl. Yet another told me his grandma made dishcloths just like that. And one of my ravelry-mates told me that working with one needle just does not compute.
But I forged on and finished 44 pieces, or "motifs" as they say in the crocheting world, nothing like a little French to class things up. Took some time to develop a layout based on Noro's lovely shading and now comes the tedium. I enjoyed every part of this crochet project, its portability and particularly its speed, each motif taking about forty minutes. But who'd have thought the joining would move at a snail's pace? I'm betting on eight hours of stitching time. No whip stitch for me, I'm doing the crochet version of the mattress stitch, paying particular attention to yarn colour. It's slow, but the result has me hooked. I'm looking for yarn for my second Carnival clone, although I'm not sure any could be more perfect than the Silk Garden sock yarn.
VERY NICE!!
Btw, got a new puppy. a westie.. long story, email you later.
Posted by: sherry | August 21, 2008 at 03:33 AM
Oh dear, did he think you were preparing for a cleaning frenzy? 40 minutes? That's like 30 hours without stopping!
Posted by: Marina | August 21, 2008 at 04:22 AM
Li ,
The shawl is beautiful and I know how much hard work went into it.
Posted by: wendy g | August 21, 2008 at 05:40 AM
I love it. What color are you making mine?
Posted by: Ellen | August 21, 2008 at 06:59 AM
That's so awesome. I don't think that I'd haver the patience to seem all those pieces together.
Posted by: erika | August 21, 2008 at 07:28 AM
I can't believe how quickly you made all the "squares". You must have been seriously in love. I find the problem with piecing is that you can't take your eyes off it. May I suggest a book tape? Kate Atkinson "One Good Turn" a simultaneus addiction.
Posted by: Angie | August 21, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Well, your "Whatever it is" is really pretty, anyway. Nice to know it could be multipurpose!
Posted by: Lynne | August 21, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Hi Li: That stich and color is lovely together. That would be so pretty as a shawl or even adorning a special credenza with silver and crystal accent pieces. It is terrific. Hot tub is moving right along. We had a special platform with tiles and concret put in. The electrical is in place. I am in the process of getting a permit approval. The tax department approved it with the wish that maybe they can come join us in our hot tub. Too funny. Hopefully, if all goes well... (Not easily) none of this has been easy, we will be floating in it on late Monday. We have five cars in this family and I am always filling them up or taking one or the other to the service place. It is a full time job as the kiddies are too busy working or whatever to be doing it all of the time.
Posted by: Rosie | August 21, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Can I say tedious? Yes, and that's why I doubt I could ever make something that lovely.
Posted by: Chris | August 21, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Oh, oh, oh .... that's so stunning. I love it. I don't envy you the sewing, but oh, oh, oh! I wish I could afford Noro Silk Garden sock yarn (in a big amount, not just one skein). I've just found the most perfect pattern for it. Sigh.
Posted by: Monika | August 22, 2008 at 01:04 PM