and so it begins (again and again and again)
Last winter, like many other bloggers who dabble in artsy+crafty things, I was quite inspired by Jane's and Alicia's ripple blankets. Those two seemed to have inspired a movement over at "the no-end-in-sight ripple along."
After reading about everyone joining in on the fun, I wanted to crochet. Like. right. now. So, when my mom and I met for a few days in Arizona, I brought along my crochet hook so she could teach/remind me how to crochet. I learned about 20 years ago from Nanny…not my grandmother but the mother of my second cousin's wife who was a bit like a grandmother to me at times…and I crocheted a few potholders that year. I loved it, but I didn't pick it up again until February of last year. As my mom and I worked on a couple of scarves, I settled into the rhythm that is knitting and crocheting. Several scarves later, the rhythm of crochet resonates deeply in me.
And, I felt ready to make an afghan. And, of course, not just any afghan…THE afghan.
So I tried one pattern and crocheted my heart out throughout the second half of the Super Bowl. By the end of a very long row three, it was apparent that I did not understand the pattern even though I kept trying.
I tried another pattern I found online…but just couldn't get into the rhythm at all. It involved a chain stitch after a few stitches several times and I kept forgetting it and wouldn't realize it until the middle of the next long row.
Then the book Vintage Crochet arrived in all its gorgeousness.
To begin the chevron pattern, I needed to chain 216 +3.
I, of course, chained 219 +3 because I kept repeating 219, 219 in my head while counting.
I didn't realize the problem until things got wonky in row three.
So, I began again…
Success! I love the rhythm of this pattern. (And, this book seems fantastic. So many brilliant patterns that have an updated vintagey feel.)
Late last night, as I was midway through row six, I paused and looked down and started cracking up. It looks like my color choices were inspired by that very moment in time. (With a bit more light this morning, I have taken a photo so you can see what I mean…)
However, the color palette was actually inspired by the sweater worn by Miss Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I saw that movie three times in the theatre (and once at home since it was a gift for Christmas). I just love that movie (and I want to one day be able to crochet some sweaters like the one Luna wears). It is my favorite so far. I think it is partly because it came out as the book series ended and I felt so sad…but the movie made it seem like the really good part had just begun. Anyway, every time I would see Hermione's sweater for the first time in the movie, I would think about how I wanted to make an afghan with those colors…
And so it begins.
It is scary that I am matching my outfits with my crochet projects? It hasn't been done on purpose…but…it happened last week too…
If you are in the midst of a ripple blanket or plan to start one soon, please let me know. We can double crochet rippled stripes together…
creating, from the little room
Reader Comments (16)
I have been admiring Alicia's ripples and now am in love with yours, as well. I've just started crocheting and am very intimidated by it but when I work up the courage and get enough practice I'll start my own ripples.
I say, when inspiration strikes...go with it. I have had some strange inspiration lately, so I am all about that. :-) I am so glad that it is coming out beautifully this time. Your patience is paying off big time!
lots of love.xoxoxo
I love that you match your crocheting and that you based it off Harry Potter! This inspires me to be creative...thank you.
xo
a
I made a crocheted ripple blanket many years ago while nursing a seriously battered and broken heart. It's the most horrible shades of pink, pink, and more pink, but it's the warmest, coziest thing on my bed. Even now. Oh, and the pattern? I followed it so carefully and it still turned out rather fan-shaped.
Crocheting is sooo addictive. I have to pace myself or my arm and shoulder muscles get achy. I've made my share of dishcloths and scarves this winter. Next up is a blanket. Might take me a year or two, but who cares. It'll be fun.
I love all of your colorful knitting and crocheting! I started to crochete a little last spring. A lady who is like my grandmother taught me how. As of right now I have a crocheted chain and can't seem to get the pattern going, but it is fun! Your's looks beautiful!
A made a few ripple afghans for Christmas year before last, and had quite a few requests afterwards for last year! They are a big hit!
:-)
Happy Crocheting,
(((HUGS))),
Me
Ack! I can't stand how uber talented you are!!! It's really wonderful. I love to follow your blog to see your latest creations. But, really, I am totally jealous of your abilities :-0
Love the photos. Love the colors. Love that it's YOU doing all of it.
Cheers,
Lisa
when i saw the colours on flickr, i must admit i swooned just a bit ~ love love love ... i am in the midst of an orange and green number :)
Finishing my quilt is giving me time to choose the right colours, ´cause I think mine is going to be a once in a lifetime ripple afghan. Maybe I should match it to my outfits too!
it has been years (since childhood) since i have crocheted...i loved it back then and not sure why i stopped, but am feeling a bit inspired lately! i may just give it a whirl :)
LOOOOOOVE these colors!! :)
sigh,
no crochet blankets here
but a mad knitting of
on-going baby sweater saga
that needs to be done by
baby-shower-sunday!
:)
i heart the colors of your blanket
and the colors of your jammies!
teehee
:)
i love all your yummy posts involving yarn! while i am a terrible knitter, i love to see you whip things up in a flurry of color and grace. always inspiring me to keep in trying :) xo
hmmmm...
this is weird
and maybe it is because of you
that i noticed this morning
that MY knitting matched MY pajamas...
and even weirder...
it was BLUE (hello spc???)
so weird...
until i started thinking
that maybe all along i have been
matching my clothes to my knitting
but it took you
to make me
notice...
:)
i heart you.
Ohhhhh I used to crochet. One christmas I made 2 dozen crocheted white snowflakes for our tree. Every year taking them out of their box makes me want to do it again. I've never tried an afghan but have two my grandmother made that are treasures. One I would love to find the pattern for and try my hand at. Lovely work.
Oh my goodness, I am not sure if you are a good influence or a bad on ha ha. I want to crochet now! I haven't done any ripple stitches in a long time, but I know I have some patterns around here somewhere. Maybe I will yarn shop tomorrow!