Because anything worth doing is worth overdoing...

[firecat]

...I spent about 4 hours finishing this while watching tapes of Big Cat Diary and Antiques Roadshow (British and American versions)





I don't understand why it wants to curl so much, and it's way bigger than the book said it would be based on the number of chain stitches, even though I'm using the proper size hook and I think I'm crocheting pretty tight.

But what the heck. I did it! And it's rectangular!

Comments

[lysana.livejournal.com]

Looks like a big ol' comfy blanket (albeit missing size reference due to photo). Is that what it is?

[firecat]

It's the size of a sheet of paper, so it might be a big ol' comfy blanket for a hamster. If I make all the rest of the samples in the book, it'll be a big ol' comfy blanket for a person.

[nolly.livejournal.com]

Pretty colors. What yarn did you use?

[firecat]

I've long since lost the label for the yarn, but it was acrylic yarn that I bought at Joann's.

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

it's curling because you're crochetting too tight. (my stuff curls like mad.)

hurray for rectangular! woooo!

[firecat]

Is there a way to uncurl it later?

[medhba.livejournal.com]

I've read somewhere that you're supposed to wash it and block it.
I made my Grammy Ruth an afghan and it wanted to curl while it was still small, but as it got bigger the curling stopped.

[firecat]

[making notes] Thanks!

[elizabetta1.livejournal.com]

WOW...that is beautiful...*applauds*, just beautiful.

How long have you been crocheting?
I learned to crochet years ago...I love doing it in the winter, then I stay warm when it's cold. It's the only time I pull it out.

Have you done other pieces? It is obvious you have a talent....it is beautiful.

*HUGZZZ* Happy Holidays to you and a Blessed New Year.
elizabet'ta

[firecat]

I'm just learning. This is my first official piece.

Happy New Year!

[elizabetta1.livejournal.com]

*Surprised look*...get out, your FIRST piece? *WOWWWWWWIE! That is so wonderful...you have a gift then...INCREDIBLE!!

Happy New Year to you and yours!! Be safe too.

e'bet'ta

[firecat]

First official piece, not including the many samples I practiced on and then unraveled or gave to crafty-raw-materials hoarders.

[elizabetta1.livejournal.com]

Believe me my friend...the work you do...is TERRRRIFIC!! Better than me.;)

I LOVe seeing your work too.
Have a GREAT day!!

e'bet'ta

yay, craftiness!

[pir-anha.livejournal.com]

cool! it curls so much because the tension was a bit too high; next time crochet a little less tight, especially in the starting chains and when binding off. you can usually fix that by wetting the piece and blocking it (shape it and pin it to something that doesn't change size, while it dries) -- if it's at least part wool. i have no experience with acrylic. as to size -- are you using the exact same yarn the book recommended? that's the other part that contributes to the gauge aside from the hook size and the tension.

looks neat!

Re: yay, craftiness!

[firecat]

I've got it sitting under some books now, if that doesn't work, I'll try the blocking.

The book recommended a specific brand of yarn - Bucilla Softex - and as far as I can tell it didn't specify a size; I guess Bucilla Softex only comes in one size. I didn't use that kind of yarn, so I guess the yarn is the wrong size. That's OK, I don't need to make the exact piece the book suggests.

Re: yay, craftiness!

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

oooh, i'd try that, too.

the only thing that's ever worked for me to uncurling has involved a pair of scissors and some rework. but then i'm much more fond of the less-effort method of loving the curliness.

Re: yay, craftiness!

[nolly.livejournal.com]

How old is the book? I can't find any information about that yarn; I'm guessing it's no longer made. From a few references I found, I'm guessing it's similar to Red Hat Soft, which does work a bit smaller than a normal worsted, in my experience.

Anyway, if the square will be joined to others, don't worry about the curling, especially if there's a border around the finished piece.

Re: yay, craftiness!

[firecat]

It's quite an old book.

[cha.livejournal.com]

mine always curl too - but I've noticed they loosen after time!

[bobbylevi.livejournal.com]

Well done... and same answer about the curling. :-)

[mittelbar.livejournal.com]

Hee hee! It's curly! Just keep doing them like that.

[firecat]

Shirley Temple crochet!

[sida-al-hurra.livejournal.com]

It's pretty. Congrats on your first bit!

beautiful...

[diony.livejournal.com]

I love those colours!