Crochet to Go

These Chanel-inspired baby sweaters are so cute I'm angry I didn't think of them first. I think it might be my next project. I want to get the shape and pattern exactly right. Houndstooth, maybe? This picture is a knockoff, but it's close to what I'd like to do. Pink and black is definitely the way to go--I think it just needs a border and some big buttons.

Thanks to Adriene for this link - how to make crocheted flowers out of plastic bags. While I don't really want to wear this necklace, I do like the idea of making plastic flowers to decorate a recycled plastic totebag. Perfect for the beach, right? Stylish and completely waterproof.

Here's someone who's trying to add a layer of meaning to the art of crochet: Nathan Vincent. According to his artist statement, "My work explores gender permissions and the challenges that arise from straying from the prescribed norms. It questions the qualities of gender by considering what constitutes masculine and feminine. It critiques stereotypical gender mediums by creating "masculine objects" using "feminine processes" such as crochet, sewing, and applique." He clearly is quite accomplished at crochet; I admire the time and thought that has gone into these objects. You'll find a bit more info about him here, including a list of uncoming shows. Nothing on the west coast yet, but he is making it to the Ohio Crafts Museum in October.

My friend Jessica loaned me an amazing book she found at a used bookstore: The Baby Book of Knitting and Crochet. Published in 1948, it has roughly 150 patterns, many of which are still appealing to a modern audience (or, at least, to me). I've had the book on my nightstand for about two months now. My only problem is deciding which project to make first...

Feeling guilty about keeping the book so long, I recently went online to find my own copy. The author (Elizabeth Laird Mathieson) also wrote a The Complete Book of Crochet and The Complete Book of Knitting. Crochet is definitely dated, but there's hope--expect to see a few projects from the book in the near future. It includes this pattern that I made a few years back for Sophie.

Finished at last! I feel like I've been working on this project forever. It's unfortunately not a complete success. As you can see from the picture, it's rather small. I'm afraid it's just going to have to go in storage until I know a nice 8-year-old who's into tea parties.

I do love the edging, and am fairly partial to the look of filet crochet (especially when it's not being used to make a doily). I'd like to use this border on something else--perhaps sleeve cuffs?

If you'd like to tackle this project yourself, you can find the pattern here. I used a 2.25 mm hook and Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet Thread Size 10 in color 419 (ecru, 2 balls), 486 (navy, 1/2 ball), 480 (delft, 1/2 ball), and 1 (white, 1/2 ball).

I'm finally done with the apron! I'm working on a post about that, but thought I'd put up a few pictures of what spent my weekend on. These are the "in bloom" and "fit to be tied" purses in Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet. The patterns couldn't be easier (total time, including making the lining, was about 3 hours per purse). I'm really pleased with the pocket I made for the burgandy version and those great little clasps holding the bags shut. The white flower is actually an earring from the estate sale I recently attended (and was inspired by this great owl version of the purse).