Crazy Overlay Crochet

Texture! My favorite aspect of crochet. This new Leisure Arts book, Overlay Crochet: 10 Projects Add Dimensions and Style to YourHome by Kristi Simpson, creates crochet texture in fabulous new ways. “Dimension and style” is no joke here. Look what I made:

Kristi’s book Features a variety of projects:  table décor, pillow, box, hand towel, blanket, ottoman pouf, wall hanging (mandala), granny square style blanket (but it’s not your granny’s style!), and an amazing boho crossbody bag – which is going to be next project, for sure.

I have always shied away from colorful crochet projects because I dislike changing threads. But Krisit has solved that, detailing 5 ways to join yarns. When you use this book, start with the General Instructions at the end (pg. 57). You’ll be amazed at the new tricks even before you dive into the gorgeous projects. Plus, there is a guide at the very end where you can get the exact project yarns Kristi used. I will definitely be hunting the original colors when I try this cover model table mat. Ideal springtime flavors!

Believe it or not, almost all the projects are rated Easy skill level. The Pillow is certainly Intermediate. Box is the beginner level project. My project was this gorgeous hand towel (pg. 48).

LOL – I made a simple mistake right at the begging, setting 9 posts instead of 8. So mine turned out pentagram instead of square and I love it! And it was still easy to finish. I think it looks like a poppy. I’m going to make a few more and see what a blanket of these would be like. Round, I guess. What do you think?

I really love this book – it’s going to keep me busy and happy all year :)

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An Ideal Doily Quilt

I've searched ages for the ideal quilt plan for showcasing vintage handkerchiefs and doilies. I think Leana has discovered it:

Leana mixed pictorial embroidery, colored pencil, and silk ribbon with crochet from her grandmother.

Blocks are large enough to frame/border the featured handwork, in addition to serving as interesting backgrounds.

 

Plus, the blocks are William Morris. You wouldn't guess it, but the detail and scale of this fabric perfectly compliments the white and cream crochet alike.

 

Mostly outline quilted by hand. This block is a wonderful exception.

Leana's only tip was to spend ages at the design wall considering each placement.
There are no empty or setting blocks.

Leana says she will never show this quilt because it is too precious to risk.

I'm so honored we got to see it:)

 

Here are a few affiliate links for more embellished quilt ideas. Enjoy!:

Hanky-Panky Crazy Quilts by Cindy Brick





Handkerchief Quilts by Pat Long Gardner

Quilting with Doilies by Barbara Polston

 

How I finally learned to crochet

This is Magical Motifs Vest designed by Ellen Gormley from the Spring 2013 #5 issue of Crochet 1-2-3 (Valu-Publishing), made with Lion Brand Tweed Stripes in the recommended #205 Caribbean, and yes, it has taken me all these 4 years to finish.

When I started working on this, I didn't even know you could "CL in ring" or "around."
I believed every crochet stitch had to be IN a stitch.

Imagine my shock when I got to the picot LOL

Friends gave me impromptu crochet lessons...but I had so much to learn.
The equivalent of learning to ski at the top of a black diamond run, right?

Finally, I found a crochet book with a GREAT illustrated glossary.

(I confess, I am old school. Video training frustrates me.)

This little Leisure Arts book by Melissa Leapman did the trick, 

Hats and Scarves:  12 Designs to Crochet

Here I even learned double treble. Plus, there's more fun projects to fit my new well earned crochet addiction.

Need books? Please shop our Alibris affiliate badge in right sidebar. Thanks!

 

Vest has eleven 5-row doilies joined by rosettes.

I'm impressed with Ellen's design

The variegated "Caribbean" yarn brings it all together.

 That smile makes it all worth the finish:)