Crochet

The Happy Hooker

| Verónica

I love it when someone can take a simple object like a crochet hook and make it come to life bursting with personality. That’s what Stephanie of Obey Crochet does with her irreverent and oh-so-funny hook humor.

She doesn’t mean to incite a battle between crocheters and knitters, but it is too funny to resist.

Even though I am mostly a knitter and only an occasional crocheter, I can’t help but crack a smile at her hook humor. Then I come to discover that she’s a fellow Texan! Go grab some more laughs at Obey Crochet. I will close with one more drawing that all hookers and sticksters can surely agree on.

{All images in this post belong to Obey Crochet.}

A long, hot summer

| Verónica

It seemed fitting to close out this HOT summer in flames. Andrea and the wonderful Miss D from I Love Schnauzers shared the Blog on Fire award with Agujas. When I came across I Love Schnauzers, I was hooked. Andrea knits a little bit of everything and makes the cutest doggie sweaters – and Miss D is the perfect model. Thank you Andrea and Miss D for heating up my day!

The rules are to share 8 unusual things about yourself (or your pet) and then share the award with 8 other bloggers who are on fire! Since this honor was bestowed by a line of dog lovers, most of them wrote about their pets, so I will too. My pets have been gone a long time, so this is in memoriam.

  1. Despite their spirited names, Tequila (terrier-schnauzer mix adopted from the SPCA) and Vodka (blonde pomapoo adopted from friends) only imbibed non-alcoholic beverages.
  2. Tequila liked his on the rocks. Give him an ice cube and he would slip and slide all over the kitchen floor chasing it until he crunched it all up.
  3. Tequila was the athletic type – extremely agile and fast. He could jump 2-3 feet into the air like a jackrabbit on steroids.
  4. Tequila had cat-like qualities. He could jump onto the sofa or bed without making a single sound.
  5. Vodka was the dreamer. He would follow Tequila faithfully on their romps but was easily distracted. He would give chase to butterflies and then look around in panic when Tequila was out of his line of sight.
  6. Vodka would nudge his nose under my hand until he was nestled under it so that I could rub his neck.
  7. Vodka was clumsy. If he ran too fast, his short legs would give way under him and he would run into things.
  8. They were mischievous. Once I left them in the backyard to get fresh air and sunshine. Apparently, they broke out of the yard and roamed the neighborhood because when I drove up to the house, there they were both sitting at the front door with very guilty looks on their faces.

Here are Tequila (black-bearded fella) and Vodka (blondie). DISCLAIMER: This picture was taken a LONG time ago.

In the spirit of these blog awards, here are 8 blogs that are on fire that I encourage you to visit.

  1. Grackle and Sun – learn how to use natural dyes for your yarn
  2. Buscando Comienzos – colorful crochet
  3. Salty*Mom – fun do-it-yourself projects
  4. Deep in the Heart of Textiles – knitting and quilts, lots of quilts
  5. Spinayarnknit – see pictures of traditional Peruvian textiles
  6. Land of Bread and Honey – ripple crochet afghans and recipes
  7. Daisey Jayne – loved her hand sewn dresses for little girls
  8. Big House, Little Prairie – loving life on the farm

And to end summer on an even lovelier note, thanks to Seascapes AUS for sharing the One Lovely Blog award with Agujas. Since this honor was already bestowed, I just want to say thanks and encourage all of you to go see the lovely paintings of the sea.

Mantón Bordado

| Verónica

When I travel, I always try to bring back something that will remind me of the place I visited. Something a little more meaningful than a key chain but not too excessive (and that will fit in my luggage).

I brought back this mantón bordado (embroidered shawl) from Madrid. They told me it was hand embroidered (although I have some doubts). Nonetheless, the vibrant flowers and flirtatious tassels remind me of Spain.

I also picked up this set of toallas bordadas (embroidered towels) with a crocheted border. I like their simplicity and elegance.

Here are a few other images captured on the streets of Madrid.

This 20 ton bronze statue of a bear under a strawberry tree (el oso y el madroño) is located at the Puerta del Sol. The symbol of the bear (which apparently used to roam in the forests outside the city) and the strawberry tree are emblematic of Madrid.

A shop window with traditional flamenco dresses.

I couldn’t help but snap a photo of this storefront. Why can’t we all just get along?!

Los Petrificados (the petrified ones), one of many street performers in Madrid. At first glance, I thought it was a statue until someone dropped a coin in a box in front of them. The woman’s eyes moved and the man looked up while he poured the water.

I have other pictures to share. Hasta la próxima. (Until next time).

Oodles of Needles

| Verónica

Over the years, I have accumulated all sizes and types of knitting needles. I prefer to keep them all together to avoid rummaging through baskets and drawers in search of the right size. This needle organizer from Lantern Moon does the trick. First of all, I like the look of it with the two complementary fabrics. Beyond the aesthetics, it is quite useful. By opening it and laying it out flat, I have a birds-eye view of all my tools.

I can insert my circular needles in the center pockets. I place them from largest to smallest circumference, top to bottom. The right flap has long narrow slits for my straight needles, double-pointed needles and crochet hooks.

The left flap has a zippered pouch for all my various and sundry notions – scissors, tape measure, stitch markers, pom pom maker, stitch holders, etc.

When I’m on the go or just need to stow it, I can roll it up into a neat bundle and wrap it closed. The inner flap helps keep everything nicely tucked inside.

I have had this particular organizer for several years. I’ve had to stitch up the tie once (I tied the bow too tightly) but otherwise it has held up very well. I’m quite pleased with my needle caddy. It works for me. How do you keep your needles straight?

Knitting On The Go

| Verónica

Like many knitters, I try to take a project along when I’m on the go. I sometimes tote my WIPs around in this bag by Crazy Aunt Purl available at CafePress. It’s roomy with long handles and it’s darn funny.

I recently received this bag and it is now one of my favorites. It was a gift from my sister who also sells them (full disclosure). It’s from a line called Thirty-One Gifts which specializes in home-based sales of monogrammed baskets, bags and other organizational items.

I like:

  • the colors – there are several patterns to choose from
  • the fabric – just wipe it down with a damp cloth
  • the size – just right for most WIPs plus a pattern, book or iPad
  • the shape – it stands upright on its rectangular base
  • the pockets – to store balls of yarn or tools or a water bottle
  • the personalization – have your name (or your blog’s) embroidered on it
  • the price – mine was a gift but they go for about $30

Here’s a look inside with my current work in progress. You can even spot my red tool bag tucked in there.

I’ve tried many other bags and was never quite satisfied with them – yarn catches on zippers, lack of extra pockets, easily tips over, or not very attractive. So far, these two are my favorites.