♥
I have made good headway with Megs blanket and have reached the point
where I'm getting excited about the finishing off bits.
I have to admit to this one being a bit of a slow starter ...
partly because I started it with a size 6mm hook and then after working
several cm's decided ( woman's prerogative and all that )
that I wanted a softer feel to the blanket so undid it all and
started again with a bigger hook,
but also partly because of the hook I was using.
Because I changed my mind about the hook size I had to have a rummage
in my drawer at the last minute and the gold metal one was the
only one I had in the right size.
I think this set was one that I bought very cheaply when I first started
crocheting and I don't think I've actually used any of them up until now.
So, after re doing the big long starting chain I began again.
Yes, the blanket grew but it was all very slow and almost ,
dare I say it , hard work !
I know - never did I think I'd find crocheting a blanket arduous -
but it just kind of was.
After a bit of thought I realised that it wasn't the wool,
nor was it that I had suddenly lost my crochet mo-jo -
it was the bloomin' hook !
It just kept slipping about and wriggling as I was using it and it didn't let
me get into any sort of regular pattern or stride.
I think I'd got so used to using my favourite hooks that I had taken for granted
how much of a difference having the right hook makes.
♥
It took a while to find my hook of choice,
going from wood to metal
to metal with Fimo handles added,
( having seriously coveted Lucy's gorgeous hook over at Attic 24.)
But none of these felt right and when I came across hooks with soft grip handles
it was a bit of a light bulb moment for me.
I bought a couple of black ones and they kept me happily hooking away for some time ...
but when I discovered you could get them in PINK there was no going back !
This photo makes my heart sing -
so much pink, crochet loveliness.
♥
Anyway, to cut a rather long story short, a soft grip handled size
7mm hook was hastily ordered online,
and whilst it may not be pink,
its just the job and Megs blanket has come along at a cracking pace this past week.
♥
Oooh, and just before I go, as a little PS to last weeks post ...
look,
it happened...
the cowl got edged...
I knew it was only a matter of time ...
a quick round of DC
followed by a round of 4 TR's in every stitch.
♥
Wishing you a happy week of hooking
and if you get a minute I'd love to know your hook of choice.
♥
Love your blanket and colour, I have 2 sofa cushions in that stitch that I made a year or so ago, I love the little squares it makes and more of a fabric feel-very nice.
ReplyDeletePretty lilac hook.
Helen x
I totally agree about the stitch, it gives a lovely finish doesn't it ? Have a great week Helen, K xx
DeleteGlad you found out what the mojo problem was!! I love my metal hooks, funny isn't it how we are all so different! Love the colour of the blanket! xx
ReplyDeleteIt would be a very dull world if we were all the same ! Have a lovely week Amy, K xx
DeleteI totally agree with you, the right hook makes all the difference. I love the Clover Soft Touch hooks but my very favourite hooks are Tulip Etimo!!
ReplyDeleteV x
They're gorgeous aren't they, to look at and to work with. Have a good week Vivienne, K xx
DeleteWhat a gorgeous colour, how big is it going to be? Cowl edging looks pretty xx
ReplyDeleteHi Niki, that's a very good question ! I'm nearly there so I'll measure in and let you know, K xx
DeleteThe blanket looks gorgeous, I'm interested in your words about hook handles, and also that you chain with a larger hook at the beginning, which makes sense. I'd love to make a blanket like that, I'm taking notes! Love the cowl edging as well, the perfect finishing touch. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteThank you CJ, I often think that blankets are the easiest things of all to make as once you've got started its the same all the way along - hope you get to have a go soon ! K xx
DeleteWell I never! Didn't know some crochet hooks had soft grip handles, I think I need to investigate. I've just discovered wooden knitting needles...what a difference.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket looks heavenly and after seeing your cowl edging I know I'll want to do that on mine too. (I started mine last week) It was quiet at work last night so I read your entire blog and very inspiring it was too. xx
Hi Fiona, so glad you enjoyed your Pootle, looking forward to seeing your finished cowl ! K xx
DeleteLovely blanket such a cheery colour. Cowl and edging look great, bet it feels all cozy and warm on. I know what you mean about hooks, my 2 favs are a 3.3.5 and a 4, both are 2nd hand and glid like a dream, both are very old I'm guessing 1970s and they are metal. I too have a set of cheap coloured metal ones, that just dont feel right and they slow me down as I cant find a rhythm with them. Gladmyou found one you like, and sooo pretty too.
ReplyDeleteGlad its not just me, at first I thought I was being too fussy but it really does make a difference doesn't it ? Thanks for dropping by, K xx
DeleteYou SO need pink hooks Jooles ! K xx
ReplyDeleteHi Kate, I love the colour to Megs blanket it's so rich. I think you have as many crochet hooks as I do knitting needles. My favourite sizes are 3.5 & 4.5 at the moment that is.
ReplyDeleteHave to admit to being very partial to a 3.5mm hook too ! K xx
DeleteWhat a fabulous colour Meg's blanket is, I'm looking forward to seeing it finished. I love my pink Tulip crochet hooks and it was you that gave me the heads up on these when I saw yours on one of your posts - I haven't looked back since either and use them for everything I crochet now. The frilly edging looks lovely on your scarf. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteJane xx
Thank you Jane, yes megs blanket is a really deep jewel colour isn't it ? Hopefully ta-dah pictures will be soon, K xx
DeleteI have had the same struggles with finding the right crochet hooks too, Kate...and like you I love working with the soft grip ones best, especially in a pretty colour! Meg's blanket is looking so cosy and soft, and I love the beautiful colour. How pretty the gorgeous edging on your cowl looks.....lovely idea!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a happy week.
Helen xox
The blanket looks gorgeous, i love the color! I have only metal hook but crocheting a lot for Christmas presents make me recognize that I need to shift to something more confortable !
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be gorgeous Kate. Your blankets always inspire me! Too many years of hand stitching made the medal hooks unbearable for me too, I found the Prym soft grip handles ones and then I tried the Clover Amour and that's it I'm hooked! Have a lovely week. Sarah xo
ReplyDeleteLove the colour and pattern Kate! I like using soft grip hooks, mine are Knitpro.
ReplyDeleteI have those coloured metal hooks!! They're good to work with!
ReplyDeleteBoth projects look ideal for this cold snap we are having at the moment!
ReplyDeleteHelenxx
I have a fimo handled polka dot hook that I love to use; only one, though. I dream of finding a complete set in a comfortable handle.
ReplyDeleteLove the cowl, and the blanket. You are right, a good crochet hook makes the world of difference. While I love the look of wooden hooks I find these the least easy to work this - plain old metal works for me. xx
ReplyDelete