Elise is done

It’s been a while since I finished Elise – it’s about time I show pictures.

The minute I was done crocheting (of course on a Sunday with all shops and stores being closed …) I wanted to wash and block the shawl. However, I did not have the neccessary equipment as I never needed it before: No blocking wires, no pins, nothing. Arrrgh …

With the shawl already soaking in lukewarm water, I could not wait until the next day (does that happen to you too??) and decided to use what was there. Walking through the house, I would grab soldering wire, meat hooks (we use them to hang our towels in the bathroom) and mugs.

After squeezing out most of the wetness the shawl was HUGE! Way bigger than I thought it would be. And when smoothing it out on our bed it would become even bigger. M and J would both help to somehow straighten the centerline and I would finally insert the wires. Some of them turned out to be a little rusty – stupid to use them with an off white shawl. Now there a tiny orange stains in almost every point … Again: Arrrgh …

Then all three of us would hang the meat hooks and mugs (for extra weight) and leave the room. Tension would mount! Fortunately, it was very warm that day and the shawl would dry fast. At night I was able to move it to the stair railing so we could go to bed.

Enough of that! Pictures!!

blocking crochet haekelmonsterblocking crochet haekelmonsterblocking crochet haekelmonsterblocking crochet haekelmonsterblocking crochet haekelmonsterWhen starting to crochet lace I was afraid it might be frumpy at the end (thanks again Caitlin, very useful word) but it is not! Not at all.

 

Crocheting in the Wake of the World Cup

Just like every other kid, J wanted to watch ALL the games and of course I would not let him (too many, too late). However, he got to watch quite a few and soccer would resume power in our house …

crochet circles granny squaresAfter a while, I found myself crocheting in rounds …

Even J‘s birthday cake (he is TEN now!) was a soccer field

birthday cake soccerfieldWhen watching the games – did you pay attention to the short intro with each player being introduced? Well, here’s my son’s artwork: something between the presentation of a soccer player and crochet (I filmed him, turning and crossing his arms, but somehow I can’t get the video on here. Too bad).

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A Blanket for Peter

Three weeks ago, my cousin had another baby: “boy N°3.” His name is Peter and the cousin asked for a blanket for her little son. (Isn’t it always nice to be asked?!)

Of course, I started crocheting at once 🙂

Last night the blanket was done: blue circles on white, 25 squares, joined as I went. Classic granny style, an easy task, lightweight and airy. I just need to block it (blocking is magic!) but couldn’t wait to take (and share) a picture.

baby blanket granny squares haekelmonster.comAs soon as the blanket is blocked and dry, we’ll be ready to meet the young man!

This is the baby blanket I made for “boy N°1” – Peter’s eldest brother. Supposedly, he still uses it when napping.

baby blanket sock yarn haekelmonster.comNow that I come to think of it – I never made a blanket for the second little boy. Neither knitted, nor crochet. Well, … maybe I should get back to my needles …

Postscript: The blanked is blocked and ready to travel.

baby blanket granny squares haekelmonster.com

Crocheted Tunic

The first attempt (knitted) was a total failure, the second (again: knitted) was better but sagging and not at all what I had wanted it to be.

The third time’s the charm! Here is the tunic I have made: It’s crocheted and has the granny squares Catherine (mother to one of J‘s classmates) wanted to have. I managed to weave in the last ends in time to give it to her on her birthday. And – yay! – it fits her.

cotton tunic haekelmonster.com
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Maybe I can convince the happy owner to take a picture when wearing it for all of you to see.

Thank you again for your suggestions. (At the end, I would come up with my own pattern).