I'm sharing my progress working through the Chain Reaction Afghan Project. It's been great fun so far to really expand my repertoire of crochet techniques. Each square in the blanket is designed by a different person using different techniques/skills, and is only 12x12", so I'm never bored. Although I've been crocheting for many years and even have a few of my own designs under my belt my own abilities haven't really moved beyond the basics. This blanket has been a great way for me to push the limits, so to speak!
As a brief diversion before discussing my next crocheted square, I'd like to share this amazing spam comment that has been showing up repeatedly:
I would figure out your blog the dreamland! While Santa scrapes from our door soon after each year, you blog is open up the entire 12 months C wow!
Really! Dreamland! So flattering - my blog a dreamland. Although I'm concerned about what Santa's been up to. Ah spam, so poetic sometimes.
So back to crochet, away from spam poetry: the square pictured above is the Lotus Blossom Square by Robyn Chachula. This was actually the first square I made for the afghan, which was a completely stupid move on my part because I am a super big fan of Robyn's designs and was totally bound to love this square, then feel vaguely disappointed by all other crafting. (Seriously - super cute crochet right over here.) The construction of the square is completely straightforward; the pattern is clearly written (although the collection as a whole was edited by Interweave not all the writing is created equally, if you get my drift); there is also a really helpful chart for those of us who are more visually-inclined. Really, I don't have a lot to say about this one besides that it is a totally cute square.
Regarding the chart, however, I came across this really interesting video on youtube the other day while idly perusing crochet videos (as one does). Basically, Robyn breaks down the language of crochet charts and explains how they can be helpful for people who are visual learners, such as myself, or dyslexic, like she apparently is. It's interesting stuff! She's talking about a different design in that video, but the chart reading skills definitely apply to this square, which I would say lends itself particularly well to being represented and understood in chart form.
Holy wow that is pretty.
Mandy recently posted..Study in Stripes
“C wow” might have to become part of my internet vocabulary. It definitely applies to this square!
allison recently posted..FO: Milanese Lace Topper
Dreamland! That is seriously awesome spam. However, the square is more awesome. I really want to learn more crochet. I’ve only learned the very teeny tiny basics, and haven’t practiced in weeks.
First of all, that square is WOW. Now I want an entire blanket made up of that square. Well, obviously more than one. Ok. Finally, that spam comment? I had to read it twice and I still have no idea what it means? What’s Santa doing? Scraping what? Figuring out who?
A dreamland–yes. Also, I’m curious to know how crocheting and knitting for together for you. Do you have divided loyalties? Is there one in which you’re more proficient?
Heather recently posted..Rhinebeck 2011
You know, that is a REALLY good question. I”ll have to put some thought into it and address it in a future post. Deal?
That square is so, so pretty.