Before/After

Just a couple of my handmade efforts from last months :)

Cowl/hat/top pattern

It's almost May, and I'm posting a winter item again. How sad is that?
Winter finally seemed to end, snow melted (only last week!), and I already have a couple of unfinished spring projects. But for now, here's this multifunctional 100% wool number...
The pattern is very simple, and I wanted to try it for a long time. This multi-colored yarn seemed a perfect opportunity for the pattern to shine.

Here it is:

Make a chain of desired length, join with sl st - you'll be working in circle.
Row 1 and every odd row:  ch 3, *1 sc, 1 dc*, repeat between ** throughout, join with sl st
Row 2 and every even row: ch1, *1 dc, 1 sc*, repeat between ** throughout, join with sl st.

You can use any yarn you like, but make sure it is soft for a nice drape!
In my case, finished garment is about 40x40 cm (folded).
So easy, but looks quite unusual!



 The right picture is the "right" side of crochet - the one that you see when you work. But the "wrong" side, which is on the left, seems more interesting to me. Can you see alternating sc's and dc's?

Not only is this shape suitable to be worn as a hat, but as a top, too! And... as a skirt (OMG!)
I don't have a picture of that, but the customer said it was possible  :)

I promise there'll be no more wool for next six months =)
And, no more pictures of the wall in this state!

Crochet: Poncho

First finished project after return to Minsk.

This poncho is in fact a giant granny square.

It took about 6 months to finish it. I wrote about it in the Upcoming projects post, and for now it's the only project that actually came to life. No big surprise here.
And, at the moment I'm so done with granny squares/stripes! No big surprise here either :)

Pattern is taken from here. I altered it just a bit by replacing some of the "granny stripe" rows with rows of double crochet, cause I thought this would help in making the garment warmer :)
I wasn't happy by the way my poncho was turning out, until I added fringe. It really makes a big difference. Also, blocking out is essential for this kind of crochet.

I will wear it on chilly countryside evenings (I guess I won't dare to wear it in the city, but who knows?)

In the pictures I pose in front of unfinished wall of my room (goodbye old wallpaper!), which I'm currently renovating. Right now it's a complete mess, but I hope to share an AFTER picture sooner or later :)
I have to say that the wall looks quite cool now, as it is :)
And I actually managed to smile in this last picture!