Saturday, March 05, 2011

blockhead

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I didn't know I wanted to crochet a giant alternative granny square using my leftover partial skeins until I spied this one on Pinterest, where I invest  my primo procrastination efforts lately.
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Fueled also by my utter admiration of Chawne's scrappy color quilting and improvisational knit blankets.
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The presence of these books = final kicker. The softcover Jan Eaton 200 Crochet Blocks has the motif for my square, called Chocolate Box. If you're even vaguely considering the best swap around, this is the book you want.
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The other title, Knitting Block by Block by Nicky Epstein is a hardcover worthy of inclusion in every knitting library. Like all her books, it's beautifully layed out, with well-lit detailed photos of each square, and clear instructions & charts.
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The range is pretty amazing, from simple stockinette & ribs  through fussy sculptural features you might place on a purse, pocket or blanket. There're some patterns included, but I say get it as a reference resource & for  inspiration. Many of the blocks can be repeated along a scarf or garment, and she includes beaded squares, modular techniques, textural imagery, unusual cables, and fun colorwork, too.
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See what I mean?
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Whew, that might be the longest I've gone in days not thinking about my square. ahem.  I've added a few rounds since I made the top photo yesterday, and now realize that my smaller partial skeins are quickly eaten up in the growing square. These three, for example, are history.
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These I have a pretty good amount of. I'd planned to only use skeins sitting here, leftovers from other projects. Solids only, thankyouverymuch.  But I already caved today, purchasing a skein of Cascade 220 in an orangely hue,9465,  to liven things up as my options get more limited. I also have a lot of red, from all the red scarf activity in recent years, and a good amount of  yellowy gold, dark brown and a greyish blue.
So, to sum up: no need to call me a block head, but obsessed might not be too far from the truth.
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official disclaimer: Knitting Block by Block by Nicky Epstein was sent to me for review by PotterCraft (my publisher, too).  I don't say nice things about a book unless they are 100% true.

13 comments:

cauchy09 said...

Eaton's 200 block book is a real must-have. I love it. And I can't wait to see what you do with all this! Hooray!

livnletlrn said...

I love the way the alternating mini-rows keep the usual granny clusters lined up, rather than offset, and add little punches of color. Will pass this idea on to my currently-crochet-obsessed daughter, who likes nothing better than to rummage around in the scrap bag and turn its contents into something good. We are in need of a stash clean-out and this may be just the thing.

craftivore said...

I too am in complete awe of Chawne's blankets. Your blockhead is looking so good already. I learned how to do a granny square while at the Spa, maybe 200 Crochet Blocks is the next book to add to my library. Thanks for the reviews.

margene said...

Blankets are a perfect way to play with color. I love your creation and the potential of more!

gayle said...

The true danger of a large project intended to use up leftovers is that you have to buy more yarn to finish it - and you end up with leftovers... (Ask me how I know.)

Cookie said...

Oh my. You, my friend, may be doomed in a very fun way.

xo

kelli ann & lorie said...

looks like a kaleidoscope!

Mary Lou said...

I just got back from DC and saw the crocheted coral reef exhibit. Have I got a granny square for you!

Cathy R said...

That Knitting Block book looks really great.

How convenient that I have an Amazon.com gift certificate on hand...

Ellen Bloom said...

Welcome to my addiction!

twinsetellen said...

I did one of these decades ago in leftover acrylics. That cured me of the obsession, but seeing yours leads me to believe it wasn't a permanent cure...

That first picture is very satisfying to the eye, indeed.

merino outlast blanket said...

Really nice Color Combination! i really like it!
outlast blanket king size

Christine said...

I too love my 200 blocks book, and I must say I adore the colours on your blanket :)