Tunisian Crochet Challenges

You know, after coming up with the Tunisian instructions and scarf pattern, I really haven't been working with the Tunisian crochet technique lately.  But I'm getting inspired by Dorcas, a crocheter from Scotland whose jumper/sweater pictures I posted not too long ago.  I got the chance to follow up with her recently to get to know her better and find out more about her frustrations with the lack of Tunisian crochet patterns:

Dorcas, tell me a little about yourself

I'm married with no children at home and one grandson in Florida.  I live in Livingston, Scotland, which is half-way between Edinburgh (my home town) and Glasgow.

When did you start to crochet and experiment with Tunisian crochet?

I became interested in crochet when I heard about "Tunisian Crochet" about 20 years ago! However, trying to find suitable patterns was a "no go" - until, now, and having broadband at home. I managed to find a VHS Video on Tunisian Crochet (still have it - but not the video machine!) however, never managed to stay awake through the whole video. After trying local shops for tunisian crochet patterns, I actually gave up! Till now. I was re-inspired when I came across Phyllis of Many Creative Gifts and re-started when given Left-handed instructions.

What technique or idea do you want to try next?

Being in Scotland is probably the reason why I cannot find any patterns of interest to myself. Its strange really, as two main shops where I occasionally buy my yarn, sell Tunisian Crochet Hooks - but, NO patterns! Although I have made a Tunisian Jumper - home wear only - and in Tunisian simple stitch; I would like to make a traditional raglan sleeve, high neck, jumper - but have not yet found a pattern. The next techniques I would like to try are the honeycomb stitch and the x-stitch.

Confession

They say confession is good for the soul, so here goes!  I've been knitting.

It all happened when I decided that I should make a birthday present for my friend Jocelyn.  She's been so great about sending me crochet ideas when she comes across them and providing some business tips too.  So, I knew that there were these pillows that she really liked from a site that she sent me.  I tried to make her a crocheted pillow but it just wasn't turning out the way I wanted (and it was just eating up yarn!).  That's when I broke down, picked up the knitting needles, and made this:

I have to admit, it was pretty easy and felt good!  Whew, well, that felt good to get off my chest.  I'm not promising I won't slip again and pick up those needles :-)  In fact, more confessions -- I'm knitting a scarf for the Special Olympics, and I bought some round needles to experiment with.  Ah, I'm hopeless, but I guess I should just accept myself and use this new-found habit for good rather than evil!

Arts and Crafts Plaza

I have a new follower on Twitter -- www.artsandcraftsplaza.com , so I had to go and check them out.  It's a fun site with all sorts of links to various resources on crafts, festivals, and how-tos.  I'm definitely bookmarking it to go back for more exploration :-)

In the mean time, I'm making great progress on a little baby girl sweater in brown, pink, and green.  I got the idea from some paint combinations published in last month's Real Simple magazine!  It got me thinking about color theory, and you'll be able to read all about my research and findings really soon in our monthly newsletter, which is almost ready for release!  But here's an interesting tidbit from www.colormatters.com:

"Pink is a combination of the color red and white, a hue that can be described as a tint. It can range from berry (blue-based) pinks to salmon (orange-based) pinks. Its symbolism is complex and its popularity is subject to so many influences.  We can begin an analysis of pink by looking at natural and contemporary souces of this delicate color. First, regardless of your skin color, some part of your body is pink. So are sunsets, watermelons and Pepto Bismal. Depending on your age and culture, you may remember pink Cadillacs, pink flamingos (once considered in bad taste in American culture but now retro-chic), Pink Floyd, and the Pink Panther."