Interweave Crochet

I'm much more impressed with the Spring 2006 issue of Interweave Crochet than I have been with the past two issues. Of course, this is probably due to the fact that it is a Spring issue, whereas, the previous two issues came out in the Fall. To my mind, these warm weather designs simply seem to work better with the nature of the craft. The yarns are lightweight and the fabrics are airy overcoming the normal density of crochet and allowing the garments to drape nicely. The handful of items which aren't constructed that way are those which benefit from crochet's naturally dense structure. The lacey patterns also embrace crochet's wonderful potential to easily create shapes and motifs which are virtually impossible to achieve in the more linear medium of knitting. Not surprisingly, there are a number of patterns in this issue which may be added to my project list.

The overall shape of Annie Modesitt's Lacy Leaf Cocoon is very reminiscent of her knit design which appeared on the cover of Vogue Knitting Fall 2005. While that sweater was quite impressively innovative, it still looked a little too much like the model was wrapped in a rug for my taste. On the other hand, this sweater, inspired by vintage doilies, looks absolutely beautiful. (Don't miss the corrections, if you're making it.)

Tote bags are a prime example of the type of item which benefits from crochet's sturdy structure, and this issue has a quartet to chose from. My favorite is the Tassel Tote by Candi Jensen. (In this case, the tassels are part of a prefabricated trim.)

Titania's Capelet by Sandi Wiseheart, which graces the cover of this issue, and Pink Frosting by Elissa Sugishita are both lovely. Unfortunately, I'm afraid I'd never wear either one -- so I'll have to save them for inspiration. Pink Frosting is actually a knit tank top heavily embellished with crochet, and one of the two patterns which will require you to be fluent in both crafts.

I've seen the sort of gadget used to create Jennifer Hansen's Carnival Cardi Wrap a few times and always wondered how it was used and what the results were. Now I know that it's a hairpin lace loom, and it's used to create interesting lace strips which are then joined together. Once I've discovered how well I take to this technique, I'll decide whether or not to invest in the handcrafted loom from Jenkins Woodworking which is featured in the magazine. Meanwhile, I've noticed several online retailers have inexpensive (okay, I mean cheap!) plastic looms made by Boye or Susan Bates. (Search for hairpin lace loom or crochet fork, and make sure it's one that adjusts to several different widths.) The magazine itself features a pattern for a skirt while the Cardi Wrap pattern is only available on the Interweave Crochet website. The how-to article on the technique is taken directly from the Hairpin Lace Tutorial at the Stitch Diva website -- the online version actually has larger, easier-to-see photos and more information.

I've already picked up two spools of jute twine from the hardware store to make a couple pairs of Jennifer Appleby's Seaside Espadrilles for me and my guy. I don't know how well these would fair in actual street wear -- we just plan on leaving them by the back door to slip on as we step out and enjoy the large balcony at our new apartment. The pattern for one of the three different sandal styles is available online, but you'll need the magazine for instructions on making the soles.

(One further note -- look for the sidebar on page 60 which shows how to make a base chain and a row of single crochet at the same time. I haven't tried this yet myself, but it sounds like a useful trick, since it can sometimes be frustrating trying to work the first row into the foundation chain.)

tags: crochet