Crochet Evolution

One the way to making a rag rug, I lost my way. I started practicing my crochet. I still have my balls of fabric strips, and I am making more and more all the time. I want to have my "pallette" of colors ready before I start the rug. Visualizing the finished product is important, putting colors together in certain ways. I did not make this rug, but someone put some thought into the colors and design.

Anyway, I started crocheting with yarn that was given to me, not great quality. I started with rectangles which became snake-like. Then I tried circles. This technique has been the most rewarding.

First I just made... a circle -- which became a ruggy for my cat.

One day realizing that I needed more yarn, good quality yarn, I visited my first craft supply store, Quilter's Quisine in Newport, VT. I discovered what can be done by felting things. This took me down a new road, thinking about shrinking! This led to washing an over-sized wool sweater in hot hot water to see what would happen. It happened, and if fits me better now!! Meanwhile, I saw a rolled-brim hat that had been felted at this shop and thought how wonderful. I started my first hat. This led me to the task of following directions, learning how to interpret them and of course, doing the correct stitches. Here we are at the hat stage of evolution....

What happened next has changed my entire life... the hat looked like something from Alice in Wonderland, so.. I ripped it all out. Searching for something that would be good in course, stratchy, stiff yarn, I came upon a purse pattern, possibly to felt. It looks nice as is. What do you think?

Still having some trouble with rectangles, I returned to the circle and discovered something... hiding inside the beginnings of another hat was a..... container!And then, of course this vessel needed a top, so....viola!

With some sort of a handle to take the top off, I have arrived at the somewhat, African-looking, crocheted container for things, like.... hair ties, buttons, thread, hair pins, circular bracelets, the sky is the limit.

I will use up the old yarn that led me to these little miracles, and then move on to the world of wool with colors and textures that are more tasteful. I will continue to practice for the rug adventure to come, always with my leather bag of yarn and hooks by my side. This new world is full of very interesting people. In the new year there will be meetings with my new friends and endless cups of tea. Thanks for all the weblinks, ideas, and support that everyone has given me, I really needed it, have a Happy Wooly New Year.