Filet and more

So now we are back I really need to get more organised. Lots of samples are ready to post and label. The last week in Iceland was spent working on my filet samples. Unfortunately I spent a lot of time on several samples before I read the instructions carefully....... This meant I had to redo them several times. Lesson learned!

This sample required me to make a square of bars and lacets with a motif in the centre. I had to draw this out which was no mean feat as I had no graph paper in Iceland.  I quite like the affect but it's not square. I have done this 3 times though so it's going and we'll see what happens.

I felt I had more success with the traditional filet of squares and spaces. I think it would have worked better with a 1.5mm hook but I didn't have one so needs must.  The Vandyke edging was fun. Once again a smaller hook would have been better.  Not sure what I would use it for but I liked it. 

Now to move onto the Broomstick crochet.  It's proving a bit tricky so I may be some time.......

Iceland

This year my husband and I have taken a year out and part of the year includes some travelling. Of course part of that year includes part 1 of the IDC.
This week we have been in Iceland. This is our second visit and as usual we are not following the tourist trail. We have stayed in fairly remote locations and I haven't had a conversation with anyone other than Mr. Bloominglovely for the whole week!

 However this has meant lots of crochet has been done. I stuffed my case with yarn and hooks and hope I've bought enough of the right materials to get some samples completed.

I've finally finished my tunisian samples. The stitching was fine but I just can not get the left hand edge to look neat. I've tried in a variety of yarns and weights to no avail so I am sending the sample off regardless hoping that it passes or that I get some feedback on how to improve.

The textured piece worked up really quickly and I used the Pebble stitch from Moogly. I decided I wanted the pebbles in columns rather than offset so tweaked her pattern slightly.  I used Stylecraft Special DK for both pieces. A 6mm tunisian hook and a 4mm hook for casting on and off.  I like the effect of tunisian stitches but the edging makes me question whether I'd use it again.
I've also dabbled in filet this week. I really didn't think I'd like it...... tiny hook and fine thread are not really me, I'm usually a chunky monkey.
I was surprised! My first piece was a vintage pattern and it worked up much quicker than expected. I used a 1.75mm hook and Rico Essentials Mercised cotton. I probably could have used a smaller hook but I didn't have one with me.

 

Now to practice my filet more. I'm going to try a slightly thicker cotton and a smaller hook than recommended to see if I can get a better effect.

Iv6also completed my textured 2 colour piece of crochet.  I decided to try bobbles on a different coloured background.  I like the effect and it worked well in DK pure wool. I might have forgotten to tighten the bobble with a stitch at the top so it may not pass muster but I still like it. 

Other items I've been working on include....

Ferns shawl in Peak District yarns Litton Welldressings, 

A dragon's belly shawl @mijocrochet in a lovely Debbie Bliss 4ply Donegal

and another pair of basic Winwick mum socks for Mr. BL.

Enjoy the weekend folks. I'll be hiking and hooking my way around Iceland.