Crochetology problem: Given basic Sieve Stitch pattern:
Sieve Stitch
And the offset mesh pattern:
Make a multiple of 2 sts.
Rnd 1. (Right side): 1dc into 6th ch from hook, *1ch, skip1 ch, 1 dc into next ch; rep from * ending 1 dc into last ch. Tun.
Rnd 2. 4 ch (counts as 1 dc and 1 ch), skip first 2 sts, 1 dc into next ch sp, *1ch, skip 1 dc, 1 dc into next sp; rep from * to turning ch, 1 dc into next ch. Turn.Rep rnd 2.
Crochet a sleeveless dress using at least 4 colors.
These are two of three Tropical Scarves designed by Mimi and may be found on her website (thanks, Mimi!). I finished crocheting these scarves a few weeks ago and have thought of the possibility of designing dresses based on scarf patterns and designs. The scarf, basically a long rectangle, presents a good and simple springboard for new designs and ideas. Ensembles also provide an opportunity to explore and expand a particular pattern or design.
Summer Shells Scarf in crochet cotton thread.
Beach Pebbles scarf in crochet cotton thread.
Crochetology problem: Start with a simple scarf pattern, such as Mimi’s Tropical Scarves, and experiment with color. Then extend the pattern by visualizing the shape into other objects such as a belt, a stole, a shawl, a collar, hems of a skirt or dress, a table runner or a wall-bound artwork.
The usefulness of the crocheted long rectangle is that the shape lends well to testing its texture, the direction that it stretches, how it looks in color combinations and how it might work out with other materials.
A Cardigan which I made a few months ago is an example of work that was developed from a scarf pattern. The sleeves and upper section of the cardigan draws from a scarf design, in combination with a number of other patterns and stitches from a crochet stitch dictionary.
You can also extend any design by applying the pattern across an ensemble of objects, for example, a scarf, a bag, and a blouse.
Antique crochet patterns can serve as sources of new ideas and inspiration for new crochet work. A particular book of interest is “The Priscilla Yoke Book, 1916” which may be found in the Antique Pattern Library.
An excellent book on the "yoke".
Using a corset-cover yoke design from page 13 of the book, in combination with filet crochet, I made this white skirt using white rayon thread.
Skirt crocheted with white rayon thread.
The hem of the skirt is based on the crocheted medallions from the yoke book. I added little blue glass beads along the hemline to add weight to the skirt, since rayon is such a soft and delicate material.
The Yoke design which I used for the skirt's hemline.
A garden of color and texture.
Crochetology problem:
Using some basic textured stitches:
Ribbed stitch
Make a row of single crochet. Turn. Make another row of single crochet but this time pass the hook through the back part (or back loop) only of the stitches of the preceding row. Use different colors for each row to emphasize the effect of the stitches.Raised treble
Start with a row of simple treble stitches. The row with the raised treble stitches consists of three simple treble stitches, then one double treble connected with a loop trough the stitch of the previous row. Continue with three simple treble stitches then one double treble, and so on. Use different colors for each row so that the raised treble stitch is more visible.Shell pattern
The pattern is made up of three rounds of stacked shells that area laced together with chain stitches in the third round of the sequence. Each shell is made by working (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same stitch or space.
Row 1. (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next stitch, ch 2, skip next 2 stitches; repeat from * to end. Turn.
Rows 2 and 3. (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 space of first shell, *ch 2, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 space of next shell; repeat from * to end. Turn.
Row 4. (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 space of first shell, *ch 3, sc in ch-2 space between 2 shells two rounds below, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 space of next shell; repeat from * to end. Turn.
Row 5-7. Repeat Rows 2-4.
Make a wrap-around skirt of at least 4 colors.