[Art Deco Crochet Blanket in The Gentle Art of Knitting]
I know it's a knitting book, but there are times when you can't do things with knitting that you can do with crochet such as sit comfortably/slouch cross-legged on the settee/make huge blankets without having serious shoulder problems from the weight on the needles/create textiles that look equally good on both sides. So, with the blessing of my broad-minded publisher, I included a couple of crochet patterns in the book, as I know lots of knitters move between knitting and crochet, and because the ripple ripple I began a few years ago was waiting to be reprised. This time I made a more zig-zag Art Deco/ziggurat design but it is is just as easy, flexible and open to personal interpretation as the original ripple blanket (very first version here). This one is crocheted with the ever-wonderful Cascade 220 (including various tweeds and heathers) and a 5mm hook, and I could happily play with this pattern using Cascade yarns for many years.
I'll be at Loop tomorrow from 2-4 pm with books, cakes, knitted projects, and daughters.
Thank you to Charlotte, Vanessa, and Karen for the very kind mentions.
I am coming to see you tomorrow at Loop! Now that I know some crochet is in the book I want to buy it even more.
Posted by: karen | May 20, 2011 at 14:36
My copy of the book arrived this week and I love it!!! I've abandoned knitting for a while for reasons of knitting induced stress that as you so sensibly state is totally superfluous. Your projects, text and instructions suggest a lot of happy needle clicking and I love the pictures, too! This crochet blanket is one of my favourite projects. :-)
Posted by: Eva | May 20, 2011 at 15:48
I don't think I will be able to be with you at Loop tomorrow due to some pressing family duties which have just cropped up - any other central London venues happening? It would be great to come and say hello, and I absolutely love the new book - you must be so pleased with it: beautiful production, and great content, just my sort of knitting book!
Pomona x
Posted by: Pomona | May 20, 2011 at 16:01
I love the new book and am trying to decide what to do first!
Posted by: busybusybeejay | May 20, 2011 at 19:22
I've been wanting to make a ripple blanket. Looks so fun! Best wishes with your book signing tomorrow. Wish I could come.
Posted by: annette | May 20, 2011 at 21:43
This is torture! I pre-ordered my copy months ago but now have to wait for it to be delivered to Australia. I am SO jealous of all these people who have already received their copies!
Posted by: Tara | May 21, 2011 at 00:12
Is a crochet book a possible "next"?
Posted by: Lisa | May 21, 2011 at 00:13
I so badly wish I could come. Almost considered it, but there is just too much work at the moment; and a trip to London from Southern France is not quite the hop it used to be when I lived in Paris.
The book launch at Loop is bound to be lots of fun. Even more so as you bring cakes and daughters.
My copy should reach me any time now - it will be my reward reading after all the end of semester duties.
Posted by: Isabelle | May 21, 2011 at 06:55
Damn you Jane, I've had to go and buy it!! Have been trying to be thrifty and wait until christmas to get it! I love the idea it contains crochet AND knitting. Also been planning my own mini grand tour which would have included Bea's and Loop among other things in and around London. Alas not this weekend though..... Good luck!
Posted by: mrsbris | May 22, 2011 at 10:07
I would add my encouragement to Lisa's to gives us a book with total crochet focus. Had a lot of fun doing and gifting a rendition of your colorful blanket shown here.
dprenich
Posted by: Dave Renich | May 22, 2011 at 17:18
Good luck tomorrow - I wish I could come along to meet you. I`m about to tackle your slouchy hat after receiving needles and relish coloured wool from Loop - I say tackle because I can`t actually cast on but I`m having a go. I love the book (just as I loved The Gentle Art of Quilt-Making), which I ordered for my mum and I`ll let you know how I get on!
Posted by: Annabella | May 22, 2011 at 18:38
Your book arrived in the post on Friday and I devoured it immediately. My Mum happened to be staying for the weekend and she loved it as well as your Domesticity book. (you have a new fan!) I have decided that this year is going to be my year of crafting after 4 years of study and your book is the perfect inspiration now that the nights are drawing in for winter (in NZ.) I'm bracing myself for cables and socks perhaps without the wine until I get my head around it....
Posted by: Odette | May 22, 2011 at 22:27
Wish I could have been at Loop!
Posted by: catherine | May 23, 2011 at 07:52
Love your new book. Already got out the Habu and am knitting the waves shawl: http://www.mrspao.com/blog/?p=6836
I'm planning on doing some bunting soon with leftover sock yarn. It is a brilliant new book and has super photos. I also have the Gentle Art of Domesticity and think that is brilliant, too.
Posted by: mrspao | May 23, 2011 at 09:29
That's a nice blanket.
Beth
bethsquilts.blogspot.com
Posted by: Beth | May 26, 2011 at 10:15