Cloudy Crochet

Fashion crochet time

2011-09-22T04:23:00.000-04:00

Here we are, it's Fashion week in Milan and there it is, the first crochet dress of the next Summer 2012. Love it or hate it?

Alberta Ferretti SS 2012

The complete tools, finally

2011-07-02T12:24:00.002-04:00

After years of frustrated desire, I finally got my own wooden yarn shift and winder. And I got them at the very best price possible. For the swift I bet on eBay and got one for 25,00 $, instead of the 50$ asked everywhere else. The winder, I got it from Knitpicks for only 19.00 $!

Both sellers where serious and fast so I'm pretty happy with my purchases and I spent all yesterday making pull-thorugh yarn balls! Happily ;)

The Yarn Addiction

2011-06-08T09:24:00.003-04:00

How is that possible that every time I cross a yarn store, offline and online, I cannot refrain from buying loads of yarn? I don't even have space in my house for all those yarn balls!! Someone help me!

Are you like me too?

I've got a French Knitter

2011-05-16T14:29:00.003-04:00

After a few videos on youtube I figured out how to use it, but I'm still not sure what can I do with it, any suggestions?

Back to knits

2011-05-12T15:28:00.000-04:00

I've been absent lately but that's because it took me some time to adapt to the new Chicago life and now that I did, I can go back to knitting. As you can see from my Ravelry dashboard I'm up to some relaxing stuff, especially the lovely Shawl Collared Cowl, a simple yet very clever pattern by Never not knitting.

So, little by little, I try to get back on tracks. And what are YOU knitting right now?

Preparing for a sabbatical 5 months of knitting

2011-03-22T05:43:00.006-04:00

Starting April the 3rd I'll be on a sabbatical leave for 5 months! In the last months all I could think is: what will I knit with all this spare time in my hands?

Well it's very difficult to choose, so I ask you:

-Shall I finish my Icelandic sweather I've started 1 year ago?
-Shall I complete an afghan blanket I've started 2 years ago?
-Shall i crochet a human-size amigurumi?
-Shall I start something very challenging completely new?

What would you do?

Pic via | Blog Casa sé

Ferragamo crochet dress

2011-01-11T16:23:00.003-04:00

How lovely is this Salvatore Ferragamo SS 11 crochet dress? I love it! Sure on a model everything looks great, but I think this would fit lovely on everyone. Don't you think?

Making gloves with i-cord? Genius!

2010-09-19T09:31:00.005-04:00

Wandering on Ravelry I ended up on a pattern that suggested using the i-cord technique to make fingers for gloves. I found the suggestion simply amazing. I've never made gloves because working the fingers with the 4 needles techniques was too boring event to think. But now I had a hint!

My next step was finding exactly how to do it, and that's where nonaKnits entered the scene. In her blog she explains very well how to do all the fingers and how to attach them to the hand. It looks so easy that I'm going to try it right now.

Finally I can say goodbye to mittens and welcome back fingers! Yuppi! Thansk Nona!

p.s.
It's so easy and fast you can't believe it!

Knitted shoe-covers by Dior and D&G, love them!

2010-08-23T11:14:00.006-04:00

I fell in love with those lovely "shoe socks"by Dior. Aren't they cute?

I also find irresistible those boot covers by D&G. Want to make them!

In love with Iceland

2010-04-01T16:13:00.006-04:00

I fell in love with this sweater, the Aftur Sweater by Védís Jónsdóttir. I'm seriously thinking about learning Icelandic to do it. How pretty is it?

To start, I'll learn the Stranded Color Knitting technique!

Rasta Hat - a simple pattern

2009-12-13T14:04:00.008-04:00

Last week end in Switzerland during the Santa Claus festivity I stepped by a small yarn shop in a small village in Engadine. There I found this lovely Lang Mille Colori yarn and bought 4 balls. At the beginning I wanted to make a scarf but then I decided to switch to a rasta hat. Here the result, you judge!

I’ve casted on 70 sts. Worked 4 rows in rib 1/1 and then switched to “costa inglese” ribbed pattern.

"Costa inglese" ribbed pattern works like this: slip 1, *knit 1, knit 1 from row below (together with the upper sts)*, end knitting last st. Turn.

Repeat this pattern until desided lenght.

After 29 rows, I've finished with these three rows:

-Slip1 K2tog until last st, knit
-Slip1 Purl2tog until last st, purl
-K2tog all sts

Closed passing a tapestry needle through the remaining sts.

This pattern is ultra fast, the "Costa inglese" ribbing is great because you never have to purl, it just goes fast!! Love it!

A new book that I love: Reversible Knitting

2009-11-13T12:41:00.004-04:00

I just got this book, Reversible Knitting by Lynne Barr, from Barnes and Noble here in Chicago, and I immediately fell in love with it. I haven't attempted any stitch yet, but there are 50 reversible stitches are simply irresistible! Plus, at the end of the book there are also some designer's patterns. Lovely!
I'll try immediately to make a scarf with the Norah Gaugan sweather reversible pattern on the cover!

baby booting

2009-11-01T17:34:00.007-04:00

A lot of girlfriends are having babies lately, so I spent this week end "baby-booting". I used Ruth's baby bootie pattern and Rhian's bootie pattern for two different set of booties. Both nice and easy. Very neat and delicious patterns :)

This week end I also managed to intrigue my sister with crocheting, she started a lovely scarf and I have the feeling that she will not only finish it but also start a new project afterward. Will we spend the winter crocheting together from now on? I surely hope so!

Putting some order on Ravelry

2009-09-20T10:03:00.003-04:00

Some people do it in April, some in January, me, I do it in September. Order is my k-word in those days. Even online.
I've been putting tidying up my stash, needles and even my Ravelry pages. I guess I'm ready for a full Autumn of knitting.

Starting with the transform-a-shrug-this-into-a-cardigan project witch I'm currently working with some lovely Aran Tweed red yarn I've bought in Dublin last year. I'll post pics asap!

Crochet Autumn hat

2009-09-13T07:06:00.001-04:00

DSCN7809 2.JPG, originally uploaded by Cloudy Crochet.

I made up this very basic hat worked with Mondial Oltre yarn and a I hook. fast, nice, easy :)

Finished OWS with sleeves :)

2009-09-13T07:04:00.001-04:00

DSCN7743.JPG, originally uploaded by Cloudy Crochet.

OSW sleeves done, what's next?

2009-09-06T04:49:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty happy with the sleeves I added to the OSW. I finally used a double decrease every 6 rows (more or less). And now I'm adding a long collar. I'd love this once-osw to look like the "ribbed shrug", but with with 3/4 sleeves. I should be done by today, let's see if it fits.

New Chanel Hat, a desirable knit

2009-08-19T08:38:00.005-04:00

I'm looking at Fall Winter 2009/10 Runaway and there's a hat that capured my dreams, is the new green Chanel knitted hat. Isn't it pretty? It's a nice idea for covering an olt hat, what you think?

OSW Knitting the sleeve

2009-08-15T11:02:00.003-04:00

I'm knitting a One Skein Wonder but I've decided to add 3/4 sleeves. It's the first time I knit sleeves so I really don't know ho to proceed to make them fitted and nice. I found a pattern here which seems ok for circular needles, a double decrease every 6 rows.

What you think, it will be enough? Help! Help!

Back to knitting, or trying

2009-08-13T06:33:00.003-04:00

I am so sorry I haven't been writing in ages. I'm not as lazy as it might seems but I'm working on another knitting blog and I haven't been knitting in a while (I prepared my wedding and it was exhausting, but funny and nice in the end, some pics here), then I went to Japan (Beautiful!!) and now I'm back to work.

Anyway, if it isn't too hot in Milan this week end, I'll check my stash and works and I'll go back on knitting. Btw the last work I've finished - the Morgan hat - a hell of a job for a very poor result (the hast is all bizarre) very disappointing. I'll post pics I promise!

:)

Happy summer and Holywasy to everybody!

Chick Sweater

2009-05-12T04:58:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Veruska found this adorable sweater for traumatized chicks, isn't it cute? I want to make a dozen of those!

Knitting New - difficult - Scarves

2009-04-26T04:34:00.006-04:00

I Love this book. It's beautiful and full of challenges. One, my personal defy, is the "Driftin Pleats" scarf on page 30. I LOVE the look of this scarpe and I've been trying to make one since last winter. The set up pleats explanation isn't that easy to get, and the DP needles are always turning.

Yesterday, though, I tried for the third time, this time I was knitting on my bed, and it was maybe the positon maybe the concentration, maybe the cotton yarn (instead of wool) but I did complete the setup pleats!! I am so proud! Now unfortunately the yarn I choose this thime is a bit thinn and the scarf will be a bit small, but if I make it, maybe next time I will be able to make one in wool to, I hope pretty as this one by bluegarter.knits

Baby Booties for big feet

2009-04-26T04:19:00.006-04:00

Two of my sister's best friends had babies this month :) So I decided to make a couple of baby booties for them. I found this nice pattern (even if it involves some seeming and I'm not very good at it) of Baby Mary Janes. I started 15 days ago knitting every day even in the subway, to make 6 booties.

Everything was looking good and nice while I was knitting. Garter stitch is relaxing, but maybe too relaxing because I lost the count of the rows and I end up with 6 booties, all different!

I must have increased one row in every booty and maybe changed the gauge without realizing it, but now I have sizes that go from XS to XL!!

Does someone have a suggestion on how to count properly rows on garter st? Help!

Thank you so much for your support!

2009-03-05T15:09:00.002-04:00

Thanks so much, to all the nice people that wrote to me these days saying that they are sorry for the closing of this blog. You are so sweet!

All this support gave me the strenght to try again, I'll make an effort and go on posting sometimes, now I know someone cares :))

So here a pic of the collar I've just finished, the pattern is the "wham bam thank you lamb! neckwarmer" by Insaknitty

I'm afraid this blog is over

2009-03-01T12:57:00.005-04:00

I haven't been posting for a while, and Ravelry keeps track of all I'm doing so I'm afraid I won't be posting anymore, but you canstill follow my progresses on Ravelry/pippawilson and, if you speak Italian you can check out new patterns on the first Italian official knit & Crochet editorial blog: LeiWeb Maglia&Fai-da-te I'm managing. Hope you like it!

And the good news is, if you want to see published your patterns on the LeiWeb Blog, just send them to me (prefereably in Italian, but english is fine too), write to me at justine[DOT]bellavita[AT]rcs[DOT]it.

Do it!!! :)

Anyway I will be going on answering any comment left here. Bye, Bye!

(In the pic: Iceberg FW 2009/10 runaway)

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-20T09:27:00.002-04:00

And Happy Knitting and crocheting to all of you!

Video Knitting lessons in Italian

2008-12-17T19:26:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty proud because today I've published online the first video knitting lessons in Italian!
You can watch the videos here on LeiWeb.

Italian readers can also find free patterns and ideas on the website Knitting Blog, you are all invited and everyone is welcome!

Morgan Hat

2008-10-12T10:36:00.004-04:00

In this Knitty.com Fall issue I fell in love with the Morgan hat. I find this pattern extremely attractive, even in Tangy. I tested the gauge of a few yarns I have here and I think that Noro Kureyon should fit. So I started it yesterday.

The technique used id the Double circular needles, a bit tricky at the beginning but not too annoying after a few rows. Let's see how it goes on.

Do someone of you have any suggestions on what to use for the brim? The explications are not too clear to me, and I0m not sure in Milan, Italy I will be able to find a "brim" store. What could I use instead of cardboard?

Finally Foliage (hat)

2008-10-05T08:23:00.011-04:00

I've finally the right yarn for my own Foliage Hat. I love this pattern, I've tried it last winter but my yarn was too this and I had to give up.

At the last yarn sawp in milan, though, I got a pretty yellow ball, wich had the same gauge than the Malabrigo used for the foliage pattern, ad ta-dah! Here it is. Precious, fast and very pretty!

It only took me one day to make, and I'm very happy with the result!

Pics taken by my sister

Superfast baby hat - pattern

2008-06-02T14:17:00.015-04:00

Yesterday I've been invited to a 3-years old birthday party. Problem was I didn't have any present! On my way to the party I've got an idea, I grabbed a pink skein of soft cotton and a crochet hook and I stared a mini hat for the birthday-girl.

I got to the party at 4 pm and by the time she opened her presents my hat was done, just in time! A bit of a rush but she looked happy with it. At least I've finished something, for once ;-)

The super fast, super simple hat pattern:
The Crown
1. ch 5, close circle
2. ch 2, 1 dc in same stitch, 2 dc in every ch
3. ch 2, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc*, repeat **
4. ch 2, 1 dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc*, repeat **
5. ch 2, 1 dc in next 2 dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 3 dc*, repeat **
6. ch 2, 1 dc in next 3 dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 4 dc*, repeat **
7. ch 2, 1 dc in next 4 dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5 dc*, repeat **
8. ch 2, 1 dc in each dc all around
9. ch 2, 1 dc in each dc all around
10. ch 2, 1 dc in each dc all around
11. ch 2, 1 dc in each dc all around in contrasting color
The Brim
12. ch 2, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc*, repeat **
14. ch 2, 1 dc in each dc all around
15. ch 2, 1 dc in each dc all around

WWKIPD 2008 and knitout stash swap @ Milan

2008-05-20T11:48:00.003-04:00

WWKIPD 2008
14 giugno 2008, dalle 15,30 in poi
Presso il Parco Sempione,
di fronte al Bar Bianco

Il 14 giugno 2008, presso il ParcoSempione, di fronte al Bar Bianco, si terrà la seconda Giornata della Maglia in Pubblico di Milano. Dalle 15,30 in poi Motivi a Maglia – Stitich 'n' Bitch Milano dà appuntamento a chiunque lavori a maglia, all'uncinetto, ricami o altro, o chi desideri imparare, a partecipare.

Per intervenire non è necessario iscriversi né comunicare la propria presenza, solo presentarsi.

Durante il sarà inoltre attivo uno stash swap, durante il quale sarà possibile scambiare i filati non utilizzati (almeno un gomitolo completo).

Consigliamo di portare sdraio, seggioline o stuoie per sedersi sull'erba.
In caso di maltempo, ci trasferiremo presso il Bar Bianco.

Milano S’n’B
Motivi a Maglia – S’n’B Milano

Hermes Knitted Hat

2008-04-30T04:16:00.005-04:00

While working as hell I noticed this absolutely adorable knitted hat from Hermès Fall/Winter 2008-2009 catwalks. Looks easy to do and at the same time interesting and original. What you think? I will definitely try to make it. Any suggestions on the increase pattern to use as a base for the crown?

Thanks to Anneli we now have the pattern!!

New Job

2008-04-16T17:52:00.003-04:00

I've just started a new job and I'm too busy even to knit :-(
Hope to come back soon!

:-*

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T07:16:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter knits to you all!

Clapotis update

2008-03-02T07:35:00.006-04:00

I'm progressing a little bit with my Clapotis, I manage to get to my first dropped stitches row and it was quite funny let all those sts drop. I have a doubt, though, on the row after the sts have been dropped, the pattern says "pick up top bar with left needle to form a new st (make sure this st isn't twisted)", but not to twist it is almost impossible... what do you think about it?

Is it twisted or not?

Hats for friends

2008-02-05T17:12:00.000-04:00

I finally finished a couple of hats I was making for my two best girlfriends. The green one is made from the pattern Tweedy Cloche by Kristi Thompson and the black one is the Crocheted cap by DROPS design.

Both were nice and easy to make! I hope my friends will like them!

More pics on Flickr, details on Ravelry

Loop Scarf, finished

2008-02-02T06:31:00.002-04:00

Gator Scarf, originally uploaded by Cloudy Crochet.

I finaly have some time to post some pics of my Garter Stitch Loop-Through Scarf by Marci Richardson, that i made from the book "101 designers One Skein Wonders".

I changed the pattern a little, switching from the original garter stitch to a stockinette st (that I prefer). It's a lovely, easy and really rewarding pattern. Was a pleasure to knit.

My sister fell in love with it so I gave it to her and she's always using it, I'm very happy about it :-D

Vogue Knitting Aklpaca Collection

2008-01-21T09:44:00.001-04:00

Look at those marvelous new alpaca patterns just published by Vogue Knitting. I love so much Alpaca that I cannot resist!

I guess I will be able to do just the wrist warmers, before the winter is over, but it's good to know there are some fashionable lovely pattern out there waitingto be made.

Home Made Stitch Markers

2008-01-06T12:33:00.000-04:00

Sometimes watching the pics of my friends works-in-progress I see really beautiful and precious stitch markers, so I decided to try doing some myself.

You have to understand that I'm not really good with tools, and I've never made jewelry myself, but I really wanted some beautiful markers. So I looked for a store in Milan specialized in do-it-yourself jewelry, I tried to explain what I wanted to a perplexed clerk and went home.

With a clasp and a wire cutter I tried assembling the markers... And a bit clumsily I did those. What you think? They aren't too bad after all, actually I pretty proud and I find them really pretty ;-)

Happy 2008!

2008-01-01T12:09:00.000-04:00

Knit Cafe the Point

2007-12-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

I went yesterday to The Point Knit café in New York City. I've been seeing this place for a year before I started knitting, and I was glad to finally gen in there knowing what to ask and to do.

I must say that despite a few harsh critics I red on Ravelry, I found a very nice ambiance, lovely people, prepared and friendly that helped me with patience to find the best 16" circular needle I could ever buy: the Addi Turbo!

Great selection of precious yarns and a few books. If you add a lovely cup of coffee, a piece of cake you have a peaceful afternoon of knitting relax.

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop

2007-12-13T08:05:00.001-04:00

And finally yesterday I've received also thje second book I ordered on Amazon.com, the great Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop!

The author has a lovely sense of humour. I wouldn't define this book a pattern book, it's more a philosophy book of knitting. I love Zimmerman's way of saying things and the fact that she didn't like to seam either, makes me love her even more.

I think I'll buy her other oeuvres as soon as i get to the US ;-)

Organizing my mess

2007-12-12T07:32:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Ravelry I went finally through my stash and all the crochet hooks and knitting needles I've been collecting in those years. I must say I was pretty surprised to discover skeins and hooks and needles I didn't even know I had.

Now That everything is in order, though, I shall try to give every skein a project to go with, ans it isn't easy. Especially if you consider that in NYC I'll be buyng other pounds and pounds of fine yarn! ;-P

I'm on Ravelry

2007-12-08T12:51:00.000-04:00

I made it! I'm on Ravelry.com, you can add me here :-D

101 Designer One-Skein Wonders

2007-12-02T06:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I finally received the lovely book 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders I've ordered on Amazon.com a month ago!

The book is as good as I expected, though most of the patterns use 100 gr skeins and sometimes even cones (isn't it cheating a bit?), and I have loads of 50 gr singles. Anyway I'm sure I'll find a way.

I've just started a lovely lacy hat, I'll post pics as soon as is finished.

On the Clapotis front, I'm progressing and happy with the pattern that is definitely longer that i expected, but right now is pretty promising I hope the result will pay :-)

Hat + Neckwarmer, finished

2007-11-24T10:23:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy week and I've been able to finish two project I was working on. I'm pretty glad even if both project didn't came up as I expected. Anyway I learned a few new things and I'm pleased by that.

Here is Kim Neckwarmer made in the very original Mammoth by Artfiber, a superfine baby alpaca that I bought when I was living in San Francisco. The fuzzy yarn doesn't show very well Kim's texture but the result is quite pretty I think.

The second project I ended is the Swell Hat by Kimmie Kemper on Knitty.com. I loved doing it, and it went up pretty fast. I used some recycled yarn and a part of a skein of Cascade 220 in pink. I did a Medium size but the hat is a bit tight, I guess this is how it is supposed to be but I'm not sure I'll use it a lot.

My first Clapotis on the go

2007-11-22T10:39:00.000-04:00

For my birthday a really sweet friend of mine offered me a HUGE skein of wool. 500gr of fine yarn blue, yellow and cyan. Really pretty! I've been thinking of the right project to make with it and I ended up with the famous Clapotis by Kate Gilbert.

It's going to be a long way up to the end, but I'm sure it's worth it!

Help! NYC: Shops & Magazines?

2007-11-20T09:36:00.000-04:00

I've planned a short holiday in NYC on Christmas, I'm very happy! Do you have any suggestions on:

must-see-yarn shops
must-buy US magazines
must-have knit and crochet books

I already have on my list:

Shops:
-Purl Soho
-The Point

Magazines:
-Vogue Knitting
-Interweave Knits

What else???

Stitch 'n' Bitch Milan

2007-11-18T12:04:00.000-04:00

Lovely Stitch 'n' Bitch yesterday at La Triennale in Milan. Some news ladies, the lovely Silvia, Silvietta, Flavia and Susan and even a couple of guest (stars) drinking beers (my sys and her friend Crippa the man). Great afternoon! :-)

More pics HERE

Foliage hat with too many leaves

2007-11-12T16:03:00.000-04:00

I've just finished my Foliage hat revisited. Because my yarn was much thinner that the one suggested by the pattern (I used Alpaca Perù by Filatura di Crosa a very enjoyable yarn I must say) I added a round in the crown pattern. It took me the whole week end to do it. Unfortunately the result is a hat way too large :-(

This was my very first lace pattern and I loved doing it, but I'll have to undo it completely. I guess next time I'll do it with the right yarn.

I hope I'll be more lucky with Kim's Cashmere Neckwarmer made in Mammoth. At least this should be a faster project to achieve.

Oversized Beret

2007-11-10T06:44:00.001-04:00

Just in time before the chill hit Milan I've been able to finish this lovely Oversize Beret from Lion Brand. Nice and easy. It reminded me how faster is crochet, compared to knitting, when you make hats.

I used a forgotten skein I found in my old stash in Rome, the yarn is called Mouflon by Tessitura di Tollegno color 1533, I used less than one skein. Yarn gauge 19stsx24 rows, crochet hook 5,5 mm / US 9 (I actually started with a 5mm/US8 but switched after a few rows).

Because my yarn was a bit thinner than the one suggested, I adapted the pattern adding two rows of increase and one row of decrease. I like the results, it's a nice, practical warm hat finished right on time!

On the Knitting for Homeless front I've finally found the right yarn and just yesterday the right pattern. It's a rib that in Italian is called "Fake English Rib", very nice, I think it will give a lovely scarf. The color is a bright red and I hope that the homeless guy who lives in the park down here will accept it and like it.

One Skein Wonder, in one week end

2007-11-04T15:06:00.000-04:00

Before this "long week end" I was reading Ingrid's Blog, always a great source of inspiration, and I found her version of the One Skein Wonder. I immediately fell in love with the pattern and bought it right away. I have so many single skeins right now!

I was about to go to Rome by train and I thought it would be a perfect knit for the 4 and 1/2 hours travel. I definitely made the right choice because the train had a 2 hours delay and I almost finished the OSW during my way out.

It's definitely a lovely pattern, a bit trickier than I originally thought, but surely rewarding. Now that I did one I will definitely make others. I particularly love this version.

My So Called Scarf, finished!

2007-10-30T14:51:00.000-04:00

I did it! I loved this pattern, it's amazing, a joy to knit, never boring and the results are gorgeous.

I was so pleased by knitting this that I've immediately started a new project, the Foliage Hat by Emilee Mooney on Knitty. I'm doing it in Mondial Extrafine Merino (Color 629) so I will have to adapt it a bit to this yarn. I hope I won't run out of yarn at the end. So far is a bit of a challenge and I'm really liking it. It's my first knitted hat on dnps, and I'm addicted to it. I wish I could bring it in the subway with me, but dpns aren't exactly easy to use in a crowded wagon ;-)

Drops free patterns

2007-10-29T10:32:00.000-04:00

I've just discovered this amazing source of fancy patterns, Drops Design

Aren't these beautiful?

Tulip baby booties

2007-10-24T09:26:00.000-04:00

How cute is this "Tulip Toes" pattern from Cathy Campaigne for Knitty?

It goes straight into my to-do list, which right now counts:

-2 knitting for homeless scarves
-A Crocheted Hat for Puly
-Fingerless mitts
-Lace/beaded wristwarmers
-BSJ (I've just ordered the "Knitting Workshop" from Amazon.com)
-Crocheted snowflakes...

...I'll never make it for Christmas! :-D

Brea Vs Creole

2007-10-23T09:13:00.000-04:00

Looking for some nice crochet patterns on line I ended up on this one, the Creole Bag by Berocco. Does it remind anything to you?

Yes, it's the crocheted version on my beloved (and still-to-assemble) Brea bag. If only I had seen it before, maybe I would have a little new bag already ;-)

Fell in Love with BSJ

2007-10-22T08:55:00.000-04:00

This week end I went to the knit and yarn convention in Milan, Filiamo 2007, there I got some very nice cachemire skeins, one fascinating ball of recycled silk and a few other lovely things. I'll post some pics asap.

The thing that captured my imagination, though, was this ADORABLE Baby Surprise Jacket made by Knitaly (well I guess it was hers). Isn't it the most pretty baby jacket that you've ever seen?

The best part is that there is almost no sewing and Elizabeth Zimmermann's pattern it's made with circular needles, all in purl. I want to to it for a friend's baby girl soon to be born, it's too cute!

Counterfeit crochet project

2007-10-16T03:43:00.000-04:00

Look what I've found running around online: The counterfeit crochet project by the stylist/crocheter/blogger Stephanie Yjuco, who says:

I am an artist and craftsperson seeking crocheters to participate in an art project that utilizes the tenacity and skills of crafters to interpret and "translate" high fashion handbags (Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, etc.) into "homemade" versions.

Here some info in Italian. I wish I were more capable, so that I could join the project, those crochet counterfeit bags are so desirable and I love this Gucci texture, is simply genius!

More on hairpin lace

2007-10-16T03:05:00.000-04:00

I found new resources on this amazing technique. Especially Knitaly post on her different yarn attempts was really helpful.

She also sugegsted me a nice mohair hairpin shawl on Mani di Fata and the italin k-word for hairpin: "forcella".

So Called projects going on

2007-10-14T05:23:00.000-04:00

Here a few pics of my progress on the So Called Scarf. I must say that I fell in love with this pattern. It's easier and faster that I thought. I have to really thanks heyjulie95 for her really helpful video tutorial, especially for suggesting an alternative way to realize the crossed stitch on the right side. Now I'm thinking about realizing my own video for those among us who knit the English way (as opposite to the "Continental" way).

Anyway the scarf is progressing well, thanks to circular needles I knit on the bus, on the subway, at work, watching tv, etc... Very funny.

I only have a doubt on Manos del Uruguay, it's a pretty rough wool. I hope it will soften after washing. The pattern is also pretty stiff, so the result is a quite rigid scarf. We'll see when it's finished and washed, I'm pretty sure this wool and pattern would be perfect for a purse. I'll do it maybe after I've finished this one.

I also progressed a bit on Hairpin Lace, the tool is amazing. I'm thinking, though, that maybe it's more fun with a thicker yarn. I want to try it also with very thin mohair and see what it looks like. Vik, don't worry your hairpin lace scarves are on the go! :-)

Ready to start "My So Called Scarf"

2007-10-08T08:54:00.000-04:00

I'm ready to finally start this amazing scarf I've been dreaming of for two years.
The pattern, one of the most famous on line, is the one from Sheep in The City, and the Yarn is Manos del Uruguay in a lovely red-purple shade.

Before I start, I've printed the pattern and took a look at on line resources on the subject. With a great surprise I found at least two great links. First, the So Called Scarf Video Tutorial which explains very clearly the two ways of achieving the special stitch required by the pattern.

The second fantastic link I found is the So Called Scarf Flickr Pool! SO many beautiful scarves there in so many shades. I look forward to put my pics to!! :-)

This pic is from Kathryn Ivy flickr and blog. The shade she used is very similar to the one I got, I just hope my results will be as good as hers!

Starting to finish

2007-10-07T11:37:00.000-04:00

Besides the Brea Bag that is finished and only needs to be sewn (by someone else, I guess, because I'm TOO bad at it), I've managed to finish the Pima Poncho I've been knitting and undoing since June! :-D

Well, it actually looks more like a scarf, but I have to join the two sides and add the fringes. Again the joining scares me. I guess I have to take some sewing classes ;-)

Giles Deacon bulky scarf

2007-10-02T10:29:00.000-04:00

I love it! Maybe with such a huge yarn, even I could finish a scarf before the winter is over ;-)

I even found the pattern online but I'm not sure if the "lana grezza" will be easy to find.

I like it so much!!

I started using the Hairpin fork, is fun and fast. If only I had some more time at night to crochet a bit. Anyway I'm confident I'll finish one of Vik's scarves soon!

Other update, I've finished the Brea bag (yuhuu) but I'm totally unable to sew it, I guess I?ll bring it to the next Stitch 'n' Bitch in Milan to seek for help from the girls ;-)

Hairpin Crochet patterns and tutorials

2007-09-27T16:54:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Knitaly I found the essential key word to understand and use the knitting fork Ingrid offered me, the k-word is "Hairpin".

Looking for "Hairpin Looms", "Hairpin crochet" and "Hairpin patterns" I found all I need to know to correctly use this amazing tool and make wonderful scarves and shawls in no time. Horray! I feel I will be able to make some lovely scarves for Vik's project! :-)

Here a few links:

Hairpin Crochet video tutorial

Hairpin Looms tips and techniques

Joining two Hairpin stripes

Hairpin Afghan

Vogue Knitting Shawl (.pdf)

Many Hairpin patterns

Basic Directions Over a Span of 109 Years

Tatting as Combined with Hairpin Crochet Lace

I'm totally excited! :-)

Winter 2007/2008 projects

2007-09-26T09:09:00.000-04:00

Once I have finished all the works I have cued in the warm months I'd love to "attack" those really irresistible patterns:

Cinderella socks by Kathryn Beckerdite - SOOOO CUTE!!!

The button-up sweater for Valda

Ysolda Teague Skull Illusion Scarf

Sportmax mustard scarf

Hairpin lace scarf or shawl

And so many other cute things I see everyday arouuund!!

Assembling Brea

2007-09-25T13:20:00.000-04:00

I'm almost done with the Brea Bag. I've finished the knitting part and now I'm trying to assemble it. Now I know why I LOVE patterns in circle. I am so bad at sewing. And I don't even think about the lining. I'm pretty sure the results, after assembling, will be pretty poor, but I promised I'll finish it and I'll do it!

Funny pics to follow ;-)

Not yet, but almost

2007-09-16T11:14:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went to the first Fall Stitch & Bitch in Milan. It was so nice to see all the girls again. I was very happy to be able to say goodbye to Ingrid, who is about to leave to the other side of the world, and to chat with Typesetter (who was wearing a desirable 2 colors sweater she made, SO nice), Pm10, Zrinka and many new lovely knitters.

We talked about new projects, admired Ingrid's just-made brand new Urchin hat (published by Knitty.com just the day before and already finished and wonderful) that she made with a delicious yellow-brown shade of Manos-like wool. Adorable, we all wanted one!

As we chatted about summer holidays and finished projects, they all agreed that I'm a lazy lousy crocheter that has too many things going on and who hasn't finished one in months. I felt a bit ashamed (but mostly giggled) and I made a promise to Susan: I commit to finish at least 2 projects before the end of the month. Mark my words: I WILL DO IT.

After a quick look to my unfinished works gallery, I chose the (in)famous Brea Bag, almost done since June, and the Chanson Poncho, which is pretty fast and easy to do (if only I didn't have to unravel 1 kg of black cotton yarn before I could start). The poncho yarn, by the way, is starting to be full of Valda's hair, but Ingrid says that's not too bad, in ancient times dog's hair was mixed with wool on purpose to make it warmer during winter. Good news.

Ingrid is not only wise and fast she is also incredibly sweet. She brought me a present from Estonia, a fascinating tool that I foresee will give me infinite pleasure during winter evenings at home. The Netting Fork, to be used with crochet hook. I'm so intrigued and pleased by the thought of learning a new technique, and I'm seriously tempted by trying it right now. BUT I made a promise, no new projects until I finish something. So I better hurry up, and after I'm done with the "knitting for the homeless" scarves I'll jump on the netting fork! Can't wait!! Thank you Ingrid, have a nice trip!!!

I am a starter

2007-08-24T04:29:00.000-04:00

There's no doubt about it. The problem is, I never finish anything. I recently gave up on at least 3 projects. Vik scarves for the homeless are waiting for me, half started. The pink mohair shawl is somewhere in a bag, the brea bag is almost finished, almost, and what about the polar blanket? Still waiting for the winter to come.

And what do I do? Of course I've just started a new project!! I guess I have to definitely face the fact that I am a flighty starter and knit alongs simply aren't good for me (or, better to say, I am not good for them).

Anyway, this is the lovely new project I've embraced yesterday, the Chanson Capelet. Isn't it sweet? I'm making it in black cotton and instead of working it as a little cape, I'm doing closed rounds, so that in the end I'll have a short poncho. If I manage to finish it.

But this time the pattern goes on pretty fast and I'm confident that I can make it. I'll keep you posted :-)

Back in Town

2007-08-18T13:13:00.000-04:00

Hi everybody, I realize today that almost a month passed since I last wrote on this blog, lazy me! I must admit that I haven't progressed a lot while working from beautiful Umbria.

Instead of knitting and crocheting I've been using my free time to read and I definitely discovered that reading and knitting don't get along easily when you just have evenings to dedicate to yourself.

Anyway I don't complain, I've been discovering some authors that I really enjoyed: the French Fred Vargas, the Italian Gianrico Carofiglio and the British Eric Ambler.

Now that I'm back in Milan, though, I went back to my favorite hobby and hope to have soon progresses to show you here!

Back to Umbria, back to crochet

2007-07-24T09:37:00.000-04:00

Back in Umbria for a one week holiday (the on e and only this year) I 'm relaxing on the sun, eating delicious local specialties and crocheting a little bit. Today I've started a lacy shawl, I've been looking for a while for a nice pattern and finally I've picked one from Crochet Pattern central.It's the Evening Shawl by Craftown. I'm using a superkid mohair by Ornaghi Filati, and a USG6/4.00mm hook.
I haven't finished yet the pima tencel poncho nor the knitting for the homeless scarves nor the brea bag (almost done!), but I can't help myself always starting something new, especially during holidays. I know, I know, I'm definitely a starter... but I will finish everything, eventually.

I've got an award!

2007-07-12T05:29:00.000-04:00

How cool is that?! Vik, the sweetest knitter-blogger ever, gave me a Thinking Blogger Award! Ain't that a nice thought?

I must apologize with all my knitting/crocheting blog friends for disappearing a bit lately. I'm tremendously tense because of my job. Hopefully I'll have a week holiday in 10 days and I promise I'll step by all my favorite blogs and say hi! :-)

Knitting among flowers

2007-07-08T04:19:00.000-04:00

On our way to Rome we decided to take some rest at Luca's mother's beautiful house in Umbria. Set free the cats from the kennels, gave water to Valda, we worked a little in the sun and had a lovely dinner at the Conte's.

This morning, a warm and fresh day inspired me a bit of knitting outside. While Valda was running around, Luca hand picked some gorgeous flowers in the garden and I went back to the Pima Poncho.

This poncho will drive me crazy. I make a row and undo two. I'm seriously tempted to undo all I have knitted so far and start anew. The problem with the lovely brioche stitch is that if you make a mistake you cannot correct it, you just have to go back to the beginning of the row and knit it again. So far I made a few mistakes and I keep doing them, and right now my poncho looks a bit like a gruyere cheese.

So annoying! I guess I'll try a fresh start...

Knitting with men

2007-06-29T18:15:00.001-04:00

Today I've been to a knitting happening here in Milan, a "Knitting with guys" meeting held in the Modern art museum cafe at La Triennale. I went there with a friend blogger, Aelred, who wanted to learn the magic art of knits and purls.

The meeting was organized by Grignasco Knit and the knitting stylist Giuliano Marelli, every participant had a wool skein a pattern and a pair of lovely knitting needles.

My friend had the time to familiarize a bit with casting on, knitting and even a bit of purl. Marelli helped him nicely, showed him three ways of casting on, and followed his progresses. Very very sweet. Many old ladies were really amiable too and curious about a young guy interested in knitting. The atmosphere was cheerful and we had a good time.

Nice evening! Now I'll have to check on Aelred to see if he remembers something and if he will practice a bit the knitting lessons ;-)

Knitting on the go

2007-06-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

This week end I've been to a two-days party with some other Italian bloggers of the Blogo.it network. We had a lot of fun playing in the pool, dancing and chatting, but I didn't forget my knitting schedule! ;-)

I've also finished the second half of the Brea Bag, which is - with y own surprise - smaler that the first half! DOH! Anyway I don't care, I'm knitting the middle section and hopfully next week edn it will be over :-)

Knit, knit, no purl

2007-06-18T17:47:00.000-04:00

I've spent the week end knitting and I'm pretty proud of the results. Tonight watching Tv I've finished the other half of the Brea Bag and on Sunday I've finally begun the first scarf for the Homeless in Vik's initiative.

To speed up the scarf making, before the weather becomes too hot to touch the wool, I've opted for a vertical striped scarf, all worked in Garter Stitch. The texture so far is very soft and funny. I'll post a pic tomorrow (the image here is from Google Images ;-).

Besides that, the pima poncho is slowly progressing as well and I intend to focus a lot on knitting this week. I must complete at least a scarf before the outside temperature turns to 35° C (announced for Wednesday!) otherwise I'll have to wait for the Fall season and give my scarves to the homeless in the northern hemisphere...

Knitting all together in Milan

2007-06-10T14:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday the w.k.i.p.d. was a real fun! I had the chance to meet a lot of lovely knitters and crocheters, learn some news techniques and chat a lot. My dog Valda even learned how to knit! Check the pics of Valda knitting and the ones of the w.w.k.i.p.d in Milan! :-)

Preparing for the w.w.k.i.p.d.

2007-06-04T08:41:00.001-04:00

And you? Will you join?

Half Brea plus Pima Poncho

2007-05-27T05:08:00.000-04:00

I finally finished the first half of the cotton Brea Bag I'm making! I made a mistake somewhere but I'm sure it won't show too much. I had some trouble getting into the pattern for the first 6-8 rows, but after that it went on pretty fast. Now I have a doubt about finishing it. The pattern says, for last row:

* Sl 2 tog knitwise, k1, psso, rep from * 3 times more.

Doing so I end up with 6 sts. What am I supposed to do after that? Just bind off or follow the finishing instructions?

With RS facing, using crochet hook and 2 strands of yarn held tog, work in Reverse Sc along top edges of bag back and front

If someone knows please tell me!

Besides that, to relax a bit before I start the other side of the Brea Bag, I've started the Desirée poncho from Viva Poncho. I've ordered the Cascade Pima Tencel yarn on the Quality Fibers Shop on eBay and got it pretty fast.

The shade is the one suggested by the book, 1317 Pink, but I have to say that in the pics it looked more pinky but from real is a mix of pink and cyclamen, that I like less.

The amazing thing is this cotton-tencel yarn. Touching the skein in seems normal, but after is knitted it transforms in something extremely soft. It's amazing. It doesn't even seem like cotton. I've tried to understand what Tencel is but I'm not sure I have. It seems some kind of new natural fiber. Anyway the result is fantastic!!!

The pima poncho is worked in Brioche stitch a stitch that once understood goes on fast and easily and the result is very very nice. I should finish the poncho pretty fast and then concentrate on the scarves for Vik's project!

My first S'n'B, finally

2007-05-20T05:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I made it, I went to the Stitch 'n' Bitch in Milan. In the lovely surroundings of the Fiat Cafè in la Triennale, Milan's design museum, we chatted and knitted.

I had a great time with Typesetter, Ing. and Pm10, and I was really glad to finally meet them. We even had a super special guest, Ingrid's little girl, Anke Leen. She is a great little crocheter and made a lovely mini blanket for her doll.

Ing. finished her marvelous Forecast sweater, Typesetter advanced in her revisited summer top, Susan finished her *adorable* crocheted hat (I am totally partial ;-) and me? I made 2 rows of Brea Bag and one row of my crocheted blanket.

The rest of the time we obviously chatted and compared our different ways of knitting and crocheting. I didn't know there were so many ways of achieving the same results! So Fascinating! I didn't even know that it was physically possible to knit at Ing's super speed. This girl is a real serial knitter, no wonders it takes her only one week to finish a sweater!!! I am impressed and totally envious :-D

Great day so, and I look forward to the next meeting!

Saturday Stitch 'n' Bitch in Milan

2007-05-18T09:55:00.000-04:00

At la Triennale in the Fiat café. Details here

I'll come with my Brea bag (still at 1st row..) and the crocheted blanket (still looking like a scarf...) ;-D

Se you there Milan Knitters&Crocheters

Knitting for the homeless

2007-05-15T03:37:00.000-04:00

All around the world! How cool is this map? Vik you're a genious!

For the Lucky knitters in NY

2007-05-13T13:38:00.000-04:00

A very interesting Expo

Brea mess

2007-05-13T13:22:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I am such a mess! Since I fell in love with the Brea Bag pattern I focused on it and I really wanted to do it in this week end (knowing that I still have to finish my crochet blanket and I have to start knitting for the homeless...).

Every time I step by Knitaly's blog I'm more and more exited about this lovely knitted bag. The only problem is I am toooooooo messy.

I've started the bag three times now. The first time I used a single strand of yarn and the knitting needles were too big, so the texture was too large. So I undid it. The second time I used two strands together, but I miscounted the stitches and I had to undo it. The third (I really thought it was the LAST) time, I switched again to a single strand and I used thinner needles. But, although I've been very careful counting the stitches, I'm at the end of first row and... I have two stitches in excess. *____* I'm hopeless. I guess I'll start again tomorrow...

Let's knit together...

2007-05-09T05:01:00.000-04:00

...to help others! Vik launched this beautiful and helpful project for homeless people, knittingforhomeless.blogspot.com.

Italian knitters I'm telling you this so you can join Vik, making even just one scarf would help the needy. Spread the word!

I'm on it and if you want we could make a knitting/crocheting group together :-)

Brea Bag and Manos are here!

2007-05-05T08:07:00.000-04:00

Today I went yarn shopping a bit. A friend of mine told me about a yarn outlet here in Milan, it's called Lanar (via Nino Bixio 7) and it's really full of very fine yarns, but most of all of extremely tasty offers. I went there to buy enough yarn to make my own Brea Bag, in the cotton version as suggested by Knitaly, and I found a very good deal! I got 350 gr of bright red cotton and 950 gr of strong fine black cotton for a very appealing prize. I'm pretty happy with that, I might even make two bags (well with all this cotton even 4!!).

Now I only need a few accessories, like a handle and some buttons. I have no idea where to find the handle, if anyone here has a hint (websites or stores in Milan) please help me!

Because I was already on the move, I decided to visit also the Manos de Uruguay shop in Milan. Thanks to Typesetter that told me where to find it. The idea, as I told before, is to make a "So-called scarf" for next autumn. The shop is located in via San Michele del Carso 6 and the owner is a very nice and sweet lady. She let me touch all the skeins, and gave me all the time I needed to choose the right shade. I think I finally picked up the color "100 - Agate" (in the pic here) but because the color numbers do not correspond I'm not totally sure. Anyway is a very seductive melange of purple, orange and burgundy red. Very beautiful, I can't wait to start my scarf!!

Fast & Easy crocheted summer hat with brim

2007-04-30T15:28:00.001-04:00

Material: I used two skeins of Phildar White Cotton Akala n.4, some leftovers of green cotton, worked double.
Crochet hook: US F5/ 3.75 mm
Gauge: 14 dc - 9 rows in 4''/10 cm
Techniques: Single Crochet (sc), Half double corchet (hdc), Double crochet (dc), Slip Stitch (sl st)

-Chain 5, join with sl st to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch 1, 10 sc in ring, join with sl st on top of ch.

Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc. Join. Total: 20 sc.

Round 3: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in next sc, *1 dc in next sc, 2 dc in next sc*. Repeat **. Join. Tot. 30 dc.

Round 4: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc*. Repeat **. Join. Tot 40 dc

Round 5: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc in next 2 dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 3 dc*. Repeat **. Join. Tot 50 dc

Round 6: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc in next 3 dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 4 dc*. Repeat **. Join. Tot 60 dc

Round 7: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc in next 4 dc, *2 dc in next dc 1 dc in next 5 dc*. Repeat **. Join. Tot 70 dc

Rounds 8-15: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc in each dc around. Join.

Round 16: With contrasting color: Ch 1, Hdc all around. Join.

Brim

Round 17: (this round is inspired by this pattern) - Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc the next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 st* 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1*. Repeat **. join. Tot 98 sts.

Rounds 18-19: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc, ch 1, *1 dc in each of the next 6 dc, ch 1*. Repeat **. Join. (If you don't want to count, just make all dc, and ch 1 every time you have a ch-1 sp in the row before).

Round 20: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 1, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of the next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 1*. Repeat **. Join.

Round 21: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc in each of the next 7 dc, ch 1, *1 dc in each of the next 8 dc, ch 1*. Repeat **. Join.

Finish.

Brim variant for guys:

Round 17: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 dc the next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc*. Repeat **. Join.

Round 18: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, dc around. Join.

Finish.

Crocheting a bit

2007-04-28T12:34:00.001-04:00

Manos del Uruguay

2007-04-27T14:35:00.000-04:00

Have somone of you ever tried it? Is it soft? I found this amazing pattern on Sheep in The City, and I'd love to make the scarf but the wool is pretty expensive and I'm not sure it's worth...

Can someone give me a hint?

Visual DNA

2007-04-26T12:06:00.000-04:00

A very funny tool :-)

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Happy Birthday Kitties!

2007-04-25T10:35:00.000-04:00

Today is my kitties' b-day! They turn four and still no wrinkles ;-)

Happy Birthday Perny and Guny! =^.^= =^.^=

Coming soon

2007-04-15T14:51:00.000-04:00

My sister finished coasters + progressing with the Polar blanket...
Right now my camera is not working, but I'll post new pics ASAP!

Crocheting with Valda

2007-04-09T10:46:00.000-04:00

Today even Valda the Dog wanted to learn how crochet, so she sat on my sister's belly and watched her very carefully. Who knows if she actually got the basics of crocheting... Sure it is my sis almost crocheted the dog's hair onto her coaster!

Check out the comic I made on our Easter Brunch :-)

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T05:58:00.000-04:00

Care2 Easter E-cards Here!

My sister's first project

2007-04-05T05:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a great day, I went back on crocheting and my sister started and completed her first crochet project ever!
After seeing the season finale of "Prison Break" on Monday, my sister and I realized that we had finished almost all our favorite series and there wasn't much left for us to watch on tv. So we had to find something else to do at night!! And besides that, yesterday evening, we also had a black out in our building, so even if we wanted to we could not get much tv anyway.

When when my sis came home, I was already crocheting this blanket I decided to make the very same afternoon. Maybe because there was no tv, or maybe because crochet is contagious, she asked me to show her how to make something. "Nothing easier!", I told her and I went directly to my stash, grabbed a skein of yarn, a crochet hook and the "Cozy Crochet Kit" with some project to make her decide what to start with.

We picked up together a nice coaster project worked in rounds. I think that working in rounds is the better and easier way to approach crochet. I remember when I started, the most difficult thing was completing a foundation row from the chain. Making the chain is always easy and funny, but work your way through it, when you are a beginner (so probably you made your chain too tight) can be really tricky. So, I made her start with the coaster, worked in rounds in double chains, and in NO TIME, she made it!!

Here it is, isn't it great? I wish I made such a nice and neat project the first time I touched a hook. I am very proud of her, and tonight, who cares if there's nothing on tv, we'll crochet a whole coaster set! ;-)

That's the header I wanted

2007-03-31T12:19:00.000-04:00

It took me another entire day of work but this last header is really "me". The others were nice, but this one reflects more my personality and the personality of this Blog. Besides I put on the header all the progress icons I made until now :-)
Happy! Happy! Happy!
And now I can finally go back on crocheting... It's time!

New Header

2007-03-28T09:59:00.000-04:00

As you can see I have changed Cloudy Crochet's header. I have been working on this all morning, but I have to say I'm not 100% satisfied. I think I'll go on trying different headers in the next days! ;-)
Here are different headers I've been tying, I guess now I am satisfied with this one...

The Five Factor Personality

2007-03-21T18:18:00.000-04:00

I found this test on Sue's Blog, Good Yarns. Very funny, and in some way true.

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:

You have medium extroversion.
You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.
Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.
But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."

Conscientiousness:

You have high conscientiousness.
Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life.
Most things in your life are organized and planned well.
But you borderline on being a total perfectionist.

Agreeableness:

You have low agreeableness.
Your self interest comes first, and others come later, if at all.
In general, you feel that people are not to be trusted.
And you're skeptical that anyone else really feels differently.

Neuroticism:

You have high neuroticism.
It's easy for you to feel shaken, worried, or depressed.
You often worry, and your worries prevent you from living life fully.
You tend to be emotionally reactive and moody. Your either flying very high or feeling very low.

Openness to experience:

Your openness to new experiences is high.
In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.
You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.
A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Italian Blogging

2007-03-18T04:59:00.000-04:00

Lately I have been neglecting a bit this blog, and I'm very sad about it. The fact is that I have started working as a payed blogger. Can you believe it? Actually there is an Italian blog network, called Blogo.it, that publishes daily very focused webblogs on various subject. I have been recruited for the "women blog", it's called Pinkblog.it and it's taking a lot of my spare time!

I try to post as much as I can on Knit&Crochet, a practice not yet very fashionable and cool among the younger Italian ladies, and I hope it will get some attention thanks to me. It would be great.

That's why my last post was on Pam of Knotty Generation, I really think she's a very nice example of a woman who made her passion into a proper proper profession. I hope my Italian friends will take the example from her and from you all, passionate crocheters around the world!

Future projects

2007-03-09T14:30:00.000-04:00

This is what I'd like to realize this springtime :-) I already know that I will never have the time, but I'd love to!

Cloudy Crochet

Fashion crochet time

The complete tools, finally

The Yarn Addiction

I've got a French Knitter

Back to knits

Preparing for a sabbatical 5 months of knitting

Ferragamo crochet dress

Making gloves with i-cord? Genius!

Knitted shoe-covers by Dior and D&G, love them!

In love with Iceland

Rasta Hat - a simple pattern

A new book that I love: Reversible Knitting

baby booting

Putting some order on Ravelry

Crochet Autumn hat

Finished OWS with sleeves :)

OSW sleeves done, what's next?

New Chanel Hat, a desirable knit

OSW Knitting the sleeve

Back to knitting, or trying

Chick Sweater

Knitting New - difficult - Scarves

Baby Booties for big feet

Thank you so much for your support!

I'm afraid this blog is over

Happy Holidays!

Video Knitting lessons in Italian

Morgan Hat

Finally Foliage (hat)

Superfast baby hat - pattern

WWKIPD 2008 and knitout stash swap @ Milan

Hermes Knitted Hat

New Job

Happy Easter!

Clapotis update

Hats for friends

Tag Cloud on Cloudy Crochet

Loop Scarf, finished

Vogue Knitting Aklpaca Collection

Home Made Stitch Markers

Happy 2008!

Knit Cafe the Point

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop

Organizing my mess

I'm on Ravelry

101 Designer One-Skein Wonders

Hat + Neckwarmer, finished

My first Clapotis on the go

Help! NYC: Shops & Magazines?

Stitch 'n' Bitch Milan

Foliage hat with too many leaves

Oversized Beret

One Skein Wonder, in one week end

My So Called Scarf, finished!

Drops free patterns

Tulip baby booties

Brea Vs Creole

Fell in Love with BSJ

Counterfeit crochet project

More on hairpin lace

So Called projects going on

Ready to start "My So Called Scarf"

Starting to finish

Giles Deacon bulky scarf

Hairpin Crochet patterns and tutorials

Winter 2007/2008 projects

Assembling Brea

Not yet, but almost

I am a starter

Back in Town

Back to Umbria, back to crochet

I've got an award!

Knitting among flowers

Knitting with men

Knitting on the go

Knit, knit, no purl

Knitting all together in Milan

Preparing for the w.w.k.i.p.d.

Half Brea plus Pima Poncho