:: New ways with rick rack

Posted by Joelle on July 9, 2008 | Permalink

I’m a big fan of rick rack. I have a bag of it in my sewing box, but frankly, though I often take it out to see if it would enhance a bit of sewing, I never seem to find opportunities to use it. It seems often just a bit too twee and retro for what I’m after.

However, having stumbled across this blanket tutorial over at Purl Bee, I have found a rather charming way of using it. Instead of just stitching it on as zig zag trim, it is sandwiched between two layers with the tips pointing out. I guess that doesn’t take a huge leap of imagination, and it’s simple enough to do, but I wouldn’t have come up with it, so I thought I’d share the idea.

My blanket is for the soon-due baby of a friend. She’s going to be called Poppy, and will have a very stylish mother, so it seemed the perfect opportunity to use this lovely bold fabric from Marimekko. Oh how I love their prints! Add some orange jumbo rick rack, and a very well matched yellow green fleece from Ikea et voila. I’m thinking of quilting around the flower outlines. Good idea?

Categories: blogs, craft, tutorial
Tags: baby blanket, marimekko, rick rack

3 comments

:: Square-o-rama!

Posted by Kirsty on February 28, 2008 | Permalink

So, I’ve made a lot of squares. A lot of squares. Soon these squares will become a blanket, bordered in beautiful sage green yarn, but until I begin that task, I’m quite happy looking at my pile of squares.

It’s actually quite useful that I’m behind schedule on this project - the intended recipient is due in two weeks and I thought I’d have it done by now - as whenever I make or buy a present for someone I get childishly impatient to give it to them. Partly, it’s that I’m so excited that I’ve found or made something that I’m really pleased with and I want the person to be able to enjoy it straight away, but partly it’s that I’m scared someone will give them the same or a cooler present before I get to! I know, I’m a loon.

Categories: craft
Tags: baby blanket, crochet, squares

1 comment

:: I’m hooked!

Posted by Kirsty on January 4, 2008 | Permalink

So, on Christmas Eve I learnt to crochet. My auntie taught me, because we’re both left-handed and we do it all backwards and upside down but the results are just as good! I really like crochet - it’s quicker than knitting, so you can see results much sooner, and I’m loving the new patterns that I can make with yarn. I tried a few granny squares, learnt to make circles (resulting in a rather fetching but quite random bowl), then got on with the baby blanket above for my friend’s impending arrival. I’m pleased with it, though some of my stitches are a bit loose; I’ll work on my tension for my next effort.

After hooking with my auntie, I’m all excited for some crocheting friends, so whether you’re a newbie or a pro, please drop me a comment!

Categories: adventure, craft
Tags: baby blanket, crochet, learning

5 comments