Happy Crafter

Do you know what Sue is doing in this photo? 

The hint is in her lap.

Yes, winter is on the way, and Sue is crocheting another afghan or throw as is her usual winter habit. Note: spellcheck does not like afghan, but that is what we have called them here in the Great White North.

Sue wasn't sure if she would be physically able to crochet this year because she has developed a pain in her right hand. However, she has adjusted how she holds the needle, and it's working for her. In fact, it is working so well that she is already about halfway through her supposed winter project — before the end of October, if you please. Somehow, I suspect there will be another afghan or two crocheted this season.

Now,  let's go back to the photo and try to figure out what is going on.

Sue tends to choose some pretty complex patterns that require sophisticated stitching. She watches a video that explains the stitches and process, and she makes notes accordingly, learning as she goes. For example: the stitch at the top of this photo is a popcorn stitch. It took a little time, patience and work to master it, but of course she did.

This newest throw pattern is called Winter White

Below, are a few other throws that Sue has crafted over the years. The cream afghan at the top is is the first one of the two that she crocheted last winter. The pattern is called Celtic Cable, and of course, involved a cable stitch, which Sue does not want to try ever again as it required much unravelling and remaking before she mastered it. If you are interested in obtaining the directions click here for the instructional video, but be advised that it is 90+ minutes long.

The Peppermint throw is bottom left in the above photo. It is gorgeous and brighter than it looks in the photo. Although Sue had made other afghans before this, this one was the first really complicated pattern that she followed via video. She crafted four of these before she moved on to the green throw, which is called Christmas Poinsettia link. It was a very difficult task for it also involved cross-stitching mixed in with the crocheting. 

Currently on our bed, below, is the second afghan that she made last year, one that she made without following a pattern. She had lots of wool left over from the Celtic Cable throw, so this was how she used it.

As you can see, our household fur-thing likes it well enough.

As awkward as the new grip is for Sue, or was at the beginning, it is great that she found a new way to hold the needle so that she can do what she loves to do in the long cold season.