When Scrappy Isn't

When I began making a wrap out of my scrap yarn last month it was to solve a problem: my scrap yarn basket was so packed it kept spilling every time I moved it. I never throw away leftover yarn, either, so I always look for scrappy projects I can make with it.

At the same time I was test swatching different patterns to find one I liked for the Sweet Roll yarn I'd thrifted, and really liked this Afternoon Wrap pattern I found over on Yarnspirations. I just worried I'd get bored with making the same simple stitch over and over, so I went with another pattern.

Of course still wanting to know if I'd get bored with the stitch for the wrap I wasn't going to make, I decided to working a couple rows in scrap yarn and see how it went. That was March 17th.

To be honest, I really didn't think about the wrap or my color choices very much; I just pulled balls of yarn at random from my basket and used them. If I didn't like the color that came out, I put it back and picked another one. I didn't mind that I ended up with a couple of streaks of oddball color from striping and variegated scraps, but just put my faith in the process and let it happen. I also used up every bit of the scrap yarn I pulled from the basket before I joined another color. Thirteen days later on March 30th, I finished making the wrap using only scrap yarn.

Seriously now, is it perfect? Nope. Are the colors suitable the way I used them? Probably not. I don't care. Everytime I used up a scrap ball I smiled. What really wowed me was seeing what it looked like after I finished the final row. The end result didn't look like a scrap project. It looked intentional and beautiful.

I used up half of the yarn in my scrap basket, so mission accomplished. I recommend this wrap pattern if you don't mind repetitive stitches; it works up fast, and comes out looking really nice.

Comments

Future Me, Checking In

The new thrifting & crochet blog has been such a joy for me to write that I'm now more than a month ahead on pre-written posts. Because I would prefer to be only a week ahead, I'm going to be doubling up for the next few weeks so I can stop getting so far ahead of myself. I think the reason I'm all about crochet these days is that I have no real limitations in regard to it. That has not been the case with quilting and embroidery, so it's a lovely change. I'm still as fast as I used to be when I was younger, too, thank goodness. I began this Iris throw (more on that in a few days) on January 27th, and this is how much I had finished as of last night (2/10). I have two or three more days of work to do and it will be finished. I needed some joy in my life, and this blog and all things crochet are providing that for me. I really couldn't ask for more. Stay tuned to see what I'm getting myself into this year, and how happy it's making me -- a...

Bucket List

This year I'll turn 65, so I am starting to put together a crochet bucket list. It's not because I think I'll be kicking the bucket any time soon, but while I'm still around there are some projects I'd like to make. It's also fun to compile a list of dream projects. This crochet version of a double wedding ring quilt definitely tops my list. I have a nice little collection of these quilts, and it would be fun to crochet one. When I first saw the Aura Mosaic Crochet Blanket I knew I wanted to make it. It's not that I dislike all the brightly colored Persian tile type projects, I just gravitate more toward earthy and nature-inspired palettes. This one is simply stunning. I'd really like to crochet a light and lacy duster like this one from Red Heart to wear. Mine would likely end up being a mossy shade of green or off-white. Speaking of mossy greens, this Mirrored Leaves throw was on the cover of the catalog that Herrschners sent wit...

Eight Plus Numbers

When I was looking up the retail on the small lot of yarn plus a tapestry kit I got a lot of surprises. This Red Heart Roll with It Sparkle skein in "Diamonds" was actually a cake that sells $10.99 on Yarnspirations. The lot included two Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo skeins, which retail for $8.99 each, and stuck in the center of the buff color I found a 5.5 mm crochet hook. This is a skein of 100% Icelandic wool, which can be really expensive. It's marked with a price tag of $7.00, and I found it selling for $8.00 online. The needlepoint kit is the biggest surprise of all. It makes a pillow, and hails from the UK, where it sells for £45.00 ($60.76 US). Since it's flamingos I definitely have to finish it if I can. Altogether my eight plus lot retails for $125.04; I paid $21.30 total for the lot with the buy-it-now option and one penny shipping. I indeed got a very nice bargain.

Thrifty Crochet

Search This Blog