sharp

 There aren't many gadgets or things to buy in the world of crochet (luckily as the yarn is a big enough expense!) so when I heard about a special hook I was keen to know more. It's a sharp crochet hook, designed to push through fabric easily, to crochet borders etc on fabric. It arrived in my letterbox last week and I was keen to try it out.

I'm finding it really hard to find summer tops in natural fabrics this year (ones within my budget that is) and I thought I'd have a go at making my own. I cut up a top I had in my wardrobe that I liked the style but not the print to get a pattern. This is my "calico" and first attempt at using the pattern, I think it needs a few changes but it is good enough to wear. I made it from some soft striped linen that was only $2.50 a metre from Designer Textiles (have you been there yet?). I used the hook to crochet a border on the hem. I was impressed with how the hook worked and found it easy to use. I think a firmer weave fabric would make it easier though. I've got all sorts of ideas in my head now about making some summer skirts for miss E a bit like these ones.

 I've started another top too with a crochet bodice a bit like this one, but as I was in such a hurry and I'm not so much into measuring, and I was making it up as I went along -  it didn't quite work the first time. So I had to undo most of it and start again, which means of course it is taking longer - should have just measured!