Handy

I saw this tutorial for a jar opener several weeks ago. I even managed to buy the non-slip cloth in the hardware store! Yesterday I finally got around to making it. It's a quick job. Since then I've seen a version with binding around the edge, which could be neater.

I really like this beach tote . It's made in raffia, which I don't have, but I think cotton yarn could also work. I did a sample.  The pattern is a little confusing in places, but I'm sure I'd get the hang of it if I worked at it. Mmm, not sure. I'll contemplate a little longer.

Candy Bracelet

I didn't use a pattern for this one, though it was inspired by a picture I saw on Pinterest. For my own record, each colour had a threaded length of 23 cm.

More Muted

Not quite as muted as it appears in the picture, because the lighter blocks are in gold. This one makes me think of a tiger. Tigers don't live in Africa (apart from a few in captivity) so that does nothing for my 'Africa theme'!

Vibrant

In the absence of feedback, I'm making this my go-to pattern. I'll work it in different colours when I don't feel like experimenting or trying out new patterns.

Tartan

Of the beaded sort. The pattern is by beadpet. It has a long threading chart, so you have to keep your wits about you, but it's straight forward enough.

The patterns I try don't always work for me. I don't like the pattern after all, or I don't like the colours I've chosen or whatever. I work a small sample, usually two repeats, before I decide whether to continue. Usually I unravel the failure, but there are a few samples lurking about:

The black loop isn't a failure, it's to practise making a loop. I will probably use it eventually.  I don't like the colours in the one on the left. My first attempt to crochet with a 12 bead circumference looks dreadful. The second one, far right, looks better, but I decided the effect wasn't worth the effort.

Onward, Onward

I set myself targets to create a stock of beaded crochet bracelets and necklaces for an open air market at the end of March. I'm not sure why I set myself targets, but there you go, works for me. I met those targets. But then the goalposts moved - the market was cancelled, along with any other possibility of selling the stock. Hmm. I took time out to sew curtains and face masks. That done, I contemplated how to continue. I've decided to go on crocheting. Presumably the markets will eventually reopen. I would have liked to have had some feedback, to get a clearer idea of what items and styles are likely to sell. With no feedback, I'll go on trying different patterns and honing my skills.

Here's a bracelet, 6 beads in circumference. I've been wanting to try one of these patterns that is in sections. The pattern repeat is very long, so for a bracelet, some of the sections are worked twice and some only once. The pattern is signed by shemazgut.

Happy Tatting Day

I don't suppose there will be much tatting in public today. Happy tatting anyway. I have sorted out my edging and am making progress now. I don't have any chocolate, but will drink a cup of cocoa later.