My next Tunisian project

So all of y'all know I'm into a Tunisian kick, right? I mean, how you could you NOT know if you read my blog, or visit my facebook page, or pay any attention to me at all?
Since my two washcloths turned out so well, and with minimal swearing, I decided to take it to the next level. No, not the multi-garment in the Craftsy class, not yet anyway :)
I found a pattern on Ravelry that stood out to me. I wear tank tops a lot, especially since I'm breastfeeding (still). I can pull my top shirt up, and the tank top down, and still be pretty modest. So, needless to say, I need more shirts to wear on the OUTSIDE. Enter amazing pattern I found:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/erin-16

I love the look of this. Simple, yet complex-looking. Perfect for wearing over my tanks, keeping me modest, and yet with enough ventilation to keep me cool (yeah, right) in the 105 degree weather the good ol' South is known for in the middle of summer.
I just so happened to have some pretty cool yarn I got from a swap, and I have never ever used anything like this. It is a blend of 50%wool and 50%hemp.

Yeah, I don't get it. Why would someone think to blend those fibers? Well, for this top, obviously. The hemp is a little scratchy, but it won't be worn next to the skin and is sure to soften up after washing. And the muted, dusky red won't make me look like... well... the I'm-trying-out-for-an-80's-music-video that real red always does to me. So, it's a win-win. Yarn that is beautiful, was free, can't be used for anything else (that I can think of) and an awesome pattern I can't wait to try.

Here's me so far:



Yeah, well, it's a work in progress.
I LOVE COMMENTS!! Please, tell me what you would use this yarn for, if not this top. Tell me if you think this top is amazing. Tell me anything! And thanks for reading about my journey <3

Tunisian!

Hi, all :) I've embarked on a journey of learning a new crochet technique and I wanted to share with you. I am learning Tunisian crochet!
  This is how this came about: I am a member of the Craftsy community. In craftsy you can access patterns for knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and so much more! You can also take online classes and workshops. Once you sign up for a class, you have access to it forever; it never runs out, and you can take it anytime. The lessons are featured in segments, videos that you can watch, pause, rewind, and they even have a "30 second repeat" feature that allows you to loop the last 30 seconds so you can watch over and over. This is especially helpful if there is a certain part that you can't quite get the first time. The instructions are very clear, they come with downloadable patterns and supply lists, as well as resources. If you haven't been to Craftsy yet, you should definitely check them out :)
  I enrolled myself in a Tunisian Crochet class, taught by Jennifer Hansen (click link and scroll to the bottom.) I have always loved the look of basic Tunisian, and how dense the resulting fabric could be. Perfect for pot-holders and trivets. But lately, I've been seeing Tunisian patterns for all kinds of beautiful garments and accessories that are NOT dense at all, but rather have a flowy drape to them that is very appealing to me. This is what decided me that I needed to learn this new technique. So I got started...
  I followed the step-by-step video instructions, watching as she showed the anatomy of a Tunisian stitch and listening to her descriptions of different stitches. And, VOILA!

  My very first completed Tunisian project: a bamboo washcloth!
  I am so happy with this, I have been using it since the day it came off the hook. Then I went on to the next lesson in the class, Tunisian colorwork. This time, she showed how to make the exact same washcloth, but in three different colors. She showed the exchange of colors on each end of the project, and how using different colors actually makes it EASIER, as you can see your stitches in previous rows so much better. I decided to use this knowledge to make a washcloth for my oldest son. I didn't want to use the pattern, though, as he is almost 13 and I figured he would want something a little more simple with no "frills," so to speak. Clean lines and simplicity all the way. And so...

Hooray! Another Tunisian project hot off the hook! 100% cotton, this time. I couldn't be happier with how the three-color system works, making my life way easier and ending with a finished product that looks so much more intricate than it actually is.
  I watched the next lesson in the class that talked about color choices, and how to make a color palette from a picture. After completing this lesson, I created a new board on my Pinterest account dedicated to color schemes and palettes, so that every time I see an amazing pic online, I can create a colorway from it.
  Next, I will be learning all the different stitches and exchanges necessary to create this multi-garment:
http://www.stitchdiva.com/merchandising-categories/craftsy/kit-tunisian-multi-garment-plie-beaded-plie


This is so exciting! I hope you will follow my progress, and maybe even be inspired to take a Craftsy class. They are a magnificent value for the money, and they offer such classes as artisan bread baking, chocolate cakes, gardening, cloth dying, spinning fibers, and so much more. 


Thanks for reading!

Stocking at Luna's Gate Tuesday! (7/3)

Rows and Roses is excited and honored to be guesting at Luna's Gate Congo on HC for the July 3 stocking! This is such a talented bunch of hard-working mamas, I am thrilled to have my for-sale items stocked amid their gorgeous jewelry, diapers, and knitted objects, just to name a few. 


Doodle's Jewels is stocking some awesome hand-made jewelry 
She has been doing this for a long time, and she has a super-good eye for color and texture that really compliment each other. 


Cloth Indulgence also has some beautiful stuff. Her diapers 
are turned and topstitched, and made with hand-dyed bamboo velour.






And then there's Do-Hickies and Thing-a-majigs, who has 
lots of hand-made jewelry, stitch markers, and some crocheted goodies.





Healing Gems also has jewelry. Just look at this 
super-cute turtle necklace on leather cord she made. If this doesn't get gone, I may just buy it myself! ;)






J.B Treasures crochets out-and-about sets that include machine-washable 
stroller blanket and squishy-soft lovey with organic wooden teething ring to keep baby happy while you're on the go.




Oak n' Willow makes pretty and functional PUL  drawstring bags, perfect 
for wet swimsuits, mama cloth, and many other uses. She also has a gorgeous pair of knitted shorties on SALE PRICE, knitted on Mosaic Moon "Color Crawl" wool.






And hanging out right here in the middle of all of this amazing, hand-made goodness is Rows and Roses! I will be stocking some hand-painted Merino yarn 


a beach bag/market tote 


and some 100% cotton dish cloths 


among other things :) I have some shorties, a soaker, some produce bags... You'll just have to take a look! Come on by and check out the stocking on Tuesday. I bet you don't leave empty handed, I know I won't.