Tuesday, October 1, 2013

How low can you go? A low-volume prairie chic experiment

Sorting through my stash the other day, I gathered all the neutral yarns together and thought they made a pretty pile.  It got me to thinking about creating something low-volume-ish in crochet.  Of course there are limitations with regards to yarn.  First I was playing around with what I had on hand in my cupboard.  I wasn't going to run out just yet and buy up more yarn (although the thought crossed my mind, and I was momentarily giddy with the idea.)  Second, yarn was just a flat color or variegated, no dots or plaids, stripes or paisleys to add interest.  Third and most important, I wanted to add subtle hints of color without creating something resembling a baby blanket of pastels.
This is the quilt I'm working on at the moment.  Not really following a pattern here, in fact after I made a few of these blocks, the finished size came out just under 9 1/2 inches.  I don't know how that happened, but at least they're all consistent and that's what matters in the end when you start sewing them all together.  The block is a lazy version mix between a churn dash and a prairie queen block.  I'm trying to keep the colors muted and blended, as opposed to the usual contrasting found in quilting.  This is taking me longer than normal because I'm spending a long time sorting and playing with fabric.  And I must say it's very enjoyable.
Any who, back to the yarn.

Not sure if I'm going to keep going and make a full crocheted blanket, but at this point I have at least one half of a cushion cover.

Hmmmmm.  Not quite as low as I wanted to go, but as Arthur told Babe at the end of the day...

"That'll do pig.  That'll do."



16 comments:

  1. I like it! Keep going - I think it'd be beautiful big!

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  2. I think both projects are beautiful, they remind me of the subtle changes in color of this time between late summer and Fall.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  3. These are so fabulous! I love them both-especially the quilt. So soft looking. Keep going ; )

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  4. I love the softer hues you are working with. Sometimes it is fun to mix it up and do something we normally wouldn't do. If I ever finish the squares I am working on now, I will be needing to do a stashbuster!!
    xo Kris

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  5. I love them both and sometimes subtle is good. Philippa xx

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  6. That is such a delicate coluur scheme, i like it! And I also remember Babe, what a nice story that is.
    KATRIN W.

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  7. Beautiful idea! I've seen it before in quilts, and think it can work wonderfully in crochet.

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  8. Comfy, cozy, cuddle up colors. :) The neutrals and low volume colors make your quilt and granny squares look like they may have come out of grandma's cedar chest...don't stop...so pretty! penny x

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  9. Wow - what a pretty blanket. I have never made something so neutral, didn't think I would like it but this is beautiful. You have changed my mind. What a charming post, too. Thanks.

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  10. Just delightful....i really really like these colour combos, i do think a blanket would be beautiful in those shades,.......love the quilt too.......i wouldnt have the patience to make a quilt, so i always admire anyone who has this skill at there finger tips...xx

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  11. Love the muted colors in your basket and in your quilt. Have fun with your Granny squares whatever they end up being. I like the pillow idea. It would look nice as a set with your quilt.

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  12. two lovely pig blankets happening there, you certainly have lots of low volume!!

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  13. I love the colors, really soft & restful.
    Am inspired Lynne
    Can't wait to see how you go
    Karen x

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  14. Both of those are looking so wonderfully soft and faded--what a gorgeous palette. I love the layout of the quilt. I am, as usual, madly inspired!

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  15. Loving the soft, restful colours of both your lovely quilt and the new crochet Lynne. It's so good to do a neutral project now and then as a sort of palette cleanser I think! Just such lovely pale colours.

    Gill xx

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You guys are awesome! Thank you for the comments!