Karoo Vintage Mystery Crochet Along

The Woodland Colours would not leave me alone – I really should NOT have started another project, I have so many WIPs knock-knock-knocking on my conscience but when there is a creative itch that strong – there is nothing for it but to give in!

Along came Jen Tyler with the lure of her Karoo Vintage Mystery Crochet Along – I can’t seem to resist a CAL and I love a mystery. I love the sense of community that builds up around crochet-alongs. So, with my sensible head telling me not to, I started the Karoo Vintage Mystery Along back in July.

Crocheting along with Jen is like going on a crochet Safari, one never knows what is around the corner – it is a rocky road and not for the faint-hearted, be prepared for a challenge! She does not have her patterns tested before publishing them and so there is the odd mistake. She gets her puffs and popcorns mixed up on the video so one has to remain alert and cross-check with the written pattern. But her patterns are still worth the effort.

You can see more photos of the stages of this one on my Ravelry Page,

If I made this pattern again (I will NEVER make this pattern again!) I would make changes to simplify it and add to the stitch count in certain rounds which pull the work too tight – that middle dark brown section for instance.

But! it is done and it is an amazing piece. The details are extraordinary. I learnt a lot. – it is finished apart from about a month’s worth of ends to sew in! Yikes!

It is worked in Stylecraft Special DK and a 4.5mm hook and it measures 1.5m square.

The colours I used are as follows: Gold, Lime, Claret, Burgundy, Copper, Tomato, Bottle, Pistachio, Mustard, Khaki, Spice, Walnut, Dark Brown, Meadow, Cypress.

I did enjoy making it, but I have to admit it was an effort to finish it: mainly because I have no specific use for it and it does not go with any of the colours in my house. But I am sure that by the time all those dratted ends are sewn in it will have found a home and a purpose.

Remind me, I must not be tempted by another Crochet Along until I have finished the 8 blankets for my 8 grandchildren ……. oh wait – I’m doing one now! with Attic24.

What can I say, I am a hopeless case.

Silent Sunday in the Karoo

Karoo Vintage Mystery Along

Jen Tyler of Hooks ‘n’ Tails is another fabulously creative crochet designer.

Her style takes a bit of getting used to

but so worth it if you can cast pre-conceived ideas to the wind and go with her!

This pattern is a Mystery even to Jen herself, she is making it up as she goes along and each week gives us another few rows to work on. The pattern starts with a flower and then We’re OFF! on a voyage of discovery.

Texture, overlay and all sorts of avant garde instructions follow.

If it were not for the videos, I don’t think I would ever be able to follow the patterns. They are clear and well written but the stitches and methods of achieving them are unconventional, often taking a bit of working out and it makes my head spin.

Even the videos are not easy to follow.

They are not tutorial videos, but more Jen racing along with her crochet hook and me scampering behind trying hard to keep up! Sometimes I re-play the video 4 or five times to work things out.

I have just arrived at the end of Part 3 and it measures 67cm (26″)  square.

This project is like going on a Crochet Safari – you have to keep your wits about you and you never know what exciting new experience is round the next corner.

It is fun! And I have to concentrate so hard that all other worries melt away for hours on end – so therefore it also gets to be relaxing.

If you want a crochet adventure, this is definitely the right pattern for you!

There are plenty of other brave explorers who have picked up the challenge and you can see all their amazing work on Instagram, Facebook and Ravelry.

Details:

Karoo Vintage Mystery along by Jen Tyler

4.5mm hook and Stylecraft Special DK in woodland colours.

I loved working with Woodland colours for my Woodland Ripple so much, I was just waiting for another project in which I could use them again.

Joining in with Ginny’s monthly Yarn Along.

I rarely read books nowadays but I do listen to stories and dramas on the Radio whilst I crochet and The Little Ottleys has been a delight to listen to whilst going on safari in the Karoo.