Last week, while I was in Friday Harbor, my friend Angela watched my kids for several days–the ship was out and James gone with it. I wanted to make Angela a little something as a thank you, and since she is going to Vancouver in a couple of weeks to watch the olympics, I was inspired by the traditional art of Northwest Coast Indians which often uses black, red and white. (Of course, my crocheted headband is also a nod to the Dale of Norway “Team Norway” sweater which uses the same colors. Were they inspired by the traditional northwest art as well?)
Here’s the wave chart created using my newly acquired illustrator skills learned in a class at the Visionary retreat. The chart is adapted from a chart in Interweave’s new Harmony Guide to color work patterns.
To make the headband, I made a chain long enough to wrap around my head, then adjusted the stitch count to be a multiple of six–which is the length of the repeat of the chart (above). Be sure your chain is not very tight.
Work the first row of sc into the back bump of the chain. Join to begin working in the round–be careful not to twist your chain (it is hard to see when using black yarn, so take your time.)
The rest of the head band is worked in single crochet through the back loop only. Work one more round in black, then work a round alternating red and black yarn every other stitch. (Remember, when working colorwork, work the last yarn over of the single crochet before changing colors in the NEW color so that the top loop of your new color stitch will be the correct color.)
Here’s a little video I made last year about changing colors in crochet:
Work one round in black after the red/black row, then work the wave chart. After finishing the chart, work two rounds of black, then a final red/black row, and one last round of black. Fasten off and weave in ends. Enjoy!
I do want to particpate in the Knitting Olympics, but I haven’t picked a specific project. I think I will use the event to finish up UFOs and patterns already on my to do list.
I did start cast on for a new hat last night that wasn’t on my list, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. I’m working it in Malabrigo Merino Chunky in my new Addi Clicks, which for some reason I like even better than the regular Addis. I won’t be watching the opening ceremonies in real time because for some reason on the West Coast they’re not showing them live! But I’ll catch up tonight after I get back from a Copper River Drifters rehearsal. Tomorrow night we’re performing at a Valentine’s dance.