Saturday 29 May 2021

So, this Looping..

I actually have no idea what this method of creating a blanket is actually called. I’ve referred to it as Looping because that makes sense to me, and there’s nothing on the yarn label to suggest a method name.
It all started when I crocheted a baby blanket from a soft, fleecy, tactile and thick yarn. Quick to come together and not difficult. Perfect for me. My nephew and his partner are expecting a baby girl in July, so this was for them. Well technically it’s for the baby, but you know what I mean.
My sister was very taken with the soft, tactile yarn and whined that she wanted a lap blanket too. I directed her to the correct section of the Wool Warehouse website and told her that if she ordered the yarn, I’d crochet her a blanket. After all, it’s a nice thing to offer to do  - and it stopped her whining. 

Of course, it did not occur to me to exercise any erm, control over her choice, after all, I knew she was in the right section for the big balls of quick to crochet thick fleecy stuff. Trust her then, to stray. Less than a few days later, a big bag of balls of lovely bright multicoloured yarn arrived and, weird, it was loopy. Having tried and failed to teach her to crochet, I knew I wasn’t going to get much interest when I told her how strange it was and what a b**** it would be to crochet, I mean, how big was I going to have to make the stitches, and how on earth would I be able to distinguish them from the weird loops afterwards? I did a chain of about 25 very loose stitches and 2 rows of very loose crocheting later, had used a whole ball and had something that was a soft and tactile pile of mess, frankly. 


I had a word with the Sissy. She said something that amounted to ‘oh I don’t care how it looks, I just want a lovely soft blanket to sit under whilst I watch TV’. Which she thought let me off the (crochet) hook, but in fact, made it worse because I knew I couldn’t do it. And going on the sample piece, it would require about 300 balls. And they’re a tenner each. 
Now, in these circumstances, my procrastination gene would usually kick in and I would subconsciously set the whole thing aside to erm, well let’s say - think about. But the other of my big problems is an unfairly large share of the guilt gene. I worried that Sissy had spent a ridiculous amount of money on this yarn and that I wasn’t as capable as she thought. Or indeed that I’d led her to believe. I was noodling over this with a ball of the yarn in my lap when I noticed the two icons on the label that indicate no crochet and no knit. Duh, how had I missed that?  And what to do? Took the band off and was led to a You Tube vid that showed me how to loop the yarn together. 
Genius. No tools required, but a flat surface helps. Basically, lay a row of yarn above a row of yarn and pull the loops of the top row through the loops of the below row in an ‘under through and up’ technique.


It is easy. A bit tricky as the blanket grows in size because you have to be able to reach the top row and it really helps to keep it flat...turns out tension is an issue. But not as big an issue as not having the yarn flat too, and missing a loop. Makes a big hole, I can tell you. So I’m in the habit of checking every 20cms or so. Much easier to undo a short length than a million rows, believe me. It’s fascinating stuff. I haven’t quite worked out how I’m going to cast off, but I’m miles off needing to know, so will save the you Tube search for nearer the time. It’s such a rabbit hole, isn’t it, You Tube. 
You need to maintain a persistent tension or you can see the rows changing, especially from the back; the er.....knots(?) are a tell tale and you can see it in the hang of the blanket too. This particular yarn is superbly random, but there are some lovely loopy single colour alternatives if you’re interested. But, um, don’t ask me to do another. 10 balls of this and it may be more than the yarn that’s a bit loopy. See what I did there? Yep, maybe expected, and I hate to disappoint.
I’d also like to point out that this isn’t a paid advertorial, it’s my real life happenings and I mention where the yarn came from to save you having to ask. 

18 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

And you save me from ever, ever wanting to take that up as a hobby! Seriously, you did a great job and Sissy will surely be proud.

Helen said...

Well that was nothing like I thought it was going to be... I do love the colours though and it does look superbly soft and snuggly. I hope Sissy will be suitably impressed with your prowess.

craftyani said...

Looks impresive but not for me bet its fiddly to do and how do you stop the loops from coming undone. Good luck with it and let us see the finished result. Ani

Sue said...

Julia, I am loving the look of it. Hope your sister appreciates you making it for her.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Christine said...

Wow! That's different! Knitting without needles! Gorgeous result, Sissy will love it

Annie said...

Absolutely gorgeous. Never seen it before but I love it and am sure your sister will too. Sitting snuggled up watching telly under a blanket made with love (and maybe a few swear words)....what’s not to love? Thanks for the lesson.
Hugs,
Annie x

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Ahh totally loopy to attempt it but well done on perseverance! Julia am quite sure you’ve won the award there, and I so know what you mean about the guilt gene, think women have it more than men or maybe that’s just brothers!
Thanks for Sharing, God bless and keep you safe, and all those you love, hugs Shaz in Oz.x

{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Carol Anne said...

I think I would have thrown all those balls of loopy yarn in my sister's yard. You're much nicer and have more patience than I do!

Mary Anne said...

Yep, I get it. It reminds me of that ladder-yarn that you could make frilly scarves from, forget what that is called but a similar sort of concept, except you DO need to use a crochet hook to make it work. I'll admit, this is a nifty idea and I'm with Sissy, in that having a large, fluffy, warm blankie that you can keep on your lap while watching TV is fab - maybe not this time of year, but as the days get colder staying warm while making the thing sounds like a win/win! Now, if they have it is teal and orange and fuscia or some other bright but not primary colours I might be tempted....

MA

Susan Renshaw said...

It looks amazing! If I hadn't got rather a lot
Of UFO's, I might have a go...

Empire of the Cat said...

Wow that is really interesting, not seen that before! Elle #35 this week

roffeycreations said...

Oh My - this is gorgeous yarn - I had a go a crochet back in the day - all squares or circles - never kept on with it after everything I made dissappeared out of my house LOL! But this loooks very interesting - Stay safe & well - Cheers Maurs xxx

Lynnecrafts said...

well done you! I've never heard of it. I hope your sister's happy, they're lovely colours
hugs
Lynnecrafts x

Ali Wade Designs said...

My confused brain would need to see that demonstrated by video or right in front of me! Ali x

Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith said...

That looks wonderful, Julia - so happy and bright and looks incredibly soft too! Great for next winter - a bit too hot for it now LOL.

Kelly said...

oooo... I love this! (closing eyes. don't need a new project) But I am quite familiar with the YouTube rabbit hole. I'm there daily either being inspired or recording my own video. :-) Creative Blessings! Kelly

Grollibot said...

I am the Sissy in question and I absolutely love it. My Sissy rocks!!! Oh and she really does carry the guilt gene. I don't do guilt (very often)

Lisa-Jane said...

Well I think it's super! A happy accident for sure - I'm so in love with the rainbow randomness!