Hi friends!

I started this blog last week, the day after my birthday... not really sure if blogging was right for me.  One short week later, I have no doubt in my mind that this is something I really enjoy.  I have since registered a domain name and will be blogging from this page: http://positivelylace.com/.

Please visit me there, and I hope you enjoy my blog!

Erica

Monster in Law Crochet Poncho

Crochet: Monster in Law Poncho

Image From the movie Monster in Law, 2005

It wasn't the first time I had watched the movie Monster in Law starring Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, nor was it the first time I fell in love with this crocheted poncho that Jennifer Lopez's character (Charlie) wears in the movie.  In fact, I think I fell in love with everything that she wore in this movie!  So much so that I actually looked up who the costume designer was and was surprised to find it was Kim Barrett, the costume designer from Romeo+Juliet, The Matrix, and more.  

Image From the movie Monster in Law, 2005

Anyways, I was watching t.v. one Saturday last October and this movie was on.  I hadn't seen it in a few years so I decided to watch it.  Instantly I remembered watching this years before and admiring the poncho; I loved the way it fell off one shoulder, the v-shape in the front, the fuzziness of the yarn, the combinations of the colors, the tassels... I needed to find this pattern! After a little googling, I found a link to a free pattern and started shopping for yarn.

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I didn't like the look of the yarn that was used in the pattern so I chose to use Jo-Ann Sensations Angel Hair yarn, it had the exact texture and colors that I wanted for this pattern.  I also purchased the biggest crochet hook I've ever used (Q-19/15.75 mm) going up a size from the one indicated in the pattern (P-15/10mm) to give my poncho the same open lacy look as the one in the movie.  

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The pattern was extremely simple and easy to follow, and after re-doing this a couple times to get the shape the way I wanted, I finished it in about a day.  Looking back on it, I should have made a gauge swatch.  I don't know what it is with me, I just get so excited to make something that I assume I know more than a swatch, then I inevitably end up making mistakes.  I am promising myself that from now on I will make a gauge swatch (for clothing at least).  My poncho ended up shorter in the back and a little too long in front.  Live and learn, when I make this again (totally making it again) I will take better precaution.

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Skill Level: Easy

Size: One Size

This free pattern is available Here from Lion Brand Yarn

Lacy Tunic

Crochet: Lacy Tunic

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This beautiful lace tunic was made by holding two strands of cotton thread together.  The pattern 

consists of three different motifs that are joined together as you go to form the body of the garment.  This tunic can be worn over a bathing suit for a fun summer look, or you could wear it over a tight fitting black dress with added belt for a classy evening look. 

This was actually my first attempt at making anything "lacy" as I had never worked with thread or crochet hooks this small before.  Having successfully completed my Avalon Top with its comparably intricate motifs, I was ready to gain some valuable lace-making experience. 

The pattern itself was simple enough to follow, I recommend having experience with crochet motifs in general.  I did, however, encounter some difficulty with joining the motifs (see diagram below).  I was able to join the motifs as shown, but when it came time to connect the arms and sides, well I don't know what I did wrong (if, in fact, I did anything wrong) but it just looked a bit awkward.  

Also, the size of the tunic was a little bit too large for my preference, especially the large bell-like sleeves.  I would like to work this pattern again once I gain more experience in designing a pattern to fit, possibly even omitting the second strand of crochet thread.  I think that this tunic would look beautiful in almost any color, and has great potential for individual customizations!   

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My finished Lacy Tunic with, apparently, the only belt I own. 

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Lace motifs being joined as I go.

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My finished Lacy Tunic sans belt. 

Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Sizes: Ladies one size fits most

Materials: 

• 12 Balls of Aunt Lydia's "Classic Crochet" size 10 cotton thread, black.
• Crochet hook F-5 (3.75mm).
• Yarn needle.

This pattern is available for free Here from Coats & Clark