A friend made a comparison between what kids of today “want,” a cell phone, versus what she, herself as a kid, wanted: a 64-color crayon box. Truth: I wanted it also!
FLASHBOMB!
However, as a grown child of about tween-age, my favorite store in the world was Karl’s Hobbys & Crafts, behind the Loyala Theater in Westchester, California 90045. Both business, now defunct. From the minute I saw it, I must’ve begged – because I was a spoiled child – hard enough because I remember the day it became “my precious.” While color remains at the center of my creativity, I have explored other crafts: rocket building, believe it or not; fantasy gaming, macramé, among others, I’m sure.
Even today, I like to play around with design: here are a couple of afghan ideas, I have brewing in my head:
Black and White Seamless Pattern. Abstract Psychedelic Art Background. Vector Illustration. EPS10Black and White Seamless Pattern. Abstract Psychedelic Art Backg
My first impression from the images was that the baby is looking to the left. My first name desire was that song where she sings “to the left,” or something like that, but I could not recall the performer or the song name. However my English search by the word “left” did return a Spanish name meaning, a title I can identify with as well: With the Years That I Have Left.
The Infant Set
Well, we got an infant cardigan and bonnet that were pushed off on me, for finishing, again. Just sew in the ends, I was told. At least this time it was true, unlike the infant afghan, which is next. Please know that my complaints are tongue-in-cheek. I love to help; just don’t judge how I help!
I did have to do minimal seaming, some of which I did wrong, requiring a second attempt. Very odd seams I might add; maybe some form of darts?
The Yarn
Based on my years of experience as a hooker, I am pretty sure my assignments of worsted and acrylic are 99.9% true. The color: Cotton Candy Sugar Rush* or pastel multicolor made up of pink white and baby blue.
* Color name assignation per Hooker Leo, absent yarn label
OMG! I’m going to see The Boy in concert some time this year. I know. I am such an airhead I haven’t even checked when the concert date is yet. 🤓 😀 😜 So this was my inpiration; I think at the time I was laying this project out I had just acquired a $250.00 bill for ONE ticket to see The Boy at The Greek Theater of all places with my favorite band of all time: The B-52’s!
OMG! Did I mention I am going to see The Boy? 🙃😀
Karma Chameleon Afghan | USD $40.00
The Afghan
Designation:
ODDBALLS because I don’t have any yarn labels?
Charity because I received the unfinished project from a guild member who won the unfinished project from a guild meeting raffle?
A Hooker’s World because I still hold out hope that the right person will like my stuff and buy it?
Dimensions: 50 Length x 34 width, measured in inches Price: USD $40.00 is about worth my time and the possible development of additional tendonitis. 🙄
I received a huge bag of square motifs with a primary surplus of Caron One Pound and bits of color yarn. Admittedly, I had a hell of a time arranging the sqaures on my computer. Finally, I thought just keep it simple and shift the colors one column every row. Just when I had that thought I had learned that I was the proud owner of a Boy ticket and wanted to name an item for Culture Club becuase they were so inpsirational in my youth.
Anyhoo…it is pure coincidence that the arrangement of the motifs also represents the changing colors on a chameleon, a reptile I would love to possess as a pet. Then I’d have someone to hold hands with; Mojo doesn’t like to hold hands. 😓
With the left over motifs, I have plans to make a project bag; I am fortunate enough to have matched tension and can crochet the missing squares I might need. With the final motifs – larger than others – I will make something else. Perhaps something to throw at The Boy because if I am right, I think my seat is three rows behind the pit, center section!
Some of the motifs have yellowed; either from smoke or age, I’m not sure as they have had time to air out and I don’t remember how they smelled when I got them. 🤓 I will wash and hope for color balance. This may affect additional discounts on the price.
Care: Machine Washing and Drying: For best results, machine wash, using lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly. Or you may handwash and lay flat to dry. Color: 100 White Content: 100% Preumium Acrylic Weight: 4, Worsted
Unknown
Suggested Care: Machine wash, using lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on low. General Colors: Pink, Fucshia, Magenta, Purple, Blue, Green, Teal Believed Content: Acrylic Approximated Weight: 4, Worsted
I started the LBY Pound of Love to sew all the pieces together; at least one thing is consistent, as I believe some of the colors are different yarns, but the same weight and content.
Design Notes
Motifs were joined with top slip stitch because bottom created “valley.” I realize/think now that I should have slipped tops of double crocheted versus back/front loops. It doesn’t really matter because my tension was was a bit tight causing puckering. I am hoping a washing may relax the afghan. I actually like the puckering effect. I might try to achieve a much looser tension next time to relieve puckering.
I love the design and think the afghan is very attractive for its simplicity.
Who knew? I just went to the Craft Yarn Council to learn the weight of the Newton’s Yarn Country Softball Cotton and found out myself. I doubt I would ever use something that thick, but it’s nice to know.
FLASHBOMB!
