Movie Monday: Sylvia

Since a collection of Sylvia Plath’s poems is one of the only books of poetry I own, I was really interested in watching the biopic of her life. Dark, both visually and topically, Sylvia, used knitwear to illustrate yet another layer of the color of one poet’s perpetual despair.

Gwyneth Paltrow as “Sylvia”, wearing a Garter Stitch Scarf

Sylvia’s “daughter”, wearing a Raglan Sleeve Cardigan

Aran Knit Pullover

Sylvia’s “son”, wearing Seed Stitch Jacket

Recommended Knitting:

Caron’s Boston Cardigan, by Susan Shildmyer

Caron’s Baby Hat & Jacket, by Treva McCain

Star Stitch Scarf (from Craft Hope), by VH

The Ubiquitous Garter Stitch Scarf, by Jenna Wilson

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

See more Movie Monday posts here!

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Amigurum-tree: Crocheted Tree Ornament!

 

Materials

Simply Soft Party, in colors: Spring Sparkle(MC) & Fuchsia Sparkle (CC)

Size US H (8) Crochet Hook

Tapestry Needle

Sequin or Beads

Hot Glue Gun or Needle & Thread

 

Finished Size

2″ Tall (excluding loop)

 

Special Abbreviation

sc2tog= single crochet two stitches together

 

Directions

Tree Body:

Using MC, ch 24. Sl st in 1st ch to join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Rnd 1: Ch1, sc in next ch and all the way around. Join with a sl st. (23)

Rnd 2: Join CC. Repeat Rnd 1.

Rnd 3: With MC, ch1, sc2tog, *2sc, sc2tog; repeat from * to last st, sc. Join with a sl st. (18)

Rnd 4: With CC, repeat Rnd 1.

Rnd 5: With MC, ch1, *sc2tog, sc; repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st. (13)

Rnd 6: With CC, repeat Rnd 1.

Rnd 7: With MC, ch1, *sc2tog; repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st. (7)

Rnd 8: With CC, repeat Rnd 1.

Rnd 9: With MC, repeat, Rnd 7. (3) DO NOT TIE OFF.

Hanging Loop:

Ch 8; tie off. Fold chain in half to form loop; use tapestry to push tail through to underside; knot in place.

Tree Base:

Using MC and magic loop method, 6sc in center of loop. Pull tight to close loop. Join rnd with a sl st.

Rnd 1: Ch1, sc in base of ch, 2sc in every sc around. Join with a sl st. (12)

Rnd 2: Ch1, 2sc, *sc, 2sc; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (18)

Rnd 3: Ch1, 2sc, *sc [twice], 2sc; rep from to last st, sc. Join with a sl st. (24)

Tie off, leaving 6″ tail.

 

Finishing

Stuff remaining tail ends from tree body, inside of it. Stuff with additional yarn scraps until tree feels firm.

Sew tree base onto tree body, using tail & tapestry needle.

Embellish by hot glueing or sewing sequin to the tree. Hang & enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

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Movie Monday: Surviving Christmas

Over the weekend Surviving Christmas came on TBS as we were decorating our tree. I definitely wouldn’t call it a holiday classic (man, 2003-2004 was a rough movie-making time for Ben Affleck), but it does have a great cast and plenty o’ featured knitwear!

James Gandolfini as “Tom”, in a traditional Christmas Fair Isle Pullover

Christina Applegate as “Alicia”, in a Garter Stitch Hat

Catherine O’Hara as “Christine”, wearing a Ribbed Hat.

“Alicia”, wearing a Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater.

“Christine”, wearing a Crocheted Stripe Scarf.

Recommended Stitching:

Dave 2.0 Scarf

Caron’s Poinsettia Scarf, by Kim Guzman

Christmas Past Sweater, by Dale Long

Perfect Christmas Jumper, by Just Call me Ruby

VH for Caron’s Shady Beanie

Caron’s Spark’s Fly Scarf, by Marlaine DesChamps

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

See more Movie Monday posts here.

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Twitter: @vickiehowell & @CaronYarns

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