Now that I've been in my beloved Sweden for a few days, back from my holidays in my beloved Canary Islands, my homeland, I'll tell you about my crocheting adventures during my days of leisure.
As I told you in a previous post, before starting my holidays in Örnsköldsvik, in the north of Sweden, I had started a challenge in which I wanted to make 144 motifs from Edie Eckman's book in 40 days, since as a beginner that I am, I understood that the best way to expand my skills and learn the techniques better was to follow a reliable method, which was also detailed, with full-color photos, and that the pattern was not only written in text but also in graphics, because for me the image of the pattern is very clear and easy to follow (of course, you have to know at least the basic stitches).
But what happens if stitches that are more advanced or not so common are shown? Well, in Edie Eckman's book, you will find an explanatory dictionary of the points, and in addition, in each project she dedicates a space to clarify the new points so that you can always continue and finish the project successfully. The book is this one:
Eckman, Edie (2008) Crochet Motifs, Beyond The Square. Storey Publishing.
It has been my travel companion during all my summer adventures and I have fallen so in love with such careful, colorful and detailed work that I have also added these two from the collection to my revered crochet library.
Eckman, Edie, (2012). Crochet Motifs, Connect the Shapes. Creative Techniques for joining Motifs Of All Shapes. Storey Publishing.
This one goes much deeper into more interesting shapes and motifs and how to connect them.
Edie Eckman, (2017). Every which way crochet borders: 139 patterns for customized edgings. Storey Publishing.
This is a method to make edges to any project you do.
And you'll say: "But Elena, they're in English!" And I'll answer: "Well, yes, there's no Spanish or Swedish edition at the moment. But it's the best on the market, so if you're good at English you're in luck, because you won't regret buying them. Remember that I left you a post with some great books for beginners, which are almost all translated into Spanish, English and Swedish.". https://www.fifi.nu/en/post/my-favorite-crochet-books-for-beginners
As for the challenge, unfortunately I couldn't complete the 144 in 40 days, but I did complete 67. Why? Because enjoying my family and the geography of the Canary Islands and Northern Sweden became my top priority. Thinking that I crochet just to enjoy it, for the pleasure, calm and fun it gives me reminded me that I shouldn't live for challenges, or for the tyranny of the social media algorithm. So, I'm left with the great satisfaction of having done everything I had time for and with the great learning, and of course, I will continue at my own pace making reasons to keep learning.
Here are the photos of some of the ones that turned out best and below some of the places I visited on vacation.
The reasons are here unblocked, so don't judge me too harshly.
However, I can only say that I have learned a lot through this challenge. How mathematical formulas are transformed into beautiful and smooth geometric shapes, and all in a didactic, pleasant and fun way, thanks to Edie Eckman.
Here are some of the views that made me enjoy so much on my vacation.
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