Wooly Escapades

The colder days are blowing in complete with nipped noses and ears. While I haven't come up with anything in the way of an attractive nose cosy I have got the ears covered (no pun intended).

Inspired by the basic concept of this lovely creation,
I decided to crochet a version and whittle down some of my stash of random single balls of wool.
It's not as soft looking as the knitted version, an aspect of crochet I often lament, but it works up faster and I think I might love shell stitch. This project is so easy, honestly, a great starting point for someone just starting crochet who wants to try a more decorative stitch.
The wool I used was 50g of Jaeger Siena 4 Ply and the hook was 3.5mm

So on to the pattern my lovelies.
Chain 32,
Row 1. Single crochet into 2nd chain from hook, skip 2, {double crochet 5 times into the next stitch, skip 2, single crochet into next stitch, skip 2} repeat x4. For the next shell just double crochet into the stitch three times. Each row should have 4 and a half shell patterns.
Row 2. Chain one, turn, {single crochet into next stitch, skip 2, double crochet 5 times into the next stitch, skip 2} repeat x4. On the last shell double crochet into the stitch three times.
Row 3. Repeat Row 2
Row 4. Repeat Row 2 ... and so on
Continue like this until you have a strip of about 61cm (24 inches).

When complete twist in the centre. You can sew together or crochet the ends together. I crocheted and this is what the seam looks like:
I'm currently working on a slimmer one in purple which I may put up for a giveaway if you are really good! As always if you have any question just holla!

Get thee to a Gallery

The Science Gallery to be exact. This is the final week that you can see the woolly wonder of the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef.
I truly enjoyed this exhibition and if you are interested in any manner of wool craft I would say it's a must see.
The exhibition highlights environmental issues surrounding coral and reef formation using ingenious methods which yield awe inspiring results. Given my interest in both marine biology and crafting it was a real treat for me.

The Bleached reef highlights the phenomenon of coral bleaching which happens as a result of stress to the coral by environmental conditions or over feeding by coral predators such as certain starfish.

The Toxic Reef is an effort to portray the damage that plastic is doing to our seas and the ocean floor.
The frightening inspiration for this piece is what is known as, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This patch is great indeed (in the physical sense). It is 1.5 times the size of Ireland.
A swirling mass of non-degradable waste caused by currents to collect off the coast of Hawaii, the GPGP will be a reminder of a throw-away mentality that will still be choking our seas in many hundred of years time. Small pieces (relatively speaking) break off and litter the nearest shores while other bits sink to the ocean floor and become a permanent fixture in our planets geological strata.
Knock on effects such as the blocking out of light to the plant and animal life below by the 30 meter deep plastic pain in ass will also come to bear their sticky petroleum-based fruit. The patch will of course result in a dead zone similar to areas blighted by acid blooms like those off our own coast. Sorry I'm ranting. Crafting, yes.. I digress.

There were many other wonders made from beads and glowing tubing, all a feast for the eyes and a splendid marvel for all and for any hookers (crochet hooks, people) out there- a real inspiration.
Not to forget of course the Irish reef which celebrated our homegrown talent and homegrown reefs off the west.
Hyperbolic mathematics are explained in diagrams and by helpful staff if you are particularly eager. Kids, both young and young at heart, can try their hand at applying the idea to making a paper soccer ball at an activity table up stairs. So go, play, enjoy and tell me what you thought.

Oh there is also a lecture tomorrow on Ireland's cold water coral reefs which I know I'll be going to. Check out the website for a list of events to come: http://sciencegallery.com/this_is_science_gallery