I recently learned a new crochet technique called tunisian entrelac. This technique creates a checkerboard pattern. It's fun and not hard to do once you get the hang of it. To practice I made myself this scarf.
The scarf is my customization of a pattern for a pretty wrap by Allison Cohen. I love how the variegated Alchemy Migration yarn forms blocks of color.
As soon as I leaned this new technique, I decided to incorporate it into a Karabouts doll. Mike had done a sketch for a jockey doll (we're addicted to the Animal Planet show "Jockeys") so I figured entralac crochet would be a great way to make the diamond pattern on a jockey silk.
Here's Mike's sketch:
And here's one of my early attempts at working out a jockey shirt pattern with some yellow and blue crochet thread I had on hand:
Once I got a pattern that I liked, I put it on a doll.
I'm really excited about this guy, not only because I get to use my new skill of entrelac crochet, but also because he STANDS UP ON HIS OWN!!!!!!!!! I've been working on figuring out a way to make our dolls stand for some time now.
Here's a close up.
It's like magic - only it's really more like lead fishing sinkers in his feet! Hey, whatever works...
I've been wanting to try this technique for a while but everything I have read says you have to break the yarn at the end of the row and start back at the beginning. Did you have to do that here?
Posted by: Raygan | January 14, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Hi Raygan. When I made my entrelac scarf I DIDN'T break the yarn. I just worked back and forth and it looked great. On my jockey shirt I did start with a new piece of yarn each row but that was because I was changing color. Give it a try. :-)
Posted by: Kara | January 14, 2011 at 11:30 AM
looks great! the scarf and the jockey both!
Posted by: cityminx | January 14, 2011 at 08:28 PM
Thanks Cityminx! I've got a sewing machine waiting for you. If you want it, drop on by. :-)
Posted by: Kara | January 14, 2011 at 09:39 PM
Nice! Are you going to add that crazy grin that Mike drew to your jockey?
Posted by: Mary | January 14, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Ha! Not sure the jockey will have Mike's crazy grin but he definitely needs the goggles and a tiny bow tie. :-). Stay tuned...
Posted by: Kara | January 15, 2011 at 01:17 AM
I love this doll. Now he needs a horse to ride on.
Posted by: Donesia | February 21, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Thanks Donesia. Yes, I would like to also make a horse. That is, if I can ever get this guy finished. Too many projects, too little time. Story of my life.
Posted by: Kara | February 25, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Awesome! Living next to Keeneland Race Course, it's a call-to-post. I'd love to see your work in my magazine, Spool. www.spoolmag.com
Posted by: De | March 15, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Hi De. It must be interesting to live next to Keeneland Race Course!!! I wish I could photograph my little guy there. We'll probably go to Aqueduct Race Track. Now I just need to get him finished!!!
Congratulations on Spool magazine. It looks wonderful. I'd love to contribute something. I'll be in touch. Thanks De.
Kara
Posted by: Kara | April 10, 2011 at 12:49 PM
I was wondering if you would send me the pattern for the scarf?? It's beautiful!!
Thank you.
Posted by: Katherine Nightingale | September 06, 2012 at 07:36 PM