yarn along: rope doily rug

{hip hip hooray, it's yarn along day}

I've got a rope doily rug in my home now. I knew I was missing something before, and now things feel just right in my life. It only took three trips to the hardware store and five packages of clothesline.

Crocheting this wasn't hard, but it wasn't relaxing either. The rope isn't as smooth or pliable as yarn, so I never did get into a rhythm as I made this. I used a combination of hook and fingers to make the stitches.  

I am so pleased with the results. This doily rug is going to be my bathmat because bare feet on rope feels so summery, like hanging out at the dock. I also think a doily rug would be a perfect welcome mat at the front door, and I'd love to use thicker rope and a larger hook (mine was 9 1/4 mm for this project) to make an area rug for the living room (inspired by this gorgeous one). I'm not so sure my husband would approve of all these doilies, but we'll take things one rug at a time. 

My sister stopped by for a visit yesterday and I convinced her to lend her lovely toes to give some perspective on the size of this rug. 

I'm working on writing up the pattern and tips for a tutorial, so if you're interested check back here in the next couple of weeks.

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For the other yarns: I spent many lunches and bedtimes this week poring over The Opinionated Knitter. I enjoy Elizabeth Zimmermann's descriptions of camping out in the woods as much as I love her knitting patterns. My favorite passage of this book describes how EZ used to secretly knit on the back of a motorcycle. She didn't want her husband to know she was knitting because he would (rightly) be upset with her, so she'd stash a small project in her pocket and knit away once they were on the road. That's passion.