Crochet Eagle Tapestry: From Start to Finish

Remember when I said I would have lots of pictures of Christmas gifts I made? Well.....I.....uh......got caught up in the Christmas season and didn't even think about pictures? (That's actually most of it). I pretty much wrapped everything right after I made it and enjoyed the absence of my computer/email. I didn't make anything too extraordinary, though...mostly washcloths and scrubbies and I have about 20 scrubbies at home I can take pictures of at a later date.

What I do want to present, though, is my huge tapestry project, and I actually took pictures from start to finish to document my process. I stumbled across the pattern in an old crochet book I picked up at an antique store. It was on sale for $1, which is a steal for a really nice hardcover book. Although some of the items were a little outdated, as soon as I turned to the tapestry page I knew I was getting the book and I had to make that pattern.

The project was made using what's called jacquard crochet (or tapestry crochet). Although I had never tried the method before or even heard of jacquard crochet, I naturally skipped the instructions/practice and dove right into the project. I've never even tried filet crochet before (although I have wanted to), and this appeared to be a lot similar. Essentially, I like tackling tough projects first so I really have to work hard and learn the skill. If there's a will, there's a way.

This was a fun project, and I probably worked on it when I should have been doing other things, but it was so hard to put down! As far as time, it took at least 25 hours and about 4 skeins of worsted weight yarn. The only color I ran out of was the grey, but thankfully I had an almost identical grey that I used for 1/3 of the tassels so I didn't have to run back out into the cold to fetch more. The rod was a $3 one I picked up at Wal-Mart, but it looks great!

The yarn types I used were:

• Sensations Sincerely yarn in oatmeal and turquoise
• Red Heart With Love yarn in grey
• Caron One Pound in black

The entire piece is a little more than 2 feet across and probably at least 4 feet high (I haven't measured the height). I rarely keep things for myself (and this was no exception), but I sure was tempted. This is my biggest crochet (and possibly craft) project to date and the recipient is lucky I think they're pretty cool. :)

Now for the pictures.....

I'm so pleased with how it turned out. I still have a couple things to adjust because I'm picky, but it's pretty much completed. I can't wait to give it to the recipient in person!!