In for a penny
Well, if I’m going to end up a crazy old maid cat lady, I suppose there’s nothing to do but embrace it. The next logical step is to take up needlework, so here I go. I’m starting with crochet. So far, I’ve more or less got the hang of chain stitching, slip stitching, and I’m working on single crochet. My main problem is gauge. I read that a pro can work with yarn at any level of tension. It’s the mark of an amateur to need every strand locked down tight, and it leaves the end product stiff and less attractive.
So I’ve got a ways to go till I’m turning out works of art, but I’m having fun. Che mbaracajakuera are very jealous of anything that gets this much lap time, of course. It’s also good to sit and think warm thoughts because we’ve finally gotten through summer’s last insufferably hot gasp and into fresher weather. I’ve got all the neighbors intrigued. Thanks, Aunt Rite!
The Guaraní word of the day is kuña karai, meaning woman. Or more literally, female gentleman. Lots of women crochet out here. Most of them are making simple chains of white thread to decorate table cloths and traditional blouses for dance recitals. But every once in a while, you do see some remarkable, complex designs. My contact in Tacuatí made a meter square tapestry of swimming swans. The host mother I stayed with in Valenzuela gave me a very intricate embroidered pillow case. They’re both younger, professional types although there’s a fair share of grannies out there, clicking away with their hooks and needles.