Learning to crochet using Japanese charts

I've seen so many cool patterns online

in chart form but I really didn't
know how to read them.
So I decided to sit myself down
and figure it out.
I first picked a pattern that had
both a chart and written instructions.
I chose a pattern that I knew
I would normally be able
to crochet fairly easily.
I then made a photocopy of the
pattern so that I could mark
off each row as I made it.



I also made sure it had a
chart listing each symbol and
it's corresponding stitch.



I then tried to figure out the first row
by ONLY looking at the chart.
I then went to the written instructions
to see if I got it right.
From then on I pretended that
I only had the chart and worked hard
to figure each row out.
The only time I would look at the
written instr. would be if
I was absolutely stuck.
Once you get the hang of it
it is quite easy.
It's wonderful to be able to SEE
which stitch goes where.

Crocheted capelet

It rained yesterday so I decided to
finish this capelet.
I'm really happy with it!
I can't quite figure out
what type of top to wear with it.
It is sort of a fall/spring type
of garment...definitely not for summer.

The colour in the pic is wrong.
This link shows it truer.
I will definitely make another
probably in a nicer yarn.
Oh, and it also only took 2 skeins.

Here is a link to the beautifully
written and easy pattern.



Update: I have since frogged this.
The yarn wasn't the nicest.

Panforte=happiness

I pity the fool that has never eaten panforte.
Okay, maybe that is a little strong... but just a little.
The lovely city of Siena, Italy might be famous for
the incredible horse race known as the Palio,
but for me it's famous for this amazing dessert!
I'd even take this over Italian gelato which
is saying a lot!

It's hard to describe but it is closest to a fruitcake
(in texture only)..I happen to HATE fruitcake
so I hate even typing that word.
It has honey, almonds, pepper, cocoa
and spices. Mmnnnn!
It comes in a few different flavours
but chocolate and the famous panpepato
(pepper to us) are my favourites.

Each time I am lucky enough to visit Siena
I bring back as much as I possibly can.
Then I savour each slice with a good strong
cup of Italian coffee knowing that
my precious supply is dwindling.

Even the package is beautiful!