And here’s the proof:
kathys-round-filet-doily.jpg

This was a doily I tested for Kathy, called Ruby Dreams, one of the twelve birthstone doilies she’s designing. She made it in ruby red.
Thread: Madura Coats Red Heart size 20, white
Hook: Tulip size 2/1.5 mm steel hook
Pattern: Kathy‘s Ruby Dreams
Time: Over nearly three weeks, I think
Size: 28″
Extra: #1 The first time I did a filet in sections
#2 First time I did filet in a circle
#3 Very badly blocked. I cannot fathom how to tackle the uneven edges without the normal doily motifs.

Proof No. 2
semi-circle-rug.jpg

No, it’s not a butterfly wing shawl, but my first ever encounter with a Q hook. That hook is painful! I had a tender spot on my hand where the hook rested for a couple of days. And this pattern comes from Leisure Arts #3068.

Yarn: Red Heart SS Aran Fleck, unknown brand (probably RHSS) in a dusty plum colour, both ww
Hook: Susan Bates Q hook (ouch)
Pattern: Half Circle (yeah, right) rug from Leisure Arts #3068
Time: 4-5 hours?
Size: about 3 feet across, maybe? I was too discouraged by the shape to measure it.
Extra: #1 First ever Q hook project
#2 First ever rug
#3 First time I switched to the knife hold because it was so painful to crochet with the pencil hold (or whatever my regular hold is)
#4 I got the yarn from the recycling contest at Crochet Partners.
#5 Worked with four strands held together

And for those who are curious, I went straight from the 1.5 mm steel hook to the plastic Q hook. Oopsie. Call me crazy or maybe I just wanted a change.