A Run of Bad Luck

\

I’ve finished the back and the left front sections of the Ipanema sweater. Upon trying it on for size, I found that the length and width of the body is correct but the length and width of the sleeve is too big.  The sleeve is so huge that it appears to drag down the whole sweater .  I should have known this when I adjusted for my gauge.  I had to make the 2nd smallest size already.  The pattern calls for the same number of stitches for the sleeves in all sizes so I thought I would be okay but obviously not.  In addition, The batwing underarm is not angled enough.  I really believe that this is my problem because my gauge was so far off. 

I really tried to get this yarn to work for this pattern.  It had a nice drape and although it isn’t as soft as the Origami, I thought I could finagle the number of stitches enough to make the whole thing work.  So, while I adjusted for width and length, I was unable to control the angles that are so necessary to make this pattern work out properly.  I’m glad that I didn’t weave in my ends and that this sweater is worked mainly in large pieces.  It looks as if the whole thing must be ripped out. 

I’ve had several unsuccessful outcomes recently.  They were projects from printed patterns. The patterns were fine but in one instance, the required yarn was defective and in this instance I couldn’t get gauge with my substituted yarn.  I’ve done a lot of yarn substitutions over the years but have never had one work out quite this badly!

 

Ipanema by Berroco

I’m working on a bat-wing sweater for spring “Ipanema” by Berroco Yarns.  The pattern calls for a cotton blend yarn called Origami by Berroco.  I needed 19 skeins for my size.  Each skein is 98 yds long. And each skein sells for $8.00.  So you do the math.  I decided to try Smileys but they didn’t have the Origami.  Instead, I ordered a silk/cotton blend called RY Classic.  This yarn is made by Rowan.  I couldn’t find it on the Rowan website so I think that it must have been discontinued.

At first, as I was working on my gauge swatch, I was worried that this worsted weight cotton blend would be too stiff.  I had to go to a size G hook to get the gauge even close which made for very thick stitches.  Even then, I had to make the smallest size because my gauge was off by an inch for every 4 inches.  In addition, I had to reduce the number of stitches in the shell pattern to keep this portion from being too wide.  I imagine that the Origami is a very soft worsted weight yarn.

Finally, I hit upon the right combination of hook size, stitch number, and pattern size.  As I worked the first 12 inches, I was pleased to see that the resulting fabric actually drapes very well.  I guess that the silk (53 percent) is the component that makes this yarn soft enough to drape.  The cotton is a bit rough to the touch and the color (mink) is very pinkish.  I was hoping for a taupish beige but when you order online you take your chances.  All the yarn cost about $63.00 including the shipping.  This is less than half of what the Origami would have cost.

I haven’t finished the back yet and still have both front sides to make but things are progressing smoothly.  This looks like it will be a nice airy spring and summer garment when it is done.

 

Hitting A Snag

I’m still working on the Bike Chain Car Coat and have hit a bit of a snag.  As I finished the body of the coat and began on the sleeves, it became obvious that I will probably not have enough yarn to make the collar and bottom band.  I had 18 skeins of Naturally Caron Country  and have already used 12 for the body of the coat.  My rules of thumb is that one side front equals one sleeve and I’m just barely there.

To give you some idea of what I had planned, I made a very amateur drawing of my design.  I ordered a 25″ red separating zipper for the center front and thought that I would put two tabs with buttons–one at the collar and one at the bottom band.  I found some nice buttons at JoAnns.

Now it appears as if I have two choices.  I can either turn the whole project into a sleeveless jacket or choose another way to make the collar and bottom band.  I’ve decided to try something I have always wanted to do–marry crochet fabric with woven fabric.  I think I’ll look for fabric that matches the color of my yarn and use this to make the collar and bottom band.  I have some beautiful red sateen on hand that matches exactly but I think that it is too dressy for this application.  Perhaps some micro-suede or corduroy? 

I’m still working on the sleeves and this whole project is taking a while because of my sore wrist and the small hook that I am using but I promise that I will produce a free pattern for this once I am finished.  I will give directions for the crocheted collar and bottom band as well as for the sewn version.  Stay tuned…

 

Bike Chain Car Coat in Progress

Here is a portion of the car coat that I started before I made the Bike Chain Hat and Scarf  for Paul.  This pattern is taking a while to complete.  The nature of the bike chain stitch is such that every other row is single crochet.  Since I am working side-to-side, each row is very long and I am using a fairly small hook (G).

In this pattern, the sleeves will be worked separately from the bottom up starting with a ribbed cuff.  I intend to use a zipper closure, something I have never done before on any of my designs.  I also plan to include a stand-up collar as well as a band across the bottom.  At this point, I’m not really sure how those two things will work out but I’ve been experimenting a little with my original swatch to see what type of stitch will go well with the bike chain stitch.

Working this way results in a bulky fabric.  Despite the fact that I am using Naturally Caron Country, which is a light worsted weight yarn, the front post single crochet stitches are creating a ribbed effect which is perfect for a coat.  It should hold its shape well and will be toasty warm in the winter.

Progress is slow because I am having a problem with my wrist again.  I try to work at least three double-rows each day so that I can eventually see an end to this project, have a nice new winter coat, and offer another free pattern on my blog.

In the above photo, you will note that I have left a rectangular area open for the sleeve.  Unlike most designs, this coat will have sleeves that will be set in after the shoulder seams have been sewn together.

Above you can see a close-up of  what I call the Bike Chain Stitch.

 

Final Sunday Giveaway

Alas, I have run out of giveaway items so this will be my final weekend of giveaways.  In the future, I may do this again as I accumulate excess magazines and patterns.  This week, as GROUP I, I am offering a Crochetville Messenger Bag.  I purchased this bag several years ago and took it to one of the GGOA conventions.  It is large and fairly deep and has that ever-popular Crochetville logo.

In Group II I am offering 2 magazines as well as an assortment of loose patterns.  You will get everything in the pictures.

Please let me know which group you would like.  If you have already received a giveaway please let somebody else have a chance.  Leave a comment or send me a message on Crochetville.

 

9TH Sunday Giveaway

              

    

 

  GROUP I

There are 4 loose patterns in Group I.  They have all been collected from magazines.  The bear pattern has a knit and a crochet version.  The little dress is for sizes 12 mos to 4 yrs.  Two pretty afghan patterns round out this collection.

GROUP II     

Group II consists of two booklets.  The Mirabella jacket by Carolyn Christmas can be made in several versions.  Pattern Play Crochet includes 5 patterns for afghans, pillows, and a beautiful jacket.

Please let me know which group you would like.  Make a comment on my blog.  If you have previously received a free item, please give somebody else a chance.

Finally my stash of unwanted items is beginning to dwindle.  I think that I have enough for two more giveaways after today.  Then I will have to get busy and actually crochet something!  Spring and summer are not big crochet months for me.  I’ve already resolved to get away from making clothing and try my hand at other projects.  What to make…

 

My First Spring Project

My hand is finally better.  I still must go in for nerve damage surgery when I return from Florida but in the meantime I’ve been working on the Piccante Cardigan.  I’m using TLC Cotton Plus and I must say I just LOVE this yarn!

I had finished the entire back and one front section when I decided to rip everything out and start over.  You see, the pattern is very attractive but there were a couple of problems with the way it was designed. Firstly, the ribbing is worked at the beginning of each front and back.  This causes a break in the pattern when the underarm seams are sewn together.  Instead of having ribs separated by 3 stitches, at the underarm seams you have ribs separated by 6 stitches.  In addition, the stitch pattern for the body caused a similar problem at the seams.

To solve these two issues, I worked the body of the sweater first, sewed up the side seams and then worked the ribbing all around the bottom edge.  I also kicked the stitches up a notch by changing the sc,sc,sc,fpdc to hdc,hdc,hdc,fptr.  This resulted in a band of ribbing that was much looser and more like the body.  The original ribbing was very stiff and dense.

This sweater really turned out beautifully.  Because I had changed yarn, I also changed the hook to an H and was able to work the next smaller size.

I’ve still been working on the redecorating of the house Paul and I bought in June.  Basically it was in good shape but it needed some up-dates.  As much as I’d like to re-do the kitchen cabinets, that project is not in the cards for the near future.  We’ve purchased all new appliances, painted, and put in a new floor.  This year we also plan to replace the counter and the lighting.  I opened up one of my cabinets by removing the doors and putting my contemporary dishes on display.  I really like this effect and it was entirely free!  The only thing I still have to do is to patch the holes where the doors were attached and iron on a strip of veneer to cover them.

Okay, so I’m off to Florida to visit my family!  I’ll be gone for a week.  My brother-in-law was kind enough to set up a spare laptop for my use so I won’t have to wean myself away from the computer after all!  But I won’t be blogging until I return.

This is my Mom and Dad on their 60th anniversary.  They live in West Palm Beach.  I haven’t seen them for about a year so it’s time to make my way down there. This photo is courtesy of Ron Wolf.

 

6th Sunday Giveaway

This Sunday I am pleased to present several crochet publications.  McCall’s Needlework and Crafts was a popular magazine when I was in my teens.  Their pages were filled with knit and crochet projects, other needlework, sewing, and crafts.  Everything was beautifully presented and the projects were sophisticated and well designed.  I’ve managed to pick up a few copies at flea markets but they are very hard to find.  The copy below is a library edition with a hard cover.  There is also an Options leaflet and an edition of Interweave Crochet.  Please indicate group I or II when you contact me.

Group I

 

  

  

 The following group includes 2 vintage crochet publications and 1 issue of Crochet Today.  Comment or email me if you are interested in this group.

 

Group II

 

 

 

 

If you have received free items in the past, please let somebody else have a chance this week.

 

Apres Ski Sweater

My Apres Ski Sweater turned out very well.  The alternating single crochet and double crochet pattern is attractive with this yarn, Red Heart Eco Ways.  As mentioned in an earlier post, Melissa Leapman, the designer, fashioned the hip area smaller than the bust area.  This didn’t work for me so I changed the shaping to include a narrower waist and hip and bust measurements that were equal.  If I were to make this again, I would put some wide ribbing along the bottom.  The bottom edge has very little give.  I love the big turtleneck, though.  This sweater is very warm and could almost be worn without a coat on a cold day.  The pattern is in Crochet Today magazine.

 

Snowy Day WIPs

There’s nothing like a snow day to help you make some headway on those works in progress.  The Gold Nugget Tweed Throw is worked with Red Heart Fiesta.  This yarn has beautiful flecks of jewel-toned colors throughout.  The pattern calls for black Fiesta with additional skeins of solid black, off-white and honey in Red Heart Soft.  My living room colors are mainly browns and golds so I swapped out the black skeins for brown combinations.  The throw is already stunning.  It works up very easily but there are lots of ends to weave in so I’m doing that as I go along.

Melissa Leapman is a great crochet designer.  Her patterns never fail to be classy and classic at the same time.  Her instructions are easy to follow.  She avoids phrases like the dreaded ” work right side like left side, reversing shaping”.  Instead, she give detailed instruction for each side of a sweater.  Her Apres Ski Sweater pattern published in the most recent issue of Crochet Today is one example of her timeless style.  As I was reading over the pattern, however, I noticed that the shaping is a bit unusual.  She has the waist area larger than the hip area.  Knowing in advance that this will be a huge no-no for me, I altered the pattern to include a little decreasing in the waist.  I kept the bust and hip measurement  the same. 

Red Heart Eco Ways yarn is made with recycled polyester and acrylic.  I like to be able to machine wash my sweaters so I tend to favor synthetic yarns.  The Cinnabar color of Eco Ways contains little flecks of undyed fibers.  This appears a lot like lint in the sweater as you work the project.  It’s not enough to give a tweed look but just enough to make it look like you washed it with a terry cloth towel.  I don’t know if this is normal for this yarn or is just happening with the color I chose.  I don’t really like this effect.  Maybe some of you who have used this yarn will tell me if you have had the same problem.