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Just because!
February 22, 2007
That is why I have started yet another project, for the hell of it. Well, I was getting annoyed with all the current ones, and wanted a break so I would feel refreshed. I have barely knitted in a month and I knew it would continue like that unless I let myself feel reinspired and start something new.
I thought about starting that little crochet bag in the new Rowan, but then I discovered it's actually quite big and requires 6 (YES SIX) balls of cotton rope - that's one bloody expensive bag. So I decided I no longer want to make it. I also decided I no longer want to make the wacky freeform crochet sweater. It only comes in 2 sizes, and given that my bust only measures 31 inches at its biggest point, there was no way that it would ever fit. I have a new favourite however, I don't know why I didn't notice it before:
I think it's lovely and the lacey pattern would keep it interesting. I could rip out a very old KSH sweater that I'm never going to finish (it's Icy if you look in the stash/current projects page), but ripping would be no fun and also I like that blue! Anyway this is one big tangent, because I wanted to show you all my new project!
Instead of practicing my crochet on the bag, I decided to start the Cold Shoulders capelet from the Happy Hooker book by Debbie Stoller. I had the yarn already, and I wanted a new project, so I jumped in:
That's how far I've got. My gauge is a mile off though - I'll have to do lots more rows to get it the right length. I'm just trying to decide if it's the right width! What do you think (input greatly valued)?
I think it might be ok? The reason I'm so off is that I automatically used a smaller hook than in the pattern, because I do that with knitting and it always works. But it turns out I'm not a loose crocheter! I'll know for next time, but do you think it matters here?
Posted by jen at February 22, 2007 08:03 PM
Comments
I think the crochet capelet should be OK in size. It's funny, I'm always one needle size down on knitting but I discovered the same thing you did - I'm not a loose crocheter, and I have to go at least one hook size UP!
I like that Rowan KSH wrap sweater too and I wouldn't frog the existing KSH - shudder. Forget the cotton rope purse - I agree! Way too expensive for a crocheted bag!
Posted by: Robin at February 22, 2007 09:19 PM
I think the crochet piece looks awesome as a funky collar. Attach buttonloops, create buttonholes in all of your cardis, and crochet one in every colour so that you can alternate depending on your mood.
!!
Also, I do think that the new Rowan wrap would look good in pink. But you;re right - unravelling is no fun at all.
Posted by: anushka at February 22, 2007 10:07 PM
No, don't put button holes in your cardi, sew buttons on them.
Posted by: anushka at February 22, 2007 10:07 PM
I second Anushka's theory that the piece would look extraordinary as a collar- and you could make flared lacy cuffs to match!
Lovely with a plain-coloured top, I think...
I've only just discovered your blog, and I'm *amazed* by all the things you've made...
Posted by: pluto at February 22, 2007 11:34 PM
I think it looks great. You can add some kind of funky beaded or chained closure at the neck.
Posted by: Mandy at February 22, 2007 11:53 PM
I think...your new(-ish) glasses rule!
Posted by: cirilia at February 23, 2007 07:38 AM
Also, I heard that putting mohair in the freezer makes it easier to rip.
Posted by: cirilia at February 23, 2007 07:38 AM
I loved that KSH sweater as well! Don't rip the old, it sounds horrid to rip out mohair. (I've done it with GGH Soft Kid, though, and it kind of worked, but I ended up cutting a lot off too.)
Posted by: Michelle at February 23, 2007 02:36 PM
i don't think it matters: go for it!! :)
Posted by: carolyn at February 23, 2007 04:45 PM
how adorable! i adore the lace pattern and it looks like it'll fit just fine, actually.
Posted by: maria~ at February 23, 2007 05:26 PM
Stop it! Stop it! You make me want to crochet with your fab capelet! (I think the width is fine, btw. It's a capelet, so you can be kinda free with the gauge, imo...)
Posted by: Becky at February 23, 2007 09:41 PM