28 posts tagged “crochet”
So we're jumping right past the autumn issues of the various magazines deemed worthy of my subscription money directly into winter. Yes, that's right, no reviews will be written for Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, Crochet Today! and Vogue Knitting Fall 2009 issues, nor for the majority of the summer issues either (except for Vogue, which was written in May). Why? For one thing, summer is over, and those issues are no longer on the newsstands. As for fall, let me ask you this: do you know how long it takes me to write a decent detailed review? No? Let me tell you: four hours at least; six is more likely. We're looking at a minimum of sixteen hours to write up reviews for those four Fall issues and, frankly, I don't have that kind of extra time this week. Therefore, I say nix to that; and hereby apologize to you, the loyal reader, for my procrastination, laziness, and lack of self-discipline in this regard. I also promise to do better.
Okay. Onward. Crochet Today! Nov/Dec 2009 issue, as can be discerned from its cover, focuses on the upcoming Christmas holidays with a kitschy retro flair.
In Products and News, the usual assortment of gadgets, gizmos, and accessories are presented for our perusal. The individually-wrapped Eucalan wipes in particular caught my eye, as well as the fabric-as-reusable-wrapping-paper by Furochic (music on link alert).
Need a way to use leftover skeins and ends of yarn? Want to donate a handmade item to a worthy cause? Look no further. People features the charity Heartmade Blessings, which gathers 12" afghan squares from crocheters everywhere and assembles them into blankets, or "comfortghans", for people beset by difficulties such as illness, bereavement, or some other woe. The organization has a special program which provides these handmade blankets to the families of soldiers fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now I know where all those yarn remnants lurking in the bottom of the yarn closet will be going.
Crochet Class makes mention of the strangest way to keep a row count I ever heard: set out as many M&Ms as the pattern has rows, eat one at the end of each row, and when the M&Ms are done, so is the pattern. Being round enough already, I think I'll stick to my clicker counter, thank you very much.
What's hilarious about this column is the juxtaposition of the blurb for Yarn Bombing right next to the mini-review of AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher by Vickie Howell. Yeah. Because wrapping a lamppost in acrylic is soooo eco-friendly.
Yay! Patterns!
On that note, I'm sorry to inform you I won't be linking to the projects on the CT website. CT no longer maintains a complete archive of projects from back issues, so many, if not most, links would be defunct as soon as the next issue's preview goes up. However, I will post pictures of my favorites in this blog entry. You'll just have to jump over to CT's website to see the rest of the projects.
So. Umm. Yay! Patterns!
First is the reworking of a vintage thread crochet ornament:
Next is the Stitchy Gingerbread House, which is just what it sounds like: a house made of yarn with the look of the traditionally baked and decorated gingerbread house. Utterly adorable.
The Retro Ripples Skirt takes your under-the-tree decoration back, back, back to the 1970s (or maybe earlier: I'm not really sure when ripple crochet became the "in" thing) in sparkly red, white, and green Red Heart Holiday. I don't like ripples. It's a personal thing. Your mileage may vary.
Next up, Candy Shop Ornaments: Tiny candy canes, peppermints, and ribbon candy look-alikes made from #3 thread to festoon your tree, or your mantle, or anywhere else that might need festooning. Really cute.
Of course, no issue of Crochet Today! is complete without at least one afghan. Sparkly Snowflakes makes use of Red Heart Holiday once more with its shimmery white snowflake motifs surrounded by midnight blue join-as-you-go borders. SIDE NOTE: I wouldn't use Red Heart Super Saver (which is what the "Holiday" yarn is) for anything other than a dog toy or maybe that gingerbread house. Certainly not anything that would be used/worn by people. It's stiff, scratchy, and extremely hard on the hands. This is the acrylic yarn most people think of when they turn up their noses and say "Ewww." Which is too bad because there are some wonderful acrylic yarns out there. Like my beloved Bernat Berella 4. Or Plymouth Encore (a wool/acrylic blend). Or Paton Canadiana.
Granny hexagons, as opposed to granny squares, make up the Stuffable Stockings. A fun look, and a fun project to use up more odds and ends of yarn.
Your child won't drive you insane with noise on Christmas morning if you give her the Little Drummer Set. Yes, a crocheted drum set, complete with cymbals and drumsticks. More Red Heart Supersaver here, and this is an appropriate project for it. The pattern also calls for lightweight cardboard and polyester fiberfill.
The Snowfall Cowl is a fluffy buttoned concoction that calls for Red Heart Light & Lofty and lots and lots of triple crochet. Looks like it's as easy as pie and, with that yarn or one similar, should stitch up in virtually no time flat. Great gift idea.
The magazine copy calls the Capelet Swing Cardi completely customizable. Yes, all those Cs were deliberate. Alliteration is our friend. This cardigan, though, I'm not so sure. The asymmetrically-buttoned bodice with a cowl-like collar and extended cap sleeves looks like it's part of one garment, and the mid-thigh-length flyaway swingcoat lower half seems to belong to another garment altogether. I keep imagining it as much shorter and more fitted and buttoned all the way to the hem. In other words, more as a regular cardigan. Well, they said it was completely customizable.
Snowflake Earrings. Crocheted jewelry. 'Nuff said.
Oh hey! Baby stuff! The Candyland Sweater in TLC Baby Amore is a sweet treat for that special baby. Made as shown in aqua or some other pastel, this longsleeve flyaway cardigan would be suitable for a girl; stitch it in something other than a pastel and your favorite baby boy will be dressed for church on Christmas morning.
A granny square on steroids makes up the Cotton Candy Blanket. Yes, it's one giant granny square in alternating colors of Red Heart Baby Clouds. Another easy to make and quick to stitch project.
Need another quickie baby project? Try the Gumdrop Booties. Tiny booties with criss-cross straps stitched up in candy-colored smooth worsted make adorable (and fast) shower gifts. You'll need decorative buttons and snaps for fastening the straps.
Ruffled spirals make up the Twirly Scarf, created by a special stitch technique which makes the fabric curl in on itself as the stitch pattern progresses. Suitable for all ages!
The Two-Hour Hat is a basic beanie, but the ribbed single crochet stitch pattern and subtle color changes in the recommended yarn (Red Heart Collage) add visual interest. Simple, but not boring.
Gifty Gloves are colorful and fun and, if the pattern is to be believed, a quick easy project. Crocheted in sockweight yarn (Red Heart's Heart & Sole is suggested), this fingerless glove pattern also includes instructions for a full-fingered version, should the maker so desire.
Finally, to wrap up the issue, we have the Wrap-Up Afghan. Constructed of oversized granny squares, this is another good project to make use of leftover skeins of worsted. Just remember to unify the varying squares with an outside border of a single coordinating color.
(In case you were wondering, writing this review took six hours. It would have taken longer had I linked to all the yarns mentioned.)
Pattern: Houndstooth Purse by Mary Jane Hall, from Crochet Today! May/June 2009
Yarn: Plymouth Encore in #678 Gray and #217 Black, less than 1 skein each
Hook: H
Skill level: Easy
Satisfaction with end result: Not too shabby! This is the first purse I've made that is tailored, after a fashion: in other words, not a tote or market bag of some sort. Spouse's first thought was "How fast can you make those? I can sell them on eBay!" Sorry, dear, that would be a violation of copyright. I haven't tried carrying it, yet, so I don't know how practical it is, but it sure is cute.
One of the advantages of taking such a long break from blogging is spending more time making stuff to blog about. (When not screwing around on Facebook, that is.) This morning, I finished this blanket:
Pattern: Airy Spring Throw by Marianne Forestal, from Crochet Today! Mar/Apr 2009
Yarn: Bernat Berella 4 in Winter White, roughly 8 1/2 skeins, or 1568 yards.
Hook: H and J
Skill level: Easy peasy
Satisfaction with end result: LOVE!!! I don't think the picture does it justice. This is flat gorgeous, if I do say so myself. And the fabric, once the finished piece had been washed and dried, is soooo soft and cozy, but still lightweight. It's intended as a gift. Now I just have to discover who I made it for.
So, um, I finally return to the world of knitblogs (or crochet blogs, as the case may be). Curse that newfound addiction to Facebook! To make up for the looooooong absence, I have project pics. Completed project pics, even.
My "Denimbrigo Vest", so called because it's loosely based on Julia Vaconsin's Malabrigo Top from Interweave Crochet, but made with Rowan Denim rather than Malabrigo Lace.
Bamboo washcloths, a quickie little gift knit for the sole purpose of using two remaining skeins of Bernat Bamboo.
Two cowls are currently blocking. I'll get those posted sometime in the next couple of days. I'm not even going to try to review the knit and crochet magazines that have accumulated in the last couple of months. We'll start fresh with the fall issues when they show up.
First, the bad news: I decided to frog the Gathered Pullover. Yes, at about 95% completion, I took a good long look at the fabric and how it draped, and decided the Mirasol Cotanani was not the right yarn for the job. The color was gorgeous, the stitch definition was fabulous, but the whole thing was just too heavy, and I'd have hated wearing it. So, we took a trip to the frog pond. However, I did take a picture of it before destruction...
And a closeup of the cabled knot detail:
I'll definitely make this top someday, but with a lighter yarn (i.e. NOT a wool/cotton blend). Gee, maybe even the yarn the pattern suggests. Now there's a concept! *grin* And as far as the Cotanani is concerned, all is not lost: I have a couple of ideas for the right pattern for that particular stash.
Onward.
The Houndstooth Bag is awaiting assembly:
Assembly involves heavy duty fusible interfacing (not shown) and a zipper. I have always disliked sewing zippers. However, I have a new sewing machine:
Which should make sewing a pleasure again instead of the struggle it was as my old machine died a long and painful death.
I only work on Delphine when I can pay fairly close attention; therefore, we're just inching along:
The lace pattern is easy, but it's not mindless. Gotta watch that stitch count carefully.
And then there's the Denimbrigo, so called because I'm using Rowan Denim instead of the suggested Malabrigo laceweight:
Do you see the problem? I didn't, at least not until I took this photograph. Notice the major color variation where I changed skeins, that is. Checked the yarn...different dye lots! Damn! I thought I'd been so careful. Luckily, only two skeins are different, so I'll use them for the upper bodice. I already ripped this one out and expect to start over this evening. As you might expect, given the vastly different weights between the suggested yarn and what I'm using, I'm making some major modifications to this pattern. Notes will be posted with the finished project.
Of course, the baby blanket is still in pieces:
and the Pom is in permanent hibernation:
Still, the goal of the moment is to finish something before picking up the Cotanani again. We'll see how well that goes.
....since I wrote an entry? Guess so. And now the latest issue of Crochet Today! is waiting for a review as well.
Still working on the Gathered Pullover. I actually thought I was done except for the seaming until last night, when I sewed on a sleeve and tried it on to check the fit. Not good. The sleeve is too long. And too tight through the shoulder cap. *sigh* So, this morning I removed the sleeve, ripped it back to where the increases began, and will now re-knit with more frequent increases and a taller sleeve cap. Lather, rinse, repeat for the other sleeve. This should be interesting. I hope I don't have to rip out the main body to redo the armholes too.
The crocheting part of the Houndstooth Bag is done; the lining, interfacing, zipper, and hardware have all been purchased; and the lot of it sits on my craft table awaiting assembly, next to the new sewing machine I had to buy to finish this project. (Hush: that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.)
In the meantime, I could not resist casting on for Delphine from French Girl Knits, using Skacel Collection's Urban Silk in 03 Pretty Pink. Kind of a fussy yarn, but it knits up beautifully with a great sheen and texture.
And, because I needed a portable and mindless project, I decided to adapt Julia Vaconsin's Malabrigo Top from Interweave Crochet's Spring 2009 issue to use the Rowan Denim that's been sitting in my stash for sometime. I say adapt because the pattern is written for a laceweight wool, which the Rowan most certainly is not. Also, I'm making it as a sleeveless V-neck cardi/vest, rather than a sleeveless V-neck pullover vest. Someday I hope to be as comfortable changing and adapting and essentially rewriting knit patterns to suit me as I am crochet patterns.
Right now I'm resisting the urge to pull out the Classic Elite Desert and cast on Stephanie Japel's Thick and Thin Cardigan from Fitted Knits.
Still no pics. Recently I am most remiss when it comes to pictures.
....too busy knitting. And crocheting. And, well, other stuff, like work, laundry, errands, and so forth.
And apparently too busy to take photos of current projects in progress, as well. So, I'll link to the patterns instead.
- Houndstooth Bag from Crochet Today's Mar/Apr 2009 issue. The crocheting is all done, using Plymouth Encore Worsted in Black 217 and Soft Grey 194. Now I have to get the lining made, and find the appropriate zipper, purse feet, and handles.
- Gathered Pullover from Interweave Knits Winter 2007, using Mirasol Cotanani in Turquoise 407. I've got the body through the center cable detail finished, and am now working on the front pieces on either side of the V-neck. At the rate this project is proceeding, I'll probably be finished in another couple of weeks, unless...
- ...I give in to the urge to start something new. The stash, it callz me. Cast-on-itis, I haz it.
Speaking of Interweave, the Summer 2009 issue of Knits is sitting here on my desk, daring me to write a review. I'll get to it eventually.
Finished last night....I call it my California Poppy:
Pattern: Ring Around the Posie by Tammy Hildebrand from Interweave Crochet Spring 2008.
Yarn: Bamboozle from Crystal Palace Yarns, color Ember Glow, 9 skeins.
Size: 45"
Satisfaction with end product: LOVE LOVE LOVE!
MODS: Used size K hook because I couldn’t find the J. 11 motifs for
side strips; 5 motifs for back center strip; 4 motifs for center front.
The extra motifs on side and back strips added necessary length; using
4 motifs for the front gave the finished piece a deeper front neckline
which is more flattering to my (ample) figure. Eliminated side gusset
and used single crochet for seaming.
The neckline isn’t really crooked: Just before spouse snapped the pic, I had adjusted the straps on the cami under the shirt so they wouldn’t show and accidentally hiked the neck up a tad too much on one side.
I wore it to work today and loved every minute of it.
It took a while, but Crochet Today! finally put up the preview for the most recent issue. They must wait for it to be available on the magazine stands before posting the preview, which is kind of a pain for those of us who might want to, you know, review the magazine in anticipation of its availability to non-subscribers.
Regardless, that's an adorably sweet toddler on the cover for this "Special Baby Issue", wearing a cute little summery tank dress. Although, being childless, I doubt I'll find many projects I actually want to make in this issue, I'm still a sucker for adorable toddlers in dresses.
In Products and News, the usual assortment of gadgets, gizmos, and accessories prance across the pages. Two in particular caught my eye: a solid wood hook caddy and the Yarn Bra. Cleverness!
In the Reading section, one book in particular stood out: Heirloom Afghans is apparently filled with lace, pineapples, filet, floral designs and kitschy pictorial blankets. I'm a traditionalist at heart, and love to make gorgeous blankets, even if I haven't the faintest idea who to make them for. (I am a process crocheter, even though I'm a product knitter. Go figure that one out.) On the wish list it goes.
This issue's Crochet Class is all about seaming. I don't know about you, but I can't get enough lessons on seaming. It's my chief obstacle in finishing a piece, be it crocheted or knitted. As is usually the case with this feature, the illustrative photographs are superb.
Next, in People, we meet a teacher and a group of Brooklyn high school students who have turned their "crochet club" into life lessons on charity and persistence. Uplifting, to say the least.
In keeping with this issue's baby theme, the Crochet Doctor Q&A feature focuses on crocheting for little ones: lining baby blankets, adding a crocheted edging, fitting garments, and choosing yarn. Seems like fairly basic info to me, but I've been crocheting and sewing a very long time.
So much for the articles; let's look at the patterns!
- The Pepped Up Placemats are this issue's reworked vintage pattern, turning a boring 1970s vintage granny square table setting into something colorful and fun with #3 thread in punchy bright colors. These placemats would be perfect for a patio party or the breakfast nook. They're so dang cheery, I'm half-tempted to put them in my Ravelry queue. If they were in the Ravelry database.
- A Blooming Headband with interchangeable button-on flowers is our first project for baby. Awww. Too bad my youngest niece is too old to wear this sort of thing.
- A-B-C-1-2-3 -- Numbers and letters to sew onto a fabric pillow or perhaps a wall hanging or blanket. Of course, there's nothing that says they can't be added to a plain crocheted pillow or blanket, either. A cute and easy project to decorate any young child's room.
- The cover piece, a Sweet and Swingy Dress, comes next. I love the contrasting "piping" around the edges and the lacy shell-like V-stitch for the skirt. This is really sweet. Again, too bad my youngest niece is too old....
- Swirly Bibs worked of alternating spirals of brightly-colored cotton yarn would be a fun way to liven up mealtime, methinks. The pattern has an interesting construction technique, as well: the switch-off between colors is accomplished by dropping Color A's loop at intervals and picking up Color B; then dropping Color B's loop and picking up Color A. Never seen that technique before. I may have to make these bibs just to try it out.
- Frilly Feet might be the cutest crocheted baby booties I've ever seen. They're certainly the most colorful! Most baby booties are in dinner-mint colors. Not these! And they take only one ball of sock yarn: an economical project to "boot". (Sometimes I'm just amazed at my own cleverness. *snort*)
- The Bunny Buddy rattle is so sweet it makes my teeth ache. I may die from the cute.
- I must have the Diamond Back Snake! It is utterly adorable and will be in my queue as soon as Ravelry has it in the database. My husband will just have to get used to sharing the bed with me, the dog, the cats, and the snake. What do you mean it doesn't match our decor?
- Little Man Vest -- Hey! A baby item that isn't obviously aimed at the girlies. This is a sweet little vest with its intarsia mock tie. Are any of my grandnephews still young enough for this? Must ask my sister. (I'm afraid I don't keep track of her grandchildren....)
- An amigurumi bunny and carrot make up the Garden Pals. Truthfully, I thought the bunny was a mouse. It's still abundant in its cute factor.
- The Diagonal Baby Blankie is a welcome change of pace from the usual baby blanket offering. I love the bright colors and slanted stripes. And the shell border adds just enough touch of tradition to finish off the piece in style. Very nice design.
And now, we leave the babies behind and enter the world of adulthood.
- The Summer Breeze Cardi is essentially like every other 3/4 sleeve flyaway cardigan pattern out there, with the sole exception of the bobble detail around the yoke and sleeve hems. It's a good basic wardrobe piece, and probably quick to stitch. Not in my Ravelry queue, but it's a possibility. I'd make it out of something other than Red Heart Designer Sport, though. Bamboo/acrylic blend, maybe?
- Summertime Dress -- LOVE LOVE LOVE. Not in dress length, although it's lovely as a dress, but I can certainly see myself making and wearing a shortened version of this as a summertime top. It will be added to the queue as soon as the pattern is added to Ravelry. (More about that later: I feel a rant coming on.)
- Believe it or not, the Romantic Wrap was the first (and as of the moment I write, the only) thing from this issue I added to my queue. (Again, wait for the rant.) Yes, I know I'm not a shawl (AKA wrap) person, but I looked at this and saw beyond the wrapness to its suitability as...wait for it...a lace tablecloth. True confession: I've been hunting and hunting, without success, for a thread lace tablecloth pattern that wasn't constructed of motif after endless motif. This pattern, as beautiful as it is for a shawl, is perfectly suited for adaptation to tablecloth size. Woo hoo!
- Houndstooth Purse -- LOVE LOVE LOVE! To borrow the magazine's blurb, professional and chic. I mean, be honest. Who wouldn't love this bag? It's small, it's sharp, it's trendy, it has leather handles...It's just perfect! Will be added to the queue as soon as the pattern is in Ravelry's database. (Rant coming, seriously.)
- Frankly, the Urban Wave Top looks unfinished. Robyn, darling, normally I love your stuff, but this piece? Where's the bottom half? Oh, we're supposed to attach fabric to it? Okay. But why choose such a god-awful cutesy yellow and red floral print? It's so incongruous that it looks like an afterthought. OMG, we need some fabric on this piece for the photo shoot! Wait, I've got this in the bottom drawer, left over from that quilt I made a few years ago. A few quick stitches later, and voila! Ick. Still, I like the black and white color scheme and surplice front of the crocheted part, abbreviated though it may be.
- I don't know that I will ever understand crocheted jewelry. At least the Crafty Earrings look wearable and fun and not weird.
- The Lacy Jacket is just the kind of crocheted piece I love, with lots of variety and texture in the stitch patterns and an end result that is versatile, easily worn, and looks great. If I were to make any changes to this, I might lengthen the body, narrow the sleeves, and add a little waist shaping. We'll see what happens once I get there. To be added to the queue once it's in the database yada yada yada.
- The Colorful Cushion is my least favorite piece in this issue. I just don't like ripples. And I'm not overly fond of the color choices for this pillow top...the blues, browns, and tans don't blend well.
- On the other hand, the Grannies On Point pillows make me smile, even if they are made of old-fashioned granny squares. Sometimes kitschy retro is a good thing. These pillows would be perfect on the sofa in a screened porch. If I had a screened porch. If I had a porch.
- The Green Dream Throw also employs granny squares...tiny granny squares...tiny fiddly granny squares. Between 90 and 102 of them. *shudder* I'm sure I've mentioned my dislike of motif assembly. I don't mind making motifs. But I hate putting them together. *sigh* One day I simply must take the time to become familiar with the "seam 'em as you go" process. Nice bright colorful greens in this piece, though. At least there's one redeeming feature.
- The Basketweave Blanket is another motif afghan, but one I'll actually consider making. In this piece, the seaming is a design feature, using yarn in a high-contrast color to the motifs themselves. Lots of visual interest in this blanket. A definite possibility.
- The last blanket, the Little Suns Throw, is constructed of motifs, as well. Lovely lacy circles on the join-as-you-go plan become a light lacy coverup for that summer afternoon nap. Very pretty. But I'm not making it.
- Our final project, a Trio of Vases, looks like it's a breeze to stitch but might be a tad fiddly in the finishing. Balloons, cardboard, and fabric stiffener are involved. Actually, the pattern calls for making one's own fabric stiffener out of a sugar solution. If I made these, I'd use something less likely to attract ants. The vases are striking and unusual enough to be a possibility.
As the cover promised, this is a baby-heavy issue and, as such, has some wonderful child-oriented projects. The adult and home decor offerings are rather hit-and-miss, although there more hits than misses, even given my prejudice against motifs. It's a failing, I know. I need to attend motif-sensitivity training.
Speaking of failings, however, I promised you a rant. You were warned.
First thing, let me express my love for Ravelry. This website has been my greatest inspiration and motivator in knit and crochet work since joining in early 2008. In the last year plus, I've completed more projects and learned more about yarncraft than I had in my entire life prior. That is not exaggeration: it's truth. Ravelry is a fabulous resource: knowledgeable members, helpful designers, and, to my knowledge, more yarn and pattern information than anywhere else on the web. It's a treasure, and a privilege, and I'm ever so grateful to be a small part of it.
But. (You knew there was one.)
Ravelry is so knit-centric that sometimes I just want to scream. When a new knit magazine is released, most or all patterns in that issue are in the database almost before the ink is dry on the print run, while a crochet magazine is lucky if even half the patterns in a new issue can be found weeks after the magazine hits the news stands. Case in point: Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2009 was released at least a week, maybe two, after the Crochet Today! issue we just discussed. As of today, all 32 patterns from Vogue are in Ravelry. 11 of Crochet Today!'s 24 patterns are in Ravelry.
Why the disconnect? Where's the crochet love? Don't crocheters rate any attention? Our patterns are just as important to us as those of the knitters. Why do knit patterns get top priority? Are the knitters just that much more noisy? Or numerous? Do crocheters need to be more vocal? Or active? Who is responsible for getting the patterns into the database in the first place?
I know that Ravelry has some kind of arrangement with Interweave, which means both knit and crochet patterns from that source show up more or less in full, along with their photographs. Has Ravelry made any effort to make the same kind of arrangement with other major crochet magazines? If not, why not?
Perhaps this isn't so much a rant as it is a call to action. What can we do to make Ravelry a more crochet-friendly place? Perhaps we can each upload a missing pattern from a crochet magazine on a regular basis. (There are four from this issue that I will take care of, simply because I need to queue them.) Perhaps we can contact Jess and Casey and Mary-Heather and encourage them to get Interweave-style permission from other crochet magazines. Perhaps perhap perhaps....I don't know what else. Right now I'm tired and out of ideas. Even though I knit (and love knitting), I'm tired of the sometimes overwhelming knit-snobbery.
I think I need a cup of tea.
And the above-mentioned VK will be reviewed in a couple of days.
Pattern: Cable Rerun from Crochet Today! Sept/Oct 2008 issue.
Yarn: Bernat Berella 4 in Soft Taupe, 12 skeins (2340 yards). I love this yarn.
Hook: Size K
Satisfaction with end product: Very pleased. The throw has substance but is still soft and drapey; and the texture is gorgeous. I just wish I could get a decent picture to show the true color of the yarn. It's not nearly as muddy as it appears. Oh, to have professional lighting equipment....or maybe I should just read the operating manual for my camera.
This throw required some heavy blocking to achieve its 60" x 35" dimension. I crocheted the piece off and on over the last four months: my row gauge apparently varied according to my stress level which, of course, I didn't notice until I was ready to put the pieces together and realized none of them were the same length. (Insert rolling eyes here.) It all worked out in the end, thanks to some heavy duty T-pins and my trusty steamer.
Now I just have to figure out who I made it for!
