I have been doing some summer time knitting. I started a sweater last Friday and it is going pretty fast, but I do not like it.
I named it “Last Chance” on Ravelry because it is the last chance I am giving this yarn. The yarn (Sublime Aran, Color Clipper) appears ideal on paper: 75% merino, 20% silk and 5% cashmere, in a perfect denim blue to go with my work wardrobe (my pathetic work wardrobe, but I digress!), in a gauge of 18 sts/4 inches. This spring/summer I started no less than ten different projects attempting to use this yarn from my stash. It is the reason my knitting stalled for months. I kept trying to make something out of this beautiful $#$%^^&*(*&^ yarn!
So, I decided to start the Lacy Cardigan for which I learned to crochet and is knit to a gauge of —- 18 sts/ 4 inches:
As I said, it is knitting up fairly quickly, but I do not like the way it looks. I am hoping for a miracle.
The color here is completely wrong! The real color is deeper, richer, more denim than bright.
A person on Ravelry who made this said that she thought hers looked terrible until it was done…a glimmer of hope!! So, I knit on. I will toss out this yarn rather than admit to another false start!!
Speaking of Crocheting
I have been trying a little bit of crocheting to gain experience. I am making the Cockleshells Scarf by Theresa Gaffey — a simple scarf done in fingering weight yarn using double crochet only. The original is made in an alpaca sock yarn that is soft as butter. Mine is not as soft but has beautiful color:
Thank goodness for Kim in my knitting group! She made this scarf too in the original yarn — and it turned out to be gorgeous. She helped me with my edges because her edge was much nicer. Unfortunately, I did not take a “before” picture so you are seeing the improved version! Still looks uneven, yes? You should have seen it before! I don’t know if I’ll ever become a true crochet head, but it is a nice change from knitting. I also knitted me up one of those dang dishcloths because I had some really pretty ocean-colored Sugar and Cream (Sugar and Cream Stripes, Color 21143).
Ohh, I made the lacy cardigan several years ago out of Berroco Peruvia and it is one of my favorites. I’m certain once you finish, you will love it. I did a few mods though as in cut out one repeat of the lace pattern on the bottom and I didn’t make the sleeves bell shaped. I’ve worn mine many times and received compliments on it. Once you do the crochet edging at the bottom, you will be pleased and it should all come together then. Can’t wait to see your finished.
Comment by lisa — July 3, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
I’m scratching my head trying to figure out what you think is wrong with it.
Comment by Surly — July 3, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
From Susan to Surly — you have not seen it in person!!
Comment by lv2knit — July 3, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
I’m optimistic about your blue sweater — I think it might just be OK, but if not, pass it on to someone else who won’t be bothered by whatever you don’t like about it. The colors of the scarf are really pretty – almost makes me want to learn to crochet. Almost.
Comment by Pam — July 3, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
I think we crafters are way more critical about our work than anyone else is. Maybe there’s something that’s not translating through the pictures, but I think that the sweater is looking beautiful, and I don’t really see anything wrong with the scarf, either. Good luck!
Comment by Mujercita — July 3, 2009 @ 11:41 pm
No, it looks perfect. But I’m sure you fixed what ever wasn’t wrong with it…..
Comment by Carrie K — July 4, 2009 @ 10:33 pm
I think the sweater looks nice! What about it don’t you like – the way the yarn looks in the stitch pattern, the drape of the fabric? Certainly not the color!
I’m a knitter, but I did learn how to crochet granny squares last Christmas for charity knitting/crocheting. I’m a member of the Ravelry group Afghan Squares for Pine Ridge Reservation. http://www.ravelry.com/groups/afghan-squares-for-pine-ridge-reservation
If you get tired of dish cloths and still want to practice crochet, perhaps afghan squares are your ticket! Of course, knitted squares are welcome, too. I just find crocheted squares are faster for me, and the more squares I can get done, the better for the folks at Pine Ridge!
Comment by Nancy — July 5, 2009 @ 5:36 am
It looks fine to me. It’s cotton denim, what were you expecting it to look like?
If you decide to throw it out, throw it my way?
Comment by =Tamar — July 8, 2009 @ 3:27 am