I’ve been more of a lurker than a poster these last few weeks. Once I hurdled the grading debacle (otherwise known as “Project Impossible” at Job A), I was too wiped out to say anything of substance on this here blog. Nor did I have the brain space to want to crochet anything of significance. But here’s me playing catch-up on what I’ve been doing.
During my time off from Job A in December, I began a sweater project, which is still not done. I haven’t decided what direction I’m going with on this one. My main problem was that I was trying to design a size Small sweater on a Med mannequin (a mannequin which is not meant for sizing). I knew it was a gamble, but the time wasn’t wasted because at least I’ve narrowed down a stitch like. The problems that I’m having with it are that I don’t like how thick the ribbing is on the bottom. Something about it I’m just not in love with.
It’s hard to tell the exact stitching because it would need to be blocked for sure:
The original idea, which I hope I stick with, is to make the top curved with slightly puffed sleeves, giving it a vintage-inspired look. We’ll see how that goes. I’m just dead set against it being a stitch pattern that’s covers the whole sweater, a “one-trick pony” if you will. Which leads me to an off-shoot conversation…
I vacillate between wanting to design a bunch of easier patterns and doing just a few harder ones. It’s all about the economics. The easier patterns sell more often, plain and simple. There are more newbie crocheters than there are ones with advanced skills. The concept is to go with what the market is asking for, and I’ve seen it posted several places where people are saying harder patterns are being sought out. But I just don’t see it on my end. I’m not saying they are wrong, but rather that my personal experience isn’t showing that. I post something harder, and I get less sales.
Anyway, not having an appropriate mannequin inspired me to persue Ebay in search of an adjustable one, which I received a few days ago. It has a stand, but it’s pretty flimsy so I’ll probably wind up using one of the other stand for my other mannequins.
So I had started that design in December, but in the meantime, I was put in contact with someone who is compiling a super cool-sounding crochet book due out next January. Of course it’s all hush-hush, but here are some previews of me swatching ideas etc. This is the yummy yarn I get to work with. It’s South West Trading’s Oasis. It’s a soy silk yarn and it’s TO. DIE. FOR. Incredible draping!
The design I’m making involves a “belt” at its top, so here’s my swatching of that idea and the schematics I make to help me along (Don’tcha love Gel markers? They’re so much fun).
I’ve been working downstairs in my living room the last two weeks because of the cold weather we’ve been having. My living room table is a MESSsss. The easy access to beverages of the alcoholic variety is always a bonus.
