Of course, you'll notice the full cone of yarn right behind the one I was using. I had a little panic attack after finishing the first piece, so I ordered another cone to be sure I would have enough yarn to complete the cardigan. Hopefully as I become more experienced at crochet I will be better able to estimate my yarn needs -- but as for now, looks like there'll be another little something made from this yarn.
And here's the "finished project on a dress form" shot --
And a closeup of the neckline --
Project Details:
- Yarn -- Silk City Bounce, cotton/nylon blend
- Hook size - 3.5mm, Am.F
- Style -- one button cardigan, vee-necked with 3/4 length sleeves
- Stitches used -- sleeves alternate fan stitch panels with square mesh panels Body is a combination of double crochet with a lace stitch pattern from a Japanese stitch compendium Neck trim is an adaptation of a large shell edging
This design is one of my own, inspired by a crocheted shawl-collared cardigan available this season from J.Jill. Because I thought the shawl collar would be too warm for a spring/summer sweater, I tried to give the illusion of that detail by the shaped neckline trim. The body of the J.Jill sweater was solid double crochet, and there too I tried to lighten (and ventilate) by using a lace pattern on the bottom of the body pieces. I liked the insets of square mesh stitch on the sleeves, so I kept that, but used a simple fan stitch for the rest of the sleeve to make it easier (for me) to work my sleeve increases. The sweater was worked in separate pieces, from the bottom up. At this point I feel more confident working separate pieces (less to rip back when I mess up!), but later on I plan to try some "in the round" designs. With each new piece that I complete I learn a little bit more. I was happy with the outcome of this design -- everything worked together the way that I originally envisioned it would. I was especially pleased with the lightness and drape of it -- although working with fingering weight yarn may seem to take longer to work, the reality is that it gives me much better fabric than using heavier yarns. I just wish that there were more choices available for that weight on cones in natural fibers, but somehow I seem to find quite a few anyway. Next up? Well, you'll just have to wait and see!
And a closeup of the neckline --
7 comments:
Your cardigan is amazing.
And you reached the same conclusion as myself: crochet is better with thinner yarns. Let the bulky and chunky ones to knitters.
Congratulations.
I love it!!! Lovely job on the neckline too!!!
this is beautiful!
such great stitchwork too
Lovely! Where are you headed with your designing? Do you anticipate putting patterns out for others, or is it simply a personal creative outlet? I do enjoy watching the process.
Crochet garments are really coming along these days. So many of the older designs were so heavy - it was like wearing chain mail! I'm seeing lighter yarns and yarns made of fibers with more drape.
Absolutely Beautiful! You done a great job! I really like the way you done the neckline, and the open lacework at the bottom of the sweater, great for spring time!
Exactly, Be and Paula -- I don't understand why crocheters seem to shy away from using lighter weight yarns -- so much better drape, I think.
Paula -- doing my own things grew out of my inability to understand written crochet instructions very well. Right now it's just something that I am having fun doing.
Karen, your design and work is absolutely gorgeous! I only wish I had half the skill that you have.
Breathtaking.
Arlene in the Adirondacks
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