Five Easy Pieces...

...waiting for front bands and a collar.

I don't often follow patterns for crocheted garments. Truth be told I often have trouble deciphering written crochet pattern directions. In my continuing effort to expand my crochet skills, I decided to try again, this time with a pattern from the Sept. '07 issue of Crochet! -- Dressed for Success, designed by Margret Willson. The yarns called for, Caron Simply Soft Tweed and Simply Soft Boucle, were unfamiliar to me, but I thought I could find a reasonable substitution in the stash. I settled on some Araucania nature Wool for the sweater body, and I'm hoping that I can use Online Lunetta doubled for the contrasting collar -- haven't swatched that yet, so if it doesn't look right I'll be scrambling to find something more appropriate.

The design itself is classically simple -- a fairly close-fitting cardigan, vee-necked with a contrasting collar. For those who pay attention to such things, the magazine rates it as 'easy'. Since I was able to follow the pattern with no problems I would agree with that assessment. Pattern stitch used (for garment body) is a simple sc, ch 1. I've used that stitch before (for the yoke of the toddler's pullover) and it's becoming a favorite. Simple to do, but with an extra hint of texture, it also works up less dense than some other stitches. I am particularly happy with how it shows off the gentle kettle-dyed color variations in the Araucania wool.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this will all come together -- and especially how (or if!) it fits, since this is a sleeker silhouette than I usually go for. If I like the look, I may try another fitted cardigan from the same issue -- Island Dreams, designed by Margaret Hubert. I'm thinking some Schaefer Yarns Amanda, also from the stash, might work for that one. Time, and some swatching, will tell. Also in this issue is an article dealing with enlarging patterns, which many crocheters might find useful. At any rate, if these sweaters turn out well, it will have been money well spent for me!