Crochet-Along

7:12 PM Posted In Edit This 0 Comments »
Hey!

So I've been working on a crochet-along from Lion Brand for a little while now.  It's a beach cardigan, and each Thursday they explain a little more on part of the pattern.  It's a pretty simple pattern once you understand the basic stitches and how to count it out right for your size.


This is what it will look like, ideally:



I'm using a different yarn than called for, since the total price was a little hefty originally.  I'm using Eco-Ways by Red Heart, and I'm really pleased with it.  It's 30% recycled, very soft and constant, washes well, works up smoothly, and has a wonderful color right between olive green and goldish brown.  The color name is Fern, and this is the best picture I have to demonstrate it's gorgeous color:


The coolest part of it for me so far has been learning how to do a "no-chain" foundation.  Chains are pretty convenient, but they're never as stretchy as the rest of the material, so I find they really limit the end proportions.

The no-chain foundation basically forms the "chain" row and the first row all in one, and since it's explained really well on the Lion Brand CAL blog, here's a link.

So far, I have the body and one and a half sleeves complete.  This is about what it looks like now:

I learned two important things here - first, since this pattern doesn't close in the front, the circumference should match what you need when relaxed and not stretched.  This, along with an incorrect gauge (which I knew about but elected to not correct for based on the small amount I calculated it would affect my final measurements).  Second, stretch REALLY needs to be accounted for in the length.  I made mine to stop at the mid-thigh, but the weight of the material carries it all the way down to my knees!

The latter doesn't bother me so much, because the length is really arbitrary.  The circumference being too small though is really getting to me, so I'm going to be crocheting a separate, lacy little strip to attach to each side to bring it a bit more around before I block it for good.

Anyhoo, it's been a lot of fun to do so far, and I can't wait to have it finished!  I know several groups put on crochet-alongs or knit-alongs, so if you haven't tried one before I'd definitely recommend it!

I'll post a picture up when it's finally finished!  :)



-MM



P.S. - I'm thinking about crocheting up something real quick for Mother's Day, anyone have any ideas?  It's for a science teacher.  :)

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