the blue blog archives: meanwhile...

After patting myself on the back for successfully mastering the crochet pattern on the bodice of the buttercup baby jacket, I realized that I don't own a crochet hook in the right size for this project! Naturally, the yarn store was closed by the time I'd had my epiphany (I don't crochet, so why would I have the proper hook?) and was closed on Monday. What could I work on while I waited for the yarn store to open again?

So I knit a sleeve. The sleeves are entirely knit, with only a feather & fan style crochet edging added afterwards (the same edging that's on the bottom of the body in the pattern picture). I don't like leaving all the crochet to the end (it's going to be hell on my hands, which always start to cramp after I crochet for a while) but it's great to feel like I'm making some real progress on this sweater. I just might get it done in time for light jacket weather!

posted by alison at 9:16 am | in buttercup baby

Comments

My hands hurt terribly when I crochet so I avoid anything with crochet added. I'm glad to hear I am not alone. I love the color of the jacket!

Posted by: Katherine at February 25, 2009 10:11 AM

That top is looking very cute!

I love tops with a bit of crochet, but I find it hard to read my projects to know if I'm doing it correctly. How is it going for you?

Posted by: Seanna Lea at February 25, 2009 12:03 PM

That's why I don't crochet anymore. I'm self-taught and never sure if I'm doing it right, even if I like the result. But my hand get so sore when I crochet, even a little. The good thing is I managed to change to continental because of the left hand tension setting.
I am captured by the crazy flower and your bold use of orange.

Posted by: Angie at February 25, 2009 12:28 PM

I guess living 3 blocks from the nearest 24 hr Walmart has it's advantages -- and crochet hooks. Good yarn? Not so much!

I look forward to seeing the finished product. I am amazed at the number of patterns that assume that knowledge of one type of needlearts means mastery of all others. If only!

Posted by: Liz Andrsn at February 25, 2009 1:08 PM

I don't crochet much because generally I like the look of knitting better & it takes so much more yarn to crochet a garment than to knit a similar one. But I made the Kerry Blue shawl (Martha Waterman's shawl book) twice a few years ago & it has a simple crochet border (you crochet 3 knit stitches together then chain 5 all around - looks great even though I wasn't convinced I'd like it until the shawls were blocked.) It took about 1½ hours to finish & my wrists were throbbing by the end of it - all those twisting motions involved in crocheting are killers!

Posted by: Donna at February 25, 2009 1:49 PM

How beautiful so far! I love the color. :)

Posted by: Carolyn at February 25, 2009 3:33 PM

I'm not sure if this style of crochet hook would help, but if your hands cramp from crocheting, you might want to take a look at these:
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat2873&PRODID=prd32203

I've only used the Clover Soft Touch a few times for crochet edgings on knitted pieces, but they are much more comfortable for me to hold than regular crochet hooks. Creativity shouldn't hurt!

Posted by: bonny at February 25, 2009 5:00 PM

I have not regretted buying the Boye crochet hook set from Joann's with my 50% off coupon so I always have whatever size I need for very little $$.
And I actually watched a little Spring Training today hoping that would make the snow in our yard melt faster.

Posted by: BarbOutsideBoston at February 25, 2009 9:25 PM