I seem to be completely unable to stop taking photos of my progress on the lush and lacy cardigan. The ruffled peplum is like magic, the fabric is so soft, and everything is going so quickly!
I still have no idea what size this is going to be, but I’m pretty sure it will fit. It’s difficult to measure, but halfway through the bust increases it seems to be about 16 inches across the back, which is just what I want! I feel like I’ve barely worked on it, yet the back is halfway finished. Angora and I, while not perhaps best friends, at least get along tolerably well. I can’t knit on this for hours at a time without getting hairs in my eyes and nose, which does give a bit of allergy, but it does not cause the severe reaction that alpaca does. And besides… I’ve always worn angora sweaters, so I know it can’t be that bad!
I also did some swatching yesterday, and finally started on my goal on making a crocheted sweater! First I swatched Karabella Zodiac, for Short and sweet.
I got gauge easily on the recommended hook. I like zodiac for its nice stitch definition, sheen, and pretty colors. When knitted it makes a surprisingly nice, crisp fabric, and isn’t as stiff as you might expect it to be. It is more splitty that I think a yarn should be, especially for crochet. You can see that in the top of this swatch, but then again you can also see my secret shame… sometimes I don’t pick up both loops on the beginning chain, mostly if the yarn is especially splitty. In this case the yarn was splitty, but I was also being lazy. I won’t do this on the actual garment because it shows. When spring arrives I will be glad to make this sweater again (I’m blocking out how difficult it was the first time!)
But short and sweet is too summery for late January, so I kept swatching. I swatched several yarns for the Sanctuary Bolero from Sensual Crochet, finally getting something like gauge with Knitpicks Shine sport. However, the only color I have enough of is Aquamarine, and while I like the color I am not sure. Maybe it would be nice for spring? Or maybe I would look like some kind of crazy easter egg… I have trouble distinguishing between the two with pastel colors. hmm…
But all is not lost…
I have started a sweater. This is the comfy cardi from CrochetMe (the book.) The yarn is baby cashmerino, bought on deep discount from LittleKnits. Isn’t the color great? I love the dark violet. I had to go down to a 2.5 mm hook to get gauge, but it’s not overly stiff. Unlike knitting needles (except at very small sizes) crochet hooks are not always the same size. Clover hooks are consistently larger than their letter designation would indicate. The stitch pattern is really fun and not especially hard at all!
Since I have put down my Diane sweater, I’m going to start swatching for these fingerless gloves in a little while, using Lousia Harding Grace (a super lovely wool/silk blend.)
They will be quick, and I need another pair for my teaching studio.
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
Your crochet sweater is looking pretty! I think it’s nice to see how many crochet projects you’ve been able to do since you got those new hooks.
The fingerless gloves look nice, but kind of big. Will you have to modify a lot to fit your hands?
The red is gorgeous! And the aquamarine…hmmm it is a lovely color, but I would be a bit concerned about the Easter factor too. Do you have anything else in a close color? And the fingerless gloves are so pretty! Where is that pattern?
I have to tell you…I’ve been lurking for…hmmm…probably a year or so. You knit SO fast! I’m amazed at how quickly you post new wips and fo’s!!! You do beautiful work. I just find myself wondering if you knit “continental” style…that would explain how quickly you get things done…Those fingerless gloves are stunning. I’m curious as to where the pattern might be located…Knit on!
So I bought some crochet books, a few needles, and I’ve begun swatching. I think I’m getting it. You’ve inspired me yet again!
I love that color, too. It’s that nice, blue-violet. Reminds me of spring. And the pastel I think will be easy to tone down with some brown or something so as not to be Easter-riffic.
Hello,
Love reading your posts. I made the same Chanson en Crochet/Wrap Style Caplet almost a couple of weeks ago. You can see mine on my blog. I should have blocked it before taking pictures.
I love your choice in yarn and the color. Very pretty
It is a lovely looking knit, the colour is nice.
I love looking at your crochet swatches. I don’t crochet myself; I can’t get used to just having one “stick” in my hand 😉 last time I tried, I had a major fit and my face got all red and sweaty. Perhaps I should try using a nice yarn, instead of cheap, splitty cotton?
I only ever make chains if I need a provisional cast-on, but it always turn out twisted… 😉 Though my grandma told me I could make nice rows of trebles or something (*shrug*) when I was younger..
I really love your lush and lacy cardi. 🙂 It’s so pretty! Nice colour, too. And it looks like I need to get hold of that book, those mitts are so cute!
I’m excited to see the progress on short and sweet – for all its splittiness, I just love the colors on Karabella Zodiac yarn. The red is, in fact, one of my favorites. 😀
The lush and lacy cardigan is turning out beautifully too!
You have so much pretty stuff planned out, I can’t wait to see it!
You do such lovely work. And the fingerless gloves are absolutely beautiful. Like others, where can I find the pattern?
The Lush & Lacy cardigan looks beautiful so far. Good to hear that it is working up quickly. I like the color you swatched for the Sanctuary Bolero too. I don’t think it will look too Easter-egg-like, and I do think it will look nice on you with your hair color.
The colour of that cardigan is just gorgeous. It screams spring and summer to me and makes me long for winter to be over. Very beautiful!