Beatrice Shrug Completed

I finally finished this shrug. It turned out well for the most part, but if I ever made another one, I would do some things differently. First, I would use a different chevron pattern and follow the schematic measurments. The pattern instructions were too verbose, and by the time I figured out the pattern I realized that it wasn't always possible to skip a stitch and a chain in the row below in order to make the stitches match up at the top and bottom. Therefore, I always made sure that I put the stitch at the top of the chevron and at the bottom where they were supposed to be regardless of whether or not I was skipping the appropriate number of stitches.

Secondly, I would make the sleeves narrower and increase for the portion that covers the bust. As you can see in the photo, the sleeves are enormous. That's a little too much bulk for me.

I'd also use a more casual yarn for the next shrug, too, so I could wear it with jeans or dress it up. The Bernat Satin looks too shiny for casual wear.

Beatrice Shrug Progress

I've finished the two pieces of the Berroco Beatrice shrug: the shrug portion and the tie. Now I just have to sew them together. I used Bernat Satin instead of the Berroco yarn, which was a good substitute. The chevron pattern was too wordy and seemed like the stitch count was incorrect somewhere. I eventually figured out how to make it work, but I'd never use this stitch pattern again. If I made another one of these shrugs, I'd consult a stitch dictionary for a better chevron pattern.

Baby Blanket Free Pattern and Flower Petal Bib

I made these for a coworker's first child. The bib is the Flower Petal Bib from One Skein and the blanket is my own pattern. I used Elann Sonata for the bib. Knitting the bib gave me my first attempt at short rows, which turned out well for the most part.

For the blanket and chained the width I wanted it to be using an L hook with Bernat Baby sport weight yarn and Patons Cha Cha eyelash held together.

First row: hdc in 3rd chain from hook, hdc across; ch 2, turn.

All remaining rows: hdc across; ch 2, turn.

When the blanket is the length you want, fasten off.

Edging:

Anchor a sc anywhere but in the corner with white Bernat Lu Lu or similar yarn.

*5 dc (shell), then sc*, repeat from * to a corner.

7 dcs in the corner and continue with shell repeat above until another corner is reached. Fasten off.

My blanket was at least 30" x 40", but you can make it any size you like.

I used a cone of Patons Cha Cha for the blanket, so I can only estimate how many balls to use. I'd say 5 balls at least. You can also use Bernat Eye Lash, too, as it's the same stuff, although both yarns have been discontinued. Each ball is 77 yards, so about 400 yards of any similar weight eye lash yarn will do.

International Freeform Show is Live

Finally! The group challenge exhibit for this year's show is up and running! I only submitted pieces for the elements and you can see them here. I had a fun time doing it!

Project Updates

Over the past month or so I've had to make some quick projects that I haven't had time to take pictures of before I gave them away. I crocheted some baby booties for my nephew for his baptism and knitted a mini sweater vest that I attached to a card for an SnB friend who is moving. I also monogrammed some mugs by etching glass for the first time using etching cream and stencils I made from Mack Tack. They turned out well for my first time.
I finished a shracket for my stepdaughter using a pattern I found on an episode of Uncommon Threads. I still have yet to take a picture of it. It turned out quite well and she loves it.
Right now I'm working on a Berroco zippered cardigan for my son using Lullaby, which I think is discontinued. It's turning out well so far. I don't have a lot of experience seaming and have never sewn in a zipper, so this will be a challenge for me.