Verdure

My latest cardi, using the Sweet pattern is Verdure. I came up with the name because I wanted something that means green with having to use the word. It's an opportunity to add a new word to my vocabulary.

Verdure-

- The fresh-green color of growing things; greenness
- Green growing plants and trees; green vegetation
- Vigorous or flourishing condition
- The lush greenness of flourishing vegetation.
- Vigorous greenery.
- A fresh or flourishing condition

I made the sweater holding two strands of yarn together throughout. Of course the sweater itself was easy because I've made nearly ten projects using this pattern/formula. I love the huge handmade buttons and applique that I made to dress the sweater up a bit.

Think I want pockets on the next one!

Keep stitchin'

Berry Cherry

Next top done!
Who knew? Amy O'Neill Houck gave us this formula for making top-down garments using a pattern called Sweet in September of 2006. I wonder if she had any idea that this form of crochet would be so popular, that's in my opinion. I have trouble imagining making a top one piece at time and stitching it together ever again. That is unless I am making a creation by someone else.
Again, a different look achieved from the same pattern. The neck is different and the stitch is quite different this time. I also added a tassel to cover a flaw.

It is bright, bright, beautiful day my son came to visit. Always good to see him! He was my photographer today. I think he did good.





















Keep stitchin'

Weight Watchers

I'm finally getting back to posting...YEAH!!! I joined Weight Watchers at the beginning of the month and have spending time in the books trying to get a bit of an understanding of how this thing works. So far I've only lost 4 pounds but every one of those little buggers that melts away counts in my favor. My biggest problem is eating enough to get all my points in, never thought that would be so hard to do. Some people don't realize that if you, if I, don't eat enough it's just the same as eating too much. So eating 3-5 times a day is very hard for me. I tend to get so busy that I don't want to stop to eat or maybe it's that I have gotten used to pushing hunger aside and focusing on other things. Now I have to retrain myself to pay attention to the hunger pangs in order to be successful.

In the meantime, I continue to crochet. My newest top, Orange Sherbet is done. I finished it a couple of weeks ago and have actual worn it but, as I mentioned, I've been busy with Weight Watchers. Anyway, Orange Sherbet is made pretty much the same as the Ocean Breeze top. There are slight variations that may not be noticeable to anyone but me.

Keep stitchin'

Ocean Breeze

It seems me and Doris were just not getting along this time. The top I wanted to make was not cooperating. It's probably me so I still luv ya Doris but I choose to go another route. I think I am still stressed over not being able to make sense of the Moderne Jacket and needed to complete something to redeem myself. Well I found it!! What I needed was something that I could definitely complete and would not require a lot of thought. So I fell back on my old standby. Sweet from Crochet Me. The bottom portion of my 'Ocean Breeze' is from Doris' book Everyday Crochet. I love the way this top is coming out. I wanted to start making some tops for spring/summer and I think I found the right look. I'm not done yet, of course I have to make it longer to cover all my yummies...LOL. I also plan to add a bit more sleeve using the same pattern that's at the bottom of the top. I want to give a bit of flow to the sleeves for the 'ocean waves effect'.
Anyone planning to use this yarn, Lion Brand Microspun, beware of the stretch. I found this yarn to be rather stretchy and very soft to the touch. I used a J hook at the top/shoulder portion and then switched to an I hook for two rows and then transitioned to an H hook for the bust for, for less exposure. The transitions gave a really nice effect by simply changing the hook size, wasn't sure I would like it at first but now I think it adds lots of character. I transitioned to a K hook for the bottom shells in an effort to avoid adding more stitches though I may eventually need to in order to work around my tummy and hips. I think this may be my best Sweet yet. I think I may finally be getting the fit I want which means I'll feel comfortable making one for someone else!
Humble words to any of my followers or visitors: In my opinion, If you want to try your first top/sweater, this is a pattern I would put at the top of the list. You will eventually come up with different ways to change it up so that you always have a different style of sweater/top!

Keep stitchin'