WIP Mix - Dream Yarn, Crochet Texture and Knit Lace

Feb 17

Written By

I am joining Yarn Along for a traditional "craft party".

Knitting. I've been working on Ocean since December. I don't want to rush through the lace part - I am learning so much! This is the first time when I modify lace chart written for the circular knitting to knit it flat and let me tell you - never try it :) I am kidding, it's not that bad as long as you understand the logic of stitches, increases and decreases and how to slant stitches to the direction you need on both sides. Also I am a visual person and never follow patterns word by word if there is a chart, so it makes things easier - all I have to do is to "translate" stitches that are supposed to be knit on the right side in circular knitting to knit them on the wrong side so they appear exactly as the chart shows. Did I give you a headache?Crochet. With crochet, things are much easier. For weeks I've been looking at the cardigan swatch and finally decided what color scheme I want to work with - I chose two color gradient instead of three. I hope I won't run out of yarn. Then I started making the actual gauge swatch.The pattern recommends to crochet stitches through the front loop, I decided to check both options - one half of the swatch was made with crochet stitches through the back loop and the other half through front. As you can see, the back loop method gives you much more texture and pops out. It is great for decorative effect, but I don't think I want my whole cardi to be covered in these ridges, it will look like a crocodile skin. Plus I am using mesmerized cotton and the fabric is a little bit stiff, so textured overload would be totally unnecessary. I am going with the through the front loop option.Yarn. I am sure we all have one-two skeins somewhere in the depths of the stash which are so precious that you are afraid to start any project with them for months, maybe even for years. I have one - 100% Tussah Silk by Madelinetosh.It is sooo soft, feels absolutely surreal. 1000 yards of lace weight need to be put in use this year! It was gifted to me one year ago and it is still waiting for a perfect project match. I am still not ready to let it go on a winder :) But I am getting there, this spring I will make something out of it for sure!