Sigh.

A sigh of disappointment. I have wanted to work on the Baby-doll Dress pattern from the book Crochet Me ever since I picked up a copy. I actually first saw the pattern in an excerpt from the book in Interweave Crochet magazine. I was floored by such a gorgeous top. After my yarn stash was sufficiently depleted I was finally ready to invest in the sweater – both the time and funds. I first purchased my yarn from YarnExchange.us and they sent me Brown Sheep Cotton Fine instead of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. I was determined to make an exact replica of the piece so I sent it back and ordered Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece from HalcyonYarn.com. From there I very carefully made a swatch to check my gauge and then began the bodice. I was worried it was running big right away. I chose the pattern for a 36 bust and my first half of the bodice measured 2″ large but I felt I might lose some of the overage in seeming. I then constructed the other side of the bodice and when sewing together realized the method of seaming left a very obvious and awkward seam in the front.

I decided to switch back and forth on several stitches before using a tapestry needle and whip stitch in an attempt to hide my stitches. Once seamed I realized the top was about 4″ too big all the way around. My first instinct was to just rip out the side seams. Then upon further examination I realized how thoroughly disappointed I was with the design element of the middle seams from the bodice assembly. I just couldn’t get over it. Even if I managed to rip the side seams and reattach them the back bodice puckered and then created an odd shape. After another hour of useless attempts I have decided to scrap the project. I feel a bit defeated. Normally I will find a way around my pattern complication or a design element I am not fond of – but in this situation I would have to completely start over.

I looked up the project on http://www.ravelry.com while having trouble and realized a lot of people had encountered similar issues and there were immediate notes to bust measures and calculations being off. After reviewing the finished product that many crafters had executed perfectly (and quite beautifully) I realize this pattern is still not for me and with too many design elements needing changes to suit my personal style choices, it is definitely time to move on!

Meanwhile I now have an extra five skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. I checked out Ravelry for suggestions to find a purpose for this yarn. I did like the weight and drape of the material I was creating and would love to use it for a wearable purpose. My favorite find so far is the Aragon Tunic from Interweave Crochet, Summer 2009. It may be interesting completely stitched in the ivory/putty color I have already purchased…and who can beat a name like “Aragon”. It may pair well with a Lord of the Rings marathon.

I guess it is back to Stormtrooper Crafts for the time being!

Oh – and did anyone notice my AWESOME new blog design by http://www.websydaisy.com?! I love it!

I began my stash bash challenge when I constructed a hodge podge afghan that I thought was a fun way to begin using up spare yarn and ends of skeins. I figured – why not use up all of my yarn? Especially as the projects I hope to start require some yarn-investments and parting with my funds when I have lots of unused yarn laying around seemed a bit silly.

Then it happened, I became overwhelmed almost as quickly as I started! Each project in the pipeline seemed more appealing when I felt further away from working on it and I was in a rush to use up my stash as soon as possible. I began this process by cataloging my yarn on Ravelry which was so helpful! I was able to know exactly what yardage I had available which made it easier (and sometimes harder) to select projects. With over half of my stash used in less than a month I was stuck with a few novelty yarns and some sock-weights to master and had hit a wall when it came to ideas. I seem to have too little yardage for the things that interest me and too little patience for those that don’t!

I did successfully use all of my baby yarn making hats for charity. I also used up my coveted handspun making hats as gifts.

Best of all I FINALLY finished the Hourglass Jacket by StitchDiva that I originally began in June. It awaits blocking once I receive my Knitters Blocks which are on back order.

I reserved two skeins of Vanna’s Choice Glamour to make my daughter a short sleeve wrap and 2 skeins of LB Collection Superwash Merino Wool that I am using for more toddler hats. I still have 3 untouched skeins of Karabella Lace Mohair and absolutely no idea what to do with it, though the $50 price tag has me hanging on to it. This was the pattern I originally purchased it for: http://www.karabellayarns.com/patterndetail.aspx?pattID=107. I may attempt another try at it soon, my first go was confusing and I had to unravel my project.

Meanwhile I have packaged up the end skeins I have left and am sending them to Newborns in Need – a charity that makes newborn items and I’m sure could use up the mininal yardage amounts on these skeins for bibs, booties and even more hats.

What’s next? I have to finish these hats and cardigan first, but I’m excited to choose! I know I definitely want to knit a sweater this year, so I plan on using a pattern from AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher. I also want to crochet a round jute rug for my kitchen and check out Debbie Stoller’s new Stitch Nation yarn. Most of all – I want to order Studio Silk for the Endless Cardi Shawl (crochet version). All of these total to more yarn investments so we’ll see where my pocketbook leads me first. For the time being, I have to run to the post office and send off my stash! Goodbye yarn, hello possibilities!

Progress and set backs this week in my stash bash challenge. I did successfully use an entire ball of baby yarn making a new jacket for my daughter (”Baby Topper” pattern – Lion Brand Website) and began putting a dent in another skein to make her an ear-flap hat using a pattern from Crochet Me.

I then increased my stash with some pretty worsted weights I picked up at my favorite LYS – also know as my mom’s garage. I didn’t break any yarn shopping rules as I didn’t buy anymore yarn, but I did acquire it. It is for a great project though – a gift to celebrate my friend Nikki’s baby boy Miles who is due in May. Definitely worth the ’stash setback’.

As a last minute “white elephant” gift exchange present I also got rid of a skein of LB Collection Cotton Bamboo – a great and gorgeous yarn, but I had a limited supply. Paired with an unopened pair of size 8 needles and new “knitting made easy” DVD I hope I was able to pass on a treasured past-time.

I then found an awesome pattern through Ravelry for a Noodle Hat – here is  the finished product make for my dear friend’s 4 month old Lainey.

The biggest accomplishment of all? I finally listed a pattern on my Etsy shop for my Crochet Baby Pom Pom Hat and I sold THREE copies of this THIS WEEK! I was so surprised and excited. I hope those that are trying out the pattern find it works up easy and will provide feedback. What a fun week! The new few days will be crochet-free as we’ll be celebrating Christmas and hanging with the family. I have made SO much progress on my Stitch Diva Hourglass Jacket though and my goal is to finish by New Years Eve! Wish me luck!

As I posted a few days ago - here is the completed 5 1/2 Hour Throw “Stash Bash” afghan I was working on.  I began with remnants of about 15 skeins of yarn, then mixed and matched three strands at a time for this extra-colorful throw.