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!