Since I haven't posted for quite some time, I want to warn you that this post could get lengthy.  I've been known to present lengthy prose from time-to-time.  Fair warning. 

Mans Tweed Stripes Pullover

This design is seen in the September 2007 issue of Crochet! magazine, as you may already know.


When I received my issue of the magazine and had a chance to peruse it, I thought I might add a bit more to the instructions to aid in your completion of this sweater.  It's not that the pattern is lacking anything.  But nothing really gives you a feel for the design except a little personal experience, right?  Don't you just love the internet?  For the first time, I am really able to jump in there and get involved.  Make myself available for additional instruction, should the need arise.   So, without further ado, here is additional information for you.

The stitch pattern on this garment is very "knit-like".  It produces a thinner material than you might expect from a worsted weight yarn.  And, because of that knit-like quality, it also has some knitting characteristics you might not find in other crochet stitch patterns.

For instance, although a very nice stitch pattern, it does definitely bias, which means sort of shift diagonally.  This bias is most noticeable in the sleeves, because they are smaller than the back and front, and have less weight to them.  Because of the bias, you must "lock" the stitches into their correct position prior to seaming.  This is not scary.  It's actually quite easy.

Here's what I did.  I placed all four pieces of the garment on the floor.  Then, I spritzed them with a bit of water.  No need to drench them.  Then, gently pull them into shape.  I had all four pieces on carpet.  So, there wasn't any need to pin anything.  The carpet provided enough friction to maintain the blocking.  Allow to dry completely prior to seaming.

I also want to mention that the sleeve schematic indicates a certain measurement for the top of the sleeve.  This measurement is the pre-blocking measurement.  After blocking, the top of the sleeve will measure approximately 19 (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)".

I've already heard news that someone has finished the sweater!  I can't wait to share photos with everyone!  And, I encourage you to send me your photos as well!  I love me some photos!

Personalized Baby Afghan

Laurie has shared with me a lovely afghan she did from this pattern.  You can see Laurie's blog here.


Great job, Laurie!

Around the Internet

I was, once again, browsing my Bloglines and noticed that JD of Craft Gossip mentioned one of my designs in her latest entry.  Have a look by clicking here.  Thank you, JD, for the complements on my sweater! 

On Cooking and Food Preparation

Remember the other day when I told you I was making chicken stock ice cubes and yummy bread crumbs?  I have proof that I actually did these things!


About the Little Guy

Christian is going through some changes that have become pretty frustrating for me and Brianna.  He's trying his best to adjust his sleeping schedule.  He's trying to drop his mid-day nap.  I can tell because he's actually been dropping off into a nap at about 5:00 in the afternoon.  This has become a serious problem since he wakes up after his nap, then stays up until 1 or 2 am.  Sheesh!  I'm awake at that time, of course, because I usually work into the wee hours of the morning.  But, I definitely can't get any work done while he's roaming around.  Opening the refrigerator.  Climbing on whatever he can find.  Pushing his toys around, much to my dismay since we have neighbors downstairs and I doubt they are very pleased with this new schedule!

So, in an effort to solve this problem, we forced Christian to stay awake all day.  Then, he just dropped off to sleep at 8:30 tonight.  No telling what the neighbors think without a lot of Christian noise of crying and carrying on at bed time, even when it's 2 am.  But, wow!  If this could happen every day, I'd get a solid 6-8 hours of work every night!  Here's hoping we can break this habit of long mid-day naps!

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