As any knitter or crocheter knows, it's hard to stay faithful to just one craft project at a time. I've been a rather monogamous knitter in recent months, working on one thing at a time and then moving onto the next project. I have to admit, it's much easier now that I no longer work for a craft company, as the temptation to buy more yarn or to cast on another project can be ignored more easily. I used to be surrounded by yarn at work and it was all too easy to buy more and start another project. For now, I've come to terms with the fact that I'm a bit of a yarn hoarder and I desperately need to cut down my stash. Hence my semi-monogamous streak - no more non-essential yarn purchases and no unnecessary cast ons. I only have time for pre-planned, stash-busting knitting and crochet from here on out.
I guess this naturally brings me onto the topic of what I'm making at the moment. I have three works in progress at the moment which, admittedly, is more than I'd like. It's excusable, however, as I have one project for each craft (knitting and crochet), and an older winter-worthy knitting project that I've taken out of hibernation.
Bell sleeve top
My first WIP is an A-line jumper in Lion Brand Hand-Dyed Heaven yarn. Using a mix and match pattern from my 6000+ Pullover Possibilities book, I've decided to go for an A-line raglan with a scalloped edge and full-length bell sleeves. The sleeves have the same scalloped edging, which you can see in the photo. I've been sticking completely to the pattern for this design, except for the neckline which I altered and the raglan - I've added little eyelets along the side which should make a leafy design once sewn together. I'll admit, this top is a bit of an experiment but it should be a good one for spring as the yarn is quite light-weight and floaty. It's a very soft yarn and I love the colour - it's called Lady Marmalade, presumably after the song, but I think it looks more like dolly mix, a classic British candy.
Cabled cardigan
My other knitting project at the moment is a chunky cabled cardigan with a seed stitch border, inspired by the Bella Wrap by Belinda Harris-Reid. I had originally cast on the Bella Wrap but I didn't like the way it was sitting on me. It was 70% complete and hibernating when I revived the project but I quickly decided that I'd rather see the stitch pattern in a cardigan. I've completely made up the cardigan pattern using standard measurements and a gauge swatch to guide me. If everything goes to plan, it should be a drop shoulder cardigan with seed stitch borders. I'm trying to get this project done quickly so that I still have some time to wear it before spring truly hits, but I have the feeling that it won't get much use until next year. Luckily the yarn, Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick, works up very fast - as the name would suggest.
Almond ridges jumper
My last yarn project is a crochet jumper in Paintbox Simply Aran. This is another of my own design experiments, using a gauge swatch and measurements to create a very loose pattern. It's a rather tricky design to crochet as I am working horizontally, not vertically, as I decided that the stitch repeats would look nicer as vertical waves. This naturally complicates things for my pattern, as the stitches are my vertical measurement, not rows, and my rows are my horizontal measurements. If you think that sounds complicated, you should try making it yourself! I've already made it a little too short by way of a maths/gauge error, but that's nothing that a little blocking or ribbed edging can't fix. I've further complicated things by making it a set-in sleeve, but it's all charted out and ready to go once I've finished the front piece. If it doesn't work out, I'll rip it out and start again but fingers crossed I've got it right first time!
For anyone wondering, I've used an almond ridges stitch pattern from Heart Hook Home.
Floral embroidery
The last thing I've been working on lately is a floral embroidery. It's rather out of my realm of expertise as I've not done much embroidery before. I decided to buy some canvas project bags and embroider my logo onto it. Many YouTube tutorials were involved, but I got there in the end and I now have a beautiful personalized project bag for my smaller on-the-go makes. At the moment, I'm embroidering another floral design but I can't say too much about it for now. It's got some gradient work which is a little more challenging, but it's pushing me to be creative and to try new stitch techniques. This design is a lot more detailed so it'll take me a good while longer than my project bag. I don't mind though, it's a rather therapeutic process.
That's it for my March monthly makes. I'd love to hear what other people have on their needles and hooks this month.
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