Icelandic Cowl—Canadian Book Launch

Ok, Crochetmealongers, let's get this party started! Alright, I had a head start. I began my second project from the book (I'll consider Gordo & Doug my first, for the sake of my dwindling crochet productivity of late) last April, but I'm in full swing with it now.

For a few months, I've been posting progress photos of my in-progress Icelandic Cowl sweater; I started it last April, from a print-out of the tech-edited manuscript. I have a short attention span, and would put it down for weeks at a time; it's a super easy pattern.

Julie threw down the gauntlet last week, suggesting we each wear our Icelandic Cowl to the Canadian book launch tomorrow night at Urban Yarns. I was further along than she was at the time; I thought I could use the challenge to just finish. But barely had the challenge escaped Julie's lips that I tried on my sweater at the end of the cowl section. Dude. It was huge. I'd had to adjust for my gauge being off, and it would seem that I had made a mistake that compounded round after round.

It's a close-fitting sweater. But not only was it just plainly too big, it was enormous in back.

I heard Sandi Wiseheart's voice in my head, exclaiming that no woman's front is the same size as her back! In my case, this is a dramatic truth. I wear a 32-D. My front is significantly larger than my back. I rarely find a button-down shirt that isn't gigantic in the back even when it's taut in front. Anyway, I knew all this when I started the sweater. But I figured that since the sweater is so close-fitting, it would likely all even out in the end. Um, no.

I ripped back. And here's where all my deepest, darkest crocheter ills come to light. Due to the time crunch (also, I'm impatient), I ripped back only to the last round of increases, not farther back. This might actually be okay. I altered the pattern so that the front half of the sweater is slightly smaller than it was before and so the back is significantly smaller (I cut out over 4 inches of width from the back). I also cut about an inch from each sleeve cap.

The ill shows up in how conservative I was. I actually should have cut more. But there's good news. The back no longer wings out on its own. The front is a bit snugger, as are the sleeves. But really? I could have cut another couple inches off the total circumference. I doubted both my math (which was correct), and my desire to wear the sweater so close-fitting (which is how it should be worn). But I think the end result will be passable.

Will it be passable for tomorrow night? I'm doubtful, but won't rule it out. I might become one with the sofa tonight, stitching feverishly.

(It has crossed my mind that I don't much like pink. I never wear it. I've been known to announce that I hate it. Might I be tempted to make another, better-fitting version in a different colour down the line? ... Only time will tell.)

BTW, the event tomorrow night is almost full! If you want to come to Urban Yarns with me and Julie from 6-9pm, RSVP to the store as soon as you can!

[X-posted at the CrochetMe.com blog]

Book Launch Parties 5 Cities: 1 Day; Thanks to all the book contributors and shops!

Book Came In Early!

Oh my gosh was I surprised when mail came, my book is here!!! I'm so excited and can't wait to decide what color, but this is what I think I'm gonna try first! Sorry for the glare, wasn't there when I took the pic.
Anyone else decide what they are going to do first?

Oh I wished I lived somewhere where there was a LYS having book signing! Wish I had a LYS..lol But I loved the pics you all shared and I'm so jealous but so glad for you all too. I'll try to remember and leave a comment the next time I visit.

Hope everyone else gets their book soon, you won't be disappointed!

Crochet Me Book Launch Party - Detroit

Hi everyone,

I thought I would share my photo gallery of the party we had here, in the Detroit area.

As you may already know, we had a Crochet Me Book Launch Party yesterday, at 5 different cities around the country. I represented the Detroit area, and had a launch party and book signing at Skeins on Main in Rochester, Michigan. I could not have imagined a better day! We had a great turnout, a champagne toast, yummy hor d'oevers and lots of crocheting!

Here is a link to an article I posted about the book launch yesterday: Article

Here is a link to my photo gallery of the event: Photo Gallery

Best regards,

Kristin

Lucky

I was also at WEBS on Sunday with my sister. We both won door prizes! I'm getting a year of Interweave Crochet, and Mary got the book, all the yarn, and hooks to make the Messenger Bag!! Amazing. I also bought yarn to make the Icelandic Turtleneck.

It's Rowan 4 ply soft, color 396 (and it matches the book, go figure).

Crochet Me Book Launch - Seattle

Yesterday was the Crochet Me book launch with promotional parties happening in yarn shops across the country. I was the guest at the Seattle event hosted by Hilltop Yarn and Needlepoint on beautiful Queen Anne. It was so much fun! Cake, cookies, yarn, crochet! Who could ask for more? Read more about the event at my blog.

Crochet Revolution!!!

Hello everyone....
I just came home from Kim Werker's Crochet Me book launch event at Webs America's Yarn store in Northampton, Massachusetts. I met Kim...got my book signed and actually got to touch and see almost all of the garment in the book. Now I really don't know what to make first...they are all so beautifully photographed in the book...but when you see the garment up close...it is unbelievable. You can really "feel" the garments drape and detailed stitch work. Check out the rest of my story on my personal blog. Hmmmm..what to do, what to do???? Oh, by the way....this will be my first garment. I am already anticipating using everyone's help!