Most of the shawl patterns I have come across start off with a magic ring. As such, I have come to expect the same for this Free Pattern. So, you can imagine my surprise when I realise this shawl, more of a wrap actually, begins with a foundation chain instead. While I understand the reason for the foundation chain, I also know I am signing myself up for a tough challenge when I decide to go ahead with this wrap that begins with a chain 139.
I know I will have less of an issue with the setup row (row after foundation chain) if I am using acrylic yarn which is more bouncy and stretchable as opposed to 100% soft cotton yarn. As it is, 20 stitches into the setup row, I know I have to undo everything to redo the foundation chain. Sadly, after the foundation chain is completed a second time, I still find myself struggling to insert my hook when I reach the setup row. It also did not help that I have chosen to start off with the outer dark colour of the skein of yarn, a deep purple instead of the inner light colour yellow. I find myself getting increasingly frustrated with trying to see and to insert my hook into each stitch. In the end, I tell myself "do not be afraid to start over" and promptly undo everything a third time.
I decide that the way to keep my sanity is to change the hook size from 2.5mm to 3.0mm and to crochet a loosely held foundation chain (more so than my second attempt). I quickly get down to work and am pleased with the changes I have made. Though I still need to use the pointed end of a stitch marker to pry open each stitch on the foundation chain to insert my hook to crochet a double, it is so much easier now. And of course, everything is a breeze after the setup row.
I will say it is to my advantage for having crochet and completed the Kalinda Shawl prior to this project. The pattern is different yet similar. If I have not done the Kalinda Shawl and skipped right to this Kalinda Wrap, I am sure I will be confused about the stitches and made countless mistakes. The Kalinda Shawl is a good place to start on these Kalinda projects, and as a starter, the creator provides stitch count at the end of each row which gives affirmation on whether that row has been crochet correctly or not. Though no stitch count is given for the Kalinda Wrap, I am familiar enough with the pattern by now and have no issue at all. It is just as well; I am tired of all the counting. The affirmation at the end of each row comes in the form of the number of stitches left after the special pattern is applied.
Besides applying the basic stitches in crochet, namely slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and triple crochet, this pattern also uses the more exotic stitch, sc3tog, dc3tog and BLdc3tog. I gladly welcome these decreasing stitches, and before I know it, am familiar enough with them to crochet without having to refer to the instructions.
I take my time to crochet the Kalinda Wrap and find myself enjoying the repeating stitch pattern. It has a calming and meditative effect. If you are looking to crochet a shawl/wrap with a meditative stitch pattern, this is the one for you.
Materials:
1. Sweet! Soft cotton yarn cake: 100% soft cotton | 280g | 900m | 12-ply | super fine [Yellow, Orange, Pink, Purple]
2. Crochet hook, size 3.0mm (Tulip)
3. Stitch markers (Tulip)
4. Tapestry needle
5. Scissors
No comments:
Post a Comment