Monday, July 14, 2008

Comfy Cardi

Finally, I am done! With what you ask? Well, last February (or was it March?) I taught a class for the beautiful Comfy Cardi (ravelry) by Robyn Chachula.

Details~
Yarn: Arcaucania Ranco in Purple (a little more than 4 hanks)
Hook: Size F for the body and a D for the ribbing.
Button: BIG and BEAUTIFUL...just like me ;-)
Modifications: other than the yarn size I did move the button hole down so it wasn't so high on the neck.
Made For: My SIL Ashley! She is going to love it!

Why did it take me so long to make? Well, here is the deal. The class was a hit and everybody finished theirs, but not me. I got the whole cardi done except the ribbing.

OHHHH, The dreaded crochet ribbing! Sure, it is BEAUTIFUL! But, the time and dedication it takes to complete that much ribbing with sock weight yarn with a size D hook is F-O-R-E-V-E-R! Even Robyn told me that it is a labor of love but totally worth it in the end.

I completely agree with her. Now that it is done I am so happy that I did it! The finished project is just stunning! I even find myself adding more ribbing to my own designs.

Speaking about my designs, lately I find myself thinking of what other stitch patterns would be great with this style of garment. My mind is swirling! Big Collars, Picot Trim, Large Lace...I could go on and on! The cardi just looks great on everybody I have seen wear it. Now, I wonder if it would look good in a "big girl" size.

Anyway, if you have never crocheted a garment then this is a great one to try. It is from the CrochetMe book by Kim Werker. Plus, there are quite a few people on Ravelry who have made it so if you should have any trouble you definitely have a place to go to fo help.

Without further adieu...here are my pictures.

Comfy Cardi

9 comments:

Terrie D. (StarSpry) said...

The cardi looks beautiful, Marly!!! I know your SIL Ashley is going to love it :)

Anonymous said...

It's so pretty! Awesome button too!

Knit Geek said...

Wow. Marly! I love it! I'm so showing this to my mom to show her that crochet can really be as pretty as knitting.

Manda said...

so pretty! i love the purple. love (1)!!! :)

Donna said...

Beautiful yarn! I love those colors.

cici said...

really really nice! :D

digibudi said...

Oooh.. I love that button! And the piece itself of course too. I've clicked a link via Cami's ArtLikeBread blog. xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous - well done. It looks fabulous.

I know exactly where you're coming from with the ribbing. The main body of the cardi was finished in no time at all but the ribbing is going sooooo slowly. What's worse is that I know I'm probably going to make another because I'm not happy with the bagginess at the top of the arms! Why do I do this to myself?!

Anonymous said...

The cardi is gorgeous, Marly! If I could find more crochet that looked this good, I would go back to crocheting. I've crocheted for 30 years but have always hated the look of it for garments. I've taken up knitting because of it. I am keeping my eye on the crochet patterns, though. Every once in awhile, I see a beautiful crocheted item but not often enough to get me to pick up my crochet hooks again just yet.