lessons in crochet

Sometimes I think you don't know me. 

You don't understand me. 

We're so different. 

You'll never really "get" me. 

But when you go traipsing around town, 

searching high and low, 

just so I can finish this 

no matter how crazy it might seem to you,

 I know you care about how I feel 

and 

I know 

you know me. 

Allah yahfadhak.

I tweaked a shrug pattern. And you can too! I used a different yarn, hence completely different sized hook and kept trying it on until I had it how I wanted it. 

This is the pattern I used, but there are lots on Ravelry.

Following the pattern, I worked up a rectangle.

As you can see, I used a chainless foundation because ... it's brilliant!

I continued with the pattern but making sure that I had the right multiple of stitches along the side.

I had an inkling that I wouldn't have enough of the cotton-viscose mix I was using and "decided" that I didn't want long sleeves. You could always add increases and have your sleeves flare out a bit.

For the collar, back and front, I carried on with the pattern. I didn't stick to the number of rounds given in the pattern that I used. I kept trying on the shrug to check!

Lessons learnt:

• Don't be afraid to do it your way.
• You might find the yarn you need (in the teeny tiny stationery shops of Jeddah) where you don't expect to.
• If it's old stock, check that they have enough BEFORE you start working on your project, because they're not likely to order more in from France or Turkey or wherever they got it from!
• If you're making a garment for a particular event, start well in advance so you don't have to deal with last minute, panic-inducing hitches!
• ALWAYS appreciate the special people around you!