Swirl Crochet-Along

[woolandflax]

Come on in and stay awhile! We are crocheting the Swirl sweater jacket (http://www.crochetme.com/swirl) from CrochetMe. If you'd like to join us and crochet-along, just post with your intention to join and you're in! We'd love to have ya.

A big thank-you to Vigilant20 (Lynn) (http://crafts.vigilant20.com/) for making us some awesome buttons!!
Here they are, use whichever one you like best. Please save them on your own server to save my bandwidth. Thanks!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d31/HeartKnits/swirlcal.gif

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d31/HeartKnits/swirlalong.gif

Let's get crocheting!!:hook

[Yarn Duck]

I might be interested once the holidays are over. Elann has some yarn that I think would work well for this jacket. I do really like the design.

[woolandflax]

cool. I'll check with ya after Christmas then.;)

[JesseCat]

Hi Rebecca,

I am also interested. The swirl jacket really caught my eye and after Christmas would be a good time to start on a "for me" project...:cheer Keep me informed.....

[rebeccav]

just wanted to say - i really really like the jacket.... i'm not sure right now, though.


i keep telling myself that this coming year will be a year of design.........
it did jump to the top of my WIM, so maybe. i'll keep up with the details :P

[AuntyM]

Would you post the link to the website please?

[hiptobeme]

http://crochetme.com/swirl :hook

[mimi_mia]

I really love the sweater as well, but I want to make it out of acrylic, I'm not a wool person.........I'm too afraid of shrinkage!! :blush

[grrlsmom]

Just noticed this post - I've been wanting to do the same thing after the holidays. Count me in. And also count me a rookie - I don't really know how to participate in a crochet-a-long. Can someone fill me in?

[woolandflax]

Sure, it's not a complicated thing. Just post your intention to join us here on this thread then keep us updated on your progress. We are crocheting-along to cheer each other on, help answer questions, and see all the pretty completed projects! Happy to have you along. Looks like we will have a group after all. (oh and sidenote here, woolease is a wool/acrylic blend, it won't shrink, felt, or smell like sheep! lol. It's also cheaper than wool but softer and warmer than 100% acrylic) What colors are you all gonna use? I'm sticking with my current faves: pinks & browns. I'm getting LB Woolease in Mink, Mushroom, Dark Rose Heather, and Rose Heather. :c9

[mimi_mia]

Rebecca, how much yarn are you buying to make your sweater, I know we need 4 colors but how much of each color do we need, I wouldn't mind going out to get it this week.........that way I pretty much commit myself to the project!!:hook

[woolandflax]

Maria, I'm getting 4 balls(197 yds each) of each of my four colors. I plan on doing the sleeves in one of the colors, the collar in one, the main part of the jacket in one and the edging in one, besides the swirl. I know I'll have some left over but that's okay because I had designed a hat over a year ago using the same swirl technique and will make it to match the jacket.:)

[JCB]

Hi...

I'm new here, but I love the idea of a crochet along. I really like that swirl pattern, and I'd love to try it... I read the instructions rather quickly and came away sort of scratching my head... but hey... I love a challenge.

What I would love to do is do the swirl, but turn it into a purse instead of a sweater. Could I still crochet along?

Joan

[woolandflax]

Joan, I want to say let's not, but on the other hand, I get excited about learning new techniques too, so go ahead! join us! Can't wait to see what you come up with. Make sure you write that pattern down as you go, you never know when you're creating the next "I HAVE to make THAT!" pattern.

[AmyG.]

I also love this pattern. I'm not sure about all of the different colors of the swirl, but I definitely want to give it a try. After the holiday's sounds like a good time. Bring it up again and I'll try to join you.

[mudpie]

I love it! I saw the swirl in a piece somewhere before, and vowed that I would give it a try sometime. And since a new sweater/jacket is on my to do list, now seems like perfect timing. I'm hoping to use yarn from my stash, though. I'm not familiar with the yarn the pattern calls for. I have some Shetland Chunky that I probably have enough of. Is the Alpaca a chunky or is it a worsted weight?

[kagome4]

And also count me a rookie - I don't really know how to participate in a crochet-a-long. Can someone fill me in?
I'm also kinda new. Can somebody tell me how to do this?:think

[woolandflax]

No problem Kagome4,

just stating your intention to make the project makes you a part of the crochet-along. Just keep posting here on this thread about your progress, show pictures of your yarn, work-in-progress and when it's all done. We'll be here if/when you get stumped in the pattern and need help and we promise to cheer you on to completion! It's really not hard, I promise.;)

Mudpie,
I'm pretty sure the alpaca used in the pattern is a worsted weight not a chunky/bulky weight. If you use the Shetland Chunky you'll have difficulty getting your jacket the right size unless you're experienced with changing the gauge on a pattern. Don't feel restricted to using the yarn called for in the pattern. Just about any yarn is fine as long as you can get the same gauge and drape as the original has in the pattern. Do you understand what I mean?

[Darlenedjr]

I might give it a try later, but I need directions. Let me know by emailing me at Darlenedjr@yahoo.com, or I can check back here later. Darlene

[fuzzy ferret]

I would be interested in giving it a whirl. I seem to have bad luck when it comes to making wearables. I get it semi-started and then run into a problem, get frustrated because it doesn't work out for me and end up scrapping it.

I've not used any fancy yarns myself except for trying a small swatch with homespun and got very irritatated because I couldn't find my stitches. I'd love to try this with some nice Caron Simply Soft yarn, do you all think this would be an okay pick for yarn? Thoughts?:)

Thanks!

Krystal

[kagome4]

I also have problems with homespun. It's hard to make scarves, sweaters ect. with it, but that's all that I seem to have! It does work very beautifully, though. :)

[grrlsmom]

Okay, are we about ready to start? I have some yarn almost decided on - it's worsted weight variegated for the swirl, then I THINK blue for the body. Unless I change my mind again! Also considering a pale earth-tone palette.

Anybody else?

[woolandflax]

Sure, let's get the CAL moving!! If you are crocheting along with us, give us a post with your yarn ideas and yarn pics are yummy!:D I think this will be a great pattern to work up in so many different yarns!! Everyone should be able to find something they like in their price range for this. I know I was planning on using woolease but now I'm thinking of experimenting a bit and trying the RH Symphony on this. What do you all think? Maybe even a little bit of the LB Moonlight Mohair thrown in there for some sparkle. Sound good? I'm hoping to get my yarn this next week. Will post pics when I do.

the blues sound very pretty to me!! But earth tones would be very verstile as well if you have the skin color to pull them off. I can't wear most of them.

[mimi_mia]

I plan on using a blue palette too, denim, off white, navy and grey........my yarn selection will definately be RH.....I hope I don't run into any problems, I don't make wearables so I'm hoping to finish this one.... I will get the rest of my yarn together and I want to get started on it Sunday the first day of 2006!!

:woo here we go :hook

[woolandflax]

That sounds really pretty Maria!! Can't wait to see it!;)

[woolandflax]

Just had another thought, this pattern would be so pretty done up in several different yarns worked together but in complimentary colors. Another yarn suggestion: RH Plush/TLC Amore' ;)

[woolandflax]

Allright gals! We have BUTTONS, preeeeeeeettttty buttons!! Made by Lynn/Vigilant20. They're on the first post of this thread. Help yourselves.:D

[woolandflax]

Are you all about ready to start with me? Where are all my 'alongers? Think I'm starting mine tonight, not in the yarn I wanted but I might make it again when I can get my woolease. For now, I need to use what's already in my stash. Will post a pic tomorrow of any progress. Come on ya'll!:yay

[mimi_mia]

Rebecca, I started mine already, I finished the swirl, started on the lower back part, didn't like it :eek...........I frogged the whole thing, started it again and am now back to where I was the first time........instead of using 4 colors I'm using 3, I didn't like what the 4 colors where going to look like once I got to the bottom and sides.

I didn't realise that each side and the center bottom where all different colors and then the collar was the 4th color.............so I made my swirl so that the bottom back was one color, both sides where one color and the collar will be the third color....Oh boy I hope I like it when it's done.
mine will be navy for the center back, denim for the 2 sides and probably the sleeves...I'm not quite sure yet and off white for the collar.:think

Good luck to you all with yours.......I'll post pictures of what I have done tomorrow :hook

[mimi_mia]

[/url]This is what I have done so far, I finished the swirl and the first part of the lower back....Now I'm stuck and I don't quite understand how to continue, I want to see pictures of someone elses........anyone??



http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/swirl3.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/IMG_0231.jpg[url="http://photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/?"] (http://photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/?action=view&current=swirl3.jpg)

[woolandflax]

Okay Maria, here's the progress on my Swirl. I've added one more round to the swirl and might add another to make sure it fits the intended recipient.
I plan on doing all the pie wedges in the multicolor yarn, the sleeves in the blue, the collar in the purple and the edging in the tweedy cream. I might get creative and ruffle it a bit as well. Your's is looking good! Anybody else out there started already? Yoo hoo, where are ya'll?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d31/HeartKnits/dab6eaca.jpg

Oh and I ended up using all RH yarns except for the cream which is Wool-ease in Natural Heather carried along with a laceweight wool boucle for a tweed effect.

[mimi_mia]

Rebecca I love the colors you chose it looks great!! :manyheart

This is what I have so far and when I tried it on it doesn't fit right. I don't know what to do next I don't want to finish it and never wear it and I really don't want to frog it all the way down to the swirl, so right now I'm going to make something else and think about it for a bit......good luck with yours and keep us posted as to how you're doing with it!!

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/IMG_0246.jpg

[woolandflax]

Maria, can you get a picture of you wearing what you have so far? I might be able to help you figure it out if I could see how it's fitting you or not fitting you as the case may be. It's looking good but we want it to fit good too!

[crochetnut75]

[/url]This is what I have done so far, I finished the swirl and the first part of the lower back....Now I'm stuck and I don't quite understand how to continue, I want to see pictures of someone elses........anyone??



http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/swirl3.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/IMG_0231.jpg[url="http://photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/?"] (http://photobucket.com/albums/b376/mimi_mia/?action=view&current=swirl3.jpg)

I like these colors.

[grrlsmom]

Help! I have crochet-paralysis! I farted around w/the yarn, got Light and Lofty, took it back after I realized I couldn't do this pattern in it, got some variegated, a denim blue, and 2 beige's, printed out the pattern, figured out how to do the magic circle (love it, by the way! New to me.), now each evening, I arrange it all, look at it, and then put it away!

What is the MATTER with me? This is the first project I've ever done for myself and I REALLY want to wear this doggone thing! Somebody come whack me with a stick! LOL

Question for Maria - yours is how I picture mine, sorta. The cream is the collar part, right? How do you know you are putting the cream in the right place or does it matter? Do you know what I'm asking? I think this is the part that's holding me up - I know how I want it to look and am not sure how to achieve it!

[whitedtu]

Oh no:devil I just mite have to start this sweater, after the fendi bag:hook

[mimi_mia]

What is the MATTER with me? This is the first project I've ever done for myself and I REALLY want to wear this doggone thing! Somebody come whack me with a stick! LOL

Question for Maria - yours is how I picture mine, sorta. The cream is the collar part, right? How do you know you are putting the cream in the right place or does it matter? Do you know what I'm asking? I think this is the part that's holding me up - I know how I want it to look and am not sure how to achieve it!

That's what a CAL is all about, supporting each other to get going on it, so get the yarn out and get going on it...
As for placement of colors, yes the cream is the collar, what I did was I used only 3 colors instead of 4...I wanted the 2 front sides to be the same color so I did the dark blue, denim, cream, denim...when I finished the swirl I made sure to start with the dark blue and did the bottom, then I did one side, then the collar, then the other side. I made sure the cream was in the collar position.
I hope that answers your question :hook

[grrlsmom]

Yes! I think I got it. I'm only gonna use 3 colors, too. I think. I don't know!

[woolandflax]

grrlsmom, you CAN DO THIS!!! WHACK!! WHACK!!!! :devil There did that help at all? :D Just don't think about the wedges yet, enjoy making the swirly part first. Sometimes when you try and figure the pattern out before you start on it, you just end up confusing yourself!! I'm sure it will become more clear to you as you go and if not, let us know!! :hug

[grrlsmom]

I started it! And thanks for the whacks, Rebecca! Couldn't have done it without ya! LOL I'm using 4 colors, I'm on about row 6 now and it's going quickly. I had dd3 take pics of me and my 'helper', hope to post tomorrow. It's actually very relaxing, going around and around . . .

[woolandflax]

YaY!! :cheer I knew you could do it. I can't wait to see the pics! :hook

[whitedtu]

O.K.:) I got some alpaca yarn on ebay for my wool swap:D and got enough for me:devil to make this sweater, I can't wait for this to get here.:blush

[woolandflax]

Whitedtu,

I can't wait to see your alpaca yarn!! That's one thing I still haven't gotten to work with yet.

[whitedtu]

First time for me:yay also, If I wasn't part of the swap, I wouldn't have bought it (you know how it goes, can't buy yarn for someone else and not me):devil

[mimi_mia]

So how's everyone doing with their sweaters?? I've decided that after leaving mine for a week I may pick it up again and finish making the sleeves. I think I'll finish a couple more WIP's and then finish the sweater! :hook

I want to see pictures of someone elses, Rebecca how's yours, your swirl was looking great, who's the rest of it coming?

[woolandflax]

well, don't have any new progress yet to post. :( Been very busy spinning and dyeing and taking down the tree, and homeschooling , and , and , etc....
I will try to get the wedges done by the end of the weekend though. Can't wait to finish it and run the whole thing thru the washer with some fabric softener. RH is so much better with some Downey!!;)

[mimi_mia]

That may be what mine needs is a good run through the wash, I find the back wedge, under the swirl doesn't fall the way I want it to it's kind of stiff, after a wash it may fall better, that's a good idea about running through the wash with with downy!!:hook

[whitedtu]

O.K. I have the yarn:clap I am using two strands together, because it is a thin alpaca, burgandy, beige tweed, greay tweed, and a black tweed. I am also using a 7.5mm hook. I have the swirl all done ( O.K. on last row) If any of you that are making it in a large could tell me what your piece measure that would be helpful. I just hope I got enough yarn :scrachin I will post a picture when I can

[whitedtu]

O.K. I didn't like the way this looked soooo I frogged it :angry and changed to a K hook. now I have the swirl and three sides done:clap It's coming out great, sooo soft, :heart and the colors are great :wbrr with all the snow:snow that we are getting I just have to finish this, it's soo nice and warm

[whitedtu]

O.K. ? do you count the ch3 in the pie wedge as a dc st. ?:ohdear when I got to row 18, I have more stiches then I should have :eek for row 2, 42 st + 3 for inc + ch three (should I have 46 altogether?):( HELP!! do I now have to frog the three sides that I have done:worried

[woolandflax]

Yes Debbie, you count the chain 3 as a dc. You should be increasing 3 dc's each row to end with 93 stitches on row 18.
I just now finished the first wedge last night, hoping to finish another tonite. I'm also doing mine with a K hook although I'm making it much larger than the pattern.
Sorry if you have to frog.....:( Do you have pics?

[whitedtu]

well i frogged all 3 pie wedges, and started over. I have 1 redone:clap and 1 started, I will get a picture asap

[mimi_mia]

I did that too, I frogged the whole thing and then redid it, now I'm still working on the sleeves, but because of the way it's all circular the sleeves are going to be long on the underside and short on the upside. I'm wondering whether to keep going or frog it and forget it? I want to see others before I decide.

[woolandflax]

Mimi Mia, couldn't you just increase at the end of the rows/by your hand just on the upside or decrease on the downside rows to make it even? :think

[whitedtu]

what stich did you guys use to sew the pie wedges together?

[whitedtu]

well a co-worker of mine is bringing in his camera, so I will post a picture, on Friday,

[mimi_mia]

Debbie, can't wait to see the picture!

[whitedtu]

O.K. the colors are not that great:shrug they are dark burgandy, light beige tweed, grey tweed, and black tweed. I am still working on the last pie wedge. the yarn is alpaca sooo soft:c9 I think the sleves will be the light beige tweed because thats the only color I have left:eek Let me know what you think:blush http://i14.bucket.com/albums/a329/whitedtu/swirlsweater001.jpg
http://i14.bucket.com/albums/a329/whitedtu/swirlsweater001.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a329/whitedtu/swirlsweater003.jpghttp://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a329/whitedtu/th_swirlsweater001.jpg (http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a329/whitedtu/swirlsweater001.jpg)http://i14.bucket.com/albums/a329/whiedtu/swirlsweater001.jpg%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i14.bucket.com/albums/a329/whitedtu/swirlsweater001.jpg


http://i14.bucket.com/albums/a329/whitedtu/swirlsweater001.jpg
http://i14.bucket.com/albums/a329/whitedtu/swirlsweater001.jpg

[grrlsmom]

I think it's fantastic! You are 3 pie wedges ahead of me. Nice to see what it will look like when and if I get that far.

[whitedtu]

well now I have another ? are the holes the same size? one looks bigger then the other:think

[mimi_mia]

The swirl looks great, try the sweater on see if the sleeve holes feel the same!

[woolandflax]

It looks great!! :clap I like the colors and can't wait to see one of these on somebody!! Mine isn't for me and I think it will be quite big on me so it won't do any good to wait for my modeling pic. :blush

[JesseCat]

Hi - I can't believe how fast some of you are...I have two other projects that need completion yesterday but I will try to make the swirl tomorrow...It is a great idea to have people available to help with questions....I will try to get as far as fast as I can....:clap

[woolandflax]

Glad you're joining us Joann! Can't wait to see your colors. :hook

[whitedtu]

OMG, just can't wait to see one of these done, I have never done sleeves like this :eek (what am I talking about :think have never done sleeves at all :lol )
welcome JesseCat

[mimi_mia]

I have one sleeve done!

[JesseCat]

I have some yarn in my stash that may work, I have about 12 ounces off a lavender/white combo and also about 12 ounces of plain lavender that may look good together...Problem is the other two projects that I must finish.......

[woolandflax]

How is everyone doing with their Swirls? I've had to let mine sit for awhile while I worked on things that had deadlines. Now I'm giving myself a deadline on this, it has to be done before the Olympics start!! I have the center swirl done and 1 pie wedge so far. Anyone else have progress to report? I can't wait to see this on someone!!:cheer

[mimi_mia]

I'm still at the same place, I haven't worked on it in a while, I want to see one done too!
I have one sleeve done!

[grrlsmom]

I want to see one done, too and I've finally come to realize it's not going to be mine any time soon! I keep getting side-tracked on other projects, but I DO feel guilty about it every time I pick up a crochet hook. Does that count as participating?

[grrlsmom]

I completed the first side, and I'm half-way through the bottom section. Dh is out of town for a couple days, so I can concentrate (i.e. - do nothing else, like cook or clean!) and I hope to have at least one sleeve done by tomorrow night. Anybody else still working on theirs?

[whitedtu]

I had to get more yarn. ran out when I started the sleeves. it's here, arived in the mail this morning, so I will be starting soon:cheer

[grrlsmom]

Got the body done and sewn! It fits! Couldn't work on it today, had Master Gardener class all day and a meeting tonight. Can't wait to start on the sleeves - maybe later this evening if I'm not too tired. Lookin' goooooood, if I say so myself!

[grrlsmom]

Well, here I am, crocheting along all by myself! LOL I did get a lot of the sleeve done Weds. night. Only I was soooo tired, I messed up the stitch count BAD! Ended up ripping it all out, like a fool just let the yarn pool on the floor, then started crocheting again. Yep, it tangled into a mess! I played with it for a while, then thought, "Ugh! It's under $3! Throw it AWAY and buy more!" And I managed to do it! I'm so proud of myself! I usually hang on to it forever and feel guilty about waste.

Anyway, first sleeve is DONE, second is darn near it, and I hope to finish tonight and do the crochet edging around the whole thing. I will do my best to post a pic!

C'mon, all you other swirlers! Get those hooks going! LOL

[mimi_mia]

I can't wait to see your finished sweater, I only have one sleeve to do and the edging, but since I don't like the way it fits me :blush I've stopped doing it all together!

What to do, do I frog it or finish it as is??? I don't know what to do :think

[grrlsmom]

Finish it and give it to someone! Too much work to frog!

Got the last sleeve done and am going to do the edging today (I hope!) and 'clean up' of threads, etc. I like it, DH is impressed. He didn't even say, "Ya made a wedding gown, what's the big deal w/this?!" like he usually does.

To him, that simple wedding gown was my life-long masterpiece of sewing! (It wasn't. It was very plain, but elegant. I was more excited over the shrug I crocheted to go w/it!)