Mrs. Weasleys Sweater ~ Finished!

[donnalynn2]

Well I got this finished up today! I love the way it turned out! Mine is larger than the pattern calls for as I wanted it to be a 3XL so I used a bigger hook which of course not only made the sweater larger but the sleeves turned out longer as well. I still love it and can't wait til it's cold enough to wear it!

Click here to see pics! (http://donnalynn2.blogspot.com/2006/05/mrs-weasleys-sweater-completed.html)

Shelleden wrote the pattern and she did a great job on it! It was easy to understand and worked up rather quickly!

P.S. Several have asked if this pattern is for sale. Yes it is. Shelle has it available on her site (http://www.crochetcabin.bravehost.com) for a very reasonable price.

[funkyreporter]

That looks like a LOT of work! I can't believe you finished it so quickly! Great job!

[snbarclay]

very nice donna.

[Shelleden]

Great job! :cheer :clap :yay You made that pretty quickly! I love the way you made it unique by switching the colors around on the 2nd sleeve. Very interesting!! I'm so proud of you. Good luck with teaching your classes!!! :hug

[LadyintheMoon]

Great job! I love those sleeves!!

[wyldflrs]

Very Nice! The colors are great and it's so fun:cheer

[eyenowhour]

Great job. The sleeves look great.

[Pyogazel]

Whaou! you are so fast! your hook must be on fire!
Looks amazing! i really like the way you went one size up, it creates a totally different look!

[angelgal3076]

The sweater looks great, Donna. I like the sleeves too.

I know how you feel about having to change hooks, etc, for a larger size items for us larger ladies :bang It's like they don't think we'd like those pretty little tops, etc too....and there's no way to fix it to fit us...sheesh! I had a vest that ended up 3 times too huge---and don't get me started about the cape I made. That was mainly my fault though---it was just fine for my size following the pattern, I just used the wrong size yarn (too thick---it called for sport weight, I wasn't going to pay that price for that much yarn so I just used worsted.). The thing ended up HUGE. I finally decided to frog it and use it for other projects!!!

But, Love your sweater, especially the sleeves!!!

[Tampa Doll]

Very pretty and amazing. I love the colors.:hook

[Gaby]

It looks great! I love the colors. You did a wonderful job!

[Yammy]

That looks great! I looked for the pattern to buy on her page and I must be blind I can't find it.

[donnalynn2]

That looks great! I looked for the pattern to buy on her page and I must be blind I can't find it.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Send her an e-mail (the link is on her site) and she'll help you out!

[Ladycrochat]

That Sweater caught my eye in the film as well! You did a fantastic job on it:clap :hook ! One more thing to go on my "to do" list.:hook .....Debbie

[craftybutterfly]

I am sooo into this pattern. Waiting for funds to hit my paypal account so I can buy it. Donna it looks fantastic!!!! And I am not a Harry Potter fan, love these sleeves though. Do you think it would look good in all one color?? I was thinking Caron SS in black.

[mimi_mia]

WOW :clap nice work :hook

[donnalynn2]

I am sooo into this pattern. Waiting for funds to hit my paypal account so I can buy it. Donna it looks fantastic!!!! And I am not a Harry Potter fan, love these sleeves though. Do you think it would look good in all one color?? I was thinking Caron SS in black.

Oooooh, black sounds great! Actually, it's funny you mention all one color as I was thinking of doing a 2nd one in one color! I did mine in Caron SS and it's really warm! I think black would be gorgeous!!!

[earthwhisper]

I know how you feel about having to change hooks, etc, for a larger size items for us larger ladies :bang It's like they don't think we'd like those pretty little tops, etc too....and there's no way to fix it to fit us...sheesh! I had a vest that ended up 3 times too huge---and don't get me started about the cape I made. That was mainly my fault though---it was just fine for my size following the pattern, I just used the wrong size yarn (too thick---it called for sport weight, I wasn't going to pay that price for that much yarn so I just used worsted.). The thing ended up HUGE. I finally decided to frog it and use it for other projects!!!

Angelgal, there is a way to convert patterns to make them bigger without them ending up HUGE. You can even use different yarn then the pattern calls for, just be aware that some yarn doesn't have stretch and some has a lot of stretch.

You want to find the right hook to get you the correct gauge and sometimes it is correct gauge for that yarn, not for the pattern. Once you know your gauge, you will know how many stitches per inch. You can then take this number and add (or subtract,) how many inches you need for it to fit your body, then you add that many stitches to the parts of the pattern you are trying to increase. This is especially important for garments because while you might want the body bigger, you might not want the arms bigger.

[Schoneys]

I think it came out way too big and looks lopsided. I think the pattern needs some adjustments.........and as Wendy said....gauge is very important/

[donnalynn2]

I think it came out way too big and looks lopsided. I think the pattern needs some adjustments.........and as Wendy said....gauge is very important/

Gee thanks... Ummm, I quite like it myself! There is nothing wrong with the pattern. It's written quite well and is almost a dead knock-off of the movie version. Sorry you don't like it...

[Schoneys]

it looks to me like the right sleeve is shorter than the left sleeve. just looks like the gauge was off but I don't have to wear it so oh well. Just trying to be honest instead of giving a lemming response.

[Sylviaf]

It looks great to me!

[donnalynn2]

it looks to me like the right sleeve is shorter than the left sleeve. just looks like the gauge was off but I don't have to wear it so oh well. Just trying to be honest instead of giving a lemming response.

It's actually not lopsided at all. Both sleeves are the same size/length. If you look, I just wasn't wearing the sweater perfectly even. I was sweating to death as it was 90 degrees and trying to take pictures that I wasn't concerned with making sure it was perfectly even on both sides...

I would hope that because I didn't wear it perfectly even that wouldn't deter others from getting this pattern and making it yourself. The pattern is quite easy to follow and there's nothing wrong with it...

[happytee40]

I love it :clap I think you did a great job. Theresa from NC

[QueenOfCrochet]

Wow! :cheer Great job Donna! No matter how rude someone is, I personally like it & it looks great on you. I would love to have one in all black.

[Schoneys]

Wow! :cheer Great job Donna! No matter how rude someone is, I personally like it & it looks great on you. I would love to have one in all black.

oh i am rude because i stated an honest opinon. first of all i never said i didn't like it or whatever, I said it looked lopsided and it does, so if that makes me rude then great, build a bridge.........i think the gauge is off and any above beginner crocheter that is honest will tell you that it is.

[donnalynn2]

Wow! :cheer Great job Donna! No matter how rude someone is, I personally like it & it looks great on you. I would love to have one in all black.

Thanks a bunch! I really think an all black one would be gorgeous! I may have to make another one really soon!

(Like I stated previously, my gauge was off ON PURPOSE! If you don't like it, you're entitled to your opinion, but be nice about it is all... :))

[classic crochet]

Donna you are a very gracious person:hug Your work is always amazing. You are a gifted crocheter and very kind hearted. Keep up the good work!

[QueenOfCrochet]

There is a nice way & a nasty way to state your opinion. Oh, by the way I never mentioned names so why did you jump the gun, GUILTY? Everyone is entitled to there opinion, but you don't need to put someone down & make them feel like crap. I have been crocheting for 11 yrs, i'm far from a beginner, but once again that's you & your nasty commenting opinion. Maybe you should stay away from subjects where you have nothing nice to say. Have a good night!

[funkyreporter]

Personally, I think the pattern is adorable - I loved it when I saw Shelle's, and now I love your version, Donna! Crocheted items don't always want to behave and stand straight and even for the photo session - you really must learn to control your yarn! Of course ***** will be coming to whip it all into shape!

As far as enlarging a pattern, yeah, it SUCKS sometimes. I don't think it is guage or hook... I think some items are genetically predisposed to be a certain size and there's nothing you can do about it; for instance. I am making the Dusty Breezer or Breezy Duster and I got some fat on my stomach to cover up, and my boobs don't always behave, so I decided to go from the thread called for in the pattern to Microspun! Didn't seem like that much of a change. And it has five sizes to choose from so instead of goin 2X I went with Large hoping to end up with 2X... anyway, I don't think it's gonna happen... but I have a plan B! If it comes out super mondo large then I'm gonna find a way to cinch it across the back by the shoulder blades and then I'll just say, "I meant to do that.":tryme I'm sure everyone will agree! I'll even show a picture of it now that I've been taught to post pictures!

So you wear that beautiful Molley Weasley sweater with PRIDE! You did a great job, it looks lovely on you... and if there truly is an arm length problem then you can just have one of your arms shortened!:hyper

[aussiecrocheter]

Well done!! You did a great job.

[donnalynn2]

Personally, I think the pattern is adorable - I loved it when I saw Shelle's, and now I love your version, Donna! Crocheted items don't always want to behave and stand straight and even for the photo session - you really must learn to control your yarn! Of course ***** will be coming to whip it all into shape!

As far as enlarging a pattern, yeah, it SUCKS sometimes. I don't think it is guage or hook... I think some items are genetically predisposed to be a certain size and there's nothing you can do about it; for instance. I am making the Dusty Breezer or Breezy Duster and I got some fat on my stomach to cover up, and my boobs don't always behave, so I decided to go from the thread called for in the pattern to Microspun! Didn't seem like that much of a change. And it has five sizes to choose from so instead of goin 2X I went with Large hoping to end up with 2X... anyway, I don't think it's gonna happen... but I have a plan B! If it comes out super mondo large then I'm gonna find a way to cinch it across the back by the shoulder blades and then I'll just say, "I meant to do that.":tryme I'm sure everyone will agree! I'll even show a picture of it now that I've been taught to post pictures!

So you wear that beautiful Molley Weasley sweater with PRIDE! You did a great job, it looks lovely on you... and if there truly is an arm length problem then you can just have one of your arms shortened!:hyper

Paulette, you are a hoot! Thanks for giving me a smile first thing in the morning! :manyheart

[Donna]

* * Warning * *

Ladies, please! Be nice (this is a forum rule). And, no, this doesn't mean everybody has to like each other's projects.
Constructive criticism is welcome.

If you feel a post is not nice, you have two choices (1) report the post (using the triangular icon above the post) or (2) ignore it. However, do not contribute to the problem by being not nice back.

Edit: I am striking this text because this post I made yesterday didn't adequately reflect my intent. What I meant was that we don't want a mean-spirited comment to elicit responses that escalate into an all-out argument, which isn't helpful to anybody. And that's what we're here for, right? To help and encourage each other. So please simply follow Amy's very appropriate advice in this post (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showpost.php?p=364928&postcount=46) and this post (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showpost.php?p=365215&postcount=49).

[craftybutterfly]

Someone mentioned doing it in one color. That's my plan. I'm going to do mine in black. And I'm thinking Caron SS. You know, I really used to hate that yarn because it pilled and got fuzzy after washing. But i'm learning to like it again. So, definatly one color for me. Everytime I look at your finished sweater, Donna, I turn green! I can't WAIT to ge mine finished. :) I am sooo lusting for one.

[firemanshunny]

Personally I don't like this sweater. I didn't like the one in the movie. (That is my opinion) But I give anyone credit who is going to make the sweater.. Cause that is alot of work.

[nittany168]

Donna- Your sweater is really beautiful:clap :cheer :clap I really like how it turned out. I'm going to make one for my daughter, she's probably a 2X, so hopefully it will turn out. Can't start on it till I get a few kitchen wip's finished though. I've been working on them at work. I"ve had to tell several co-workers that these projects already have a home:hook

[Shelleden]

I'm going to make my next one with Caron Perfect Match yarn in the color Taupe. I think it will look "old-world-antique-y" (I just made that up!:D ) I'm also going to do something else different - I'm going to use the XL/2X directions for the body of the sweater (so it will go around my jelly-belly - yeah that's right - shellejellybelly) and the M/L directions for the sleeves. The solid color idea is a great one! And I really think the black will be so elegant! Thanks Crafty Butterfly/Donnalynn/QueenofCrochet for that suggestion. It's neat the way several people think of great ideas simultaneously.:idea Great minds I guess!! :ghug

[donnalynn2]

I think this is one of those sweaters that either you love or you hate... It's very unusual and even though my mom was like "Whoa!" she said instantly "It's you Donna!"

It was definately a challenge and kudos to Shelle for writing the pattern out. I still don't know how she did it! It's an amazing talent I just don't have...

[QueenOfCrochet]

Shelle~I think Taupe is going to look beautiful, I think you'll get the antiquey look that you're looking for. Make sure to post a pic when you finish it.:D

Donna~I don't personally know you, but just by looking at the pics. I can tell the sweater is so you. I'm weird with the things I like too, I have this furry grey & blk. purse/bag I carry & it's an eyecatcher. A cashier at a gas station thought I had a cat with me.:lol My mom looked at me & said that bag is so ugly, but it's so you, I said, Thank you I think, but honestly the more people that hated it the more I love it.
To put an end to my book :heehee, I think you should be proud of who you are & stand behind everything that you do. You're an awesome person, keep you're chin up.:manyheart :hug

[KinkyLilBlackDress]

Very unique version of Molly Weasley's sweater. If I were to make one for my own, I think I'd use more muted colors, closer to the one the actress wore in the movie.

[Shelleden]

Shelle~I think Taupe is going to look beautiful, I think you'll get the antiquey look that you're looking for. Make sure to post a pic when you finish it.:D

Donna~I don't personally know you, but just by looking at the pics. I can tell the sweater is so you. I'm weird with the things I like too, I have this furry grey & blk. purse/bag I carry & it's an eyecatcher. A cashier at a gas station thought I had a cat with me.:lol My mom looked at me & said that bag is so ugly, but it's so you, I said, Thank you I think, but honestly the more people that hated it the more I love it.
To put an end to my book :heehee, I think you should be proud of who you are & stand behind everything that you do. You're an awesome person, keep you're chin up.:manyheart :hug
Thank you! I appreciate the nice comments. And you are so right about Donnalynn! I would love to see the "pet" bag. :lol Your Mom probably was referring to the way it matched your personality and care-free spirit! I will definitely post pics of my antique version - should look good on an antique like ME!! :D

[ZingyZoid]

This whole topic reminds me of letting my daughter pick out her first pair of glasses. I kept telling her that a different width/shape/color might look better and finally the optician said to me "Mom, you may want it to look "better" but she's only going to wear them if SHE likes them. Aha!

Yeah I have an opinion on this project but I'm not the one who has to wear it.

I'm very interested in seeing this done in a solid. I think the taupe would look nice but I'm even more curious about the black. I wonder if some of the detail may get lost in the dark yarn. (Not in an "I don't think you should make it that way" way but in a "I actually want to see it when you're done" way). Keep us posted!

[Kellycat]

Not a big fan of this version of the sweater at all. It has a very sloppy look about it. I know it's supposed to look that way, but the bright stripes just don't do it for me. Perhaps in one color it may appear different, but I don't like this one.

[craftybutterfly]

I'm very interested in seeing this done in a solid. I think the taupe would look nice but I'm even more curious about the black. I wonder if some of the detail may get lost in the dark yarn. (Not in an "I don't think you should make it that way" way but in a "I actually want to see it when you're done" way). Keep us posted!

I thought about that too, but close up I think you'll be able to see them. I dunno. I may mull that over a bit. I think the taupe will be nice.

[Kellycat]

Melissa, I would be very interested in seeing your version of it in a solid color.

I don't think you need the pattern. You seem to be a very good crocheter by the looks of your pictures.

[AmyS]

Please remember to keep the tone and content of your posts friendly and respectful. There is no need to post negative comments about members, their crocheting skills, their color selections, or whatever. You can be positive about what you might prefer without being negative about someone else's choices. :)

Constructive criticism is always a good thing. But remember, that does not mean simply telling what you don't like about something. For criticism to be constructive, it needs to contain some information about what you think would be an improvement.

We appreciate everyone being considerate of others and helping to keep Crochetville a positive, encouraging place for everyone! :hook

[funkyreporter]

Please remember to keep the tone and content of your posts friendly and respectful. There is no need to post negative comments about members, their crocheting skills, their color selections, or whatever. You can be positive about what you might prefer without being negative about someone else's choices. :)

Constructive criticism is always a good thing. But remember, that does not mean simply telling what you don't like about something. For criticism to be constructive, it needs to contain some information about what you think would be an improvement.

We appreciate everyone being considerate of others and helping to keep Crochetville a positive, encouraging place for everyone! :hook

You truly are a SUPER MODERATOR! You have such a wonderful way with words I commend you for being able to kindly help people along in stating their opinion in a non-hurtful way and explaining the theory of 'constructive' criticism!

:cheer :cheer :cheer Three CHEERS for YOU!!!!!!

[Shelleden]

Aye-Aye!! I appreciate the gentle guidance, too! :hug

[AmyS]

Thanks for the support, everyone. I just think there's no good reason to drag down another forum member if you don't like a project they share. :angry You know the saying our moms all taught us, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

There's no need to post your "honest opinion" just for the sake of being honest if that opinion is going to be hurtful to someone. That's not what Crochetville is all about. (There are plenty of other forums all over the internet for that purpose, so if that's how you need to behave, you might be happier in those places.) We're here to encourage and support each other, not tear each other down.

For those who need help, a good guideline is that if somebody posts a project just to share it (which is most of the time), then only post positive, encouraging comments. If you can't do that and still feel you are being "honest," then just don't post in the thread. Move on to something else.

Now, if somebody ASKS specifically for some constructive criticism, such as "What do you think of the fit of this garment?" or "I'm not really satisfied with how this turned out. What should/could I have done instead?", then THOSE are your prime opportunities to be honest (although it's still important to be gentle and respectful) and share ways the original poster could improve their skills so they'll be happier with their next project. But if that type of input isn't asked for, it generally isn't wanted! :)

So let's keep encouraging each other! That doesn't make us "fake" or "phony;" it just means we prefer to live on the "sunny side of the street" and to build each other up!

[craftybutterfly]

Melissa, I would be very interested in seeing your version of it in a solid color.

I don't think you need the pattern. You seem to be a very good crocheter by the looks of your pictures.

well, i'm in the middle of 3 prayer shawls, and i still haven't finished the lacy coccon from Interweave yet. Started it, then found out there are two pages of corrections, so had to put it down till later. I think I may slide this one in in front of the cocoon. Hmmmm....may have to get started on this over the weekend. Black or navy....i dunno. Oh man! I could be up all night....lol!

[Kellycat]

well, i'm in the middle of 3 prayer shawls, and i still haven't finished the lacy coccon from Interweave yet. Started it, then found out there are two pages of corrections, so had to put it down till later. I think I may slide this one in in front of the cocoon. Hmmmm....may have to get started on this over the weekend. Black or navy....i dunno. Oh man! I could be up all night....lol!

Melissa let me know if you do. I'd love to see the pictures!
:yarn

[Shelleden]

OOOH, Melissa - NAVY!! You hardly ever see navy, at least I don't! RH has a Soft Navy in ww Super Saver - and it says improved softess. Or Caron SS or RH Soft. I really like that idea. Argggg, so many possibilities!!! :2spin And Yarnaholic - you explained that so well! Tactful, yet firm and to the point. Thank you so much for explaining it so carefully and completely. It needed to be said. I agree 100% - if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all. That's a good policy to keep in mind in every day life, too. This philosophy is exactly why I love Crochetville:manyheart , and every day I'm so glad I joined. Thank you Zingy Zoid for letting me know about this wonderful group!:ghug

[Aggie May]

:cheer Donnalynn2,
Let me start by saying that I think you did a great job with you beautiful cardigan.
:think Let the jealous voice their opinion but you are the only one who needs to like it.
If we all liked the same things, the world would be a boring place so keep being different.
Personally, I would not make or wear a cardigan like that because I dont like sleeves that I cant push up, and that is the only reason.
I like my hands clear and even look for cloth coats with shorter sleeves.
Just a foible (SP) I have.
I am not being mean to the dissenter either, but remember, any criticism can be taken the wrong way, including this, so you need to choose your words carefully.
Maybe next time, a PM would be a good idea if you think the person needs help.
Someone posted a picture on here, which had a huge mistake in it and I was very tempted to say so, but decided that a PM was kinder to help the person fix the mistake, without being embarassed. Also so they would not make the same mistake in the future.
:cheer Donnalynn2, You keep up the great work.:cheer
Have fun.
Colleen.:hug

[Schoneys]

:cheer Donnalynn2,
Let me start by saying that I think you did a great job with you beautiful cardigan.
:think Let the jealous voice their opinion but you are the only one who needs to like it.
If we all liked the same things, the world would be a boring place so keep being different.
Personally, I would not make or wear a cardigan like that because I dont like sleeves that I cant push up, and that is the only reason.
I like my hands clear and even look for cloth coats with shorter sleeves.
Just a foible (SP) I have.
I am not being mean to the dissenter either, but remember, any criticism can be taken the wrong way, including this, so you need to choose your words carefully.
Maybe next time, a PM would be a good idea if you think the person needs help.
Someone posted a picture on here, which had a huge mistake in it and I was very tempted to say so, but decided that a PM was kinder to help the person fix the mistake, without being embarassed. Also so they would not make the same mistake in the future.
:cheer Donnalynn2, You keep up the great work.:cheer
Have fun.
Colleen.:hug


I don't think anyone was mean, just honest.........sometimes people mistake blunt for rude and I don't consider myself rude, but very blunt.

and how many moderators do we need. I think Amy and Donna handled that and we don't need the back seat moderation......

No one IMO was trying to be mean, but instead trying to suggest ways to fix what was noticabley wrong....so please don't accuse anyone of being jealous or mean, for you do not know us and do not know what or who we are.

[AmyS]

Okay, let's not be taking shots at anybody! :) As I said in my previous post, whether people think theyre being "honest" or not, there is no need to point out what you think is wrong with somebody's work if they have not asked for you to do so. Blunt and honest can hurt just as much, if not more than, out-and-out deliberate rudeness. When honesty is required, it should be tempered with kindness, not bluntness, at least here at Crochetville.

The purpose of this forum is to encourage others, which means focusing on what they did right. If all you can find to talk about is what you think they did wrong, then those comments should be kept to yourself, unless the original poster has specifically asked for some constructive criticism. (In this case, constructive criticism was not requested.) We are serious about this.

I think it might be time for everyone to refer back to the current Etiquette Guidelines (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23657). We've been trying to be lenient and give everyone a little extra leeway here due to recent events, but it is now time to enforce these rules. The next person who violates these guidelines, no matter which side of this issue you stand on, is going to face the 48-hour temporary banning. I'm hoping very hard that we aren't going to have to impose a temporary banning on anyone. :) But if that's what it takes to make an impression that we really do expect everyone to treat each other nicely and in a positive way, that's what we will do.

Feelings are running a little high on this issue between some people here, so I'm going to ask that there be no more discussion of any "meanness" or "blunt honesty" that occurred earlier on this thread. Please keep your comments from this point on directed to the actual subject of this thread: the Mrs. Weasley sweater that Donna lovingly created. Remember: if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Failure to abide by this rule means you will be temporarily banned.

If you have any concerns about any new post in this thread that you think is inappropriate, instead of trying to handle it yourself (which tends to inflame matters further), please PM or email me instead. (I know it's hard not to say anything sometimes, but it will really help the mood of the forum if you just direct your concerns to me or one of the admins and let us handle things.) I promise I will act very quickly. I will be around much of the night and weekend. I might not be able to handle something immediately, but I can assure you I will act as quickly as possible.

[donnalynn2]

Colleen, thanks for your kind words! Yes, you were honest yet nice so I take no offense in what you said. I know this sweater isn't for everyone but I have always followed my own drummer so things that are a little "out there" have always been my style. My SIL wouldn't put one arm into this sweater but my niece Martika (who is very much like her Aunt Donna) would love it!

I am seriously considering making her one for Christmas!

Thanks yarnoholic! You rock! :2rock

[KinkyLilBlackDress]

I noticed from Donna's blog that she used a larger size hook than what was called for, to increase the size of the garment. I haven't bought the pattern, so I'm not sure if I used the hook appropriate to the pattern, will the whole garment be smaller? I'm a short girl, with short arms...

I am trying to decide which pattern to buy (this one, or the one from the other Weasley sleeve thread), and I just want to be sure to get a pattern that fits my body type!

[AmyS]

I would imagine that using a larger hook size than called for would increase both the height and the width of your stitches, causing your garment to increase in all directions.

I think the best way to find out which pattern would work best for you would be to contact each designer and ask them for the finished size of the garment when worked in the size you think you'll need, and with the same hook and yarn as called for in the pattern.

We all know that changing yarns and/or hook size can have a dramatic effect on the finished size of a garment. For instance, if a pattern calls for a particular worsted weight yarn, and you substitute with another worsted weight yarn that is softer and compresses more with stitching, you can end up with a garment that is smaller than what you meant to have.

Whenever making a garment, it's important to create your gauge swatch with the yarn you've chosen. Then you'll know if you need to adjust your hook size to end up with a garment with dimensions intended by the pattern as written. A lot depends on your own personal tension, too. I know that whenever I use Simply Soft in a garment, I typically have to increase my hook one or two sizes to end up with the correct gauge.

[KinkyLilBlackDress]

I guess I really should get into the habit of making a swatch....generally, when I make my own clothes, I've been lucky enough to just "go with" the pattern, and end up with something that fits me!

Now, to track down both designer's email addies!

[Solitaire]

OMG .. loving it!!! Beautiful, simply beautiful~!! Will be buying the pattern, I am a huge Harry Potter fan .. I even went as Molly Weasely for halloween.

[Shelleden]

Just a note to let you know my pattern has 2 sizes - M/L and XL/2X, and is the complete sweater, all crocheted. The gauge, finished bust size, and dimensions of all pieces are written in the pattern. The last page has illustrations of how to assemble it, which will be helpful for those who have never made a sweater. This pattern is easy enough for a beginner. The stitches used are sc, hdc, and dc. The suggested hook size is J, but I actually used an I. I crochet very loosely, and when most people use my patterns, their projects result in a smaller size than mine, so that's why I suggested a J hook. That's why it is so important to do a gauge swatch. Donnalynn used a K and got the size she wanted - a 3X. Conversely, if you wanted a size S, you could use a size H hook and it would probably turn out to be a S. If you wanted a child-sized sweater, you could use an H hook and sport-weight yarn. Hope this helps. I will be available via e-mail to help if you need it. I'm sure Donnalynn would help, too. She is also a teacher, and has taught many classes, so she knows what she's doing:yes . Thank you so much to all who have given such nice comments and wonderful compliments:manyheart . This pattern was fun to create and is fun to make. It is inspired by the sweater Molly Weasley wore in the Harry Potter movie, "Chamber of Secrets", but isn't meant to be an exact copy. It is my version based on the images in the movie, which were originally posted by Sadie (thank you Sadie!;) ). It could be interpreted in many different ways, i.e. a solid color as previously mentioned in this thread, or your own combination of colors. It is meant to be used in your own creative way to make it unique and your own style, to reflect your unique personality. Whether you buy my pattern or any of the other designers' patterns, I hope you enjoy it, and will post pictures when your sweater is done! :hook
p.s. Those of you who have already bought my pattern, please e-mail me for the revised version - I added the 2nd size, extra info, and illustrations.

[sem464]

wow, that looks great :clap :clap

[redhead54]

Shelle, I love this and just PMed you. Thanks for working this pattern up.

[busy]

This is the first completed Weasley sweater I've seen. It came out great.

[Vik]

Very pretty, Donna! :manyheart

[christinascrochethaven]

Cool sweater!:)

[AdenPenn]

That is awesome!! You did a great job. Everyone at the house was tickled when I said very loud. "Oh WOW Mrs. Weasley's sweater" and they came running to see.

[yarncat]

Fantastic sweater,Donna!

[Happy_Hooker]

I have a question to those who have made this and swatched...

How would you swatch something like this with different colors and stitches??? Each one would have it's own gauge... I have found quite a few yarns of the same brand (just another color) which swatched up to a different gauge. Even if it is slight that can make a huge difference in the end product.

I'm curious, because I do not swatch for just that reason... I guess I have been lucky to not encounter any problems with it. Crocheting for so long, I know some of my stiches work up looser than others, so I adjust my hook accordingly (i.e my dc is very loose, sc very tight so I would use one hook smaller/larger to avoid bunching.) Most patterns do not use only one stitch... I don't find that gauge will transfer over to a different stitch... Do y'all???

[Starr]

I love it! The sleeves are AWESOME!!!!!

[fuzzy ferret]

wow! Thats fantastic! Great job!!

Krystal

[JoBug]

very nice work Donna! Lovely sweater.

[Debbi-a1]

Very pretty. You did a great job.:cheer

[tezen]

awesome!!!!!! Looks very nice on you too

[cinfulkarmah]

Wow. Those are some huge sleeves. It does resemble the movie one. Good job!

I would never be able to wear sleeves that big. I am already such a klutz that I can see myself snagging them on everything and somehow causing a major catastrophe. Lol.

[Shelleden]

Actually, cinfulkarmah, the sleeves wouldn't have to be all that large. You could use a smaller hook and maybe even omit some rows to make them to your liking. I think my friend Donnalyn wanted her sweater to fit loosely, so she used a larger hook than called for, and a softer yarn, too, which resulted in a more drapey fabric. Other people have made the same pattern with varying results. I hope Donnalyn doesn't mind if I post pics of my sweater on her thread. I want to show you how it looks when made with a smaller hook and plain old RH ww yarn, which is a little stiffer. Some have also suggested making this sweater in a solid color. I haven't seen one yet, but I'm sure it would look great, too.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/Shelleden/W3.jpg http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/Shelleden/W1.jpg
Thank you for allowing me to show a different interpretation of the same pattern. :hook

[cinfulkarmah]

I like yours too. But I am still leery of bell sleeves. Yes, I am that clumsy. Lol.

[ginamaria73]

Both are beautiful!!

[Shelleden]

Thanks! ***, your little dog in your avatar is darling! :manyheart