Strawberry lace Summer cardigan( pics added)

[Sonny321]

I probably frogged this more than any other garment I've ever made. I just couldn't get a main body stitch that I was happy with. I started with the flower motifs( which are the first 2 rounds of the Cranesbill Lace motif Modified slightly found on page 75 of the Harmony Guides 300 crochet stitches book) and when I had enough of them joined in a strip to fit around my wiast (12) I worked 2 rows of SC in a multiple of 12 + 2 across the top and then worked the body in one piece to the under arm using the Strawberry lace stitch found on page 67 of the book mentioned above. At the underarm I divided into front panels and a upper back panel and joined at the shoulder seam. At the arms I just worked one row of SC in a multiple of 12 + 1 and then worked 2 pattern repeats in the main body stitch and worked an edging. My notes are pure gibberish, I had to fudge the decreases so much for the neckline I have NO idea how to explain how I did it. But I'm going to try to work on a second one and get better notes( that's my major weakness)

Anyway I'm very happy with the finished product. I was originally planning to add buttons but they didn't look right so I opted for a simple tie closure. I used a yarn that is like a thin sport weight and an H hook. It took 4 (50 gram) balls but that was cutting it real close.

Pictures are clickable

Front view
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/Sonny321/th_DSCF0139.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/Sonny321/DSCF0139.jpg)


Back view
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/Sonny321/th_DSCF0144.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/Sonny321/DSCF0144.jpg)

[handbells]

Fabulous! I love it!

Jenn

[123mama]

I really like it. It can be worn with jeans or nice dress or anything.

sondra

[JazzRizz]

That looks fabulous on! So pretty.:cheer

[nucki]

Gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous!

I feel I must bow down to the talent that is you. :nworthy

:hook

[crochet mama]

That's beautiful.

[CROCHETCHICK28]

Pretty

[RachelG]

That is beautiful!!!!!!!!!

[Dextersmom]

Really beautiful! You did a great job - I bet you'll get a lot of use out of it :)

[Mom w/a Motif]

I really like that! Wonderful job!! :cheer

Tina

[Gaby]

It is absolutely fabulous! It may have taken you a long time and trouble, but I'd say it was definitely worth it!!!

[sakurasaku]

It is beautiful! I am a big fan of the cranesbill motif. So classy and pretty.

I bet strangers will be asking you where you bought it!;)

[knit-errant]

I absolutely love that! It's beautiful!

[cshort]

Wow, you did a beautiful job!

Carol

[Creations of Cris]

OOOOOH I really like that! I am looking to try something similar to wear over a chemise top I have.

... drooling over that top ...

Cris~

[donnalynn2]

wow! it was worth the effort! i love it!

[laffingliz]

That is such a pretty summet top. Well done. :hook

[wildthing1058]

that is very pretty

[Carol]

Verrrry pretty!!!! I love it! Excellent job.

[xmaystarx]

I love it!! You should definately write up a pattern if you can! :manyheart

[denny]

You did such a wonderful job!! It looks great on you too. I'm sure there are several people here that would just love to get their hands on a pattern like that.:yes

[gannka]

It is so nice! Good job!

[kazily]

WOW! :c9 I love it! Hope you get a chance to write a pattern for it. I'm sure lots of people would love to make that, including me!

[Mrs. Principal]

It was worth all the frogging:2frog :2frog , the end result is just wonderful.

[classic crochet]

:manyheart Beautiful!!!

[Julie]

It's beautiful!! :applause

[KnicKnac]

That is absolutely gorgeous! What kind of yarn did you use?

[TamKing]

Simply amazing!!! :manyheart I just love tops like that!! Great job!! :cheer :hook

[HappyknitandcrochetFreak]

Absolutely beautiful, I love it:manyheart


You did a great job!
It :yes is so cool that it is absolutely worth the frogging:clap

[Sylviaf]

It sounds like it was a pain to make but it is absolutely beautiful.

[Sonny321]

That is absolutely gorgeous! What kind of yarn did you use?

The kind I used is discontinued and impossible to find, But any light sport weight should work, I'm going to try to make it out of Lustersheen. The plan is to make another one in the small size to get the basic pattern written down( plus I can Always use one in Purple) and then use the measurements for my relatives who have agreed to provide measurements for the Medium and Large sizes if they get the garments lol. Don't know what I'm going to do with the pattern yet if (when) I manage to get it written.

[Sonny321]

It sounds like it was a pain to make but it is absolutely beautiful.
Once I figured out what stitch I wanted to use it wasn't too big a pain, but I must have tried 10 diffferent stitches before I was happy.

[Appliejuice]

Very pretty. :)

[aussiecrocheter]

Very nice, looks great on you.

[chrishazzoo]

I don't think I will ever have the patience to do something like this. It is beautiful!:yay

[unipeg]

So cute, very light and airy looking.....lovely color!:cheer

[Roli]

When I look at the "show and tell" catagories on C'ville, I simply run out of superlatives after a while. The work presented here is of such quality and creativity that it's difficult to do it justice. Your little sweater shows a flair for design and the talent to produce an item that fits in a flattering way. Having said that...It's WAY cute!:)

[emeraldmoon]

That Is Wonderful Work.. Great Job

[magpiefroggy]

Absolutly beautiful. You do such nice work!:clap:cheer:yay

[Pyogazel]

Ravishing!
The stitch pattern is an excellent choice!
Good luck on writing the pattern down, it takes a lot of efforts but rest assured it won't be lost on us ;)


That said, you MUST get yourself a blog so that we can lurk on you work more often :hook:

[NoLooseEnds]

WOW!! Very beautiful!! Im sure that all that hard work and frustration made you wonder, but the finished project is awesome and appreciated!

"The only difference between myself and a madman...I'm NOT MAD"--Salvador Dali

[msjett]

Awesome job!!!!!!

[ladyhawk2]

Awesome! What a great job!

[Yammy]

I really LOVE that. I also admire your design from scratch skills.

[jobean]

lovely, all that froggin' pays off.

[shella85222]

Very pretty.. you do such awesome work:hook

[Lavelle26]

Oh, that is simply gorgeous. I love it. Absolutely love it!!!!! :manyheart

[DesertCrocheter]

Wowza! Gorgeous!! Patty

[Katiern]

I agree with all of the above....WOW!!!!!!:manyheart

[mjcrochets]

That is wayyyy Cool. I love the way you combined the Strawberry lace pattern and the motif edging. Congragulations on your gorgeous sweater.:cheer

[Crochet Fanatic]

Great design! I hope you try to publish it! Gorgeous!

[Yearnin' for Yarn]

That is very, very pretty, and really looks nice on you. Great job!
Nicole

[goldi316]

:eek:faint Absolutely stunningly beautiful! I just made this recommendation to another gal, and I'm making it to you too - sign up for that TV show already! Your work and talent deserves to be seen!

I just LOVE those Harmony Guides :manyheart - they open a world of possibilities, don't they? Your summer cardigan and the Cranesbill top you created from the stitch patterns in these books are perfect examples of what we can do when we let our imaginations out of their little boxes. You're inspiring me to have a go at it too now! :dreaming:idea:hook

[clearwaters]

Gorgeous! I'd definately like to make one for myself.

[wyldflrs]

Beautiful! I love it :manyheart

[mbcabbie]

I would definitely pay for that pattern... i've been unsuccessfully searching for something just like that.

[StitchLuva]

wow, i love it. i love this kind of top with jean and a cami or tank top.

[karindanielle]

Your top turned out very nice, lovely pattern stitch too :yay

[gingerchai]

that's gorgeous. wonderful job! :clap

[PrincessOnica]

This is so pretty!

Onica

[Ginger]

It's gorgeous! I love it!

[jessluvn31]

What a wonderful job! Thanks for sharing with us!

[crochetingmomof4]

That turned out beautifully!

[mimicat]

Very pretty! you could sell your design :cheer

[Adri]

Outstanding! I really, really like it... Looks like store-bought, and I would be willing to spend for a top like this!!!

[Sonny321]

I really am a bit overwhelmed by all your praise. All your kind comments and the huge response I've gotten from wearing in public the white one as well as a new one I made in plum to test my scribbled pattern, have inspired me to sit down and finish writing the pattern for the small/medium size, and work on a large/ex large. In the process of doing the pattern writing, I got the idea to also make a short vest/long vest/Long flared sleeved Cardigan and a pullover all in the same stitches and try to get them published as a collection somewhere. I've decided on a size 3 crochet fashion crochet thread with a size G hook for the finished design. It's got fabulous drape and looks really nice. I'll post pics of the Plum one tomorrow, but I just wanted to thank you guys for all your encouragement, I started out just making up my own things to satisfy my own creative whim. I would never have considered actually designing things for others with out allof you cheering my efforts on.:hug


Here are the pics of the plum one. I ran out of yarn before I could finish the sleeves, but I plan to do that as soon as I find more in that color.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/Sonny321/th_2ba45e7e.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/Sonny321/2ba45e7e.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/Sonny321/th_68c577d2.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/Sonny321/68c577d2.jpg)

[Barbara in FL]

Your work is awe inspiring. I am so glad there are people like you that can put ideas to hooks. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. I love both of them. When you get your garments published, please let us know. I for one would love to have the pattern and try just following the directions. I have to have good directions for anything I make. You did a fabulous job.:hug :cheer :clap

[renegade]

They are both really beautiful, and I know I can't be the only person eagerly looking forward to the pattern becoming available. You know, if you need a tester for the XL... :lol

[Yarn Duck]

Echoing all the sentiments above - that cardigan is a superlative example of crocheting talent and design skill! :hook
I would buy the pattern for that should you get it published. :manyheart

[KnicKnac]

I can't wait till you have the pattern available, the plum one looks good even without the sleeves!

[Mom w/a Motif]

I can't wait to see the pattern published either!! :clap :clap What an awesome vest. :manyheart You are so talented.

Tina

[sfgwife]

that is so beautiful! Nikki

[MommaChelle]

That's gorgeous!! I love that!

[crochetrae]

The top is just wonderful. I love the tie at the top! Fits you like a glove -- just perfect!
Susan

[Karen C.]

That is so beautiful. I hope you get the pattern written out soon.

[Kellycat]

I really like this alot! It looks great on you as well.

:cheer

[flyinghooks]

Absolutely gorgeous

[Pyogazel]

Congratulations on your decision to get those babies published, I wish you the best, If I wasn't such a lazy pattern reader (I can't read directions except in French, I prefer to rely on schemes), you would be able to count me among your future customers...
I agree the sleeveless one looks good too!

[Squarah]

I would definitely pay for that pattern... i've been unsuccessfully searching for something just like that.

Same here!

[chipsherry]

That's beautiful. I can't imagine how long it must have taken to make.

[yarncat]

Lovely vest!

[summerysmile]

Ooooooh! Really pretty! :)

[Yarnster]

Oh that is beautiful! :manyheart I'm also one for buying that pattern :cheer I know so many girls that would like that..including myself! :yes

[yarndiva]

I think I need to buy that pattern book...you make so many pretty things from it!

[kittin1982]

that is amazing! i wish i was able to maks something like that from nothing!

[MrsD]

Beautiful! It was definitely worth the effort -- gorgeous!

[shadow]

Wow very pretty!!

[NaturallyHooked]

It's gorgeous, wonderful job! :)

[Riohnna]

It is beautiful!

[LovingCrochet]

Hi, i discover you now!! A few months ago, i did buy a pattern from you, the Errol's Sweater. Is cool when you find a person by this way. You have a great patterns. And thank when you response to my question prontly.

[christinascrochethaven]

how very pretty...looks fabulous on you!:manyheart

[AardvarkAlpacas]

Now THIS is what crochet is all about!! Fabulous!

[Sofia]

I am sorry... I looked but could not find it....
Is this pattern availble? where.
thanks

[joyfulyarn]

Great job! It's so pretty!

[babybluangel]

that is so pretty and looks great on you

[fuzzy ferret]

Wow! That is just beautiful! And I envy your talent! Great job!!!! Will you be selling your pattern when you get it all wrote out? I would buy it!!!


Krystal

[Sonny321]

Hi, i discover you now!! A few months ago, i did buy a pattern from you, the Errol's Sweater. Is cool when you find a person by this way. You have a great patterns. And thank when you response to my question prontly.

Actually I think you are mistaken. I haven't sold any of the patterns I've come up with. Most of them aren't even written down. Sorry I'm not who you were thinking of. The person You are thinking of is here At Crochetville also but goes by the nickname lavonne3ca

[Sonny321]

I keep intending to write this one down, I have some pretty peach thread and I promise to make another one and work on the pattern this coming week.

[lprajogo]

Oh this is simply lovely. I always love white. The lace design you choose is excellent. I am glad that you use thin yarn because it makes the cardigan very lightweight and flattering. Once again GREAT design!

[new2crocheting]

Fantastic
It looks so romantic & soft
I like it so much

[Wanda T]

Great job!

[Gaby]

Wow!!! It is absolutely gorgeous! You did a fantastic job and it looks great on you! Thanks for sharing!

[irikel]

Very pretty....and it looks great on you.

[theworm]

Sounds like it was a real challenge to make, but it is beautiful!
You did a GREAT job with it! :)

[PetraDae]

really lovely!

[rina]

***, that is so beautiful. Now I have to make one like it for myself. Thanks for walking through the process. Joining enough motifs to go around your waist and going from there--that's brilliant, I never would have thought of it. Bravo!

[Karen C.]

Your cardigan is stunning!

[StitchesandStrings]

Very pretty stitch. I'm trying to learn it right now to add to the bottom of a pattern that I want to make. I'm having difficulty. I need illustration. LOL.
Monique
http://stitchesandstrings.blogspot.com/

[Kiirs]

Oh, it's beautiful!!! What terrific work and talent you did and have!!

[lady351]

Gorgeous! I love it :)

[lhasaapsolady]

It looks wonderful, and I agree the tie closure is much better than a button, which would detract from the beautiful stitch.

[yarn_monkey]

Ooooh! :manyheart I love it! Beautiful work! :clap

[inmy7thhvn]

That is gorgeous! I love it. Great job!!:cheer :clap :manyheart

[susannahk]

That's really really nice, well done and such beautiful stitch work!:clap
Shame you can't remember the front bit I was going to have a go, I love the neckline!:lol
Thanks for sharing, I'm inspired:c9 LOL

[misssmaggie]

Very pretty !!! Thanks for sharing!

[newthingcrochet]

That is so beautiful!

[ibbabs2u]

Beautiful!!! You did a wonderful job!

[gretelgrrl]

stunning!

You did a beautiful, inspiring job!!!

I love the yarn, stitches (with the flower border!) and just adore it.

creative genius at work!:cheer

[Lov2Crochet]

Wow, very pretty!

[inkberry]

You are so clever!
Your cardigan looks gorgeous.
:)

[Lavelle26]

That is gorgeous!!! Absolutely gorgeous!!

[~Kel~]

that is just gorgeous

[RainbowAzalea]

that's very cute!!

[Lunsmann]

That is beautiful. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[newfiegal]

Lovely!:)

[DebbyinLV]

It's gorgeous!!! Love the pattern and stitches!! If you ever figure out the pattern for it, please share it with us!! Your hard work really paid off because
it's beautiful!

[Gemlady]

Wow, your painstaking efforts really paid off, this is absolutely beautiful!! :yes

[lelwon]

Such lovely work! I'ts quite awhile now since your initial posting and people still want to tell you how much they love your graceful, fitted work and pattern. Please, if you ever do sell this pattern somewhere, do let us know.

[Marcie]

Ooh gorgeous! How stylish! You can wear it with anything :D

[Trinket]

This is just gorgeous. I love crochet like this, but can never seem to get the wearables right. I am very impressed by your skill!

[AprilC]

Very, very cute.

I'd totally make and wear that.

Great job! :cheer