I have a dilemma, folks. I've fallen out of love with one of the patterns on my list. It needs to be replaced, and I need your help in choosing it's replacement!
The pattern in question is the Sapphire Shrug.
Sure, it's really pretty. It looks like it would be fun to crochet. I already have the pattern, as it is in the Crochet Collection bookzine I bought recently. But I find myself wondering, is it really worth the effort? Will I actually get any use out of it? Plus, the estimated cost of using the recommended yarn is nearly £100. Seriously. That's a lot of money for something I may never wear. Even with the cheapest substitution, it will still cost me something like £30-£40.
Sure, it's really pretty. It looks like it would be fun to crochet. I already have the pattern, as it is in the Crochet Collection bookzine I bought recently. But I find myself wondering, is it really worth the effort? Will I actually get any use out of it? Plus, the estimated cost of using the recommended yarn is nearly £100. Seriously. That's a lot of money for something I may never wear. Even with the cheapest substitution, it will still cost me something like £30-£40.
So, I am looking for alternatives. Sadly, there don't seem to be that many in the way of great crocheted shrugs/cardigans out there. What I think I want is something I can throw on in the office, to combat the over-enthusiastic air-conditioning unit above my desk. Some days, it's like sitting in a Arctic wind!
I already have the Cherry Wrap on my list. The only other crochet pattern I could find that I like was this Simple Crocheted Shrug from Lion Brand, which is free and should be a quick project as it uses bulky weight yarn.
But I'm not sold on it from a fashion perspective. Will it suit me? I'm not sure. The Cherry Wrap is quite un-fitted as well, so I think it would be nice to have something a bit more stylish and suitably impressive should any of my colleagues exclaim "What an amazing cardigan, where did you get it from?". With that in mind, I've broadened my horizons to look at knit patterns, as there seems to be more choice there. In terms of my YoP list, it would be tacked onto the end of the knitting section, as I'm sure a fitted cardigan/shrug would be more complicated than anything else already on the list!
These are the ones that have caught my eye:
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| Eleonora by Dawn Matkovic |
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| Hug Me! by Julia Mueller |
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| Top-Down Shoulder Warmer by Laura Chau |
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| Sabine by Perl Grey |
So what I'd really love is if you guys could help me choose which pattern to put on my list in place of the Sapphire Shrug. Ive added a poll to the sidebar (up on the right, by the Year of Projects banner) to make it easy for you to cast your vote.
I think if your not so crazy on the Sapphire pattern then your right to change it, its a lot of money to spend on something you could easily take or leave. I like the knitted fitted ones better and the Eleonora is my favourite of all, its very elegant looking.
ReplyDeleteEleonora is really an eye-catcher and makes a statement w/that band. Go for that one.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad there are other crafters changing their mind about patterns. I haven't quite yet but I'm adding in others. So like me to be wishy washy.
Intriguing patterns. I always make shrugs by starting out as a rectangle, seaming a portion of the rectangle together to make the arms and then adding details on freeform style. But I'd vote for the Eleonara here. Will go take the poll now!
ReplyDeleteLoving the Eleonora myself.
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE Sabine, I am definitely adding that one to my list
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I love the knitted patterns you've picked... I think the first one (Eleanora) is my favourite, it's gorgeous. It's also probably the more complicated one, but I think you're probably better at knitting than you think you are (your lace scarf was stunning!)
ReplyDeleteFor me - definitely Eleonora. I think it's even prettier than the Sapphire Shrug :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Eleanor also. I am sure it will probably take the longest. The quickest would be the top down shoulder shrug. Yup............still like Eleanor the best.
ReplyDeleteI love the Eleonora!
ReplyDeleteI can see completely why you're changing your mind. I'm still struggling with the idea of spending 90gbp on yarn for a blanket, so 100 for a shrug would horrify me! I have also spent far too long in brutally air-conditioned offices.
I like the Sabine, although maybe that is because it Is being modelled. I reckon you are right to rethink now, I must admit to seeing things that other peopl have included that have swayed me a bit.
ReplyDeleteSapphire shrug blegh... You can make any one of your new choices, they are all STUNNING...
ReplyDeleteThere is an ever so clever pattern on Ravelry that the top down reminded me of (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wicked-crochet-shrug) so I voted the top down. The Wicked Crochet Shrug is tempting to me though. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like Hug Me! Stylish AND warm!
ReplyDeleteBtw, just wanted to let you know I have nominated you for another award :)
ReplyDeleteI voted and absolutely agree with you that you should scrap any project/pattern that you've fallen out of love with and replace it with something new. But keep in mind that you can also alter a pattern to fit your fashion style. That's the beauty of knitting and crocheting, I find. Can't wait to see what you decide to choose.
ReplyDeleteMy personal favorite is the Eleonora----I REALLY love the patterning on the cuffs and neckline. I bet you would get plenty of comments on it at work. :)
ReplyDelete*smiles*
I'm liking the Simple Crocheted Shrug quite a bit (and I don't usually like bulky yarn stuff, so I'm not sure why). I may be prejudiced against the smaller shrugs though, because my linebacker shoulders look terrible in them...but you'll probably look cute in any of them.
ReplyDelete