I’m a Picky Crocheter
Lately I’ve realized how picky I’ve become when it comes to finding a pattern/project to crochet. There’s now a growing list of construction techniques that I avoid like the plague. No wonder I’m often unimpressed with crochet magazines. After going through this list there’s usually only one or two projects left that I might want to make per issue. I know I should probably just try one of these things sometime but I’ve been spoiled by easier alternatives.
- I only like top down sweaters, I’m really reluctant to work bottom up.
- I refuse to make a sweater in pieces and sew them together. If I have to make separate front, back, sleeves, etc. forget it. I have, however, considered making a sweater/tunic that starts with the waist band and works up and then down from the middle. I haven’t tried it yet though.
- Anything made with many motifs/squares. Again, I just don’t want to have to sew them all together.
- Shawls, ponchos and capelets. Not that I wouldn’t enjoy making one, I just don’t know anyone who wears them.
- Hats should always be top-down and socks should always be toe-up. Also, as confusing as turning a heel can be, I’d rather figure it out than do an after-thought heel.
- Though I think they are cute, I have no interest in crocheting food or critters. Again with the sewing of pieces together. Also, I like to keep the tchotchkes in my house to a minimum.
- Extensive color work. I’m not completely opposed to this but this goes back to wanting to crochet (or knit) in one piece. I dislike all the extra weaving in of ends.
- Bobbles- whether knit or crochet, they are annoying.
Ok, so maybe I need to be a little more open to some of these things. But since this post has taken such a negative turn, here’s the list of things that I love to crochet:
- Top-down, raglan sleeve, seamless sweaters.
- Scarves- worked horizontally or vertically, lacy or shells or Tunisian
- Bags worked from the bottom. I especially love mesh market bags and thick felted purses.
- Toe-up socks and top-down hats that make it easy to try on as you go.
- Cowls worked in the round or moebius style.
- Fingerless gloves and wrist warmers.
- Crocheted fabrics with texture- shells, lace, post-stitches, mesh, v-stitches, etc.
- Anything with self-closure or otherwise clever construction.
- Anything worked in a spiral or diagonally.
- Crocheted ribbing, front loop/back loop only, foundation sc/dc and other tricks to make crochet stretchier.
So tell me, what are your favorite and least favorite things to crochet or knit?
