June 16, 2005
A whole new sling bag
Remember how the sling bag looked a few days ago? How it was starting to actually look like a bag? Well, today the sling bag looks more like potholder than a bag.
Last night, after completing the required number of rows and getting to the point where the bag splits into two handles, I decided my gauge was quite wrong. I was creating this dense, dense fabric that didn't so much resemble the picture in the book. This must be the reason it doesn't really look like a bag, I thought.
A looser gauge is the only solution. and the only way to get there is to undo what has been done. By 11:15pm, the bag was mostly back to yarn. I kept the bottom part with the increases, because hey, that part can be stronger and denser, so loose change doesn't fall out! Also, I didn't really want to redo this part.
Now, this wouldn't be necessary if I hadn't purchased yarn of a prehistoric dye lot. If more of this same color was available, I could keep on going with the uber-dense fabric and just buy more. Alas, I may be in possession of the last 5 skeins of this particular flavor of Cotton Glace shade 814. The ones I saw at Purl yesterday were off just enough to matter.
This pattern has no schematic(argh), but there is this sketch, from the "Designer's Notebook" section of the pattern book.
The new plan: crochet looser, and hope for the best.
Comments (14)
Well, what a bummer about the bag, but if you'll be happier with it in the end, it was a good choice to frog. I hope you have better luck w/ your gauge this time around.
Posted by Stephanie | June 16, 2005 10:55 AM
Posted on June 16, 2005 10:55
That's too bad about the gauge and old dye-lot. I have a few things with stripes for that very reason. I hope the new gauge and looser stitches work out. Good luck!
Posted by kevin | June 16, 2005 11:43 AM
Posted on June 16, 2005 11:43
yes, I know nothing of crochet or gauging it...so whatever you think! Glad you fixed it and got right back on the wagon!
Posted by carolyn | June 16, 2005 1:10 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 13:10
Bummer about your gauge and ripping back!
Why would they discontinue that color? It's so pretty.
Posted by Purly Whites | June 16, 2005 1:47 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 13:47
I hope it works this time around--I am anxious to see it. I love the yarn--too bad they don't carry it anymore!
Posted by Lolly | June 16, 2005 2:12 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 14:12
Sorry you had to frog... I am sure you will get it right this time! It still looks beautiful to me. :)
Posted by Dani | June 16, 2005 2:43 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 14:43
Patterns without (or with poor) schematics piss me off.
Sorry that you had to frog, and I agree with Ms. Purly Whites: it's too pretty to discontinue.
Posted by Colleen | June 16, 2005 2:45 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 14:45
That picture looks like it was drawn by a kid! Or me. Hope it works out!!
Posted by Tara | June 16, 2005 2:50 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 14:50
Try a much bigger crochet hook to make your gauge bigger. I have done this and gotten away with it...
Posted by Jenny | June 16, 2005 2:52 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 14:52
I'm really glad they think that picture is all the crochet-er needs! I still think the bag is lovely though. Onward with the crochet effort!
Posted by Sarah | June 16, 2005 4:06 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 16:06
Mmm ... gauge ... that's my greatest problem area in crocheting too. I find it so much more difficult to get the right gauge in crocheting. With some of the squares in my afghan, I have to go up or down 3 hook sizes to get the right gauge. It's very easy to get frustrated ... but don't give up! Pumping oil for you here!
Posted by Agnes | June 16, 2005 4:34 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 16:34
Bummer, drag, man. Might you want some of the tigher gauge to come up a little from the bottom for reinforcement? Like two or three inches, or would that look funky if it loosens up? I'm still thinking you wouldn't want stuff to drop out of the bottom.
Posted by Christie | June 16, 2005 6:00 PM
Posted on June 16, 2005 18:00
What's the Dyelot? I part time at a LYS, and we just happen to have a crapload of Cotton Glace in Archaic Dyelots and Colors.
Posted by Julia Vesper | June 17, 2005 6:16 PM
Posted on June 17, 2005 18:16
Hi Again- I just looked at your photo of the Glace- I have one of the very same, so I know the shop has more. Email if you would like some.
Posted by Julia | June 17, 2005 6:20 PM
Posted on June 17, 2005 18:20