Completed hairpin lace shawl

I finished this shawl a while ago, but just now took a picture to post.  I made it for a high school friend of mine in Texas.  The weight and look she will be able to use there. 

I really do like this pattern.  It is quick to do, and the hairpin gives a little something different to the traditional crochet stitches.  I like the Caron Spa yarn I used, however it did come out shorter than the pattern said.  It is still long enough to wrap around, but it would look better with about 12 more inches in length.   

Free Bootsy Socks pattern

a Cathy Black design

Bootsy Socks

2 skeins Patons Classic Wool

1 skein Lion Brand Homespun

Crochet Hook 5.00 (H) and 8.00 (L)

Needle

Stitch markers

Gauge: Ch 21, sc in 2nd ch from

hook, sc in each ch (20)

Ch 2, Dc in next st and in following sts; repeat 5 times.

Size: 7-9 US women’s shoe size.

Special Notes: Sock fits feet from a narrower size 7 foot, to a wider foot that still wears some

normal width size 9.  Sock can easily be adjusted to fit wider or narrower widths by adding

or decreasing one chain at beginning, and adding or decreasing 2 stitches to each round.

With Homespun yarn knot beginning and end of tail to prevent unraveling.

Stitch Guide:

Dc2tog: Yo, insert hook into st and draw up loop, draw yarn through 2 loops. Yo and insert

hook in next st, draw up loop, draw yarn through 2 loops. YO and draw through all loops on

hook. 1 dec. made.

Foot:

With size H hook and wool yarn:

Ch 10

Rnd 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, place marker in 2nd sc just made. 7 sc, 3 sc in last st. Turn, 7 sc

in next 7 st. Sc in first sc to join. 20 sc

Rnd 2: 2 sc in marked sc, sc in next 9, 2 sc in next sc, sc to beginning of round. 22 sc

Rnd 3: 2 sc in marked sc, sc in next 10, 2 sc in next sc, sc to beginning of round. 24 sc

Rnd 4-6: 2 dc in first st. Dc in each st to next increase, 2 dc in increase st, dc to beginning. Ending

with 30 st.

Continuing in spiraling rounds, dc in each dc until piece measures 2” shorter than desired length. Or,  7 1/4” for size 7, 7 5/8” for size 8, and 8” for size 9. Stop sc one st shy of being even with marker when sock is laid flat.

Ankle:

Rnd 1: Ch 28, skip 17 sts for heel opening, dc in next 13 sts, dc 25 around ch. 38 DC.

Rnd 2-7: Dc in each st

Rnd 8: Dc in each dc until there are 2 st remaining to be even with marker. Sc 2 and go to cuff.

Cuff:

With wool and homespun together using size L hook.

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (counts as one dc). Dc 3 in next 3 st. *Skip one dc, dc 3 in next 3 sts.* Repeat 7 times. Slip stitch in second ch of first dc. 28 st

Rnd 2-3: Ch 2. Dc in each dc. Slip stitch in second ch of first dc. 28 st

Rnd 4: Ch 2. Dc in each dc. Slip stitch in second ch of first dc and fasten off. 28 st

Heel:

Rnd 1: Make a slip knot on hook as you would to start a new ch. Yo and insert hook where foot

and ankle meet on the side of foot marker, yo and pull up loop. Pull yarn through 2 loops on

hook. Yo insert hook in next st, yo and draw up loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo

and draw through all loops on hook. One decrease made. Dc 22. Dc2tog. Dc 16. 40 st.

Rnd 2: In continuing spirals dc2tog, dc 20, dc2tog, dc 16. 38 st.

Rnd 3: Dc2tog, dc 18, dc2tog, dc 16. 36 st.

Rnd 4: Dc2tog, dc 16, dc2tog, dc 16. 34 st.

Rnd 5: Dc2tog, dc 15, dc2tog, dc 14, dc2tog. 32 st.

Rnd 6: Dc2tog, dc 12, dc2tog twice, dc 11, dc2tog. 27 st.

Rnd 7: Dc2tog, dc 10, dc2tog twice, dc 9, dc2tog. 23 st.

Rnd 8: Dc2tog, dc 8, dc2tog twice, dc 7, sc then slip stich and fasten off. 20 st.

Fasten off leaving long tail to sew heel opening together from corner to corner.

Weave in all ends.

I love the new "VOGUEknitting Crochet"

Earlier I posted this post on the new "VOGUEknitting Crochet" magazine.  I have since finished it and am thoroughly impressed with the patterns and layout.  The pattern photos look like a current fashion magazine, not like some other crochet magazines that tend to look from the 80's.  If this was issued regularly I believe it would be my go to magazine for patterns.  Here are some of my favorite ones from this issue.

Nicky Epstein

Dora Ohrenstein

Karen Stahlecker

Cristina Mershon

Mary Beth Temple

You can see these and all the rest of the patterns in the issue here.  There are several other patterns that I liked, but the ones above are my top "I would make these first" patterns.  Several of the granny square ones; like the coat, dress, and v-neck sweater.  If I made them I would do them in a different color way since I tend to wear more toned down clothes.  I also like most of the jewelry.  However, like the granny squares, I doubt I would make any besides the bracelet above.  No reason why I wouldn't make them except I probably would only wear them once.  I do find all the patterns inspiring, and even some of the second shots of backs and details show creative ways of shaping the garments that you usually don't see.

This issue is definitely going to be one of my favorites in my pattern collection.  As I said in the previous post, I usually only find two or three patterns I like in a magazine if I'm lucky.  With this one having 5 that I could see becoming a staple in my wardrobe, plus many more that are inspiring, this magazine is definetly one that stands apart from the rest.  Now, when is the next one coming out?!

Free Double Banded Cuff pattern

a Cathy Black design

Double Banded Cuff

Bernat “Satin” : 1 skein

Metal Beaded Trim

(2) ½” DIA. snaps

Matching Thread

Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (US G)

Needles

Ch 13

Row 1: yo hook 3 times, in 5th ch from end draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.  Ch 4.

Row 2: yo hook 3 times, draw up loop in 1st st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.  Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.  Ch 4.

Repeat row 2 to desired length, omitting last ch 4 on final row.

Fasten off.

Steam or block flat.

Sew edging to crochet end at a ch 3 section. Weave over then under posts. Sew end of edging to opposite end.

Tack edging woven under.

Repeat edging on other side.

Sew on snaps at each corner for closures.

Vogue Knitting Crochet magazine

I have mine...did you get yours?

So far I am only a few pages into it, but I LOVE it.  I have just read some of the articles and trend reports and have been very impressed.  It seems like I am reading a fashion/trend magazine right now instead of a crochet pattern magazine.  I am hoping that with the increased fashion showcasing crochet on the runways that there will be enough interest to keep Vogue doing on issue.  At least more often than once every 18 years!

Lets see how many patterns I will have to add to my to do list by the last page!  That will be the true test of how much I like an issue.  The most I usually like is only 2 patterns.  I will keep you posted.

Free Beaded Bracelet pattern

a Cathy Black design

Beaded Bracelet

Bernat “Satin” : 1 skein

Pearls

Seed Beads

Two-strand Metal Clasp

Matching Thread

Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (US G)

Needles

Ch 9

Row 1: yo hook 3 times, in 5th ch from end draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook. Ch 4.

Row 2: yo hook 3 times, draw up loop in 1st st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 4.

Repeat row 2 to desired lenght.  On last row finish off instead of ch 4.

Steam or block flat.

Attach thread at end of a “ladder rung.“ Thread 4 pearls in each center of each section. Tie off at opposite end of length on a “ladder rung.”

Attach thread on bottom side of crochet bracelet. Threading through center of crochet length, sew 1 pearl in each space between clusters, and 3 seed beads on top of cluster centers. Tie off at bottom of last 3 bead cluster.

Attach clasp at ends.

Progress on the hairpin lace

I have managed to complete all three sections of the hairpin lace for the Just Married Shawl, and actually have already hooked the sections together.  The picture above shows me in process on the second section.  I used another yarn threaded through before I removed it from the loom to hold the stitches in front to back order.  This helped me know which direction to put the loop on my hook and be consistent.  Now I am in the process of the edging and have found that I can keep them in consistent order without the thread guide. 

So far I really like the pattern.  I am anxious to see it finished.

Free Skinny Ladder Scarf

a Cathy Black design

Skinny Ladder Scarf

RED HEART “SOFT YARN” : 1 skein

Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (US G)

Ch 13

Row 1: yo hook 3 times, in 5th ch from end, draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 3. Repeat from first * to drawing through 4 loops. Ch 4.

Row 2: yo 3 times, draw up loop in 1st st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times,draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 3. Repeat from first * to end once. Ch 4.

Repeat Row 2 to desired length.  On last row ommit ending Ch 4.  Fasten off.

Change in plans

So earlier this month I posted this post about projects to make after I got my swatches completed.  Well, I decided not to do either one of them and do something else.  I thought I would try something new. Hairpin lace. 

The pattern is the Just Married Shawl published in the recent edition of "Crochet Today!" The majority of it is three sections of hairpin lace.  In the magazine there is a tutorial of how to do the basic hairpin stitch to create the sections, but it confused me and left me with more questions than it answered.  Luckily through several different YouTube videos I was able to see what I was suppose to do, and what was being talked about in the written tutorial.  I didn't have to go out and buy a frame since I had one from a major auction score that consisted of knitting needles, crochet hooks, large wooden embroidery hoops, a couple of store bought needlepoint kits

I have already completed two sections and should complete the last one tonight.  I have managed to figure out how to do the repetitive motion with Sylvia sleeping on my chest.  Last night she even watched me and became mesmerised with the motion of the frame turning.  She quickly fell asleep.  I am using Naturally Caron Spa yarn in the misty taupe colorway.  I love the way it feels, and the color is the beautiful warm grey.  The only thing that I don't like is that it splits easy with using the G hook the pattern calls for.  I haven't used this yarn before so I'm anxious to see how it wears and how the rest of the pattern comes together. 

And, of course, Darla had to get in on the photo-op of my hairpin progress.  She is also getting used to Sylvia and now keeps us both company during the day instead of hiding like she did before.

Doing a little dance

I HAVE FINISHED ALL THE SWATCHES!

Between all my re-dos and double checking all the swatches are complete and I am satisfied with them for my CGOA Masters course.  I received the instructions at the end of December of 2011, started the swatches in the end of January 2012, and finished them today!  All that is left to do is write out the questions and put it all in a binder as instructed to be mailed for grading. 

Today feels like I'm back in high school and it is the end of school!  Time to celebrate -where's the wine?!

Another swatch re-do comparison

Here is another sample swatch that I re-did for the crochet masters program.  It is a simple fan pattern with a lot of chains.  The top sample was my first attept, and you can see that my second one was done with a larger stitch, but I still used the same hook.  The second, just like the shell basket sample, has better pattern read and also lays more square than my first attempt. 

I have all but 4 samples of the 48 swatches complete along with Season 4 of "Mad Men," ends woven and checked for correctness.  Of the last 4, 2 just need the ends woven in and the other 2 I want to re-do.  They are granny squares and they just aren't laying like I want.  Once I finish those I am to the written portion and building the binder to send in.  Now to other shows and movies while I finish these last few steps of my masters!

Shell Basket sample re-do

I showed you earlier the sample of the shell basket swatch for the CGOA Masters program.  I have redone it and I am happy that I did.  The top sample in the image is my first one you saw previously and the lower sample the newer one.  As you can see I did a larger/looser stitch, but still used the same hook.  I think you can see that the right side doesn't distort as bad, especially at the bottom where the starting chain is. 

The only thing that I still don't like is the far right column of baskets.  You can see that they lay different from all of the others.  I checked the directions and I did as they stated.  They have you work around one dc and then skip 3 where all the other baskets in the row have you only skip 2. 

I am not sure how I would use this stitch in a pattern.  Perhaps on a throw pillow for texture.  I think as a kid I would have liked to play with the little pockets.

Project motivation

I am getting close to finishing all of the swatches for the masters program.  So, to motivate me I am planning what pattern to crochet when I am done.  I have it narrowed down to two that have come out in two magazines this spring.

This Acero Lace Top by Mona Modica in the Spring 2012 "Crochet!" magazine is one that I think I will make first.  I  think it will be very versatile in my wardrobe.  How it is shown over a sheath dress would be appropriate for work, with skinny jeans and a tank would be great for a date night, and then it would be easily worn over something long sleeved for winter.  It is made using a category 1 super fine yarn so it will more than likely take me forever (think the Moth Wing Shrug that I blogged about at Christmas).

The second pattern I'm looking at is the Senorita Skirt by Dora Ohrenstein in "Crochet today!" May/June 2012.  I like the fun but classy design of it.  My only draw back is I wonder how much I would wear it.  I am having a hard time determining what type of top I would wear with it.  I can think of a tank like this for summer, and then putting a jacket and nice heels for work.  Also, it looks like I would need to line this with something to make it appropriate to wear in public. 

Hmmm....decisions decisions decisions.  Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted.

What a knot

So one weekend about a month ago I was working on my masters swatches, and it came to a point where I needed to wind the larger one pound skein I had been using into smaller center pull balls.  Breanne saw me wind the first one and asked if she could do one.  I let her thinking that there wasn't anything that we could mess up.  She held the ball winder and turned the handle.  I made sure there was steady tension on the yarn and that no knots would be wound up.  She did two balls and both went with no problems and looked great.

Fast forward to today when I started to use one of those balls.  It started out great, but not long into it I had trouble pulling the center pull string.  This had happened to me before and I pull the very center out and it easily comes free and untangles.  That portion I'm able to work through quickly and I'm back to working nicely from a center pull ball.  Not this time.  I had trouble even pulling the center out.  It ended up with a big portion coming out and me still not being able to pull any yarn loose.  My next thought was to wind the ball back up starting from the outside.  I thought this would remove whatever was causing the knot easily and the problem would be solved.  I was wrong and it just got to the same point as the other end of the yarn, as you can see from the picture above.  In the end I had to take the small hand wound ball and weave it through all of that mess.  Back and forth, back and forth, over and through.  I finally got it all untangled.  I didn't look at the clock to see when I started, it could have taken me only around 15 minutes but it felt like HOURS. 

I have it all wound back up into a center pull ball.  But, I still have another one that Breanne did, AND I don't know what we did to create such a mess so I don't know if the one I did will have the same results.  I guess time will tell.

Shell baskets swatch

This is one of the swatches that I think is the newest stitch to me, called the shell basket.  It is made by creating a sc, hdc, dc, and trc around a dc in the row below it.  Then, when you sc in the top row like normal you create this little basket. 

I think I will redo some of the swatches just to insure that they are perfect, this is one.  However, for the first time doing this stitch I am impressed with the results.  This is also one of the samples that is inspiring and making me excited to create new patterns.  So much fun to be inspired!

Master Crochet Samples in Progress

So here is picture of the samples for the Crochet Guild of America Master's Program.  I have been working on it the past few days now that I am getting crochet time during Sylvia's nap time.  The program consists of creating 48 samples, I am working on number 36 now.  As you can see I have not woven in any of the ends, a part that I do not like.  Maybe once I get all of the samples done I will get Season 4 of "Mad Men" and have a weaving marathon.  That would make the boredom and painfulness from the task a little easier to handle for me. 

As to the types of samples, some are very basic like how many options there is to work stitches into a foundation chain, while others are more advanced like the bobbles and baskets.  I have learned several things from doing this already, like that I am a tight crocheter as I blogged here, and some new stitch patterns that I had not used before in projects before.  I am excited about the last swatches I am working on since they are starting to get into more advanced and less used techniques.  I think once I am done the finished collection will be very useful in the future to remind myself there are more stitches and patterns than just the standard sc, hdc, and dc in a row.  Already well worth the money for the program in my opinion, which makes me very happy.

My Biggest Blessing, Sylvia

A month ago today we were blessed with our little Sylvia Rose.  She has been the cause for my new, most favorite hobby that I have been doing this past month, holding a sleeping baby.  Because of this new hobby I have been more absent around here, and in doing other crafts.  However, now we seem to be getting a routine going, and I'm starting to find little pockets of time to keep doing my crochet.  Or, I guess I should say that I am finding how to do other things with the little bundle sleeping on me.  The best of both worlds!  This summer should be the best yet with me being able to enjoy all the best things in life all at once!  Life is good.

Lion Brand Simple Crochet Shrug

I made this in the end of 2010.  It is such an easy pattern, and so comfortable.  It also is easy to dress up or down.  I am likely to also grab this in the summer to take into restaurants since I am usually freezing when they have the air conditioning blasting. 

Like I mentioned on Saturday, I have been looking at the recent fashion reports and have been seeing almost two distinct types of female fashion forms.  The form fitting structured garments and a more relaxed and flowing style that have a lot more wearing ease.  From seeing some of the designers' collections I am now wondering if I want to make something similar to this, but maybe with different proportions, texture, and color.  This Lion Brand pattern is a rectangle that is sewn on two sides except for the areas of the sleeves.  Any shaping I would add would greatly change it and be so easy to add.  I guess this is just another one of the designs to add to my list of things I want to create.

The Cat lady

A somewhat typical evening, me curled up in a rocking chair with quilts and two cats.  I just usually am working on some craft project at the same time.  The cats don't mind as long as I give them pets every now and then.  Luckily, I'm married to a wonderful man who finds it entertaining that I have a lifestyle of an 80 year old women at times.

Lion Brand Whiter Shade of Pale Car Coat

Here is the Lion Brand Car Coat that I discussed on Ravelry.  I made this about 2 years ago, and have been wearing it more this winter.  With the baby bump still growing it really makes the hip area small.  But, it is warm enough to be curled on the couch. 

I learned a lot from this pattern.  The most Ah-ha type was seeing that some crochet patterns are constructed like a sewing pattern where flat panels are sewed together to form the finished garment.  Recently, I have been looking at the fashion reports from the New York, London, and Milan fashion shows.  I keep seeing things that are inspiring me to crochet a version of it.  As I'm looking at them I am translating their construction and form from a traditional sewed fabric garment to something that I could crochet.  Now, my only problem is which one to make first!

Bird embroidery

Here is another block for the the baby's book!  She is coming in less than 2 months, and I have 3 done.  Another is on my embroidery loop, an elephant.  However, so far the birds are tied with the monkeys of being my favorite.

I'm a tight crocheter



I have started working on the Crochet Guild of America Master's samples.  The samples above are from swatch #10 where they have you making a gauge swatch.   As you know from previous posts I have learned that I need to do swatches more regularly, but haven't really done so yet.  With this exercise I have fully accepted that I HAVE to do swatches from now on, especially for garments.

For the swatch it has you use a worsted weight yarn, do 14DC in 6 rows that should measure 4" by 4".  The recommended hook from the yarn company is an I, which I used on both.  The top one is my first attempt.  It measures 3" by 2 5/8".  A bit off, don't you think.  It took me several attempts with changing hooks and the height of the first YO look of each stitch to finally get mine to measure 4" in both directions.  I lost count of the attempts.  I know I tried 4 different hooks, a K, then J, back to the I, and finally to a different I hook.  This doesn't even go into the number of attempts with each of the Is.  I felt like I was making my loops HUGE to get it right, but it got me there and now I can move to the next one.

Now, I just wonder how off my gauge was on the Luna Sweater.  Do I even want to know?

Potato Chip Scarf

Here is a lovely quick little scarf I did quickly.  It is the Lion Brand's Potato Chip Scarf.  I used Caron Country using a left over skein that I had.  It is super quick to make and looks great over a t shirt.  I also like that it is a little shorter in length so you don't have all the bulk when you are wearing a coat. 

I am going to have to remember this one next Christmas, it is going to be a great gift pattern to whip up for relatives and friends.  And sorry I'm already thinking about Christmas in January!

Guess what came in the mail!

When I renewed my Crochet Guild of America membership I went ahead and ordered my "Master of Advanced Stitches and Techniques" coarse.  It came today!

With this you make all these sample swatches and then mail them in a binder to be graded.  I looked at the first couple of pages but don't want to look any further at what samples you make, because I want to be surprised!  I guess I am a bit dorky like that with my crochet.  Just like a book I won't read the last chapter to find out what happens, I won't do the same with my masters coarse!  

I already have all the supplies to do the swatches, now I just need another crocheting holiday!

Finished Luna Sweater

This Luna Sweater I started in May of 2010!  I just finished it, and now that I'm pregnant I can't fit into it.  So, I really don't know what I would say about the sizing or fit of the pattern, if I truly like it or not.  However, I would say I learned a lot about crochet, yarn, and myself with this project.

From the beginning the stitch created a texture and pattern that I had never used before.  How you only crochet in only one loop created a pattern to replicate a knit, the stretched ribbing process, and the method to obtain the cables all were new to me.  Even the process of crocheting the body from the right to the left side was a new thought process for me.  I had only done top to bottom or bottom up before.  Because of this pattern I am now looking at projects trying to determine what makes them not look like the typical "Granny square" crochet construction and stitch.

I used Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn, which is 100% acrylic.  Prior to this I had only used worsted weight yarn, so this in comparison was a lighter weight that I thought would be good.  Now looking back I wished I had chosen something even lighter.  The stitches are so dense that the finished garment is thick!  A lot thicker than I thought it would be.  Also, the hand of the acrylic isn't as luxurious as what the pattern model looks.  It isn't bad, but just not what I thought it would be.  When I started this sweater I wasn't doing a gauge swatch, so lesson learned - if I had I would have found this out.  Again, I am learning about yarn weight and yarn material as I do projects, and why swatches are so important. 

Finally, about myself, after thinking about how the Moth Wing Shrug and this project has taken me so long to complete I have come to the realization of the root cause for the delays.  Yes, life had intervened and distracted me, and yes the Moth Wing just was time consuming, but why had I picked up other projects and completed them rather than finishing these.  The Luna Sweater sat for almost a year just needing to be blocked, seams sewn, and edges finished.  The hard part of doing all the cables and counting was done, but I wouldn't finish it.  After going through all "easy" answers that I knew really wasn't the truth I have come up that it is all from a fear of failure.  With these it would be the fact that I would have to acknowledge that I spent all this time and money on the project, measured and counted for the correct size and then they come out not to fit.  That "failure" fear was creating a mental block for me big enough not to finish it so I would not have to find out that they didn't come out as expected.  Now, that I know this about myself and the fact that I have finished this sweater and have no idea if I can wear it, I just have to enjoy the process and accept the outcome.  And accept that if something doesn't fit I get the joy of sharing it with someone who it will fit.