Day Four

I am finished and you can see the etsy listing at https://www.etsy.com/listing/107594282/impromptu-crochet-tunic-in-warm-blue.

I worked late last night and finished this morning. The total investment is 6 balls of thredt (900 yards) and 29 hours of work.  I will price this item at $105.  This means I work for about $4 an hour.  I don't think that is unreasonable but I do have women tell me that my work is priced too high!!! Oh well, for everyone of those, 10 people tell me I do beautiful work and that my prices are very reasonable.  I make these to sell so I can make more and get some groceries in the bargain.

 I lightly block my garments because a little moisture relaxes the thread and the stitches and enhances the appearance of the work. What do you think?

 

My preference is slightly fitted at the waist with an A line flared skirt.  I find this style particularly flattering in any size.  I have made these tunics up to XL sizes and find that they do flatter any body type.  One of these days I am going to make one for myself.  You know how it is, the cobbler's children have no shoes.

You should try your own impromptu project.  Search your crochet books, search the net, look at other crochet garments and get some ideas going.  Before I had a dressmakers form (mannequin)  I actually took white wrapping paper and cut out the shapes of the garments I wanted to create and pinned my motifs to them.  It is a bit harder to work with and the darn pins will get you if you are not careful.  You will need lots of pins, the longer the better.  I usually use a size F (5) 3 3/4mm hook but you can find your own comfort hook.  As I have stated, I prefer Aunt Lydias size 3 cotton crochet thread.  The bamboo does not work as well because the thread is looser and snags.

Admittedly the tunic is time consuming and takes practice to connect the pieces uniformly.  My first tunic required about 50 hours of work.  The cardigans I make are easier because instead of motifs it is various stitches done in rows.  If you decide to start with one of these you will only need to be familiar with standard sizing and shaping.  I generally make them in one piece and divide for the fronts and back.  I will blog about that next time I do a cardigan.  Here is a site with standard sizing  http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/sizing.html.  They have lots of useful info on crochet terms, abbreviations, sizing, etc.  I plan to start making cardigans with both piecework and motifs over the winter and perhaps I can even create a pattern once I perfect my technique.

Here is a link to one of my Impromptu Cardigans https://www.etsy.com/listing/105791068/impromptu-crochet-cardigan-with-multiple

As always, if you have any questions or need some help,you can contact me though my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/loyesthread.

Never be afraid to change a pattern or stitch because you will be rewarded with experience and every now and then a brilliant idea.  If you create your own impromptu item I would be very interested in seeing your finished project.  Good luck and god bless.