OK, for the last several months, I have been attempting to crochet a beanie, then a hat, then I wanted to make a cool shrug. I know, I need to make up my mind. The problem with that is there is so much I want to do, that I get the feeling that I can do it all. But getting back on track. I researched, and researched, and researched. I looked on this website, and that website. I even joined a knitting circle. Shut up, shut up.
Now, I found very cute patterns, but the difficulty level was way too advanced for my talent, or found patterns that were for knitters, or just couldn't find anything I liked. I mean the yarn gods were against me. Why, what'd I ever do to them? I took a crochet class about a year or so ago, and had some yarn left over from that. I figured that I'd use that, why go out and get into debt for one beanie. Plus, one yarn is as good as another, right? I tried one pattern with what I had, not understanding why it wouldn't work. I tried another pattern with same said yarn, again, weeks worth of set backs; taking the design apart, reworking it. It was a mess, and frustrating as all get out. Let's just say that I'm not experienced enough to substitute patterns.
I will give the novice some advice. Don't go in thinking that you will complete the selected pattern in one day, even if it is simple. You have to first find your own way of holding your yarn and your needles that makes the process comfortable for you. This may take some time. I sometimes don't find my groove until I am just about ready to put the piece down for the day. It just takes time. I know, I'm the last one who should talk. I always feel like I'm doing it wrong. I have been told that it is not wrong, you just have to find your way.
Today, I have included the finished product, and I must say that it came out not so bad. I gifted this lovely piece to a friend's daughter, and just got a FB message that the intended absolutely loves it. Like the blogs title says, my mistake, not so bad. I must give a shout out to Yarns Unlimited in Santa Monica, and Brandie for allowing me to take my pictures in the store. When you get a chance, drive by there, they have some great stuff. I don't know my yarns to tell you what they have, but you should find what you are looking for there.
The moral of this story is: if you don't know what the heck you are doing, DO NOT substitute! You will only experience heart ache and hours of frustration. Wait until you have become more familiar with your chosen craft. I learned that the hard way. Although, my mistake has one of my friends asking me to duplicate this hat in blue. Oh, well...
