Berroco Aruna Cardigan - Crochet

Here is my latest finish crochet project, it is FREE PATTERN from Berroco.

It took me about 3 weeks to finish, actually, if the pattern is more well-written, I would finish sooner. This is one of the most confusing patterns I ever saw, I was very frustrated when I crocheted it. The armhole shaping part is what confused me, the pattern is not make sense at all. End up, I did my own shaping. I am glad that the cardigan turns out great, I was a little bit worried that it wouldn't look right or fit me.

Anyway, I really love the style, it is feminine and classy, it looks great with a lot of stuff. And I LOVE the yarns, I used Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette, it is Alpaca, Silk and Merino blend, Sport Weight. It is the first time that I used the yarns that not from AC Moore or Michaels. And it is the first time that I used sth lighter than worsted weight yarns. The yarns is so soft, when I crocheted it, it always left my finger so soft. It is great experience. I don't think I can go back to the cheap yarns, coz the finished product looks so good when you used fancy yarns.

I used the blocking board that m hubby made for me, it worked great.

DIY Blocking Board

Recently I start to crochet garment, but I never block any of my garment, until now, I really think blocking will help the finishing look.

I saw my LYS selling blocking board for $90, it is too much for me. Then I found few websites that teach you how to make your own. So my hubby and I decide to make our own too.

We found a board from "Scrape Exchange", which is like a craft thrift store. The board is only $2, we believe that board is a panel for office cubicle. I took pics of the back, you can see the labels. And then we went to JoAnn to get the fabric, it costs about $3.50. So the total cost is less than $6. It is much better than paying $90.

I just used it to block my new cardigan. So far it works great.

The label on the back.

The label on the back.

The Back.

The Front. (My hubby is so proud of himself, coz he is the one found the board)

Finish look!