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Acrylic sweater blocking disaster + current WIP

Hey friends! It’s been a while since I published a post. My absence is all down to having a rough third trimester of my pregnancy and also welcoming our baby in early June. I was able to do some knitting and crocheting though, and even packed one of my knitting projects (a sweater) in my hospital bag. It was great to knit a few rounds while I was stuck in bed recovering after having my little girl. I’m now five weeks postpartum and gradually finishing off/starting new projects in between looking after baby and recovering.

 

ACRYLIC YARN BLOCKING DISASTER

I recently finished one of the projects I’ve been working on – the discipline sweater (pattern by Bromefield). This was my second attempt at knitting the sweater, as my first attempt did not go well due to the yarn I used…I just wasn’t feeling the yarn for the project. This time round, I switched to a different yarn – Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran and boy was I glad I did. This yarn is a lovely, soft and squishy acrylic yarn, you would almost not believe it’s acrylic.

 

Almost halfway through knitting the body, I decided to make the sweater a two-toned sweater. This was such a great idea as the colours really complimented each other. As I neared completion of the sweater, I started thinking about blocking. I’ve always felt that blocking acrylic yarn can be tricky and I’ve never blocked any project that I have made with acrylic yarn due to this reason. I’ve read many articles that tell you acrylic yarn can and should be blocked but I have never been convinced that the methods they suggest really work. I checked a few knitting and crocheting forums and came across one where someone advised machine washing and tumble drying the item following the care instructions for the yarn. So, I decided to take the plunge…BIG MISTAKE! The sweater came out nearly four to five sizes bigger, from a 38″ bust to a 48″ bust, no joke!

I very nearly cried as I was looking forward to rocking the sweater during winter…it really hurt. I tried searching online to see if I could find a way to shrink it but found nothing. So, sadly, I won’t be able to wear this sweater but I’ll give it to someone who can. To be fair, apart from the size increase, the sweater blocked really well. Needless to say, I will not be blocking acrylic anytime soon..ha!

Have you successfully blocked acrylic yarn? If yes, please share how in the comments section below.

The good news is that I have decided to make the sweater again (yaay!) but this time with merino wool – Malabrigo Worsted in Polar Morn. I’m pretty excited to cast this on once I finish my current WIP, I think it’ll be a beaut.

 

CURRENT WIP

For once, I am working on just one project and plan to finish it before moving to another. I don’t expect this phase to last though as I enjoy working on a few projects at the same time. My current WIP is a cardigan that my baby can wear during winter. The pattern is the Hyphen Cardigan by Frogginette and I am using Malabrigo Rios in Azules. I’m knitting the 6 months size and I’m pretty much done with the body, so it’s on to the sleeves soon.

The pattern is very straight forward and easy to work through and I really love the detail at the top of the cardigan. Pretty excited about finishing it off and dressing my little girl in it during the winter.

I do have other WIPs that I’ve sort of parked until the hyphen cardigan is complete and I’ll do a separate post about them. Let’s not talk about those WIPs that have somehow been forgotten and are in a boxed up pile…shhh!

Blessings,

March 30, 2018

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Now to catch up on all I’ve missed. Please feel me in…what are we supposed to be doing for engagement now? Hehee!
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#knitterlife #crocheting #crochet #ilovecrocheting #knitting #knitstagram #crochetstagram #crochetaddict #knitaddict #crochetersofinstagram #knittersofinstagram #handmadebykunbi #kunbidesigns #yarnspiration #yarnlover #kunbidesigns #craftposure #bipocmakers #designer #blackgirlcrafts #blackdesigner #makersgonnamake #handmadefashion #knitterhumour #knitterhumor #crocheterhumour #crocheterhumor
🌟 Perfection is not the goal, growth is 🙌🏽🙌🏽. So, keep learning and keep growing.
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#knitterlife #crocheting #crochet #ilovecrocheting #knitting #knitknitknit #knitstagram #crochetstagram #crochetaddict #knitaddict #crochetersofinstagram #knittersofinstagram #yarnspiration #yarnlover #craftposure #knittersoftheworld #knittersoftheuk #crochetersoftheworld #crochetersoftheuk #encouragementfortheday #encouragementoftheday
Tester photos are starting to roll in for the Silhouette Peplum Dress 💃🏽💃🏽. @knits.by.ellvee looks absolutely fabulous in her dress, which she wore to a wedding 🙌🏽🙌🏽. It’s also her first test knit and first time knitting a dress, and she knocked it outta the park!!

Pattern release date will be announced soon! Keep your eyes peeled 👀.
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Pattern deets:⠀⠀⠀
- Skill level: Intermediate beginner ready to take on a garment challenge 🙌🏽.⠀⠀⠀
- Sizes: XS to 5XL.
- The dress is designed to be worn with a negative ease of 1.5-4.5 inches around the bust, 2-6 inches around the hip and 2.5-5 inches around the waist.
- Yarn required: Aran weight that meets gauge.
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#yarnlover #kunbidesigns #knittersofinstagram #craftposure #bipocmakers #knitweardesigner #knitweardesign #blackknittersofinstagram #blackknitweardesigner #handknitting #blackgirlcrafts #blackdesigner #makersgonnamake #knittingdesign #knittingpattern #handmadefashion #slowfashion #slowfashionmovement #bipocdesignersandcrafters #knitstagram #knittersofig #knittinginspiration #silhouettepeplumdress
Get some crochet action in for this fab summer crochet top 🙌🏽.
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Pattern: Easy Lace Panel Crochet Top (available in all my shops, link in bio).

Pattern deets:⠀⠀
Sizes: XS to 5XL⠀⠀⠀
Ease: Negative ease of up to 3”⠀⠀
Yarn: Aran weight yarn - I used Cascade Avalon yarn (50% Cotton 50% Acrylic)⠀⠀⠀
Skill level: Intermediate beginner.
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#kunbidesigns #crochet #crocheting #crochetlove #yarn #crochetersofinstagram #instacrochet #ganchillo #häkeln #haken #crocheted #virka #yarnlove #uncinetto #crochetlover #craft #crochetpattern #blackcrochetersofinstagram #diversityandinclusion #blackcrocheter #slowfashion #slowfashionmovement #handmadebykunbi
Be yourself boldly, it’s your strength and beauty.
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#knitterlife #crocheting #crochet #ilovecrocheting #knitting #knitknitknit #knitstagram #crochetstagram #crochetaddict #knitaddict #crochetersofinstagram #knittersofinstagram #yarnspiration #yarnlover #craftposure #knittersoftheworld #knittersoftheuk #crochetersoftheworld #crochetersoftheuk #encouragementfortheday #encouragementoftheday
She’s finally finished and I had to share, pre-blocking and pre-weaving in ends 🙌🏽.
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Pattern: No name yet peplum top
Yarn: Cascade Cantata in Dark Green.
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#kunbidesigns #knittersofinstagram #knitweardesign #blackknittersofinstagram #blackknitweardesigner #handknitting #makersgonnamake #knittingdesign #knittingpattern #handmadefashion #slowfashionmovement #knitstagram #knittersofig #knittinginspiration #handmadebykunbi #knittedtop #knittop #knitpeplumtop #knittedpeplumtop 

Knitters, Knitting Yarn, Needlecraft, Fiber Arts, Handmade, Knitting Pattern, Knitwear, Handcraft, Knitted top, Fashion Knits, Knit top, Made by Hand, Knitted Peplum Top
I love this IG sound and I had to dance to it. So, here’s your signal to craft and boogie down 💃🏽🕺🏽. Enjoy!
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#kunbidesigns #knittersofinstagram #knitweardesign #blackknittersofinstagram #blackknitweardesigner #handknitting #makersgonnamake #knittingdesign #knittingpattern #handmadefashion #slowfashionmovement #knitstagram #knittersofig #knittinginspiration #handmadebykunbi #knittedtop #knittop #knitpeplumtop #knittedpeplumtop
C2C + yarn cake = always a glorious union. Working c2c is mindless crocheting for me, which I am loving right now. 

I’m crocheting a blanket for my living room. Not sure how big I want it but the beauty of c2c is that it’ll be easy for me to decide how big before I start decreasing 🙌🏽.

The yarn 🧶 is scrumptious and lush to work with 😍😍. It’s called Hurricane and I purchased it from @hobbii_yarn.

Do you crochet c2c?
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#crochetlove #crochetersofinstagram #instacrochet #ganchillo #häkeln #haken #crocheted #virka #yarnlove #uncinetto #crochetlover #craft #calledtocreate #createdtocreate #crochetallthethings #blackcrochetersofinstagram #diversityandinclusion #c2c #cornertocorner #c2cblanket #crochetblanket