August 2008 : Bought Moda Dea Cherish yarn for project.

October 5, 2008: Started crocheting the swatch for Mini Jean Jacket following swatch instructions provided in pattern.

My swatch wound up being 15 sc = 4” and 18 rows = 3 1/2”.

My row gauge is off but because the pattern includes a good schematic, I am going to continue using my size H hook. I know that if I move up a hook size my row gauge will be correct, but my stitch gauge will be off! It is a whole lot easier to add more rows to match the schematic than to calculate the number of stitches to cast-on, increase, decrease, etc.

August 10, 2010: I put this project down for a very long time! It is out again and there isn’t much more to do. I already crocheted the two fronts, the back, the plackets, and one of the sleeves. Now I just need to do one of the sleeves, the collar, and the pockets.

August 16, 2010: I am finished! Now let’s get to the nitty gritty.

How did I like the pattern? I found it really easy to follow. There was only one time I was scratching my head and it was mainly caused by the terminology. The instructions for the pocket flap and the swatch said to “work in back bars.” I wasn’t sure what was meant by “bars” so I assumed the designer meant the back loops.

What design features did you like/dislike? I loved the way this sweater was sewn together. The designer chose to seam the pieces together using the slip stitch, which makes the job much faster. I also loved the embroidery. I used the Red Heart Baby Econo yarn for the embroidery, by the way.

How did you like the yarn? I really enjoyed using this yarn and if it wasn’t discontinued, I would buy it again. One of the drawbacks of this yarn, though, is that it isn’t machine washable.