The pattern is really weird, but I finally figured it out! Instead of saying something like the standard, “2dc in next chain 2 space”, the pattern has a way of wording it like, “sk 3dc ch2, 2dc” meaning you’re skipping the 3 dc and 2 chains and then crocheting 2dc’s in the space. That’s not really an excerpt from the pattern, I’m just giving an example. The chart helped SO much, I was intimidated at first because I’d never used a chart before but before I knew it, I was quickly and easily referencing the chart and the wording to make sure I was doing it right. As soon as that lightbulb went off, the pattern was a lot easier to read. I used a smaller needle since I used a DK yarn instead of a fingering yarn (it’s an outdoor fall wedding, don’t want them to freeze!) and it seems to be good, I just have to try it on my bridesmaids to see how it fits on them. Once I know this one is good, I can go ahead and block it. 1 down, 5 to go.

I decided to use the original for my matron of honor and black for the bridesmaids. I used the same pattern size for all and it fit them all very nicely! I used Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread size 3 for the black shrugs and used 4 skeins per shrug. I broke my hand at one point and had to have a friend finish them up for me, glad I had her to help! She even made a mini sized one for my daughter, who proudly wore it during the wedding. Wedding picture courtesy of Old South Photography