Did I just set a record in speed crocheting?  I should have entered the Ravelympics!  On Sunday this was a work in progress; by Wednesday night it was complete!

The pattern is a freebie from LionBrand called Giovanna’s Cardi.  It took less than 3 balls of Patons Jet (wool/alpaca blend) to make the smallest size, crocheted with my size J/6.00mm Clover Softouch hook (which are my favourite hooks).

It is worked seamlessly from the bottom up.  When you get to the armholes, chains are added on for the sleeves and then the yoke begins.

The pattern photo has the neckline worn open.  I made the smallest size (six to eight) but after a few rows decided to pull it out and start again with the back 4 stitches smaller.  This gave me a couple of challenges when I got to the decreases in the back yoke, but I still had some residual maths skills from school and managed to figure it out.  The other modification I made was to add a row of single crochet around the entire outer edge, rather than just slip stitching the front and neck edges.

Clare chose the felt flowers for the brooch closure, as well as the vintage button which was one of my mum’s.  Clare really likes to participate when I am making anything for her. 

And what does Clare think of the finished result?  I think that this photo says it all!