Reading Patterns and Charts: September 10 Meeting Preview

Do you love to crochet but feel like you're looking at a foreign language when you try to read a crochet pattern? Have you tried to decipher symbol diagrams but they look like heiroglyphics (or maybe chicken scratchings) instead of helpful  instructions? Or maybe you've struggled through instructions but sure would like some tips to make reading them easier? If any of these ring a bell with you, then we hope you can join us on September 10 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm at our regular meeting spot, Borealis Yarns.

The meeting will be a formal meeting with instruction from Hilary and a chance for everyone to practice their pattern-reading skills on a specific project. The project that will be used for the class is Sweet Lorraine Lace Throw, a Doris Chan pattern that is available in the Fall 2008 issue of Interweave Crochet. This is a wonderful pattern that can be modified easily to make anything from a quick scarf to a luxurious stole.

You'll need to bring the following materials to this meeting:

• A copy of the pattern if you have the magazine.
  (If you don't have that particular issue, there are members who have volunteered to share their copy at the meeting.)
• One or more skeins of a solid or heather yarn (the pattern does NOT work up well in variegated yarn)
• Appropriate size hook for the yarn

Although the pattern is published for worsted weight yarn and size I9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook, Hilary says the pattern scales up and down beautifully. So you could use sport or DK weight for a lighter, lacier scarf or a bulky for a heavier scarf suitable for cooler weather.

Hope to see you at the meeting!