Monday, May 11, 2015

Hmmmm...... not so sure about this Jamie

I have finished my Jamie - short sleeve crochet vest and I am not happy.  I went up hook sizes to get the gauge, yes I actually checked the gauge, and still this is a very small sweater vest.  I used the  recommended type of yarn, so I am not sure what happened.  

Here it is take a look.


It is a tiny sweater vest, even with a huge amount of steam blocking.


The pattern by Vicki Chan was very easy to make, I really enjoyed it, I am just not sure where I went wrong.  I have read over everyone's project notes on Ravelry and it seems I might be the only person with a vest a bit too snug.


This was going to be for my niece, but she is really a bit more my size just shorter.  So now I think it has to go to her daughter, who will graduate from high school soon and be off to Boston University this Fall.


It looks so formal in these photos, but I think with jeans and a white tank top it will be perfect , maybe even a little bohemian to wear.  She may not like it at all but I have to try.  A lot of work went into this vest and I don't want it to end up in a time out bin at the bottom of my closet.  Maybe it was meant to be my great-nieces all along, it certainly would not be the first time I have made something that went to an entirely different person than it was meant for after it was finished.  

This is made with Ella Rae Lace Merino Solid , with a size D hook for the bodice and an E for the lace pattern.  I made it a little longer than the pattern because it just seemed way to short.  I used approximately 750 yards of yarn for this project.  The yarn was purchased last year in Tampa for 30% off when my yarn store was going out of business.  So it is a cost effective present, and even better as more yarn has left my stash.

I hope my great-niece likes it.  You never can tell with a gift can you?

Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day and a great weekend.

50 comments:

Unknown said...

I think she'll love it! Too bad it turned out small, but it looks great anyway! : )

linda said...

It is beautiful Meredith but it's a shame that it didn't turn out to the size you wanted, it looks perfect to me your work is always very neat. I'm sure that your great niece is going to love her unexpected gift. :) xx

Betsy said...

The vest is so beautiful. I think you did a fantastic job. It is disappointing when things don't turn out as you want them too. I hope the recipient like it as much as I do.
Blessings,
Betsy

Unknown said...

Beautiful!

kathy b said...

Meredith, It is so pretty. She'll just love it. I see it dressed up or down. What a gift!
I often knit with one person in mind and change my gifting as it comes together.
You did a great job. Sorry it didnt cooperate with your intentions.

Babajeza said...

It looks great to me. Maybe she has to try on if it fits and suits her well. :-)

Vera said...

Oh Meredith, it is so beautiful!! Sorry it turned out smalled than you wanted, but what a marvelous, unexpected gift for your niece.

Judy S. said...

It's beautiful! Glad you have someone in your family to love it. They should be very happy as it's a treasure!

mamasmercantile said...

Such a shame about the size as it looks wonderful, I love the lace pattern. I am sure your Great Niece will love, a beautiful gift, made with love.

Anonymous said...

So Lovely!! I'd do it again and go up another hook size, or use a bigger yarn? Its beautiful you did a fabulous job.

Anonymous said...

I think your niece will just love it!

Jennifer Hays said...

It's very pretty, Meredith. I'm sorry it didn't work out the way you'd hoped but it sounds like you have a good plan for it. I was going to suggest maybe one of your sons had a girlfriend (or girl friend, whichever, ha), who could wear it, but giving it to a niece is a wonderful idea. Hope you have a good week.

Amy at love made my home said...

Sorry it didn't work out how you wanted it too, it is beautiful and a beautiful colour. You are right I am sure, it just needs a different home than the one you initially thought of!!! xx

CJ said...

It's gorgeous Meredith, but you must be frustrated that it's not going to be for you now. As you say, quite bohemian, I think your great niece will love it. Her lucky day! CJ xx

My Garden Diaries said...

It is gorgeous!!!!! And you are so right...it will look amazing with a white tank and jeans...love that boho look! How did you learn to crochet like that??? The detail work is exquisite!!! What a lucky girl! Happy day you! Nicole xo

elns said...

It looks beautiful. I'm sorry the size didn't work out the way you wanted it. Alas I am familiar with this feeling. I'm also familiar with your wonderful garment construction and know this is not par for the course! Something else fantastic is around the corner for you ... :)

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Meredith, It really is a lovely vest, i'm sure she will love this unexpected gift. Thank heavens you have someone it will fit, no one like to frog. Love the design and yarn. You always do such nice work.
Enjoy your week, xoRobin

Teresa Kasner said...

That is a gorgeous sweater and I wish you were happier with it, but I bet your niece will be one happy camper when she receives the gift! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Elizabeth said...

A beautiful vest !

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Its really pretty and I think it is very young looking also.
hugs,
Linda

Lilly's Mom said...

This is such a beautiful vest you have made. I love the color and the intricate pattern. As to the size, could you have left out a repeat of the pattern? I'm sure your it will be a most treasured gift.

Handmade and off-centered said...

The vest is gorgeous and yes I would say it could be very bohemian with the right accessories! Im sorry it didnt turn out like it should have but like you said, maybe it was meant to go to your great niece.

I hope you have a really good week Meredith

Birgitta xx

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

It looks delightful, such a shame it's too small. I hope your great niece likes it x

Tanna said...

I think your niece will be happy it turned out too small for everyone else! ;) Sometimes these things work out in just a perfect kind of way. It is beautiful, Meredith. I know she is going to enjoy it! blessings ~ tanna

Crafty in the Med said...

It is a really lovely vest though Meredith and the pattern is so lacy looking. I do like it!! I can see a lot of work went into this.Perhaps it was your tension although you say you went up a hook size. Why don't you contact the author see what she says.
I have just frogged the second wip I was making all to do with size too tch!

keep well

Amanda :-)

Anonymous said...

Meredith, it is absolutely lovely. I can see how much work went into it too! As lace is all the rage at the moment your great niece may very well like it as you said with a white t-shirt and jeans... very cute!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Well, darn, it sure is pretty. I'd probably keep it and wear it unbuttoned. The crocheted look is in style so I hope she likes it. Best wishes, Tammy

ellen said...

Yes, indeedy..it is gorgeous. Who wouldn't love it? She's one lucky girl.
I am sorry it didn't work out for you...but how wonderful you have a loved person to give it to.
xoxo, Ellen.

Kris said...

It's beautiful Meredith! Whoever is lucky enough to receive it, will love it, I am sure!
I read the past few posts too. Congrats to your son. What a fine young man he must be!!!!
And oh Little Buddy...you are too darned cute. My kids loved to play in boxes too!!
XO Kris

Willow said...

I haven't read any of the other comments yet, but my first thought was that you crochet a bit tighter than other people.
I think it's gorgeous! And I can't imagine anyone not wanting to wear it every day if it fit!

Mindy said...

Wow--it's gorgeous!!! I'm always so intimidated by garments, but you've done so beautifully, that it makes me want to try it! I can't imagine that she wouldn't absolutely love it! Well done, beautiful work.

Jo said...

Such a shame about the sizing because it is beautiful. It looks big around the neck and long in the body but not in the width if that makes sense. Your niece will love it, she will find the right combination. Jo x

Ljubinka said...

So beautiful vest!
Greetings.:*

Chris said...

It's beautiful Meredith!! I love the look over s white top and jeans or over a straight skirt or a pretty sun dress. It will take you anywhere! It will find its home and it will be perfect for its recipient. We've all had that happen! She will be soo happy!

Vicki Boster said...

Why does that happen???? It's so frustrating to put all that work into a project and then... It doesn't fit. No matter-- we've all been there. It's beautiful-- truly-- gorgeous. I love the pattern and love the idea of wearing it with jeans. I'm sure it will be loved wherever it goes to live. I'd wear the heck out of that---

Hope you can make it again sometime-- this would be so cute on you:)

Vicki

Olga Poltava said...

Oh, too bad it didn't turn out the right size. It's absolutely gorgeous!

Clare said...

It's so very pretty, such a shame about the sizing, I'm sure she will like it though it will great, with jeans and a tank top very boho
Clare xx

Annie Cholewa said...

If it lands with your great niece I feel sure that she'll love it ... all your hard work will be rewarded by the pleasure of another in it I feel sure :)

Caffeine Girl said...

How could anyone not like it??? It is a gorgeous vest. I think you're right that it will be bohemian paired with a T and jeans. She's a lucky girl!

Pradeepa said...

I like the top, it looks great! I'm sure the person who receives it will love it.

Unknown said...

The back of this is so pretty!

kathyinozarks said...

the pattern is just gorgeous and I agree will be awesome to wear with jeans-she'll love it I am sure.
do you plan to make another one larger?

Dan and Julie in San Diego said...

Beautiful... Now make one for you. Slightly larger thread, slightly larger hook.

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Too small or not it is beautiful :) I keep seeing your pinterest pictures, I love all these lacy cardys and dresses you find, they are so gorgeous.
Jillxo

Joyful said...

Your great niece will love it I'm sure. It was made with a lot of thought and love. xx

Taci simmons said...

Beautiful bvest my dear friend:)

Gracie Saylor said...

You have made another really lovely gift for whoever it fits, Meredith, and I am sorry you feel a bit unhappy with it. I am making more headbands with Sue's pattern for the girlies and moms around me in Sonoma, CA while visiting my sister. I am finding it interesting trying different types of yarn and am using a larger than called for crochet hook size. xx

EMMA said...

Gosh it's lovely - it must have taken you so long to make. I'm sure your great niece will love it.

jane said...

I love it! I envy your talent. My forte is the single crochet!

Sandy said...

It's beautiful Meredith! You do such lovely work. Congrats on Mr 18 graduation from high school and admission to the college of his choice.