I often ponder what makes a crochet project "good". Remember my previous posts on 'Showstoppers?'. I've begun to wonder... what role does simplicity and complexity play in the success of a crochet project? Does it have to be complex to be successful? By simple I mean: all one stitch, or an easy stitch pattern, little or no shaping, easy to memorize. Complex would include larger or more complex stitch patterns, complicated stitch layering, must-follow-the-pattern-carefully shaping.
Examples of my work that I consider simple: Driftwood Cap, the Sunny Spread, the Let it Snow throw, Still Waters Shrug. Examples of my work that I consider complex would be: Medallion Afghan, Brocade Throw, and the Larkspur Wrap Sweater. All of these examples can be seen on my Ravelry Designer page. You don't need to be a member of Ravelry to see them.
I think there is a time and place for both simple and complex crochet patterns. Sometimes you want an easy pattern you can stitch while watching a baseball game and sometimes a more complex pattern is a fun challenge. Which do you like better? Do you go back and forth too?
In the photo are the 10 new babies, but really, they are already twice this size.
6 comments:
I would add the Whisper Wrap to the complex list - it is a brilliant design but one that does require a bit more concentration than some other projects. I just completed 2 Sunny spread squares last night when my brain as too tired but had to indulge my hands their need for fiber :o) Have a great day! Haley
p.s. The chicks are adorable!!
hello! i love crochet too...come by and read some of my posts on the subject! scroll down...you'll find it! lol
it's nice to have an easy pattern that you can do while watching a movie or something like that!
nice to meet you!
ciao bella
Creative carmelina
For me, it definitely depends on where I will be crocheting. If it's in the car as I go on a short trip, I want something that I can memorize and don't have to think a lot about. When I'm working on something more complex, I want to be able to sit at home and focus on it.
By the way, I LOVE the Sunny Spread!
I usually pass on a really simple crochet pattern with the exception of one that has amazing color work. When I was making afghans I usually looked for a pattern with some interesting stitch definition or great color in a great simple pattern design. Does that make sense? I'm also okay with a pattern that takes a complex set-up that goes into an easily memorized pattern stitch. Or at least one that is intuitive. Currently working on a shawl that is crochet and it looks like flying diamonds. The pattern stitch is lengthy, but since it is a repeating design, it is intuitive making it easy to memorize or at least know where I am in the pattern.
My favorite ones to do are the simple ones but then I usually want them to be smaller ones too since I become easily bored once I've memorized the stitch LOL!
You hit the nail on the head with this post. I love the lacey designs of Doris Chan and have made a few of them, but sometimes I don't feel like wearing lace. I want to wear crochet everyday, so I look for simple--plainer--designs that really are more "Me."
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