The Homebody Sweater by Megan Shaimes of Meg made with love!!
This sweater was so EASY! Like a beginner crocheter could definitely make this! And its super comfy too!! Does it get any better than a simple comfortable sweater that you made yourself?? NO!!
Ok so materials needed
- DK (category 3) yarn - The pattern includes yardage needed for a range of sizes (Small-Large) I used a cotton bamboo yarn from Ice Yarns in light pink.
- Size K hook 6.5mm
- Yarn needle
- Sewing pins - I did not pin mine prior to sewing, I did use stitch markers at the neck so my neck hole was even. I also sewed my neck hole a bit smaller than Meg did on hers, but I wanted less slouch to mine so I felt more comfortable wearing it out. I am not as tiny and cute as Meg is.
Ok so that is it. Short list right? Well I did say it was super easy didn't I! Seriously this sweater only uses half double crochet stitches. 1 stitch....EASY PEASY!
My gauge was a bit off when I started but Meg was so very helpful. I just ended up dropping down a hook size and worked the pattern as written. I would definitely say do a quick gauge swatch just to make sure you're on gauge. I think part of it for me was the yarn I was using, it worked up a bit looser than an acrylic in my opinion but it is silky soft and smooth. It made for a heavier sweater but its not overly hot at all. It breathes beautifully. I wore it out to dinner and a hockey game and got lots of compliments, the best part was saying "Thanks I made it myself."
I want to take a minute and talk about doing a gauge swatch. I NEVER used to do a gauge swatch. and I still don't for the most part on hats, toys, and blankets, but on sweaters, tops, shawls, socks...anything I want to "Fit" well. I do a gauge swatch. It saves so much time in the long run. There is nothing worse than getting a sweater finished only to have it not fit.
I hear all the time that "a gauge swatch is a waste of yarn!" well I suppose if you finish off on the swatch and cut it loose it could be but here are some things I've done.
- DO NOT finish off. DO NOT cut your yarn. When you get to the right stitch and row count for the swatch measure it. If its good frog it and start your garment. If its too big/small try a different hook size, check your yarn weight, double check the pattern and frog it and do it again. (see if you don't cut the yarn you can just use it again and again...)
- If you choose to finish off the swatches, save them. Turn them into a blanket. Turn them into a pillow. Turn them into potholders.... Do you see where I am going with this? Some yarns are a pain to frog and reuse; fuzzy yarns like Lionbrand Homespun, fun fur or novelty yarns, natural fibers can tangle a bit and be tough to frog also.
Ok so back to the Homebody, this is the 2nd pattern of Meg's that I have done and I really really love how her patterns are written and that she is so helpful. Now the bonus info...this is a FREE pattern on her blog!!! Yep you heard me its FREE!! If you like having a pdf to print with out ads Meg's got you covered, for a small fee you can get a pdf from her etsy shop! (there is a link right on the pattern page on her blog) You can find this sweater and several others on her blog as well as some super cute hats, scarves and printable wrap labels and tags!! ALL FREE!!!
Ok now stop reading, go check your stash for some DK yarn and run over to Meg Made With Love and start your Homebody sweater! You'll have it done and be wearing by the weekend!!
Loves,
Um.
