I was having trouble with this from the get go, but I was determined.  I really, really wanted this to work.  After all I had searched the web and the library for a nice spring/summer cardigan.  I had lovingly selected the yarn color (soft sunshine which I do love!) going with the brand that was recommended for this project.  I waited and waited for it to arrive in the mail and finally I was able to begin.  It was HORRIBLE!  The pattern is not hard.  I am able to read and follow instructions, but in this case I was completely flumoxed!  It took forever to make 4 motifs.  I frogged and frogged and frogged til I thought the yarn would fray. Finally, I decided to try making one of the front panels first to see how the body work would go.  I should have known that this was just not meant to be!  I've done front and back posts, I've done cables, but I just could not make this happen.
    And so I finally threw in the towel.  Crochet is supposed to be fun and relaxing.  Not make me feel like pulling my hair out or lighting myself on fire (both of which seem nearly pleasant compared to my experience!).  I hate the idea of quitting, but it seemed the only option.  Could I have finished? Probably.  Would I have ever worn it? Probably not.  So I'm moving on.  I've put it all behind me and happy days are here again!
    I went to Ravelry, found a pattern for the Chevron Lace Cardigan which more than 1500 Ravelers have made, started Friday afternoon and I'm loving it!  It's easy, but not boring.  It has a great look and the yarn is working out beautifully! In fact I'm going to work on it now while watching my favorite show Mad Men.  What could be better after a great Easter dinner with my hubby?  Nothing!
    So the here's what I learned: Just because it looks good in the picture does not mean that yours will look the same (think visit to the hair dresser); Don't fall in love with the sweater until it's finished; and, if it gives you a hard time right off the bat STOP right there and move on to something different, you'll be glad that you did!
    So there it is, the saga of the Turnberry and how it broke my heart. 
    Until next time, Happy Easter and peaceful stitching!

8:08 PM
Saturday the yarn I had so carefully chosen arrived.  I'm using Naturally Caron.Com Spa in Sunshine Yellow.  It is a beautiful color and I'm quite pleased with the way it looks in the skein.  Late last night I was anxious to get started (dangerous I know) but foolishly I jumped in and started on a motif as a gauge swatch.  The yarn is quite soft and pliable, in fact nearly slippery in my tired fingers.  A long time later after 3 bouts of frogging due to mistakes I was done, only to find that there was a mistake I didn't notice.  It was really late and I was really tired, but I felt it was close enough to see if I had used the correct hook to achieve gauge. I did not (of course!). So I did the wise thing and set it down for the night.

    Today (Palm Sunday) after a wonderful afternoon with my in-laws I was ready to get to it.  And then I made a mistake, then another one, and another.  I have no idea why I'm having such a hard time.  The pattern is not difficult.  I've made plenty of granny's.  Why can't I get the hang of this one?  I have one more round (after frogging yet again because I forgot to ch2) to complete the motif. Using an H hook this time instead of the G I used last night.  (The pattern calls for F but I tend to stitch snugly and I knew that would never work).  I'm feeling a little blue (and ok kinda frustrated) about this so I just stopped to have a snack (Lemon Squares yum!) and a cup of tea to collect myself before I go back to it. 
   
    But I'm worried.  Is this a sign of what's to come? Am I going to experience these foolish little set backs throughout the whole project?  I like the pattern, but I crochet because it makes me happy (usually!).  I don't want to have to force myself do it.  There's no reason for that - not with the bounty of cardi patterns available.  Plus I'm sure I have enough yarn to make something really lovely.  So I'm going to give it a shot and see how I make out tonight.  Maybe this is it for troubles and it'll be smooth sailing as soon as I pick up my hook! Keep you fingers crossed and send positive energy out there into the crochet universe for me.  I'll let you know how I make out.

    Until next time!
    Robin