Hemlock Braaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnsssssssss!!!

[LovieDovieAnn]

So I started a Hemlock Ring a few weeks ago that was originally intended for my sister's birthday in the middle of August. I thought it would take me forever because it's deceptive and tricksy. Turns out it was super easy once I ripped the first version and added stitch markers as I went the second go round. Anywho, my mom went in for brain surgery on Tuesday. I thought to myself "She needs this more than my sister." I really feel that having something made with love helps the healing process speed along. So I scurried to finish the last 12 rows (I ended on 40 of the pattern chart in hopes of making it a one skein wonder. It ended up needing just a smidge from a second skein on the bind off row.) I completed on Tuesday night while waiting for the results of her surgery. Blocked it for about 10 hours yesterday (my stitches are really even so it didn't take long at all!) and gave it to her today.

Wonky Blocking (I straightened it after viewing this pic):


THE BLOOOOOOOBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB:


Blurry macro!:


And again! (closest to actual color):


The moustachioed victim:


I used Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool and size 10.5 needles. I used the two circular method for the center and it worked great. Hint: I own a Boye Needlemaster set, thanks to the victim. Since it doesn't come with two sets of each size I used an extra pair of size 8 needles for my left needles. The gauge stayed the same.

Also, I got a big ego boost when, not 10 minutes after giving it to her, a nurse came in and asked if she'd made it. She said "No, my daughter did!" and smiled all proud-like. The lady says "It looks so professional!" My mom then proceeded to tell her that I should be a professional crafter. Much blushing and wishing there were more places to hide away in a hospital room ensued. >.<

[manderines]

Its so beautiful, hope your mum heals well.

[Purpley Goodness]

That's gorgeous, I would love to have that level of skill just so beautiful.  Your mother looks like a happy recipient - I hope all goes well with her recovery!

[LovieDovieAnn]

Thanks, ladies! Purpley Goodness, if you can knit, yo, k2tog, and ssk, you can make the Hemlock. It's mostly just counting. This is the first time I've worked from a chart and that makes it soooooooo much easier than deciphering a wordy pattern. Just remember, stitch markers are your most bestest friends on this one.

Oh, and I forget to mention that I used a size J crochet hook for the bind off. Just pick up three stitches, sl st, ch7, repeat. It went a lot faster than I assumed the original bind off would. 17 stitches per 3 on the needles? NO WAY. D:

[striker923]

Totally epic knit! Way to keep at it! I'm sure it really helped your mother

[crendon]

That really is extraordinarily beautiful...you did an amazing job. I hope all goes well with your mother!