Renaissance Faire

Yikes! Is it almost time for the Renaissance Faire? My hubby and I go every year and I wanted to finish a new costume I wanted to  wear. I thought I had all the time in the world to finish my ‘dragon’ cloak! I vaguely remember putting it down in frustration a while ago and was contemplating ripping it back and chucking the whole project. I was using the crocodile stitch that I absolutely love but this project was so large, it was straining my hands and wrists. I just threw it in a project bag to think about later.

Well, later is here! I was cleaning my office/project room and came across this WIP and kinda set it aside. But as time went by, I started getting more and more emails about Ren Faire. In my mind, it was still an event way off in the future. But I suddenly realized that it was just around the corner. It starts in April and runs through May. If I want to finish my cloak, that’s not much time. This cloak is very time-consuming since I need to take it slow.

The road so far.

I decided to go for it and see if I can finish it in time. First problem, it’s been so long since I last worked on it, I forgot what I was doing. I’m not following a pattern, just a notion in my head so it took me a few minutes to shake out the cobwebs and remember what my original plan was. Since I couldn’t remember, I just started a new plan and started crocheting…very slowly…(didn’t want to strain my wrists again). Luckily, I had left the hook I had been using in the bag. At least I didn’t have to try to remember what size hook I was using! Unluckily, I was using a hook that has two different sized ends on it! I’m pretty sure it was the end with the larger size. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it!

I finished a couple of rows before bed and was feeling hopeful about the cloak’s ultimate completion. Second problem, I was using up a lot of yarn and I was suddenly worried I would run out before I finished. I can’t just run out and get more of this yarn. My sister gave me several skeins many years ago and I’ve had them for many more. I know I wouldn’t be able to buy more. That got me thinking about redesigning the cloak (in my head) in a way that didn’t use up as much yarn. I wanted the cloak to reach down to my feet but I’m flexible. If it falls short and I run out, I’m okay with a shorter cloak. It’s hot when the fair is running so maybe it would be a blessing in disguise to be forced to make a shorter cloak. Always think positive!

Now I am armed with a new plan and the hope that I can finish the project. Then I need to figure out what I’m going to wear underneath it. What does the slayer of a pinkish dragon wear? 😉