Progress on the doily afghan

Well, I got it started and have been working it a little at a time. I am pleased with the way it is working up so far. The yarn is Caron Simply Soft, and I am using a G hook. I probably could even have gone with an F hook and it woulf have worked out fine. I am through round 16 (of 29) and it measures 25 inches in diameter at this point. The bulk of the pattern is treble crochet, so it works up fast. As I am getting to larger rounds it is, naturally, taking longer to each round. And I am also finally getting to the point where the pattern is a little less lacy. This will not be a "cuddle up under me for warmth" finished product, but rather a "look how pretty I am" kind of item. It will look nice thrown across the back of the sofa. And it really can be used, it just won't offer great warmth.

I tried three different size hooks before I settled on a G. I started with a K, and I think a K would be great if you were to do the same pattern holding two strands of yarn together. That might also give it a more full look and fill out the pattern a bit more. All in all it has been a fun experiment. I think I will remain on the lookout for vintage patterns that could be adapted in ways like this. I really am not fond of crocheting with small thread sizes and steel hooks, but I do like a lot of the patterns used in doilies. It would be fun to adapt some of them to the front or back of a top (much like the swing top pattern in the spring issue of Interweave crochet) or a sweater (like the one in Crochet Me). I also saw a pattern in a magazine (sure can't remember which one right now) that used a pattern similar to this for the sleeves. Mmmmmm, the brain is working now...