What a Difference a Weight(and Gauge) Makes

Dinah Washington, I should have listened to you!

Crocheters eschew gauge to their disadvantage. I remember when learning to crochet many years ago I asked my mom about gauge. She said, "Nobody pays attention to gauge!" That lesson was imbedded in me young and I passed it on to my daughter who is learning to crochet as well. "What's gauge?" she asked me as I had asked my mother, "Nobody pays attention that!" I told her, parroting the saying of my mother. So as I tried to complete an adorable little ladybug pattern from the April 2012 Crochet World magazine I am faced with a quandary. And all of those years of ignoring gauge has turned around and bit me in the back!

I completed the top in red and with a yarn that I purchased from a thrift store. I could tell that the weight was thinner than my favorite Red Heart, but that cute little ladybug needed making! I had some black yarn(Red Heart) and was able to complete the bottom. I was so happy because I have a slight fear of amigurumis( I will blog on that issue later!) When it was time to put it all together...well the pictures will tell the story, they did not match!

I did not take the time to CHECK THE GAUGE as most every pattern I've ever seen screams! Back to the yarn store I went sans 40% off coupon, to purchase more yarn. I am a YARNAHOLIC

so I don't mind buying yarn, but I do mind delaying gratification...that little ladybug is wondering what's the hold up! Because I ignored the difference in the weight of the yarn AND I ignored the gauge (THANKS,MOM) I was forced to complete another red top for my ladybug.

Both red top and black bottom are done and all that's needed is to join them with a single crochet. They will match because they are the same size because I made sure to follow simulate the weight and CHECK THE GAUGE. Pretty soon my lovely little ladybug will come to life. Stay tuned for the lovely picture!