The first of many vests

One of the main projects I've been indulging in over the last 10 months has been crocheting vests.  And vests.  And more vests. 

 

It started with a trip to a yarn shop in Seattle on our honeymoon where I bought some wooly yarn on clearance.  I didn't know what to do with it, but I decided after a few weeks that I wanted to make a vest.  Now, let me say, at this point in time I was not a super proficient crocheter (nor would I argue that now, even).  I made stuff, but I'm not a pattern reader and most of my projects involved straight lines or squares.  So, this vest thing was a whole new undertaking: CROCHETING IN THE ROUND. 

Some how I figured it out.  It wasn't immediate, but I got it.  The first attempt took a lot of ripping out stitches and reevaluating why I'd decided to pursue this type of a project.  It wasn't perfect when it was done, but I liked it and I felt proud of this new pattern I'd begun to create. 

Since, then, my pattern has evolved and been developed to the point where I can generally produce something I like on the first try.  It's faster, although still time-consuming.  I've also sold many of my creations, which feels really good.  Not for the money, but for the opportunity to have someone else appreciate my work.