Lessons Learned: Following a Pattern

I finished two projects this weekend.  First I finished the crocheted stripey scarf I was working on.  The pattern called for rows of 147 double crochets which was way too short (when looped over my neck that would have put the ends about mid stomach) so I added an extra 225.  Um, yeah, the thing ended up about seven or eight feet long.  I also used double crochets for the whole thing even though you're only supposed to use them for the four stripes of green and then half double crochet for the last three stripes.  It seemed like a good idea at the time but crocheted yarn is a lot less giving than yarn that is knitted so it wasn't comfortable. 

The difference between this project and others that didn't turn out so well?  I frogged this one yesterday morning and started over this morning with the required amount of stitches.  After two rows I decided it really was too short so I'm going to tear it out again and add 50 - 75 stitches.  By doing that and sticking to the pattern for the rest of it (using hdcs when I'm supposed to) it should turn out perfect.  I'm learning.

I also finished the monkey from the Mr. Funky book.  I used solid white button eyes which has made him a little spooky looking.  Jake said he looks like one of the Kodama from  Princess Mononoke (which would make a good stocking stuffer along with some Elder Clean Soap).  This  almost made him want to learn to crochet  and for a moment I thought I had him...but not quite.   Anyway, I'll take photos of the scary little guy tomorrow.

The rest of the weekend: lots of lounging, gyros and pastries from the Greek Festival and hours of The Office.  Um, and I've gotten my craft room back in order and have actually managed to keep it that way that for three days.  Pretty proud of myself for that....

And the photo is just a random one of Mina that I took some time ago.  I just thought the post needed a picture.