[SnazzyNan]

My interest in crochet was renewed after many years when our first GS arrived and I wanted to make him a blanket. I bought some Bernat acrylic yarn which included a baby blanket pattern on the label. My efforts weren’t terrible but he never received the blanket (the parents are not keen on “homemade“).

The challenge did inspire me to look at projects that were quirky or had stitch combinations that were different from rows of just sc or dc.

I discovered Amigurumi and loved it. My avatar is the first doll of many I have made. I usually have a particular project in mind when searching for patterns and I always look for something that is unique or different in design or stitching.

what do you look for when choosing a pattern?

 

[silkandwool]

Your doll is cute.

 

[MMWRay]

I, too, look for something intriguing or different. Something new I can learn. I use patterns over when they are good but change details, yarn or colors. I never do the same thing twice exactly the same. It is the different that attracts me. I don't like being bored.

 

[SnazzyNan]

Your doll is cute.

Sadly, she no longer exists. I have since learned a lot about sufficient stuffing to support the head.

 

[Jessica-Jean]

Since learning to use Ravelry’s database, the first thing I usually do, before grabbing yarn and tools, is locate the pattern on Ravelry.
If it’s years since publication and no or very few completed projects listed, I look for a different pattern. If it has oodles of completed projects, no negative comments or project notes, I dive in, confident that there aren’t any glitches in the pattern.

I’m just too old to waste time as an unpaid pattern-tester!

 

[Murphie]

I'm not very good, well, not good at all, with intricate patterns, which is why I only make square or rectangular things.
It has to be something I can put down at any time without having to remember where I was. My cats are spoiled and whenever one jumps on my lap, he/she expects to be pet and fall asleep there. The most complicated I get is using a variety of colors for striping.

I applaud all of you who have the ability and creativity to do more complicated projects.

 

[GrumpyGramma]

I look for things that interest me at the moment. Right now it's cables that have my attention but a lace pattern that intrigues me will get me going too.

 

[Jessica-Jean]

I'm not very good, well, not good at all, with intricate patterns, which is why I only make square or rectangular things.
It has to be something I can put down at any time without having to remember where I was. My cats are spoiled and whenever one jumps on my lap, he/she expects to be pet and fall asleep there. The most complicated I get is using a variety of colors for striping.

I applaud all of you who have the ability and creativity to do more complicated projects.

Cats can learn to be happy sharing lap with knitting.

 

[Carla584167]

I pick patterns with intricate pattern stitches to keep me interested until the pattern is complete. I like the challenge.

 

[spins2knit]

I need to really like the pictured project. I prefer charts to written out and I want schematics.

I do look for reviews, but they are not obligatory.

 

[Roses and cats]

Cats can learn to be happy sharing lap with knitting.
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You lucky lady, what an adorable distraction.

 

[KateLyn11]

Clear picture that shows stitch definition, clearly written instructions, schematic in that order. Complexity isn’t usually an issue because while I mostly do smaller less complicated patterns (due to my life) I do like a challenge every now and then. I HATE artsy photos that show the model bent into impossible positions or hiding behind a bush, I want to see how a garment hangs/drapes at the office, school, shopping. I don’t want to see what positions it can be twisted into.

 

[Jessica-Jean]

…
I HATE artsy photos that show the model bent into impossible positions or hiding behind a bush, I want to see how a garment hangs/drapes at the office, school, shopping. I don’t want to see what positions it can be twisted into.

As unattractive as laid out flat on the floor may be, it’s the one shot that feel should be obligatory with just about every pattern.
I often use the comment feature to thank the maker who includes such a photo in her pictures of the item. On shawls especially, it’s often the only way to know if it’s asymmetrical, since not all designers think to add that to the description.

 

[berigora]

Since learning to use Ravelry’s database, the first thing I usually do, before grabbing yarn and tools, is locate the pattern on Ravelry.
If it’s years since publication and no or very few completed projects listed, I look for a different pattern. If it has oodles of completed projects, no negative comments or project notes, I dive in, confident that there aren’t any glitches in the pattern.

I’m just too old to waste time as an unpaid pattern-tester!

I do the same, particularly to find out how a chosen yarn knits up. I've started a lot of projects with the "wrong" yarn.

I think your cat is testing the knitting the best way it can - and giving the project 11/10 for comfort!

 

[leftyknitter21]

I both knit and crochet and enjoy both, although knitting is my favorite.

When looking for something new to knit, I usually look for a pattern that I think will hold my attention. I like lacy patterns, patterns with cables and patterns that are difficult enough where you have to count the stitches for each row. I like to make sweaters, afghans, baby blankets, scarves, headbands.... just about any type of garment for either infant or adult.

I'm knitting a sampler afghan right now and am using a book that has 100 plus different pattern stitches in it and just choosing first one and then another pattern stitch from that book. Makes it interesting and I think it's going to be beautiful.

When it comes to crocheting, for years I made beautiful from crochet thread. I finally got so many I had to find something else to crochet. Lately I've discovered stuffed toys and I really enjoy making them. Don't care for the single crochet, but that's what's needed for making the cute little animals.

I need written patterns, I don't like charts. Pictures are usually needed to I can look to see if what I'm doing looks like the pattern.

 

[Jessica-Jean]

I both knit and crochet and enjoy both, although knitting is my favorite.

When looking for something new to knit, I usually look for a pattern that I think will hold my attention. I like lacy patterns, patterns with cables and patterns that are difficult enough where you have to count the stitches for each row. I like to make sweaters, afghans, baby blankets, scarves, headbands.... just about any type of garment for either infant or adult.

I'm knitting a sampler afghan right now and am using a book that has 100 plus different pattern stitches in it and just choosing first one and then another pattern stitch from that book. Makes it interesting and I think it's going to be beautiful.

When it comes to crocheting, for years I made beautiful from crochet thread. I finally got so many I had to find something else to crochet. Lately I've discovered stuffed toys and I really enjoy making them. Don't care for the single crochet, but that's what's needed for making the cute little animals.

I need written patterns, I don't like charts. Pictures are usually needed to I can look to see if what I'm doing looks like the pattern.

Is this your pattern booklet?

https://www.purplekittyyarns.com/patternbook/bernhard34

On Ravelry: No. 3401 Sampler Afghan pattern by Bernhard Ulmann Co.

 

[Housewren]

Cats can learn to be happy sharing lap with knitting.
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Heehee....you're cat looks completely blissed out! I have a youngster (as well as a well knitting-trained older cat), who is starting to catch on to what the limits are with yarn ....but she's not completely reliable yet and has the occasional 'my paw can't be stopped ' moment.

 

[Jessica-Jean]

Heehee....you're cat looks completely blissed out! I have a youngster (as well as a well knitting-trained older cat), who is starting to catch on to what the limits are with yarn ....but she's not completely reliable yet and has the occasional 'my paw can't be stopped ' moment.

I haven’t a clue as to their ages, other than adult. I haven’t been hiding my projects or yarns, and neither of these most uncatlike felines have bothered any.
Don’t jump intoboxes. Don’t eat choice meat scraps. I keep wondering just what kind of kitties they ARE!
My only HiyaHiya fixed circular has an irregularity mid-cable, where my last kitten bit it. Careful sanding with a bit of Crocus cloth returned it to usefulness.

 

[leftyknitter21]

Is this your pattern booklet?

https://www.purplekittyyarns.com/patternbook/bernhard34

On Ravelry: No. 3401 Sampler Afghan pattern by Bernhard Ulmann Co.

No, neither one of those. It's an old one that I've had for many years named "Knitting Dictionary 1050 Stitches", and was printed in1963!
Each pattern is written out and has a picture of the knitted pattern/stitch. Being able to see what it looks like knitting up really helps one decide if they
want to spend time knitting it or not.

I also have a couple of other ones similar to that, that I use sometimes, but that one is my favorite. It's old, dog eared and almost falling apart but I still
use it.

 

[Needles-n-Fleece]

When choosing a pattern, it depends on the recipient. If I am going to make something warm and easily-cared for, for charity, I'll pick something plain.
If the knitted/crocheted pattern will be for a friend/family, it will depend on what they ask for.