jleinhauser

Amy is right: some proportions change a lot in different sizes (like busts) and some very little (like the back of the neck). A good way to learn about grading is to buy a sewing pattern that comes in several sizes in one package. Lay the pieces out and study them, and you will see where the changes come. You don't have to do any actual sewing -- just study how the individual pattern pieces are sized. Especially look at armhole depth, waist shaping, sleeve width and length, etc. A knowledge of sewing garment construction is a great help in learning to design knit or crochet fashion. However, there are limits. You can't really design a garment for a size 2 and then size it up to a size 2 X. The proportions are just too different. By the way, grading is the hardest and most boring part of designing! Jean Leinhauser

There is no one right way to hold the yarn or the hook. I believe in doing what feels natural to the crocheter. We all work differently, yet get good results. Jean Leinhauser

There are many patterns for lacy shawls and jackets. They can be done in worsted weight (group 4) or sport/DK weight (group 3). Look at some of Doris Chan's patterns. Jean Leinhauser

Teen Girl Designer, you have a wonderfully mature attitude! I think many will agree with you and I hope you have a successful designing career. Designing for dolls is a great way to get started. Jean Leinhauser

I would work the 90 separately in a contrasting color and applique it on.

The ch-1 sp is where you worked a ch 1, then skipped a stitch, on the preceding row. That creates a ch 1 space. When you turned, you probably chained 3; you now work in the top, or third, chain of that chain 3. Jean Leinhauser

You used good judgment going to a larger hook, and it looks fine. That is the way that type of cable is supposed to look. RoseRed is right: as you work more, it will blend in better. Jean Leinhauser

I noticed that you said you were doing 2 single stitches (single crochet) in each hole (what hole -- do you mean in each stitch?) When you work 2 stitches in each stitch you are increasing. What size yarn and hook are you using? If you are using a hook too small or large for the yarn, it can also make a difference.

Try this. Measure the width of your top row, then the width of the first row you worked. Is there really a difference in inches? Now note the number of chains you worked to start, then count the stitches in your last row. Do you now still have the correct number of stiitches? It could be that you are using a stitch that naturally skews. I'd stop with this pattern and move on to another stitch pattern.

It's not knitting. Looks like a puff stitch or a cluster.

Probably. Hard to tell without seeing the book. Jean Leinhauser

About the only think you can do that is really secure is to use Fray Check or something similar, found in fabric stores. Jean Leinhauser

Looks like sc to me. Jean Leinhauser

Ducky, it does just look like their fancy name for plain old white. Jean Leinhauser

Go to: http://www.bernatyarns.com and look for the color card for Satin and you can see for yourself. All the major yarn companies now have their color cards online for you to look at. Jean Leinhauser