This has to be the longest project I’ve ever undertaken, but at least I can say it’s done, close to four years from the day I first announced my impulsive decision to make the Petals Wrap (featured on the cover of Crochet So Fine by Kristin Omdahl).
I certainly didn’t work on it every day of those four years (but the thought of working on it crossed my mind every day), and I don’t want to think of the number of hours I spent on this, but now that it’s done, I can crumple it up and toss it into the back of a drawer (just joking—but I could do so and pull it out a year later to find it unwrinkled).
I ended up adapting the pattern considerably. By the time I reached the point where the sleeves were to be added, I was getting worried about my supply of mushroom-dyed handspun silk. That’s when I looked at the pattern reviews on Ravelry, only to read that a bottom section I had yet to add looked disturbingly like a flounce—dare I say in many cases like a ruffle? Plus, that and the sleeves would take as much fibre as I’d alreadys used in the front and back sections. That information, along with the fact that it was only two months until Symposium week, led to my choice to forget sleeves and flounce and turn it into a tunic/vest instead. I’m pleased with that decision.
And I finally found a use for the bear hair I found all those many years ago and, sadly, ruined by steaming. I was concerned about germs, but I would have had such long, strong fibres if I hadn’t worried about a bit of poo getting under the fingernails. Anyway, I’ve been hanging on to a little pile of tiny broken fibres, wondering if I should try spinning from a toothpick-sized puni. Instead, I decided to mold it with white glue into the shape of a mushroom to embellish the crocheted button I added at the neckline. Problem is, the stem broke off somewhere during the Symposium, so now all I’m left with is something that looks for all the world like a little plop of black, shiny . . . bear poo.
SHROOMWORKS 
Your efforts have proven to be well-spent. I once started a quilt for my young son, then 7, that I began to refer to as my ‘broken leg project’ since I decided the only way I would ever finish it would be if I had to sit long. Sure enough I ended up with a knee injury that required some rest and elevation for 4 weeks, long enough for me to finish the last few rows of hand quilting. Eric was 14 when I finally gave it to him but we decided he was at the age of appreciation so all was fine. The knee recovered, too. Long term projects become marking posts for our lives because we can think back to all the other things going on during their completion. Your creation is absolutely beautiful and looks lovely on you. Marie Willard
Thank you, Marie. Long projects help us find the pleasure in making time to do a little bit more, and the tiny bit of progress may not seem like much at the time, but then we add a bit more and a bit more, and one day we’re surprised that the piece is finished. I think it’s time to keep my eyes open for the next one.
beautiful and flattering! Ha, so funny that the bear fibers turned into exactly what you were afraid of. 😀
Thanks, Diana. Yep, it’s a bit ironic about the bear hair – and it can be a good conversation piece if I think the other person can handle the details of how I harvested it!
It’s beautiful, thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Cheryl.
Wow! Ann I had no idea this project was so intense. It turned out beautifully. You can wear it with pride for years to come and when you are sick of it pass it on to me! Ha!Ha!
Sage
Thanks, Sage. Now I have to find another occasion to wear it – it’s definitely not mushroom-hunting garb!
Just ordered your book, know there will be lots of great info in it…..happy New Year to you and your family….
Thanks, Cedar – it will be in the mail on Tuesday. With your years of experience, I’m sure I can learn much from you – I hope we can meet in person one day. All the best for 2017.
Absolutely gorgeous sis-in-law. We in Ontario are very impressed.
Aw, thanks, sis-in-law!
This was a labor of love and worth your time and effort. Beautiful colors! Your comment on the results of the bear’s hair gave me a chuckle… 😉
Thanks, Lynda. I’ll probably never find such a treasure of bear hair again!