The importance of the right tools

I've recently been introduced to the concept of being a tester for patterns. It's a great way for me to explore new patterns, while also applying my skill at both crocheting, and breaking down patterns to understand what makes them tick and what to do to improve communication about patterns.

Earlier this week, I finished one test pattern. Quick easy, was able to finish it off using some stash yarn. Great!

Then I started a new test pattern. Another wonderful, fun pattern, and I'm loving how the colors are gradually moving to the next one. Through this pattern, I found a new brand of yarn (Loops & Stitches - only available at Michaels). This is in their "Woolike" variety, which is a very soft, lace weight yarn. This is nice to see in stores, because it's usually hard to find adult colored lace weight yarns at a big box store - these are usually mostly available online or in local yarn stores (LYS), but with crochet being so yarn hogging, it's nice to sometimes work with "cheap" yarn - and this is no different. Normally 2.99/100g skein, it's currently on sale for 2.00/100g skein. They also have a nice variety of colors. For this project, I chose a gradient from gray to navy blue.

I also found that I didn't have a size M crochet hook - so picked one of those up as well (you can see it in the picture above). Standard Boyes plastic hook. I hate plastic, but it was the only one available in this size, so I sucked it up and picked it up.

However, not long into the pattern, I realized this plastic hook was NOT going to work - it caught frequently, it didn't slide through stitches easily. My hands hurt and I was getting frustrated - everyone said this pattern worked up quickly *and* I'm a fast crocheter, but this was taking forever. So I started looking for metal hooks (my preference), and came across a Brittany hook in the size that I needed.

I realized I had a smaller Brittany hook that I adored, even though it was wood, so that was ordered and on its way.

It arrived today - and already I've noticed a difference. This is a pattern that relies on multiple strands worked at the same time. Between the high static quotient and the very thin gauge of the yarn, any catch made progress unbearably slow. But with the new hook...I'm racing along as if it was any other project I've worked with in the past.

I'm in love, and now want to collect all sizes!