Don't be silly. Ask away. I'm not as up on crochet as I am on knitting, though, so I don't know how much help I'll be.

I know...I'm hoping it's a general enough question that you'll be able to answer.

So, here's the deal. I'm making this really pretty sleeveless shell, from the book I bought when I was visiting you. It has me chain 191, then do three rows of half-double crochet, then start the pattern. My problem is that my edges are more loose than the middle. Last Sunday, I ripped the whole thing out and started over. So, I have one patern done, and the middle is 2.5 inches, while the outside is 2.75 inches. Which, ok, not so bad, except that I know it will just keep getting worse. When I ripped it out, the middle was 7 inches, while the outsides were 8.5 inches. I've tried to, this second time, crochet really tight, especially at the edges, but it's not working. Any thoughts?

Hmm. Maybe you're going too far in on the ends when you turn? I'm assuming that the difference in length isn't something that's solvable by blocking, right?

Morning, Anne.

I'm going to have to make my own coffee, aren't I?

My coffee is probably ready, but I'll have to get up to go get it.

I need a robot butler.

I'm assuming that the difference in length isn't something that's solvable by blocking, right?

Yeah, when it's that big of a difference, I'm afraid blocking isn't gonna solve it. Should I try less chains on the ends, between rows? Could that be part of the problem?

I'm so bummed, because this is a beautiful summer shell, and the yarn I got is just gorgeous, and I'm afraid I'm not gonna get it done in time to actually wear it this summer.

I'm going to have to make my own coffee, aren't I?

I'm sorry, Perkins! I would totally come over and make it for you if you weren't on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTRY. Stupid space thing.

Should I try less chains on the ends, between rows? Could that be part of the problem?

That's kinda what i'm thinking.

Stupid space thing.

I KNOW. However, I am now thinking you you must come visit. Making coffee would be optional.

Maybe.

Ok...I'll rip out again and try that. I hope that works, otherwise I'm gonna be frustrated. I love my favorite yarn store, but none of the people that work there crochet at all, so I'm on my own with that.

Speaking of my favorite yarn store...they're also my mom's favorite cross-stitch store. Last weekend they had a grand re-opening, because they had just moved into a new building. Everything was 20% off. It was wonderful! I got a bunch of fabulous books and some yarn for another summer project. And, I joked with the owner about calling her up when these projects are done to say, "Will work for yarn!" She sounded like she might actually let me do that, which would be REALLY cool.

Poptarts:

I would LOVE to come visit Perkins. What fun!