I have always avoided crochet in favor of knitting. Knitting strikes me as graphic, geometric, structural; things I like. Crochet makes me think of frills, lace, flowers, girlie, and too sweet. I’m not a girlie girl, I don’t do pink, flowers, or lacy lace. Then a new crochet book came into the shop – Simply Crochet by Debbie Bliss. I flipped through, stopped at page 18…
The Francoise Sweater by Debbie Bliss
And started swatching.
Swatching Frenzy caused by Simply Crochet by Debbie Bliss
I cannot believe I got excited about a crochet pattern but, there you have it. I’m learning to wield the wild hook just for this adorable little top. I have to admit that it’s not as difficult as I thought it would be. The fact that I’m a Continental knitter probably has helped a lot. The thought of making some 8 trillion of these little squares is a bit daunting but if I can knit socks on size zero needles I guess I can do a formidable number of granny squares. It could be worse, it could be an afghan (not bloody likely)!
silk swatch for Francoise sweater
The winner of the swatch frenzy? Using C/2.50 mm, D/3.00 mm, and E/3.500 mm sized hooks on each I made granny squares in a sport weight cotton, a 3/2 mercerized cotton (fingering weight, pretty much), a sport weight cotton and linen blend, and a 100% silk noil that’s about the same as a 3/2 cotton (maybe a bit finer). The silk on a size D3.00 mm hook won out (gee, what a surprise). 
I think this will be ideal for the top with it’s pale honey color, slight sheen and occasional slub.
It’s in the queue and ready to start – wonder when that will be?
Deb H