Game of Wool | Wk 7
...from a crocheter's perspective
So, it’s week 7 - Rags to Riches Week with 4 contestants remaining.
And now, here’s a recap -
This week starts with a team challenge pairing the 4 contestants; they were to turn thrifted Aran (worsted weight) jumpers into catwalk-worthy couture. Each duo was given two charity-shop Aran sweaters plus haberdashery scraps, then asked to refashion everything into a perfectly fitted runway dress—with heavy emphasis on finishing, joining, and construction.
At this point I would like to mention something I haven’t said anything about, but have wondered during each of the previous episodes - how are the teams selected. We have no visibility into the process and this was yet one more occasion when I scratched my head at who got paired with whom.
Team Challenge
Holgar + Lydia
Holger and Lydia go bold and architectural: they swap sweater parts, body into giant balloon sleeves, a blanket for the body, and sleeves for the skirt, they insert godets (triangular panels) to add drama and movement—resulting in a striking shape that amplifies the Aran texture on the runway.
Holger and Lydia’s dress earns big applause for clever repurposing, strong silhouette, and runway drama—enough to take first place in the team challenge.
Isaac + Alisa
Ailsa and Isaac start with the idea of a playful “business in the front, party in the back” silhouette: Isaac builds a new halter-style neckline and adds a crocheted, lace-up corset feature for fit in the back, while Ailsa creates a jagged, Tinkerbell-inspired skirt with strips and extra embellishment.
The judges praise their crocheted laced additions for creating an adjustable fit and compliment the strong rib details, but critique bulk and visible stitching/finishing that doesn’t read “catwalk precise.”
Up/Recycling using crochet is being embraced by a lot of folks nowadays! This website shares 7 projects that might inspire you to visit your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.
Solo Challenge
Each maker must create a refashioned bag by turning unconventional fabric into “yarn”, then knitting or crocheting a functional, weight-test-ready bag with strong handles and thoughtful structure.
Holger |
makes “T-shirt yarn” and crochets a festival-style saddle bag with a planned stitch strategy (building height/shape with different crochet stitches), plus a strap, a crochet button, and fringe (and he even lines it for stability-loves me a lined crochet bag!).
judging | Holger’s bag earns praise for construction, shape, lining, and structural stability and it performs well under weight - passing the 2 kg (~4 lbs) test.
Ailsa |
creates an “active bag for active people” from stretchy gym leggings, crocheting stitches while trying to control stretch with tension, she add like a water-bottle pocket.
judging | Ailsa’s concept is applauded, but the stretch and inconsistency undermine construction, and it struggles under testing.
Lydia |
knits a dense, woven-look bag in linen stitch using stiff wax print fabric (hard work, slow progress), then adds crochet to around plastic rings for handles for strength.
judging | Lydia’s linen-stitch bag impresses with strength and a clean, integrated handle solution, passing the weight test easily.
Isaac |
has an idea both charming and personal—a striped bag based on the humbug candy (he calls is a “humbag”) honoring his grandma, with a plan for lace crochet “wrapper” details and a zip closure.
judging | Isaac’s bag is acknowledged as a great idea, but the lack of finishing (zipper/closure and planned lace details) hurts him.
Bags/Purses and Crochet have gone hand-in-hand for years. Using repurposed material definitely adds an interesting twist. Yarnspirations has some great Bag & Purse Patterns available for free
The episode was ok, not as good as last week’s ;o). But having come this far, I am looking forward to next week’s finale. And while I still have some concerns about the challenges and more importantly the judging, I agree with this week’s choice for Big Knitter and the individual cast off.
What were your thoughts about this week’s episode? Do you think the judges got it right? Leave your thoughts in the comments.