I mentioned yesterday that I love the new issue of Vogue Knitting Crochet. I wish they did this more regularly! Here are some of the best patterns of the bunch (42, the answer to the universe):
#08 Bobble Clutches
#09 Cowl
For being such fashion inspiration, Vogue really doesn’t have inspired names for its projects.
That aside …
If you crochet and haven’t seen Vogue Knitting’s special crochet volume, go get it. Now. The patterns are gorgeous, totally doable, stylish, and surprisingly wearable. There’s just something about crochet patterns that makes them hard to envision being worn on a regular basis.
Probably the most wearable is the very simple bobble hat pattern, which I’ve already made two of … (finals week stress leads to lots of knitting and crochet, which makes me procrastinate which in turn makes me more stressed). One is being blocked at the moment, but the first one has already been worn a few times.
I got stitch gauge, but not row gauge, with Berroco Vintage DK. The hat turned out the right circumference but much shorter than the pattern suggests. The color isn’t exactly represented well here; I’m still learning how to use my DSLR so my white balancing is less than stellar. I’ll get there.
I probably could have gone up a hook size for it to turn out bigger, but I kind of like it as-is. It was also a first-run, and a stash burning project. Because working at a yarn shop leads to a ridiculous stash. I mean it. Totally ridiculous.
My second attempt is with Classic Elite Alpaca Sox held double, and I adore it. Pics soon!
ek
Chances are if you’ve ever made true Japanese amigurumi you know about Pierro Yarns. If not … Pierrot is kind of like the Lion Brand of Japan. They manufacture a wide line of yarns, ranging through nearly all materials and fabrics, from acrylic to angora to merino and silk. But where they are most prolific are in their free-pattern offerings; thousands of free knitting and crochet patterns are available, and they verily helpfully provide direct links to PDF files of the patterns on Ravelry for those of us that can’t read Japanese.
Their patterns cover nearly everything you could possibly image knitting or crochet. Hats, homegoods, shawls, sweaters, toys, afghans, doilies … all there. And all using the international charting standards, so that regardless of what your native language is you can follow their patterns.
As an example, I’ll take you through one of their recently published patterns, the Beauty Silk Cotton Beret. read more
Two colleagues welcomed new babies into the family this month. On the same day, even. Birthday twinsies! So to celebrate, I whipped up a few baby beanies for them.
Patterns: Cherub Cheeks Beanie & Crocheted Butterfly
Yarn: Martha Stewart Crafts ‘Extra Soft Wool Blend’ in Gerbera Daisy (503) and Lilac (544); 1 skein each
Hook: 5mm (hat) and 3.5mm (butterflies)
This is a really simple and adorable hat pattern. It comes in sizes 3m, 9m, 12m, and 2T/3T. You could probably use DK and a smaller hook to get a preemie size if you wanted. Though let’s be honest: baby heads are huge and they’ll grow into a big hat pretty quickly.
Queue it up here:
Welcome to the world, Ruby and Julia! I hope you’re ready for lots of knit and crochet stuff from me!
ek
Pattern: Two-Color Crocheted Cowl by the PurlBee
Yarn: Spud & Chloë Fine in 7822 Sidewalk and 7808 Sassafrass
Hook: US D (3.25mm) crochet hook
Finished object: totally awesome
Modifications:
Queue it up here:
ek
