Morning! Some of you've asked me for the pattern for the green capelet that I wore in the Mixing Yarns episode from the 2nd season of Knitty Gritty. Well Knitties (or in this case, Hookers), ask and you shall receive! This is a super simple number that can be whipped up in the matter of a couple of hours. If you've never crocheted before no worries, this is a great beginner's project and my How-to section's got your back! Enjoy!, Vickie

2 Balls Lionbrand Jiffy. Color: Grass Green.
Size US N Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle

One Size

Finished Measurements:
38" (at widest point) x 11" long

Gauge
6 1/2 sts= 4" in trc

Directions

Ch 55 and join with a sl st (be careful not to twist ch). PM to indicate end of rnd. Round 1: Ch 2. Beginning in next st from ch, hdc in all stitches. Join rnd with a sl st.

At my latest attempt to organize the odd-balls-and-left-overs part of my stash, I realized that I had quite an impressive collection of orange yarns in different kinds of summer materials, especially for someone who rarely wears orange. That pile of orange skeins tickled my imagination, until I finally realized what they were meant to be – an orange stole, inspired by the Irish crochet technique.

• Yarn from your stash, or odd-balls from the yarn store. This is a stash-busting project, and its size and style will depend on what you have at hand. Color consistency (all oranges, all pinks, all blues, all greens) and seasonal consistency (summer materials for a summer stole, winter materials for a winter stole) are more important than quantities and yarn weights. You will, however, need enough yarn of the same weight to make the base mesh (see below).
• Hooks in various sizes to go with the different yarns
• Tapestry needle(s) to weave in yarn ends
• Sewing thread in matching color and sewing needle to sew motifs to mesh

Custom

Varies

Dtr: double treble crochet (also called double triple crochet), yo three times, insert hook into next stitch, yo and pull yarn through st (5 loops on hook), [yo and pull yarn through first 2 loops on hook] 4 times.

Dc2tog: yo, insert hook in next st, yo and pull yarn through st (3 loops on hook), yo and pull yarn through first 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in next st, yo and pull yarn through st (4 loops on hook), yo and pull yarn through first 2 loops on hook, yo and pull yarn through 3 loops on hook.

Base Mesh

This is the foundation of your stole – or scarf, or whatever shape you want to give your project.

Early spring in Oregon is a fickle thing. Some days it’s nice out, some days it rains, most days it does both. And of course, as soon as I see a 55- or 60-degree day, I’m unpacking my summery clothes, even if it’s still March. This seasonal wardrobe change requires a safety net for the first few weeks, though, in the form of a shrug. Shrug Off Winter is just the thing – a bit lacy so it can be worn with jeans or with a skirt, but not so lacy that you’ll freeze in your summery top. Crochet it in a springy color and you can wear it all day; crochet a darker one and it can take you all the way through the cooler nights in summer and into early fall.

• Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere; 137 yds/50g) - 8 (8, 8, 9) balls in color 202
• 3.5mm/Size E hook
• 2 small buttons
• yarn needle

Small (Medium, Large, Extra-Large)

Sleeve Width: 17 (17.5, 18, 18.5) inches
Sleeve length: 11 (11, 11, 12) inches
Bottom back width: 16 (17, 18.5, 19) inches
Back length (from neck to bottom hem): 8.5 (8.5, 9, 9.5) inches

(Shown in size Large in photos) 

2 motifs and 2 rows = 1"

Cluster Stitch: Ch 3. Make three dc around post of previous dc worked but leave last loop of dc on hook.  Dc in next ch-3 sp and leave last loop on hook. Yo and draw through all five loops.

Inc Cluster: Ch 3. Make three dc around post of previous dc worked but leave last loop of dc on hook.  Tr in second turning ch (or through the center of the post of the last tr worked) of previous row and leave last loop on hook. Yo and draw through all five loops.

Sleeves (make 2)

Ch 108 (111, 114, 117).

Shrugs don't get any easier than this: it's a simple rectangle and there's NO seamin', NO sizin', NO shapin'. It's also probably the only 1-skein shrug out there, but if you want to use 2 skeins, you can add an edging or make the sleeves longer or make it plus-sized. It works because the yarn is so stretchy, so it does the shaping and sizing for you. There's no seaming because you lace up the sleeves with ribbon. Remove the ribbon and it becomes a scarf/neckwarmer. As an added bonus, the stitch pattern is eye-catching, so this handy shrug will even turn heads. Now, if it would only balance your checkbook...

• Patons Katrina yarn (163yds/150m per 100g/3.5oz.), "Dusk," 1 (2) skeins
• Pattern instructions will include tips for using alternate yarns. (Ed. note: I'm told by Patons that Katrina will be discontinued, but should still be available for purchase at press time.)
• Some stretchy substitutes to experiment with, of roughly similar weight, are:
• Classic Elite's Star, 2+ balls (cotton and lycra)
• Cascade Fixation, 2+ balls (cotton and elastic)
• Sock it to Me Collection's Esprit, 2+ balls (seems similar to Cascade's Fixation; available at www.elann.com)
• Schoeller Stahl's Merino Stretch, 1 ball (44% Merino)
• Schachenmayr Only Stretch, 2 balls (40% superwash wool)
• Size US8-H / 5.0mm crochet hook
• 2 lengths of 1.5-inch-wide ribbon, each 1.5 yds long
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Small (Large)

5" X 33", unstretched (6.5" x 43", approximately)

The goal is to end up with a rectangle that measures 5" X 33" unstretched (for small size) because that's what I got out of 1 skein of Katrina. The width (# of stitches across) could be up to 5.5" and still fit average upper arms the same; or 6" to 6.5" for plus-sized upper arms. The length (total # of rows) could go as low as about 30" for comfortably short sleeves, up to maybe 60" for long sleeves, depending on how long your arms are.

Gauge is not a big deal. Here's the gauge I got: 4 pattern repeats, plus the stitches that begin and end each row = 5". Four rows = 3.5".

Just follow the pattern, because the shrug is like one long gauge swatch anyway. If you are experimenting with one of the cotton yarns listed above, you'll probably need to go down a hook size and and do 5 pattern repeats instead of 4.

Ch(s) – chain
Sc – single crochet
Sl st – slip stitch

Picot - ch 4 then sl st in the 4th ch from hook

Instant Perfect-fit Shrug

This wrap was created specifically with breastfeeding mothers in mind. Created with 100% silk chenille, it is both airy and beautiful. The wider edges of the wrap provide enough coverage to give babies privacy while eating in public, and make the wrap easy and comfortable for moms to wear. It's surprisingly warm and would make a lovely shoulder wrap for mothers-to-be for those windy spring days.

I purchased the yarn for this wrap from Ebay originally, but any sport weight chenille yarn would do. The wrap was kool-aid dyed with blue and cherry after it was finished. I used a hook larger than recommended to create the lacy look.

• Approximately 16oz. of sport weight chenille yarn.
• 7mm hook (Size K hook is slightly smaller but should be acceptable)

It is assumed that each row begins with either a chain 1 for sc rows, ch 2 for hdc rows and ch 3 for dc rows. Personally I reduce the number to 1 chain for sc and hdc rows and 2 ch for dc rows. For my work, it keeps the edges neater and doesn't leave a large gap between the beginning stitch and rest of the work.

US pattern notations used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
st = stitch

[Halcyon -- A fabled bird reported to have had the power to calm the wind and the waves while it nested on the sea during the winter solstice]

The Halcyon is a soft, rounded shawl with a little short-row shaping to help it drape across the shoulders. The center panel is framed with eyelets – to be woven through with ribbon if so desired. Two versions are shown. The one made with dark rose colored wool-acrylic blend is durable and machine washable, while the white mohair shawl with a ribbon embellishment is more delicate. Using a large hook gives a nice drape to these shawls, they are both very lightweight and surprisingly warm.

I also have it on good authority that a Halcyon shawl bestows a new mother with the power to calm the wind and the waves and enhances her natural ability to comfort her young.

• White shawl: Henry’s Attic, Kid Mohair (2000 yds/ 1372 meters per 16 oz/340 g), natural, 1 16 oz cone – though you will only use about 1500 yds. Dark rose shawl: Lion Brand WoolEase (197 yds/180 m per 3 oz/85 g), Dark Rose Heather, 8 skeins.
• Hook size J/6 mm
• 5 yds 3/4” ribbon (optional)

All sc, hdc, and xtr stitches to be made in back loop of previous row stitch.

*xtr – crossed treble crochet. Skip 2 st, tr in 3rd st, ch 1, tr in first skipped st working behind first tr.

US pattern notation used
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
hdc - half-double crochet
dc - double crochet
xtr* - crossed treble crochet
sl - slip stitch
st(s) - stitch(es)
inc - increase
sk - skip

A quick and easy poncho that is anything but boring. It's named it Verity because of the "V" created by the shell pattern when it's seamed, and we think the simplicity of the pattern may just reveal some truths to you as you relax into crocheting it. Classic in any colour, Verity's sleek, graphic lines lend this poncho an urban edge. Unseamed and longer, it would make a lovely wrap or shawl. This pattern of diagonally stacked shells needs to be blocked to show off its beauty; I chose to wet-block and stretch it out with my blocking wires.

• Paton’s Classic Merino (223 yds / 205m per 3.5 oz / 100g), Colour 00230, 3(4, 4) balls
• Hook size (J/10 – 6mm)

Adult S(M, L) for 43" (49", 56") around bust and arms.

Chain 22 stitches and work in pattern for 8 rows. Your work should measure approximately 5.75" / 14.5 cm wide and 4" / 10 cm to the top of a shell in the last row.

US pattern notations used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet

This is an elegant (and warm) version of one of the latest trends. Wear it low on your shoulders with something strappy, or drawn slightly higher and paired with a sleek turtleneck. If you’re daring, try it as a drawstring miniskirt matched with bold tights and boots.

• 2 skeins (140g each) of Bernat Soft Bouclé Yarn (I used the “Tropical Spray” colour)
• G/6 hook (4.25mm)
• 3 yards of a satin ribbon in a coordinating colour (1/2 inch wide)

Pattern is for size M (S, L)

12dc and 8 rows = 4” x 4” (10cm x 10cm)

US pattern notations used
st = stitch
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
dc = double crochet
fpdc = front post treble crochet
bpdc = back post treble crochet

In this pattern, the cross stitch (which appears as a row of Xs) is made using this technique: fptc around second st from hook, fptc in the skipped st.

Ch 3 at the beginning of a round will count as the first dc.

Begin

Starting: Ch 142 (122, 162). Sl st to join.

Row 1: Ch 3. 1dc in each st around. Sl st to join.

I’ve wanted to make snowflake-inspired crochet forever. When I met with Rowan’s “Soft Baby” in my local yarn shop, I knew that the season had finally arrived. Thanks to the various ‘circle shrug’ patterns that have been published in print and discussed online, I had a vision that a snowflake could be worn in similar fashion.  I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of styles that can be created by a simple circle. By poking your arms through the various holes, this cuddly snowflake can be worn as a capelet, scarf, wrap, or shrug.  You might find other ways too…

This project is pretty easy and only takes a few hours so it makes a wonderful quick winter gift. You can, of course, dress it up or make a homespun version depending on your yarn and closure choices.

• 3 balls of Rowan “Soft Baby” (150m per 50g) in Cloud. Another soft worsted weight yarn will work too.  
• 5.5mm (size I/9) hook
• brooch, clasp, or pin for a closure

This will fit a person with about a 16in (40cm) measurement across the upper back. For bigger or smaller sizes, substitute yarn weights and hook sizes until your first three rounds equal about 1/3 of your upper back measurement. The finished snowflake is pretty stretchy and can be worn multiple ways, so don’t worry too much!

First three rounds measure 5in (11cm) in diameter.

Special stitches:

Picot: ch 3, sl st into 3rd ch from hook.

Picot cluster:  ch 3, sl st into 3rd ch from hook (first picot made), ch 4, sl st into base ch of first picot, ch 3, sl st into base ch of first picot.

The Pattern&nbs

I have a scarf that’s about ten feet long. I adore it. I can wrap it around my neck twelve times and it still hangs down to my knees. I like to wear it under my jacket when I’m outside in the cold, but stuffing the ends in my coat makes me look like Quasimodo. I like to wear it inside over my sweater, but when I lean over the ends slip over my shoulders and drag on the floor, or I shut them in the car door and the ends get soaked. Solution: get rid of the ends. Duh. The result is a cowl that is lacy enough to be worn with a nice sweater indoors, but bulky enough to keep your neck warm outside in the middle of winter.

• Opal Sock Yarn (425 meters/100 grams) in winter white, 1 skein (or any sock or fingering weight yarn)
• 3.25mm (size D) hook

One size.

Gauge is unimportant in this pattern.

Picot: Ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook.

Note: Ooh, it’s two looks in one pattern!  To make one of those popular mobius cowls, twist your starting chain 180 degrees before you connect the ends together.  It makes it look a little more interesting – a cowl with a twist!

Let's Begin! 

Mariefred is a lovely little town on the lake Mälaren, in Sweden. It’s close to the place where I spend my summer holiday, and I often go there during my stay. Not only because of the beautiful old houses, the castle of Gripsholm and the view over the lake, but also because there is a fantastic yarn store there. It’s called Hamilton Design and is owned by the wonderfully talented (and very nice) knit designer Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton. The place is packed with beautiful yarns, and many of them can’t be found anywhere else in Scandinavia.

During my latest visit to this store, a small, triangular scarf caught my eye. It was Cornelia's own design of course – knitted in garter stitch from side to side in two different yarns: one a fine mohair, the other a thicker variegated alpaca. Simple, yet beautiful. I bought the materials and thought I’d knit it. But before I had the time to get hold of my knitting needles, I started to think about how nice it would be to work these yarns in crochet instead. And why not develop the shaping a bit, creating something of a bat-wing shape so the scarf/small shawl would behave better and stay on my shoulders?

I ended up with the pattern below. I even hesitate to call it a pattern – it’s more of a method, or a basic recipe. You can use it with any yarns of your choice. The yarns specified are the ones I used, but that’s just a suggestion. You can easily make it bigger, for a full-sized shawl – but then you’ll need more yarn, of course.

• 1 ball Kid Mohair Classic (Adriafil), 80% kid mohair, 20% nylon, (230m/251yds per 25g/0,87oz ball)
• 1 skein Atacama (Araucania), 100% alpaca, (100m/110yds per 50g/1,75oz ball)
• 6.0mm (US J-10) hook
• A slightly larger hook is useful when making the fringe

One size.

Gauge is not important in this pattern.

This scarf is crocheted from side to side. The ”basic” stitch used is dc (but see description of wedges below). Turning chains do not count as a stitch.

This was a one-day project for designer Kika. (Hint. It can be a one-day project for you, too.) She couldn't find a pattern for a triangle shawl that she liked, so she took matters into her own hands. Don't you want to take this matter into your own hands, too? Hook on.

• Two balls of Luxury Mohair by King Cole (202m/220yds, total), colour Valencia.
• A big fat plastic hook, size Q (16mm).

I designed this poncho for those of us who are a bit larger than the models in fashion magazines. If you are a bit 'paunchy' like me, this will be just the right size. If you're not, you can still enjoy the pattern using a smaller hook or by following the diagram at the end of the instructions for a better fit. If you have very narrow shoulders I also suggest following the instructions in the diagram.

• 250grams (250meters) / 9ounces (2 1/3yards) of a chunky yarn (I used Papillon by SvartaFåret in festive red)
• Q hook
• Yarn needle