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).

Do you secretly love old doilies?  Well, my secret’s out, I do; but what I am I going to do with a bunch of doilies?  I’m not too into tablecloths or jar covers.  Then that magic crochet bug hit me, dissect them!  What I found is a deep love for the intricate edgings.  Go on check them out.  They are amazing.  Immediately I thought, BELT!  The stitch pattern below is an edging that has been around for over a hundred years, but in this setting you take all the fuddy-duddy out and are left with a great belt.  Very Bohemian, very hip, very now.  So next time grandma wants to give you another doily, say, thanks!  And start imagining all that you can re-create with it.

• Kroy Socks by Patons, #54013 Hickory, (75% wool, 25% nylon), 150 yards, less then 1 skein
• D/ 3.25mm Hook
• Needle for weaving in ends
• Steam Iron and straight pins for blocking
• (optional) Starch Spray or Liquid Starch
• Silver keychain loop with ball ends (find in jewelry section of local crafts store)
• 9mm metal loop

First two rounds = 2 1/4” Diameter

Gauge is not critical. If your stitches are typically loose, I would suggest a hook one size smaller then recommended on label.)

dc: double crochet
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
ch: chain
st: stitch

Main Belt Body

Ch 20.