Disperse Shawl

The Disperse shawl pattern is now live on Ravelry and Payhip!

This crocheted assigned pooling shawl is a collaboration with Euphoria Knits using their Frenzy base in the Megra colorway. And if you’re visiting DFW Fiber Fest this weekend, you should definitely check out their booth where they’ll have other AP colorways too! In fact, if you show them your receipt for this pattern, you’ll get a discount on the yarn!

Assigned pooling (AP), sometimes called stitch by color, is a beginner-friendly technique in which each stitch is determined by the color of the yarn in a variegated skein. Typically, the yarn will be mostly one color with streaks of an accent color. The main color in the yarn will be assigned a basic stitch pattern (e.g. double crochet), while the accent color will be assigned a fancier stitch (e.g. puff stitch). While this concept is certainly not new, it has gained popularity in recent years through the in-depth explorations of Dawn Barker and her many stunning knitting patterns that employ this method. While I often offer twin patterns, designed for either knit or crochet, this one is only crochet. If you’re looking for a similar vibe using knit stitches, definitely go check out Dawn’s work!

The pattern is written in 3 sizes, using 1, 2, or 3 skeins of sock weight yarn. However, it's an easily adaptable pattern that can really worked to any size you like!

SIZES
S (M, L)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS (approximate)
Span: 39 (56, 70) in / 97.5 (140, 175) cm
Depth: 16 (24, 32) in / 40 (60, 80) cm
Note: Finished size will depend on the proportions of colors in your skein. Longer sections of accent color will result in larger puff stitches, but less of the main color means a smaller shawl overall. Shorter accent sections will yield smaller puffs, but more main color translates to a larger shawl. The yarn used in the sample had roughly 8 in / 20 cm sections of accent color in a 48 in / 122 cm loop.

GAUGE (after blocking)
21 sts / 11 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in double crochet

MATERIALS
Euphoria Knits Frenzy (85% merino, 15% nylon; 437 yds / 400 m per 100g skein); 1 (2, 3) skeins in Megra (shown in size L)
US D / 3.25 mm hook
Tapestry needle
Stitch marker (optional)

Buy the pattern now on Ravelry or Payhip!!

Lakewood Cowl to Knit or Crochet

The Lakewood Cowl patterns are now live on Ravelry (knit and crochet) and Payhip (knit and crochet)!

The knit pattern features garter stitch fabric with an i-cord edging, while the crochet version is linen stitch edged with camel stitch. Both are worked from the top down, beginning with a flat triangle, then joined to work a flared tube in the round. Each pattern includes video tutorial links for the relevant techniques.

These cowls were designed in collaboration with Knit Dallas, using their custom colorways from Plied Yarns. Each sample was made with 1 skein of North Ave, plus 1 North Ave bobbin for the trim.

The pattern is incredibly versatile too. You could easily use any yarn weight you like. The patterns include measurements at each step, as well as guidelines on how and where adjustments can be made, so you can work your cowl at whatever gauge you've got, in whatever size you need!

Plus, you can have tons of fun playing with color combos!
* Grab a semi-solid mini skein to accentuate that sassy speckle!
* Stick with a neutral base, then add a pop of neon in the trim!
* Let that gorgeous gradient shine!
* Wanna bust that stash? Try a scrappy stripey version!

SIZE
One size, easily adjustable

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference at top: 21 in / 52.5 cm
Sample stretches up to 24 in / 60 cm
Circumference at bottom: 35 in / 87.5 cm
Depth at center front: 14 in / 35 cm
Depth at back neck: 3.5 in / 9 cm

GAUGE (after blocking)
20 sts/40 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in garter stitch

MATERIALS
Plied Yarns North Ave (100% wool; 215 yds / 197 m per 50g skein); 1 in Egg Custard (MC)
Plied Yarns North Ave Bobbins (100% wool; 35 yds / 32 m per 8g bobbin); 1 in National Aquarium (CC)
US #3 / 3.25 mm circular needle, 16 inches
Tapestry needle
2 stitch markers

Buy the knit pattern now on Ravelry or Payhip!!

Buy the crochet pattern now on Ravelry or Payhip!!

Wonky Blocks Blanket to Knit or Crochet

The Wonky Blocks Blanket patterns are now live on Ravelry (knit and crochet) and Payhip (knit and crochet)!

Inspired by English paper pieced quilts, this blanket combines squares and diamonds in a playful, off-kilter grid. Knitters will enjoy the meditative garter stitch with simple increases and decreases, constructed in columns using a join-as-you-go technique. Crocheters can whip up stacks and stacks of center-out shapes in basic double and treble crochet to be quickly assembled a few at a time or all at once. Work one up in whatever size you need using any weight of yarn. Make yours a scrappy stash-buster or a precisely planned showpiece!

This pattern was designed in conjunction with the 2023 Fiberside Summer Yarn Crawl, a virtual event throughout July and August featuring tours of dozens of yarn shops across North America. Your purchase of a $10 All Access Pass to the crawl includes a code to download both the knit and crochet versions of this pattern for FREE! Visit FibersideChats.com for more details.

YARN
This pattern was designed to look good with any weight of yarn. If you’re worried you may not have enough of that weight in your stash, try holding multiple strands of a lighter yarn together to achieve the same weight. For example, by holding two strands of fingering weight yarn together to approximate DK, you can use up some of your sock yarn leftovers and your sweater leftovers at the same time!

COLORS
Whether you choose a small, curated palette or go wild and scrappy, your blanket is sure to dazzle! If you’re struggling with choice paralysis, here are few strategies I would recommend:

• Focus on one side of the color wheel. Maybe grab all the blues and greens from your stash, or all the pinks and purples. Using a range of hues that have a common primary color can create a cohesive look, even in a scrappy project.
• Stock up on neutrals for something a bit more subdued. If you get bored, you can always throw in a pop of neon for funsies!
• Take inspiration from your favorite work of art. Give it a good stare, allowing your eyes to blur, and jot down what colors jump out at you first.
• Use the diagram at the end of this pattern as a coloring page and have fun!

Buy the knit pattern now on Ravelry or Payhip!!

Buy the crochet pattern now on Ravelry or Payhip!!

Jiggle & Joggle

Jiggle and Joggle are now live on Ravelry (knit and crochet) and Payhip (knit and crochet)!

This pair of sister shawls each sport a striking sideways chevron design. These shawls were designed in collaboration with my newest local yarn shop, Knit Dallas, using their exclusive colorway "East Dallas" from Neighborhood Fiber Co. Each design takes 2 skeins of the Rustic Fingering base, but the shop also stocks the Studio Sock base if single ply isn't your thing.

The knit version, Jiggle, uses intermittent i-cord cast ons to gradually add more chevrons and build depth, followed by i-cord bind offs in the latter half to create that triangular shape. The crocheted Joggle shawl is formed in much the same way, using chains to sporadically extend the lower edge at first. Then, beyond the midpoint, blocks of stitches will be left unworked at the beginning of each decreasing section to bring the shawl back down to a point at the other end.

Jiggle Knitted Shawl
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Span: 60 inches / 150 cm
Height at center: 24 inches / 60 cm

GAUGE (after blocking)
24 sts / 42 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in garter stitch

MATERIALS
Fingering weight yarn: 820 yds / 750 m
Shown in: Neighborhood Fiber Co Rustic Fingering [100% merino; 475yds/434m per 114g skein]; 2 skeins in East Dallas
US #3/3.25mm circular needle, 24 inches
Tapestry needle
8 stitch markers, possibly 4 each of 2 different kinds to distinguish increases from decreases

Buy the knit pattern now on Ravelry or Payhip!!

Joggle Crocheted Shawl
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Span: 62 inches / 155 cm
Height at center: 25 inches / 62.5 cm

GAUGE (after blocking)
20 sts / 14 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet

MATERIALS
Fingering weight yarn: 900 yds / 823 m
Shown in: Neighborhood Fiber Co Rustic Fingering [100% merino; 475yds/434m per 114g skein]; 2 skeins in East Dallas
US E or 3.5mm hook
Tapestry needle
6 stitch markers, possibly 3 each of 2 different kinds to distinguish increases from decreases

Buy the crochet pattern now on Ravelry or Payhip!!

Thataway

Thataway is now live on Ravelry and Payhip!

This new 2-color, sock weight, triangular shawl pattern was a collaboration with Amy at West 7th Wool, using their Hunter's Sock base in Matcha Latte and Arsenic. The design features 4 size options, simple stripes, and an unusual (but easy) construction. There are even accompanying video tutorials on my YouTube channel to help you along the way.

SIZE
1 [2, 3, 4]

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Span: 59 [73, 87, 101] inches or 150 [185, 221, 257] cm
Depth: 25 [31, 37, 42] inches or 64 [79, 94, 107] cm

GAUGE (after blocking)
18 hdc/12 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm

MATERIALS
Fingering weight yarn: 360 [545, 775, 1030] yds or 329 [498, 709, 942] m each in two contrasting colors
Yardage estimates do not include tassels. Add 25-50 yds/m per tassel, if desired
Size 1 shown in: West 7th Wool Hunter’s Sock [70% merino, 30% nylon; 437yds/400m per 100g skein] 1 [1, 2, 2] skeins each in Matcha Latte (A) and Arsenic (B)
US G or 4mm hook
Tapestry needle
2 locking stitch markers

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Crocheted Dissent Cowl

Introducing, by popular demand, a crocheted version of my Dissent Cowl! This pattern uses polka dots and post stitches and puffs (oh my!) to replicate the look of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s famous (& fabulous) collar, worn when she dissents from a Supreme Court decision. And like the knitted version, 20% of each sale goes to the ACLU for the life of the pattern!

The upper section is basic crocheted linen stitch, followed by a band of puff stitches. The lower section is separated into polka dotted linen stitch in the back with a "bejeweled" bib in the front, adorned with front post stitches and more puffs.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Height: 9.5 inches
Top circumference: 26 inches
Bottom circumference: 36 inches

GAUGE (after blocking)
18 sts/22 rounds = 4 inches in linen stitch

MATERIALS
DK weight yarn:
240 yards in a dark, solid or semi-solid color (A)
130 yards in a light, possibly variegated color (B)
Shown in Moon Tower Dye Works Enceladus DK [100% merino; 250yds/229m per 115g skein]; Forested (A) and Topography (B)
US #7/4.5mm hook
3 stitch markers
Tapestry needle

Buy the pattern now on Ravelry or LoveCrafts!
(20% of every sale goes to the American Civil Liberties Union!)

Yip Yips

The spaceship has landed, and any fan of late 20th century children’s public television will recognize these lovable aliens.

Crochet them or knit them, use them as holiday stockings, toy storage, kids’ laundry, whatever really!

You should also be prepared to play with ping pong balls and pipe cleaners, and do a little light sewing.

Yip yip yip yip uh-huh uh-huh…

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 25 inches
Height: 14 inches (excluding tentacles & hanging loop)

GAUGE
8 sts/8 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
8 sts/16 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

MATERIALS
Bernat Blanket/Blanket Brights/Baby Blanket [100% polyester; 220yds/201m per 300g skein]; 1 skein in color of your choice; shown in Royal Blue, Pixie Pink, Pow Purple, Baby Teal, Crimson (crochet), and Baby Lilac (knit)
L/8mm crochet hook (also used for attaching tentacles in both crochet and knit versions)
US10.5/6.5mm circular needle, 24 inches long
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
2 ping pong balls
Black paint pen or permanent marker
2 pipe cleaners, 12 inches long
Awl, ice pick, corn pick (for poking holes in ping pong balls)
Black flannel fabric, 16 inches by 24 inches
Scissors
Sewing needle
Black thread

Get the FREE crochet pattern or knit pattern now on Ravelry!

Turnabout

Introducing a new FREE crochet pattern - Turnabout! I got this idea in my head a few weeks back, and I just couldn't stop myself from grabbing a hook and some yarn and getting started immediately! It came together just as I had hoped and in only 2 days!

I've named it Turnabout for a couple reasons. First, the unusual construction method incorporates an about-face where you'll go from steadily increasing to immediately decreasing again - working a flat square followed by a flat triangle, and together they magically form a round object! Secondly, for its versatility in styling. Is it a bandana cowl with a tassel in front? A hood with a tassel in back? You decide!

The basic premise is to start at the point and increase in the center to form a big square. When the distance across the diagonal reaches the circumference you would like for your cowl/hood, or when you've used about 55-60% of your yarn, whichever comes first, you'll join the two opposite corners. Then you'll start decreasing again, in the center and along the edges, to form a triangle and close up the circle. Not making sense? Don't worry! There are plenty more words and pictures in the pattern to walk you through it.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 27 inches
Long depth (excluding tassel): 27 inches
Short depth: 13.5 inches

MATERIALS
Universal Yarns Wisdom Yarn Poems Sock [75% wool, 25% nylon; 459yds/420m per 100g skein]; 1 skein in color #955
G/6 or 4.25mm hook
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

GAUGE
14 dc by 8 rows = 4 inches by 4 inches, after blocking

Download the FREE PATTERN now via Ravelry!

Modern Tapestry Crochet

I am not just a knitter. I'm a Knitter. Capital K. Everywhere I look, I see knitting. How I can I recreate that woman's sweater? Oh, that brick pattern would translate nicely to a knitted shawl! I'm a bit obsessive.

My crochet status, however, is strictly lowercase. Technically, I've been crocheting longer than I've been knitting, but once I picked up the needles, the hook just hasn't gotten as much love as it deserves. I've been trying to work on that lately because I do, in fact, enjoy crocheting and want to get better at it, to try new techniques and see what the craft can really do. With this in mind, I jumped at the chance to review a copy of Alessandra Hayden's Modern Tapestry Crochet.

To practice this new-to-me technique of crocheted colorwork, I chose her Evergreen Country Cowl pattern because its two-color southwest-esh design seemed like a fairly simple start to get my feet wet. I used some stash yarn - Patons SWS Soy Wool Solids in Natural Raisin and Natural.

The author explained everything so well. As a matter of fact, because I had actually read the instructional pages at the beginning of the book, I knew immediately what I'd done wrong when I noticed my cowl was developing an upside-down-funnel shape, narrowing as it went upward. I had been holding the unused color too tightly when crocheting around it causing the fabric to get tighter and tighter. That wouldn't do at all if I wanted it to fit over my huge head, so a'ripping we will go! My second attempt, holding the yarn a little differently for a looser gauge, turned out much more even (and wearable!).

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to level-up their hooking skills, or even experienced crocheters on the hunt for stylish, modern accessories. I already have my eye on a few more designs in this book for future projects.