Crochet Me Blog : Crochet Lace

Check out the new Interweave Crochet Accessories

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:00:00 GMT

It's here! The new issue of Interweave Crochet Accessories 2012 is in the Crochet Me Shop, and I can't wait to get started. Many of these quick accessories are great introductions to new techniques like broomstick lace and reversible intarsia. I can't decide which project to start first. Many of these projects would make great handmade gifts. Here is Interweave Crochet Editor Marcy Smith to tell us more about this new issue.

Interweave Crochet Accessories 2012

The 2012 Interweave Crochet Accessories is ready for you, and it is just stuffed with projects—more than fifty of them. I hardly know where to start to tell you about them all.

Scarves. OK, scarves are a great place to start. What's great about the selection of scarves here is that you can not only crochet scarves for everyone on your list (including yourself), but you can have a lot of fun doing it!

You know how scarves can be to a seemingly endless swath of do-the-same-thing-over-and-over-until-you-can't-stand-it-anymore? Not so with these scarves.

The cover scarf, Elvis 1973 Scarf by Karen Ratto-Whooley, is a great example of crochet fun. You work from a chart in two colors (any of your two favorite colors), in single crochet working on one side only. It creates its own fringe as you work it. (Elvis 1973? Remember that snowflake jumpsuit?)

Kathy Merrick's Asymmitered Scarf is an oversized scarf made up of Suessian bi-color mitered squares worked in half-double crochet in the back loop only. It's magic to watch the squares winnow down from 49 stitches to just one. The squares are joined as you go, so when you work your last hdc3tog, you just work the border and you're done! Kathy unifies the squares with gently morphing shades of blue, but you can make your own color choices to make it just right for the person who will wear it.

Robyn Chachula's Bearsden Plaid Scarf was designed especially for the guys on your list, but it's a great fashion statement for just about anyone. After crocheting the striped base, you work surface crochet in chain spaces for a smooth finish. For a tween, you might work some of those stripes with a bit of neon!


	Lisa Loo by Brenda K. B. Anderson

I'd love to tell you about the other five scarves, the dozen hats and the seven shawls and wraps. Oh, and the fairy! There's a fairy! And a play mat and a crocodile-stitch crocodile and wee nesting dolls! And the best pom-pom ever!

So much. Click on over and see for yourself. This is an issue you'll reach for again and again.

Happy crocheting!

— Marcy

Whether you want to learn a new technique with a small quick project, add to your collection of accessories, or are looking for the perfect handmade crochet gift, check out this newest issue. You can order Interweave Crochet Accessories in the Crochet Me Shop or download it now and start crocheting today.

Best wishes,

P.S. What new crochet technique would you like to learn?

Crocheting Red

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

If February has a color, I would say it is red-from deep burgundy reds to bright candy apple reds. During February we wear red to promote women's heart health, and red is the color most frequently associated with Valentine's Day. Red is a color that gets noticed, and I think that everyone needs a few red garments and crochet accessories in their closet. Here are a few of my favorite red crocheted accessories:

		If you are looking for a quick gift this Valentine's Day, there is still time to whip up a pair of Betty's Button-up Mitts over the weekend. These easy mitts are a great way to use all of the mismatched buttons you have been collecting, and this bright pop of red is perfect with any outfit on a chilly day.
Betty's Button-Up Mitts Interweave Crochet Accessories 2010
		For a little more warmth, check out the Seamed Mittens. These warm winter accessories begin with a long chevron cuff and are worked flat before working the single seam.
Seamed Mittens, Interweave Crochet Fall 2008
		Shawls are another great way to add red to your wardrobe. If you aren't ready to commit to a bright red, I love the deep burgundy of the Dragonfly Shawl. Web like crocheted lace takes its inspiration from the wings of a dragonfly. This elegant shawl would look lovely with that little black dress for a romantic evening out.
Dragonfly Shawl, Interweave Crochet Winter 2008
		The Guinevere wrap is the perfect accessory for a stylish tunic dress or a great pair of jeans. I love the feminine ruffle edging and the beautiful halo of the mohair yarn.
Guinevere, Wrapped in Crochet
		The Crochet Bobble Beret may be classified more as a pink than a red, but these sister colors are closely enough related for me. This chic crochet hat creates texture by crocheting bobbles that form on the wrong side of the fabric as you work the beret.
Crochet Bobble Beret, Knitscene Fall 2009
Add a little red to your wardrobe this February with great accessories. You can, of course, work any of these patterns in a different color, but grab some attention and crochet with red this month. You can find more great accessory patterns in the Crochet Me Shop. Best wishes,

5 Free Shawl Patterns

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:00:00 GMT

A shawl is the perfect accessory! With a crocheted shawl, you can add a touch of sophistication, ward off the cold, or let someone know that you care.

In this exciting free eBook, we have compiled five beautiful shawl patterns, including an elegant and lacy shawlette, a cozy wrap, and the perfect capelet. You will find the perfect shawl for any occasion.

Long chains and solo single crochet stitches create the airy Sprout Chains Shawlette by Kristin Omdahl. This sweet little shawl is the perfect accessory for a pretty dress or to wrap around your neck for a fun scarf. Dainty flowers finish off this easily memorized pattern.

The Flowers for Eryn Wrap by Tracy St. John was inspired by traditional Irish lace crochet. Shell-stitch panels and a mesh border frame the vintage roses. The length of this cozy wrap can be easily adjusted by simply working longer or shorter shell-stitch panels.

The Waffle Lattice Shawl by Elin Nybø is created with simple crocheted chains of varying lengths. The chains are felted to create the soft, fuzzy texture.

Chanson en Crochet by Mari Lynn Patrick begins with a simple crocheted chain at the neck edge before falling effortlessly around the shoulders in bands of elegant lace. This vintage capelet is the ideal opportunity to play with different lace patterns. A row of picot stitches around the neck and lower edges add the perfect finishing touch.

Crochet a Hug by Marcy Smith was designed while drawing on the tradition of prayer shawls. The easy wattle-stitch pattern, comprised of three basic stitches, is quickly memorized and wonderfully meditative. Create one for yourself or several as gifts.

Shawls are the go-to project to pair with that little black dress for a special occasion or to give to a friend in need of comfort. Whether you are looking for an eye-catching shawl for yourself or the perfect pattern for a friend, 5 Free Crochet Shawl Patterns: Inspiring Designs for a Lace Shawl, Irish Crochet Shawl, Prayer Shawl, and More has you covered. We would love to see your work; share your pictures in the Crochet Me member gallery.

Best wishes,

P.S. Do you have friends who love crochet shawls? Forward this link to them so they can download their own free copy of 5 Free Crochet Shawl Patterns: Inspiring Designs for a Lace Shawl, Irish Crochet Shawl, Prayer Shawl, and More

Storytelling with Crochet

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:04:00 GMT

Crochet is captivating in its beauty. Hundreds of little stitches are combined in millions of possible arrangements to create a final a final work of art, whether it is a lace collar of intricate thread crochet or a simple hat to keeps a child's ears warm.

In our enjoyment of its beauty, it is sometimes easy to forget that each piece of crochet carries with it it own story, and that story can be just as beautiful as the piece itself.

The Fan Edging on this elegant baby pillow (at left) is breathtaking. The intricate thread lace is worked with a size 13 steel crochet hook, and each fan consists of 24 rows of tiny stitches. My mind is spinning with ideas. Wouldn't this be lovely at the edge of a sleeve or the hem of a dress? Luckily inspiration doesn't have to contemplate the hours of crochet needed to create the yards of lace I would need.

Bart Elwells adapted this edging pattern from a pillowcase created by Mary Rebecca Spagnola, who passed away while her children were still young. And it was Mary's needlework and crochet that led her granddaughter Rosemarie on a journey to discover Mary's story including how her gift at crochet had helped to support her family during the 1930s and early 1940s.

Another one of my favorites is the Orenburg Lace Shawl. This motif based project is a stunning work of art. But until I saw this shawl in the page of PieceWork I had no idea about the story of the goats of Orenburg. Orenburg goats, from which cashmere is derived, live near the southern tip of the Ural Mountains. White and gray are the most common fiber colors due to a fashion trend that led to breeding away from the brown that was seen as common. Due to this misguided breeding, brown cashmere is rare, but some Orenburg goats still produce this rare shade.

The story each piece of crochet tells is as beautiful as the project itself. Learn the stories behind crochet with a subscription to PieceWork magazine.

Best wishes,

P. S. We would love to here your crochet stories.

Easing into Fall

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The Fall 2011 issue of Interweave Crochet is on bookshelves in local yarn stores, newsstands, and on its way to your mailboxes. We are so excited to finally be able to share the innovative projects in it with you! Interweave Crochet's Editor Marcy Smith joins us for a preview and to share why she loves fall garments. - Toni I like to transition gradually into autumn. I'm not ready to embrace the fall season until about October. Fortunately, in my home state of North Carolina, the weather isn't ready for autumn until October either. If you feel the same way, or if your climate is also slow to cool, several projects in the Fall 2011 issue of Interweave Crochet can help with this transition. These garments aren't full-on sweaters, but more demi-garments that let you ward off a chill without bundling up.

		Early autumn is perfect for the Oak Wrap by Doris Chan. I have this cunning wrap on my hook already; it crochets up quickly, so you can get it into your wardrobe by next week. The organic cotton/merino blend yarn is light as a feather, so you can wear it in the morning, then slip it into your satchel during the warm hours of the day. Wear it over a short-sleeve shirt or dress, then as the temperatures drop, wear it over a long-sleeve shirt. This wrap is perfectly happy later in the season over a turtleneck and under a heavier cardigan when cool weather really sets in. Worked up in a neutral, it could become your go-to office sweater, with its cap sleeves and wearability.

		The Green Chai Cardi by Jill Hanratty is another terrific transition staple. And, bonus, it will let you practice broomstick lace along the yoke. Learning a new crochet skill is a great way to ease your mind into autumn. If you're already familiar with broomstick lace, you'll be finished with this pretty quickly. With its cropped body and short sleeves, the Green Chai Cardi is perfect for a light layer early in the fall over a tee, then layered over long-sleeve garments later. The open laciness keeps you from overheating. If you like, you can lengthen the body and sleeves for a great winter garment. But let's not talk about winter quite yet.

		Instead, let's look at the fabulous cover garment: the Lace Canopy Cardi Wrap by Simona Merchant-Dest. This is truly a transitional garment. Essentially a wrap with sleeves, it can be worn open, with the lacy front swaying free. As the weather cools, you might toss one front over a shoulder. When things get really cold, you can wrap both sides around you like a shawl. It's happy over skinny jeans and a long-sleeve tee. It would be smashing over a short skirt with tights and boots. This delicious wrap will see you into colder days with style.

All of these garments, and the 17 other projects in the issue, will help you embrace autumn with panache. Order your copy of Interweave Crochet Fall 2011 today or subscribe to the digital or print editions and don't miss a single issue. Enjoy, and share your finished projects on the Crochet Me gallery. We'd love to see them! Best, Marcy

What was Old is New Again

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Fashions never really disappear. They may lay dormant for years before they are resurrected by fashion designers eager to find the next big trend and put their personal touch on it. And each time a "new" style hits the runway, I love to look back that styles history.

The 2011 fashion year has been incredibly exciting for those of us who have recognized the beauty of crochet for years. We have seen crocheted lace highlighted in Spring and Summer collections and it is reappearing as embellishments and accessories in the Fall 2011 collections.

My favorite fashion trend is incorporating vintage crochet into your wardrobe. It can be very easy to embellish the garments you already own with vintage crochet buttons or lace.

You can make your own buttons with the crocheted button patterns created by Nancy Nehring in Crochet Traditions. She was inspired by buttons in the late 17^th and early 18^th centuries.

"Handmade crocheted buttons were popular, especially in Great Britain, the United States, and continental from about 1860 to 1915, although their poularity revives periodically, as it did in the 1940s. Most crocheted buttons from the peak period of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries seem to have been made in France or less frequently in Germany. At that time, buttons were important decorations as well as functional closures for waists, dresses, and coats. A garment was often closed with hooks and eyes or a combination of hooks and eyes and buttons, with most buttons added for decoration."

Wouldn't these vintage inspired buttons would be fabulous on a bright swing jacket or as a pop of texture on a beautifully tailored suit coat?

Or work up Maggie Petsch's lace insert, also from Crochet Traditions. I know, she uses the insert for pillowcases, but wouldn't this lace be lovely with a beautiful blouse or used to add an extra touch of elegance to a fall dress. And if you are looking for more crocheted lace or lace insertions, check out Weldon's Practical Crochet, with projects from the original 1800s Weldon's Practical Needlework. You will find vintage patterns for not only lace but motifs, garments, and accessories such as hats and mittens as well.

Purchase your own copies of Crochet Traditions and Weldon's Practical Crochet today and learn about the history of crochet while you create your own fall fashions this year.

Best wishes,

Lightweight Crochet for Winter

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:38:00 GMT

I know that many of you live in warm climates. You crochet with fine-weight yarns and can wear lace garments year-round. I will admit to a touch of jealousy. I love lightweight crochet-lace shawls, shells worked in intricate stitch patterns, and garments crocheted in lightweight silks and cotton! The winters here in Colorado can be bitterly cold, and I tend to reach for thick wool sweaters instead of lightweight silk or cotton blends. But this year, with a little fashion creativity, I plan to wear lightweight crochet garments all year. With this new goal in mind, I have narrowed down my winter crocheting queue to four pieces.

	The lacy stitches worked with soft mohair make the Moss Fern Wrap the perfect accessory to pair with an elegant dress on a spring or summer evening. But when the winter chill arrives, I can wear it with a classic wool coat or pair a dress for an indoor party.
	The simple double crochet and chain pattern of the Trellis Pullover make this bamboo top a cool choice on a warm day. But paired with a three-quarter-sleeved shirt, this fashionable sweater makes a great fall layer.
	The draped silhouette of the Sangria Cardigan is perfect for this fall's fashion. And the silk and alpaca yarn used to create the lacy shell pattern also makes this a great transitional garment for spring when paired with a skirt and sandals.
	And finally, I love the combination of bamboo shells and double crochet stitches in the Abalone Shell. Worn over a tank top, this lacy vest is perfect for summer. But worn with a long-sleeved tee or button-up shirt with a long wool skirt, it becomes a perfect vest for a winter ensemble.
Rather than just reaching for worsted-weight wool and alpaca yarns, this winter I plan to work on and wear lightweight crochet. You can take advantage of great discounts on the patterns I've mentioned and many other great lightweight crochet designs during the StashBuster Sale. But hurry, this sale ends tomorrow. Best wishes, P.S. I would love to hear how you wear your lightweight crochet year-round.

Seaming Crochet

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:05:00 GMT

It wasn't too long ago that you could find a stack of sweater pieces gathering dust in the corner of my craft room, waiting to be assembled. Seaming scared me. I know I am not the only crocheter who has feared the seam.

But I wanted to wear the finished garment. So I faced the seaming demon, and it wasn't so bad. With each piece I have seamed since that first sweater, I've learned more about the different seaming techniques and the pros and cons of each.

One of my favorite seaming techniques is the slip-stitch seam. This seam is sturdy, making it ideal for shoulder seams or other areas that will take a lot of pressure. Try working loose slip stitches, as tight stitches will reduce seam flexibility. The Big Bow Cardigan, shown on the cover of The Best of Interweave Crochet below, and the Ocean Pearls Cardigan, below left, are good candidates for this seam.

To work a slip-stitch seam, place the two pieces to be seamed together with the right sides facing. Insert the hook through both pieces at the beginning of the seam, yarn over and draw through both pieces and the loop on the hook. Working through both layers, slip-stitch across the remainder of the seam.

For crocheted lace, my go-to seam is the woven seam, shown above. Worked with a yarn or tapestry needle, the woven seam is worked with the right side of both pieces facing you and the edges to be seamed lined up row-to-row or stitch-to stitch. Insert the needle up through the right side of the stitch at the beginning of the seam on Piece A. Next insert the needle from the bottom of the stitch to the top of the first stitch at the beginning of the seam of Piece B. Then insert the hook up through the next stitch of piece A and then through the second stitch of piece A. Repeat this process until you have completed the seam.

If you still want to avoid seams in your crocheted garments, try the Northern Dreams Pullover, Sera Lace Top (at right), or Lace Dress, which are worked from the top down and require no seaming. For more information on these seams, single crochet seams, backstitch seams, and more, as well as 23 of our best patterns, order The Best of Interweave Crochet today.

Best wishes,

Travel the World without a Ticket

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:56:00 GMT

If I could plan the trip of a lifetime, I would visit the British Library and see the textile collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, stop in Ireland and Russia to study lacemaking, and go on to Turkey to see traditional oya edgings. I could easily plan a different fiber expedition every year of my life, but with the help of PieceWork magazine, I have already visited fiber-rich locales around the world without ever boarding a plane or ship.

First, let's take a trip to Orenburg, Russia, with the November/December 2010 issue. Join Galina Khmeleva as she explores the history of the Orenburg goat. Galina's interest was piqued by a crocheted lace shawl she received from Russian knitter Svetlana Vaseluk. Orenburg shawls are usually knitted, but this example was crocheted in the luscious cashmere of the region. Orenburg goats, from which the cashmere is derived, live near the southern tip of the Ural Mountains. White and gray are the most common fiber colors, but some Orenburg goats also produce rare variations such as silver and brown. Finish your journey with your own airy lace shawl created from Galina's authentic Orenburg lace pattern (at right).

With the September/October 2011 issue, an expedition to explore the satirical magazine Punch is in order. Punch was published from 1841 to 2002 and many of the issues can be found at the British Library in London. Crochet was the object of satire in the May 1852 article "The Law of Crochet." British husbands, the victims of "Crochet persecution," were offered recourse in the form of the "Law of Crochet." Many of the nine clauses might still hold true today, including Clause 1 that "enacts that no married lady shall, under any circumstances . . . be permitted to work on Crochet more than fourteen hours of the twenty-four." Hm, I may have broken that particular clause a time or two.

I have already planned a visit to Leicester England, with the November/December 2011 issue. While we are there we will study the rare sheep breeds that call this area home and, of course, pick up a pattern to remember the trip by.

Now you can travel the world with PieceWork digitally. With Zinio, you can download past issues to your PC, iPad, or Android device. Zinio allows you to bookmark your favorite articles and pages and record notes about your adventures. You can also sign up for a digital PieceWork subscription and never miss a fiber expedition.

Best wishes,

But I'm Not Built Like a Model: Summer Cardigans

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:44:00 GMT

When I walk into a clothing store and spot an adorable cardigan, I immediately find it in my size and head for the dressing room. But when I spot a pattern for a magnificent crocheted top, determining if the design is a good fit for my body type becomes more difficult. We don't all look like the models pictured, thankfully, and a cardigan that accentuates someone else's beautiful curves, may not flatter my straighter figure. I gathered a few friends at work for a little dress-up party with a few of the sample garments in the office, and we photographed four summer tops on each of us. Laughter and suggestions abounded as we shared advice for altering the garments for each of our figures. Here are a just couple of the garments and models:

		Arboretum Cardigan Inspired by the vintage doily, this short-sleeve top was made using bamboo thread. This intermediate-level cardigan is constructed in the round and features a V-stitch bodice, picot-edged sleeves, and a pretty lace edging. Ideas for color, flower placement, and the number of buttons proved that this was an easy garment to personalize.

Kathy is 5' 5" tall and usually wears a size 8 top.
Bust: 38"
Waist: 36"
Hips: 39"

Kathy is wearing this cardigan with 2" of negative ease. If she wanted to crochet the 36" sample size, I would recommend only working one button loop at the neckline. And, I do love the way the A-line shaping leads your eye to her smile. The length is perfect, and she loved the length of the sleeves, though they would also look adorable several inches shorter.

Chamomile Cardigan

Broomstick lace integrates beautifully with regular crochet pattern stitches in this cap-sleeve cardigan with a soft collar that drapes around the shoulders and folds over to form the open V front.

We loved the flexibility of the lace pattern in this comfortable cardigan. Each person who tried this versatile sweater on moved the placement of the belt, creating a customized fit.

Whitney is 5' 8" tall and usually wears a size 4-6 top.
Bust: 34"
Waist: 29"
Hips: 35½"

Worn with 1" of negative ease, this relaxed lace cardigan is beautiful on Whitney. She moved the belt up to the base of her ribcage and really added her own personality to this broomstick lace top. Because the belt is not attached, you can wear it at any height, making this a truly versatile garment.

You can find the Pinecone Top and the Trillium Tunic as well as more models in the Interweave Crochet Summer Galleries on Crochet Me.

Best wishes,

P.S. We would love to see the garments in sizes other than the sample sizes. If you have crocheted these tops, please share pictures in the Member Photo Gallery.

Crochet Embellished

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:49:00 GMT

Textures, colors, techniques such as Tunisian or broomstick lace, stitch patterns, inventive constructions, and embellishments are a few of the methods we employ to make our crochet work interesting and eye catching. And while I crochet primarily for my own satisfactions, it's always nice, after all of those hours of work, when a kind stranger stops to admire the beauty of my crocheted bag, scarf, or top. I love the simplistic elegance of an embellished project. And two of my favorite embellishments are artfully placed motifs like flowers and leaves and embroidery worked on the surface of the crochet.a
		Motifs Flowers are one of the most popular motifs for embellishment. The petals of a basic flower motif are constructed using different stitch heights such as a single crochet, then a half double crochet, then two or three double crochets, and then work the stitches in reverse order. With just these four or five stitches you have created a petal. Many simple flowers use only a few yards of yarn, making them a great project for those leftover little bits you just can't bear to throw away. And you can easily place flower motifs on a hat, sweater, bag, scarf, or even a use them to add a touch of crochet to a purchased, non-crochet item. Or attach your motif to a safety pin, brooch pin, or clip and use it on a variety of items.

		Embroidery Another fun and easy embellishment technique is surface embroidery. And one of my favorite stitches is crochet chain embroidery. This stitch mimics the look of crocheted chain stitches but can be worked on the surface of crocheted, knitted, or cloth fabric to create geometric shapes, flower stems, or any other shape you can design. Robyn Chachula's Elinor Cardigan from Interweave Crochet Winter 2008 uses two rows of this stitch to outline the cuffs and front opening. To work crochet chain embroidery hold the yarn under the background of the fabric you are working into, insert the hook through the center of the background, pull up a loop, insert the hook into the background a short distance away, pull the second loop up through the first loop on hook; repeat from for the desired length. You can work in straight lines or curve the row of stitches into any shape you desire.
So, visit the Crochet Me Shop to browse through the variety of patterns that employ embellishment to at a touch of elegance, a spot of color, or a sense of fun, and download your favorites. Best wishes,

Crocheting Lace for the Summer

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:07:00 GMT

Last week the temperature in my house reached a sweltering 85 degrees. As I looked from my thermometer to my latest wool crochet project, I realized two things. First, I need a new air conditioner, and second, I need to start a new summer project. So I pulled out my Interweave Crochet Spring and Summer back issues.

Lace, to my mind, is the perfect summer project.I have always been drawn to the delicacy crocheted lace. Often worked in a fine yarn or thread, crocheted lace is the perfect showcase for the delicate and intricate stitches of crochet. And it was the lace that first drew me to Robyn Chachula's Petal Pullover from the Interweave Crochet Spring 2011 issue. This all-over lace pullover is perfect for a pair of jeans or a skirt and can be worn over a t-shirt, cami, or long-sleeve top when the weather cools this fall. It's so ingeniusly versatile!

The body is worked in the round from the bottom up to the armholes, which means less seaming, and there are stitch diagrams-a big plus for visual crocheters like myself. I especially love the stitch diagrams illustrating the armhole and neck shaping as I would like to raise the neckline in the front by about three-quarters of an inch or 2 rows.

As we all know, the hardest part of crocheting a garment is not allowing it to become a WIP (work-in-progress), and I have heard several of you comment just how much you also love this top. So I am proposing a crochet-along. I loved working with you on the Moth Wings Shrug, and am looking forward to answering your questions and learning new tips and tricks from you as well.

I'll be using the recommended Louet MerLin Sport for my project. This yarn is 60% linen and 40% merino. The linen provides beautiful stitch definition and drape to the lace and the merino provides just the right amount of memory and elasticity. This combination also keeps the finished garment from being too heavy, as would happen with other common summer yarns such as those made with cotton or bamboo.

Here is the supply list and schedule for this crochet-along:

Petal Pullover

Designer: Robyn Chachula
Finished Size: 32 (34½, 37½, 40, 42½, 45½)" circumference to fit 32 (34, 36½, 39, 41¼, 44)" bust circumference. Garment shown measures 34½". Pullover is close fit with 0-1½" of ease.
Yarn: Louet MerLin Sport (60% linen, 40% merino; 250 yd [229 m]/3½ oz [100 g]): #48 aqua, 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) hanks.Hook: Size G/6 (4 mm) Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
Notions: Blocking pins, spray bottle, stitch markers (m), yarn needle.
Gauge: 3 shells and 12 rows = 4" in pistachio shell st patt.

CAL Schedule

July 4^th - 17^th Order yarn and pattern and get gauge.
July 18^th - July 24^th Work in the round to "Shape right back".
July 25^th - August 7^th Finish back.
August 8^th - August 21^st Finish front.
August 22^th - August 27^th Sleeves
August 28^th - September 19^th Seaming and finishing.

For a limited time you can even find the Interweave Crochet Spring 2011 issue (with the Petal Pullover and 24 other great spring designs) as well as other back issues on sale at the Crochet Me Shop. So pick up your copy of Interweave Crochet Spring 2011 today and join us for the Petal Pullover Crochet-along.

Best wishes,

Discovering Vintage Crochet

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:50:00 GMT

Vintage crochet patterns fascinate me. There isn't a great deal of written history about crochet, but I love to read the amazing personal stories and tales passed down through families, and see the few items that have survived both time and use. My favorite method of learning about the history of crochet is through the historic patterns, and my favorite source for vintage patterns is Weldon's.

Weldon's patterns look a bit like old cooking recipes. You know, the ones that call for a pinch of salt, a dash of sugar, and flour to consistency, In Weldon's the crochet terms are in the original British English-so an English single crochet is an American slip stitch and so forth. But once you jump in with a hook and yarn, they are quite simple.

And where else would you find a pattern for a child's frock, a gentleman's waistcoat, chemise trimmings, a variety of caps and slippers, and so much more? I know several people who would love the period lace shawls and hats. I am thoroughly fascinated with the stitch patterns. I spent several hours researching Russian crochet after studying Weldon's patterns. Russian crochet, another name for ribbed stitch, is worked through the back loop only. This technique seems to have been a particular favorite during the late 1800s.

As I study the patterns popular among crocheters who came before me and work the same stitches that were worked by fellow crocheters over a century ago, I feel a special connection. Despite our time and cultural differences, we still both find meaning in the beauty and elegance of crochet and are constantly trying to improve our crochet skills and learn new techniques.

If you have been looking for vintage crochet pattern or just want to learn more about crochet in the late 1800s, download Weldon's Practical Crochet. Then share with us your thoughts on crocheting from the same patterns used by crocheters over a hundred years ago.

Best wishes,

Check Out the Summer Issue of Interweave Crochet

Marcy Smith — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:00:00 GMT

In the Summer 2011 issue of Interweave Crochet, we pay homage to the dainty doily. Dora Ohrenstein explores the history of these mathematical wonders rendered in threads. And our designers interpret the doily in designs for the 21st century. You'll find not only domestic doilies in such innovative shapes as the lace bowls at left (Azalea Bowls, Linda Permann), but also garments that incorporate doily shapes. This issue also features redesigned pattern layouts! You'll find patterns that are easier to read, thanks to a new font, clearer headings, and more section divisions. And detail photos are right where you need them in the pattern. We hope all these changes make your crochet experience more efficient-so you can focus more on crocheting and less time figuring out how to read the pattern Here's a closer look at some of the projects in this issue.

Banjo Bag, Sharon Ballsmith	Early Girl Dress, Lisa Naskrent	Unicycle Vest, Kim Guzman
Motifs go back to back in Sharon Ballsmith's reversible Banjo Bag. Cables gracefully shape Lisa Naskrent's Early Girl Dress. A thread doily punctuates Kim Guzman's Tunisian crochet vest.

Owlivia and Little Livvie, Brenda K. B. Anderson	Grove Park Tank, Robyn Chachula	River Walk Wrap, Sharon Falkner
Super cute Owlivia by Brenda K. B. Anderson is even cuter worked in thread. An architectural neckline frames a subtle lace in Robyn Chachula's cover garment, the Grove Park Tank. Ripples of lace form the River Walk Wrap by Sharon Falkner.
And there's so much more. Meet Ukrainian designer Antonina Kuznetsova, who reinterprets Irish crochet, and take a look at the Ukrainian crochet magazine Duplet, stuffed end to end with amazing lace crochet projects. Learn how to create felt and polymer clay grips to make those tiny steel hooks more manageable. Wrap up the Chain Reaction Afghan Project with a chain border. Pluck your favorites from among the 23 fresh designs in this issue. Check out all the projects in this issue. And to enjoy fresh crochet year round, subscribe today. Best,

A Crochet Fashion Guide for 2011

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 16 May 2011 11:30:00 GMT

We crocheters have always known crochet was chic. But the fashion industry has finally caught on. Crochet is garnering lots of attention on the runway these days and chicly showcased in fashion-forward skirts, dresses, blouses, purses, shoes, hats, and jewelry. With summer just around the corner, crocheted lace is one fashion trend quickly gaining popularity, but let's explore a few more of ways to be in style with crochet this season. Crochet Dresses Nothing is more feminine then an elegant lace dress. A crocheted dress allows you the opportunity to display your beautiful work to its fullest advantage. You will be at the height of fashion at your next garden party or special occasion.


Tuscany Tank Dress, Interweave Crochet Spring 2006	Lace Dress, Interweave Crochet 2004	Summer Splash Dress, Interweave Crochet Summer 2009

Lace Blouses Delicate, airy, and reminiscent of the polished elegance of the 1960s, tops offer the perfect canvas for your crocheted lace. The beauty of handmade lace flatterss whether worn paired with jeans and a t-shirt or your best skirt. And when the weather cools, pair your top with a long sleeved shirt for year-round wear.


Tatiana Pullover, Interweave Crochet Winter 2009	China Doll, Interweave Crochet Spring 2008	Moonglow Vee, Interweave Crochet Summer 2010

Colors that Pop Break away from traditional pale crochet! When you spend hours crocheting a garment, you want it to get noticed. So next time you stop at your local yarn shop, head for the bright colors. Choose a bright shade of green or combine several vivid shades and really draw attention to your crochet.


Lodestar Tunic, Interweave Crochet Summer 2010	The DC Shuffle, Knitscene Spring 2007	Spring Shell, Interweave Crochet Spring 2009

So pull out your hooks, pick up a new crocheted pattern, and let's show the fashion industry how beautiful crocheted garments truly are what crocheters have known all along. Best wishes,