Sometimes, working with a soft but seemingly lackluster handspun yarn can surprise you. I spun a skein of single-ply yarn out of some fabulous merino combed top, but I wasn’t very excited about the results. It sat around for a couple of years while I pondered its fate. This winter, while looking for a quick and simple project to knock out… read more
The Flowers and Tiles Top has been added to my wardrobe and I’m very pleased! This crochet pattern is worked in motifs with a ribbed border. The ribbing around the edges took a long time, and almost as much yarn as all of the motifs. The ribbing was designed to be knitted, but I used crochet post… read more
Combining yarn dye lots can lead to some unexpected color shifts in your project. It’s always best to purchase enough yarn of the same dye lot (found on the yarn’s label) so that you make sure you have plenty of yarn to finish your project. When that’s not an option, there are a few ways you… read more
I’ve completed a beautiful shawl with the Porcelain Berry Shawl crochet pattern, and I’m so pleased with the results. I used just one skein of Malabrigo Lace. The pattern allows you to easily resize your project, so I worked a few extra pattern repeats to enlarge the shawl and use up the rest of the yarn. The pattern has options to create… read more
Add a bit of flare to any wardrobe with this free crochet pattern! These colorful little wrist cuffs peek out from under your sleeves. These Flared Cuffs work up quickly with just over 100 yards of worsted weight yarn. Great for quick holiday gifts! Download the free pattern here. Pattern: Flared Cuffs Designer: Jenn Wolfe Kaiser Source: Life Adorned read more
I’ve been playing with a different colorwork crochet technique: intarsia crochet. Intarsia differs from tapestry crochet in that the unworked colors are not carried along the back and crocheted over as you work. Instead, they are left hanging for you to pick back up when you get to the color again. This technique is great for adding… read more
If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow pattern to crochet your first hat, look no further! The Just-Like-That Hat is a free crochet pattern that includes simple written instructions and uses very basic crochet stitches. This beanie pattern suited for all skill levels, so it’s great for when you want a quick and simple crochet project or a last-minute gift. The design uses bulky yarn, so you’ll have a cozy accessory in no time! Hat… read more
Circles to Squares is an afghan constructed with crochet motifs in different sizes. I added a bit of handmade coziness to our couch by finally finishing up this lap blanket. It was a long-term project that I slowly worked on over the past year or so. It’s satisfying to finish up something that has been in progress… read more
Using my own handspun yarn has made some of my crochet projects even more enjoyable and rewarding. Single-ply lace weight This delicate scarf was made with baby suri alpaca yarn. Pattern: Alpine Frost Scarf Designer: Amy O’Neill Houck Source: Interweave Crochet Two-ply worsted weight This winter sweater for my thin-furred dog was made with merino wool yarn. I made… read more
This crocheted pink pup sweater was stitched to size for my little dog. Mila loves to go anywhere we go. Even though she stays active, her small frame and thin fur sometimes leave her shivering! I chose pure wool for her sweater, so she would still be warm when she gets snow-damp. I’m not sure how this bright,… read more
The Ridges Slouch Hat is crocheted using post stitches to create a ridged texture. The relaxed brim style makes this a one-size-fits-most-adults accessory. You can also increase the number of rows before adding the brim for a roomier dreadlock tam. Download the pattern here. Pattern: Ridges Slouch Hat Designer: Jenn Wolfe Kaiser Source: Life Adorned read more
Core spinning involves wrapping fibers around a strand of spun yarn. The fibers cover the strand of yarn, which becomes the “core” of the new yarn. You can use virtually anything for a core: another strand of handspun, thread, commercial yarn… Here I used a commercial fingering weight acrylic yarn that’s been sitting in my stash… read more
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