New year, new you! December’s suites were all about sizeable projects with easy stitches to keep the mind at ease during the holidays, and now we are entering a new decade so it’s the perfect time to finally tackle some more extravagant patterns with just a bit more challenging components. Cold temps and grey skies are further signs that you should be staying in and cozying up to your yarn, expanding your tool box when it comes to knitting and crochet. These are the perfect things to turn to when the thought of facing the winter outside is not so motivating. Use it as an excuse to take advantage of the current theme:
SNOWED IN!
Each of the patterns included in these new suites have a special feature that may have been intimidating to you in the past, but I promise once you get the hang of them you will be so glad you spent the time to figure them out. And although they all have a special bit that might seem tricky, the majority of each project is rhythmic and addicting. These are all totally approachable designs, and some of my most popular as well!
The suites of 5 knitting or 5 crochet patterns are available for only $10 – more than 50% off if you were to purchase them individually! These suites will be available until mid February when they are replaced with a new set. So grab yours now while you can! Scroll down for a little background on each one, including an explanation of the challenging parts.
KNITTING PATTERNS
The uses simple and repetitive cabling and bramble stitches to create the most elegant and sophisticated fabric. This scarf is suitable for the men in your life as well and makes a stunning gift for birthdays and Father’s Day.
When Lion Brand first released their yarn, I immediately envisioned an oversized stole style collar. If you’ve never worked with this yarn, this is a great pattern to start! It’s much easier to knit than crochet because the stitches can get a little lost in all the texture, but having them all on the needles makes them easier to find. The is made extra special with a lining knit in Lion Brand The two pieces are seamed together to create the coziest chunky collar that can top a wool coat, leather jacket, or even just a sweater!
The standout piece from my 2019 fall/winter collection was hands down the . This pattern has so many special details – top down raglan construction, fold-under facings, I-cord drawstring, shaped hood, and tubular bind off – but don’t let those scare you! Only basic knitting stitches are used alongside clever shaping techniques to make this an easy-to-knit addicting project.
If you’re new to colorwork, this is one of my favorite beginner projects! Using a slip stitch technique and two colors, the pattern creates a subtly textured two-tone fabric reminiscent of a woven material. I love using two similar colors like Lion Brand in Fisherman and Oatmeal pictured here to give it a simple and sophisticated look.
Taking the colorwork up a notch, the pattern uses striping and mosaic knitting to create this gorgeous and super simple to knit design. This pattern contains a chart that makes it easy to see which stitch you should be on, but it also includes fully written instructions for those fearful of the charts. This is the perfect pattern to compare the two and get comfortable understanding how charts work in knitting.
CROCHET PATTERNS
The is the newest pattern in the suite, and it’s also one of my favorites. Although only simple stitches are used, the texture and variety make it look much more complicated. The pattern contains a chart as well as fully written instructions, so it’s a great opportunity to compare the two as you work and familiarize yourself with reading charts.
The was my most popular design in 2017 when it was released, and for good reason! Double crochets and chain spaces are all that make up this elegant poncho, but they come together in such a way that looks like lace. Once again, the pattern is fully written along with a chart so you can whip this up with only beginner level skills.
The is the ultimate winter accessory. This bobbly beauty works up in no time and with the repetitive stitches you’ll get the hang of the fun bobble stitch quickly. If you have been interesting in learning the bobble stitch, this is the pattern for you!
Once you’ve mastered the bobble stitch you can move on to the This pattern uses tapestry crochet to carry along an unused color so you can create the two-color look where the bobbles pop out from a contrasting background. I’ve made this for several friends’ babies and it’s always a hit!
The is one for the books. This stunner uses double crochet and simple shaping to create this lovely jacket. Oversized lapels and pockets add special accents without intimidating techniques. This pattern will get you so inspired to make more crochet garments.
STAY TUNED FOR NEXT MONTH’S SUITE! CAN YOU GUESS WHAT THE THEME WILL BE?
