New Pattern: "Vera"

I wasn't really sure what color to use on my next pattern. I'm trying to cut down on purchasing any more until I've used what I already have. The problem is that I have so many partial skeins that it looks like I have more than I really do. But I found 2 skeins of this lovely pink and decided this would be next. Only to run out when I was close to finishing! So I actually did end up having to go get an extra ball from the store.

While I was working the center, the first section came out so great that I wondered if I could just repeat it endlessly. I did repeat it one time before I changed it up and added the strips for more texture. So the center section repeats itself one time before you reach the midway point.

If you enjoy patterns by Patricia Kristoffersen or Zoya Matyushenko, you should recognize the strip motif immediately. Also, new designer Alla Chikalova has utilized this design element. The first time I encountered it was with PK's "Dorothy." I tried my hand using strips in a different pattern of mine, "Elysium," but I wanted to try it further away from the center. It wasn't until I worked Alla's "Ulita" that I felt comfortable attempting it on a much larger scale. (Though I must say that the picot strips I designed for the center of "Margaret" are still my favorite; but I have been unable to work them further away from the center because of how textured they are.) 

After working the strips, I wanted to work something similar to my last pattern, Selah-- lots of FPDCs. I was initially going to add some spaces in the center of the leaves, but found that I enjoyed popcorns there much better. 

I used 64g/360y/330m of Red Heart crochet thread in pink. This is usually one of the few colors I can get at Walmart. I used my 2.25mm Furls Odyssey hook, which is my current favorite hook. This piece came out to about 14-inches in diameter.

If you want to purchase the pattern, you can use any of the links below. The black buttons will purchase directly from me, while the Ravelry button will allow you to purchase from Ravelry. 

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New Pattern: "Selah"

This is one of the rare patterns where I had a general idea how I wanted it to look. Because of the large flower design, there aren't many complicated stitches involved. I had an idea as it was progressing that I wanted to take a white thread and outline the petals of the flowery center with an overlaid stitch, but I tried several methods and could not get it to look natural. 

I used Valley Yarns cotton 5/2 in the color golden ochre. I absolutely love that this thread comes on cones. It's fuzzier than I like, and a teeny bit thicker than size 10, but I don't mind that at all. 

This pattern incorporates the same "points" within the petals as some of my recent patterns, creating a bumpy and textured look that I really like. 

"Selah" is 13-inches in diameter and requires 250-300 yards of size 10 thread. As always you can use whatever hook size works best with this thread according to your own tension; for me, a 2.25mm complements my tension the most. 

All new patterns are 50% off for the first 24-hours. You can purchase through Ravelry if you want to save the pattern to your Ravelry library, by using the Ravelry button below. Or you can purchase directly through me using the other buttons. 

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New Pattern: "Florence"

This is the first pattern I designed with Valley Yarns Cotton 5/2 thread. I purchased this specific cone from a Raveler who had some in their stash that they were willing to sell and at a very reasonable price! At first, when it arrived, I wasn't so sure about it because it's thicker than size 10, but it's also fuzzier (not as glossy as I prefer). I switched from my Furls 2.25mm to my Clover Amour 2.25mm and fell in love. I don't know why, but the difference in the feel of the hook works so well with the lack of glide that this thread has. This thread comes in a wonderful variety of colors as well. And at over 2,000 yards per cone, you have so much to work with!

"Florence" is 42 rounds of absolutely beautiful texture. With the thicker thread and larger hook, mine came out to about 18-inches in diameter (though I also do have very tight tension). 

I really hope you fall in love with this pattern because it is one of my favorites. I'm challenging myself to make bigger designs (though the next pattern to be released after this one is yet another smaller one). 

Don't forget to share your progress or finished work in our group! 

All new patterns are 50% off the first 24 hours. This pattern will return to full price at 3:30pm EST tomorrow (March 22nd).

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New Pattern: "Nadine"

I recently purchased some lovely cones of cotton thread from Webs online. I also purchased their color card so that I could accurately see the colors so that I can purchase more in the future. I wasn't sure what size thread it was, since it's only labeled as 5/2. After perusing the projects on Ravelry that use this thread, I decided I could take the risk and purchase some. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it's only slightly thicker than size 10, though I wouldn't quite label it size 5. It's probably nearer to size 8. I switched to my Clover Amour 2.25mm since it's a teeny bit bigger than my Furls Odyssey 2.25mm and the thread slides better on it anyway. This is my favorite color of the Valley Yarns 5/2 thread-- porcelain green. But it's also very, very difficult to photograph. 

"Nadine" is worked in 34 rounds with about 350-400 yards (I used 80g / 370y / 338m). I've been experimenting a lot recently with taller stitches and this pattern has no shortage of them. 

If you've worked any of my patterns that were published in the last 6 months or so, you shouldn't have any trouble with this pattern. I try to challenge myself with each new design, trying to find unique stitch combinations to work into each new design.

As usual, the pattern is 50% off for the first 24 hours. You can purchase it through Ravelry by clicking the button below or use the black buttons to purchase it directly from my website. 

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Mystery Crochet-Along is finished!

This post is a little late. We finished our last Crochet Along last week! It was exciting and fun and I really hope that if you participated you found the challenge to be thrilling.

For this pattern, I used Artiste Egyptian Cotton in the color 'jade blue.' I don't know what it is about this color--I just love it. It doesn't necessarily have to be this thread, but I find this color and Aunt Lydia's peacock just absolutely brilliant. 

For this piece, I wanted to make raised pineapples using a method I introduced in my earlier pattern "Margaret." I am in love with how much more realistic they appear. The tiny picot-like points create a wonderfully textured appearance--much like actual pineapples! Yet not as prickly.

You can find this pattern on Ravelry or purchase it here.

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