A Shawl Fit For a Kingdom by the Sea Deb Breland is an independent designer from Louisville, Kentucky. She came up with a gorgeous shawl concept based on the poem "Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe. From the coffin-inspired lace to the romantic "Love and Loss" edging, this is a gothic-inspired knit you can wear year-round. Deb chose Louisa Harding Pittura for her shawl in color Starry Night 610, because the deep blue shades reminded her of the restless sea evoked by the text. Pittura's wool/bamboo blend makes great shawls since the wool adds a little spring while the bamboo lends drape and shine. The short color bursts manifest in knitting as pointillism, adding color texture without obscuring the lace. You...
Effortless Elegance Independent Designer Mary Rose created this beautiful, linen lace - the Second Saturday Shawl. Lots of texture helps highlight the lace, and the linen yarn will only get softer and nicer with washing and wearing. With an option for a small shawlette or a large, dramatic wrap, this pattern can find a place in anyone's wardrobe. The lace is charted to help you visualize how it all comes together. Simple stitches and techniques add up to something outstanding when combined in the lovely diamond motifs. The twisted garter stitch background is both easy to work and keeps the linen looking sharp, preventing sagging and rolling. This shawl is so versatile, it would be equally appropriate to wear out...
Wrap Yourself in Love Laurie Kahn, aka Spider Mambo, just released the Asymmetrical Heart Shawl as part of our Independent Designer's Program! Large, lacy hearts combine with stripes of smaller hearts to create a fun, wearable piece of art. Every step is illustrated with photos, which gives you confidence while crocheting that you're doing the right thing. This shawl is so lovely, and the versatile shape means there are numerous ways to wear it. It really is the perfect statement piece - especially with Valentine's Day right around the corner! Laurie chose Wendy Pixile DK for this shawl. It is so soft, and machine-washable, too! The yarn has gentle, tone-on-tone flecks of color that add depth and interest. At just...
Rambunctious and Fun! Paula King is our latest Independent Designer. She created this jubilant Merengue Knot Bag. The amazing, sculptural ruffles are thanks to the magic of felting. Knit this bag at a large, loose gauge, then toss it in the washing machine and watch it transform! Felting hides all kinds of faults, so this pattern would be perfect for someone who wanted to try out some new techniques. The knot bag closure is so simple and effective. It's perfect for hanging around your wrist on quick errands or at a party. Make your colors as loud or as quiet as you like; the possibilities are endless! Paula decided on Noro À La Mode and Kureopatora for her bags. Even...
Little Red Riding Hood, Princesses, and More! We could not be more pleased to present the next pattern from our Independent Designer program. Donna Gleason created this beautiful Little Red Riding Hood cape with bonus instructions on how to make it any size imaginable! These capes are thick and warm, so they're good for dress up and keeping away winter chills. The Harry Potter fan in your life or Renaissance Festival aficionado would get a lot of use out of one of these cloaks. Donna chose Kraemer Perfection Worsted and Perfection Worsted Lights for her design. The worsted weight means the crocheting goes quickly, and the easy-care blend means you can just toss it in the washing machine when your...
