Fire Whirl Hats Kit!

It was really exciting to find out that Interweave has made a kit out of my Fire Whirl Crochet Hat pattern! It is a unique hat because it looks quite different if you pull it down, or if wear it in a more relaxed way, pushed up so the ridges are more defined. The pattern is suitable for men, women, and children. I personally like it worn a little off to the side, as in the photo below. I really like the defined ridges, so I blocked the hat flat, with the ridges sitting in concentric circles. It is a great project to practice the Invisible Fasten Off Technique. Once you start using it, you will wonder how you ever fastened off in the round without it!

There is something fun about getting a kit, and there are a limited quantity of these kits on sale now in the Interweave online store. The kit has enough yarn to make 2 hats, in the same beautiful yarn and colors that were used for the magazine sample. 

Revealing the Modern Jabot!

Fall is my favorite season, and I am so thrilled to have my Modern Jabot pattern featured as the "Fast and Fabulous" project in the new issue of Interweave Crochet!

When searching for inspiration for Interweave's call for submissions, I discovered a few jabot patterns in my vintage sewing pattern collection.  I loved the idea of something as ornate as jewelry, with the warmth of a scarf.  So I set to work to make my own modern version of a crocheted jabot.  This scarf is quick to make and fun to wear!  It takes less than one skein of sock yarn, so it is the perfect project for a beautiful skein of yarn you have been saving or coveting.  It can look quite different, depending on the yarn used and the way it is tied.  I tied it a little looser than Interweave did in their photo shoot, so you see only the loops and not where they meet the neckband.  In the photo below of my original submission sample, I also arranged the loops more deliberately for a stronger look.  I used Artyarns Ultra Merino 4 for that sample, and it is slightly thicker than the Franklin Valley Hand Dyed sock yarn that I used for the magazine sample, so I think it helps the loops to stay separated.  I had to go down a hook size when using the Franklin Valley yarn, so the resulting scarf is a little more dainty.  I love this pattern because it is so versatile depending on the yarn you use and the way you tie it.  The jabot is a wonderful way to dress up a simple outfit.  It will become my new "go to" crochet gift!

This pattern is now available for individual purchase as a pdf download, for $5.50 from Interweave's Store.

The Original Sample I Submitted to Interweave

At the time I was working on this design, I was on vacation in Dubai, UAE. We were staying at the beautiful Raffles hotel.  It turned out to be a very inspirational stay.  It was a wonderful coincidence that the Artyarns yarn I had brought with me to work with, was the same color scheme as the decor in the hotel.  Somehow it made me feel like I was on the right track with the design, and the decor inspired the loopy fringe that I think gives the jabot its modern edge.

Beautiful hanging Lamps in the Hotel Corridor

Hallway Carpet

Velvet Pillows

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