Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet Pattern Review: Shelby Skirt – Lion Brand

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Flirty, comfy, and totally wearable — this is crochet fashion done right.

If you’ve ever wanted to crochet a piece that looks straight out of your favourite slow-fashion boutique, the Shelby Skirt is calling your name. This cute and comfy piece is trending hard right now — and for good reason. It’s giving boho picnic vibes one day, beachy cover-up the next, and Sunday market strolls all year round.

The Shelby Skirt is that rare blend of comfy and flattering. It has a gently flared shape that skims the hips, a sweet drawstring waistband for that perfect fit, and a lovely allover stitch texture that gives it visual interest without being too bulky. I love that it’s flowy without feeling oversized — it hits that sweet spot between playful and practical.

Style-wise, you can dress it up with a tucked-in blouse and sandals or throw it on with a tee and sneakers. I’ve even seen it layered with tights and boots in cooler weather — so yes, it can be a year-round piece.

This pattern is beginner-friendly, especially if you’ve made a few flat projects and are ready to try something wearable. It’s worked top-down in the round, which means no seaming (praise be), and the stitches are simple — mostly half double crochets, with some front and back post work to give it shape and structure.

The waistband is adjustable thanks to the drawstring, and the pattern includes multiple sizes for a flexible, comfortable fit. I also love that it’s easy to lengthen or shorten depending on your style — mini, midi, or maxi, this skirt can do it all.

Lion Brand recommends 24/7 Cotton, which is a brilliant choice here. It’s smooth, crisp, and holds its shape beautifully — no saggy skirt syndrome after a few wears. Plus, it comes in a rainbow of colours, from soft neutrals to sunny brights. I’ve seen Shelby Skirts in terracotta, mustard, dusty blue — they all look stunning.

If you wanted a bit more drape or softness, a cotton-linen or bamboo blend would work nicely too. Just be sure to swatch for gauge!

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Red Melt The Ice Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern Review

Some crochet projects are made simply because we need a warm hat. Some are made because we need a quick gift, a stash-busting project, or something easy to work on while watching television. And then there are crochet projects that carry a message.

This Red Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern PDF sits firmly in that last category.

Inspired by the Melt the ICE craftivism movement, this red crochet beanie is more than just a wearable winter accessory. It is a handmade political statement — soft, practical, visible, and rooted in the long tradition of protest through craft.

You can find the Red Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern PDF here.

Crochet as Protest

Crafters have always had a way of saying things with their hands. Quilts have carried coded messages, embroidery has documented women’s lives, banners have marched through the streets, and yarn crafts have wrapped public spaces in colour and defiance.

This beanie belongs to that same creative lineage.

The phrase Melt the ICE gives this pattern its political edge. It connects the humble red crochet hat to conversations around immigration enforcement, detention, family separation, human rights, community care, and the role ordinary people can play in public protest.

And that is what makes this pattern interesting. It is not loud in the way a placard is loud, but it is visible. A red handmade hat catches the eye. It invites questions. It gives the maker a way to wear their values without needing to shout over anyone.

Sometimes craftivism works because it is disarming. People expect political protest to be hard-edged, but handmade work brings something different to the conversation. It says, “I cared enough to make this stitch by stitch.”

About the Pattern

The pattern itself is beginner-friendly and refreshingly straightforward. The hat is worked flat in rows, then seamed and gathered to create a relaxed slouch beanie shape. That makes it especially approachable for crocheters who are still building confidence with wearable projects.

Instead of needing to work in the round or fuss with crown shaping from the start, you are essentially making a rectangle and turning it into a hat. I love that kind of construction because it gives beginners a real sense of achievement. You are not just practising stitches — you end up with something wearable and meaningful.

The design uses a textured crochet fabric, giving the finished beanie a cozy, slightly chunky look. The slouchy shape keeps it casual and modern, while the bold red colour gives it that unmistakable activist feel.

Why Red Matters

The red yarn is not just a colour choice here. It is part of the visual language of the project.

Red is urgent. Red is warm. Red is visible in a crowd. It can suggest anger, love, warning, solidarity, courage, and care all at once. For a political crochet project, that matters.

A red slouch beanie can be worn to rallies, community events, mutual aid gatherings, craftivism meet-ups, or simply out in everyday life as a quiet statement of support. It is one of those pieces that can be as bold or as subtle as the wearer wants it to be.

Of course, you could make the pattern in any colour, but for the Melt the ICE inspiration, red feels intentional. It gives the hat its message before a single word is spoken.