Crochet

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LOOKING FOR YARN

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I’ve been looking for a certain yarn that a friend of mine was working with last weekend.  It’s a Red Heart worsted weight acrylic in a color called ‘Peruvian Print’.  This stuff is remarkable.  It’s a self-patterning yarn that makes a really neat design on the scarf Lee was working on.  She was using a Crunch Stitch that creates a nice, dense, textured design and brings out the best in this self-patterning yarn.  The colors in Peruvian Print are turquoise, white, blue, rust, brown, and a cream.  Maybe a couple other colors, too.  I can’t find the stuff anywhere locally, so I’m left to the tender mercies of the internet to find some of this delicious yarn for myself.

Problem is, the colors in Peruvian Print are not my favorites.  I’d like any number of other colors – either the pinks I love so much, a pattern made of black, white, and red, or some lively yellows and other bright colors.  I have emailed Coats and Clark since they own Red Heart.  I feared that, as often happens when I run across a wonderful yarn, this yarn might have been discontinued.

After trading emails with Coats and Clark for several days, I finally learned that there IS, indeed, another colorway in a self-patterning yarn like the Peruvian Print.  It’s this one:

www.coatsandclark.com

www.coatsandclark.com

Watercolor # 318

Hard to tell from this teensy swatch how the yarn will work, but I’m going to give it a whirl.  I’m ordering 9 skeins of it at 5 oz per skein.  That way, I can make an afghan or a bunch of scarves and hats if I want.  I’ll let you know how it works out.

As for other self-patterning yarns, they’re out there.  There are a few yarns that create a ‘fair-isle’ type pattern.  RH has these yarns in their Jacquard line and in Strata.  These are a bit different from the self-striping sock yarns which, of course, can be used for more things than socks.  Any pattern calling for a size 3 or 5 yarn or any pattern where gauge is not of paramount importance will work with the sock yarns.  I have made numerous pairs of fingerless mitts with the sock yarn, and it works out just fine.

The self-striping, and the self-patterning, yarns are REALLY designed to show off their patterns to best effect when knitted.  That’s a shame.  But, they are still pretty in crochet.

Comments

  1. I used that particular yarn on a blanket and it turned out lovely. The colors really end up reminding me of Monet’s waterlilies series. 🙂

    good luck!

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.