Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

PHASE INTO PHALL (er…. FALL)

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cowl vest 0809

The air is suddenly crisp and cool.  Fall (my least favorite time of year) may well be upon us and it’s still August!  Tho’ I’m not a fan of Fall as cold winter soon follows, I do like the colors of fall and the transitional garments that often ease me into the heavier garments of the dreaded winter.

Here are a few patterns I’ve run across lately that will work up fairly quickly, will flatter most, and will fit into many of our wardrobes.

First is this freebie from Caron:

 

http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/cowl_vest.html

For those of us with no necks, the cowl can be eliminated and a crew neck collar will appear.

Angela Lavonne Best led a Crochet-A-Long recently using a pattern she designed called a ‘Shawligan’.  This is a perfect ‘into Fall’ transitional garment.  Ronnie Titus made it in a lovely variegated yarn in a gray/black/white colorway.

shawligan 0809

http://lavonneknotjustknits.com/blog/

From the front, the Shawligan looks like a long garment, but the shortened back makes it easier for sitting at the office desk, sliding into the front seat of the car, and keeping the shoulders warm in Fall wind.  As you can tell on Lavonne’s site, it’s also a very flexible garment that can be ‘wrapped’ in a variety of ways.  The pattern is a free download on Ravelry.com.  Just sign in and search for ‘shawligan’ and you’ll find it.  Thanks, Lavonne!

And, when you’re around the house or office and just need a little ‘something’ on your shoulders, here’s a lovely ‘just enough’ shawl that will look great topping any outfit:

tranquil wrap

Lion Brand Tranquil Shawl

Make this in any fall color, especially a muted ombre, and you’ll have a topper that people will want to steal right off your back!

Comments

  1. I have a neck but it gets hot so don’t wear turtlenecks or cowls. I dismissed this pattern with just a glance because of the cowl. I’ll take a look at the pattern. Thanks for the comment about leaving off the cowl.

  2. Love those patterns – especially the first two – I’m going to make the cowl-next top for me, and the shawligan for my MIL. Thanks!

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.