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Scandal-ous Crochet

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cro scandal cardigan 0914I recently heard a news report that the Limited has just unveiled a line of clothing based on the hit TV show, Scandal.  I’ve not seen the show, but I’m aware of it and of the sexy lead actress, Kerry Washington.  She was on TV, modeling a dress from the new fashion line.

So, I had to go to the site to check out the new fashions.  There were lots of pant suits, suitable for office apparel, and a ton of woven wool poncho/capes.  I also saw this pretty long-tailed cardigan.  It’s list price is $89.95 which seems reasonable except – it’s knit, the fiber it’s made of is mostly rayon, and it’s only available in Off White.

Rayon is typically a poor fiber choice for a sweater as it snags on everything!  I’ve been quite unimpressed with such sweaters.  I have no need for an Off White sweater.  I’m sure others will like the color, but I prefer almost any other color.  For me, gray or black is the best neutral color.  And, while this pattern is knit, there is a free pattern that I’ve made that is so similar, I believe it could be easily adapted to create this look.  You can see Sally’s Best Friend’s Cardigan on Ravelry.  It works up quickly and would give the same bang for far fewer bucks – with better yarn fiber(s).  The color I used for my version of the cardigan is almost exactly the one pictured on Ravelry.  See the link below.

What do you think?  Would you buy fashion based on the TV show – Scandal or any other TV show?  Would you pay $89.95 for a cardigan made in a fiber you aren’t fond of?  Do you even like the cardigan or the other Scandal-inspired fashions.  Inquiring minds want to know!

NOTE:  The Winter, 2014 issue of Crochet! magazine has a very similar pattern on page 26.  It’s called Chalet Cardigan by Lena Skvagerson!

See the Scandal-Inspired Limited line here.

See the Ravelry drape front cardigan here.

Need Crochet supplies and Yarn? We highly recommend Lionbrand for quality yarn and ongoing yarn sales and discounts. Make sure to check out their free crochet patterns too.

Check out these Cardigan Crochet Pattern Books and these Crochet cardigan patterns we found on Etsy.

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Comments

  1. I just started viewing the show. I’m impressed with Washington’s wardrobe. Unfortunately they would not be flattering on my full-figured body.

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.