Totally Simple Crochet

I ran across this book at my local library last week. Don’t know how I missed it before. I don’t believe I ever saw it for sale at any of my usual haunts.

I’m glad I ran across it because it’s a great little book. It does have 30 patterns in it and several of them quickly found their way onto my WIM list!

The most beautiful pattern in the book is titled simply ‘Crocheted Stole/Shawl’. It’s a pretty floral looking stitch pattern worked with two strands of laceweight baby alpaca. The two colors, only a shade off from each other as heathery beige and gray, add a great deal of dimension, resulting in a stunning shawl. It’s dimensions are 22X81 inches, but since it’s worked across its width, I can downsize it to something more manageable for me than a shawl that’s 81 inches long. Further, I’d probably substitute a fingering weight yarn in a heathery color rather than carry two strands of yarn.

The other pattern I fell in love with is unusual for me. It’s ‘Flower Scarf’ made from tiny motifs that are joined as you go. The scarf is shown worked up using NINE different colors of baby alpaca, holding two strands together. Again, I’d choose a yarn that is fingering weight – probably sock yarn – with long runs of related colors rather than the nine skeins called for. The end result would be very similar to the pictured scarf I believe.

The other 28 patterns in the book run the gamut from afghans to gauntlets to caps to place mats and two more shawls that are lovely. Step by step instructions are included, along with good photos, and all the crochet basics are covered.

Book Specs:

Totally Simple crochet

Author Tove Fevang

Published by Trafalgar Books, 2011

90 pages, hardback

ISBN 9781570764745

List Price is $21.95 USD

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.

Have you read?