WRAPPED IN CROCHET – PART DEUX

WRAPPED IN CROCHET: Scarves, Wraps, and Shawls by Kristin Omdahl

As promised, here is a preview of some of the outstanding patterns available in this book. Omdahl shows the depth of her designing skill with this array of projects.

“Labyrinth” is a log cabin using self striping yarn to create a visually highly textured scarf.

“Tressa” is a great hairpin lace scarf and offers clear illustrations of the technique.

An unusual infinity motif wrap, open, lacy, and divine in shades of emerald and amethyst is “Gali”.

“Prima Ballerina” (mentioned above) is a delicious, lacy cardi-wrap – but would have been more of a standout in a better color.

The mohair blend yarn in “Guinevere” is used to create mesh traingles, simple in design with an utterly feminine but not fussy ruffled edging.

“Maya” takes a simple V-shaped shawl and gives it lots of impact with a splendid medallion border.

The circular shawl, “Stella”, is designed around a central motif of a swirled star. The surprisingly simple border appears to add just enough weight to make the shawl drape nicely.

The lacy “Farrah” shawl would be a perfect project for a Halloween cover up with its great open spiderwork motifs. The simple motif creates a surprisingly complex visual effect.

“Hypnotize” is a geometric spiral shawl and is simply lovely. It’s different from any shawl I’ve ever seen. Starting with a circle, Omdahl works rows on half the shawl until an oval is achieved. Beyond that is an even more unusual inverted ‘V’ split in the back. You gotta see this one.

But, “Heidi” is the show stopper here! This knock-out is a woven and braided scarf that is unique and visually complex. This one will be going under the tree for my daughter in her favorite pale lilac colorway.

There are eighteen patterns in this book, more than I can outline here. Omdahl has created a wonderful collection of wrap patterns for us here. This book is definitely on my Gimme List.

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?