More About the Roundel Scarf

I thought it might be interesting to share with you my original vision for the Roundel Scarf from the It Girl Crochet book, since it is a little different from the final book sample. One of the differences, is that my original swatch included 4 colors. Sharon Zientara, the author, changed the color scheme and decided she wanted the scarf to be made in only 3 colors, so I had one less color for the circles. After I finished crocheting the sample, I felt it needed some embellishment. I decided to add the embroidery to the centers of the large circles. That little detail made all the difference to the look of the scarf, and it balanced the color distribution. That is why I love to embellish my crochet work with embroidery!

Close-up Showing the Embroidery Detail

My original name for the scarf was the "Marbles Scarf". The photo below was my inspiration. I thought it would be interesting to choose variegated yarns for the circles, so they would look like marbles. I am going to be searching for variegated yarns that would emulate marbles when crocheted.  It is a simple change to the instructions, that will give the scarf a completely different look!

The Roundel Scarf for It Girl Crochet!

It Girl Crochet by Sharon Zientara has just been released, and that means that I can finally talk about my Roundel Scarf that is in the book. Sharon sent the contributing designers the loveliest most thoughtful submission call for this book. Since I love designing accessories, this was an exciting email to receive! The original title of this book was Boutique Crochet, which led me in the direction of creating something you wouldn't be able to buy at a regular chain store. Something special and unique. Some of my favorite techniques are combined in this project, including embroidery embellishment, the coin fringe, and combining multiple elements. You might learn a few new tricks when making this scarf!

In the joining of the circles and crocheting the edging, the pattern often refers to the horizontal loop under the front loop of stitches in the circles. It is very important to the look of the finished scarf that you know where to locate this loop. 

I have made a sample marking the loops on the circle so you know exactly where to find the horizontal loops:

Front of Circle, illustrating the top two loops of the triple crochet

Side View, illustrating the the top two loops and the horizontal loops in orange

Back side of circle showing the location of the horizontal loops

Another view of the back side of the circle to show the location of the horizontal loops

I have another tip on how to keep your pieces organized when you are making this scarf, as well as some details of my inspiration and design process, over on the Crochet Me blog.

In my next blog post, I will talk more about my original vision for the scarf, and give you an idea as to how to give the scarf a different look. Stay tuned!

First Projects from Crocheting Clothes Kids Love!

Now that Crocheting Clothes Kids Love has been out for a little while, projects made from patterns in the book are starting to appear on Ravelry and Instagram. It is wonderful when crocheters post their photos! I was excited to see the Pretty Popcorn Vest worn by a little older girl, and styled differently to the one in the book. Lara Thornberry has made the vest and the Chelsea Capelet, which she lengthened to be more of a sweater vest, for her adorable daughter. She did a beautiful job on these and her daughter is such a lovely model!

Pretty Popcorn Vest

Chelsea Capelet as a Sweater Vest

Suad Murad, was inspired to make the entire trio of hairbands from the book! The Bow Band, Polka Dot Band, and Daisy Band, which are so well done! It is interesting to see the projects made up in different colors as well.

I am looking forward to seeing more and more photos posted, as people complete projects from the book. Seeing that people are using the book and making beautiful things, is the most rewarding part of writing it!

The Crawford Necklace Pattern, Now in Italian! Collana Crawford Modello All’uncinetto Ora Disponibile in Italiano!

Thanks to my translator, the amazing Veruska, one of my most popular patterns is now available in Italian! I am so excited to be able to offer this pattern to a whole new group of crocheters! Here is the link to the Ravelry Page.

Grazie al mio traduttore, il sorprendente Veruska, uno dei miei modelli più popolari è ora disponibile in Italiano! Sono molto lieta di poter offrire questo modello per un nuovo gruppo di crocheters! Ecco il link alla pagina Ravelry.