CAL and FREE PATTERN: Nautical Coasters

After checking my stash, I decided to get rid of some cotton little balls and to turn them into something sweet and small: coasters, potholders, snowflakes. So I now pick a ball, find a pattern for it and crochet it here and there, having fun with it in between the rest of my projects (which are usually large and difficult, like sweaters and blankets).

I also started a Cotton Destash CAL topic in the Cup of Stitches group on Ravelry. If you like this idea, join us and get your cotton projects finished in a fun and friendly company! Show your cotton yarn, your pattern ideas, your project in progress and update us how your cotton destashing is going :)

My first destash project is the Nautical coasters:

I use the motif from the Pond Ripples collection, with a few modifications (the picots added in the last round).

 Here is the “before blocking and after it” picture:

I crochet the stitches tight. I think cotton cuties love tight stitches. So I pick up the smaller size hook than I would use for the wool yarn or cotton garments and shawls. When the piece is ready and the ends are hidden, I steam block it. Actually, I simply iron it with the WS facing. Cotton becomes softer and I fix the shape by hands, then I iron it again. After that, I let it cool and dry on the iron board (while it’s soft it can change its shape).

Happy crocheting!

Links: Cotton Destash CAL on Ravelry

PATTERN UPDATE: Strawberry Danish Cushion

I've just updated the Strawberry Danish pattern and it is now available as for purchase as an individual pattern download in my Ravelry store.

Strawberry Danish is soft, textured, 3-dimensional cushion made of stuffed crochet hexagon tiles. Each hexagon motif consists of two sides (crocheted separately) with a common center, then it is stuffed and the sides are joined.

What's new? It is completely seamless now!

The project does not require sewing, all joins are made as you go. At the end you will need to weave in only one end per motif, the rest of the tails can be hidden inside between the two sides of the motif.

This pattern is written for the cushion shown in the photo, but it is versatile and easily adjustable, you may vary the size of each motif and the finished cushion by working fewer or more rounds.

More ideas for using this motif are: a hot pad, a chair cushion, a rug or even a huge single-motif pillow (sachet, needle cushion, a cat toy, etc). There are many ways to use it, so the choice of the finished item is up to you! Depending on the final use of the project, you may want to use a different kind of stuffing, use whatever is appropriate for the finished item and available to you: from batting to rice grains.

Happy crocheting!

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Pattern preview:

PATTERN UPDATE: Bargello Blanket

I just revised Bargello Blanket pattern, published in 2013. A few formatting changes have been made and a chart has been updated.

I love this pattern very much, this is one of my most favorite ones. It includes instructions for a single-motif and a multiple-motif blanket. The smaller size motifs can be used as coasters, potholders, pillow covers, or chair cushions. I made all of them a couple of times.

Colorful Bargello in rainbow colors

Light as a feather Bargello made in mohair

Original Bargello in three colors

And a multiple-motif version!

Turned my acrylic leftovers into another Bargello blanket

Made a dozen potholders and coasters

I am in love with this delicate flame-stitch pattern, which can be made with two, three or more colors. But it also has much more options than I could imagine and which one day I suddenly discovered. These are Bargellos too!

This stitch pattern can look completely different if using the colors in different order.

• The red-yellow motif shows an original stitch pattern, worked in three colors and using one color for two rounds. 
• The center part of the green-yellow motif uses one color (green) for dc rounds and another color (yellow) for ch rounds. 
• The colorful motif uses one color (blue) for all ch rounds and different colors for all dc rounds.

to be continued! I plan on experimenting with this stitch pattern more!

Bargello blanket pattern is 20% off the price now and until July 5. No coupon needed, the discount will apply automaticaly. Happy crocheting! 

FREE PATTERN: Blue Roses and a CAL!

Blue Roses rug, originally published in the UK magazine Crochet Now, Issue 17, is now available as an individual pattern download in my pattern store on Ravelry! The pattern is free until the end of June 2018, no coupon needed :)

This little rug (or a chair cushion) is made with richly-textured hexagons created using only basic single crochet stitches. The motifs are joined as-you-go while crocheting the last round.

Join us for Blue Roses Creative CAL in the "Cup of Stitches" group on Ravelry! There are a variety of projects which can be made using these motifs (check our Pinterest board for inspiration) and they all are welcome.

FREE PATTERN: Mindfulness Shawl

Lena's Mindfulness shawl design has been featured in the latest issue of Malabrigo's newsletter and is available as an individual pattern download. Just click on the "download Mindfulness" below and get it for free!

Mindfulness is a triangular shawl worked from the top center back to the edge. The shawl consists of three stitch patterns worked in sections: single crochet ribbing, diamond stitch, and a colorful richly-textured stitch.

Finished measurements: length: 55¼''/ 140 cm; depth: 22½''/ 57 cm.

The sample above uses orange (Mechita in shade Dried Orange) as a bold contrast color which is used only for the textured section for a vivid but unassuming shawl. The second sample highlights the choice of contrast color (Mechita in shade Piedras) by using white for the diamond stitch section only, giving the shawl a bigger and braver splash of color.

View Malabrigo's Newsletter | Download Mindfulness pattern

Happy crocheting!

INTERVIEW: Craft Business magazine

by Lena Fedotova

In May I was featured in Craft Business magazine, the UK's largest-circulated trade magazine for the craft industry, covering all aspects of craft. You can download the digital issue here: www.craftbusiness.com/downloads. I was asked a few questions for guidance and here I'd like to share the full version of the interview, my thoughts and story :)  

I am a crochet pattern designer for the last six years. My designing journey has taken a few different paths, I have designed classic lace shawls, lightweight motif garments, explored colorwork and 3D effects in crochet as well as rare crochet techniques, like Lover's knot and hairpin lace. I am still very excited about Tunisian crochet. At the moment my focus is on casual garments and textured accessories.

My patterns can be found on Ravelry and LoveCrochet. I spend most of my crochet social time in the Cup of Stitches group on Ravelry. I can be also found posting my newest designs and other fun yarny things on Instagram, @ravliki.

What gives you the edge over your competitors? What makes you stand out from similar offerings?

My business strategy is fairly simple, I have a vision of what I'd like to create and then decide on the best way to bring that vision to life. I do not do any market research and do not know who my competitors are or design for the latest fad. While this may not work for everybody, it works for me and keeps me happily designing things I love. 

StarOver

When did you first discover your passion for crocheting?

When I was nineteen and already pretty skilled in knitting, I saw a piece of crocheted lace which my friend was working on to make her bridal dress. I had never seen crochet before and it was love at first sight! I am a self-taught crocheter and consider myself to still be learning.

Lover's knots, bobbles, ripples, textures!

What do you love about crocheting and what are your favorite things to crochet?

Crocheting brings challenge into my life. Being an introvert who does not want to attract a lot of attention to my clothes, I tend to create garments and accessories which do not cause the “did you do this?” reaction (at least the first reaction!). I consider my designs to be a frame to myself and my personality, as well as a frame for those who choose to crochet my designs; the designs do not play the major role in the complete picture of ourselves. The nature of crochet is to be quite expressive; it is not easy to find a way to put it on the sidelines and I love solving this puzzle.

Bee Top and Oliwin

What's your favorite ever make?

My favorite project is always the one I have just finished or am close to completing. I am just so excited about it and have to share, which brings even more joy as I see that I am not alone in my excitement.

Any particularly exciting projects in the pipeline?

At the moment, I am in process of switching from single pattern releases to collections, sets of designs inspired by a particular theme. Going Sailing and Vitamin collections' mood is in the air!

What would be your top tip for taking crocheting skills to the next level?

Be patient, curious and pay attention to the details. In my opinion, this makes the bigger difference in skill level over how many years one has been crocheting. Being attentive and observant helps you to understand the process and nature of crocheting and allows for continued growth in the art and skill of crochet no matter if you are a newbie or very experienced. I can best sum it up by saying: when curiosity ends, progress in one's skill level will likely end, too.

PATTERN RELEASE: Sailmaker

by Lena Fedotova (ravliki on Ravelry)

I have just released a new pattern, Sailmaker! This design was originally published in UK Crochet Now magazine (Issue 15) and it now is available as an individual pattern download in my store on Ravelry.

This top is quick and easy to make and its unusual construction will keep you interested to the last stitch!

Its construction, the diagonal rows, triangular motifs and short rows create an endless color placement possibilities. You can make your top in one, two or three colors (and more!), make the stripes of different size, and combine the solid color blocks and the stripes.

Here are just a few examples to give you a better visual idea:

The pattern is written out and charted, it also includes a photo tutorial and a construction diagram.

Sailmaker is 15% off the price until March 19, 2018 (no coupon code needed). Please, subscribe to my mailing list to be notified of new pattern releases and special discounts.

Happy crocheting!

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PATTERN RELEASE: Aystra

by Lena Fedotova (ravliki on Ravelry)

Here is a new addition to our crochet garment collection!

Aystra is a poncho-like sweater with a generous collar and short dropped sleeves. It is made with motifs worked in the Tunisian crochet technique.

Each motif is worked separately in short rows, using a regular crochet hook, and joined to other motifs as you go. The pattern assumes basic familiarity with Tunisian crochet, specifically how each row is worked as two separate passes and how to work Tunisian simple stitch (You may find this glossary helpful!).

Aystra is 15% off the price until February 25, 2018. No coupon code required, the discount will apply automatically.

Happy crocheting!

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CAL: Ice Bubble Shawl

by Lena Fedotova (ravliki on Ravelry)

I’ve got a pre-release CAL for my Ice Bubble Shawl starting in just a few days in the Cup of Stitches group on Ravelry!

The pattern will be released by the end of February, but all CAL participants will receive this pattern for free. There is no deadline there; I will be just more than happy to see your finished shawls or your projects in progress.

To join the CAL, please leave a comment in this thread and PM me your e-mail address. You are very welcome to join until Monday, February 5, 2018. The pattern will be sent on Monday.

Pre-Release CAL: Ice Bubble Shawl

PATTERN RELEASE: Crosshatched Cowl

by Lena Fedotova (ravliki on Ravelry)



Crosshatched Cowl, originally published in Crochet Now magazine, Issue 7, is now available as an individual pattern download in my pattern store on Ravelry. The pattern has been tweaked a little, updated, and now uses U.S. crochet terminology.



Crosshatched Cowl is a simple textured cowl worked in the round. It features a beautiful and easy stitch pattern that is quick to learn and creates a thick squishy fabric. It is worked in Yarn Stories Fine Merino 4 ply and uses 3 balls in Dove. The hook size is US E (3.5 mm).



The cowl is worked in the diamond stitch pattern which uses front post dc stitches. It is important to work these stitches in a proper way to prevent the fabric from the tightening. There are several different ways to do this:

• work the front post stitches loosely, pull up a longer loop;
• work the front post stitches not around the posts of the stitches, but right under their tops;
• use the front post tr stitches instead of tr stitches.

I prefer the first two options and use them both at the same time; I work FPdc around the tops of the stitches and pull up the loop (which determines the length of the stitch) as long as needed.



You can get Crosshatched cowl pattern for FREE, when you purchase Oliwin, Cherry Jar, or Kafa patterns. If you already purchased any of these patterns in your library, simply add Crosshatched cowl pattern to your cart and the price will be taken off automatically (no coupon code required).

Happy crocheting!