Tag Archives: sylvie

Two Patterns in One! Knit & Crochet Interlude Shawl

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ScannedImageSo I have done something a little different, and I am excited about it.

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Interlude Knit Shawl

In the past I shared how my daughter was teaching me to knit (you can read about it here), I will admit I have not been the best student. I can understand knitting in principle and concept but actually getting the needles to work with the yarn is a different story completely. However my lessons have encouraged me to go out on a limb and create dual craft patterns, with the first being Interlude.

Interlude is a shawl that is worked in with one skein of Lisa Souza Sylvie Silk, but it can be worked in either knit OR crochet! Okay, technically it is Tunisian Crochet, but still 2 different ways to create the same look.

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Interlude Crochet Shawl

Obviously the finished product is not identical, but they are very similar; they both work in short rows on large hooks/needles, they both have beautiful drape, they both use only one skein, they both work up quickly, and they both have the same completed shape.

This, okay, these shawls debuted at Stitches West in Santa Clara this past weekend, and there was some definite excitement about the fact that there is actually 2 patterns in one (I had requests for other of my crochet designs to attempt to be converted to knitting), as well as just how yummy the ultimate design is. So fast and yet elegant.

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Interlude Knit Shawl

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Interlude Crochet Shawl

I have to give complete thanks to Lisa Souza herself, for actually knitting up the knit version. I had attempted to complete it myself, but after it set on my needles for months, I knew if it was up to me it would never come into being. Like I stated, I understand the concepts, but the hands are not as proficient as my mind, so I got completely hung up on the short rows. But I can share Lisa’s feedback, she told me that at first she was questioning my sanity, as it is a fine yarn on rather large needles, then she found it rather addicting and finished with just a couple of hours over two evenings. However the magic happened after blocking. The stitches were not readily apparent until it dried, then it all came together and she dubbed it a success (she may still question my sanity, but it is not about this pattern).

This is an interesting adventure, which grew out of my daughter’s simple request, I am personally interested in seeing where it might lead. To help celebrate my enthusiasm with this new undertaking I am offering a 20% discount on ALL patterns in my Ravelry store with coupon code SW2016 through March 31, 2016 (no limits, use it as much as you like, and share it with friends). Thank you for sharing this adventure with me!

Designs that Will Ring in Spring

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ScannedImageSpring is in the air; the ground is beginning to warm and release the blooms of daffodils. The days are getting longer and spending time outside is a greater joy. So it has made it a nice time to release 2 of my latest designs, they help take a little chill out of the air and dress up a casual look.

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Summer Rays Drop Stitch Wrap

The first is the Summer Rays Drop Stitch Wrap; it is created with a simple 3 row repeat, and 1 skein of Lisa Souza Sylvie 100% Bombyx Silk yarn. The highlight of this wrap is a unique stitch that is created free hand, of long loops, a technique that was originally featured in my article in the Summer 2012 issue of Crochet! Magazine, with the Drop Stitch Short Scarf. I really enjoy this technique as it gives the appearance of hairpin lace without the loom, or the joining of strips. It is worked as one continuous piece, and when you finish, you only have 2 ends to weave in.

This pattern includes the details on how to complete this technique, and I have to say that the silk gives it such a great drape that it adds IMG_6150 - Copyelegance to the work.

What inspired me to put this design together was actually the yarn. I had a skein, and I made it a personal challenge to see what I could create with it, and the Drop Stitch lends itself to this non-stretch yarn very well. The openness of the stitch with the smooth surface of the yarn, allows both to be featured in a positive way with this design, creating a classic style.

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Fiji Flowers on Flowers Shrug/Wrap

The second design I am releasing is the Honorable Mention Winner of the 2013 Crochet Guild of America Design Contest, Accessories category; the Fiji Flowers on Flowers Shrug/Wrap. This is a uniquely constructed piece that is comprised of 3 large pentagon motifs created with Tunisian Crochet. These motifs create a negative space design that is enhanced with additional motifs, thus creating flowers inside of flowers. All motifs are joined as you go, requiring no sewing.

One of the original features of this design is the “floral buttons” these are added embellishments that allow the fabric to be secured together to create air sleeves of a shrug, or left unsecured for an interesting wrap. This versatile piece is also worked in Lisa Souza Sylvie 100% Bombyx Silk yarn, which has beautiful color and gives great drape to this piece. This is a fun shrug that can be paired with jeans or a simple black dress, can be a nice compliment for a day at the beach, or a night on the town. It fills a very unique niche in any wardrobe, and trust me, it is fun.

#My inspiration for this design was born out of a watermark I saw in a magazine advertisement. It was a flower that was actually featured in a negative space (the space that is not the color, but the blank background), and I began daydreaming of how to create this in crochet, thus the large motifs were created. However they lacked structure and did not allow for a stable fabric, until the addition of contrasting motifs within them. This the negative space flower grow to have an addition of flowers within its petals. 

Both of these designs are available for sale on Ravelry.com or Crochetville.com for the simple price of $5. Check them out and let me know what you think of them.

Summer Rays Drop Stitch Wrap (Ravelry – Crochetville)

Fiji Flowers on Flowers Shrug/Wrap (Ravelry – Crochetville)