Patterns So Good I Made Them Twice!
I’ve often expressed how I’m not a fan of other people’s crochet patterns. There were issues with the way they fit and some just didn’t seem worth the money. My crochet journey began with an education from YouTube University following the patterns of others. Within a month or two I was creating my own designs. I wanted to make truly custom and well fitting crochet pieces. I wanted to understand how to take a piece of string and create a fabric that had the potential for long term, frequent wear. I nerded out. I made things I really liked.
Designing takes a lot of brain power. Every now and then I just want to be told what to do. I do understand that the patterns I did not like could have been modified and it isn’t wrong to do so. But unless the modification is simple like add a few stitches or rows then it’s too much. Over the last few years I’ve discovered designers and patterns that I absolutely love and who really understand how to make statement pieces.
Here are 4 patterns that I really enjoyed making. So much so that I made them more than once! There are a few more patterns that I definitely made more than once but these are the ones I want to highlight.
In no particular order we are starting with the Doña Cardi by Lola Crochet! This pattern is worked in semi-joined panels beginning with the front panel working around the body in strategic short rows to make up the sleeves, back panel and front. Later the cardi is seamed then the button band and pockets are added. The method of stitching mimics knit and the overall project is so cozy! I made these within months of each other! I’m sure one day I’ll have a third.
The Doña Cardi made with Happy Place Apricity. TL Yarn Crafts x Hobbii. Size small. No modifications.
The Doña Cardi made using Drops Air. Size small. No Modifications.
The next pattern is the Aureole Beret! I must say that I am a big fan of brioche crochet. When I hear about brioche from the knitting community it’s often complaints about how challenging it is but that it makes a very squishy and desireable texture. The Aureole Beret uses the hdc sl st blo stitch. The variation of short rows using that stitch creates a beautiful leaflike motif. I’m obsessed honestly. The pattern requires me to pay close attention to my stitch and row counts for many rows and when I get to the end of the repeat I get to do it all over again. Both berets were made with Madeline Tosh Tosh DK.
Now next is my all time favorite!! The ArtFit Shorty Shorts! This pattern is my baby. I had a vision that took me a couple years to execute. I wanted to make a pair of shorts for everyday wear. Shorts that could become a staple in your wardrobe. I preferred to use two semi-joined panels instead of making them in the round. I wanted to make sure the crotch area was comfortable and not baggy. The end result needed to be easy to modify. You can easily turn the Shorty Shorts into pants by continuing the leg rows. I also decided to include photos from my pattern testers too! I think I own about 4 pair and two modified versions currently. I decided to include photos from my pattern testers too!
Last but certainly not least is the Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket from TL Yarn Crafts. I know… a baby blanket being on this list is wild. However, I did indeed make it twice and I enjoyed it both times. There’s just something about long rows of Tunisian simple stitch and return passes that makes me happy. The rhythm is broken up just enough by color changes so that the routine stays interesting. The first one I made was a gift for my God Daughter Phoenix! (Pictured at the bottom.) I guarantee if I’m asked to do a baby blanket again I’d choose this pattern first!
Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket made with Blue Sky Organic Cotton.
Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket made with Lion Brand Wool-Ease.
