Interweave Crochet Winter 2021

strands

As 2020 comes to a close, I look forward to the moments of peace that winter brings: curling up next to a crackling fire; listening to the silence after a heavy snow; making hot cocoa from scratch; and feeling the love in each handmade hat, scarf, and mitten I wear. The quiet of winter always feels like an invitation to slow down and find comfort—something many of us need after an undeniably hard year. Fortunately for me, even if the landscape remains decidedly gray and my hot chocolate comes straight from a mix, I know I can rely on my crochet hooks and a skein of yarn to conjure up images of gentle snowfalls and the warm glow of a fire. If you, too, are looking to your craft this season to…

winter wishlist

1. HAPPY HANDS STORE SNOW BEAR LOTION Avoid cracked, dry hands this winter with a travel-size bottle of Snow Bear Lotion. Made with natural shea butter, aloe vera, and sunflower oil, this delightful lotion is not sticky or greasy and will not transfer to your yarn as you work. The earthy blend of woodland moss and mint is great for every wintertime crafter! Retail price: $6 www.etsy.com/shop/HappyHandsStore 2. CRAFTY FLUTTERBY CREATIONS CELTIC SHAWL CUFF This sweet shawl cuff is like a hug for your shawl—or your wrist! With myriad charms from which to choose, you can personalize a shawl cuff for yourself or your friend. Each one is made with renewable, fair-trade cork fabric, which is soft against the skin and can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth. Retail price: $20 www.craftyflutterbycreations.com 3. JUL DESIGNS HUMMINGBIRD SHAWL…

reading nook

Making with Meaning: More Than 20 Meditative and Creative Crochet Projects Jessica Carey, Abrams It has been well-documented that crafting helps calm the mind and soothe the body. But in today’s hectic, frenetic environment, it can be difficult to take the time to engage meaningfully with creative pursuits. In her new book, crocheter Jessica Carey inspires readers to bridge the gap between simply making something and making something with meaning. The book is divided into five sections that take on themes such as Perspective & Mindfulness and Acceptance & Forgiveness. Each section includes reflections on its theme and a challenge for crafters as they work through the projects in that chapter. These projects include chunky blankets, slouchy cardigans, charming amigurumi, and more. Making with Meaning is perfect for any crocheter looking to…

crochet for good: the feel better friends project

The Feel Better Friends Project (FBF) is a nonprofit organization that has successfully combined two elements—friends and therapeutic play—through the creation of one-of-a-kind crocheted dolls crafted in the image of each doll’s recipient. Crochet enthusiasts create these precious gifts to match the eye color, hair color, unique characteristics, and, when possible, the favorite outfit of the special child receiving these made-with-love dolls. For children experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy, dolls can be made with hats or wigs that are identical to the child’s own situation. FBF is the brainchild of Shanon Fouquet. She had her own life-changing diagnosis of an inner-ear issue that causes chronic dizziness. Faced with adversity in her own life, she made peace with the situation and embraced the experience as an opportunity to give to others.…

pebermynte hat & cowl

Treat yourself to a matching set with a Scandinavian-inspired colorwork pattern. The hat and cowl are stitched up using tapestry double crochet. High-contrast colors make the traditional pattern pop. YARN Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran, distributed by LoveCrafts. DIFFICULTY FINISHED SIZE Hat: 17 (20, 23)" circumference and 8" tall, excluding pom-pom. Cowl: 44" circumference and 6" tall. YARN Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran (50% wool, 50% acrylic; 19 7 yd [180 m]/3½ oz [100 g]; ): #800 Paper White (A), 3 skeins, #813 Rose Red (B), 2 skeins. Yarn distributed by LoveCrafts. HOOK Size 7 (4.5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge. NOTIONS 3" pom-pom maker or 3" square of cardboard; yarn needle. GAUGE 17 sts and 9 rnds = 4" in tapestry dc, unblocked. NOTES — See the Glossary on page 70 for terms…

frosinn pullover

Post stitches dance across the yoke of this seamless sweater. Increases are made in-pattern, ensuring uninterrupted motifs. Cotton yarn makes this a multiseason sweater, perfect for layering throughout the year. YARN Scheepjes Skies Heavy. PLUS SIZE DIFFICULTY FINISHED SIZE 35¾ (39¼, 43, 46¼, 49, 53¼, 57, 60¼)" bust circumference. Sample shown measures 35¾ ", modeled with 4¾ " positive ease. YARN Scheepjes Skies Heavy (100% premium-blend cotton; 186 yd [170 m]/3½ oz [100 g]; ): #104 Altostratus, 7 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10) skeins. HOOK Sizes G/6 (4 mm) and E/4 (3.5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge. NOTIONS Stitch markers (m); yarn needle GAUGE 16½ sts and 8 rnds = 4" in dc, with larger hook, blocked. NOTES — See the Glossary on page 70 for terms you don’t know. Visit our master…