Update: I’m so inspired by your comments! Your comment may take a few hours to show because they go into a moderation queue.
I’m giving away a copy of the new Delicate Crochet book by Sharon Silverman to a randomly chosen commenter on this post. You’re welcome to enter even if you live outside of the USA. If you win and you have a non-USA shipping address, you’ll receive a free downloadable crochet pattern of your choice instead. Scroll down for the book giveaway details.
Pattern Riffing
Over the holidays I “riffed” on the patterns I wrote for Delicate Crochet. I’ll explain how, in case you have (OR WIN!!) this book and want to riff too.
Meet Zegue
Zegue is a simple wrap version of the Ziggy Vest. I used up scraps of fancy yarns in my stash. In Ziggy’s case the armholes are cut into the self-healing stitch pattern. I omitted that step for Zegue. (I could still add a hole later, such as for a one-sleeve wrap, or for a keyhole scarf style like I did for the pink Mesmer. Or go with my original idea: add a seam at each end of the long sides to create tubes (sleeves) for a shrug.)
Yarn: I had one small ball each of the four Stacy Charles Fine fashion yarns I used. (See Zegue’s project page in Ravelry for the yarn facts.) One of them has sequins so I had to use it. Using a mix of yarns for the Ziggy stitch pattern was really fun! I’ve always wanted to do a stripy scrappy ripple, especially in Tunisian stitches.
Crochet Hook: I used the 7.0 mm Addi Tunisian crochet hook from my shop; the Ziggy Vest calls for a 6.0 mm size. A 6.5 mm for Zegue would probably be just as lacy though you might need a few more rows and additional stitch repeat or two.
Finished Dimensions: 14″ x 57″ (35.6 x 144.8 cm), measured flat and blocked. I like wearing it as a wrap. For a shrug option I might add buttons. It weighs 71 g. and I had about a quarter of the Luna mohair and Crystal left over.
I chose the length of each row to match the length from my wrist over the shoulders and across the back to the other wrist while my arms hang at my sides—an easy measurement (57″/144.8 cm). This is because I thought I was going to turn it into a shrug. I just kept adding rows until my forearm would fit through the sleeve tube if I seamed part of the first and last row together; I’d need a minimum of about 9″ (22.9 cm). I figured the yarn amount would get me at least this far.
Foundation and Row Repeats: You’ll need the Delicate Crochet book for the actual Ziggy pattern (starts on page 140). Here are my changes for Zegue:
- I chained 178 with Color A (Stella).
- Row 1 forward pass (FP) is also Stella, and then I changed to Color B (Luna) for the return pass (RP) and the Row 2 FP. Fasten off every time you change yarns.
- Row 2 RP and Row 3 FP: Change to Color C (Céline).
- Row 3 RP and Row 4 FP: Change to Color B (Luna).
- Row 4 RP and Row 5 FP: Change to Colors C+D (Céline & Crystal held together).
- Repeat the color sequence of B, C, B, C+D for a total of 16 rows; for Row 16 RP change to Stella. Complete Row 17 FP and RP with Stella and then fasten off.
- Edge Row 17 with a strand of Luna and Crystal held together: Single crochet (sc) in first FP stitch, chain 1, slip stitch (ss) in same sc, sc in same stitch, *chain (ch) 1, sc in next FP stitch, ch 1, sc in next stitch group, ch 1, sc in next FP stitch, [sc, ch 1, ss in same sc, sc] in next FP stitch, repeat from * in each remaining FP stitch of row. Fasten off.
- Attach Stella to first foundation ch. Working along the other side of the foundation, sc in first ch, ch 1 and skip next ch that was not used by a FP stitch, sc in available loop of next used foundation ch, repeat from * in each remaining stitch of row. Fasten off.
- Attach Luna and Crystal to first sc of Stella. Edge this row the same way you edged Row 17.
Yvelino the Paneled Ring Scarf
For this version of the Yveline Wrap I used four colors of lace weight Icelandic wool, one ball per color. See its project page for the yarn deets. I loved this yarn; it’s very “sticky” and almost bristly or wiry in a way that works great with this airy bias-worked net.
Crochet Hooks: 5.0 mm (H) Tunisian hook; for the surface-crochet I used a regular 3.5 mm (E) crochet hook.
Finished Dimensions: 13″ wide with a 58″ circumference (33 x 147.3 cm). It weighs 100 g. so I used only half of each ball. (I thought I might want to add a lot of surface crochet, so I reserved yarn for that.) Instead, I like the texture contrast zones.
Foundation and Row Repeats: You’ll need the Delicate Crochet book (starting on page 133) for the actual Yveline pattern. Here are my changes for Yvelino:
- Chain 58 in Color A. Complete 33 rows. Edge the last row with sc.
- Slip stitch Color B to the bottom right corner foundation chain of the previous panel. Chain 58. At the end of the Row 1 FP, slip stitch in the first FP stitch of Row 1 of the previous panel and then complete the RP as usual.
- Repeat this join-as-you-go process at the end of every FP until you’ve completed 33 rows. Edge it with sc like the previous panel.
- Repeat the above with two more panels. For the last panel, also join-as-you-go the first FP stitch of each row to the last FP stitch of the first panel you completed to create a ring. (Or you could seam the first and last panel sides together to for the ring as a separate step.)
Adding the Frills: The only thing different from the book is that I used a 3.5 mm (E) crochet hook, and surface crocheted a column on each side of the joins.
Oh the Resources Buried in Crochet Patterns
I hold onto lots of crochet pattern books and “mine” them for interesting stitch patterns (love those stitch symbols!), shapes (love those schematics!), and construction methods (love the rare assembly diagram!).
The stitch texture combinations, color contrasts, or styling ideas in pattern books are also inspiring.
Ravelry takes this into account so I know I’m not the only one who uses books this way. (When creating a new project page, there used to be a box you checked if you improvised from an existing pattern. Now you can choose additional patterns if you’ve incorporated elements from them.)
Delicate Crochet offers hours and hours of riffing on its interesting stitch patterns, shapes, and styles, thanks to the range of designers represented—and thanks to all the stitch diagrams and schematics.
Book Giveaway Details!
- I’ll use a random number generator no earlier than February 18 (Monday, President’s Day) to choose from among the commenters to this post.
- There may be two winners: one with a shipping address outside of the USA as well as within it. If the first winner has a non-USA shipping address, the prize will be a free downloadable crochet pattern (winner’s choice). I will then draw a new number randomly until the new winner has a USA address to which I can ship the book.
- To contact the winner(s) I will do these three things: comment on your comment with the news, and announce the winner’s name (as it appears on your comment) in my Ravelry group, and at my Facebook page. I suggest you opt-in to receive alerts of responses to your comment in case you’re a winner.
- Your comment may respond to my question, “What crochet book would you like me to write?” (as explained in my newsletter #97), or at least be crochet-related. I reserve the right to remove spammy comments as always.
- Commenting more than once does not improve your chance of winning.
I would like to see a book of Hairpin Lace how-to. I know how to do Hairpin Lace, but I’m not sure how to assemble or incorporate the strips into garments.
Hi Vashti, For your first book, I would like to see either a Tunisian book including a variety of the techniques or a multi topic book with love knot, star stitch, and hairpin lace.
Love Vashti’s ‘nontraditional’ methods! Love how she thinks out side the box. Hope she is teaching at CGOA again so I can experience her first hand 🙂
The idea of convertible (and origami) garments is intriguing. You could include designs in each of your favorite techniques – Tunisian, slip stitch, super-tight and super-loose stitches, etc. And each piece could be worn more than one way. That would be a nice collection.
I enjoyed reading through your Life Lists in Newsletter #97, and comparing it with the experiences I’ve had with crochet. I’m also looking forward to checking out the links to past newsletters that I may have missed. I’d love to see you write a book on Tunisian crochet. Thanks for sharing your journey!
A book about tapestry crochet
For your first book, I think you should feature the designs that best characterize you. To my eye, that’s lacy structure, openwork. You might call it “Vashti’s World of Lace.” You could design pieces in each of your favorite techniques — Tunisian, slip stich, etc. — that are all open and lacy. You might even include some you have already published.
I found your site looking for a love knot tutorial. Not only did I find a great one, I found so much more.
I think I’d like your first book to be on design techniques, particularly using the “self healing” stitches, measuring, tailoring, assembly.
Though a Tunisian book would be wonderful also. I had no idea there was so much beyond the basic stitch!
Or for nerds like me, a crochet history book would be amazing!
THE PATTERNS ARE SO DELICATE AND BEAUTIFUL. THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY.
Since you like to explore have you done any freeform crochet?
I have been hesitant to do delicate crochet because I haven’t found a good book to work from. I would love to get your book with tips and recommendations
Enjoyed the life lists; I’m going to work on my own! I’d like to see a book that detailed some of the techniques you use.
I saw your Day Dreamy Life Lists and I so wish the dream of seeing one of your pieces in a movie comes true, especially a movie that comes up for an award and they show a clip showing the piece you designed. Go, girl!
Hi Vashti! Always good to see your designs. Keep up the great work. You inspire me!
The lacy crochet looks fascinating. One day, I’d like to try it out.
How I love a crochet project that stretches my skill set! The book I want to add to my collection will be filled with fresh, inspiring ideas and clear instructions on techniques. As a reader of your blog, I know whatever you do will be interesting.
A crochet book about different crochet techniques
Dear Vashti,
I like your work and I follow your newsletter for several years now. I live in Belgium, Europe. I’m a self-made crocheter. I experience a lot myself.
I would buy and read your book if you’d call it ‘Having a Mannequin to Design and Shape Crochet’.
I wish you a lot of crochet-joy!
Yours truly,
Ingrid Briers.
I’ve been crocheting for over 40 years and I am intrigued by the nuances of the craft brought to light by you, Vashti, and other designers. I love learning new Stitches/techniques that are used creatively in garments. Is it possible to put all of that in one book? ? I enjoy your newsletters, and now that I found your blog—will be enjoying that as well….thank-you for all you do to support this craft!
I love your ‘journey “ in the crochet world. A compilation of your blog would be an interesting read.
Vashti, I’d love it if you would write a book compiling a lot of your crochet innovations all in one place!
I would be interested in a book of basic sweaters with variations to choose from such as different necklines, sleeves or even stitch patterns. I think the hardest part of crocheting a sweater is getting it to fit properly. So when I find a sweater that I like I want to make it again but with different details.
I usually crochet dense projects. My daughter used to request baby blankets that didn’t have “holes” or gaps that tiny fingers and toes might poke through. I also crocheted piles and piles of caps for kids with chemo or other illness-related hair loss, and they needed to be densely crocheted so no scalp would peek through. I also crocheted dense scarves to keep my grandchildren warm in Midwest winters. I would dearly love to try some delicate crochet! I don’t have a suggestion for your next book: everything you create is gorgeous! Oooh, I would so love to win this book! Thank you for the opportunity to enter.
It’s really nice to see someone with great diversity! It’s refreshing to see different things and ideas, instead of the same basic things over and over with minimal changes. I create and design my own items and sell on my website, Etsy and at art & craft fairs. I rarely see crochet items, and when I do they are the basics: hats, scarves gloves, shawls, afghans, potholders, etc.
You seem to really capture the diversity of items that I enjoy looking at! LOVE the list! If you made it a printable one, I would love to share it with my many crochet friends!
I love the crochet life list idea! I’d like to see you write a book that is a compilation of your classes and worksheets you often mention in the newsletters.
It’s a lovely book, and I love the way you have led the way, encouraging us to play with patterns and stitches. I would love to see a book from you that describes all of these innovations and fresh approaches you have to crochet. I know that’s a tall order, but you are a pioneer and I think it would rock the crochet world to have all of that in one place!
I like the idea of a book that is a compilation of your email newsletters.
I’m with those who have already suggested a book with your interesting crochet techniques, and patterns that use them. I’m not sure if they are still in style but I love your slip stitch items and also the concept of pooling.
I love the idea of a compilation of your newsletters. It would be nice to have your research and wisdom in one place. I could have all that knowledge by my side as I try to understand a pattern or try a technique.
Love the idea of convertible garments that can be worn in multiple ways!
I would love to see a book on tunisian crochet. It’s a technique that I’ve been wanting to try for years and I even have the tunisian hooks! I love the idea of a life list and I’m inspired now to keep one myslef for both knitting and crochet. If you decide to do a pdf checklist, that would be great!
I love this book! You could do a book on almost anything! I love to crochet all different types of items and use every type of stitch!
Thank you for the giveaway!
The patterns in this book look amazing! I love being challenged to learn a new skill or use crochet stitches in a different way.
the patterns are so pretty
Hi Leslie, you’re the winner!
Your texts are pure crochet poetry. Your analytical way of looking at stitches open so many new worlds for me, mesmerizing insight on stitches and structures. I think you should write a book about tunisian crochet. Thank you for all your newsletters. We are lucky to have you!
I’d like a book with projects incorporating techniques I want to learn- Tunisian crochet, bullion stitch and lovers knot. Thanks!
Oh, Vashti, I’m so glad you’re finally writing a book! Tunisian, slip stitch, star stitch, different lace techniques like hairpin and broomstick. So many options, but I think I have to go with Tunisian. Sign me up as a pattern tester and for an advance copy! I’m definitely buying this one.
I want to learn more tunesion crochet
With that said I would like a tunesion book on hot pads potholders and shawls.
I would love to see you write a book on . Experiences with TECHNIQUES, STITCHES. There were a tremendous amount of different ones to learn. I love reading your newsletters and your blog. Thank you
Wonderful giveaway. The book looks so beautiful. I would love a book on floral patterns incoprorated into garments.
I love hairpin lace but still feel like a novice. leaning more would be a goal for me.
I would love a book where for each pattrrn, you “take the pattern apart” and explain the mechanics of item and how you choose how to size it and how the pattern was written. And just for fun, why the pattern is written
Thank you for the giveaway! It would be fun to see a “Variations on a Theme” book, with a few basic patterns, and ways to enhance them with different stitch and color techniques.
Hello.
I’m enjoy learning new techniques and working with new, to me, yarns and threads. I am now comfortable with doilies. I just purchased some finer yarns as I think the delicate flowy look it creates is pretty. Excited to try some of the beaitiful patterns I’ve seen.
I am currently working to learn tunision stitches. For some reason I’m not picking it up as well as crochet.
BUT I’m not defeated!
I muchly appreciate what you share with us.
Hope your day id good and your week bettet.
I’d love a book about how to riff on various kinds of patterns. For example, how would you take a triangular shawl pattern and give it a curved (crescent-shaped) neckline? Or how would you add a shawl collar to a cardigan that has a V-neckline or a jewel neckline? It would be wonderful to see the “original” pattern and your riff on it–and also to have general guidelines about how to riff on other patterns.
I love the variety of types of crochet available: traditional, broomstick, Tunisian, hairpin lace, freeform, etc. I would like to see a book that focuses on mixing styles together. There don’t seem to be many books that deal with the individual styles though I have found some online and at the stores dealing with Tunisian. If we understood more about mixing and matching it would substantially increase our options for creating beautiful items and apparel.
These patterns are just great. i’m a beginner crocheter, long time knitter, and love seeing the wonderful, different effects of crochet.
Book looks wonderful, Vashti. I would love to see a book using floral stitches in garments, maybe including brooches too. All of the work I’ve seen by you look amazing! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway.
I would like to see a book on how to custom fit/alter clothing crochet. I love to see items made with cheap easy to find yarns.
May I suggest more than 1 book topic? The convertible garments would be a classic. There is a lot available for knitters, especially in Japanese and European patterns, but not much in crochet. The Tunisian crochet topic could probably translate into 3 or 4 books, honestly, especially if you break them up into functional divisions–home decor, sweaters, wraps & so forth.
I have quite a few more thoughts, but will limit myself to just one: there is a huge need for a book that addresses crochet for knitters, and knitting for crocheters. I find very few people (including myself) understand all the nuances of using both techniques, for example when a crochet edging would enhance a knitted garment & how to adapt hook size & technique to make the final project an integrated whole. On the other side, for example, incorporating useful knitting techniques, such as ribbing, to enhance fit could be of interest to crocheters.
Hi Vashti! Your posts are always so enriching. ❤️ Thank you, thank you. One million times thank you.
I have followed your emails for a long time and your crochet ideas are something I want to do. I have not yet. A few years ago it felt like all my creativity just hit a wall and I’ve not crocheted, knit, made jewelry since. So I don’t know about your next book. Perhaps something about your approach to creativity or about how art and life intersect and the history of that insight in your eyes. What do you dream about doing? What started you on this path?
Personally, I’ve really liked of your existing patterns for tunisian crochet – the delicate Aero scarf really worked for me – and the clever patterning of the water-lily 3 in one. I’ve been busy with other things for a while – so I need to get across slip stitch items. But clever design, interesting techniques and practical items is what I’d like to see.
For those who’d like to look at techniques: Doris Chan’s”Crochet Lace Innovations” goes over the use of hairpin lace and broomstick crochet (and Tunisian – though personally I liked Aero better for this technique) is highly recommended.
I would love a book combining Tunisian and “Traditional” crochet within the same project.
I’d like a book that focuses on techniques in crochet. I love Tunisian crochet and the lacy items you have designed. Ideas for more like that would be wonderful.
Whatever topic moves you is what I want you to write! I enjoy your newsletters.
I tend to knit more than crochet but the delicate look might just have me getting out the crochet hook! The lacy-ness of the delicate stitches is enticing.
Hi Vashti, I remember well your inspirational teachings on slip stitch and Tunisian Crochet at the retreat for members of the Northern Illinois chapter of the Crochet Guild of America, and am certain that you could produce an inspiring and instructive book on those two subjects just using material from that weekend! Over the years I’ve enjoyed following your blog and purchasing your patterns, so I’m well aware you are a master and mentor of many kinds of Crochet, so I’ll look forward to whatever you produce!
I think a book on Tunisian Crochet would be great as I do know how but just would like to have a book to reference when I want to do it again.
Hi Vashti, I love Tunisian Crochet, and I think it would be extra special putting in some patterns like the one you have in this blog, since it is delicate. I’ve made a few Tunisian projects and they tend to be on the heavy side, so having some delicate patterns would be inspiring. I have been reading your blog/emails for years and love to hear from you! Best wishes with your new book, whatever techniques you include.!
I’m hoping this book has designs for laceweight yarns of which I have a lot, but a bit uncertain how to use ….I’ve been subscribing to your newsletter and am amazed at the innovations you create and the places you go to (a la Captain Kirk and Star Trek…)
I love riffing on a pattern – and I loved your hints – it would be fun to see a book with a pattern and then rifs on the pattern
I’m happy with the books you’ve published, not what you were looking for. I’m amazed by the depth you go into learning new techniques, working old techniques…I’ve been a fan for a long time.
keep calm & crochet on,
Marilyn
I want to learn this technique
What book will you write?
I can’t wait for your new book. I hope it is about techniques/stitches and you include interesting items you have mined and collected. My favorite of all your techniques is steeking. I have used this several times and it came in handy for major mistakes to save us from ripping out rows and rows. Whatever you decide, I know it will be thorough, clear, and oh, so useful. Good luck!
Lorraine McAndrews
I would like to win this, also. I’m sure the lucky person will appreciate this.
I’m always up for learning new techniques – count me in!
I was motivated to crochet because I wanted lovely lacy items to wear. The book I would love you to write would be more on the crochet lace theme using the less common techniques like tunisian, hairpin, Solomon’s knot and incorporate your studies into self healing hooked and steeking-related experiments. Beyond the basics to workshop but with practical projects to culminate the workshop activities.
I loved your zegue shawl. I’ve worked with lacy silk mohair, ripple patterns and tunisian techniques and woukd love to try your zegue pattern to put them all together.
I love what you do in your newsletter – rather than follow a pattern, I’m all about the experimentation and new understandings about our craft. Your newsletter extends my imagination. Thank you.
Hi Vashti!
I think that your first book should have different crochet categories for each chapter. Such as, designing and crocheting jewelry, (one of my passions-I sent you pictures of my blue ribbon winners, prompted by my grand mother’s blue ribbons)
Another category could be your beautiful lacy wraps, scarves and ponchos. Another could be motif creations, etc.
We could all benefit from seeing your lacy take on the crochet world.
I love the many things you make with the Love Knot stitch and all of the lovely light and open lace wearable art that you design.
Trust me, none of us can get enough.
Thanks for the news letters and inspiring ideas!
Hi Vashti,
I would like to see a book that includes lacy crochet patterns using tunsian, Solomon’s Knot, and hairpin lace.
Thank you for all the work you do for us crocheter’s!
I’ve been crocheting for more than 40 years and learn so much from each and every one of your newsletters! Thank you for so generously sharing your techniques and discoveries. I’d love to see a book that focuses on crochet beachwear or summerwear patterns for adults and children.
I have been following you for years now and I LOVE your work. You always inspire me to do better.
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