Thursday, December 25, 2014

The Cowl for Skerin Four Ways

Susan Kerin writes, 
"I wanted to design a Christmas gift, decided on a crocheted scarf.  Began experimenting with colors and textures of my yarn remnants and worked various prototypes that could be easily written as a pattern. Result was the Cowl for Skerin Four Ways."

The pattern also calls for four buttons, which is a fun exercise in itself to go through the button box and pick out the “just” right accent of color/textures of buttons to put the cherry on top of this delicious yummy item.  Susan said the response to this scarf was "absolutely overwhelming"!


All kinds of texture goin’ on in a soft and warm cowl; completed in multiple textures and yarn weights and lots of fun choosing the just-right buttons to set it off!  Makes up really fast; excitement builds as each new color and texture are added.  Work seems to go faster and faster as each row is completed … and you can’t wait to see what the next completed row brings!  Skill Level:  Easy.  Of yarn weights in yarn standards categories 4, 5, and 6. Finished size:  approx. 32”x6”.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Lacy Star Stitch Crochet Cowl: Spiraling Starwirbel

Starwirbel Cowl-Capelet
Crocheting star stitches that look this lacy has been a fun discovery! Earlier this year I was preparing to teach a new crochet class on star stitches. This is when I learned about the incredible lace textures star stitches can have

The Starwirbel Cowl came together quickly as a design for several reasons. With a big crochet hook, each star gets you where you want to go faster.

You can use all different kinds of yarn. (Link goes to the Starwirble projects page in Ravelry. Also see its crochet along here.) 

I used a yarn that has bitsy sequins here and there, with some mohair and silk. I couldn't put it down!

It's crocheted in the round with no turning—that means it's a spiral. I love how you can really build up speed and momentum when crocheting in a spiral.

I named it "Starwirbel" for this reason. the "wirbel" part is a German word for whirl. That's what the spiraling construction felt like to me while crocheting it. 

Before I found the term "wirbel" I was thinking of names like "Star Whirl" or "Star Funnel." I think "Starwirbel" is more distinctive and memorable. Also, I love that several German crocheters have purchased this pattern.


This pattern is not free and I really appreciate each and every purchase of it. Starwirbel comes with a great photo tutorial. It also benefits from all the information I gleaned from the (frankly outrageous) amount of research I did on star stitches for my star stitch classes!