PATTERN: Nordic Pixie Mittens

Have you ever tried tapestry crochet? Despite its name, it has nothing (necessarily) to do with making rugs. It's just a technique in which you use two or more colours, whereby the strands not in use are carried along inside the stitches as you work. It creates a dense and, depending on the fibre you use, very warm fabric. All across Scandinavia and north-eastern Europe you see knitters using their version of this technique, with good reason:  It creates a dense, warm and - if you use 100% wool - water-resistant fabric.

These little mittens, with their simple striped pattern, are the perfect introduction to the tapestry crochet technique in a Nordic style. Three colour scheme suggestions are included in the pattern, but of course you are free to make up your own – they are great little stash busters!

Step-by-step photos of the trickier techniques - foundation crochet, changing colours, crochet ribbing - are included at the bottom of the pattern. There's also a variation for a rounded tip, if you'd prefer a little less pointed pixieness.

Difficulty level 
This pattern is perfect for advanced beginners who want to move away from crocheting only straight lines, try some new stitches and learn about simple colourwork and shaping to make a cute, wearable item. 
As the colour charts are very simple, intermediate and advanced crocheters will also enjoy this pattern as a quick, fun and practical little gift for any little people in their lives.

Materials 
2.75mm (C/2) and 2.25mm (B/1) crochet hooks, or as required to obtain gauge
scissors
wool needle
stitch marker
Yarn for all sizes: three colours of DROPS Alpaca (167m/183yds per 50g)

Yarn alternatives 
Any 4-ply wool or alpaca yarn. Using a 100% wool will ensure water-resistance. If you’re new to tapestry crochet, choose a smoother yarn such as DROPS Baby Alpaca Silk or a merino blend. It will snag less easily if you make a mistake and need to rip back.

Sizing 
0-2 (2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10) 
When made to size, this mitten fits snuggly around the hand and wrist with a little wriggle room at the top. The long ribbed cuff will stop the mitten from falling off, so you can make a size larger in anticipation of small hands growing. Check your gauge to ensure the right fit.

Tension 
10 x 10 cm/4” x 4” = 26 sts x 27 rows over DC using at least two colours.

Stitches + Skills 
Basic crochet stitches, working in the round, tapestry crochet, crochet ribbing.

You can purchase the PDF download in US and UK terms from my Ravelry store now. Until Friday 9 December 2016, I'm offering a 30% discount - just enter code PIXIE30 at checkout. 

€3.50 (plus VAT if applicable)

As you can see, they make an adorable little set with the V-stitch Scrappy Neckwarmer, for which you can find a free tutorial here!

---

I'm linking up this post with Moogly Blog and Petals to Picots

It's so FLUFFAY!!

My last two magazine designs for this winter were published today and, I have to say, I think they might be my favourites for the year. Both appear in this month's Crochet Now, which has "stash busting" as its main theme. As a relentless hoarder of random bits of yarn, it felt particularly apt to be involved in this issue...

The first design is a divinely soft, lacy scarf called "Floss". For the sample in the magazine I used Rowan Kidsilk Haze and Rowan Fine Lace, with 2.5mm and 3.0mm hooks. If that sounds tiny, don't worry - the scarf works up much faster than you'd think. The yarn goes a really long way too, so you won't need much of it. 

If you've followed me on instagram for a while, Floss will probably look familiar. I first made an ombre version of it back in April. The feedback then was really positive, so I hope to see lots of you making your own version of this design! 

The second design is for a little baby jacket and I just want to squeeze the little model CN have used for the pictures!!! 

I'm particularly pleased with the construction of this jacket. It's worked flat in one piece, then quickly and easily seamed up at the sides and under the arms. Again, the idea is that you use up leftover yarn in whatever colours you happen to have lying around. We used four contrasting colours of Sublime cashmerino, plus a trim in white and grey to give the whole thing a neat finish. 

Issue 9 of Crochet Now is in UK shops now, or you can buy a digital version through any of the platforms listed on CN's where to buy page.

Moving to Sweden || one year in

August marked our one-year Swediversary, but I didn't quite get round to writing about it then. Partly because we were on holiday. Also because at that stage we already knew of something momentous that was about to change our life here dramatically and which couldn't possibly be left out of an update, but which we weren't quite ready to share yet. Eventually I did - in October I dragged myself out of bed and announced our soon-to-be Swedish baby. All being well there will be four of us in April. All born in different countries. Isn't that amazing?

So here we are, over one year into our Swedish adventure. Actually, it is starting to feel less like an adventure and more like normal, routine, everyday. This is what happens when you up sticks: it takes a year. My mantra. It takes a year to find out where the best bakery is, who you click with, what will grow when, and how to cope with the climate like a local. Give. it. a year.

LIFESTYLE
I feel like our way of living is driven 99% by the climate. The summer was nothing short of spectacular. Right now I see snow and fog from my window, but as it's predicted to warm up a bit again next week, let's pretend winter isn't quite here yet. Autumn, in all its brevity, is/was spectacular too. 

The difference between the two - spring/summer and autumn/winter - is shocking though. There are four distinct seasons but you do end up thinking of the year as comprising six months of light and six months of darkness (though we don't get polar nights or days this far south). During the light months we were outside all the time and almost experienced two days in one: get up, go to work/school, come back, eat, go out again for lawn games, playground trips or walks. Now that the darkness and cold have set in, we're retreating indoors and into ourselves a lot more. We share hearty meals with friends, watch a little too much Netflix, and build train track after train track. Some Saturdays none of even bothers to get dressed.

Each has its charms, as long as you're prepared. I froze and preserved as much seasonal produce as I could in the summer months, and we've replaced most of our swish Italian wardrobes with more functional, warm, protective clothing. In summer you accept you'll get sand in your knitting, and in winter you stick your inspiration on the wall. 

THE BEAN
In late August the Bean finally went up an age group at preschool, from the 1-3s to the 3-5s. He's was so very ready to be challenged more and, oh my goodness, he's leaped in with his heart and soul. It's not surprising - preschool here is so, so cool. Everything is driven by the children themselves and geared towards fostering creativity. As long as everyone is safe, they're pretty much allowed to do what they please. The big ones help the little ones, and they all come home absolutely filthy. Their days out sound so fun they make me want to join in, too: paddling in the stream, blackberry foraging, leaf collecting, library visits. Once they took two public buses to get to a farm, picked their own sweetcorn, barbecued it and just ate it with lashings of butter there and then. I was especially envious that day. 

All this intense activity comes with challenges too, of course. He is knackered. Most evenings it's a struggle to shovel some dinner into him and put him in the bath before he collapses. Many days I end up with a half-fed, crusty Bean snoring in my bed. 
Always my bed. Though in many ways his confidence has soared, some things don't change. The comings and goings of relatives in the summer holidays always affect his sense of security, and then there is The Baby... He's doing his best to process it all, in his own way, with questions and imaginative play. It's hard though, and there have been some very big wobbles about being abandoned while I'm in hospital in particular. All we can do is reassure him, again and again and again. But every morning I still wake up with his little feet tucked up under my thighs and his face squashed into the side of my pillow. 

BABY
So yeah, I'm bumpy again! Rather more early on than last time too. Baby is wriggling and I'm a grumpy mess of backache and heartburn. Standard stuff, then. Next week I'll have my second scan, at 19 weeks, which will be the last one if all is well. As I've mentioned before, Swedish antenatal care is very hands-off unless there are complications. Since this country is considered one of the safest for women to give birth in, I'm okay with that. 
I will need to chat to my midwife about what to expect from the hospital though. It's always tricky to navigate a healthcare system when you're new somewhere, and our experience of a hospital birth in Italy left both Mr E+L and I pretty traumatised. I would really like to hear it's more midwife-led and communicative here, or they might have trouble getting me to come in at all. My next check-up is in December, so I'll raise it with her then.
Of course, in the meantime I can't resist stroking all the cute wee baby things. It just makes all the discomforts and worries disappear in an instant. I'm making a few things myself, and I've bought a big bag of second-hand newborn clothes. A mixture of fun brights and versatile (gender) neutrals, just like our soon-to-be Big Brother wears. 

WORK
Ah, work. When it works it's great, but... The insecurity I wrote about in my last update hasn't been resolved or even improved yet, unfortunately. On the plus side, we've made up our own minds about a few things, which is of course part of the battle. We'd really like to stay here, so for the first time in our adulting careers we're not chasing work opportunities and changing everything else to fit around those, but rather looking for ways to make sure work supports the lifestyle we want. 
Small steps. From Monday I'll be attending an intensive Swedish course every single morning for four weeks. Then of course from April-ish onwards I'll be on maternity leave, but I'm keeping an eye out for employed jobs as opposed to self-employed jobs. It's nervewracking - I've been independent for 6 years and I'm terrified of losing the creative freedom I've gained - but two of us having unstable incomes is just too stressful. Mr E+L is doing the same so, who knows, a little lucky fairy dust may come our way soon. Who knows where we'll be this time next year?

I'm linking this post up with Chantelle at Seychelles Mama for #myexpatfamily

On my to-do list || November

I'm okay with it being November already. Totally cool and not at all panicking about having only 6 weeks left before the Christmas holidays. Really. 

Harharhar. If it'd help me get more shit done, I might even try to crochet with my toes too.

Commissions

I've got a huge deadline at the end of this month. I can't show you yet what it's for (although did you see my last two magazine features? I wrote about them here and here - it is so cool to finally see them appearing), but I can probably let you have a little sneaky peak at the yarn. 

Ulysse by de rerum natura. 100% European merino, but unlike any merino I've ever used before. It's ethically produced, using as few harmful chemicals as possible. It feels crunchy and sheepy and absolutely wonderful. The Thing I'm Making with it will be released in February, and you can be sure I'll be shouting about it everywhere. 

Emmy + LIEN designs

• Playing Catch-up - While we still have some natural daylight left, I'm snapping away with my camera like a woman possessed. Re-shooting old tutorials, prepping for new ones. The next one I have lined up is a re-release of the Anemone Square. It's gone a bit bonkers over on Pinterest lately so I really need to move it over from my old blog. 

• Death by ends - I've had a few enquiries about the Window into Winter shawl recently, and it's nearly finished. I just have a few ends to weave in (it will be worth it, it will!)... I've bought a lovely mustard yellow for the border, which I can't wait to get started on. The yarn is a 100% alpaca by iloyarn, another company that uses ethical production practices. They're right on my doorstep too, which I didn't even realise until this week! If you want to be in the know when it goes live, have a look at my facebook, twitter or instagram pages, or join the E+L Ravelry group.

Just me (and baby)

I remember how my first pregnancy seemed to take forever, but this time around I feel like we're on fast forward. Soon I'll be at 20 weeks. I guess I should be resting, but sleep is not working out all that well (heartburn/insomnia/freaked-out 3yo) and from next Monday I'll be going to Swedish class for 2.5 hours a day, 5 days a week. Somehow, somewhere, if I'm not to get completely overwhelmed by general adulting duties, I will need to allow myself to just be me. Which does mean drooling over tiny baby patterns, I'll admit. And eating lots of cake without feeling guilty about it, going out for walks whenever I don't feel like death warmed up, and curling up under a blanket when I do.

Keep warm, lovely people - it was -3 on the school run this morning! - and have a cracking November. 

Because everyone needs a poncho

Let's not think about the fact it's pouring with rain, that we've had two bed-wetting incidents in as many days, or that I'd put on 7 loads of laundry before 10 AM today.

Let's instead think about the spiced carrot. banana and coconut cake I've just taken out of the oven (Green Kitchen Stories' first cookbook, you're welcome), and be thankful for the Swedish habit to install industrial laundry facilities in apartment buildings. Let's also think of crunchy leaves, woodland walks and cosy layers.

Let's have a look at my latest design for Crochet Now magazine, the Woodland Poncho! 

Worked in the round using grit stitch with soft, bouncy DROPS Merino Big (an aran yarn), this is a very quick make for boys and girls alike. Like all my garments, this poncho is designed as a practical layering piece that gives warmth without restricting movement. The pompom could, of course, not be resisted by either myself or the Bean. 

For the striped panel I looked to traditional fairisle motifs, while the colours were inspired by the season's last flowers: heather, aster, field scabacious. 

I envisaged the Woodland Poncho would be worn by intrepid little explorers on their autumn or winter walks. The little girl the team at Crochet Now used as a model certainly looks adorable in it, don't you think? 

Issue 8 of Crochet Now is available to buy in print in the UK now, while those abroad can pick up a digital copy through any of the platforms listed in CN's where to buy page.

All the Knitted Things | a year of learning, mistakes and epiphanies

About a year ago, on a dark and wet autumn afternoon not dissimilar to today's, I decided to start knitting. I had "learned" at school as a child, but all I remember of the experience are the sweaty hands and the angry tears. Even then, crochet and sewing were much more my thing. 

And so it might have stayed, if I hadn't turned crocheting things into a job. Though I still adore crochet, I can't relax with it anymore. I feel guilty if I take time to make something that I won't release as a pattern. I also do get fed up with it when I've done nothing but pore over the maths behind it for an entire day. I needed something else to unwind with (I get too angry with the sewing machine for it be sewing). 

So I got a few supplies, took to YouTube (I like Very Pink's videos because they're short and clear), and started knitting. Four hours later I was surprised to find myself with a cracking headache and a sore neck - who knew you could grip a couple of sticks that hard? I didn't have much of a Knitted Thing to show for those four hours either, until a kind soul on my facebook page suggested I try circular needles. What a revelation! It turns out that my hands, used to short crochet hooks as they are, were much happier with those than with ordinary straight needles. I was off. 

I haven't really stopped since. I love it for so many reasons. It (eventually) became relaxing, I can make a wider range of wearables for my family. I have another excuse to buy yarn. It's done wonders for my otherwise insatiable drive for perfection - when there are no deadlines looming, no reputation at stake, I can just let little mistakes go.

And boy, have I made mistakes. I've really struggled with tension, I've unsuccessfully tried to combine yarns of different weights, I've failed to grasp the importance of a stretchy cast-on or a nice, tight rib, I've I've I've... and that's before we even talk about the dropped stitches or the wobbly edges "fixed" with a sneaky crochet slip stitch. There is nothing quite like learning an entirely new skill as adult to cure you of perfectionism, really. 

Also, I have learned so much about pattern writing and garment construction, which has in turn benefited my crochet design skills hugely. The simple truth is that the crochet garment pattern industry is really behind knitting, both in terms of quality and diversity. There are clear signs that things are changing though, and I like being able to contribute to that trend confidently. 

Above all though, knitting has just been fun. I thought it would be nice to show you some of the things I've made (three have flown the nest, so I couldn't photograph them. Note to self: photograph before gifting), and share the patterns and yarns for each. So here it is, my year in Knitted Things.

The Statement Scarf
Pattern: Mollie Makes issue 61
Yarn: Alpaca Tweed and Big Merino by Lanar Emporio
Skills Learned: increases and decreases, how to make really pommy pompoms (the answer: buy a pompom maker)

Thoughts: Great beginner pattern, don't try to mix yarn weights, oh how this is soft and warm! 

Rye Socks
Pattern: Tin Can Knits, The Simple Collection
Yarn: Vinnis Colours Bimbi (discontinued)
Skills Learned: how to sock! This patterns comes with a great step-by-step blog post. 

Thoughts: Really good collection of beginner patterns, DPNs are not that scary, whoever invented the Kitchener stitch must have been on crack at the time.

Another Plain Vest
Pattern: Pickles 
Yarn: Vinnis Colours Bimbi (discontinued)
Skills Learned: armhole shaping, stockinette stitch practice

Thoughts: Need to work on getting an even tension! 

Milo
Pattern: Georgie Nicholson at tiKKI
Yarn: Vinnis Colours Bimbi (discontinued)
Skills learned: top-down seamless construction

Thoughts: Interesting construction and fun to make. Comes up a little boxy for my skinny child so next time I need to go down a size but make it longer.

Clayoquot Toque
Pattern: Tin Can Knits, Road Trip
Yarn: Vinnis Colours Bimbi (discontinued)
Skills learned: fairisle

Thoughts: Oh my god I can do fairisle! Just. Need to work on getting a tighter rib, too. 

London Skies
Pattern: Clare Devine, The Travel Trio
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock
Skills learned: twisted rib

Thoughts: Actually, I love knitting socks (but the next pair will be in a kid's size because these took aaaaages)

Next up are many, many more socks to see us through the winter, and then hopefully I'll find time to make a stack of soft baby knits before the arrival of our Bug in the spring. If you want to have a look at what I've got my eye on, check out my knitwear pinterest board. I think I'd need a few lifetime to do all the cardigans, but still - Such fun!

PATTERN: The Peach Pocket Tunic

It's here!!! Finally, finally I am ready to re-release this pattern. I say re-release, because you might have seen it knocking about on Pinterest for a while. I first published it on my old blog in the spring of 2015, in one size only. I did promise there would be more sizes, so ta-da!

I didn't quite intend for it to take this long, but there has been a very good reason for the delay. I wanted it to be perfect. So really, this is a completely re-worked pattern. I made another sample in the most deliciously soft organic cotton. The instructions are more concise and easier to understand. When I'd finished writing the pattern my editor pored over it for hours and my team of testers did a wonderful job, providing feedback that allowed me to iron out the last kinks. I'm really, really happy with it and I hope you will be too. 

You can purchase a copy of this pattern, in either UK or US terms, from my Ravelry store now. 

The Peach Pocket Tunic offers a modern, wearable take on crochet garments. Made in soft 8-ply (DK), it’s a cute piece for any time of the year – wear on its own or with a layer underneath, team with pretty shoes or funky wellies. The possibilities are endless, making this a kiddie wardrobe staple! 

The pattern is worked from the bottom up in 4 sections: back panel, front panel, and 2 sleeves that are seamed onto to the front and back in a raglan construction. The ribbed collar and hems are worked directly into the edges. Finally, 2 pockets are worked separately and sewn on.

The stitch pattern is a very simple SC worked alternately in the front and back loop. It gives a wonderful texture and a much better drape than you’d normally expect from a SC. 

Difficulty level
This pattern is aimed at intermediate crocheters who want to create a well-fitting, more tailored garment. It uses an easy stitch (SC worked in FLO and BLO) and clever shaping techniques. Full written instructions as well as stitch diagrams and schematics are included. If you're more of a beginner crocheter, don't feel intimidated by this pattern - a separate blog post full of tips, photos and tricks is on its way! A step-by-step photo tutorial for the ribbing is available already.

Materials
E/4 (3.5mm)  & D/3 (3.0mm) hooks, or as required to obtain gauge
scissors
wool needle
yarn: 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) x 50 g ball of MoYa Whisper Mint (Main Color - MC); 1 (1, 2, 2, 3, 3) x 50 g ball of MoYa Whisper Peche (Contrast Color - CC)

Yardage
MC 325 (350, 380, 420, 550, 620) m  / MC 355 (385, 420, 460, 605, 680) yds
CC 100 (130, 200, 260, 300, 390) m/ CC 110 (145, 220, 285, 330, 430) yds

Yarn alternatives
Choose a lightweight (also referred to as DK or 8-ply) yarn. I recommend using 100% cotton or a cotton/merino blend for summer to mid-season, and a merino/silk or alpaca/silk blend for winter.

Sizing
12-18M (24M, 2-4Y, 4-6Y, 6-8Y, 8-10Y)

Tension
Body: 10 x 10 cm = 17 sts x 17 rows over DC in FLO/BLO, using larger hook.
Ribbing & pockets: 10 x 10 cm = 22 sts x 6 repeats of ribbing pattern, using smaller hook.

Stitches + Skills
Basic crochet stitches, crochet ribbing, decreasing, short row shaping, basic sewing skills

You can purchase the PDF download in US and UK terms from my Ravelry store now.

€4.50 (plus VAT if applicable)

Until Friday 21 October 2016, I'm offering a 20% discount - just enter code PEACH20 at checkout. Or, for extra crochet kiddie goodness, you can purchase this pattern as a bundle with the Sea Breeze Hoodie for €7.00. Add both patterns to your basket and the price will automatically be updated. Also valid until Friday 21 October! 

I'm linking up this post with Moogly Blog and Petals to Picots

V.I.P.

Finally, I can share news of a Very Important Project: my Very Important Little Person, still in progress. Baby no. 2. First a Bean and then... a Bug? We will have to think of another nickname. Ladybird, maybe, seeing as the Bean is absolutely convinced it's a girl. 

So, all being well, we will say hello to said VIP in the Spring. It's felt so odd, keeping this big news to myself for what feels like a very long time. It's just a blink of the eye, really, but as with my first pregnancy I've suffered from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and when every day has to be survived hour by hour, three months is loooooooong. I swore after last time that I wouldn't keep this strange 12-week vow of silence, not about the sickness and the way it completely blindsides any joy you might feel. Nor about any miscarriage, should it have turned out I'd spoken too soon. Why would I be silent about things that people should feel they can talk openly about?

But as it happened I couldn't stay upright at my computer for long enough to write about it. I will though, in another post. We do, really, need to talk about these things. 

First the good news, and I'm pleased to say I'm starting to feel like me again. Me, with added football roundness (it shows so quickly, the second time around!). 

I'm going through my lovely stash of soft yarns and organic fabrics. I'm thinking about tiny crocheted cardigans, itty-bitty knitted beanie hats and dinky leggings with matching bibs. I want to make ALL the baby things, once I'm able to stay awake beyond 7:30 PM. I'm eyeing up pretty muslins, in case we've produced another VVB: Very Vomity Baby. I'm wondering where on earth this ladybug will sleep in our one-bedroom flat. The Bean has decided on bunk beds (him on the top one, obviously), with that infallible confidence in immediacy and limitless potential that only almost-4-year-olds have. After three months of doing almost no work, I have a to-do list so long I can't actually decide where to start. I might just stick with the tiny cardigans. 

One thing is for sure though: having a baby in Sweden is already turning out to be quite a different experience from having a baby in Italy (where the Bean was born). There, I was constantly prodded and pricked, cajoled onto scales and into eating less (yes, less!). I was very much treated as a patient, a female patient with a medical condition, and the mostly male doctors knew best. Which didn't necessarily feel like a dreadful thing at the time, this hand-holding, what with a first pregnancy being such an overwhelming unknown. This time around though, I admit I'm pleased with the Swedish approach: you are not sick, you are growing a baby. We're here if you need us but otherwise, go and get on with it. 

I shall. 

I'm linking up with Chantelle for My Expat Family.

BOOK REVIEW: 35 Crocheted Bags by Emma Friedlander-Collins

There is something so hands-up-in-the-air, so YAY about your instabuddies and crochet cohorts achieving great things, like getting a local shop to sell their wares or publishing an entire book. Emma Friedlander-Collins, who you might also know from Steel & Stitch or Crochet Girl Gang fame, has just gone and done the latter (for the third time, no less!): 35 Crocheted Bags is out. I love Emma's work so when the opportunity came up to review a copy, I jumped at it. 

35 Crocheted Bags is divided into 3 chapters:
chapter 1 - totes and holdalls
chapter 2 - bags and handbags
chapter 3 - in your bag (small items like purses, phone sleeves and so on)

Each design includes all the essentials you would expect: beautiful, clear photographs, pattern information, detailed written instructions, graphs where required. In addition, Emma has included a sweet little introduction to each item, explaining what inspired it and how she might use it herself. 

The book covers an impressive range of styles and colour palettes. Emma's signature look - bright colours and fun, retro designs (I think the girl has a thing for skulls!) - is unmistakably there, but you'll also find more muted colours and minimalist styles. 

The same goes for the range of "bag types". There are frivolous clutches, sensible shoppers, and ultra-practical little purses and wallets. Below are some of my favourite patterns from each chapter.

the spring shopper

the mini satchel

the foxy crochet carry case

...and my absolute favourite, the apple shoulder bag! 

The book also includes a "techniques" section. It covers everything from basic crochet stitches, tapestry crochet, and blocking your pieces, to sewing a fabric lining and attaching buttons. As a result, 35 Crocheted Bags really is suitable for any level of crochet (or sewing!) skill; Even a complete beginner should find a few patterns to get stuck into straight away.

All in all, it's a fabulous book full of patterns that look like they'd be great fun to make, but also to wear and use. Now I'm off to make that apple bag!

35 Crocheted Bags by Emma Friedlander-Collins is published by CICO Books, and is available now for £12.99.

---

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of 35 Crocheted Bags for the purpose of this review, but all words, photos and opinions are my own. 

Lately...

... it's been a little quiet around here, hasn't it. There's something fairly epic going on at the home front, which has been all-consuming. Soon, I hope, I will have proper news and also get back into a normal routine. For now, I just thought I'd pop in and announce my latest pattern release. If you've been following me for a while and you squint hard at the picture below, you may recognise it!

Edit: The Bretonbone Top is now also available for individual purchase from my Ravelry store.

Crochet Now issue 6. Image courtesy of Practical Publishing

Yep, that stripey yellow and white tee in the little inset is none other than my Bretonbone Top. It was picked up by Crochet Now earlier in the year, when I was about halfway through designing it, and I can't tell you how excited I am about finally seeing it "live" in a magazine. 

It's a DK-weight top that suits lots of different fibres - cotton for summer, cotton+merino for autumn, alpaca for winter. I've made versions in the latter two, and they are both so very very wearable. If you look closely, you'll see that the stitch used isn't quite your standard Half Treble. It's in fact the Herringbone Half Treble, which has this interesting slanty thing going on. 

In terms of construction, you make the front and back panels, seam them together, then work the cap sleeves into the selvedge edges. I am a bit pleased with the cap sleeves, not least because they took AYGES to get right. Don't they look cute?

There's also a wee crab stitch edge at the bottom, which is now my favourite edging method ever and I want to put it on everything. 

The Bretonbone Top is in issue 6 of Crochet Now, which is on sale at newsagents in the UK from today (September 8). If you're elsewhere, you can also pick up a digital copy - just click on any of the digital media platforms listed on Crochet Now's Where To Buy page.

Edit: The Bretonbone Top is now also available for individual purchase from my Ravelry store.