🧶We are hooked!

The pattern is the Edith Dress by Dominique Calvillo and I used a DK weight cotton in the photo above. BUT you could gauge swatch, potentially use a smaller hook, and try our beautiful Plant Based Princess!

Hello Fiber lovers and HAPPY CROCHET MONTH!

Sunnie here, and when I heard March was crochet month, I was elated.

Why, you ask?

Because last month, I finished my FIRST crochet garment…

…and yes, it was a full on gown (with beading because this lady LOVES a challenge!)

But that is what making is all about, isn’t it? Exploring, trying new things, messing up, tinking back (do crocheters tink??!) and then getting to wear something with so much pride.

As someone who picked up knitting first and was too intimidated to try crochet, I am so excited that I finally dove into this wonderful art with the encouragement from some great fiber friends. It has brought me a level of joy that I’ll cherish forever; I’ve crocheted stuffed animal gifts for my sweet nieces, blankets to keep loved ones warm and even fun golf head covers to intimidate the competition out on the course…

This golf head cover comes from Amigurumi Golf Club Covers: 25 Crochet Patterns for Animal Golf Club Covers by Linda Wright. You could use Berroco Ultra Wool if you wanted to try to make your own!

We have heard from makers all over the world about the invisible barrier between knitters and crocheters, and we’re determined to do our part in mending this divide. We are ALL fiber lovers, makers and creators.

If you haven’t heard, Season 8 of Knit Stars will feature an incredible lineup of knitters and crocheters, and the theme is “Breaking the Ice” (for more than one reason…) We hope that this Moving The Needle inspires you to pick up your hook (even for the first time!)

P.S. If you own Season 2 of Knit Stars Masterclasses, check out Tamara Kelly's workshop - it's great for knitters beginning to dabble in crochet! And if you're part of our Yarniverse pilot, you'll find a new Crochet track added to your Yarniverse portal. Check it out! 

Toni Lipsey is one of the most popular crochet designers in the world, and so I’m so excited to share three of her amazing patterns with you today.

First is her Block Island Wrap. This wrap has gone to the top of my make list. Its beautiful lightweight design is dreamy, which is no surprise since it was inspired by a weekend getaway to Rhode Island.

“Wrap yourself in the drape and airiness of this lightweight wrap while strolling white sand beaches, touring the historic light houses, or enjoying a 5-star meal.” - Toni Lipsey via Ravelry.

With different techniques including faux drop stitches, addictive mesh and endless texture, this is a project that will keep you engaged row by row.

Mitzi made one with a size J (6mm) hook in the La Bien Aimėe Cashmerino in the colorway Le Grand Nuage. The Block Island Wrap would love incredible in ANY of the LBA Cashmerino colorways including Sanho. 

Grab your Block Island Wrap kit here.

 

If you're looking for a great single skein pattern (and who isn’t!) we've found the one for you. The Party Punch Shawl is the perfect way to highlight one of the most GORGEOUS colors we have in Twisted Ambitions Sweet Sock. 

This pattern highlights both solids and variegated colors beautifully. Some of our faves are Babylon, Highway Unicorn or Poker Face which all have amazing depth. AND if you are new to Tunisian crochet, you are in good company because I am too 😊!

Luckily, this pattern has video highlights that can help guide you through the process. I know my new Tunisian crochet hooks will soon have this project on the cable so let me know if you’ll be joining me! 

Shop Twisted Ambitions Sweet Sock here!

 

Photo courtesy of Toni Lipsey via Ravelry

Shop Plant Based Princess here! 

 

Chicken (or not!)- and- Collards Pilau 

 

Photo and recipe courtesy of the southernliving.com

 

This recipe has been our go recipe for tired evenings, using up veggies and having leftovers (or feeding a lot of people!) It is super simple, is done in 1 pot and is a crowd favorite! I altered the title of this recipe because I don't eat meat and love this recipe because it's just as good without it! You can also sauté up any other veggies you may have laying around or use kale as a collards alternative. This is a beautiful canvas for creating a very pleasing and low-lift dinner. 

Ingredients

• 6 ounces Cajun smoked sausage, diced

• 1 1/2 pounds skinned and boned chicken thighs, cubed

• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup chopped sweet onion

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 1 cup chopped carrot

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 cups organic vegetable broth

• 4 cups firmly packed chopped fresh collard greens

• 2 cups uncooked basmati rice

• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cook sausage in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring often, 5 to 7 minutes or until browned. Remove sausage using a slotted spoon; reserve drippings in Dutch oven. Drain sausage on paper towels.

2. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add oil to hot drippings in Dutch oven, and cook chicken in hot drippings over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes or until done. Add onion and next 3 ingredients. Cook, stirring often, 5 to 7 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in broth, next 3 ingredients, and sausage.

3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; cover.

4. Bake pilau at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, stirring halfway through. Serve pilau immediately.