JULY NEWSLETTER

Hello, my friends! It’s good to have you here. In this newsletter, I’ll share with you the latest addition to the Wildflower Blanket, the results of the video tutorial survey (another video is coming soon!), a sneak peek at my next design, and a spotlight on a fabulous Green Grocer produce bag made by my test crocheter and dear friend, Lee Smith.

Wildflower Blanket: Sky Pilot Square

I first encountered the Sky Pilot wildflower on a hike in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. What a striking purple flower! You can’t miss it.

The small flowers are funnel-shaped and grow in clusters about the size of a tennis ball. The bright green leaves are succulent and fern-like, with a wonderful spiky texture.

They can be found in alpine meadows throughout the western United States, from New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming all the way to the west coast. They’re also commonly found in southern British Columbia and Alberta.

In designing a crochet version of the Sky Pilot wildflower, I wanted to capture the flower’s vibrant color and distinct cluster arrangement.

The square above is the fourth revision of the design, which I started working on in 2021. In the first draft (below), each of the flowers was crocheted individually and joined to a previous flower and the center flower in the last round.

In another version, I decided to add more flowers – but so many ends to weave in!

I’ve taken this design back to the drawing board to turn it into a square motif, while focusing on finding a way to make all the flowers in the cluster using strategically placed stitches in a few rounds – as opposed to individual flowers that are eventually joined.

I’m pleased with how it turned out, especially the shape of the petals and the yellow anthers in the center of each flower. I wish I could’ve done more with the leaves, but I was running out of room and I didn’t want that open section to be too wide. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m working on a blanket and not a doily!

Over the coming month or so, I need to finalize my sketch of the color-block layout, so I can get a real sense of whether or not this is all going to come together. I also plan to send out a special newsletter covering the inspiration behind this blanket and where I see it headed. Until then, here’s a little teaser…

Mark Your Calendars! Shadow Plaid Wrap Pattern Coming in August

After almost a year in the making, the Shadow Plaid Wrap crochet pattern is finally in the home stretch! I can’t wait to share this relaxing, meditative project with you next month – just in time for fall. This might be the perfect project for winding down at the end of the busy summer season.

It’s certainly a slow project. I diligently recorded my progress and can confirm that this sample took about 62 hours to make. For this reason, I want to get this pattern into your hands before there’s even the threat of frost, so you’ll be able to stitch it in time to wear it when the cold finally sets in.

The wrap is worked lengthwise from the bottom up with increases at the beginning and end of each row. The stitch pattern is a variation of granny stitch, working 2 double crochet stitches in each chain-1 space between 2-dc groups. The vertical stripe pattern is formed by changing colors after every 2-dc group. Once you get into the rhythm of it, it’s a very pleasing pattern to stitch. This project is suitable for intermediate crocheters.

With its multicolored stripes, this wrap is fun and flattering to wear. In addition to creating the lovely vertical stripes, the stitch pattern was chosen for the soft drape it gives to the fabric. The trapezoidal shape makes it easy to style in multiple ways to complement your outfit and your mood.

Coming Soon: Stacked Single Crochet Video Tutorial

Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey and shared some thoughts on potential video topics. It was refreshing to hear that we’re all pretty much on the same page. It seems like most people want tutorial videos to help illustrate the steps in my patterns. That works for me!

Going forward, I’ll share videos of any special stitches and techniques used in my patterns, complex steps, how to crochet individual motifs from start to finish, and any tips to help you along. I’d also like to put together preview videos for every new pattern release to showcase the project, yarn, and steps involved, as well as provide inspiration for how to wear, style, and otherwise use the item.

Along those lines, I’m pleased to announce that a new video tutorial is on its way. The stacked single crochet video is meant to accompany the Very Merry Blanket pattern that I released last fall. (This video has been a long time coming!)

The stacked single crochet is an alternative method for beginning rows and rounds of double crochet. You’ve probably noticed, the chain-3 that we typically use at the start of a row or round doesn’t look much like the double crochet stitches around it. Because it’s so thin, the beginning chain-3 can create a big gap between it and the next double crochet. It also tends to stick out on the side, creating a bumpy edge. The answer to all these problems is the stacked single crochet.

In this video tutorial, I’ll show you how to substitute the stacked single crochet wherever you might use a beginning chain-3, giving you a clean start to your rows and rounds. I’ll even share a trick for how to use this technique with slippery yarns or loose stitches and how to use the stacked single crochet to start a foundation row.

Keep your eyes out for the email announcement or subscribe to the YouTube channel to receive early notification.

Maker Spotlight: Lee Smith’s Green Grocer Bag

I’m so excited to share with you a Green Grocer filet crochet produce bag stitched by the wonderful and talented Lee Smith. Lee tested this pattern for me last year and did such a great job, as she always does, of gently pointing out where the instructions could be clearer. I think Lee’s bag turned out great, and I love the color she chose. She used We Crochet (KnitPicks) Curio No. 10 in Kenai #27978 for this project.

You can find the pattern for the Green Grocer Produce Bag on Ravelry and Etsy.

Lee has been graciously and generously volunteering her time and crochet expertise to test my patterns for several years now. I honestly don’t know what I would do without the helpful advice, suggestions, and keen eyes of the testers who have helped me over the years. If you’re one of them and you’re reading this now — thank you, thank you, thank you!

How to Share Your Projects

I always enjoy seeing what you make with my patterns and I love showing off your work! If you would like for your work to be featured in a future newsletter, email your project photos to Jennifer at crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com.

Or create a project on Ravelry: Share your project photos, yarn used, details, and more!

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter!

Having you in my crochet circle means so much to me. I aim to publish 4-6 new patterns every year, along with video and photo tutorials. In addition to announcements, here I’ll share crochet tips and tricks, yarn reviews, and a peek into my design process. But I’ll only send you crochet content that I think you will enjoy. In the meantime, you can contact me by replying to this email or crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com. I would love to hear from you!