NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Hello, my friends! It’s good to have you here. Today’s newsletter features a call for test crocheters and a sneak peek at this new design, plans for next year’s blanket designs, and musings on the book American Flannel.

Note that this newsletter contains links to outside products and websites, but they are for informational purposes only. I am not affiliated with these companies, and I do not receive any compensation when you make a purchase.

Getting the “Heartful Hat” Pattern Ready for Testing

Right now, I’m in the process of getting the “Heartful Hat” pattern in tip-top shape and ready for testing. This design has changed a bit since I showed it to you last month and shared that photo of my sample from many years ago. Some of the big changes I made were to redo the crown shaping so that the double crochet stitches could continue up the length of the hat alongside the columns of puff stitches. Then, as I was drifting off to sleep one night, I had a vision of the hat with motifs around the band.

I love the way this turned out, especially how dear those little puff motifs look framed with a few simple rounds of half double crochet in the third loop.

And so this pattern will include two different style options. You’ll be able to choose either a hat with a puff-stitch motif band or one with a simple ribbed band.

Both styles are worked from the bottom up with shaping at the crown for a polished finish. The pattern will include instructions for four sizes from baby to adult large and will be accompanied by a schematic and stitch charts for the motif and crown shaping.

With this design, I wanted to create a lightweight beanie that would be ideal for spring or fall. The puff-V stitch pattern has a lot of texture, but it’s also a little lacy — making it the perfect hat to transition between seasons.

Right now, the pattern is with the tech editor and the plan is for it to be ready for testing the first week of December. If you’re interested in testing this pattern, be sure to read on to learn more about this hat and how to apply.

Testers Wanted!

The “Heartful Hat” will be ready for testing in early December. Would you like to test this new design? I’m looking for several crocheters to test drive this pattern before it’s published in February 2025.

Test crocheters help verify the accuracy and clarity of pattern instructions, as well as showcase how a pattern works up in different yarns.

After years of reflection and researching all the available options out there today, I’ve finally decided just to keep the testing process as simple as possible and go back to my old way of doing it: good old-fashioned email and a pattern review form for tester feedback.

I know that conducting a test over the holidays is a big ask, so I’m going to try to make this as easygoing as possible. I’d like to release this pattern on Valentine’s Day, so that gives us until the end of January. I aim to send the pattern to testers on or before December 5, and then you’ll have until January 31 to crochet your hat and send in your feedback. This way, those folks who want to work on the hat before or during the holidays can do so. And then there will also be time at the start of the year for those who need it.

Important Dates:

Deadline to apply: November 30, 2024
Selected testers notified: December 1, 2024
Pattern pdf and Tester Review Form sent to testers: December 5, 2024
Test project completion deadline: January 31, 2025
Pattern published on Ravelry and Etsy: February 14, 2025

• Test crocheters may make one of four hat sizes in the style of their choice.

• This project uses medium (CYC #4) weight yarn in one solid or tonal color.

Sound good? Click the button below to get the specific details about applying to test crochet this hat!

APPLY TO TEST THE “HEARTFUL HAT” CROCHET PATTERN

If you know of someone who might be interested in testing this hat pattern, feel free to send them this newsletter!

2025 Blanket Patterns: Get Ready for Baby Blankets!

Yesterday was my birthday, and to celebrate I purchased the Scheepjes Stone Washed & River Washed Colour Pack for myself. I’ve been eyeing this collection of mini skeins for several years now, and I’m so pleased that I finally took the plunge and purchased a box for myself.

The big motivation for this purchase came from my plans for next year. You see, I have several blankets that I want to release next year and among them are a pair of baby blankets. I’ve been tinkering with the design for these blankets for a long time, but my biggest issue has been finding just the right yarn. Made with a combination of soft cotton and durable acrylic in a wide variety of colors, Scheepjes Stone Washed fits the bill.

Just look at all those colors! I can’t wait to dive in and start swatching.

The first two blankets already have names: Butterfly Waltz and Cables in Bloom. I have to wait a while to get back to working on these. Right now, I’m hard at work on a commissioned pattern, but in the back of my mind, I’m busy working on a butterfly motif and how to make cables with color instead of twisted stitches. Intrigued? You’ll have to stay tuned! I can’t wait to share more details of these exciting new projects.

RECENT DISCOVERIES

I’m tickled to share with you about a book I just finished reading (or more accurately, listened to): American Flannel: How a Band of Entrepreneurs Are Bringing the Art and Business of Making Clothes Back Home by Steven Kurutz. The book, which was released last spring, follows a band of scrappy entrepreneurs who venture to produce apparel made fully in the United States, even though the domestic supply chain for these products has diminished greatly over the last few decades.

Early chapters help paint the picture of the present-day textile industry in America and how we got here by tracing the impact of trade policies and fast fashion on factories and the communities they support. Following the demise of Woolrich in Central Pennsylvania was especially sobering. My family is from the Williamsport area, and I have fond memories of visiting the Woolrich factory outlet every summer. I remember how stunned I was in 2018 to hear that after almost 200 years, it had permanently closed its last US plant, in the town of Woolrich. The company has since focused on overseas manufacturing. Closures like these have been happening across the country, signaling the end of an era.

Throughout the book, Kurutz follows a few brave visionaries as they seek to build new companies making clothing in the US. One particularly colorful entrepreneur is Bayard Winthrop. Reminiscing on a flannel shirt he had as a child in the ‘70s — “back when quality meant something” — Bayard’s journey is a quest to make the perfect flannel shirt for his brand American Giant. His endeavor to use materials sourced, processed, and assembled entirely in the US, and to ultimately revitalize flannel manufacturing in the country, is a riveting tale fraught with challenges you’d never expect.

Another guide on this journey through the American apparel landscape is Gina Locklear (aka, Alabama’s Sock Queen). Gina grew up in Fort Payne, Alabama — a town once known as the “Sock Capital of the World,” where the hosiery industry was central to the community. However, over the years, as corporations moved production overseas, local mills closed. Facing this crisis, Gina founded the Zkano brand and revitalized her family’s mill. Like Bayard, the most formidable challenge she faces is finding people with the skills and expertise needed to bring her products to life in an industry that has been shrinking for 40 years.

This book really opened my eyes, and I highly recommend it. The next time I go to buy clothing, I’ll be sure to remember these human stories and shop from brands that are working hard to make their products locally.

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!