FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Hello, my friends! It’s good to have you here. In today’s newsletter, I’ll introduce you to February’s new pattern — the Ribbon Lace Moebius Cowl. I also have an update for you on the Butterfly Waltz Baby Blanket and a call for testers! Last but not least, we’ll spotlight a gorgeous Double Wedding Ring Blanket by Naudia.

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.

Next Up! Ribbon Lace Moebius Cowl

Would you believe that I first designed this pattern back in 2020? I was recently going through my files and found that even though it had been tech edited and tested, I somehow forgot to publish it. Well, better late than never!

The Moebius twist makes this design possible. It starts by working a setup row into the foundation chain as normal, but before you join the two ends to form a ring, you’ll flip one end upside-down. When joined, a continuous loop is created. This means that each round will take you around the top and the bottom (essentially working two rounds in one!). Working the cowl in this way, the colors are mirrored on both sides. This is especially useful for highlighting the long color changes in gradient yarns. Isn’t that cool?

To refresh my memory of this pattern, I purchased a cake of Freia Fine Handpaints Shawl Ball in the color Aurora, and I’m making a Ribbon Lace Cowl for myself even as we speak. I’m also taking this opportunity to put together a short video to illustrate how to set up the Moebius twist so that you can just crochet around and around and watch the cowl grow outward on the top and bottom with every round. It’s so much fun to do! I can’t wait to share the pattern and video with you at the end of this month.

Sneak Peek: Butterfly Waltz Baby Blanket

The Butterfly Waltz Baby Blanket pattern is currently with the tech editor, and we’re right on schedule for a late March release. Just in time for spring!

This blanket is made with a unique butterfly motif, which uses front and back post stitches to define the butterfly shape. I’m using Scheepjes Stone Washed fine (sport) weight cotton/acrylic yarn and a size D/3/3.25mm crochet hook. Each motif is made with 3 colors: 2 for the butterfly and 1 for the background.

Want to take this motif for a test drive?

I’m looking to hold the test the first week of March. We’ll be testing the motif only. In addition to the pattern, you’ll be given a photo tutorial and stitch chart. Testers can use their choice of yarn. Anyone who test crochets the motif and returns their review form by the deadline will get a complimentary copy of the blanket pattern when it’s released. If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this email or write to me at crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com.

Sound good? Want to sign up? Simply reply to this email to let me know you’re interested, and I’ll be in touch with you when the pattern is ready for testing. Thanks a bunch! I can’t wait to get started!

A Short Roundup of Resources for Your Crochet Business

For me, the beginning of the year is a mix of goal-making and tax prep. If you have a small crochet or knitting business and feel the same way, you may enjoy some of these resources that have helped me over the years. (Note, I have no affiliate relationship with any of these brands. Just like them and want to share.)

Crochet Business School Podcast. Each 15-minute episode explores how to start, grow, and turn your crochet into a successful and profitable business. Kelly Thomas, crochet business coach and pattern writer, has been releasing a new podcast every week since November 2022! There’s a wealth of tips and tricks to discover. Plus, I find her voice really easy to listen to. You can find the Crochet Business School Podcast on her website, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Pattern Design Circle Podcast. Jessica Brist is helping “crochet and knitting pattern designers navigate the ins and outs of running a fulfilling business, marketing their designs, and living a life they’re passionate about.” I love Jessica’s down-to-earth approach to running a creative business. She’s very genuine and thoughtful about the advice she provides and that’s always refreshing. Podcast episodes often feature interviews with special guests on topics such as accessibility in pattern publishing, translating patterns into various languages, inclusive sizing, understanding contracts when working on commission, creating communities and crochet events, marketing, and more. View the Pattern Design Circle Podcast on YouTube

Paper and Spark. I purchased the Etsy Seller Spreadsheet for my small-business bookkeeping way back in 2019. Janet, CPA and founder of Paper + Spark, has created this fantastic Excel spreadsheet that’s easy to use – taking the headache out of monthly bookkeeping. What I really like is that I can trust Janet to stay on top of any changes Etsy makes. Whenever Etsy makes adjustments, she provides an updated version of the spreadsheet to previous customers free of charge. Even though it’s set up specifically for Etsy sellers, I’m able to incorporate all my business income and expenses very easily. I also receive Janet’s newsletter, which often includes insightful business tips, as well as financial and marketing advice targeted to me as a digital pattern designer.

Coming Soon: February’s Special Features

• New Stitch Video: Learn how to make the Overlapping V-Stitch

• New Pattern: Ribbon Lace Moebius Cowl

• How-to Video: Learn how to begin a Moebius cowl with this short video

Maker Spotlight: Naudia’s Double Wedding Ring Blanket

This month we’re featuring a gorgeous Double Wedding Ring Blanket made by Naudia (NaudiaTatumKnits on Ravelry).

Naudia used Loops & Threads Petite Purl in Mauve for this stunning blanket. Isn’t this an awesome color?

Naudia even made a matching pillow using some leftover motifs. How cool! The ruffles add a whimsical and romantic touch. I love it!

Nice work, Naudia! Your impeccable stitching, knock-out color choice, and darling matching pillow make this set a real showstopper.

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. Sent on the first Friday of each month, this newsletter features new patterns, new stitch tutorials, tips and tricks, hot topics in the yarn industry, book and yarn reviews, customer projects, and a peek into my design process. Additional special mailings, which delve deeper into these topics, are sent on the Fridays that follow. In the meantime, you can contact me by replying to this email or crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com. I would love to hear from you!