OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Hello friends! And hello Fall!

Are the seasons changing where you are? We had our first snow today in Pocatello, Idaho, and I jumped at the chance to get out my Save Me a Spot Blanket and curl up with a cup of cinnamon-apple tea. For folks in cooler climates, fall is the time to dig out all the cold-weather WIPs that have been stuffed away since last winter. Right now I’m working on a shawl design to use up several skeins of sock yarn I purchased at a yarn festival many years ago. This triangle shawl uses a simple tapestry crochet technique to create vertical stripes as you work. I’m really loving the way it mixes the colors. This will likely be a free pattern on my website early next year. Stay tuned!

PATTERN UPDATE

Make a Two-Color Very Merry Blanket

I know that I really love a crochet design when I find myself making multiple versions of it. Do you do that too? As soon as I had my first Very Merry Blanket off the blocking boards, I started another one. I was really pleased with how festive the original multicolored blanket turned out, but I just had to see what a two-color variation would look like. And so I made this second blanket using Lion Brand Wool Ease in Riverside (navy blue) for the main color and Linen (light beige) for the contrasting color. The pattern lists the approximate yardage needed for the multicolored blanket, but if you want to make a 2-color blanket like mine, here’s how much yarn you will need (this info can also be found in the pattern listing on Etsy and Ravelry).

I’m thinking of giving this blanket to my father for Christmas. I do hope he likes it. As a retired Air Force colonel, I think the colors will suit him. Who will you make a Very Merry Blanket for this season?

NEW VIDEO TUTORIAL

In my latest YouTube video (just uploaded moments ago!), I show you how to start your crochet project with an adjustable ring (also often referred to as a magic ring). This technique is especially useful when you’re crocheting in the round and you don’t want a hole in the center of your circle.

There are many variations of this technique, but this is my preferred method because it’s the only way I’ve found that truly stays closed. I also love how this particular method makes it easy to create the ring, secure it, and remove it from your fingers. In addition, this video provides tips on how to add tension to your ring so that it’s easier to work into and how to use this method with a variety of stitches. Whether you’re making a hat, toy, or granny square, I know this will become your favorite method too.

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

Tiffany Windows Scarves by CGOA Members

I was very honored that the Crochet Guild of America chose my Tiffany Windows Scarf pattern for their fall quarterly CAL. CGOA members spent the month of September stitching their scarves as a group.

Here are some of the finished scarves. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Scarves pictured above from left to right were made by Karen George, Nancy Ann Woods, Renee Besancon, and Mary Hannon.

Scarves pictured above from left to right were made by Gloria Hole, Britt Schmiesing, Irish Jenkins, and Debbie Caldwell.

All photos shared with permission.

Though it may look to be made of joined motifs, the Tiffany Windows Scarf is actually crocheted in the round. The pattern includes helpful photos and a stitch chart to guide you along. Find the pattern in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.

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 a new pattern every quarter and a new tutorial every month, 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!