NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Happy November, friends!

As the days grow shorter, I’ve been busy behind the scenes with projects that celebrate creativity, community, and connection. In this issue, you’ll get a first look at my Any Yarn Neckwarmer Trio (a pattern designed to work beautifully with any yarn and any gauge!), learn about a new space where we can gather and share our crochet adventures, and meet two brand-new patterns — the Checkered Rose Blanket and Pillow. I’ll also be sharing a new tutorial for joining colorful motifs, a peek at the Huzzah Cluster Ripple Blanket that’s currently on my hook, and of course, this month’s inspiring Maker Spotlight.

So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfy spot, and let’s dive into some yarn-filled inspiration together.

A Neckwarmer for Every Yarn and Everyone!

You’ve probably noticed a skinny scarf (or a dozen!) making the rounds over the past few years. Some of my favorite recent designs include options for multiple sizes — from a mini scarf all the way up to a shawl-sized wrap.

Now, I don’t usually chase trends, but as I thought about what I would want from a scarf-to-shawl pattern, inspiration struck. What if you could make the design your own? Not just by size, but by any yarn and hook, too? That idea turned into my latest project: a neckwarmer pattern written in three sizes (mini scarf, full-sized scarf, and shawl) that works with any yarn weight and almost any gauge to achieve your desired measurements.

Can you imagine? If all goes as planned, you’ll be able to grab your favorite yarn and hook, start crocheting, and simply check your gauge once your fabric is large enough to measure. From there, just follow the instructions that match your gauge. No need to force your stitches to match mine — just crochet naturally!

When all is said and done, the pattern will include 33 possibilities — but truly, it’s infinitely adaptable. This past weekend, I spent some quality time with my yarn stash, crocheting swatches to build the tables that the pattern relies on. It’s been eye-opening! If you’ve ever thought, “This sport weight feels more like fingering,” or “There’s no way this is DK — it’s definitely heavy worsted,” I’m right there with you.

Crocheting swatches in all sorts of yarn-and-hook combos also revealed something surprising: how many different pairings can yield the same gauge.

The math is done, the pattern is written, and it’s now in the capable hands of my eagle-eyed tech editor. This is the first time I’ve published a pattern quite like this, and with so many gauge options, it’s going to need lots of real-world testing. Look for a special email coming early next month with details on how to join in on this very special collaboration.

And if you’re intrigued, keep reading — in the next article, I share more about my plans for a new virtual gathering place where we can connect, create, and collaborate on this new pattern and more.

Our Crochet Group: Make, Chat, Collaborate, and Learn

For a long time, I’ve dreamed of building a crochet community around my patterns — a place where we can gather to talk about designs, share our makes, try out new projects, and offer feedback before patterns are published.

My upcoming scarf-to-shawl pattern (the one designed for any yarn!) finally gave me the perfect reason to make that dream a reality. As I mentioned earlier in this newsletter, I’ll need your help to make sure this pattern truly works for everyone — no matter the yarn, hook, or gauge you choose. And wouldn’t it be lovely if we could all connect in one easy-to-manage space to chat, support each other, and show off our work?

Over the past few months, I’ve been researching the best platform for our community. My top priorities were ease of use and creating a welcoming environment, and I also took accessibility into consideration. I eventually narrowed the list down to Facebook, Ravelry, and Discord. And in the end, Ravelry came out on top.

Each platform has its pros and cons, and I know Ravelry isn’t everyone’s favorite. But let’s be honest — Ravelry has long been the heart and home of crochet and knitting on the internet. It may not be the flashiest or most high-tech option, but its community groups and forums are well-suited for the kinds of events, discussions, and pattern testing I have in mind.

I also want to acknowledge that Ravelry’s 2020 redesign created accessibility challenges for some members of the fiber arts community, including issues such as migraines and visual sensitivities. I understand that this has made the site difficult or impossible for some people to use, and I did take that into account while choosing a home for our group. Ultimately, Ravelry remains the most established and centralized gathering place for crocheters and knitters online, but I want to make sure everyone feels included. If you’re unable to use Ravelry but would still like to participate in testing the new pattern, please reach out to me by email (reply to this mailing directly or click here) — I’ll be happy to share all of the pattern materials and updates with you directly.

I keep coming back to this idea: Ravelry feels like home. And our fiber arts community like family. We may not always agree, but we share a bond that’s strong and enduring. When someone challenges or disrespects that bond, we stand up for each other, just like any close-knit family would. (If you missed it, this recent story is a great reminder of that spirit: “SciShow pulls Hank Green-hosted knitting video from YouTube after backlash from fiber artists”).

My love for this community runs deep, and I want everyone to feel at home — wherever you connect from. I’ll share the Ravelry group link soon, and I can’t wait to see what we create together.

And keep an eye out for a special email coming early next month with details on how to test my new Any Yarn Neckwarmer Trio (and yes, I’ll probably be asking for your help naming it, too!).

New Patterns Coming Soon: Meet the Checkered Rose Blanket and Pillow

This month brings not one but two new patterns to look forward to! The Checkered Rose Blanket and matching pillow combine timeless charm with a modern twist. Each design features classic rose square motifs arranged in a striking checkerboard layout, for a look that’s both romantic and bold.

The rose square motifs are a fresh take on the traditional Irish rose design. I had so much fun exploring this motif and its many variations — all of which share some familiar traits. Traditionally, Irish roses begin with a simple chain ring, into which a round of double crochet (separated by chain spaces) creates the “spokes” of a wheel. Petal layers are then built up into those chain spaces, each one adding height and texture to form that signature three-dimensional, airy bloom.

The process relies on a few basic stitches — chain, slip stitch, single crochet, and double crochet — worked in creative ways to bring the petals to life. If you’d like to see how a traditional Irish rose motif is made, I recommend this wonderful video from The Guild of Irish Lacemakers: Watch on YouTube.

I’ve always loved designing blankets inspired by lace motifs. One challenge, though, is ensuring that something delicate and decorative also feels cozy, sturdy, and ready for everyday use. To make my version of the rose motif more practical, I worked a round of single crochet into the center ring and another after the round of “spokes,” which I’ve replaced with clusters. I also adjusted the petal construction to remove the gaps that typically appear between them.

In a traditional rose, petals are made into chain spaces from the previous round, leaving open areas between each layer. In my Checkered Rose motif, the petals are worked into the front loops only, and then a round of double crochet is added into the unused back loops of that same round. This simple change creates a smooth, solid back — perfect for a blanket or pillow that’s meant to be loved and used.

I can’t wait to share more photos of these designs next week when the patterns are released. Keep an eye on your inbox next Friday — the pattern announcement will include a special gift just for newsletter subscribers!

New Tutorial Coming Soon: Back Loop Slip Stitch for Joining Different Colored Motifs

When joining motifs in different colors — like those in my Checkered Rose Blanket and Pillow patterns — I usually reach for the invisible mattress stitch. It gives a beautifully crisp edge between colors and a sturdy, professional-looking finish.

But there’s another great option that produces a similarly clean look without as many ends to weave in: the back loop slip stitch.

Designing these patterns gave me the perfect chance to test both methods side by side. I used the invisible mattress stitch to join the squares for my blanket, and the back loop slip stitch for the pillow. Here’s what I discovered.

The invisible mattress stitch creates a nice, clean edge where the colors meet. It’s incredibly sturdy — you can tug on those motifs, and they won’t budge a bit! Plus, the dividing line between colors stays sharp, and the joining yarn is completely hidden, even if it’s a contrasting shade. The only downside? The ends. Lots of them. Two ends for every seam, to be exact. For my blanket of 99 motifs, that meant weaving in 192 ends. Yikes! Thankfully, there’s a simpler alternative.

With the back loop slip stitch join, you can achieve a crisp edge between motifs of different colors — but with far fewer ends to deal with. When you look closely, you might see a small zigzag of joining yarn between the back loops, but it’s subtle and only noticeable if you pull the motifs apart.

Here’s how it works:

Hold two motifs with the right sides facing together, pair up the back loops of each stitch, and slip stitch through both. You can join multiple motifs in a row this way, working across to complete one full strip at a time. Once all your rows are joined, repeat the same process to join the columns. The result? Just one pair of ends to weave in per row or column. In my blanket, that would mean only 36 ends — a big improvement over 192!

Stay tuned for my upcoming video tutorial, where I’ll walk you through each step of the back loop slip stitch join in detail.

Both the Checkered Rose Blanket and Pillow patterns will include full photo and video tutorials for both joining methods, so you can choose whichever best suits your style!

On My Hook: The Huzzah Cluster Ripple Blanket

Behind the scenes, I’ve been busy working on some new blanket patterns — and first up on my hook is the Huzzah Cluster Ripple Blanket!

You might recognize this project from my Crochet With Me video last month — it’s the blanket I was stitching away on while tucked in the mountains. The pattern features a soothing, meditative rhythm with no counting required — just an easy, repeating stitch that’s perfect for those moments when you want to relax, unwind, and watch the colors change as you go.

For my sample, I used Lion Brand Ferris Wheel in the Cherry on Top colorway, which flows through long, beautiful stripes of pomegranate orange, raspberry red, taupe, peach, and marigold. The pattern will include instructions for at least ten sizes, and thanks to the self-striping yarn, the stripe pattern on each promises to be completely unique.

I’ll share more details — and plenty of photos — as soon as the pattern is ready. If all goes as planned, expect the Huzzah Blanket to make its debut in December!

Coming Soon: November’s Special Features

• New Pattern: Checkered Rose Blanket and Pillow Patterns

• New Tutorial: Back Loop Slip Stitch Join Video Tutorial

• Behind the Scenes: Checkered Rose Blanket—From Concept to Finished Design

Maker Spotlight

This month’s Maker Spotlight celebrates two stunning Double Wedding Ring projects that truly highlight the artistry and imagination within our crochet community.

Double Wedding Ring Blanket by Gabriella

When I first spotted Gabriella’s Wedding Ring Blanket, I was immediately captivated by the choice of color and the beautiful stitchwork.

Gabriella used Hobbii cotton 8/6 in the colorway Nougat for this gorgeous blanket, which was stitched for a Thanksgiving wedding. She shared that the wedding theme is “The Bee,” and I think this rich, honey color is absolutely perfect.

About this project, Gabriella says:

“I am so proud of this work. I love every aspect of this pattern you created; the jaygo, how the flowers line up, and the final row of backward sc. Thank you so much.”

Nice work, Gabriella! Travel safe, and enjoy the wedding! The newlyweds are sure to treasure your very special wedding gift.

Double Wedding Ring Cardigan by Golbahargo on Ravelry

I was absolutely floored when I happened upon Bahar’s Double Wedding Ring hooded cardigan on Ravelry. I’ve never considered using this lacy blanket pattern to make a cardigan, but now that I’ve seen it, I honestly want to drop everything and give it a try to make one of my own!

The construction is so expertly planned and executed, from the way the almond shapes are completed along the bottom hem to the cuffs to the perfectly shaped hood. I’m blown away, and I love every detail.

Absolutely stunning work on this lovely creation, Bahar. It’s such a joy to see what folks make with my patterns, especially when they lend their own creativity and imagination to use the design in new and unique ways.

For more, check out Bahar’s project page on Ravelry.

Want to start a Double Wedding Ring Blanket of your own? You can find the pattern on Ravelry and Etsy.

A huge thank-you to both of this month’s featured makers for sharing their projects with us. If you’d like to be featured in a future newsletter, email your project photos to crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com — or create a project page on Ravelry to share your yarn choices, notes, and photos!

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter!

Having you in my crochet circle means so much to me. This newsletter is sent on the first Friday of the month. Additional special mailings are sent each Friday after that, featuring new patterns, new stitch tutorials, tips and tricks, hot topics in the yarn industry, book and 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!

You are receiving this email because you signed up for my weekly newsletter. If at any point you decide that you no longer wish to receive these mailings, you may unsubscribe using the link below.