Sapphire Shawl

The theme for 2020, where each month I have a cowl, scarf, or shawl pattern in the color of that month’s birthstone. Sapphire is the birthstone for September.

Previous designs include:
Garnet Cowl – January
Amethyst Scarf – February
Zoe’s Aquamarine Infinity Scarf – March
Diamond Shawl – April
Emerald Asymmetrical Shawl – May
Pearl Infinity Cowl – June
Ruby Shawl – July
Peridot Shawl– August

***Post contains affiliate links- which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you ***

The Yarn

I’ve had my eye on this yarn for September’s design for a few months now. The yarn I decided on is Lion Brand’s Heartland in the colorway Olympic.

The heathered tones of blue really help gives you the illusion of the facets of a sapphire gemstone.

3 Pack of Lion Brand� Heartland� Yarn in Olympic | 5 oz | Michaels�

You can find the yarn I used at the affiliate link here: Michael’s Arts & Crafts – Heartland – Olympic.

The Inspiration

My mother was the inspiration for my Sapphire Shawl. Since her birthday is in September I wanted to incorporate some of the things that she likes.

One of my mom’s favorite things is the beach. Given the blues of the yarn, I immediately thought about the ocean.

A few things that come to mind when you think of the ocean are waves, shells, and rocks/pebbles (at least at some of our beaches in Connecticut and Rhode Island). After lots of trial and error, I finally figured out how I was going to express those things within a shawl.

When looking at the finished shawl, I see waves. Within those waves are shells and pebbles. This reminds me of the surf and how the waves move the shells and pebbles along the shore.

Supplies

– Approximately 625 yards of Lion Brand Heartland or equivalent worsted weight yarn
– K/6.5mm crochet hook
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Yarn needle
– Blocking materials

You will NEED to block the finished shawl. I know its not ideal, but for the pebbles and shells to look the best, blocking is a MUST.

Stitches

The stitches used are all simple basic stitches.

Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
RS – Right Side
Sc – Single Crochet
SDc – Starting Double Crochet
Sk – Skip
St(s) – Stitch(es)
WS – Wrong Side

SDc -Starting Double Crochet – (also known as Long Chain Double Crochet or Chainless Starting Double Crochet.)  Pull up your loop to the height of your usual Double Crochet. YO, insert into the 1st St, yarn over, pull through the Stitch, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, pull through the remaining 2 loops.

Notes

SDc counts as a Dc.

Sk 5 – this includes both stitches and chain spaces. 

A stitch count has been provided at the end of each row. 

When working the border, I put a one stitch for sc and 3 sc for Dc.

Availability

This pattern can be purchased on Ravelry and Etsy.

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Madi Cardi

***Post contains affiliate links- which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you ***

Your new favorite cardigan for your favorite season(s). Available in 7 sizes ranging from woman’s XS to 3X. Adjustable to fit your personal preferences for both the length of the body and the sleeves.

The Inspiration

I was inspired by my cousin Madison who is in her early 20’s.  I’m always seeing her in comfy, neutral colored sweaters.  I then had the idea of designing a cardigan that would be perfect for the seasonal transitions of New England. 

When it came to the actual design, I wanted something that looked like it was made in all one piece and symmetrical.  A pet peeve of mine is being able to see the seams or transitions from the bodice to the sleeves. I also didn’t want it all one stitch through the whole item.  The results of my brainstorming sessions is what is now the Madi Cardi.

I started this project in October 2019 thinking that it would be perfect for spring, but look what happened in spring of 2020. I had to adjust my plan and I switched gears to have the Madi Cardi be a fall release instead.

The Yarn

I had actually known what yarn I was going to use before I came up with the stitch pattern.  While strolling the yarn aisles at my local craft store, I stumbled upon Lion Brand’s Heartland in the colorway Grand Canyon.  It’s the perfect shade of tan and beige in a heathered look. 

Lion Brand� Heartland� Yarn in Grand Canyon | 3 Pack | 5 oz | Michaels�

As you can see, the yarn is gorgeous. You can purchase the yarn in a variety of different colors using my affiliate link at Michael’s Arts and Crafts.

Supplies

For supplies you will need:
– Measuring tape
– Scissors
– Yarn needle
– 5.50 mm crochet hook – I used my Tulip Crochet Hook from Leither Co.
– #4 worsted weight yarn

Listed below you will find the approximate yardage of yarn need for each size. These are approximate amounts and your actual yardage total could be more or less. Sizing is based on bust size.

XS – Bust size of 30″ – 1200 yards
S – Bust size of 34″ – 1400 yards
M – Bust size of 38″ – 1600 yards
L – Bust size of 42″ – 1800 yards
XL – Bust size of 46″ – 2000 yards
2X – Bust size of 50″ – 2200 yards
3X – Bust size of 54″ – 2400 yards

Stitches Used

This list looks really intimidating but it is NOT. Below you will find ALL the stitches used in the Madi Cardi.

Blo – Back Loop Only
Ch(s)
– Chain(s)
Dc – Double Crochet
Dc2Tog – Double Crochet 2 Together
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Lhdc – Linked Half Double Crochet
Sc – Single Crochet
Sdc – Starting Double Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sp(s) – Space(s)
St(s) – Stitch(es)

Stitch Definitions

Stitch definitions have been provided in the written pattern for Dc2Tog, Lhdc, and Sdc.

I’ve used the Linked Half Double Crochet and the Starting Double Crochet in previous designs. The Linked Half Double Crochet stitch was used in the White Chocolate Ganache Dishcloth Pattern which includes a photo tutorial of how to do the stitch. The Starting Double Crochet stitch was used in the Cream Cheese Dishcloth Pattern. Both patterns are part of the Frosting Collection.

Pattern Notes

Worked in easy steps:
1. Panels (2)
2. Sewing of panels
3. Sleeves
4. Trim

A diagram has been provided in the pattern for assembling the panels.

Instructions for a gauge swatch have been provided.

Availability

The pattern is available on both Etsy and Ravelry.

Be sure to tag #crochetsbytrista on Instagram, I’d love to see your progress.

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I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me. Let me know what you’re working on or designs that you’d like to see in the future. Use the links above or email me at crochetsbytrista@gmail.com.

Peridot Shawl

The 8th pattern available in the Birthstone Collection.

The theme for 2020, where each month I have a cowl, scarf, or shawl pattern in the color of that month’s birthstone.

****Post contains affiliate links – which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you****

Previous designs include:
Garnet Cowl – January
Amethyst Scarf – February
Zoe’s Aquamarine Infinity Scarf – March
Diamond Shawl – April
Emerald Asymmetrical Shawl – May
Pearl Infinity Cowl – June
Ruby Shawl – July
Peridot Shawl– August
Sapphire Shawl – September
Opal Shawl – October
Citrine Scarf – November
Turquoise Scarf – December

All About Fall Blog Hop

Featured in the 2023 All About Fall Blog Hop hosted by Carroway Crochet. Each day of September a new pattern is featured that you can download for free using the coupon code.

All About Fall Pattern Bundle

If you’ve missed out on any of the featured patterns or don’t want to wait to see the ones that are coming up you can purchase the pattern bundle for only $12.99. That’s 29 patterns at $.45 each!!

All details about the blog hop and pattern bundle can be found using the button below.

The Yarn

I had a hard time trying to find a yarn that worked for peridot. When I was planning out the design all the stores were still closed due to state regulations.

I tried looking online and ordering something that would work. The only problem was that I couldn’t get a clear enough idea of the color through my computer or phone screen.

Since I have a large stash of yarn in the house, I had to go take a peek of what I had. Turns out that a few years ago I bought 10 skeins of Brava Sport from Knitpicks/WeCrochet in the colorway Avocado. I still had 5 skeins, just the right color and the amount I would need.

The Pattern

The Peridot Shawl uses my favorite crochet stitch, the linked half double crochet. I used the Lhdc in my White Chocolate Ganache dishcloth pattern. With that FREE pattern, I also included a photo tutorial. The White Chocolate Ganache dishcloth is the perfect project to make if you’re not familiar with the Lhdc, find it HERE.

Stitches Used

Ch – Chain
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Lhdc – Linked Half Double Crochet
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St(s) – Stitches
YO – Yarn Over

Stitch Definition

Lhdc – Linked Half Double Crochet – Insert hook through the bottom leg (foot) of the previous stitch, YO and pull up a loop (2 loops).  Insert hook into next stitch, YO and pull up a loop (3 loops), YO and pull through all 3 loops.

Supplies Needed

1000 yards Brava Sport or comparable #3 weight yarn
I/9 5.50 mm crochet hook
Measuring tape
Scissors
Stitch markers
Blocking materials (optional)

Pattern Notes

– A stitch count is available on the last page of the pattern.
– Ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch.
– Blocking isn’t necessary but advised.

Availability

This pattern is available to purchase on both Ravelry and Etsy.

Join the
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I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me. Let me know what you’re working on or designs that you’d like to see in the future. Use the links above or email me at crochetsbytrista@gmail.com.

If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review. I want to know what you think.

Ruby Shawl

The Ruby Shawl is the seventh pattern available in the Birthstone Collection.

The theme for 2020, where each month I have a cowl, scarf, or shawl pattern in the color of that month’s birthstone.

Other patterns available in the Birthstone Collection:
Garnet Cowl – January
Amethyst Scarf – February
Zoe’s Aquamarine Infinity Scarf – March
Diamond Shawl – April
Emerald Asymmetrical Shawl – May
Pearl Infinity Cowl – June
Peridot Shawl– August
Sapphire Shawl – September
Opal Shawl – October
Citrine Scarf – November
Turquoise Scarf – December

****Post contains affiliate links – which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you****

The Yarn

When scrolling Facebook, I stumbled upon Jen from Laine & Lotus in a local group. I commented on the picture she posted about the beautiful yarn she was using. It turns out she is a local indie-dyer.

I started following Laine and Lotus on Instagram and Facebook. She posted the stunning “Eat Your Heart Out” colorway on Valentine’s Day and I fell in love with the color.

I had an inner debate with myself.
– “Do I have the funds to buy this yarn?”
– “What will I use the yarn for?”
– “What patterns do I have coming up”

RUBY!!!!!!

It works perfectly for Ruby. There are so many different shades of red and pink that really make the yarn stand out.

The texture of the yarn is unique too. Every yard or so, there is a little puff of fiber. Pictures DO NOT do it justice.

The Pattern

Because of the texture of the yarn itself, I needed a sequence of simple stitches to really make the yarn standout.

First, due to the texture of the yarn I knew that working into a starting chain was going to be a nightmare. I decided that a triangle shawl would be a perfect solution.

Second, I couldn’t use the same stitch for the whole shawl, that would be boring. Then came the idea to alternate rows. I did one row with one stitch and then did another stitch for the following row.

Finally it all came together, including the math (usually the hardest part most of the time).

Supplies

– Approximately 875 yards of Chic Sock from Laine & Lotus or your favorite fingering/sock weight yarn
– G/4.00 crochet hook
– Measuring Tape
– Scissors
– Yarn needle
– Blocking materials

Stitches Used

As stated before, I wanted to use simpler stitches. These stitches include:

Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Sp – Space
St(s) – Stitches
Tr – Treble Crochet

Pattern Notes

Ch 3 & Ch 4 at the beginning of the row DO count as stitch.

Ch 2 Sp in the center does NOT count in stitch count.

Blocking when finished is not necessary, but advised.

Availability

This pattern is available to purchase on both Ravelry and Etsy.

Join the
Crochets By Trista Crochet Community
on Facebook. 

Follow Crochets By Trista on:
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Pinterest
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I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me.  Let me know what you’re working on or designs you’d like to see in the future.  Use the links above or email me at crochetsbytrista@gmail.com 

If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review.  I want to know what you think.

You may sell finished items made with my pattern, I just ask that you credit the design to Crochets By Trista.

I can not offer any refunds on patterns due to it being a pdf download.

Sizzling Summer Tee

If you’ve read my bio in the “About” section, you would have read that I test patterns for other designers. Many of the patterns I’ve tested have been garments.

The Sizzling Summer Tee is my first garment design, but not my last. I hope you love it as much as I do.

If you have been crocheting for a while and have always wanted to make a garment, THIS IS THE PATTERN FOR YOU!

The instructions are easy to follow and I’ve done my best to make it as simple as possible. Should you have questions while making it, I’m usually always available to help you through it.

My Inspiration

The Sizzling Summer Tee was inspired by my Madi Cardi, set to release Fall 2020. While the cardigan is intended to be worn in autumn and winter, I wanted something that would be perfect for spring and summer.

Although the two patterns are similar, there are enough differences that they shouldn’t have the same names. So after a lengthy inner dialogue, I’ve decided to keep them separate.

That means, eventually, there will be a Sizzling Summer Collection!!!

The Yarn

The yarn I decided to use was “Lion Brand’s ZZ Twist” in the color way Periwinkle. A few months ago I was able to score 10 skeins for $1.00 each, normal price is roughly $5.00! For that price, I had to give it a try.

This was the first time I’ve used this yarn. I’m not too sure if I’ll purchase anymore. I liked it, but it is not my favorite.

I’m glad that I gave the yarn a try, it worked perfectly for the Sizzling Summer Tee.

ZZ Twist is listed as a #4 weight, but it is on the lighter side of the worsted weight category. A few substitutes would be Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend, Caron Cotton Cakes, and Caron Simply Soft.

When substituting the yarn, make sure that you do a gauge swatch to make you will end up with the intended measurements.

Sizes and Yardage Needed

The sizes range from XS to 3X. There is a positive ease of 2″ and will be loose fitting. Below you will see the sizes available, the range of your bust size, the finished measurements for that size and the estimated yardage needed.

XS – 28-30″ – 32″ – 700 yards
S – 32-34″ – 36″ – 800 yards
M – 36-38″ – 40″ – 900 yards
L – 40-42″ – 44″ – 1000 yards
XL – 44-46″ – 48″ – 1100 yards
2X – 48-50″ – 52″ – 1200 yards
3X – 52-54″ – 56″ – 1300 yards

Supplies

The supplies needed are:
– The appropriate amount of yarn for your size
– I/5.50mm crochet hook
– Measuring tape
– Stitch markers
– Yarn needle

Stitches & Abbreviations

Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Rs – Right side
SDc – Starting Double Crochet
STr – Starting Treble Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sk – Skip
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Tr – Treble Crochet
Ws – Wrong side

Stitch Definitions

Starting Double Crochet – (also known as Long Chain Double Crochet or Chainless Starting Double Crochet.)  Pull up your loop to the height of your usual Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert into the 1st St, yarn over, pull through the Stitch, yarn over, pull through two loops on the hook, yarn over, pull through the remaining two loops on your hook.

Starting Treble Crochet – Worked the same way as the Starting Double Crochet but the height of a Treble Crochet.

Pattern Notes

Pattern is written in American Crochet Terms.

Ch 3 can be substituted for SDc.

Ch 4 can be substituted for STr.

Construction consists of:
working the body in turned rounds from the bottom up & two panels for the upper body to form armholes.

Sizes – Pattern is worked in size XS with additional sizes in parentheses.

I advise starting a new skein/ball to do the back panel, just in case you need to add to the front panel for a proper fit.

My Favorite Part

My favorite part about this design is that its completely adjustable to your liking. If you wanted it to fall more to your waist instead of your hips, go for it. If you want it slightly longer than your hips to cover your bum a little bit more, go for it.

The Sizzling Summer Tee makes the perfect beach coverup too!

Availability

The Sizzling Summer Tee Pattern is available to purchase on Etsy and Ravelry.


Join the
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Pinterst
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I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me. Let me know what you’re working on or designs that you’d like to see in the future. Use the links above or email me at crochetsbytrista@gmail.com.

If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review. I want to know what you think.

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