I am happy to announce the release of a brand new Kristin Omdahl pattern: VINGA Crochet Lace Belted Cape Pattern. In celebration of National Crochet Month, the pattern will debut at the celebration price of $3.99!

I created this belted, crochet lace cape while preparing for the taping of Crochet Corner on Knitting Daily TV, season 400. I wanted to wear a new piece that would be flattering on me. My theory was that the belted cape offers the illusion of shaping due to the placement of the belt. If you cinch your waist with the minimum amount of fabric required and leave the bulk to the “sleeves” the ratio of more sleeve to waist suggests a thin waist.
You can see me wearing the cape on episode 407 and in the show’s introduction.

The pattern is written for a hip length cape that is approximately 24” long. If you want a longer cape, you can either work another repeat of the increases (12 rows), or you could work the regular pattern in a thicker yarn and larger hook (perhaps a dk weight yarn and H/8 hook).

For a more relaxed look, the cape is equally as pretty without belting.

The pattern included line by line instructions, charts and lots of detailed photos. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF file that you will receive via email after transaction is completed. Usually within a few hours.

Pattern requirements:

1200 yards of laceweight yarn. I used Wagtail Yarn's 100% Kid Mohair 4ply in medium blue (3 skeins)
G/6 (4mm) crochet hookGauge: 5 sts/3 rows = 1" in blocked double crochet

Finished size: 24" long

Stitches used: chain, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet

For a complete description of these stitches, please check out my Crochet Stitch Glossary

Click here for more photos and how to purchase the pattern for only $3.99!

Click on the thumbnails below for other views of the cape (with and without the belt):

March is National Crochet Month and what better way to celebrate than with a sale? I am celebrating National Crochet Month in lots of ways: working on final edits of "Crochet So Fine" which comes out in July 2010; taping the next season (500) of "Crochet Corner" for Knitting Daily TV; and crocheting, of course! I'm currently working on a beautiful lace motif hat that I will take photos of as soon as it stops raining here!

I'm often asked which craft is my favorite, knit or crochet? I have been in love with both since learning both within a month of each other. I love to knit and crochet interchangeably and enjoy both every day. Even though we are celebrating National Crochet Month, I didn't want to exclude knitting in the celebration. ALL of my patterns (knit and crochet) are reduced for the celebratory sale.

Please click here to browse through the dozens of knit and crochet patterns available as pdf download patterns for only $3.99 each.

KRISTIN PATTERN SALE

Here are some photos of the patterns.

Tahki Stacy Charles debuts a new weight of the popular Cotton Classic yarn this Spring. Cotton Classic lite is a thin mercerized cotton, probably close to a fingering weight, with supple drape and a light feel. Depending on the size of hook or needle and the type of stitch pattern you use, the yarn is adaptable to a wide variety of looks.

I was thrilled to receive the first samples of Cotton Classic lite because I think it is a terrific weight and feel for crochet lace. The first piece I designed in this yarn will be featured in Crochet So Fine, available July 2010. It is a floral skinny scarf that requires only one skein of the yarn. I crocheted the sample in a very short period of time - between 1 and 2 hours!

Click on thumbnail for larger image

The second and third pieces I deisgned in Cotton Classic Lite were the Barcelona Shawl and Buenos Aires Tunic for Tahki Stacy Charles City Crochet Collection. Cotton Classic Lite complements crochet so well and City Crochet is the perfect design collection to introduce the new yarn. You'll find 9 fashion forward styles, including tops and tunics, a jacket, shawl, dress and skirt. Each garment is named after a different excotic world city:
Amsterdam Tee, Barcelona Shawl, Buenos Aires Tunic, Cairo Jacket, Copenhagen Tank, Istanbul Dress, Nairobi Skirt, Paris Tunic and Tokyo Vest.

The Barcelona Shawl combines pretty crochet motifs with complementary crochet lace panels. In the seams, generous belt loop holes are strategically placed at the natural waist if you choose to wear the shawl as a belted cape for a second, stunning look with the same garment.

Click on thumbnail for larger image

The Buenos Aires Tunic is light and airy and would make a great layering piece. It has generous ease in the hips to accomodate the extra length for lots of movement. The motifs begin as bright and cheerful flowers and are joined to the tunic in a final round of the motifs that join together as a tube. The tunic is picked up and worked towards the neck. The mesh stitch pattern is updated with post stitches for extra texture and interest.

The bright, bold colors are fun and refreshing and really hot this spring! For a more sophisticated look, try choosing a softer palette for the flower motifs.