I have been hosting an annual make-a-long every year, except for the last one. It suddenly felt like the break was too long already, and I decided to design a new make-a-long project. And traditionally, it is the crochet blanket again! Please, welcome – the Fae Fleur Blanket!
About the Fae Fleur Blanket
The Fae Fleur Blanket idea grew from a single flower motif.
When Scheepjes introduced the new Flow series as an addition to their popular core Stone Washed line, I felt inspired to use it for a new design. Flow yarn features long, soft color changes that look fantastic when used in textured crochet with several layers, and when mixed with the solid-colored Stone Washed yarn, it creates incredible depth.
The name Fae Fleur comes from the flower inspiration. Even when using the same Flow cake, with every new flower motif it adds different color nuances, making every flower unique.
The Fae Fleur Blanket is constructed using octagons, squares, and triangle motifs, all framed by a wide, textured border.
This pattern offers a wealth of interest in both stitch work and texture, ensuring you stay entertained throughout the entire creative process.
And if you are curious about the size, the blanket turned out to be approx. 136 cm x 162 cm/ 53½ in x 63¾ in (after blocking).
Where to get the pattern
The pattern is available on Etsy HERE and Ravelry HERE.
The pattern comes in English language with US crochet terms. It contains full row-by-row written instructions with stitch counts, step-by-step pictures and video tutorials. The pattern also includes crochet charts kindly created by Masako Kawahara.
Materials and yarn amounts
The Fae Fleur Blanket comes in 4 colorways, and of course you can create your own.
The original version was the Midnight Fleur, where I used black and graphite Stone Washed colors together with 3 complementary Scheepjes Stone Washed Flows.
Magically, one cake of the Stone Washed Flow yarn was enough for two octagon motifs, and a couple of small squares. This made the blanket’s math so elegant and easy.
I decided to use two similar colors for the background, to create a visual depth. And colorful splashes of the Flow yarn made its magic.
For the Midnight Fleur colorway you will need:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn: 852 Graphite x 11 balls, 803 Black Onyx x 9 balls
- Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn: 18 Mellowness x 8 balls, 05 Calm x 4 balls, 08 Twilight x 4 balls
For this project, we collaborated with Laura Jackson (@taemombo), who created two of her own colorways for the blanket: Aurora Fleur and Fleur du Nord.
For the Aurora Fleur you will need:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn: 831 Axinite x 11 balls, 804 Boulder Opal x 9 balls
- Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn: 11 Mist x 8 balls, 05 Calm x 4 balls, 07 Bliss x 4 balls
For the Fleur du Nord you will need:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn: 831 Axinite x 11 balls, 804 Boulder Opal x 5 balls, 822 Brown Agate x 5 balls
- Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn: 11 Mist x 15 balls
Additionally, Esther Schippers, who assisted with testing, designed the Garden Fleur colorway for her version.
For the Garden Fleur you will need:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn: 806 Canada Jade x 11 balls, 848 Soft Epidote x 9 balls
- Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn: 12 Serenique x 8 balls, 17 Yuletide x 4 balls, 07 Bliss x 4 balls
If you wish to create your own Fae Fleur coloway, look for two solid background colors and add 2-3 Flow colors aiming for the best contrast.
You will also need 3.5mm hook, however, you can switch to a bigger hook to add more drape to your blanket. Additionally, you will ned titch markers (or waste yarn).
You can view all Stone Washed colors and order Scheepjes yarn through your local yarn shop, or via online retailers: Caro's Atelier (NL&Europe), Amazon (affiliate links).
And if you are in Canada or US, you can also purchase a ready kit for Fae Fleur Blanket from Laura of Taemombo yarn shop. The pattern is also included in the kit, so you do not have to purchase it separately.
How to join make-a-long
I will host a Fae Fleur Blanket make-a-long in my Facebook group, and we will begin on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026.
However, if you have access to yarn locally, you can start crocheting the blanket right after you purchase the pattern. There will be no weekly parts, and you will receive all instructions at once.
You can find the pattern on Etsy HERE and Ravelry HERE.
The idea of make-a-long is to connect makers from all over the world together, so that you can share your progress pictures and ask questions about the pattern.
I will monitor the group daily and will help you if you need my support.
See you there!
Lately, I have been feeling a little stuck on what to design next. After more than 10 years of nonstop designing and trying my hand at a wide variety of different projects, I have explored so many shapes and categories that I was unsure of where to go from here. Then, I realized that instead of following trends, it is much more honest—and better for my creative soul—to simply design what I actually want to make.
We’ve been experiencing a weird summer, with heat waves shifting to cold fronts every other day. But because summer is still on the horizon, I thought a small crochet top would fit perfectly into my garment collection.
I was inspired by a modern silhouette featuring a square neckline and slim straps—it looks so gentle and feminine. Because I am obsessed with brioche crochet, I knew I had to add a small brioche detail to the top, too!
Let me introduce my newest design: The Twisty Top. The pattern is available on Ravelry [HERE] and Etsy [HERE].
Because it creates a double-layered fabric, brioche crochet can sometimes feel a bit thick and stiff. You might even think it isn’t a good choice for garments. However, if you use a small brioche accent and combine it with a mesh crochet stitch, the result is a fantastic drape.
The Twisty Top is a perfect example of how brioche crochet can bring an elegant touch to a piece.
Construction & Customization
The Twisty Top is worked from the top down. First, the front and back are worked separately. They are then joined together at the underarms, and the lower body is worked seamlessly in the round.
The length and width are completely customizable:
• To make it longer: Simply work more pattern repeats for the lower body.
• To make it wider: You can either work more pattern repeats with increases on both the front and back, or simply add more underarm chains.
The pattern includes plenty of step-by-step pictures and detailed video tutorials to help you along the way!
Sizing & Materials
The Twisty Top comes in 10 sizes, with a finished bust of 89–149 cm (35–58½ in). The garment is designed with 0–9 cm of ease, allowing you to choose whether you want a slim, fitted look or a bit of positive ease.
- Yarn: You will need fingering-weight yarn in two colors. I have noticed that high-contrast colors look best for this design, though subtle tones can create a beautiful effect as well. I used Scheepjes Organicon, which is 100% organic soft cotton.
- Hook: I used a 3.5mm hook, which is slightly larger than the recommended size for this yarn. I opted to size up to ensure the fabric isn't stiff and maintains a beautiful drape.
A Quick Tip: I highly recommend making a gauge swatch before you start working on your Twisty Top. Be sure to wash it before measuring, as some yarns can grow after washing, which could result in incorrect sizing. Making a swatch beforehand will save you from having to remake the whole thing from scratch!
Just a reminder, you can find the Twisty Top pattern on Ravelry [HERE] and Etsy [HERE].
Hope you enjoy it!
Tatsiana
Two weeks ago, I had a fantastic opportunity to visit h+h cologne in Cologne, a major international trade fair for handicrafts and hobbies held every year. I was invited by De Bondt to their booth to do some crochet demonstrations and also to talk about my A City Walk book.
About Flow Slipover (my new crochet design)
I brought a few of my crochet projects to showcase at the booth. One of them was my new design, the Flow Slipover, named after the recent Stone Washed Flow (affiliate link) yarn by Scheepjes (a colorful gradient addition to the well-established Stone Washed yarn family).
The pattern for the Flow Slipover has already been published, and you can find it on Ravelry HERE and on Etsy HERE.
The pattern comes in 9 sizes (from XXS to 4X) and can be adjusted for both width and length. It includes written instructions in English (US crochet terms), a detailed photo tutorial, and links to external video tutorials for additional support.
The construction of the Flow Slipover is quite straightforward. It consists of front and back panels worked vertically in turned rows. The front and back are then joined at the shoulder seams. Next, the bands with buttons and buttonholes are added along the sides, and finally, the collar is worked around the neck opening. The collar is optional, and you can leave a crew neck by working a few rounds around the neck opening.
I made three samples:
- one using the new Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn, as I was curious about how it would work up in crochet, and I must say I was not disappointed at all,
- another one also using Stone Washed yarn (affiliate link), but this time in a single color,
- and a third sample made with Scheepjes Kindsome yarn (my current wool-blend favorite due to its softness and excellent stitch definition).
The Future of the Craft Industry (happy news)
At h+h cologne, I met many lovely people and had interesting conversations about the yarn industry and crochet in particular. This made me reflect on the future of crafts and the possible directions in which modern crochet is developing.
The good news is that the yarn industry is alive and doing very well. I met many people wearing handmade garments, saw a wide variety of beautiful yarns for all tastes, and spoke with young people who already run yarn businesses, teach classes, and design patterns themselves. I also met yarn shop owners who have moved to larger spaces in recent years and saw children who are passionate about yarn and crafts.
In a world of rapidly advancing technology, people tend to turn to crafts more often to keep their minds balanced and to reconnect with themselves.
My thoughts about “transitional crochet”
Most shop owners who stopped by our booth were knitters who crochet occasionally. They often had very straightforward views on crochet, suitable yarns, and the possibilities for creating crochet garments. Some were even doubtful that a nice drape and refined garment shaping can be achieved with a crochet hook.
Crochet has often been perceived as a “second-class” craft compared to knitting. However, modern crochet can produce sophisticated, drapey fabrics that are sometimes indistinguishable from knitting. Many designers are now moving away from traditional granny-square crochet and are pushing the craft forward.
This made me think that today, alongside traditional crochet as we know it (often associated with blankets, shawls, home décor, bags, and amigurumi, and sometimes hesitant about garments), there is also a new direction emerging — what I would call “transitional crochet,” supported by many modern designers.
It feels like transitional crochet sits somewhere between traditional knitting and crochet. Designers and makers are exploring modern techniques and garment construction, showing interest in “knit-look” crochet with good drape and refined aesthetics.
As a crochet designer, I feel that I belong to this category. Through my work, I aim to show that modern crochet is very different from what it was 10 years ago. With a crochet hook, we can create a wide variety of stitches — some that mimic knitting and others that celebrate the unique texture of crochet.
Conclusions
I returned home from h+h cologne filled with inspiration and bright emotions. I had the opportunity to connect with people from different parts of the world and to share a love and passion for crochet and yarn.
I strongly feel that modern crochet is not only alive and thriving, but also has an exciting future ahead — with many talented designers continuing to innovate, and adventurous makers who are not afraid to explore new techniques and contribute to the evolution of crochet as a craft.
See you next year at h+h cologne in Cologne?
Hello! I hope the beginning of the new year has been kind to you. My own start was a bit slow, as I decided to slow down in general and take life a little easier. I’ve been finishing up WIP projects from last year and preparing them for publishing. But new creative ideas have already started knocking on my door again, so hopefully a new design will jump onto my hook very soon.
Over the past weeks, I’ve been finalizing a new garment design that I am truly happy with—the stitch pattern, the yarn choice, the fit, and the overall look and feel. It has been a pure joy to design and make, and today I’m incredibly excited to share it with the world.
Please give a warm welcome to the Freya Cardigan.
The pattern is now available on Etsy HERE and on Ravelry HERE.
A special construction
Freya Cardigan is quite different from the garments I’ve designed in the past. It features a unique construction, worked vertically from side to side. I also used a short-row technique to create a leafy stitch pattern on the front. The fit is oversized, and I can safely say it will suit a wide range of sizes and body shapes.
It can also be adjusted as you go, both in width and upper arm circumference. The pattern has been tested in multiple sizes, and each version turned out beautifully.
Yarn
For the Freya Cardigan, I chose Scheepjes Kindsome yarn, which has a balanced composition of compostable polyester and responsibly sourced wool.
The yarn is incredibly soft and lightweight, coming in a sport weight with 50 g balls and 150 m per skein. It glides smoothly on the hook, and the stitch definition is excellent.
Kindsome yarn is currently available in a limited color range, but I truly hope new shades will be introduced in the future, making it an even more wonderful choice for both crochet and knitting—especially for colorwork.
If you prefer to use a different yarn for your Freya Cardigan, I recommend choosing a soft sport-weight yarn. The best results will be achieved with a single, solid color.
Pattern details
Freya Cardigan comes in 9 sizes, with a finished bust measurement of 112–208 cm / 44–82 in and a recommended ease of 45–55 cm / 17¾–21¾ in. It is designed as a roomy, cozy garment.
You can make it as an open-front cardigan without a closure, or optionally add buttonholes at the front for extra practicality.
The shoulder line is dropped, with no visible transition between the back and sleeves. Working half double crochet stitches into the back loops only gives the finished piece a knitted look rather than a crocheted one.
The pattern includes full written instructions in English (US crochet terms), detailed photo tutorials, and links to video tutorials explaining the construction, short-row technique, and finishing. The videos guide you through every step of making the Freya Cardigan.
If you’d like to get your own copy of the pattern and create your own Freya Cardigan, you can find it HERE on Ravelry and HERE on Etsy.
Hope you enjoy,
Hello and welcome to the final part of the Mystery Sparkle MAL! In previous weeks, we tried our hands at surface slip stitches with Sparkle Star, overlay crochet with Sparkle Bauble, and crochet short rows with Origami Square. I hope you enjoyed this variety of projects and techniques—because today, something different is waiting for you once again.
Today we’ll be making a beautifully textured Sparkle Snowflake using the beloved brioche crochet technique.
Where to Get the Pattern
If you already own the Mystery Sparkle MAL ebook, simply refresh your Ravelry library and today’s pattern will appear.
If this is your first time reading about the MAL, you can find all the details on how to join HERE on my blog and purchase the ebook HERE on Ravelry.
The collection of all four patterns will remain discounted through December 24th, 2025. After that, all four patterns will also become available as stand-alone patterns on Ravelry.
The ebook will be listed at its regular price after December 24th. So, if one or two of the previous patterns have caught your eye, now is the perfect time to grab the entire ebook at a special price.
About Brioche Crochet
As mentioned above, Sparkle Snowflake uses the brioche crochet technique, which is easy to master if you’re familiar with basic crochet stitches. This highly textured fabric consists of two layers, featuring intricate stitch patterning on the right side and two-color stripes on the wrong side.
If you’d like to dive deeper into the basics of brioche crochet, you’re welcome to join my free online workshop HERE.
After signing up, you’ll receive an email with general information and links to all lessons and additional resources. The workshop includes written explanations with step-by-step photos, a stitch video library, and several video tutorials that guide you from basic brioche patterns to more complex ones. There’s also a dedicated lesson on how to read brioche crochet charts.
The workshop is completely free! If you’d like to take your crochet skills to the next level, you’re warmly invited to join.
And if you’re looking for even more brioche patterns, have a look at my new book A City Walk. It’s entirely devoted to brioche crochet and includes 12 modern patterns for wearables and home décor. The book is available in our webshop HERE, with worldwide shipping.
About Sparkle Snowflake
Sparkle Snowflake is a round ornamental mandala that can be used as a coaster or a hanging decoration. You can also make two snowflakes and join them together with a bit of stuffing to create a lovely 3D effect.
For a festive look, I used Scheepjes Catona together with Scheepjes Catona Shine, which adds a beautiful metallic sparkle. Of course, the snowflake can be made with any yarn from your stash.
You can choose just two colors (with good contrast), or use one color for the snowflake motif (Yarn B) while adding several colors for the background. For the best effect, try using ombré or closely related shades for the background.
Only one color is used per round, and there’s no cutting between rounds. This means that even with two colors, you’ll have just four ends to weave in.
This marks the final part of the Mystery Sparkle MAL, and I’d like to thank everyone who joined me on this exciting journey.
See you in the next adventure!
