A Crocheted Interpretation

Today's free pattern was created in response to frequent requests from our readers for more crocheted fashion. Elliot is a direct translation of the knitted vest Ellis that has been so popular from norah gaughan vol. 2. Our crochet designer interpreted the garment quite literally and recreated, piece by piece, the construction of Norah's original. The original Ellis was knit in Suede™ but we chose Ultra® Alpaca Light for the crocheted version. Due to the difference in fiber and construction of these two yarns, we knew that the end result would not be identical, but we felt it best to consider a finer gauge yarn for the crocheted garment. Finer yarn increases the pliability of the finished crochet fabric, which can sometimes be overly rigid for garments. Ellis has a soft, sueded leather-like hand while Elliot is a warm wooly fabric. Both are built of the same geometric forms with crocheted stitches or knitted stitches that give similar effects. While Elliot is not an exact duplicate of Ellis, it is an elegant exercise in interpretation. We have another knit and crochet duo in our free pattern collection - the tanks, Eliza and Beth, both worked in Touché™. The two tanks share a similar silhouette and subtle linear decoration. Not a matched set, but certainly related.

Crochet can imitate knitting, but it has a lot to offer on its own. Over the years we have amassed a treasure chest of free crochet patterns. Celia, a camisole crocheted in Suede™, was one of our top 10 most popular free patterns ever! This form fitting tank top has a corset like firmness due to the structured nature of the crocheted lace. Sturdiness is one of crochet's best assets. When it comes to building a sturdy circular or tubular structure I always choose a hook over my needles. In Amigurmi, crochet is the needlework of choice because it is easy to create shaped pieces that have body and can withstand stuffing. I like the way crochet works up quickly, making it a perfect choice for dramatic home decor as well. Salem, a crocheted coverlet from Booklet 273 NaturLin®, had many admirers. Our brilliant design assistant Donna is working on two Salem coverlets in alternate yarns, one in Love It™ Colors, meant for her grandson Joshua, and another for herself in a lovely assortment of Ultra® Alpaca shades.

Hmmm...I think I need to make one in Ultra® Alpaca for my winter bed cover! It is going to be beautiful. The solidity of Salem's crocheted medallions makes them durable enough to withstand years of wash and wear. I suspect that even my cat Fred will find this one difficult to destroy. With the right yarn choices you can make a luscious crocheted fabric and gorgeous sweaters. You can either mimic knitted stitches or design with the inherent qualities of the crocheted stitches. I prefer the latter, but either way there is no end to the possibilities of crochet.

Crocheted in Ultra®Alpaca Light Skill level: Experienced FREE pattern instructions

All the best,