New Patterns! Kirithra Cowl and Scarf

Here is the Kirithra Cowl and Scarf! One pattern, two styles! “Kirithra” means “honeycomb” in Greek and it’s the same honeycomb pattern as the Kirithra Shawlette. I am so proud of the Kirithra Shawlette, but there are so many things I love about the cowl version.





First, it’s a perfect use of a pack of mini skeins from JemsLuxe Fibers! Do you have a mini skein set waiting for a project or 5 random minis you can put together? You can use that, or even left over sock yarn from your last few pairs. You just need 20 grams or 90 yards each in 5 different colors. You can even use a couple of full size handdyed skeins if you want.

Another thing is how fast it is. The cowl only takes a few hours to make, so it’s a great last minute Christmas present. The scarf, of course, takes a little longer, but it’s only December 1st. You still have time!

It’s easy too! If you were hesitant about the Intermediate skill level of the Kirithra Shawlette, this is a fun Beginner alternative.

If you like a challenge, or math (ha!), the cowl and scarf patterns are adjustable. The stitch count is included so you can alter the width and length.

I hope you enjoy this cowl as much as I have had designing and wearing it!





I’m Published!

I’m excited to tell you about my latest pattern, Triton’s Trumpet Shawl! It is appearing in Interweave Crochet Spring 2019.

The Spring issue hits newsstands March 12th. I hope you enjoy this pattern! If you’d like to see more of my patterns, check out my patterns page and my Ravelry page

Triton’s Trumpet Shaw
Interweave/Harper Point Photography

Inside Interweave Crochet Spring 2019, you will find 18 beautiful projects to greet spring. Make projects inspired by world travels or create garments and accessories from under the sea. Learn to felt your crochet or try a simplified version of Romanian point lace. Then, read about fiber artists that are using crochet to bring awareness to coral reef preservation and environmental issues. You’ll find so much to love in Interweave Crochet this spring!

Zombies are Crap at Knitting

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But I love stitching them! I made a double knit Zombie Scarf that is sure to keep my brother-in-law warm in the zombie apocolypse!

And, so everyone will be prepared for the impending doom, here are charts you can use for knitting, cross stitching, needlepoint, or any reason you might have for needing to stitch zombies. Included are a zombie head, Crossed Winchester rifles, and a biohazard. If you would like to duplicate my scarf above download the full pattern here. If you have never tried double knitting, you will want to start with a simpler pattern like my Double Knit Scarf pattern. Enjoy!

Art & Craft: What’s the difference?

crochet knit iconI’m so excited to have my work shown in the Mississippi Museum of Art this Thursday, September 20th. The museum is featuring work from the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi in their Third Thursday event this month.

I consider myself lucky that even as a kid, I knew I wanted to be an artist. When I would visit the museum, I dreamed of having my work displayed here. In high school, I had my first opportunity when my drawings and paintings hung as part of the Scholastic Art Awards competition. Now, almost 30 years later, here I am again as a Craftsman!

I find that often in public displays, “art” and “craft” are often separated pretty sharply. I have wondered why that is. In my experience, they are the same, just different media. In any medium, you learn the basic technique first, then you increase your skill by replicating various techniques of the masters. Finally, you rework and extend your technique to create unique pieces. In both cases, when your proficiency and originality reach a high standard as judged by peers in your medium, you become a master.

So, what is the difference? Is it the difference between utilitarian and decorative? Innovation versus tradition? Beauty versus expression? The quality of the work versus the fame of the artist? If you would like to know more about the history of the divergence between art and craft, here is an interesting TedEd.

Top left: Traditional Granny Square afghan made for me by my MIL. <3<3<3
Top right: Granny square hexagon motif used to make Christmas stocking by Katie Clark
Bottom: Detail of table decoration using traditional filet crochet technique by Katie Clark
All images copyright Katie Clark.

Hoarding and the Creative Spirit

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I enjoy being in homes that are neat and orderly and pretty. Then I go home and I am in a mess. So I start looking around for things to get rid of. But I don’t want to get rid of my stuff!

Lately, I’m having to pare down some things cause of some changes in our house. I’ve spent time going through my pattern books (No!) and my yarn (NO!) wondering why this process is so hard.

Psych students pay attention… Why do I have all this stuff?

My stuff is raw material for creativity. I have a cabinet full–and then some–of craft supplies and random odd items and I see potential in all of it. For example, I have been saving wine corks for years. Years. I’ve had ideas floating around my head about what to do with them, but haven’t had the time to implement anything. Now, I’ve found a super cute pattern that I will make time for in the next few weeks.

http://www.simplynotable.com/2012/pint-sized-pines-in-a-cork-forest/

My stuff is reminders of people and times I love. Talking to friends whose homes I admire, they get rid of things with no second thought. But I keep things cause I have personal attachments. Looking around, my shelves are overflowing, but as I look at items individually, I am happy thinking about whatever attachment I have to it. I’m happy to keep anything I feel that way about, and I’m happy to get rid of anything that has no personal significance.

My stuff includes a lot of toys. Curiosity feeds creativity, so I have a lot of toys, especially STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) toys. My designs sometimes stem from ideas developed from technology and engineering and the “What If” questions I ask.

So I have a choice to make. I can clean up my house and make it more pleasant to be in. Or I can keep my stuff that makes me happy and drives creativity.

Please excuse my mess. I think I’ll keep my stuff.

20180822_213938.jpgAbove: My craft room in the midst of an overhaul
Below: 33 gallon bag of yarn to donate
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The Question Most Asked

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I teach both knitting and crochet. And I teach a lot of beginners who don’t know the difference. The question they ask me most is:

What’s better? Knit or crochet?

That’s a totally subjective question. Ask a knitter and they will probably say knitting. Ask a crocheter and they will probably say crochet. Even those who do both may waffle and say, “They are just different.”

I have my opinions of what’s better and easier, but here’s some hopefully unbiased information with a side-by-side comparison so you can make up your own mind.

After you look over the info, keep reading for my answer!

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Crochet vs knitting (pdf download)

So, when a student asks me, I say I prefer crochet. Why? Because it works up faster and mistakes are easier to fix. It’s just a personal preference, and these days I knit as much or more than crochet. There are things I like better about knitting, but my heart is in crochet!

Did I miss anything? What’s your opinion? Comment your preference and why!

Welcome to Katie Clark Crochet.com!

19488959_848083428676607_5682621870268544020_oHere, you can find classes and events for crocheters and knitters, Katie Clark Crochet patterns, and tips and tricks from a life-long crocheter (and knitter). Come again soon for details on

Fiber Fun in the Sip coming to Vicksburg, MS in September
Oxford Fiber Festival coming to Oxford, MS in January 2019
Fiber Fun on the River Retreat coming to Vicksburg, MS in February 2019

…and other events coming soon!