October Tricks make November Treats!

I had a lot of fun partnering with Jems Luxe Fibers for their Trick or Treat advent box in October! I may or may not have been directly responsible for one of the tricks. I can admit, I am directly responsible for one treat: the crochet pattern included in the kit, the Winter Twilight hat! The pattern really shows off Jems’ stunning color palette that tells the story of the three witches of mythology who had to share an eye!

So now, the tricks of Halloween can be your treat! The pattern is great for any of the Monstrous Mini bulky sets from Jems Luxe Fibers. Check out the version below using the Apollo Collection. The blues and whites are perfect for ushering in winter snowfalls. And the Star Stitch detail evokes thoughts of twinkling stars in the clear cold night or snowflakes on a sunny winter day.

I hope you enjoy this trick-turned-treat!

Winter Twilight Hat using Monstrous Minis in the Apollo collection from Jems Luxe Fibers

Lush Cowl + Monster Minis

An older pattern gets an upgrade thanks to new Monster Minis from Jems Luxe Fibers!

Jems Luxe Fibers has introduced new bulky mini sets called Monster Minis and I’m in love! These little wonders are a fun way to play with color. I’m one of the lucky first designers to get their hands on some to see how they work up. The first thing I did was reinvent my classic Lush Cowl to feature Jems’s coordinating sets. This version uses a full skein of Jems Luxe Fibers Bulky in Graphite and the Hebe Collection Monster Minis. Don’t you love the color combination?

The warm and squishy cowl features a unique crochet cable technique. It works up quickly with enough plush layers to sit high over your nose, and is soft enough to scrunch around your neck. So grab the pattern and your Monster Minis from Jems Luxe Fibers. They are the only ones who carry bulky minis!

Lush Cowl $5

Terms and Conditions

Hey, Good Lookin’, Whatcha Got Cookin’?

It’s such a time of joy and there’s so much to be delighted about! I find joy in the warmth of the long days, the expectation and freedom of summer exploration, summer recipes that delight the senses, colors that scintillate in the sun! And Jems Luxe Fibers served it all up with their What’s Cooking yarn subscription this spring!

Yummy colors and delicious southern recipes were delivered the last 3 months: Carrot Soufflé in April, Pig Pie in May, and Blueberry Rumble in June. These colors brought me such delight, I named my newest pattern “Chara,” Greek for “joy.” You can crochet your own delicious Chara Shawl using the colors from Jems Luxe Fibers What’s Cooking collection or choose your own color palette that brings you joy!

Chara Shawl $6





Joy is the warmth of spring, delighting in the flavors of fresh recipes, and the dazzling colors inspired by What’s Cooking Spring 2021 by Jems Luxe Fibers. Fill your senses with joy as you immerse yourself in creating this shawl!

Difficulty
Advanced Beginner

Finished Measurements
Approx. 60 inches by 32 inches after blocking

Materials
What’s Cooking from Jems Luxe Fibers
1 skein DK Luxe (274 yds/100 g) in each color:
Carrot Soufflé C1
Pig Pie C2
Blueberry Rumble C3
or
3 skeins DK weight yarn in desired colors

US Size H (5mm) hook

Tapestry needle

Gauge
5 sc = 1 inch
Gauge not critical

Terms and Conditions

Fight Like A Girl: New Pattern Coming Soon!

It’s so hard to keep a secret! I’ve been working on a pattern collaboration with Forbidden Fiber Company called Fight Like a Girl, and I can’t wait to share it! So in my excitement, here is a sneak peek. If you want to get in on it, you can order the kit here.

Forbidden Fiber has delicious hand dyed colors and the Fight Like a Girl kit is no exception. This treasure trove is inspired by how awesome we think women are (ourselves included). The kit includes six 20g hand dyed miniskeins, a pattern (crochet or knit), and surprise themed goodies.

Be sure to order before limited supplies run out!

Agape Love Shawl Crochet Version and 9 Tips for working with Mohair

Happy Valentine’s Day! Treat your Valentine or yourself to this soft, luxurious scarf designed by Judy Busby at Jems Luxe Fibers and translated to crochet by me, Katie Clark.

Agape Love is an unconditional love that transcends and persists regardless of the circumstance.  Agape is the Greek term for Love – the highest expression of love – a pure and  selfless thing.

This shawl is a fun and quick crochet using minis and mohair.  Every row begins with decreases that shapes this colorful shawl.  Have fun with your colors and let it reflect the love you’ve experienced, how it has shaped and reshaped you.  God’s love for you and me is passionate, pure and beyond anything we’ve ever experienced, accepting us as we are.  He reminds us of our worth and beauty as His daughters.  He loves us with unconditional Agape Love.  God is Love!

Judy Busby, Jems Luxe Fibers

If you’ve never used mohair, you’ll find it takes some patience to work with. So before we get into the pattern, let me give you a few tips for working with mohair.

Tip #1

Use a larger hook or needle to retain loftiness. The wonderful thing about mohair is the silky halo of fiber that surrounds the core. Using a hook or needle that is too small will compact the fibers, negating the effect.

Tip #2

Work loosely. For the same reason as above, use a gentle hand. Or if you have a tendency to stitch tightly, go up another size or two.

Tip #3

Hold with another yarn to add softness, halo & warmth. The fibers aren’t just beautiful. They are very useful for insulating. Used alone, mohair is surprisingly warm. So adding it to another yarn will make your finished piece that much warmer.

Tip #4

Ask your LYS to wind your yarn. Especially if you’ve never used mohair before, because it is so clingy. You don’t want to be frustrated with your yarn before you even begin your project. If you must wind it yourself, try loosening fibers before winding by gently spreading the strands apart to keep them from matting together as you wind.

Tip #5

Do not work cake or ball from inside. I’m a work-the-ball-from-the-inside kind of girl. I do it even when it’s not recommended. Except for mohair. Ever. The fibers pull on each other and you end up with a big mess. Ask me how I know.

Tip #6

Use excellent lighting. This is always important, but especially when using mohair. The halo can make the core strand difficult to see. Good lighting can help and if you really can’t make out your stitches, try holding it up to the light.

Tip #7

Don’t worry so much about mistakes. The halo hides a lot. But if necessary, hold your work up to light to check.

Tip #8

Be patient when taking out stitches. It’s inevitable that you will have to take some out eventually. But try not to get frustrated. Don’t pull so hard that you rip the core, but don’t be afraid to tear fuzz to separate the strands.

Tip #8

Most of all, be patient! It’s is different than any other fiber. But the soft luxurious mohair is worth it!

Now on to the Agape Love Shawl Crochet Version!

Agape Love Shawl

Difficulty
Beginner

Finished Measurements
Approx. 90 inches by 6 inches

Materials
Agape Love Minis and Nimbus Set

or

1 skein Jems Luxe Fibers Nimbus in Ruby Red MC
1 mini skein Jems Luxe Fibers Luxe Sock in each of these colors
Aphrodite CC1
Rubellite CC2
Agape CC3
Ruby Red CC4
Apple of Discord CC5

US Size N (9mm) hook

Tapestry needle

Gauge
3 sc = 1 inch
Gauge not critical

Begin Shawl
Holding MC and CC1 together, ch 270 loosely.

Row 1: Working in back loop of ch, sk first ch, sc3tog, sc across to last 3 chs, sc3tog. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc3tog, sc across to last 3 sts, sc3tog. Turn.

Rows 3 & 4: Rpt row 2.

*Break CC1. Pick up CC2 and hold it together with MC.
Rpt row 2 five times (or as many times as desired if you have extra yarn).

Rpt from * for each mini skein. Finish off both strands. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

Terms and Conditions

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!





Introducing the Kirithra Shawlette

The Kirithra Shawlette is available now! Choose a kit curated by Jems Luxe Fibers to crochet a stunning version of your own. The pattern is included free with the purchase of a kit. Or you can purchase the pattern here.



Once you have your kit or pattern, you can join the Kirithra Shawlette Crochet Along! Starting November 9th, gather with other crocheters in a private Facebook group to share progress, hints and tips, and some much needed community. Look for your invitation to join after you complete your purchase!

Kirithra Shawlette Kits by Jems Luxe Fibers

Find these kits and more at Jems Luxe Fibers

Southern Sweet Tea (MC)
Moldivite & Serendibite (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Taaffeite (MC)
Blackberry Cobbler & Griffin (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Rubellite (MC)
Oceanus & Tourmaline (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Turquoise (MC)
Underworld & The Big Three (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Turquoise (MC)
Aphrodite & Pink Sapphire (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Turquoise (MC)
Morganite & Rubellite (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Graphite (MC)
Amethyst & Benitoite (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Dioptase (MC)
Euclase & Peridot (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Cerberus (MC)
Euclase & Mud Pie (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Copper (MC)
Dioptase & Tourmaline (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Lazulite (MC)
Turquoise & Jade (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Amethyst (MC)
Rubellite & Pink Sapphire (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Jet (MC)
Graphite & Gypsum (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Order these kits and more at Jems Luxe Fibers!

Christmas in September

2020 has been something else, hasn’t it?! I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to the end of the year! There has to be a light at the end of this tunnel. And it should have something to do with Christmas. And yarn. How about a crochet along?

Forbidden Fiber Company is introducing this year’s advent calendar, and it’s gonna be so fun! It’s a White Elephant Advent Calendar! Have you played a White Elephant or Dirty Santa gift exchange? It’s like that. You choose a squishy present out of the box and see what you get. If you like it, you keep it to use in your pattern today. If you don’t, put it back and choose another! The catch is, you eventually get to keep them all!

The White Elephant Advent Calendar comes with everything you need to complete a surprise pattern by the end of the month: 18 coordinating hand-dyed mini-skeins, A MKAL (knit) pattern designed by Afifa Knits OR MCAL (crochet) pattern designed by me, Katie Clark, and a few extra goodies throughout the month.

If you choose the crochet option, find me on Facebook along the way for help, tips, and a good time! Are you ready to get started? Find the MCAL pattern here.