a collection of our favorite designs

marcy smith

northern dreams pullover

d esign by J u l i a V a c o n s i n
Designer Julia Vaconsins inspiration for this casual pullover was traditional Icelandic sweaters. The lower body and sleeves are worked in the round to the armholes, then are joined together to form the yoke, just as a traditional knitted Lopi would be. Simple stitch patterns form the colorwork yoke, showing off a unique effect that only crochet can achieve. Worked in sportweight alpaca, this sweater is lightweight, close-fitting, and very warm.

finished size
32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52)" (81.5 [92, 101.5, 112.5, 122, 132.5] cm) bust circumference. Garment shown measures 32" (81.5 cm) and is modeled with 2" (5cm) negative ease. Fit is snug, sweater will stretch when worn; choose size with 02" (05 cm) negative ease.

yarn
Misti Alpaca Sport (100% baby alpaca; ): #NT146 yd [134 m]/1 oz [50 g]; 505 natural grey (MC), 9 (11, 13, 15, 16, 18) skeins; #9402 grape (A), #NT100 natural white (B), #VL9100 lavender (C), #2302 petal pink (D), 1skein each.

hook
Size G/7 (4.5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

notions
Yarn needle; removable markers (m) or waste yarn.

gauge
23 sts and 21 rows = 4" (10 cm) in sc blo.

I The Best of INTERWEAVE CROCHET

tunisian vest

d esign by k a t h l e e n p o w e r
Basic Tunisian crochetaka afghan stitchblossoms into an elegant honeycomb pattern when its combined with its alter ego, Tunisian purl. Work two colors of tweedy yarn on alternate rows and you get a distinguished fabric thats ideal for a classic mans vest. In this instance, the colorwork pattern is limited to the fronts, while the back is worked in simple Tunisian crochet in a solid color. If youre unfamiliar with Tunisian crochet, find out how to do it in the primer on page 37.

finished size
39 (44, 48, 51, 56)" (100.5 [112, 122, 131.5, 143.5] cm) chest circumference, buttoned. Vest shown measures 44" (112 cm).

yarn
Jo Sharp DK Tweed (85% wool, 10% silk, 5% cashmere; 147 yd [135 m]/1oz [50g]): #405 Emporio (burgundy; MC), 6 (6, 7, 8, 9) balls; #403 emerald (green; CC), 2 (2, 2, 2) balls. Yarn distributed by JCA Inc.

hook
Afghan or cro-hook size H/8 (5 mm); crochet hook size H/8 (5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

notions
Tapestry needle; five (five, six, six, six) 7 8" (2.2 cm) buttons.

gauge
17 sts and 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) in tweed pattern stitch on size H/8 (5 mm) afghan hook.

I The Best of INTERWEAVE CROCHET

boho blocks cardigan

d esign by V a l e n t i n a d e V i n e
If youre a fan of motifs, this sophisticated cardigan is the project for you. Worked entirely in granny squares that are slip-stitched together, the jacket has a boxy look that makes it ideal for casual weekend wear. For a contemporary edge, Valentina Devine worked it in jewel tones and, by holding two strands of a variegated yarn together, she achieved a rich marled effect. And for the moms out there, Valentina also designed a matching childs pullover; the pattern for the Childs Boho Blocks Pullover can be found online at interweavecrochet.com.

finished size
28 (40, 56)" (71 [101.5, 142] cm) bust circumference when buttoned. Cardigan shown measures 40" (101.5 cm).

yarn
Lornas Lace Helens Lace (50% silk, 50% wool; 1,250 yd [1,143 m]/4 oz [114 g]; CYCA #1 super fine): mother lode (A), 2 (2, 3) skeins; Douglas fir (B) and camouflage (C), 1 skein each.

hook
Size E/4 (3.5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

notions
Five (five, six) 78" diameter shank buttons; tapestry needle.

gauge
Each motif = 31 2" (9 cm) square with 2 strands of yarn held tog.

I The Best of INTERWEAVE CROCHET

20 designs from the pages of your favorite crochet magazine

The Best of Interweave Crochet presents the very best patterns by top designers from the magazine since its inception. From Kathy Merricks color-rich Babettes Blanket to Kristin Omdahls shapely Infinity Shawl to Lily Chins flattering Lace Dress, you wont want to wait to get started on these popular projects and more. Youll also find the in-depth instructions, tips, and techniques that you know and love from Interweave Crochet. Create bold new crochet creations using innovative variations on basic stitches and try your hand at more complex stitch motifs, Tunisian crochet, and lacework. The Best of Interweave Crochet is a complete collection of top designs all in one easily accessible volume. Whether youre picking up a hook for the first time or youre a long-time crocheter, youll love these twenty unique and popular projects.

M a r c y s M i t h is editor of Interweave Crochet. a crocheter since

age eight, she loves to explore the potential of what happens when hook meets yarn. she also enjoys other fiber crafts, including knitting and spinning. Marcy lives in north carolina with her outdoors-writer husband and three adventurous half-grown children.

paperback 8 9, 160 pages isBn 978-1-59668-302-0 $24.95 available august 2011