Thanks to my wonderful testers, the Dancing poppies cardigan is now available (in english OR french!)

This cardigan is worked top down in one piece, with hardly any finishing at all.

Instructions are detailed with many step by step pictures. You can either make it without sleeves, or with 3/4 sleeves.
I used a little over 7 balls of Noro Kureyon (shade 138) for mine, in size S. And here are the specs for this pattern :

Materials:
- Noro “Kureyon” yarn : 5 (5, 6, 7, 8) balls for the sleeveless version, or approx 7 (8, 9, 11, 12) for the 3/4 sleeves version, in color 138.
- 6 mm (J) hook (or size needed to achieve gauge)

Sizing: XS (S, M, L, XL) – Bust: 71/76 (81/86, 91/96, 101/106, 111/116) cm – 28/30 (32/34, 36/38, 40/42, 44/46) inches
Instructions are written for size XS, with other sizes in parentheses. If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
Finished width of cardigan at bust level: 38 (43 -48-54-59) cm – 15 (17-19-21 1/4-23 1/4) inches

Gauge: 15.5 sts and 7.5 rows = 10 cm/4″ over double crochet in front loop (dcfl)
NB: gauge should be measured over very slightly stretched fabric.

Price: $6

Note: I have just sent a discount code via my newsletter for the release of this pattern. Don’t miss out for next time, and sign up for my Newsletter :-)

Le même (ou presque) en français, c’est ici.
One simple comment started it all : “was I going to make an adult version of the Dancing poppies bolero?”
This was a great idea. I had the perfect yarn (Kureyon sitting in stash for years, waiting for the perfect project) and time, as I was leaving for a week’s vacation. Perfect !

We drove there, found a jungle as it’s been raining much lately (not usual there near the Mediterean sea). Every now and then the sky would clear and we headed outside…

But mostly, I crocheted. Started with a swatch, to decide which hook to use : 5.5 mm or 6 mm ? I knew I wanted an open/lightweight/drapey fabric. Yet because of the tall dc stitches, the gaps between each stitch can become an issue if using the wrong hook. I examined my swatch, and decided it would be more reasonable to go with the smaller size.

And off I started. Crocheted the yoke, watched the color sequences follow each other, always unexpected…

Separated the sleeves and crocheted down the body… Then I tried it on (beauty of that top down construction method !). But it was kind of tight, hugging my body too closely. AND not the loose drape I had in mind.
Decisions had to be made. Not always easy, esp. when getting so close to starting the exciting part – the bottom poppies edging… Yet there would be nothing worse than publish a design I’m not entirely satisfied with, and proud of.
I had enough skeins of that yarn to start over without unraveling the first one, and compare both options. So I did.
Using the larger hook immediately felt right, opening the fabric just enough so it wouldn’t be stiff any more, with just the right amount of drape for a summery bolero/cardigan.

I crocheted away, again. Even the color sequences fell in place better, I knew I had made the right choice.

And when I tried it on, the fit was perfect.

Because of that, I didn’t have time to finish the cardigan there during my vacation as planned, but that’s ok. It’s for the better in the end : yesterday I finished the poppies and edgings, and we took pictures. I just LOVE it (and love the response I’m getting too. it’s encouraging me to publish the pattern very soon. Maybe a pre-release later today ?)

Moral of the story: Yes swatching is essential. Yet sometimes it’s not enough ;-)

Nearly 2 years ago now, I read about the new book “101 crochet one skein wonders” submissions, and decided to have a go at it. I sent 3 items, but this little number was the one I liked best.. and it was actually the only one I had the time to design especially for this book.

The shape is my go-to top down seamless yoke cardigan, with added poppies as in my Dancing poppies scarflette. Ever since I made that scarflette, I had plans for matching accessories and garments… but somehow it never worked out: the mitts I made didn’t work, and I had too many other garment designs planned for this one to fit in.

Yet that submission deadline was short, and suddenly this was the right time to make it into a baby cardigan. It worked perfectly and the first rasberry bolero was made during my vacations in the south. Photos were taken on the spot (light is always good there!!) and samples were sent.

The long wait started… but finally the book is available ! I couldn’t wait till I received my contributor’s copy and ordered it online : Surprise, my pattern is actually featured on the (back) cover !!! :-D

In the book, the bolero is available in one size, for babies approx 3/6 months. It can probably fit babies longer than this because of the open front and short sleeves though… I’ll be waiting eagerly for feedback on that.

AND. I’m planning to publish that same pattern with more sizes here. With maybe an adult version, as suggested on FB : I’m already thinking of some Noro Kureyon which might work very well for this. Plus. It would make a fantastic project to keep my hands busy this week, as I FINALLY can take a week off with the girls to the same spot where the baby version was born. Could it be a sign ? Making the ladie’s version at the same place, nearly 2 years later, would def. be cool. :-)

Finally : YES the book is just as cool as I expected, being part of that “101 one skein” series !! Many neat projects, including a fantastic butterfly necklace (I only saw afterwards that it was designed by Myrna Wood, not wonder!), cool hats, nice selection of amigurumi toys, and one great pair of baby booties. So glad to be part of this book :-D

I’ve just taken the time to update my translation page with all the feedback sent the customers for whom I translated knitting or crochet patterns:

- “Hi Sylvie, That looks like a brilliant help. (..)Many thanks for your help. We do appreciate it. Best wishes, Becky D.”
-”Bien reçu la traduction ! Merci encore Sylvie. Sarah B.”
-”Great, thanks so much! Mindy”
-” Merci beaucoup !!! Marielle M.”
- “Bonsoir, MERCI pour votre conscience professionnelle. Il reste la laine à trouver et le temps pour se mettre à l’ouvrage. Encore MERCI. Cordialement. Annick P.”
- “Sylv, Many thanks for the pattern in English – it seems fine (and simple!) Janet”
(…)

Being able to add the pictures of 2 of the books I have translated so far is also pretty satisfying. (& I can’t wait to add the third one, a really cool recent sewing book!)

That’s the “Little black dress” by Simon Henry, and Betty Barnden’s “75 floral blocks to crochet”.

.. Now remains to go on and update my new patterns and homepage on this site which really needs some TLC :-P

A couple months ago, a customer asked for a doll’s version of the Mini Marguerite cardigan. I’ve also wanted to make a doll’s version of the Roselette for ages… but those first couple months have been super busy and I hardly touched a hook.

Then this week end, I suddenly thought about it, measured my daughter’s doll : it’s nearly the same measurements as the 18″ American girl doll that customer asked about. Perfect : it would make a good sizing model.

I first started with leftovers from my Jehanne hooded cardi: raspberry colored Wool 220 from Cascade. But oops, I ran out of yarn after only one round of shells, and mixing colors didn’t appeal to me to show off as a new pattern.

So I started again with a brand new hank of white. I tweaked some of the numbers, listening to the feedback of my older daughter: cap sleeves were too “square”, skirt part was too wide and looked like a dress she said :-)

Finally, yesterday night provided enough time to finish it. I’m still amazed to see how fun this design is to crochet, even after making dozens of it. I won’t lie, I do get tired of redoing some of my other designs. But ending with those rounds of long shells keeps being fun and really enjoyable.

Now the instructions are just waiting to be typed, and organised with the step-by-step pictures to publish the pattern and start on a doll’s version of the Mini Marguerite cardigan.

If there’s enough interest, I might also make a doll’s version of the Ermeline hooded cardigan. What do you think ? ;-)

Yay ! I haven’t finished my big translation job yet (it’s a great sewing book, am learning tons of tricks !) but the first draft is done, which is always the most difficult and daunting part of the job. So that’s already a relief.

So, I took the time after this yesterday to sort out all the spindles I’ve been shelving for months. It will look like a bounty of treasures, but it’s rather that I try now to focus only on the beautiful and really unusual spindles, as I have already so many of the more common types. Plus it’s been many months since I took the time to photograph and list any of my newly find spindles.

Therefore, I give you… 14 more spindles to be listed on Etsy !!!!! yes 14 !!!!

… although it might end up being only 13 as one I was going to list prooved more interesting than at first sight :

I need to triple-check but it looks like this particular spindle has a spiral groove at both ends !! I haveve never seen that before & will probably keep it for my collection and my ebook project!! ;-)

Anyhow. Here are a few pictures of the ones you’ll see there: tons of different shapes of metal caps, with various hooks and spiral grooves. Different shapes of wooden spindles. And spindles in great condition, or with many bug holes and signs of wear and being much loved :-)

I’m kinda late on this blog. For once I’ve been updating the french blog more.. Anybody still around ? :-P

I hope the holidays went well, and you’re ready for a year that should be rich in experiences. I hope it will be crafty one too, surrounded by your loved ones.

I didn’t make very many presents this year, but made a few things. Including this leather coin purse for my sister in law. Plus lots more coin purses, still waiting to be listed in my new Etsy store, “SsySso” opened with my friend who makes beautiful polymer clay Matryoshka earrings.

The tunic I’ve been working on for ages for my friend is FINALLY finisehd. I think I love it. :-)
It was probably worth the time and effort… and I do hope you’ll love it too. The top is kind of similar to my Myrtille asymetric tunic, but then one side is increased with eyelets, tons of different edgings combine to make this gorgeous finish full of flowers, waves and spirals (self-designed as I couldn’t find anything I liked!). The sleeves are also pointy with eyelet increases to echo the asymetric side.
Oh. And I added an i-cord spiral as a special treat for my friend.
Haven’t spoken with her since I gave it to her, but seing the comment she left on FB, it looks like she likes it. :-D

The pattern should be available around march this year, as soon as I’m done with the 2 large translation jobs I’m working on. I’ll keep you posted.

And finally. Had a great morning today, with a “learn to spin yarn on a spindle” workshop with 2 ladies. That was cool. If you live around Grenoble and want to learn to spin (or felt, or more), come and join us !

The Myrtille asymmetric tunic is crocheted top down in one piece with Cascade wool 220 (or any similar worsted weight yarn). A large granny triangle is then inserted in a side slit, thus creating all the necessary side shaping.

Stitches of different heights are used to accentuate the asymmetry below the waist. Finally, mini sleeves and a mesh collar are added.

This short-sleeved sweater is both fun to crochet and to wear. Designed to be worn fitted, and to keep you warm inside an office or for in between seasons !

Sizes:
XS (S, M, L, XL) – Bust: 71/76 (81/86, 91/96, 101/106, 111/116) cm – 28/30 (32/34, 36/38, 40/42, 44/46) inches
Instructions are written for size XS, with other sizes in parentheses. If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
Tunic is meant to be very fitted. If you’d like a looser fit, crochet one size larger.

Materials:
- Cascade 220 “wool”: 3 (4, 5, 6) hanks in plum (MC) and 1 (1, 2, 2) hank in white (CC)
- 5,5 mm (I) hook (or size needed to achieve gauge)

Gauge: 17 sts and 8.75 rows = 10 cm/4″ over double crochet in front loop (dcfl)

Price: $6

Also available on Etsy & Craftsy.

A few weeks ago, Cathe asked me to take part in a serie of interviews of french crochet designers for the french online Yarnzine “In the loop”, and today the article was published. Have a look !

Last week was my first ever “official felting workshop”. I had prepared some samples of felted purses and pouches to show them how amazing this material i: now of course I want to make more ! :-P

The workshop went beautifully – except we were short on time; Next time we’ll need 3 hours – and I love to see the variety of the felted purses each one made. This is even more true when you consider that there were both kids and adults in this workshop ! But it was great to see the interaction between each parent and their kid, how they re-explained what they had just learned. We’ll certainly do this again. (btw: if you live near Grenoble or the Vercors here in France, you could come to one of our wool/textile workshops !)

And while the testing of the pattern of my “Myrtille tunic” is nearly over and the pattern should be released shortly… I’m working on a second asymmetric tunic/mini-dress. This one is for my friend A., who dreamt I made her a beautiful dress about a year ago. But this one is such a long story. Anyhow, I decided to make hers a bit different so there won’t be a granny triangle but long pointy end made with increases on one side. Let’s hope it will turn out as planned !

I’m in LOVE with my new handbag ! It’s so perfectly perfect, and so ME ! I might add a pocket inside, and maybe a button to close it, but I’m still waiting to see whether it really needs it.

About a year ago, I went to a craft show in Grenoble (Artisa) and met this incredible artisan, “CreaNoy”, who makes the most amazing leather purses and bags, with really funky leathers and notions.

I totally loved her work, but it was never exactly what I wanted… I bought 2 really neat little purses which I love to use. And started to hunt for pretty pieces of leather to try and make my own perfect handbag.

Right from the start, I decided mine would have a sheepskin flap. I wanted a purse that would look like a statement. Plus sheepskin is wool, right ?!! :-)
While I did start and make small leather goodies, one year is what it took me to gather all the materials (esp. the sheepskin from Ikea) AND find the perfect timing, with enough time, space, and friendly and crafty vibes.

Suddenly on the second day of our 4-day stay, after lunch I started to draw an outline on newspaper. That would be the back piece and flap of the bag. Another piece made the sides (cut in 2 so it fits easier in my leather pieces). The necessary pieces were cut in minutes, and both bottom bands sewn together on my regular sewing machine, only equiped with a special leather needle.

Later that day, I sewed the pieces together. I was amazed how fast the whole thing got together: Suddenly, I had a handbag ! Next morning, a strap was felted and inserted through the side holes (reinforced with a piece of contrasting green leather), and I added a zigzag strip of green leather to the top of the bag, just the perfect finishing touch.

Please note: I’m also adding pics to the previous post below, have a look !