New Patterns Out!

I have three new patterns that have come out this year!  Two of them are in Margaret Hubert's newest book, Complete Photo Guide to Crochet, 2nd Edition, and the third is an independent publication.  The Starburst Afghan started life as a new cabled hat.  It didn't want to stay that way,  It grew.  Ok, so it'll be a tam or a beret.  No, it didn't want to stay that way either.  So a nice big square appeared before it said, "ok, I'm done."  Then I was asked by Margaret if I would design it into an afghan for her book since it was going to have several new chapters added, and some original chapters were going to be expanded.  This went into the textured/cable chapter.  The other pattern in her new book was my first time ever to work out sizing on something large than a hat.  And wouldn't you know it, it was not a "flat" piece!  It's the Man's Cable and Post Vest.  In five sizes!!  You would have laughed to see how much graph paper I used up!  I really need to get this photographed with somebody in it!  Laying flat just doesn't do this vest any justice at all!

This vest is done all in one piece.  The only seams are on the sides, and when those are done, so is the vest.  The trim around the neck and arm-holes is worked the same time as the body.  The cable pattern is on both the front and back.

The third pattern is a new hat.  Victorian Inspired Cloche.  Now this one was a fun and fast design!  It can be done in one solid color, or with a contrast color added.  I guess you could technically say that this one is a two-fer since I have the original, and another that was adapted from this pattern for a new yarn maker's yummy blend of silk, mohair, and merino yarn.  Lubna has it available as a kit package - yarn, pattern, and project bag. 

The pattern was renamed for Blind Buck Farm as Sue's Chapeau.  Sue is a real sweetie who didn't have much luck getting handmade hats to stay on her head.  For one reason or another, they kept coming off on their own.  So after some measuring, it was determined that her head was not unusual, at least physically.  When she tried this one on, it was a perfect fit for her.

Lubna and Sue are local here in NY, and I can't wait till next weekend to go up to the farm and visit!  If you're in the area, they would love for you to come visit, too!  Blind Buck Farm in Salem, NY.