I am really pleased to be able to let you know that my Fractal Fronds Shawl crochet pattern is now available in my Ravelry or Etsy stores, and for the first time is available in both UK and US crochet terminology with 20% off until the 6th October or 50% with a code in my September Update sent on the 24th September. If you aren't signed up when the September Update is sent, you can sign up for the mailing list here and click through on the "Sept Update" button in the confirmation email to get the code.
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Why make the Fractal Fronds Shawl crochet pattern?
The shawl is a bold but very wearable summer accessory for those days when you're dressed for the season, however the sun is taking a day off or it's breezy so you need a little extra warmth but it's summer so you don't want to wear a coat or jacket! It should certainly work through autumn as well and could be used indoors or over a coat in winter as well. I think it can work well with anything from really casual outfits to a formal dress as it can be draped and tied in such a variety of ways.
The stitch pattern for the body is incredibly simple and makes use of bold stripes rather than complex stitches to add interest, so you have a decent length of relaxing crochet to work and only need to refer to the pattern for the stitch counts of the contrast stripes every 12 rows. Then you get to the most fun part: the border, five rows of varied, overlapping stitches to create a bold, highly textured edging that will appear in different locations depending on how it's worn. Confession: I really like the effect of the middle stripe being a little narrower than all the others but it actually wasn't my original plan; I shortened it because I was afraid of running out of yarn!
About the Fractal Fronds Shawl crochet pattern
This shawl was originally published in Crochet Foundry's June 2024 issue. The new editor Crochet Foundry themed the June issue around the Pride flags to celebrate Pride month. Each designer was sent yarn to create a sample in a colourway based on a specific flag and the patterns in the magazine were accompanied by some background information on the relevant flag. The yarn supplied for the sample of this design included two shade of blue, white, yellow and orange. These are the colours of the Aroace flag representing those who feel no romantic or sexual attraction to others. The shape of the shawl is inspired by the way fern leaves unfurl from a tightly curled end.
I worked up the sample in We Crochet Swish yarn and I would definitely choose to use that again if I made another. It was very soft to work with and really had a great combination of springiness and lightness that ensured the the weight of the border didn't overwhelm the rest o the shawl and cause it to droop or distort. It should feel nice and soft against the skin, which is ideal for neck accessories and it's handy for those who don't like hand washing their woollens that this can go in the washing machine.
I worked on this during the cold weather and I can't tell you how nice it was to snuggle under it as it grew. I feel sure it will feel just as nice to wear. Once it was complete I had fun tying it on Maggie the Mannequin who looks very elegant in this particular shawl.
Pattern: Fractal Fern Fronds Shawl
Also published in: Crochet Foundry Magazine June 2024
Yarn: We Crochet Swish worsted weight Superwash wool in Mimic 28642; Serene 28661; Honey 26061; White 24064: Allspice 24297
How to wear the Fractal Fronds Shawl
Get your copy of the pattern in my Ravelry or Etsy stores, with 20% off until the 6th October or 50% with a code in my September Update sent on the 24th September. If you aren't signed up when the September Update is sent, you can sign up for the mailing list here and click through on the September Update button in the confirmation email to get the code.
Do let me know if you make the shawl. I'm always so excited when I see that someone has used one of my patterns! I love to get comments on my blog too, so do let me know your thoughts on the design or ask any questions you have below.
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