I am dreaming of the sea… Here in the Czech Republic, we are heading into another wave of extreme heat, and I cannot wait for the beginning of autumn, when I will have vacations with a relaxing week by the sea. There is something incredibly calming about being by the water. Although I love the mountains too, the sea will always be my favourite, whether it is warm or cold.
The "sea style" returns to the spotlight every summer, with shapes inspired by marine flora and fauna and a colour palette dominated by blue, white, red, and gold. And a little bird whispered in my ear that shell shapes have become especially popular lately, particularly in bag designs.
Handmade bags are also in high demand every year.
I'm probably a little late to the party, but better late than never, right? Please welcome my newest design—the Shell Bag!
You can find the Shell Bag pattern on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
When I started thinking about how to create the shell shape, I felt that crochet short rows would be the perfect technique. I used the simplest version of short rows, working only single crochet stitches into the back loops.
There are no tricky slip stitches or complicated techniques involved, making the pattern easy to follow and enjoyable to crochet. The Shell Bag is worked as a single piece, with no sewing or joining required. You can adjust the shape as you go by making the top opening either straight or more angled, depending on your preference.
You can also crochet your own strap or attach a ready-made one if you prefer.
The pattern includes instructions for two sizes: a smaller crossbody bag and a large shopper.
I used Scheepjes Mighty yarn, a beautiful natural blend of cotton and jute fibres, but you can easily substitute it with any yarn you have on hand. Finer yarn will create a smaller bag, while thicker yarn will result in a wonderfully oversized and chunky accessory.
I lined my bag with linen fabric, although this step is entirely optional. However, adding a lining helps prevent the crochet fabric from stretching and losing its rounded shape over time.
I still had some Scheepjes Mighty yarn left in my stash, so I decided to give the idea a try. The mandala turned out to be about 30 cm across, which felt a little too small for my taste, so I added a slim wavy border using the same short-row technique.
That brought it to the perfect size for a chair pad, and that's exactly how I plan to use my set of mandalas.
Shell Mandala pattern is available on Etsy HERE and Ravelry HERE.
I'm thinking about backing them with felt, or perhaps stitching them onto ready-made chair pads, just as I did with my Brioche Chair Pads.
I hope you'll enjoy crocheting these sea-inspired designs as much as I enjoyed creating them!
While everyone is busy picking colors and starting their first motifs for the Fae Fleur Blanket, I’ve been busy finishing something else in the meantime! Many people from all corners of the world have joined the Fae Fleur MAL, and while this might not be the "expected" time to show you something new, let’s be honest: who only has one crochet project on the go? I currently have at least five! Since this new design is all about summer, I decided to introduce it as soon as testing wrapped up. Please welcome the Floret Top!
The pattern is available on Etsy HERE and Ravelry HERE.
The Inspiration
I have been seeing so many beautiful crochet lace tops lately—it feels like a huge trend! These aren't just tops to wear on their own; they are delicate, sheer pieces meant to be styled over T-shirts, blouses, long-sleeves, or even dresses. Usually, I’m not easily swayed by trends, but these charming tops caught my eye, and I felt a strong urge to design one for myself.
My absolute favorite look is a crochet bra worn over a shirt. However, since being a crochet designer rarely means creating things just for myself, I designed this top to be fully adjustable in both length and width. It can be anything from a tiny bralette to a full-length summer dress.
The Design
I kept seeing various flower stitch patterns on my Pinterest feed and instantly fell in love with one in particular. While I didn’t invent the stitch, I adapted it to fit my vision and figured out how to work it both in the round and in rows.
The yarn choice was a happy accident! I ordered Scheepjes Organicon for my recent Twisty Top, but due to a misunderstanding, I received several full packages instead of a few balls (about 40 balls instead of 8!). It was one of those magic moments where a new design idea perfectly matched the stash I suddenly had on hand.
Why I Love It
I couldn't stop making these! I ended up crocheting at least six of them while testing different lengths and sizes, and I’ve already gifted several to friends.
• Customizable: The pattern includes three lengths (short, medium, and long), but you can easily extend it to create a beach cover-up or a dress. While it comes in six sizes (fitting finished busts of 84–154 cm / 33–60½ in), you can further customize the width by adding more flowers to the starting row.
• Minimal Ends: The best news? All the flowers are worked as-you-go, so there are almost no ends to weave in!
• Versatile Styling: The top is worked from the bottom up, with the front and back worked separately. You can choose a V-neck for both sides, a straight neckline for both, or the original V-neck front with a straight back. Since the top is reversible, you have even more options.
• Adjustable Straps: You can easily adjust the strap length by adding more chains, which also allows you to customize the depth of the neckline and armholes.
Pattern Details
While I used Scheepjes Organicon (a 100% organic cotton, fingering-weight yarn), I can easily see this top worked in a cotton blend or even wool for cooler weather.
The pattern is available in English on Etsy HERE and Ravelry HERE. It includes full written instructions, step-by-step photos, video tutorials, and charts!
I’d love to know what you think of it, or if you decide to give it a try!
I have been hosting an annual make-a-long every year, except for the last one. It suddenly felt like the break was too long already, and I decided to design a new make-a-long project. And traditionally, it is the crochet blanket again! Please, welcome – the Fae Fleur Blanket!
About the Fae Fleur Blanket
The Fae Fleur Blanket idea grew from a single flower motif.
When Scheepjes introduced the new Flow series as an addition to their popular core Stone Washed line, I felt inspired to use it for a new design. Flow yarn features long, soft color changes that look fantastic when used in textured crochet with several layers, and when mixed with the solid-colored Stone Washed yarn, it creates incredible depth.
The name Fae Fleur comes from the flower inspiration. Even when using the same Flow cake, with every new flower motif it adds different color nuances, making every flower unique.
The Fae Fleur Blanket is constructed using octagons, squares, and triangle motifs, all framed by a wide, textured border.
This pattern offers a wealth of interest in both stitch work and texture, ensuring you stay entertained throughout the entire creative process.
And if you are curious about the size, the blanket turned out to be approx. 136 cm x 162 cm/ 53½ in x 63¾ in (after blocking).
Where to get the pattern
The pattern is available on Etsy HERE and Ravelry HERE.
The pattern comes in English language with US crochet terms. It contains full row-by-row written instructions with stitch counts, step-by-step pictures and video tutorials. The pattern also includes crochet charts kindly created by Masako Kawahara.
Materials and yarn amounts
The Fae Fleur Blanket comes in 4 colorways, and of course you can create your own.
The original version was the Midnight Fleur, where I used black and graphite Stone Washed colors together with 3 complementary Scheepjes Stone Washed Flows.
Magically, one cake of the Stone Washed Flow yarn was enough for two octagon motifs, and a couple of small squares. This made the blanket’s math so elegant and easy.
I decided to use two similar colors for the background, to create a visual depth. And colorful splashes of the Flow yarn made its magic.
For the Midnight Fleur colorway you will need:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn: 852 Graphite x 11 balls, 803 Black Onyx x 9 balls
- Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn: 18 Mellowness x 8 balls, 05 Calm x 4 balls, 08 Twilight x 4 balls
For this project, we collaborated with Laura Jackson (@taemombo), who created two of her own colorways for the blanket: Aurora Fleur and Fleur du Nord.
For the Aurora Fleur you will need:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn: 831 Axinite x 11 balls, 804 Boulder Opal x 9 balls
- Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn: 11 Mist x 8 balls, 05 Calm x 4 balls, 07 Bliss x 4 balls
For the Fleur du Nord you will need:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn: 831 Axinite x 11 balls, 804 Boulder Opal x 5 balls, 822 Brown Agate x 5 balls
- Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn: 11 Mist x 15 balls
Additionally, Esther Schippers, who assisted with testing, designed the Garden Fleur colorway for her version.
For the Garden Fleur you will need:
- Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn: 806 Canada Jade x 11 balls, 848 Soft Epidote x 9 balls
- Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn: 12 Serenique x 8 balls, 17 Yuletide x 4 balls, 07 Bliss x 4 balls
If you wish to create your own Fae Fleur coloway, look for two solid background colors and add 2-3 Flow colors aiming for the best contrast.
You will also need 3.5mm hook, however, you can switch to a bigger hook to add more drape to your blanket. Additionally, you will ned titch markers (or waste yarn).
You can view all Stone Washed colors and order Scheepjes yarn through your local yarn shop, or via online retailers: Caro's Atelier (NL&Europe), Amazon (affiliate links).
And if you are in Canada or US, you can also purchase a ready kit for Fae Fleur Blanket from Laura of Taemombo yarn shop. The pattern is also included in the kit, so you do not have to purchase it separately.
How to join make-a-long
I will host a Fae Fleur Blanket make-a-long in my Facebook group, and we will begin on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026.
However, if you have access to yarn locally, you can start crocheting the blanket right after you purchase the pattern. There will be no weekly parts, and you will receive all instructions at once.
You can find the pattern on Etsy HERE and Ravelry HERE.
The idea of make-a-long is to connect makers from all over the world together, so that you can share your progress pictures and ask questions about the pattern.
I will monitor the group daily and will help you if you need my support.
See you there!
Lately, I have been feeling a little stuck on what to design next. After more than 10 years of nonstop designing and trying my hand at a wide variety of different projects, I have explored so many shapes and categories that I was unsure of where to go from here. Then, I realized that instead of following trends, it is much more honest—and better for my creative soul—to simply design what I actually want to make.
We’ve been experiencing a weird summer, with heat waves shifting to cold fronts every other day. But because summer is still on the horizon, I thought a small crochet top would fit perfectly into my garment collection.
I was inspired by a modern silhouette featuring a square neckline and slim straps—it looks so gentle and feminine. Because I am obsessed with brioche crochet, I knew I had to add a small brioche detail to the top, too!
Let me introduce my newest design: The Twisty Top. The pattern is available on Ravelry [HERE] and Etsy [HERE].
Because it creates a double-layered fabric, brioche crochet can sometimes feel a bit thick and stiff. You might even think it isn’t a good choice for garments. However, if you use a small brioche accent and combine it with a mesh crochet stitch, the result is a fantastic drape.
The Twisty Top is a perfect example of how brioche crochet can bring an elegant touch to a piece.
Construction & Customization
The Twisty Top is worked from the top down. First, the front and back are worked separately. They are then joined together at the underarms, and the lower body is worked seamlessly in the round.
The length and width are completely customizable:
• To make it longer: Simply work more pattern repeats for the lower body.
• To make it wider: You can either work more pattern repeats with increases on both the front and back, or simply add more underarm chains.
The pattern includes plenty of step-by-step pictures and detailed video tutorials to help you along the way!
Sizing & Materials
The Twisty Top comes in 10 sizes, with a finished bust of 89–149 cm (35–58½ in). The garment is designed with 0–9 cm of ease, allowing you to choose whether you want a slim, fitted look or a bit of positive ease.
- Yarn: You will need fingering-weight yarn in two colors. I have noticed that high-contrast colors look best for this design, though subtle tones can create a beautiful effect as well. I used Scheepjes Organicon, which is 100% organic soft cotton.
- Hook: I used a 3.5mm hook, which is slightly larger than the recommended size for this yarn. I opted to size up to ensure the fabric isn't stiff and maintains a beautiful drape.
A Quick Tip: I highly recommend making a gauge swatch before you start working on your Twisty Top. Be sure to wash it before measuring, as some yarns can grow after washing, which could result in incorrect sizing. Making a swatch beforehand will save you from having to remake the whole thing from scratch!
Just a reminder, you can find the Twisty Top pattern on Ravelry [HERE] and Etsy [HERE].
Hope you enjoy it!
Tatsiana
Two weeks ago, I had a fantastic opportunity to visit h+h cologne in Cologne, a major international trade fair for handicrafts and hobbies held every year. I was invited by De Bondt to their booth to do some crochet demonstrations and also to talk about my A City Walk book.
About Flow Slipover (my new crochet design)
I brought a few of my crochet projects to showcase at the booth. One of them was my new design, the Flow Slipover, named after the recent Stone Washed Flow (affiliate link) yarn by Scheepjes (a colorful gradient addition to the well-established Stone Washed yarn family).
The pattern for the Flow Slipover has already been published, and you can find it on Ravelry HERE and on Etsy HERE.
The pattern comes in 9 sizes (from XXS to 4X) and can be adjusted for both width and length. It includes written instructions in English (US crochet terms), a detailed photo tutorial, and links to external video tutorials for additional support.
The construction of the Flow Slipover is quite straightforward. It consists of front and back panels worked vertically in turned rows. The front and back are then joined at the shoulder seams. Next, the bands with buttons and buttonholes are added along the sides, and finally, the collar is worked around the neck opening. The collar is optional, and you can leave a crew neck by working a few rounds around the neck opening.
I made three samples:
- one using the new Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn, as I was curious about how it would work up in crochet, and I must say I was not disappointed at all,
- another one also using Stone Washed yarn (affiliate link), but this time in a single color,
- and a third sample made with Scheepjes Kindsome yarn (my current wool-blend favorite due to its softness and excellent stitch definition).
The Future of the Craft Industry (happy news)
At h+h cologne, I met many lovely people and had interesting conversations about the yarn industry and crochet in particular. This made me reflect on the future of crafts and the possible directions in which modern crochet is developing.
The good news is that the yarn industry is alive and doing very well. I met many people wearing handmade garments, saw a wide variety of beautiful yarns for all tastes, and spoke with young people who already run yarn businesses, teach classes, and design patterns themselves. I also met yarn shop owners who have moved to larger spaces in recent years and saw children who are passionate about yarn and crafts.
In a world of rapidly advancing technology, people tend to turn to crafts more often to keep their minds balanced and to reconnect with themselves.
My thoughts about “transitional crochet”
Most shop owners who stopped by our booth were knitters who crochet occasionally. They often had very straightforward views on crochet, suitable yarns, and the possibilities for creating crochet garments. Some were even doubtful that a nice drape and refined garment shaping can be achieved with a crochet hook.
Crochet has often been perceived as a “second-class” craft compared to knitting. However, modern crochet can produce sophisticated, drapey fabrics that are sometimes indistinguishable from knitting. Many designers are now moving away from traditional granny-square crochet and are pushing the craft forward.
This made me think that today, alongside traditional crochet as we know it (often associated with blankets, shawls, home décor, bags, and amigurumi, and sometimes hesitant about garments), there is also a new direction emerging — what I would call “transitional crochet,” supported by many modern designers.
It feels like transitional crochet sits somewhere between traditional knitting and crochet. Designers and makers are exploring modern techniques and garment construction, showing interest in “knit-look” crochet with good drape and refined aesthetics.
As a crochet designer, I feel that I belong to this category. Through my work, I aim to show that modern crochet is very different from what it was 10 years ago. With a crochet hook, we can create a wide variety of stitches — some that mimic knitting and others that celebrate the unique texture of crochet.
Conclusions
I returned home from h+h cologne filled with inspiration and bright emotions. I had the opportunity to connect with people from different parts of the world and to share a love and passion for crochet and yarn.
I strongly feel that modern crochet is not only alive and thriving, but also has an exciting future ahead — with many talented designers continuing to innovate, and adventurous makers who are not afraid to explore new techniques and contribute to the evolution of crochet as a craft.
See you next year at h+h cologne in Cologne?
