PATTERN: Denim Capelet

Say hello to the poncho that wasn't meant to be. Sometimes getting that elusive pattern (or in this case, the yarn that would NOT STOP TWISTING) isn't going as well as you'd like it to, so improvisation is the name of the game.

Yarn Used: Lion Brand Incredible, Blue Shades (5-odd skeins = elbow-length capelet)
Size: One Size Fits Most (check your neck first!), since this thing is only size-critical around the collar.
Pattern Classification: Front-Opening Capelet
Hook Size: Incredible recommends an N; I used a J because I felt N looked too large.
Stitches Needed: Single Crochet, Double Crochet, and your choice of two more stitch designs / patterns, one of which is more 'see-through' than the other. The idea is that your capelet will show more of what's beneath as the viewer's eye goes down.

The Pattern:

1. Construct a quick mesh choker for your drawstring (I just used alternating double crochet with spaces = do a quick count to make sure that you have enough spaces that the drawstring ends end up on the same side when you're done!).
2. Single Crochet out from the collar. Make sure to increase gradually as you do it, so you keep a roughly flat circle as you spread out, and keep doing this until you reach the shoulders (remember; if it ruffles or starts to curl, you're either doing too many or not doing enough)
   
3. Switch to a Lacework Stitch once you have the shoulders done. Length is loose, but at least as long as however long it took to reach the shoulders.
   
4. Mesh Stitch to the finish! We're going for length on this last part, although it should be at least as long as the lacework was, for balance.
   
5. Don't Forget the Drawstring! This can be as simple as just some of the leftover ribbon yarn, or a loooong foundation chain, or feel free to cap the ends with a little flourish. Don't forget it, though, as you'll need it to keep the capelet on!
   

The finished product is visible not only up top, but also on the title image of this blog. Feel free to submit pictures of your own versions once you're done!

The Crochet Manifesto

At some point, there's just too much.

Too many things.
Too many toys.
Too many plastic grocery baggies.

Too many things, none of which you use, and probably weren't even made in this country. So... Let's take some of it back.

Rip up that shirt. Crochet a bag that you know will go with your wardrobe because it used to BE your wardrobe. Make a little something-something that will stop your keys from jangling and will hide the unsightly rest of your stuff.

This is your solution.

All it takes is a hook.