Designer Spotlight: Reel of Cables Shell by Bonnie Barker

Above all else, Bonnie Barker loves to just hang out with her husband and five kids. But it’s hard to believe she finds the time with all of her hobbies! When she’s not decorating cakes, experimenting with photography, biking, playing tennis or one her musical instruments, she’s likely crocheting new designs.

Bonnie’s Reel of Cables Shell is a fun and flirty summer top crocheted in Berroco Weekend DK. She designed this top for Crochet World magazine with her two daughters in mind. The pattern features a four-stitch cable pattern around the yoke and hem, with a crochet two-stitch (alternating single and double crochets) for the body.

Get the Pattern: Reel of Cables

Find the yarn: Berroco Weekend DK

How did you come up with this design?

I love cables and I wanted a functional design that looked feminine with a fitted, yet modest feel. Being a mother, I know the challenge of finding clothes that flatter but don’t look too risqué.

How did you decide on the yarn?

Since I was already working on my new book and had experimented with several of Berroco’s yarns, I knew that the Weekend yarn would be a wonderful pick. The cotton blend is suitable for a summer design and helps to define the cabling.

If you could crochet something for anyone in the world, who it would be?

I think I’ve crocheted something for everyone I love, whether they wanted it or not! However, if I could, I would crochet my best Aran afghan possible for my childhood best friend, Becky Stone. She passed away tragically in an automobile accident in 1989. The last time I was able to be with her was on my wedding day the year before. She presented me with the most amazing multi-colored, crocheted afghan, which was the work of her own hands. I will treasure this forever.

What’s your favorite thing about crochet?

I love being able to create something with only yarn and a hook. I find the whole process very rewarding and I have a theory that is very theologically based. Being a Christian, I believe that we are created in God’s image. I seriously believe that this is why creating things – even simple, crocheted things – brings me and so many other people such satisfaction and pleasure. We are doing something that we were always meant to do: create!

Watch Bonnie’s video tutorial for the four-stitch cable:

Do you have a cool design you want to share? Or did you recently finish a project with Berroco yarn? You can email Ashley: apalumbo@berroco.com or post it to the Berroco Lovers forum in Ravelry.