Wendy Easton first learned to crochet in the 1960s, during a family trip to London. She visited a LYS, where some ladies taught her the basics and sent her off with cotton yarn and instructions for a dress. She still has the dress, which has also been worn by her youngest daughter!
Though Wendy initially struggled with the different usage of crochet terms, she now designs her own patterns. That includes the beautiful Spring Flowers Shawl crocheted in Berroco Folio. The lightweight, half-circle shawl is worked from the top-down in mostly double crochets and chain stitches. The exception is a panel of colorwork that spans the center of the shawl. This section includes “Y” stitches and treble crochets, which are used to create a delicate floral motif.
How did you come up with this design?
I was experimenting with some doily patterns, one of which introduced me to the “Y” stitch. I loved it so much I wanted to keep using it…but I didn’t want to keep making doilies. I made a shawl with a doily-like border, which I didn’t love. So I went back to the drawing board – literally, I draw everything first – and I decided on a flower section as an insert rather than a border.
Why did you choose Berroco Folio for this project?
I searched our shop for a yarn with colors that would work well together and the Folio looked perfect. It’s a great weight for crocheting – light and drapey.
Did you make this shawl for anyone in particular?
Not really, it just grew out of my interest of the design, the technique and the colors. My favorite project recipients (and models on my project page) are my daughters who, unfortunately, live far away (currently Kenya/London and Morocco).
What’s your favorite thing about knitting/crochet?
I love the portability of knitting and crochet, as I often make trips to Europe and Africa.
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.