I am really pleased to be able to let you know that my Lace Collar and Cuffs crochet pattern features in Simply Crochet Magazine issue 151. This was such a fascinating design to create, but I didn't know which issue it was for so it was a lovely surprise to receive a copy of the issue today, 9th July 2024 and see the pattern for the set in print. The issue includes the full pattern plus a fantastic choice of of summery projects that are well suited to this season. Do take a look and see if your next project might be in there, especially if you tend to struggle with finding summery projects!
A collar and cuffs crochet pattern that can be stitched permanently to a specific garment or worn as separate pieces with several outfits, is an interesting make to liven up both your warm weather crafting and your wardrobe throughout the year. The way the pattern is written enables it to fit any neckline and cuff size exactly from the narrow cuff of a toddler bridesmaid's dress to the wide opening edge of an adult plus-size wrap cardigan and so I think it will work well for so many different wearers and different occasions; you just need to have either the measurements of the garment it's to match or to have the garment with you. It could work with a casual tee or a more formal dress for an evening occasion too, and it's sure to be a talking point! Simply Crochet send their samples back to the designers after photographing them and I'm excited for this one! It's going to be so much fun to wear.
This pattern works up quite fast and I really think you could make the cuffs and the collar in a couple of evenings and attach them or add the fastenings after a night's blocking. It does take a little focus though, so perhaps it's not one for social crafting.
It's not a difficult make but I think you may need to put your expectations about the construction out of your mind and just follow the pattern, and you will need to be able to weave in ends securely and discreetly in lace crochet. Confession: I worked the edgings wrong and ended up with two left cuffs instead of a mirrored pair. I followed all the instructions to make them mirrored but had picked up the main part of the right cuff from the wrong side and worked the edging on that instead of the right side! Make sure you check!
I worked up the sample in West Yorkshire Spinners Exquisite 4ply in Chantilly (010), a lovely wool silk blend which felt delightful and was a perfect balance of drapey and good stitch definition, It needed opening up a little though and after blocking around a cup overnight it looked exactly as I'd hoped! It was a bit nerve-wracking but I think crochet lace often looks a bit scruffy until it's blocked. The colour was a perfect contrast for the inky blue fluffy woollen pullover I was given to attach them to.
Seeing the finished project in the magazine was lovely. I love the photos and the model's short hair style and make-up really work well with the ruffled look of the finished top too.
Pattern: Lace Collar and Cuffs
Published in: Simply Crochet Magazine issue 151.
Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Exquisite 4ply in Chantilly (010)
Do let me know if you make the set. 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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