I am really pleased to be able to let you know that my Sand Timer Tunic crochet pattern features in Crochet Foundry Magazine January 2024. I was very excited for the public launch of this issue on 3rd January 2024. The issue includes the full pattern along with customisation tips, yarn reviews and a bonus craft idea, plus a wonderful range of beautiful bright neon projects for cold weather wear and articles on yarn related topics. Well done to editor Jessie Rayot for a fantastic issue full of tempting makes. Do take a look and see if your next project might be in there!
I usually work alone to create my patterns but on this occasion I teamed up with Victoria, a crocheter who made the sample for this, which was a real delight. It's lovely to be able to chat about how a design is developing with another creative person. Find out more about Victoria on her blog: Beloved Brown-Eyed Girl.
Why make the Sand Timer Tunic Crochet Pattern?
It’s a comfortable, relaxed garment that’s easy to wear indoors or out and a lovely way to pick up on the more shapely silhouettes seen returning to the catwalk in the last few seasons. The use of alpine stitch and the simple shaping of the top make this an enjoyable crocheted garment to make.
The main stitch pattern for the set is incredibly simple and has a wonderful texture created with alternating post stitches, so you have a relaxing overall crochet stitch to work, however you wont get bored as the pieces are interesting shapes to work with increases and marking your progress and a mixture of working in the round to create both the tubular sleeves and the flared peplum or skirt and working flat across the bodice. Then you get to the most fun part: a simple and quick between the skirt and the bodice where you'll be surprised at how fast your crocheted pieces turn into a garment that's ready to wear, well, as long as you were weaving those ends in as you went along!
Creating the Sand Timer Tunic Crochet Pattern
I was inspired by the shape of a sand timer as you could probably guess! I wanted a bold colour blocked look that would work as an easy to wear over garment for woodland walks or lazing at home. I love the way ponchos are quick and easy to throw on without bunching up sleeves, full skirts etc. and don’t need buttoning up like a coat but I can't deny that they can seem to catch on everything and blow around in windy weather, so I sought to design something with a similar feel but secure at the waist to prevent that.
While I completed the pattern here in London and worked on the samples for the Whirl Skirt in the same issue, Victoria worked up the sample in Cascade 220 yarn through the heat of an Arkansas summer in order for it to be photographed, checked and ready for the magazine to published in the middle of winter. We enjoyed working together a lot and Victoria gave me such great feedback about the pattern along with all the photos you see here that I could adjust it and update it as I went along and was able to feel confident about sending it for publication without having made it myself.
Here are some thoughts Victoria shared about working together on the Sand Timer Tunic crochet pattern:
This first foray into collaboration with a designer was exciting and very fun. Working with Joanne was a pleasure. The stitch pattern works up rhythmically, the construction is intriguing, and the yarn was nice to use.
We were both very pleased with how the yarn worked out for the tunic. Cascade 220 is known for its great range of colors which is ideal for this kind of color blocked garment project. It also had just the right level of stitch definition to show off the Alpine stitch used in the project really well and worked up beautifully as a tunic, with a lovely drape.
I was very appreciative of Technical Editor, Pia Thadani's input for this design. It was really helpful to have someone else's input on how the instructions are presented for the reader and identifying any errors beforehand. Not only was Pia Thadani knowledgeable and great at explaining any improvements, she was also very friendly and didn't make me feel silly for any errors. Seeing the finished project in the magazine was lovely. The colours in this issue are so bold and cheerful and the garments are a wonderful collection, varied and interesting. I know that I'd be tempted to make several of them if I wasn't already keen to make myself a Sand Timer Tunic!
Pattern: Sand Timer Tunic
Published in: Crochet Foundry Magazine January 2024
Yarn: Cascade 220 in shades: Concord Grape 9570; Harbor Mist 1050; and Lapis Heather 9689
Do let me know if you make the set or one of the pieces. 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.
Comments