Clara Benadon
Patterns available as Ravelry Downloads
Knitting: Vest
The Cariño vest was designed with yarn made from Norwegian Villsau (“wild sheep”), a breed that traces back to the Vikings. Villsau live on Norway’s coast and graze on seaweed as part of their diet. They are one of the rare breeds that can live outside all year in the grim northern climate. Yarns from hardy breeds like Villsau are weather-resis...
Knitting: Tote
This tote features a colorwork pattern called ojo de perdíz (in English, partridge eye) which is a common motif in Andean weaving. I traveled to Jujuy, a northern Argentine province, to learn from the wool farmers and artisans there. Climate change has caused persistent droughts across Jujuy - less water means less yummy grass for herds to graz...
Crochet: Sleeveless Top
This halter top is inspired by the time I spent sipping mate and playing dice under the South American sun with my beautiful cousin, Milla. I originally designed a bikini version for Milla to wear to the beach with a matching bucket hat! The pattern features a bold, all-over checkered design with a supportive halter neck, form-fitting bra cups ...
Knitting: Headband
Sheep originally enabled people to survive in the harsh climate of the Faroe Islands, a small archipelago in the North Atlantic. In fact, Faroe Islands translates in Old Norse to “Sheep Islands.” Many modern citizens still farm sheep as an additional source of income and continuation of their cultural roots. Historically, the whole family would...
Crochet: Sleeveless Top
The Isabella tie-back vest is a simple, beginner-friendly piece! It can be worn as a tank top in the summer or as a layering piece during the rest of the year. It’s also great to eat up yarn scraps.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This beanie is inspired by Western Norway, where hikers need to set aside time to pick wild blueberries on their fjordside adventures. While blueberries there come into season in the mid-summer, this cozy hat can keep you toasty through the chilly Nordic fall and winter! Its design plays with texture and pattern by including cabled lattices and...