This is the second soft-cover book published under my tough as lace imprint.

For this second home collection, utilizing a palette of mostly deep jewel tones offset with some neutrals, you will find pillows, pillows, and pillows galore – along with a fair amount of buttons. Add to that all manner of home designs, some wearable accessories that help one feel cozy both inside as well as outside the home, and another set of designs have come together beautifully to help you, my crafty friends, ease into fall.

Eight accessory designs celebrating made by hand!

Non-pattern errata can be found here.

This Progress, Hope, and Happiness Extra contains each jewelry design from the first two collections. Enjoy!

My mini-ode to all things Winter Games! Feel free to check out the collection’s look book here.

Gauge:

This poncho is a great one (or perhaps 2, depending on size made)-skein project for either speckled or other randomly colored yarn, since the stitch patterns lend themselves to random, yet even, pooling.

This easy summer cardigan is cool, works over most any item (or just for lounging!), and is easy to make and put together!

Skill Level

You will also need 5 grams of size 2/0 mm Czech glass beads.

This accessory is equal parts large stole and small travel cover-up; it’s the perfect travel project, and you know many of us will be traveling this summer! Construction is super easy – after a provisional cast on, the entire design is worked in garter stitch, and picking up stitches is the only technical heavy lifting.

You will also need a tunisian crochet hook with a long, flexible cable size F/3.75mm.

You will also need two sterling silver earring wires, 2 stainless steel hoop wires, and about 4 grams Japanese seed beads.

These three necklace designs, all based on easy beaded chains and conceived for the 2020 Progress, Hope, & Happiness Collection, is my second collaboration with Lake Knit Yarns. I love all the light and movement in these necklaces, and they are just this side of boho. Tap into your inner sparkle!

Originally published in a special Crochet! Magazine edition in spring 2020, the pattern for this quick, easy, and satisfying warm weather tee is now available for purchase in my online design stores.

This easy and relaxing blanket pattern uses a judicious amount of worsted weight yarn in three colorways. Choose your favorite combination: 3 high contrast colorways for high impact, 3 tonal colorways for a shade effect, or shades of colors or variegateds in groups of three; also consider either wool/acrylic or cotton for a summer home accessor...

This oh-so-soft-and-squishy shawl gets its warmth from great worsted weight yarn (Berroco Ultra Alpaca) as well as a special hand-dyeing treatment from a wonderful magazine editor (thanks Jackie!)

Skill Level

Additional notions needed:

This fun and slightly sophisticated take on the summer tee has me all thrilled about the possible color combinations.

Additional Materials (for both versions, combined):

Three Stitch Samba makes all the right moves! It’s a shawl that’s stylish, filled with color, and satisfying for crocheters of all skill levels to create. It’s a great canvas for those who love to play with color, yet it is virtually effortless to work up, using only three basic crochet stitches in an easily memorized stitch pattern.

This beanie was conceived as a way to pay tribute to my beloved cat, George Bailey, who completed his earthly life in November, 2018, right before the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.

You will also need 2 buttons (non-shank), one larger than the other, but both between 1” and 2” in diameter, respectively, as well as 5 various sized beads.

This hat is an ode to Chloe Kim’s great halfpipe performance in the 2018 Winter Olympics (as well as her great hats!). Combine post-stitch cables and cozy puff stitches for a bulky hat you’re sure to love. Work the cable from side to side and seam it to create the body of the hat, then work the puff stitches in the round to create the brim; on ...

You will also need approx. 50” (127 cm) of ribbon, one holiday ornament, and, if you want to recreate the original, approximately 400 Japanese clear, silver-lined seed beads for hand sewing onto motif after blocking.

For this design, my stash yarn spoke to me in a very tonal voice. The main body of this cowl is four totally squishy yarns that together, along with a big honkin’ crochet hook, should see makers creating this cowl in no time flat.

This oh-so-easy cowl is all about soft and squishy fiber, color, and the fade … up. If you are going to stash dive for this project (and it’s a great design to do just that), keep the following elements in mind, and you will easily create a winning, yet completely unique cowl all for your very self: all of the fiber used in the original has som...

This incredibly squishy blend of superwash wool and alpaca sport weight fiber turned out to be the perfect vehicle for the architectural lines and texture of the crochet patterns in this shawl design. Worked in five separate sections added one after another (so minimal finishing, only some ends weaving), this generously sized shawl looks great ...

Inspired by the Japanese art of folding paper, this cardi is easy to construct and even easier to wear. Sturdy pure wool yarn achieves excellent drape from using a slightly larger hook than the manufacturer recommends and aggressive blocking. This piece is one part fashion statement, one part warmth, and all just plain good. 

I always love a great motif. Why then, I asked myself, can’t I make one into mitts? And so here it is: this autumn version of fairly easy and quick mitts, made with one great motif. They are cushy (thanks to lovely oh-so soft fingering or DK weight yarn), as well as slightly indulgent (there’s silk in there, everyone!) at cuff and top edge to e...

This pullover, originally published in the 2017 edition of Knitting Traditions and now available in my Ravelry shop (as of October, 2018), is inspired by Baroness Elise Raymonde de Laroche, the first licensed female pilot. Elise’s aviation license photo shows her in a heavy white sweater that could keep her warm as she flew; my version includes...

Note: Pattern instructions/materials list is based on making both sized bags. You will also need the following materials:

You will also need:

You will also need:

You will also need:

You will also need approx. 80 grams of size 6 Japanese seed bead in various colors.

You will also need several jewelry finishing pieces (sterling silver used in samples), as well as 10 grams of size 3 Japanese silver-lined seed beads.

Let this colorful, skinny scarf usher you fashionably into spring! It’s quick, it’s fun to make, and it will be fun to wear, showing off your awesome color sense. I love purple and green, and these colorways reminded me of spring tulips.

The edging was the initial inspiration for this shawl, and the trefoil has and continues to fascinate me.

Note: Yarns are held double throughout most of cowl, but yardage listed on design page is not doubled.

I had various Willow Yarns designer-geared mini-skeins and, after sorting by weight, was pleasantly surprised at the various piles of pleasing color combinations on my desk. I decided motif coasters would be a great way to get good use from them.

This cowl, with its graphic blocks of gray and cream, is my ode to the power of feminine voices within the #metoo movement, as well as the Times Up Initiative.

This one skein project has many elements I really like including subtle lines created by lace placement, hook placement, and seam placement, and they can easily be whipped up either during a packed weekend of Olympic competition-watching or during holiday gift-making.

Yardage listed is for Drops Puna only, although the Puna and the Glitter are held together. There really is no good way to measure Glitter yardage, since there is so much on such a lightweight spool.

Using the simple square pattern of my previous muffler design for Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female to receive a pilot’s license, as a jumping off point, color and texture come together wonderfully to create a cowl that is warm, stylish, and versatile. Worn down, it makes a fashion statement; doubled, it sits nicely at neck and ...

This accessory is equal parts capelet, small poncho, long cowl, drapey layering piece, and all stylish attitude. Playing with the shoulder covering form led to this result, but directions are included on how to make this into a more traditional poncho, or tailor this smaller, abbreviated version to your own custom fit.

This cowl is named for and inspired by A Hundred Ravens colorway Claire Marie Hodges, the first female park ranger at Yellowstone Park, created specifically for the Progress, Hope, and Happiness Collection.

Named for and inspired by A Hundred Ravens colorway, entitled Lucy Stone, created for our Progress, Hope, and Happiness Collection to honor the first Massachusetts female to receive a college degree, this modern daytime clutch is all style and flair. Simple to make, the finishing makes this accessory which, in this awesomely squoishy yarn, one ...

This stylish shrug, the second design in the Boxes and Buds series, arises from the same lace rectangle as its companion design, the Boxes and Buds stole.

Having originally designed this for Yarnbox, I had to conform to the amount of yarn contained in the box: two skeins, each 100 grams of sock/fingering weight yarn. That limitation provides a design challenge or opportunity, depending on one’s perspective. I decided to take that limitation, add a geometric inspiration (the rectangle), and create...

This cowl design has been in my back pocket for a little while now (the ideas come faster than my publishing abilities!), so when Yarnbox approached me to see if I would design for their May 2017 classic box, and I heard I would be working with Three Irish Girls Yarn, I was pretty pleased they asked and I had a go-to design, because I am curren...

You will also need:

You will also need:

You will also need:

You will also need:

You will also need twelve 1/2” (10 mm) buttons.

You will also need twenty (20) buttons for the smaller pillow covers, and seven (7) large buttons for the oversized pillow cover.

You will also need five (5) ¾” (19mm) buttons

You will also need nine (9) 1/2” (15mm) diameter buttons

Named from the color inspiration, construction, and textural changes from the main body to the edging in this shawl, I flipped the journalistic term of art to place the emphasis squarely on this shawl’s edging. It is absolutely where all the action is happening.

The design genesis for this crochet poncho started as a cowl. The medley was overwhelming for a cowl, but in poncho form, it has all kinds of style and shine. Two gradient colorways provide color interest, and the use of lacy crochet stitches and a larger hook lightens up the fabric.

You will also need a tunisian crochet hook size U.S. H.

This fun and flirty summer shawl took it’s cue from the dye pots over at Lorna’s Laces - I was aiming to maximize the dappled sunlight effect of the yarn’s variegation. An easy lace pattern + big hook size makes for fast work - perfect to whip up and wear when the weather is hot, hot, hot, but you’ll look cool as a cucumber.

This crescent-shaped shawl celebrates lace, lace, lace, baby! with gorgeous gradient yarn and has a shape that stays amazingly well on the shoulders with no fastening needed. This is a great layering piece irrespective of the season.

(originally published in the February 2016 issue of I Like Crochet)

You will also need a tunisian crochet hook size U.S. K.

Additional notions:

This quick and oh-so-warm and squoishy scarf works up really quickly - clearly the sub-theme of this collection! I love it in this warm, cinnamon-y colorway, but definitely choose the color that looks great on you and fits in with your wardrobe, so you’ll get to wear it all the time.

Actual gauge: approx. 2 lace pattern reps/6 1/2 rows = 4 1/2”

These super warm and surprisingly stretchy wristers are a beautiful combination of lace and lines thanks to broomstick lace. They work up quickly, so find some of your softest yarn (preferably with some halo) and whip these up. Your future warm hands thank you very much.

Worked in the round on a large hook with bulky yarn, this beautiful textured and colored cowl works up quickly. With no seams, finishing is a breeze, so you’ll be wearing it lickity split.

Additional notions: 20-25 size 3 Japanese silver-lined seed beads and 1 5-strand sterling silver tube bar clasp.

Please note that my crochet hook indicates 12.00 mm/size P, although gauge is not cricital for this project.

This open front, slouchy cardi is the perfect go-to casual topper for variable weather. The lace is easy and the construction uncomplicated: sleeves end in a pretty bell silhouette, and am easy 2-row edging around front, neck and sleeve edges creates a clean, uncomplicated finish. This drapey, unstructured cardigan is all about lace and shape a...

(originally published in the August 2015 issue of I Like Crochet)

each motif = 4” square and you will need approximately 900 g of worsted weight cotton

note: each motif = 4 1/2” square

(originally published as the Flower Bud Handbag in the June 2015 issue of I Like Crochet)

An homage to Bessie Coleman, first African American female pilot to earn a pilot’s license in the 20th century, the simple square pattern of this short muffler has an almost embossed quality to it. Worked in luscious silk-blend yarn, this is a perfect piece to wear around your neck and shoulders when the weather turns colder.

(originally published in the February 2015 issue of I Like Crochet)

(originally published in the February 2015 issue of I Like Crochet)

Additional Notions:

Additional Hook: Size H (5.00 mm) Tunisian crochet hook

Gauge information: 8 pattern repeats and 7 rnds = 4” 10 cm in main lace pattern with larger hook

This “tie,” which can also easily be worn as a skinny scarf, was inspired mainly by Florence “Pancho” Barnes, but many of the early female pilots wore ties as part of their flying outfits.

Additional notions:

Also note the individual pattern comes with directions for a bulky weight version.

Notions: about 10 g size 6 seed beads

NOTE: Dream in Color Smooshy or Smooshy with Cashmere is a perfect substitution for Starry.

Designed to honor Amelia Earhart, who was consistently cold in the cockpit. Let this luxuriously dimensioned stole wrap you in warmth. Amelia would approve.

Gauge information: 4 pattern repeats/6 rows in main body pattern = 4” (10 cm). Gauge determined on a blocked swatch; it is not critical for this project.

Notions: 2 small fur clasps w/leather tabs

Notions needed:

Named for Ruth Nichols, the founder of Relief Wings, which eventually became an ancillary relief service of the Civil Air Patrol during WWII, this cardi is motif work at its most sophisticated … and easy! If you can make a rectangle and some squares, you can make this cardigan. Choose a light worsted weight yarn that will show off the wonderful...

This lovely lace headband is named for the British-born female pilot Beryl Markham. She had a penchant for writers and thrill seekers, and became an accomplished pilot who was the first female to fly west-to-east from England to the U.S.

Named for Jacqueline Cochran, the mastermind at the helm of the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) program during WWII, this beautiful cowl-cum-shawl encapsulates most of the elements of the book: lovely textured crochet lace, great leather notions, the ability to keep the wearer warm in the grittiest of situations, and the grace to look grea...

(originally published in the December 2014 issue of I Like Crochet)

(originally published in the October 2014 issue of I Like Crochet)

(originally published in the October 2014 issue of I Like Crochet)

(originally published in the October 2014 issue of I Like Crochet)

(originally published in the August, 2014 edition of ilikecrochet.com)

(originally published in the August 2014 issue of I Like Crochet)

(originally published in the August, 2014 edition of ilikecrochet.com)

(originally published in the June 2014 issue of I Like Crochet as Clear Skies Bath Rug)

(originally published in the June 2014 issue of I Like Crochet)

(originally published in the April 2014 issue of I Like Crochet as Classic Beaded Hanger Cozies.)

This coat, while rated for an intermediate crocheter, comes together quickly. It’s bottom-up construction in one piece to the armholes. The silky fur trim at collar and cuffs are worked separately and seamed on at the end. There’s no incredibly difficult stitches here, so it absolutely works up quickly. And in those wonderful Lion Brand Amazing...

For this project you will also need a 12” (30 1/2 cm) Tunisian crochet hook size K/6.50mm.

This stunner is a v-shaped shawl made with just 7 motifs! Of course, the edging makes it (love the bling), and you’ll need about 20 gms of size 6 seed beads. I used clear silver-lined Japanese seed beads.

Here’s my interpretation of that classic: the ripple stitch. I love the wonderful stitch definition, saturated color, and great shape of this skirt. It looks good on most any figure, and the length can easily be customized.

These two ethereal necklaces are sure to pretty up even the most ho-hum outfit. Don’t let the uneven nature of the motifs on the shorter necklace throw you - that’s a main factor in the charm of the piece. Think unstructured crackled glass with beads for bling.

You know it wouldn’t be a Voie de Vie pattern collection without one great cowl - and here it is for fall/winter 2013. Decadent yarn + easily memorizable pattern = a stylish and warm you.

These fun, yet stylish hoods are a breeze to make as well as wear. The shape of them (longer in front, slightly shorter in back) allow them to stay on the head yet don’t mess too much with the hairstyle underneath.

This gorgeous crescent-shaped crochet shawl contains a mixture of traditional crochet lace and broomstick lace. It’s warm, oh-so-squoishy and simply divine in this saturated jewel color. Be warm, oh crafty gal, but be a show-stopping warm gal. So smart, you.

You will also need five (5) 1¼ “ (32 mm) buttons

You will also need a 12” tunisian crochet hook, size H/5.00mm and five (5) 13/16” (20 mm) diameter buttons

This shawl design (one of my top 10 most popular), in large part, came to me originally in the summer of 2012. When I sketched it, the gently increasing and decreasing bottom edge seemed to mimic a boat bottom – hence the name.

As most of you know, I can’t get enough neckware – especially cowls. This design was originally part of my Spring 2013 collection, and this easy-to-remember, texture-rich cowl has turned into one of my top 10 all-time favorite designs.

Any thick ‘n thin yarn will work for this pattern, particularly hand-spun.

Errata sheet above is necessary only for those with the F+W Media booklet.

These quick and easy napkin rings will add sparkle to any table setting. Everyone will want to know where you bought them, but don’t let them in on the blingy secret!

Just in time for those last-minute gifts you know you want to make, my La Vitre scarf is an easy one-row pattern that works up quickly. It’s soft (alpaca/silk), warm, has great drape and just the right amount of bling with the addition of Japanese silver-lined seed beads on each edge. This pattern can easily be enlarged for a shawl or made long...

Living in the Pacific Northwest, it’s no wonder I love coffee. I especially like making coffee in my French press, but hate that it cools off so quickly. Utilizing the insulating properties of alpaca, and showing off WonderWhyGal’s most excellent Certified Sorted alpaca yarn, I devised this chic cozy in fingering weight yarn held double.

The Every Which Way Pillow is a great spring/summer project! It gets its name from the wide range of possible ways to show it off. In a nutshell, if you’re looking for a different accent look, just turn the pillow!

The Melina Clutch is my homage to that awesome crochet bag designer of the 40s, K. Melina. I discovered her while doing research on this article for Crochet Insider.