This post will kick off what I hope will be a running series on this blog, titled Favorite Finds. The series will feature work by other designers; generally speaking these will be independently published patterns, both knit and crochet. Most installments in the series will revolve around a particular theme, such as a specific style, project type, or technique. Since the publication of the Ealhswith set, Celtic motifs have been on my mind; so the theme of this inaugural post will be Celtic!
Today it’s crochet’s turn to go first. This beautiful Celtic Bracelet is by Natalia Kononova of Outstanding Crochet. Made with a small amount of lightweight linen yarn, this would be the perfect last-minute gift item to whip up for birthdays that came faster than you thought they would (or on Christmas Eve to top off that last stocking!). Natalia has also designed a matching necklace, which you can find here.
The inherent weight and structure of crochet, aided by the stiffness of linen, is what makes this bracelet possible; I have yet to see anything quite like this in knitting that wasn’t made with wire.
For a slightly bigger, more advanced project, try Tatsiana Kupryianchyk’s Celtic Cabled Mandala. While this photo shows the mandala sewn into a purse, it could easily be turned into so many other things—Tatsiana also suggests making a wall hanging, table centerpiece, or chair cushion. It could also be turned into a pillow cover or placemat. With a some batting and a plain crocheted circle underneath, it would make a great hot pad for the kitchen; and maybe in a super bulky yarn it could be turned into a sturdy, squishy floor mat! This is a great project for those who want to think outside the box (or the circle, in this case).
The mandala can also be made in two colors for even more options!
Noelle Stiles’s Aberdeen Cabled Purse is for those of us that have a lot to carry around (I think all knitters/crocheters can relate) and want to do it in style. The brawny cables make a hefty fabric that will resist stretching. The fabric lining will also help the bag keep its shape.
The pattern calls for worsted-weight acrylic; while I rarely use acrylic this recommendation makes sense, given the use and abuse that purses, especially big, tote-sized ones, are expected to go through.
On to the knits!
These little fellows need no introduction—designer Sarah Schira is obviously young at heart!
This is Sarah’s Here We Gnome Again set; she’s published a growing collection of gnome stuffies and other themed projects. She has also created several video tutorials to walk knitters through all aspects of creating their very own gnomes. This particular pair features elegant twisted stitch cables and a grellow color scheme; and the big one reminds me of Gandalf (Gandalf is actually a Maia—I gnome, I gnome…)!
I love designs that take advantage of conventions and, rather than completely discarding them, transform them into something new. Bridget Pupillo’s Glenfinnan Cardigan is a classy take on Celtic knitwear, with cables worked both sideways for the waistband and down the sleeves.
The details are what make this sweater shine—the directional contrast of the waistband, the side closure, the textured shawl collar. Even the fact that the sleeves are not cuffed with ribbing make it subtly different from other sweaters, but with a distinctly elegant, old-world sensibility.
It’s rare to find a Celtic pattern that doesn’t include cables or braids of some sort; Carol Feller’s Epona cowl features an unexpected but unmistakably Celtic colorwork motif in three colors. The subtle color variations of Carol’s very own yarn, Stolen Stitches Nua Sport (which I am waiting for an excuse to use), lends a misty, heathered aspect to the colorwork which is still distinct and well-defined.
Note how the analogous color scheme draws attention to the colorwork motif, rather than to itself. However, the colors pop upon a closer look.
With all the rage over seamless sweaters these days, many knitters feel that seaming should be eschewed completely; but some garments are clearly worth it, like Linda Marveng’s spectacular Sirona pullover. A maze of texture without becoming overly busy, this sweater is a cable knitter’s heaven!
Panels of simple textured stitches provide both the eyes and the mind with a break; the crew neck is high enough to be warm, but not so tight that it clings to the neck.
I’m not sure whether Linda’s Iglu is a sweater or a poncho; but it has to be cozy!
Again, this is a garment laden with purposeful details. Gentle shoulder shaping gives it a more flattering drape than most poncho-style pieces, while large fields of stockinette squarely highlight the beautiful cable panel. Also the garter-stitch collar, finished with i-cord, is comfy yet refined.
That’s it for this installment of Favorite Finds—hopefully the first of many! My thanks to all the designers who participated. See you next time!
All photos are used with the permission of their respective owners. All opinions expressed are my own.
All such wonderful projects!
Thank you for featuring my bracelet pattern!
It was my pleasure, Natalia – thank you! I’m glad it worked out!