New Crochet Pattern: Tunic Tank Top & Dress Overlay Lace Crochet Pattern : Modern Fit & Flare Seamless Lace Crochet Motif

A new modern, art deco inspired crochet pattern. This seamless lace crochet motif pattern is for a tank top tunic / dress overlay.  It's perfect as a tunic, a coverup or as an overlay dress to another camisole or tank dress.  Lightweight and super-comfortable.  It used only two skeins of yarn and cost under $8.00 to make. ( I used Loops & Threads Woolike Simili-Laine in Teal Lake. The best price I could find is at Michaels.) 

The link to the pattern book will be available as soon as it is published online.

New Crochet Pattern : Lace Crochet Tank Top Tunic Dress

A modern seamless lace crochet motif pattern by contemporary artist Kristen Stein. This romantic, flowy, Art-Deco inspired garment measures 43” long from shoulder to pointed hem. It can easily be worn as a long tunic, or as an overlay dress or fancy bathing suit coverup. The piece is shorter on the sides with a slight flare, it then comes to a long point in the front and back. The top is tank top style. The piece was made with 3 skeins of #1 yarn. It’s very lightweight and easy to wear. It is designed as a one-size-fits most pattern with recommendations provided to alter size if desired. available as a Pre-Order. Release Date April 14, 2019. 

New Crochet Pattern: Flutter Cap Sleeve Seamless Lace Crochet Motif Pattern

Flutter Cap Sleeve Top: Lace Crochet Motif Pattern - A modern & romantic granny square seamless crochet motif pattern. 

This pattern uses lace crochet motifs to create a beautiful and romantic flutter cap-sleeve top with slight ruffle effect. The motifs are joined together to provide a lace-inspired top that is perfect for the spring and summer months worn over a camisole or tank. The pattern is written as a 'one size fits most' with suggestions on how to change the width of the garment, or modify the length to create a tunic top. The item as shown in the photos used less than two skeins of yarn and cost less than $8.00 to make. The pattern is easy to replicate and crochets quickly.

Materials Used:

Two skeins of Loops & Threads Woolike in Purple.  Best price I can find is at
 Michaels. Usually less than $4.00 a skein.

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New Collection of Lace Crochet Pattern Books & Materials Used

New Crochet Pattern Books Now Available!


    

  

       

      

When I am not painting or drawing, you can usually find me crocheting.  My closet is filled with garments and accessories that I have crocheted over the years.  I love wearing the finished garment, but I often have more fun coming up with the pattern or executing the finishing touches.  It’s sort of like a game where you develop the strategy as you play.  I thought I would start a collection of some of my original patterns.  I’ve added several recently as ebooks.   (Update: 2/13/19 Now in Paperback as well.)

Links to the purchase these crochet patterns and the materials used in the project are provided at the end of the blog post.

Tunic Tank Top & Dress Overlay Lace Crochet Pattern: Modern Fit & Flare Seamless Lace Crochet Motif Pattern- A modern, art-deco inspired tank top tunic crochet pattern by contemporary artist Kristen Stein. This seamless lace crochet piece can be worn as a tunic, a coverup, or as a dress overlay above another camisole or tank dress. It's fitted slightly from the neck to the waist and then flares into a swing bottom with beautiful scalloped hem. The open crochet provides great comfort and fit. It's done with two skeins of size#1 yarn. Best of all, it was made with less than $8.00 in yarn. A beautiful addition to your crochet closet. The pattern is written as a 'one-size-fits-most' pattern with sizing suggestions provided to alter the fit slightly.

"Lace Crochet Pointed Hem Tank Top Tunic Dress Pattern: An art-deco inspired seamless motif pattern by Kristen Stein" - A modern seamless lace crochet motif pattern by contemporary artist Kristen Stein. This romantic, flowy, Art-Deco inspired garment measures 43” long from shoulder to pointed hem. It can easily be worn as a long tunic, or as an overlay dress or fancy bathing suit coverup. The piece is shorter on the sides with a slight flare, it then comes to a long point in the front and back. The top is tank top style. The piece was made with 3 skeins of #1 yarn. It’s very lightweight and easy to wear. It is designed as a one-size-fits most pattern with recommendations provided to alter size if desired.

"Flutter Cap Sleeve Top: Lace Crochet Motif Pattern - A modern & romantic granny square seamless crochet motif pattern" - This pattern uses lace crochet motifs to create a beautiful and romantic flutter cap-sleeve top with slight ruffle effect. The motifs are joined together to provide a lace-inspired top that is perfect for the spring and summer months worn over a camisole or tank. The pattern is written as a 'one size fits most' with suggestions on how to change the width of the garment, or modify the length to create a tunic top. The item as shown in the photos used less than two skeins of yarn and cost less than $8.00 to make. The pattern is easy to replicate and crochets quickly.

"Asymmetric High-Low Shawl Cape Top Crochet Pattern" - This hi-low cape-like shawl has a one-arm opening to allow for better fit and fluidity. The garment hangs over the shoulder on the shorter side and drapes longer on the other side with the arm opening. This allows you to wear the shawl like a cape and a layering top. The armhole provides for a comfortable fit with greater flexibility of movement while wearing the garment. The pattern is a one-size-fits most pattern with generous fit. The beautiful lace-inspired motifs join together to form an intricate, flowing top that can be worn with so many different outfits. This particular piece was done with super-fine #1 yarn for an almost weightless garment that is super soft and comfortable. Best if all. The cost was under $10 to make!

"Scalloped Edge Trapeze Tunic Tank Top Crochet Pattern" is an art deco lace inspired trapeze top with generous fit and flare. Super comfortable.  This particular piece is done in a super fine #1 yarn so it is virtually weightless. I love the art deco lace work of the pattern motif and of the finished garment.  It is done with a series of pentagonal and hexagonal motifs. It took awhile to get the right motif and the right overall design of the garment.  But, the time invested in the design paid off. I'm thrilled with how it turned out.

“Lace Crochet Open-Shoulder Shell” Crochet Pattern for a comfortable shell top with beautiful drape. The open shoulder provides a comfortable fit with great ease of movement. Top looks great under a dressy jacket, or worn more casually over a tank top.

“Lace Crochet Scoopneck Top” crochet pattern features a romantic lace-inspired top with scalloped edge and loosely dropped sleeves with slightly scalloped edge.  The neckline is rounded with Scoopneck that drops just at the edge of the shoulders.  The fit is generous and loose.  Instructions are provided for an additional belt option as well.

"Lace Crochet Flower Motif Capelet Wrap" - A delicate, flirty and feminine shoulder wrap with a lacy floral motif pattern. Used about 2 skeins of yarn and crocheted quickly.

"Lace Crochet Convertible Poncho Cape" includes a pattern for a garment that can be worn as a traditional poncho with the long corner point in front and back, or as a cape with the longer edges on the side hanging over the arms.  I include additional instructions to crochet a scarf and belt for added versatility and a more modern take on the lace poncho.


 "Lace Crochet Motif Capelet Shawl" is a 1-2 skeins of yarn project for a motif inspired shawl capelet with added decorative edging and ribbed neckline.  It's great as a layering piece in the winter when made with #4 yarn or an even thicker, chunkier yarn.  Or, you can omit the ribbed neckline and make a gorgeous lacey wrap for spring and summer.  Make it in white fine yarn without the collar and it could work as a bridal stole or wrap.

 “Lace Crochet Convertible Shrug“ is a relatively quick project that can be worn in a number of ways: as a shrug, a wrap a scarf, etc.  In most cases, you can make the garment with only one skein of yarn.  I recommend having two on hand, however.  That way, you can add additional decorative edging as suggested in the pattern. The project moves quickly, so you don't have to worry about getting frustrated with monotonous row by row stitches. The end result is a beautiful, delicate lace crochet motif shrug that is incredibly versatile and comfortable.

"Twist Front Lace Crochet Motif Sweater" is another motif crochet pattern.  The wrap sweater is incredibly comfortable, drapes beautifully and makes a great "all season" layering sweater.  You can make it with thicker yarn and add the optional sleeves to make a nice winter piece.  Or, use a lighter weight yarn and omit the sleeves for a wrap that looks awesome over a tank top or bathing suit.  

"Lace Crochet Covered Ornaments" is a set of 6 motif crochet patterns that can be used to cover ornaments and other baubles.  Although, ideal for Christmas or weddings, the patterns can be easily adapted to cover other baubles, globes, river rocks or stones.  The ideas are endless.  These make impressive gifts and they are so much fun to make.

"Large Lace Crochet Covered Ornaments" - This book provides instruction on how to cover large 4" (100 mm) ornaments.  These ornaments look incredible as outdoor decorations.  They also make wonderful wedding decorations or wedding favors.  They make great hostess gifts as well.  Although they look fantastic for Christmas, you can do them in pastel colors for Easter, or metallic threads for parties, etc.  A great decoration for all purposes!

“Materials used:
For all the patterns, this set of ergonomic hooks and accessories is a great purchase.  This is the actually one that I own and use the most frequently.


In addition to the hook set above, I used the following items for the Tunic Tank Top/Dress Overlay: Two skeins of Loops & Threads Woolike in Teal Lake.  Best price I can find is at

 Michaels. Usually less than $4.00 a skein.

   

In addition to the hook set above, I used the following items for the Pointed Hem Tank Top Tunic Dress:

Three skeins of Loops & Threads Woolike in Mauve.  Best price I can find is at

 Michaels. Usually less than $4.00 a skein.

In addition to the hook set above, I used the following items for the Flutter Cap Sleeve Crochet Lace Motif Top:

 
Two skeins of Loops & Threads Woolike in Purple.  Best price I can find is at
 Michaels. Usually less than $4.00 a skein.

In addition to the hook set above, I used the following items for the Asymmetric High-Low Shawl Cape Top:


  The best price I could find on the yarn was at Michaels. I used Loops & Threads Woolike Yarn in Cool Gray. I was able to find Charcoal for $3.19 a skein. I used about 2.5 skeins to complete this garment. Here is a link to the yarn at Michaels.

In addition to the hook set shown above, I used Loops & Threads Woolike in Teal Lake for the Trapeze Tunic.  It's extremely expensive on Amazon right now, so I would recommend getting it at Michaels.  They have one of the best prices for this particular yarn.




In addition to the hook set above, I used the following items for the capelet wrap:

In addition to the hook set above, I used the following items for the poncho cape and the Scoopneck top:

  

In addition to the hooks above, here is the pattern and yarn used for the capelet and the open-shoulder shell:

In addition to the set of hooks above, here is the pattern and the yarn used for the shrug.

 

In addition to the hook set above, here is the pattern and the yarn used in the twist-front center.  I was unable to locate the green yarn that I used from elann. It was available on Amazon in Canada. But, Amazon US had the sand color which is equally as beautiful.  I like this yarn for its smooth,suede-like texture.  It gives an interesting look to the finished garment.

In addition to the hook set mentioned above, here is the set of patterns and the white crochet thread used to make the balls & ornaments.

  

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My love/hate relationship with meringue has turned to love!

As you may know from my previous post, I’ve had a love / hate relationship with making meringue cookies.  I absolutely love them when they turn out as expected and hate when they fail.  Luckily, my last attempts have been pretty successful and my daughter and her friends have enjoyed most of my experimental batches.

My hand mixer finally died, so I upgraded to an inexpensive stand mixer.  It helps a little, but isn’t all that necessary for getting good peaks in the meringue.  A handheld one works fine.

I’ve decided to cut down on the sugar too.  For 3 egg whites, I found that 45g-50g is sufficient for flavor.  This works out to about 3-4 tsp per egg white.  And, you can make at least 12 meringues per egg white.  (You can make more if you are making small, bite-sized “kisses”.)

On the most recent batch, I was able to make 36 meringue rings using a sultan piping tip.  I then filled the center hole using the large star tip to pipe a little star into the center of each meringue.

I prefer to use parchment paper when I make meringues, but the sultan (sultane) piping tip works better when I use the silicone baking mat. It is heavier and doesn’t lift up as easily as the parchment paper.  If you use paper, you might want to “glue” the corner down with a bit of the meringue paste, or tape the corners down to prevent the paper from lifting as you pipe the rings.

This batch used:

3 egg whites

48g of granulated sugar

1 tsp of vanilla

1/2 tsp of white vinegar.

Baked in convection oven at 225 for 35 minutes and then left in warm oven until cool. About another 30 minutes. Next time, I might try the convection oven for 45 minutes at 200 degrees F. the complete directions can be found in my earlier post.
Here are the items I used to make the meringues:

New crochet pattern: Asymmetric High-Low Shawl Top.

New crochet pattern for a modern asymmetric shawl cape top done with lace motifs.  The cape-like top is worn over the shoulder on the short side and then has a single arm opening on the long side.  This allows for greater ease of movement and allows you to keep the shawl in place better.  The result is a super comfortable layering garment that has a beautiful feminine look with contemporary flair.  It  is a great versatile piece that can be worn with so many outfits.  Dressy or casual.

Best of all, it can be made with less than 3 skeins of yarn.  This particular piece was made with less than $10 in yarn. 

Materials Used:
The best price I could find on the yarn was at Michaels. I used Loops & Threads Woolike Yarn in Cool Gray. I was able to find Charcoal for $3.19 a skein. I used about 2.5 skeins to complete this garment. Here is a link to the yarn at Michaels.

New Line of Sketch & Design Books

 

The most current selection of sketch and art notebooks available for purchase.

Between my daughter and I, we go through a lot of sketchbooks.  She likes unlined journals for  free-form hand-lettering, doodling, sketching and writing down thoughts and ideas.  Lately, I’ve been creating a like of grids with a variety of linked polynomials. As you may have noticed from my motif crochet designs, I like to use a variety of geometric shapes.  But, drawing each design freehand on blank paper takes a lot of extra time, so I started using graph paper.  This inspired me to create a new line of sketchbooks and design books suitable for our needs.

The “Art & Design” sketchbooks are 200 pgs (100 sheets) of 8.5”x11” white acid-free paper.  The weight is 55# (90 GSM). This is the standard weight you find in most household or business printers. The pages are essentially blank, but I do provide a few lines at the bottom of each page to record special details about your artwork, doodle, or design idea.  Each book features my artwork on the front and back cover.

The “Designer’s Notebooks” are a bit different.  These were entirely created because of my current need for patterned paper for writing my newest crochet patterns.  The books are also 8.5”x11” acid-free white paper in 55# (90 GSM) muti-purpose weight. The 200 pgs (100 sheets) include a variety of patterned and lined sheets ready to be filled with your designs and written patterns or notes.  These books should prove useful to a fashion designer with an interest in designing with shapes, or those who crochet, knit, quilt, etc.  the pages include standard graph paper, heaxagonal patterns and modified tumbling blocks that could be used for pentagonal designs. The front and back covers depict my original artwork.  

If you are interested in other patterned pages, or would like to see a different cover image from my portfolio, please write and let me know.  The current collection of patterns and sketchbooks available for purchase. The patterns are available in both paperback and kindle format.  The sketch & design books are in the Paperback section. Thank you.

Affiliate Disclosure

I participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books & more, and affiliated sites.