It's Time for a Crochet Wardrobe Refresh Yes, we know. It's just the first of September. But we are big fans of Fall and the temps have been down in the 50's here at night so we're calling it. Fall wardrobe refresh season is here! Even though the daytime temps prevent us from wrapping up in cozy layers, we all know it takes a bit of time to gather the materials and actually make new crochet garments sooooo… no time like the present to get started! For this season, we present four new crochet patterns that range from light and layerable to downright cozy. Here's a quick look at all four. Click through the photos for a more detailed look at the sizing and materials specs.
More Than Just a Gender-Inclusive Design It may look like just a crochet pullover to you, but, for us, it is a statement of power. A statement of independence from the arbitrary binary masculine roles we were taught to play out our entire lives.
For years, we have tried to break out of the arbitrary gender binary with our design work but, according to the folx paying for our work, non-gendered or uni-sex designs just wouldn’t work for their magazine/yarn/books. So, all of those designs we gendered according to the arbitrary binary and published as such. To be clear, working for other companies in the fiber arts industry barely pays the bills and selling your work on your own even less so. So we justified it all by saying that we just had to do what we had to do to pay the bills. Once again, we swallowed our pride and learned our lessons… and we did the work to pay the bills. After a while, paying the bills and building a business become the norm and we learned your lessons so well that we forgotten who we set out to be. That realization was, again… a kick in the gut.
While a pink and black crochet pullover with a non-binary name might not seem like that big of a deal to a lot of folx, for us, it was a triumph in our own journey to realize who we really were as designers and as humans. It was the first monumental step that shook the foundations of our lives and put us on a path that we’ve been trying to get back to for a very long, exhausting time. For me, Shannon, it was a sigh of relief that I no longer had to hide who I was. And I’m telling you, seeing my husband, Jason, proudly wearing that pullover on the stage at a large national fiber arts event was one of the most life affirming events of my 50+ years on this planet. Plus… he looks really good in it… don’t ya think? Yeah the leather pants don’t hurt at all.
Photos of Jason on stage taken by the talented Kellie Nuss Photography used with permission. Yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts… we know… it's pretty amazing! 2022 Update: Jason still looks just as good in this pullover and his leather pants (just sayin') and I, Shannon, have continued my gender identity journey. My transition will be an ongoing process for the rest of my life and I am unlearning those lessons… both of us are. My pronouns are she/her and I am a proud transgender woman married to an amazing man who looks great in leather pants. Wait… I said that part already… If you'd like to make your own They/Them Pullover, click on the link below! And don't forget that gorgeous Blue Moon Fiber Arts Yarn. Check out these colors (and OH so many more) by clicking on the button.  They-Them Crocheted Pullover - DIGITAL PATTERN Size Small-5XFashion is meant for EVERY body regardless of gender Designed by the Shibaguyz – Shannon & Jason Mullett-Bowlsby, the They/Them Pullover is a gender neutral pullover that is perfect for him or her or they or them. This design features fabric made in a Half Double Herringbone crochet stitch with a large cowl neck collar, easy slip stitch shaping at the neckline, and the arms are crocheted long enough to become handwarmers, just insert your thumbs into the openings and you’re good to go. You can customize this design to fit your body, your life, and your style and make your own kit with NEW colors of Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Soft Rock yarn available from Needlepoints West. SKILLS USED
SIZES S (M, L, 1X, 2X {Sample Size}, 3X, 4X, 5X) To Fit Chest: 34 (38, 42, 46, 48, 50, 54, 58)”/ 86.25 (96.5, 106.75, 116.75, 122, 127, 137.25, 147.25) cm Sample shown to fit chest 48”/122 cm FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To Fit Chest Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 48, 50, 54, 58)”/86.25 (96.5, 106.75, 116.75, 122, 127, 137.25, 147.25) cm Finished Chest Circumference: 38.25 (42.25, 46.25, 50, 52, 54, 58, 62)”/ 96.5 (106.75, 117, 127, 132, 137.25, 147.25, 157.5) cm Finished length from shoulder: 28.75 (29.5, 29.75, 30, 30, 30.25, 30.5, 30.5)”/ 73 (75, 76.25, 76.25, 76.25, 77, 77.5, 77.5) cm Neckline Width: 9.5 (10.5, 10.5, 11.25, 11.25, 11.5, 12.25, 12.5)”/ 24 (27, 27, 28.5, 28.5, 29.25, 31, 31.75) cm MATERIALS and TOOLS Sample uses Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Soft Rock (100% Superwash Merino; 4 ounces/113g = 500 yards/475 m): 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls in color F*ck Cancer and 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls in color #Survivor—3000 (4000, 4000, 4000, 4000, 4000, 5000, 5000) total yards/2743.25 (3657.5, 3657.5, 3657.5, 3657.5, 3657.5, 4572, 4572) total meters of fingering weight yarn; 18 WPI; CYCA 1 Crochet hook: 2.75mm (size C-2) or size to obtain gauge Yarn needle
As freelance fiber artists, our teaching gigs and the resulting product sales account for a large portion of our income. With two events now canceled (and a possible third cancellation) as well as the early closure of our museum show, we are facing some uncertainty right now. In addition, a few of our clients have shut down their operations and “will not be processing invoices.”
During this time of uncertainty we come to you, our friends, neighbors, students, and fellow makers and crafters to help us out if you have the means. There are a couple of ways to do this:
Thank you for your help and understanding. Stitch On! S&J |
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