Spring Is Coming!

This is no GAME! Don't let your spring be STARK because you were DRAGON and didn't start your crochet and knitting project early enough!

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(Here's some mood music to listen to while you read on. Peter Hollens is an AMAZING talent. Worth checking out.)

Click the "Read More" link below to read the full story.

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Yes, SPRING IS COMING… even though some of y'all are reading this from the deep freeze of winter, you KNOW that transitional time is coming.

You know what we mean.

That time of year right after the first crocuses poke through the soil and you get that first whiff of warm air wafting over the land.

Then you get smacked back to reality by a snow and ice storm.

Yeah… THAT time of year.

For crochet and knit folks, it's also the time of year when we start thinking "hhmm… I'd really like something a little more light weight to wear" and "hhmmm… I'd really like a FAB layering piece today."

Unfortunately, by the time we emerge from our winter hibernations and have these thoughts of warmer days and transitional climes, it's a little late because we want something to wear NOW!

We did not heed the warnings and SPRING IS HERE!! AAAAAHHHHH!!

So, in the interest of preventing, this kind of angst and anguish, we offer our suggestions for FAB projects to carry you through the transitional seasons to come and well into warmer times.

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Chrysanthemum Shrug

This crochet shrug is just what you need for something light and airy to layer over a turtleneck or cozy top. The pattern starts with the chrysanthemum motif in the center back and works out to the sleeves allowing for easy. customization of fit and sleeve length.

This is the perfect project for the beginner who isn't quite ready to move into full-on garment making but wants something a little more substantial than a shawl. More accomplished crochet folks will love how quick and easy this pattern works up and will be tempted to make multiples to coordinate with different outfits for every occasions.

Pattern here:
Chrysanthemum Shrug Crochet Pattern

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Women's Belted Tunic

How about a garment that has very little shaping but a LOT of versatility and style? Well here ya go! We matched a simple tunic silhouette with a gorgeous stitch pattern to create this stunning knitted garment. Even if you've never really made a garment before, you'll look like an experienced stitcher from WAY back. The minimal shaping around the neckline is finished off with with a folded collar and the armholes are cleverly shaped during finishing to give you a beautiful fit without binding or gapping.

Because this belted tunic is made in two basic pieces with a belt, you can take this with you as a travel project or stream your favorite show and binge watch to your heart's content.

This is a FAB project to break in knitters who are ready to make their first garment and knitters of all experience levels will LOVE watching this beautiful lace pattern develop.

Wear it by itself or under a jacket for a FAB transitional weather layering piece.

Pattern here:
Women's Belted Tunic Knitting Pattern

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Women's Hooded Vest
&
Men's Hooded Vest

I don't know about you all but at the FIRST sign of warmer temps, we just can't stay inside. We grab our favorite long sleeved hiking gear, throw on a warm flannel shirt, toss on a vest, and we're off to meander.

Even if you don't hit the trails or hike the mountains like we do with the Shibakidz, you're going to love this hooded crochet vest for getting out and about. Maybe you're exploring the streets in your neighborhood or window shopping in town between running errands.

Featuring zip front closures and exterior pockets, the fabric for these vest is made in an easy crochet stitch that looks like linen fabric making them lightweight and easy to move in while adding just the right amount of layering warmth.

Also, if you happen to encounter any hostile Dothraki while you are meandering, the generous armholes give you plenty of room to swing a sword… ya know… just in case…

And, yes, we have a version of our hooded crochet vest for the ladies, and one for the men!

By the way, if you have folks you have always wanted to crochet for but they are a little squeamish about wearing "homemade" or crochet garments, make this for them. They are going to LOVE this vest and they WILL wear it!

Patterns here:
Women's Hooded Vest Crochet Pattern

Men's Hooded Vest Crochet Pattern

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Okay… just ONE MORE before we head off to do our own spring stitching…

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Tiamat Shawlette

So maybe you didn't heed the warnings or maybe you just want ONE MORE perfect piece to add to your transitional weather wardrobe. That's okay… we've got you covered with a quick and easy project that you can finish even if the harbingers of spring have come long ago.

Go find your favorite yarn, grab your crochet hook, and get to stitching on this shawlette and you will have a FAB little piece that's big on style.

The open lacework harkens to the scales on the wings of… (dare we make one more reference to that show with the thrones?) … a dragon! Yes, the original design for this was inspired by a myth involving a Babylonian dragon. No, we didn't have a Targaryen in mind when we created this set of wings but the effects are no less dramatic.

Easy stitches work up in a stunning combination that grows and becomes more elegant and enchanting the more you let your hooks fly. A final blocking of the lace pattern will reveal the unfurled wings and you'll have a piece to wrap around your shoulders that would make a Khaleesi jealous.

Pattern here:
Tiamat Shawlette Crochet Pattern

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There are other patterns in our online store that are PERFECT for layering to keep the chill away while letting in the warmth of the awakening sun. But we'll leave that territory for you to explore on your own.

That's also the last reference we'll make to THAT show but don't let the warnings go unheeded! Spring is coming and you don't want to be caught unaware and grabbing for your hooks and sticks in a last minute effort to make that perfect layering piece.

STITCH ON!!
S&J

Like what you read? Ready to build your skillz? Click on the photos below to check out these crochet and knitting tutorials for step-by-step techniques and tips directly from the Shibaguyz Designz studio.

How To Change Yarn In The Middle of a Crochet Row

How To Invisibly Weave In Knitting Ends

Four Ways to Block Crochet & Knitting Projects

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