Lion Brand has been good lately about publishing new patterns in plus sizes. All of the following new patterns go up to 2x. Two of these are scarves but I thought they deserved a mention. Some of these are knit and some are crochet.

Round Yoke Pullover

Flared Cardigan and Scarf

Light Summer Vest

Ruffle Necklace Scarf

Trail of Blossoms Scarf

The Berroco sweaters go up to 1X, or 48″ around, so I thought I might as well mention them.

Wren

Wanda

Coming up this week, I have the latest Creative Knitting Magazine and the Tahki Crochet book for Spring 2007. I also picked up so many Simplicity patterns that half of them will surely be out of fashion by the time I get around to making them. And I’ll post Friday’s free patterns on Thursday night this time!

Have a happy, peaceful, creative week.

Jen

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Hancock Fabrics is having a $1.99 Simplicity pattern sale online and in their stores today through Sunday. Stock up! I did - I’ll share my stash soon.

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The great thing about shawls - anyone can wear them! As I searched for these patterns I found shawls, shrugs, wraps, ponchos, and more. For this post I just stuck to things called a shawl. I’ll do other lists for the other things.

I’m sure I could find many more if I kept looking but this should keep you busy for now.

All patterns are knit unless otherwise specified (many are crochet)

Knitty.com

Bloom - circular shawl
Ella - v-shaped lace shawl
Leaves and Waves - airy mohair shawl
Tri-Aran-Angle - triangular shawl with cabled borders

Berroco

Nicky - Triangular knit lacy shawl
Paris - Crocheted triangular shawl
Crystal Cove - suede knit shawl with fringe
Gemma - striped shawl with fringe
Patricia - knit shawl with fringe
Zeta - metallic yarn triangle shawl with fringe

Lion Brand (you have to sign in to see these)

Gossamer Shawl (new pattern!)
Half Moon Shawl (new pattern!)
Tea and Sympathy Shawl - in homespun, which I’ve heard mixed reviews on.
Diagonal Scarf/Shawl
Comfort Shawl - crochet with chenille
Country Cotton Shawl - crochet triangular shawl
Diamond Knit Shawl
Easy Triangle Shawl (crochet) / Easy Triangle Shawl (knit)
Another Easy Knit Triangle Shawl
And yet another Easy Knit Triangle Shawl
Elegant Comfort Shawl (crochet) / Elegant Comfort Shawl (knit)
Elegant Shawl (crochet)
Have it Your Way Shawl (crochet)
Joan’s Any-wear Shawl
Knitted Lace Shawl
Prayer Shawl / Healing Shawl (knit) / Prayer Shawl / Healing Shawl (crochet)
Romance Speed Hook Shawl
Suede Crocheted Shawl
Simple Shawl
Then and Now Crocheted Shawl
Trellis Triangle Shawl
Triangle Crochet Shawl Triangle Knit Shawl
Very Easy Ripple Shawl

Bernat

Masala glorious shawl (crochet)
Satin Sport Shawl (crochet)
Galaxy Shawl
Illusions Shawl
Matrix Shawl

MagKnits

Chocolate Ruffles - shawl/hat
Cobweb
Frilling
Lace Leaf Wrap
Ruffles and Ridges Wrap
Sqiggle Shawl
Three Shawl Project

Crochet me (all crochet)

Irish Oranges
Halcyon
Mariefred
Easiest Shawl Ever

Patons

Positive Energy Shawl

Moda Dea

Fashionista Wrap

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Free patterns are coming! I’ll post Friday’s free patterns tonight.

Please let me know what kind of patterns you want to see tonight:

In the meantime, take a look our archive of free pattern posts.

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Sarah sent a list of her patterns with a few reviews and I looked them up on the web. She has many lovely costume patterns, dresses for weddings, a yoga set and a great vintage Vogue dress.

Thank you Sarah for sending this in. Have fun taking a look at Sarah’s pattern stash!

Sarah’s Patterns

• McCall’s 4319 (Note from Jen: I couldn’t find this one on the web.)
• Vogue 1290
• Vogue Vintage V2902 - This I made in the fall to attend a friend’s wedding (version B). We had to slightly alter it, because I’m short waisted. Lots of darts involved! The pattern says it is average. I’d say it’s average to difficult. It was the first thing I ever put a zipper in. Again, we altered the pattern slightly with the zipper. I used an invisible zipper instead of the method they use. My mom has been sewing since the early 70’s, so she knows how and when to make shortcuts.
• Simplicity 5238 - This was a possibility for the wedding.
• Vogue 2299 - I started to make this some years ago (version C), but never finished. What I remember is that it is easy. (note from Jen - couldn’t find this on the web.)
• Easy McCall’s 2644 - I Made version C, top and pants. The top ended up looking more like a medieval blouse. The pants are VERY comfortable! I think I’ll be making a new pair this year. (Note from Jen: couldn’t find this online)
• Simplicity 4080 - A plus size Kimono! I’ve always wanted a Kimono. Western women in general are larger than Japanese women so this was a fantastic find! I think even if you were a small size, a kimono made for a Japanese woman might be small.
• Butterick 3418
• Butterick 4377
• McCall’s 3514
• Simplicity 4249 - Plus size Sari! I’ve always wanted a sari, and someday I’ll make this.
• McCall’s 4261 - I recently picked this up at Walmart for about $6. I haven’t gotten the fabric, yet. I’ll be making the full length pants for sure. I haven’t decided if I’ll be doing the long sleeve shirt or zip-up. What’s nice is this pattern has so many options! Even a yoga mat bag! (I’ll be knitting mine ) The size is marked Large-XL. If you look at the number sizes on the back the XL is 20-22.

I have another medieval outfit, but I seemed to have misplaced the pattern.

I usually “stock up” when Joann’s is having a $1.99 or even $0.99 sale.

Glad to help! Keep up the good work!

~Sarah

Coming Up on Big Crafty

I sort of got the evening off (yay!), so I started gathering images for a blog redesign. I found this black and white flower wallpaper pattern that I’ve seen everywhere and love. I also found these nifty sheep. I plan to change their color scheme.

Should be interesting! And if I get tired of it after a while, the images were only $2 and I’m more than happy to practice my design skills.

I’ll post Friday’s free patterns on Friday night. Stay tuned!

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Wow! There are eight plus-size knitting patterns up to 2X and seven more up to 1X in the Spring 2007 Tahki Stacy Charles book.

This book is available at yarnware.com for $14.99.

Two of the 2X patterns are rated “easy”, both short-sleeved cardigans. I’m tempted to make the cropped cardigan but it calls for 6 balls of Bali Bamboo at $6.99 a pop - that’s $76.89! I’m not ready for that kind of sweater investment. I think I’ll do some baby sweaters until I’ve got mad yarn skills.

Women’s Sweater Patterns, sizes Small to 2X, in Tahki Spring 2007

This is a quick, quick list. If you need more info, please leave a comment and I’ll add more details tomorrow. Thanks!

Cable Vest
A sleeveless cabled vest.
Knitted bust measurement up to 50″/127cm
10 balls of Java for the largest size

Sampler Sleeve Pullover
Long-sleeved lacy pullover in white.
Knitted bust measurement up to 50″/127cm
16 skeins Cotton Classic for the largest size

Cardigan with Pockets
Long sleeved cardigan in navy with lighter blue bands around the sleeves and the top. Has front pockets.
Knitted bust measurement up to 51″/129.5cm
12 skeins Cotton Classic and 4 skeins Star for the largest size

Cropped Cardigan
Cropped cardigan with deep v-neck and two buttons at the bottom. Nice 1/2 arm length sleeves.
Up to 48 1/2″/123cm knitted bust measurement
11 balls Bali for largest size

Stripe Cardigan
Striped short-sleeve scoop-neck cardigan that ties at the top
51″/129.5cm largest finished bust size
7 skeins Cotton Classic in various colors and 7 skeins Siena in various colors for largest size.

V-Neck Tank
Fitted tank with a collar.
50 1/2″/128cm largest finished bust size
10 skeins Lucky for largest size

Checker-Lace V-Neck
Long sleeved checkered v-neck pullover
2X finished bust size = 52 1/2″/133cm
15 skeins Cotton Classic for 2X size

Side-to-Side Cardigan
Long sleeved open cardigan with vertical strips, worked side-to-side. Shown in blues but also has tropical color scheme instructions.
2X finished bust size = 50″/127cm
12 skeins Siena and 8 skeins Java for 2X size

Sizes Small to 1X

Striped Pullover
Long sleeved pullover with medium sized horizontal stripes.
XL/1X finished bust size = 49″/124.5cm
10 skeins Tweedy Classic and 9 skeins Cotton Classic for 1X/XL size

Side-to-Side Vest
Tie-front vest with deep v-neck and horizontal stripes.
XL/1X finished bust size = 47″/119cm
4 balls Poppy and 6 skeins Cotton Classic for 1X/XL size

Lace Stitch Cardigan
Button-up lacy merino cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves with stand-up collar.
XL/1X finished bust size = 48 1/2″/123cm
15 balls Torino for 1X/XL size

Lace Aran Pullover
Lacy long-sleeved sweater in New Tweed wool/silk blend.
XL/1X finished bust size = 49″/124.5cm
15 balls New Tweed for 1X/XL size

Striped Cardigan
Striped short-sleeved cardigan with deep v-neck and three buttons at the bottom.
XL/1X finished bust size = 46″/117cm
15 balls Monterey for 1X/XL size

Cable Front Turtleneck
Long-sleeved turtleneck with rolled hem, ribbed neck and cable up the front.
XL/1X finished bust size = 49″/124.5cm
20 balls Torino Bulky for 1X/XL size

Cable Front Turtleneck
Long-sleeved turtleneck with rolled hem, ribbed neck and cable up the front.
XL/1X finished bust size = 49″/124.5cm
20 balls Torino Bulky for 1X/XL size

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The May 2007 issue of Threads magazine has part one of an article on plus-size draping. Kathleen Cheetham, owner of Petite Plus Patterns, take you through the steps to drape a bodice and create a versatile custom pattern for yourself. This technique works for everyone, large and small, she says.

You can preview the article on their site.

This one calls for the buddy system. If you’re like me - you just moved to a new city, work full time and have a toddler and therefore have no social life - or some other circumstance, you may not have any local buddies that will spend half a day pinning up your bosom.

I wonder if a duct-tape double would work as well…? My husband doesn’t know a dart from an armhole but I’m pretty sure he can wrap me up in duct tape.

Imagined Monday morning conversation around the coffee machine:

Coworker: “So what did you do last weekend?”
Me: “My husband wrapped my up in duct tape so I could make an exact replica of myself.”
Coworker: “…..”
Me: “We’re not normal.”

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I’m glad one reader recently left this comment:

What about us super plus sized gals. I need knitting patterns too!

Indeed, there are few plus-size patterns to be found and even fewer if you need something above a 2X or 3X. What’s a big crafty gal to do?

Here’s what I’ve seen in the past few weeks:

• Vermont Fiber Designs’ knitting patterns. A few people have recommended these. They go up to 6X and look great.
• Patons Yarn: Many of their free patterns go up to 5X.
• Knitty.com just published a cardigan that goes up to 5X
• Most patterns on White Lies Designs, designer of the Big Girl Knits Cherry Bomb, can be made for a 58″ bust, with some going up to 64″. (I’ll write more about them later! They definitely deserve an article of their own.)
• The Ample Knitters site lists some great places to look under “Resources” and “Free Patterns.” They also have an Ample Knitters Yahoo group where you’ll find many wonderful, helpful people.
• Here are some more great Yahoo Groups. You’ll find many patterns under “Links” and “Files” after you join.
  • ‘Big Girl Knits’ Yahoo Group
  • Crochet 4 Amply and Super Amply Blessed Yahoo Group
  • KnitPlus Yahoo Group

Let me know if you find some other great places and I’ll list them here.

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The spring/summer 2007 edition of Knit Simple magazine has a refreshing number of plus-size knitting patterns, especially coming from the publishers Vogue ‘models-only-please’ Knitting. Three of the four tank tops even have enough coverage for bra straps! Whoa!

Side-to-Side Sweater

Comments: This just comes in one size that’s 60″ around the bust. I shudder to think what this would look like on me without the nice drape. But it looks easy enough to resize.
Materials:
Dyed Cotton by Blue Sky Alpacas, 6 balls in #628 azul
Size 13 (9mm) needles
One M/N-13 (9mm) crochet hook
Measurements:
Bust: 60″/152.5cm
Length: 18 1/2″/47cm

Boatneck Tank

Comments: Cute in that “tennis anyone?” way, though it does have that short corset-waisted thing going on. Oh well, I don’t play tennis.
Size: X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1-X, 2-X)
Materials:
Supercotton by Schulana/Skacel, 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) balls in #51 blue
One pair each size 8 and 10 (5 and 6mm) needles
Measurements:
Bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)”/76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127)cm
Length: 19 (19 1/2, 20, 21 1/2, 22, 22 1/2)”/48.5 (49.5, 51, 54.5, 56, 57)cm

Scoop-Neck Tank

Comments: This one is also a little short and fitted, but in a good way, not with such a noticeable boob-shelf as the boatneck tank. I think this would be flattering. Might need to be made a bit longer.
Size: X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1-X, 2-X)
Materials:
Star by Classic Elite Yarns, 4 (5, 6, 7, 8, balls in #5102 arizona sun
One pair size 8 (5mm) needles
Measurements:
Bust: 29 1/2 (33 1/2, 37 1/2, 42 1/2, 45 1/2, 50 1/2)”/75 (85, 95, 108, 115.5, 128)cm
Length: 20 1/2 (21, 21 1/2, 22, 22 1/2, 23)”/52 (53.5, 54.5, 56, 57, 58.5)cm

Tunic Tank

Comments: I like the theory of this. (sorry for the bright spot on the photo!)
Size: X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1-X, 2-X)
Materials:
Enigma by Colinette/Unique Kolours, 5 (5, 6, 7, 7, skeins in #146 popsicle
One pair size 8 (5mm) needles
One size 8 circular needles
Measurements:
Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52)”/81 (91.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132)cm
Length: 28 1/2 (29, 29 1/2, 30, 30 1/2, 31)”/72.5 (74, 75, 76, 77.5, 78.5)cm

Striped Tank

Comments: Maybe cute as a beach cover-up top or a pajama top. Most likely the latter for me.
Size: X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1-X, 2-X)
Materials:
Cornucopia by Kollage Yarns, 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 6) balls in sun porch, 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4) balls in torchlight
One pair each sizes 6 and 8 (4 and 5mm) needles
One size 8 circular needles
Measurements:
Bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)”/76 (84.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127)cm
Length: 17 1/2 (18, 19, 19 1/2, 10 1/2, 21)”/44.5 (45.5, 48.5, 49.5, 52, 53.5)cm

Striped Cardigan

Comments: This is my favorite pattern! Mmmmm, coverage. So comforting. It says the stripes can also be done vertically, though they don’t give instructions for that.
Size: X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1-X, 2-X)
Materials:
Fantasy Naturale by Plymouth Yarn Co., 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls in #7360 taupe, 1(1, 1, 2, 2, 2) balls each in #8012 blue, #8018 pink, #8017 teal, #4548 coral, #5425 seafoam, and #8176 natural.
One pair each sizes 8, 9 and 10 (5, 5.5 and 6mm) needles
One size 8 (5mm) circular needles
1 set (4) size 10 (6mm) double-pointed needles
Six 3/4″/19mm buttons (La Mode style #31643)
Measurements:
Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52)”/81 (91.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132)cm
Length: 22 1/2 (23, 24 1/2, 25, 26, 26 1/2)”/57 (58.5, 62, 63.5, 66, 67.5)cm

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Hi there!

So where’s this morning’s post? It’s coming out this evening! Yes, I’m still going to post daily. I’ll just be writing in the evenings now! My thinking should be a little less fuzzy than it is at 6 a.m.

I’ve also added a few ads to pay for the magazines I review. If I make enough from ads to pay for the magazines, I can give more magazines away to you!

These ads will be contained to older posts (more than a week old) and to the sidebar. I’d like to get some cute little blogads like Crazy Aunt Purl someday. There are also some relevant eBay auctions displayed in the sidebar.

If they bother you, PLEASE let me know! I only want to provide relevant advertising on here. I don’t want to drive you away with annoying ads.

Take care and see you this evening.

Jen

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