The pineapple crochet stitch is the focus of Karen Whooley‘s newest pattern collection, Pineapple Passion. It includes five designs including a top, two shawls, a skirt, and a cardigan.
What is the pineapple stitch? It is one that looks complex yet is a clever combination of double, single, and chain stitches. Traditionally this type of crochet is worked in thread, however Karen has chosen to use modern lightweight lace yarns that create beautifully airy fabric. She also provide guidance for substituting yarn at other gauges.
Every pattern includes both charted stitches and written instructions and where beneficial, a schematic is included. The photographs showcase the designs and also highlight the details. There are subtle book design details that make this a beautiful collection, attention has been made to layout and making the best use of each page.
My work with this collection began a while ago. I crocheted the sample for the skirt, Pineapple Elegance. It is worked top down so you could alter the length and the pineapple edge provides a subtle lace touch. The skirt looks complex, but is straightforward to make! Here’s a tip, this design is worked in the round, however, you turn at the end of each one in order to create the beautiful simple cluster that makes up the body of the skirt. This is clever — no unsightly seam to work later.
Pineapple Passion is a collection that is surprisingly wearable — each item is classic with a modern twist. The pineapple stitch is used in a manner that adds to every design without being ostentatious.
I am smitten with the Cardigan. I’m not sure if I’ll use the suggested yarn (Fibra Natura Whisper Lace, also used in the skirt and a delight to crochet) or swatch with another yarn in my stash.
Pineapple Passion is available digitally and in print (with digital download code).
Learn more at karenwhooley.com
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