Diagonally is Poetry in Yarn

I recently had the pleasure of test crocheting for Lindsey Stephens of Poetry in Yarn. That pattern is now available and I’m excited to share it.

The Diagonally Scarf and Shawl is many patterns in one with a compelling stitch pattern that keeps you working just one more row, yet is simple enough to be a great evening TV project.

Of the many options you can choose between are first for size, do you wish a narrow scarf or a wider shawl? Next, while the design suggests at least two colours to highlight the diagonal stripes, you could use one main colour and multiple secondary colours. As this is worked in a fingering/sock-weight yarn, this would be a great way to use some of those partial skeins you’ve been collecting. Lindsey published a very helpful video tutorial so you don’t need to weave in many ends.

Finally, while not suggested in the pattern, I think you could work only the increase sections (perhaps adding a few additional repeats for increased depth) and have a unique asymmetrical shawl.

This shawl is special to me as many kittens helped along the way, especially foster kitten Sparky.

While I’m not quite in love with the very yellow-tone of the green I chose to work with, I discovered this is a wonderful shawl for blustery days, the shawl is light weight and when worn wrapped around my shoulders is quite wind-proof.

More notes can be found on my ravelry project page.

I thought it would be fun to ask Lindsey a few questions about this design and her work. Enjoy!

little acorn:

Diagonally has a unique structure. What sparked its shape?

Lindsey:

I’ve been interested in ways to create fun projects without the pattern itself being really complex. I wanted something fun and a bit unusual, but using basic stitches and an easy to memorize repeat. It’s great tv crochet.

little acorn:

You are also a maths teacher, how does knit & crochet connect to math for you?

Lindsey:

Pattern writing is all about the math. Stitch counts, row repeats, gauge… it’s a numerical wonderland.

little acorn:

If that didn’t keep you busy you also tech edit. What is one thing you wish knitters understood about the process?

Lindsey:

Sometimes, a final pattern isn’t perfect and you get errata. That doesn’t mean I fell down on the job. You have no idea how many other errors I may have caught before that pattern went to publication.

little acorn:

What do you wish designers did (or wish they’d stop doing) to make your work easier?

Lindsey:

I’m very appreciative of designers who respond promptly to emails, even if it’s just to say “Hey. Got your e-mail and I’ll get back to you in the next 24hrs.”

little acorn:

Which comes first, the yarn or the design?

Lindsey:

In the case of Diagonally it was the yarn. It doesn’t always work like that, but I picked up the Holiday Yarns Flock Sock in Pinot Noir and Grey at a show and I knew that I must make something awesome with it.

little acorn:

When not knitting or crocheting, you can be found …

Lindsey:

Sleeping. If I’m awake I’m likely doing something yarn-related.

little acorn:

Kitten or puppy snuggles?

Lindsey:

Although I’m more a dog person, I’ve been quite taken with the pics of your foster kittens!

Thank you Lindsey!

I hope you’ll check out the Diagonally Scarf and Shawl and Lindsey’s many designs. Please let me know if you make one.