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The Evolving Aveline Crochet Sweater Pattern Test Fashion Show

Welcome to a little fashion show I put together to inspire makers in the lead up to the Evolving Aveline Sweater Crochet-A-Long. There is plenty of time to join the fun as the CAL itself starts April 13th, 2024!


This blog post shows you all the different sizes and different yarns used by my testers, demonstrates a few different customising options and runs through the upcoming CAL Schedule. Everything you need to know in the one spot! Spoiler: you might want to grab a cuppa and have a good browse...


a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater


My Evolving Aveline Sweater pattern is graded to 13 sizes, producing a finished garment bust circumference of 80cm through to 150cm, and the sizes are labelled 1,2,3 etc through to 13 (not S, M XXL etc).


The pattern document is data rich, with stitch charts, photos and video demonstrations to supplement the written instructions and help guide your project! For the Crochet-A-Long I will also be helping participants in my private pattern support group Pepper-Gaggle!


The Evolving Aveline Sweater CAL runs April 13th-May 18th 2024 with my recommended yarn options available from Morris & Sons , Bendigo Woollen Mills and Skein Sisters. (They all can ship internationally too, so nobody misses out)!


The official pattern launch with public release of sizing and yardage is happening on Ravelry March 30th, 2024!

(Pre-Sales Registrants received early delivery of this information today via email - if that's you check your inbox and spam folder. Please note, the window for Pre-Sales registration is now closed).




Let's get straight into all the tester sample fashion show...

Some of my pattern testers have used the recommended yarn options and some have figured out yarn substitution themselves (always by swatching to achieve blocked gauge and considering drape, handle, how much ease they wanted etc).


For each tester project, I will briefly describe sample size (which set of instructions were followed before any modifications were made), yarn & hook size used, approx. ease and any modifications.


 

a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Me! (Worn by Mystery Model)

Yarn: Morris & Sons Empire 8ply (100% superfine merino; 125m/50g)

Hook: 3.5mm hook 

Available from: Morris & Sons 

Size: 1 (finished bust 80cm)

Colours: Indigo 822 & Olive 816

Modifications: none

Ease: 0cm

Features: OMG I love this yarn. Lustrous colours, springy elastic merino and uber soft! It has a loose twist so be careful to not catch it on jewellery etc. It has great stitch definition, excellent warmth and the garment has a reassuring weight. Thank you to Morris & Sons for yarn support to make this test sample!


a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Paulina Smith (IG: @paulina.s.maraboli) - in Chile

Yarn: Himalaya Deluxe Bamboo (60% bamboo, 40% cotton)

Hook: 3.5mm hook 

Size: 1 (finished bust 80cm)

Colours: 12420 & 12443

Modifications: contrast yarn to V-neck edge and hemline; no split to hemline ribbing

Ease: 1cm

Features: I love how Paulina chose soft neutral tones for an elegant feel to the project. A cotton-bamboo blend offers great drape, warmth and breathability. Check out Paulina's Ravelry project page.



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Pamela Tan (IG: @loveit_hookit) - in Singapore

Yarn: Crocheted By Carisse 12ply cotton (100% cotton)

Hook: 4mm hook 

Size: 3 (finished bust 90cm)

Colours: Limelight & Blue Babe

Modifications: short sleeve option and bodice shortened by an inch.

Ease: 8cm

Features: Pamela's yarn choice and short sleeves shows the versatility of one pattern - summery tee anyone!? So fresh, great stitch definition and its great to know cotton is on the menu for hot climates, yes!? I am in love with Pamela's stylish photos and her passion for wearing her projects out and about.


a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Lisa Khoo (IG: @lisakhoo74) - in the UK

Yarn: BC Garn - Semilla Melange (100% organic wool; 175m/50g)

Hook: 3.75mm hook 

Size: 4 (finished bust 95cm)

Colours: Pink 06 and Stone Grey 03

Modifications: added 6 extra rounds bodice length

Ease: 9cm

Features: How beautiful is Lisa's pink and grey jumper!? Lisa tells me gauge was easy to achieve with this yarn, it was great to work with, didn't move much during blocking and has a tweedy look and feel. Check out her Ravelry project page here.



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Naomi Boxall  (IG: @madebydrnome) - in Perth, Australia

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed dk (50% lightly felted wool, 25% viscose, 25% alpaca; 175m/50g)

Hook: 3.75mm hook 

Available from: Morris & Sons (& others).

Size: 4 (finished bust 95cm)

Colours: Bottle Green 207 & Frozen 185

Modifications: none

Ease: 3cm

Features:  This is the original yarn I found at Morris & Sons that inspired me to design this sweater! Love it. Pick any 2 colours and they will go together and it has exceptional warmth for its weight because of it's partially felted construction so its perfect for colder climates as an outer garment. Naomi's colour choices are gorgeous and her stitches are always immaculate. Check out her Ravelry project page here.



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Julie Keeble  (IG: @blueeyedjulie) - in Sydney, Australia

Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 4 ply (100% Cotton; 670m/200g)

Hook: 4mm hook 

Available from: Bendigo Woollen Mills.

Size: 5 (finished bust 95cm)

Colours: Latte 887 and Pretty Pink 873

Modifications: short sleeve option, reduced number of stitches at U/arm for closer desired fit.

Ease: 0cm

Features:  This yarn is an Australian classic! Excellent value to make the Evolving Aveline as a T-shirt with this yarn. The pink really pops as part of Julie's neutral palette. This looks similar to Paulina's bamboo cotton blend but Julie's BWM Cotton 4ply project will be lighter, cooler and less likely to grow over time because the reduced weight. We chose these colours together to go with Julie's white summer shorts and thank you to Bendigo Woollen Mills for sponsoring this test sample!



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Designer & Maker: Me! (IG: @peppergoose) - in Perth, Australia

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed dk (50% lightly felted wool, 25% viscose, 25% alpaca; 175m/50g)

Hook: 3.5mm hook 

Available from: Morris & Sons (& others).

Size: 4 (finished bust 100cm)

Colours: French Mustard 216 and Black 211

Modifications: none

Ease: 10cm

Features:  This is my design prototype and you're probably sick of seeing it, lol! Yellow is polarising but I love this mustard yellow colour - it's warm, sunny and contrasts so well against the black. Black as the contrast colour blends well with my black jeans which is half the reason I chose to use it. I think it's great to consider what you will be pairing the finished project with when you choose your colours as it increases your opportunity to wear it with pride! Thank you Morris & Sons for sponsoring this prototype sample. If you are in Sydney, you can have a close look at this sample in their city (York Street) store!



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Ruth Lambert (IG: @the.woolly.librarian) - in Belgium

Yarn: Scheepjes Terrazzo (70% Recycled Mulesing Free Wool x 30% Recycled Viscose; 175m/50g)

Hook: 4mm hook 

Size: 6 (finished bust 105cm)

Colours: Ardesia 743 and Giungla 760

Modifications: added 4 rounds length to bodice.

Ease: 4cm

Features:  When I opted for Rowan Felted Tweed dk for my prototype I did not know Scheepjes had a similar partially felted product. Ruth enlightened me and quickly achieved gauge with this product, offering another beautiful tweed look option as an outer garment. Ruth is a librarian by day and a yarn addict out of hours - so I had to include her book holding pose in the show! Love these pics. Check out her Ravelry project page here.



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Julie Keeble  (IG: @blueeyedjulie) - in Sydney, Australia

Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 5ply (100% machine washable wool; 580m/200g) Hook: 4.5mm hook

Available from: Bendigo Woollen Mills.

Size: 6 (finished bust 105cm)

Colours: Teal 649 and Magnolia 659

Modifications: reduced number of stitches at U/arm.

Ease: 4cm

Features:  This yarn has excellent stitch definition, durability and drape, brilliant value for money and comes in large 200g balls which means fewer tails to sew in at the end! It is a favourite of the BWM range and has been for decades. I still have blankets my grandma made with it and they still in great condition, so if you want a long lasting wear this is a wonderful option.


Just an aside - Julie is pretty new to garment making yet she smashed out 2 samples in this test! I invited her to join this test after she crocheted the first garment to ever actually fit her during my Shelley Sweater CAL last year. If you are a bit wobbly about garment making check out my Shelley Sweater wrap up blog and a summary of Julie's experience during the CAL. You too can make garments that fit!



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Bev - in Perth, Australia

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed dk (50% lightly felted wool, 25% viscose, 25% alpaca; 175m/50g)

Hook: 3.5mm hook 

Available from: Morris & Sons (& others).

Size: 9 (finished bust 120cm)

Colours: Heliotrope 219 & Ultramarine 214

Modifications: none

Ease: 9cm

Features:  The original yarn again. Love it in this purplish pink colour and deep blue contrast!! Such a feminine combination and the positive ease makes it a snuggly comfy jumper. The split hemline allows the fabric to skin the hips instead of hug in on the body which is a feature I really like, but if you prefer a hemline in the round, have a second look at Paulina's size 1 sample.



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Jane Downey (IG: @rose_red_shoes) - in Sydney, Australia

Yarn: Bellissimo Lucca 8ply (53% extra-fine merino, 47% cotton blend; 120m/50g)

Hook: 3.5mm hook

Available from: Skein Sisters (& others).

Size: 10 (finished bust 120cm)

Colours: Capri 50517 & Ice Blue 50510

Modifications: fewer sts at underarm, kept front and back the same length, 3/4 length sleeves and omitted final 2 rows/rounds on all ribbing

Ease: 0cm

Features:  Bellissimo Lucca is a luxurious mid-weight option with incredible drape and softness! The blend of cotton and merino is perfect for Aussie spring/autumn and Jane's gentle tonal choices again create an elegant vibe! Jane made quite a few modifications to her test sample and as a resident crochet expert where she works at Skein Sisters, she has the skills to back it up! Thank you to Skein Sisters for sponsoring Jane's test sample. If you are in Sydney, you can see her sample on display in their store! Check out her Ravelry project page here.



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Fiona Kelly (IG: @kellyskrochet76) - in the Netherlands

Yarn: Scheepjes Terrazzo (70% Recycled Mulesing Free Wool x 30% Recycled Viscose; 175m/50g)

Hook: 3.75mm hook 

Size: 12 (finished bust 140cm)

Colours: Pietra 742 and Lampone 721

Modifications: no increases in short rows at back to narrow back bodice, increases placed in lower bodice to resume size 12 circumference from waist down and added 4 rounds length to bodice.

Ease: 5cm

Features:  Fiona's Aveline Sweater is fresh off the hook as a flat lay.  Illness befell her, so she could not make the last blocking hurdle in time for this blog.  I really hope Fiona feels better soon!  In the meantime, I am thrilled to show you her finished project and a test fit.  Everything relaxes a bit during blocking and sleeves always lengthen a cm or two.  We'll have to imagine that for now, but this photo on the left is a great example of what your project might look like before the last and essential finishing step of blocking. Check out her Ravelry project page here.



a woman wearing a crocheted Evolving Aveline Sweater

Tester: Me!  (Worn by Model X)

Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 5ply (100% machine washable wool; 580m/200g) Hook: 4mm hook

Available from: Bendigo Woollen Mills.

Size: 13 (finished bust 150cm)

Colours: Aztec 609 and Rose Pink 746

Modifications: reduced number of stitches at U/arm to create a bust and upper arm circumference closer to size 12, then included increases in lower bodice to bring it back to size 13 for hip region; size 12 sleeves; omitted 10 rounds from bodice length.

Ease: 8-10cm

Features:  I have already sung the praises of this yarn in terms of yarn and fibre characteristics, but what I can also advocate, particularly for larger sizes, is how budget friendly it is. Fabulous, glorious, affordable yarn and a size inclusive design!


All these wonderful tester Evolving Aveline Sweater projects highlight how it can accomodate different body shapes and sizes. Many of these modification decisions were made based on trying it on as a WIP - this is a great advantage of a top-down construction method!



Lastly, before I go...

The Evolving Aveline Sweater Pattern & Crochet-A-Long Schedule:

Language: The Ravelry Pattern listing will provide PDFs in both UK terms and US terms - download the one that suits you. 


Difficulty Level: is suited to intermediate crocheter, but adventurous beginners are also welcome and will be catered for with lots of video demonstration and support via Pepper-Gaggle!


Pattern features:

  • 13 sizes, from 80cm - 150cm finished bust

  • 5 recommended yarns

  • top-down construction (no sew!)

  • easy stitches (ch, ss, dc, htr, tr, dtr = UK terms)

  • written instructions with:

  • stitch charts

  • some linked video demonstrations for the fiddly bits

  • photo tutorials

  • designer insights for custom fit

  • custom fit advice

  • option for long sleeve or short sleeve

  • option for split hemline or full hemline

  • tester photos and design insights to explain how best to custom fit your bodice shape ...AND I'll be giving weekly tips in Pepper-Gaggle during the CAL too!


CAL Schedule:

For this CAL, the pattern document will be released on RAVELRY in 5 weekly stages according to this schedule:

Mar 30th: Preamble (Schematic, Measurements Chart, Yardage, Prep, Gauge & How to Swatch Instructions) - downloadable PDF is Preamble.


April 13th: CAL week 1 (Back Neck to V-point) - downloadable PDF is Preamble and week 1 Pattern Instruction


April 20th: CAL week 2 (V-point to Underarm) - downloadable PDF is Preamble and weeks 1& 2 Pattern Instructions


April 27th: CAL week 3 (Lower Bodice) - downloadable PDF is Preamble and weeks 1, 2 & 3 Pattern Instructions


May 4th: CAL week 4 (Split Hemline Ribbing) - downloadable PDF is Preamble and weeks 1, 2, 3 & 4 Pattern Instructions


May 11th: CAL week 5 (Sleeves) - downloadable PDF is now the full pattern on RAVELRY

From May 11th onwards I will make the pattern also available on ETSY (and a few other places) too!



And that's a wrap! The Evolving Aveline Sweater can evolve into a customised sweater with lots of different yarn and garment options. So cool! Thank you SO much to all my wonderful testers! Please give them some love on their Ravelry project pages and in Pepper-Gaggle if they share there too.


As always, you can subscribe here to receive blog notifications and my newsletter, and browse my Ravelry pattern catalogue here!


I hope you feel inspired, and I can't wait to get started!


 

Susannah (Peppergoose)


Peppergoose Design logo





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