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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...
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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)
#evolvingavelinesweaterCAL #crochetvnecksweater #topdowncrochet #peppergoose #evolvingavelinesweater #crochetalongcomingsoon #evolvesweaterdesign