Autumn Bliss Collection Crochet 2016
Annie’s Signature Designs
My heart is full as I present the Autumn Bliss Collection for Annie’s Signature Designs. We have put so much energy, thought and creativity into planning this special presentation. Every element and detail of this collection reignites my passion for yarn and the needle arts. This past April, I collaborated with a team of talented individuals to begin the process of creating a new collection of knitting and crochet patterns. We spent three intense days analyzing the latest trends in fashion, yarn, fiber and color. This initial phase of the creation process is so exciting because it’s where we’re making our vision come alive. There’s something truly magical when a group of like-minded thinkers come together to make something that can be enjoyed by needle arts enthusiasts. Through my own experience and personal sense of style, I gather inspiration from all that I see around me in the world. The exciting results are on-trend designs that are practical for everyday wear. I’ve worked extensively in the European and Scandinavian fashion markets, so I derive much of my knowledge from this time of my life. This collection of pieces will fit perfectly into your wardrobe without being fussy or complicated, but rather clean and minimal. These designs are timeless, sure to make you feel fabulous for years to come. Throughout my life I’ve been passionate about being in and experiencing nature. It fills the soul and nurtures the mind. Nature is my playground to experience with family and friends. With this in mind I turned to the roots, rocks and sky of the West and Southwest as my inspiration. This pattern collection of knit and crochet designs captures the neutral shades, dappled with rich color that inspires and captivates the soul. Earth tones and a natural balance of color saturation against neutral shades create a backdrop for stunning design. The color selections and textures in our garments reflect contrast, color and light. When it comes to the yarn selections of this collection, natural fibers are always the easy choice because they provide the best quality. Color becomes more vibrant, and textures are crisper and more graphic. Throughout this Lookbook, you’ll see that we provide you with a variety of yarn choices that are of the best quality, which we’ve carefully paired with specific garments and accessories. This results in gorgeous creations that you’ll fondly reach for in your closet time and again. I hope you’re as excited as I am to get started, so let’s explore the pages that follow to experience an adventure of color, texture, light and earth with the Annie’s Signature Designs Autumn Bliss Collection. Blissfully yours in yarn and fiber!
Dalidio Sweater
Dalidio Sweater
Tuwa Set
Tuwa Set
Harbor Lights Circle Jacket
Harbor Lights Circle Jacket
Betula Sweater
Betula Sweater
Nituna Shawl
Nituna Shawl
Edna Valley Cardigan
Edna Valley Cardigan
Little Black Dress
Little Black Dress
Nakai Purse
Nakai Purse
Fixlini Sweater
Fixlini Sweater
Hoodie Cardigan
Hoodie Cardigan
Mukluk Booties
Mukluk Booties
Navajo Stole
Navajo Stole
Shell Beach Stole, Shawl & Scarf
Shell Beach Stole, Shawl & Scarf
Shell Beach Stole, Shawl & Scarf
Tolosa Vest
Tolosa Vest
Chalet Cardigan
Chalet Cardigan
Her Scarfies & Hats
Her Scarfies & Hats
Wanderlust Cardigan
His Scarfies & Hats
His Scarfies & Hats
Pauwau Poncho
Pauwau Poncho
Cinereal Set
Cinereal Set
Dalidio Topper Design by Jill Hanratty The oversize fit at the bust on this garment is the perfect style for a layered look, a comfortable fit or a stylish outfit—in other words, it’s simply a perfect top for any occasion. The yarn, with its pretty sheen, is a wonderful #2 sport-weight cotton/linen/ viscose blend called Nako Fiore from Plymouth Yarn. To fit: Woman’s S–5XL. Finished measurements: Hip: 461/2 [491/2, 53, 56, 59, 621/2, 651/2, 69]" Length: 26 [26, 26, 281/2, 281/2, 281/2, 281/2, 281/2]"
Get Pattern
Tuwa Set Designs by Lena Skvagerson A romantic glimmering set including a beret and a long cowl that wraps twice around your neck, and is decorated with beautiful mother-of-pearl buttons. We chose an aesthetically pleasing neutral cream in #4 worstedweight Boutique Gleam from Red Heart, which comes in a wide array of color options. Made with 1 ball for the hat, 3 balls for the cowl or 4 balls for the set and a size K/10 1/2/6.5mm crochet hook. Cowl measures 101/2" wide, with a circumference of 58". Hat measures 201/2" in circumference x 9" long.
Get Pattern
Harbor Lights Circle Jacket Design by Lena Skvagerson This quintessential crochet circular creation is stitched in the round from the center out with a beautiful and becoming drape. This classy jacket was made with Universal Yarn Classic Shades Frenzy #5 chunky-weight yarn. Bust size: 43" S/M (48" L/XL, 53" 2XL/3XL). Made with 5 (7, 8) balls of yarn and a K/101/2/6.5mm crochet hook.
Get Pattern
Betula Sweater Design by Lena Skvagerson This pullover is the ultimate choice for the fashion-forward woman. Crocheted quickly in a neutral gray shade with hook size N/P-15/10mm, using 7 [8, 9, 10, 11, 12] balls of #6 super chunky-weight King Cole Big Value Super Chunky. Instructions are written for sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL). Finished measurements: Bust: 373/4" S [421/4" M, 47" L, 511/2" XL, 533/4" 2XL, 581/4" 3XL] Length: 25" S [251/2" M, 26" L, 261/2" XL, 27" 2XL, 271/2" 3XL]
Get Pattern
Nituna Shawl Design by Lena Skvagerson Let a cascade of beautiful colors brighten every day with this uplifting design. Use 1 ball each of 2 different colorways with #2 sport-weight Plymouth Yarn Nako Arya Ebruli, a soft blend of alpaca, wool and acrylic. Made with a size G/6/4mm crochet hook, measuring 66" across the upper edge and 15" long.
Get Pattern
Edna Valley Cardigan Design by Lena Skvagerson If you love granny squares, then you’re in luck. You’ll certainly get your fill with this stunning design. Instructions are written for sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL) and made with 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) skeins. This cardigan was created with H/8/5mm and I/9/5.5mm crochet hooks, using Premier Yarns Deborah Norville Everyday Heathers #4 worsted-weight yarn.
Get Pattern
Little Black Dress Design by Jill Hanratty Calling all crochet fashionistas! Slip on some sparkle with this little number. You’ll be the main attraction at the holiday get-together! Made with 5 [5, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 9] skeins Premier Yarns New York #4 medium (worsted) weight acrylic/polyamide/metallic yarn, using size H/8/5mm crochet hook. Sizes include woman’s S through 5XL. Finished measurements: Bust: 361/2" S [39" M, 42" L, 45" XL, 501/2" 2XL, 531/4" 3XL, 59" 4XL, 611/2" 5XL] Length: 321/2" S [321/2" M, 33" L, 33" XL, 33" 2XL, 333/4" 3XL, 341/2" 4XL, 341/2" 5XL]
Get Pattern
Nakai Purse Design by Kim Kotary Be ahead of the trends with this stylish guitar strap purse. Get your fill of a plethora of techniques such as puff stitch, French knot and split stitches to name a few. The purse measures 17" at the base and 101/2" high. This design is made with #4 worsted-weight Universal Yarn Fibra Natura Java, a 100% hemp yarn with superior strength and durability. Fast-growing with a small carbon footprint, this natural fiber is easy on the environment in #112 night, #101 parchment, #102 hazelwood and #109 poppy red.
Get Pattern
Fixlini Sweater Design by Jill Hanratty This interesting and decorative garment is made up of two identical pieces. The front section of the first piece is twisted once before pieces are joined. Easy-peasy! Sizes range from S–5XL. Use 3 [3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6] skeins of supersoft #4 worstedweight Premier Yarns Alpaca Dance and hook size J/10/6mm.
Get Pattern
Hoodie Cardigan Design by Lena Skvagerson Can you say soft and squishy? That’s how we feel about this delightful design. This versatile cardigan combines great comfort and style! Made with #4 worsted-weight Plymouth Yarn Encore Tweed and a size J/10/6mm crochet hook. Instructions included for finished measurements are: Bust: 391/2" S (42" M, 471/2" L, 51" XL, 551/2" 2XL, 581/4" 3XL); Length: 28" S (283/4" M, 291/2" L, 301/4" XL, 31" 2XL, 32" 3XL).
Get Pattern
Mukluk Booties Design by Lena Skvagerson Keep those feet warm and looking so stylish with these adorable booties! They’re so much fun to make, you might easily end up making several pairs before the week is out. Made with 2 (3, 3, 3) skeins of King Cole Comfort Chunky #5 chunky-weight yarn. Sizes: Women’s S 5–6 (M 7–8; L 9–10; XL 11–12) and a size K/101/2/6.5mm crochet hook.
Get Pattern
Navajo Stole Design by Karen McKenna This proud piece is worked horizontally as if woven. Yarn is carried up side to keep ends to a minimum. Wrap it around you as a shawl to stay warm, or wear it as a poncho on a chilly walk. Made using a J/10/6mm hook and #4 worsted-weight Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted in a range of six vibrant and Navajo-inspired colors. Create your own graphic visual from the huge color range this yarn offers. Stole measures approximately 34" x 76" including fringe.
Get Pattern
Shell Beach Stole, Shawl & Scarf Designs by Lena Skvagerson Get three styles in one pattern: a shawl to keep you warm, a stole to wrap around your shoulders and a scarf to accessorize any outfit. The designs were made with Lion Brand® Yarn Shawl in a Ball #4 worsted-weight yarn. Size: Stole—191/2"W x 63"L; Shawl—75"W x 33"L; Scarf—12"W x 66"L. Designs are made using a size H/8/5mm crochet hook. Stole uses 2 balls of #204 healing teal, Shawl uses 2 balls of #207 feng shui grey and Scarf uses 1 ball of #205 soothing blue.
Get Pattern
Tolosa Vest Design by Lena Skvagerson This quick-to-crochet, ultracozy vest is going to be your year-round go-to wardrobe item, and it’s simply a joy to make! Crocheted with 4 [5, 6, 6, 7] balls #5 chunkyweight Premier Yarns London using size J/10/6mm crochet hook. Sizes includes Woman’s S (M, L, XL, 2XL) Finished measurements: Chest: 37 (41, 45, 49, 53)" Length: 19 (20, 21, 22, 23)"
Get Pattern
Chalet Cardigan Design by Lena Skvagerson With long flowing fronts and allover openwork, this piece garners tons of compliments. Best of all, the cardi works up effortlessly. Sizes include woman’s S through 3XL. Made with #4 worsted-weight yarn and size H/8/5mm hook.
Get Pattern
Her Scarfies & Hats Designs by Lena Skvagerson These matching hats and scarves are worked in colors that will brighten any gloomy day in lively textures to make and to wear. Crocheted in #5 chunky Lion Brand Yarn Scarfie, the set with X’s uses 2 balls #209 charcoal/ aqua and the openwork set uses 2 balls #205 cranberry/ black. Made with size K/101/2/6.5mm crochet hook.
Get Pattern
His Scarfies & Hats Designs by Lena Skvagerson Make matching hats and scarves for the guy who knows his style. You can stitch up this chunky set in a weekend! Made with #5 chunky Lion Brand Yarn Scarfie—2 balls either #208 oxford/claret or #200 taupe/charcoal. Made with size K/101/2/6.5mm crochet hook.
Get Pattern
Pauwau Poncho Design by Robyn Chachula This intriguing design will be a great addition your winter wardrobe. The fit is extremely oversize and is just as exciting to make as it is to wear. Woman’s S/M through 2XL/3XL. Made using 5 (6, 7) skeins #3 DK-weight King Cole Sprite DK in color #1909 Tuscany with size I/9/5.5mm hook.
Get Pattern
Cinereal Set Designs by Lena Skvagerson Stitched in a #2 sport-weight yarn in a stylish colorway, this cozy and delicate set will look great with either casual or dressy wear. Have fun with the mix of petite granny squares combined with relaxing double crochet rows or rounds. Made with Omega Escarcha, with 3 balls for the complete set, or 1 ball for the hat and 2 balls for the cowl, and crochet hook size E/4/3.5mm. Measurements: Hat circumference measures 19" (S/M) [211/4" (L/XL)] Height: 81/2" (S/M), [83/4" (L/XL)]. Cowl Width: 81/2"; circumference: 60".
Get Pattern
Contributors Lena Skvagerson, Connie Ellison and Kara Gott Warner joined forces to create the Annie’s Signature Designs Autumn Bliss Collection of captivating knit and crochet designs that symbolize passion and creativity in those who enjoy the crafts of knitting and crochet.
Lena Skvagerson
Jill Hanratty
Lena Skvagerson is the lead designer of Annie’s Signature Designs. You may know her as one of the experts on the Annie’s television show, Knit and Crochet Now!, which airs on PBS. Lena passionately designs everything from exquisite knit shawls to adorable crochet booties. She draws her creativity from more than 25 years in the European knit and crochet design markets.
Jill Hanratty is a freelance crochet designer with a degree in fashion design and many years of dressmaking experience. Jill lives in New Jersey and is happiest designing and making crocheted and sewn garments.
Kim Kotary Kim Kotary is a freelance designer and textile conservator living in New York City. Kim holds an M.A. in Museum Studies: Costume and Textile History and Conservation Science from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She has written four crochet books, published hundreds of designs and technically edited both knit and crochet patterns. As a certified instructor, Kim especially enjoys working with beginners and adults, inspiring them with her love of creating.
Robyn Chachula Robyn Chachula is a crochet cheerleader, teacher, designer and author of nine crochet books including Vintage Modern Crochet, Blueprint Crochet Sweaters and Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia. Her work has been featured in popular crochet magazines and publications, and she is one of the crochet experts on the Annie’s TV show Knit and Crochet Now! Her crochet inspiration comes from her little “office assistants" while out and about in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Karen McKenna Karen McKenna learned how to crochet from her grandmother Sophie when she was 10 years old, but she never really became passionate until she later revisited the craft at age 34, after her grandmother passed away. It was at this time that she received all of Sophie’s hooks and books. Karen is an avid outdoor cyclist, and she loves to travel and read mystery and crime books. You can find her on Ravelry, Instagram and Facebook as @ihookdesign. She currently holds the position of secretary for the board of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA).
Scott Campbell Scott Campbell has made a career of photographing the fiber arts for over 30 years. He continuously searches for light that illuminates and reveals the subtleties woven into the creations that he photographs. He enjoys collaborating in the creative process with designers, stylists and graphic professionals.
About the Team: Lead Designer Lena Skvagerson drew from her years of experience in the European design markets to create many of the captivating designs in this collection. Connie Ellison provided more than 30 years of merchandising expertise. Kara Gott Warner contributed her knowledge of online marketing and public relations.
Annie’s Signature Designs AnniesSignatureDesigns.com