Summer Love Collection Crochet 2016
Signature Designs
It’s with great pride and butterflies in my stomach that we present the Summer Love Collection, assembled in two stunning Lookbooks of 20+ captivating knit and crochet designs that symbolize passion, love and a celebration of creativity! This lovely idea took shape a few months ago when a few of us at Annie’s put our “creative caps” on to envision this exciting new collection. We were leaving winter behind us and couldn’t wait for the first days of spring, sun and light to return. Dreaming up a pattern collection of warm-weather garments on gray January days sparked a sense of excitement about the promise of sunny months ahead as each new project came to life in our hands. My immediate vision for this collection was the opportunity to share my passion for beautiful garments inspired by the clean designs from my Scandinavian background, combined with my endless love for the Californian beaches tucked between sky and sea. For the colors, I wanted to use soft hues that blend in with everyone’s summer wardrobes—colors I know will refresh, feel clean and casual, and bring your romantic side to the surface. Drawing influence from Pantone’s Colors of the Year for 2016, our palette ranges from light blues to pastel pinks—not in contrast, but in gradients and blends. This collection is so timely for Annie’s because we are deeply listening to the needs of knitters and crocheters. You demand more than just another pattern, and our answer is a lifestyle approach that invokes emotion, excitement and passion. We designed garments and wearables that people can actually wear every day and that look flattering on a broad range of body types. They should be clothes that make you feel good and that make people say, “Wow, did you make that?” I hope you will feel the passion that went into making this collection and love the timeless looks as much as we enjoyed creating the designs. May you be inspired to make, wear and explore the Summer Love Collection with a sun-filled mind.
Oceano Circle Vest
Sideways Cardi
Aquarelle Swimsuit
Easy 2-Hour Scarves
Foxy Tee
Lace & Grace Tee
Central Coast Cardi
Avila Vest
Ynez Tunic
West Shore Tunic
Novo Fedora Hat
Bacara Stole
Oceano Vest Design by Lena Skvagerson This dreamy vest is made in the round from center back and out in one beautiful circle. The colors blend and flow like ocean waves, cresting beautifully into a dramatic border of feminine lace. It’s a masterpiece to make, own and wear! Design is stitched using 4 (5, 6) skeins of Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable worsted-weight yarn using a size J/10/6mm crochet hook. Finished measurements: To fit: Woman’s S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL) Bust: 43 (48, 53)" Length: 303/4 (35, 391/4)" Diameter: 34 (391/2, 443/4)"
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Sideways Cardi Design by Lena Skvagerson This versatile cardi is worked sideways in one piece, and after the last row you are done! There’s no seaming; it’s ready to wear! Made using 3 [3, 4, 4, 5, 5] skeins of Premier® Yarns Downton Abbey® Lady Mary and a size J/10/6mm crochet hook. Finished measurements: To fit: Women’s XS to 2XL Bust: 32 (37, 41, 45, 483/4, 531/2)"
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Aquarelle Swimsuit Design by Lisa Gentry It’s a crochet swimsuit and so much more! Wear both pieces together on a sparkly sunny day, or pair the top with jeans and a jacket for a stroll downtown. Made using 2 [2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3] skeins of Universal Yarn Bamboo Pop and sizes F/5/3.75mm and G/6/4mm crochet hooks. Finished measurements: To fit: Women’s XS to 3XL Top Bust: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52)" Top Under-Bust: 251/2 (291/2, 331/2, 371/2, 411/2, 451/2, 491/2)" Shorts Waist: 30 (321/2, 361/2, 41, 441/2, 49, 52)" Shorts Hip: 311/2 (331/2, 381/2, 421/2, 47, 511/2, 54)" Shorts Length: 11 (111/4, 111/4, 12, 121/2, 123/4, 123/4)"
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Strings Attached Scarf Design by Lena Skvagerson Make a scarf in an evening! Keep your hands busy and your mind relaxed with some easy crocheting, starting and ending each row with a flirty flower. Scarf made with a size H/8/5mm crochet hook. Finished measurements: 41/2"W x 68"L and uses 1 skein of yarn
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Broken Strings Scarf Design by Lena Skvagerson Make a beautiful scarf in less than a day. It’s so simple to make, and it’s the perfect piece to dress up any casual outfit. Scarf made with a size H/8/5mm crochet hook. Finished measurements: 3" W x 80"L and uses 2 skeins of yarn
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Foxy Tee Design by Lena Skvagerson This unique top is a year-round wardrobe staple and just the right piece to wear layered over your favorite cami or long-sleeve shirt. The fun and easy filet crochet pattern is flattering and comfortable for any body type. Made using 4 (5, 6, 7, 7) balls of Berroco® Weekend™ worsted-weight yarn and a size 7/4.5mm crochet hook. Finished measurements: To fit: Women’s S to 2XL Bust: 40 (46, 50, 54, 58)"
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Lace & Grace Tee Design by Lena Skvagerson This lovely tee works up fast in a cute V-stitch pattern and worstedweight yarn. The front and back are identical, making creation a breeze! Made with worsted-weight yarn and a size J/10/6mm crochet hook. Finished measurements: To fit: Women’s S to 3XL Bust: 38 (43, 47, 51, 55, 59)" Length: 223/4 (231/2, 241/2, 25, 26, 27)"
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Central Coast Cardi Design by Lena Skvagerson This pretty hooded cardigan is made using a DK-weight yarn. It is perfect for a casual day out. The interesting long pockets are worked separately, then stitched on each side of the cardigan. Made using 6 [7, 8, 9, 10] balls of Universal Yarn Bamboo Pop and a size G/6/4mm crochet hook. Finished measurements: To fit: Woman’s S to 2XL Bust: 351/2 (40, 45, 49, 52)" Length: 25 (26, 27, 28, 29)"
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Avila Vest Design by Charles Voth This vest features a lot of great details! The skirt provides drape and elegance, while the bodice keeps the bust area modest and structured. The lacy strip that ties decoratively in the front is worked with short rows, so it won’t bulk up where the knot is created. Made using 8 (9, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) balls Plymouth Yarn Driftone and sizes G/6/4mm and H/8/5mm crochet hooks. Finished measurements: To fit: Women’s S to 5XL Bust: 35 (39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63)" Length: 211/2 (211/2, 22, 221/4, 221/2, 221/2, 23, 23)" Hip: 393/4 (441/4, 483/4, 531/4, 573/4, 621/4, 663/4, 711/4)"
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Ynez Tunic Design by Jill Hanratty This tunic is worked sideways in a shell texture creating vertical flattering lines. This is a fashion-forward piece that will be a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe. This fast project is worked on a size J/10/6mm hook using a wonderful worsted-weight blend of cotton and silk. Made using 7 (8, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12) skeins of Premier® Yarns Deborah Norville Cotton Soft Silk™. Finished measurements: To fit: Women’s XS to 5XL Bust: 343/4 (383/4, 423/4, 46, 50, 54, 571/4, 601/4, 631/4)" Hip: 38 (42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70)" Length: 271/2 (271/2, 271/2, 271/2, 291/4, 291/4, 291/4, 291/4, 291/4)"
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West Shore Tunic Design by Jill Hanratty This tunic can be worn as a short dress or a beach cover-up. It’s also perfect for layering over a singlet or dress, making it a versatile garment with lots of ease. The pretty allover lace pattern works up quickly and is very gratifying. This is a great project for the crocheter with less experience. Design is made using 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins of Omega Yarns Eulali and a size H/8/5mm crochet hook. Finished measurements: To fit: Woman’s XS to 5X Bust: 363/4 (433/4, 433/4, 503/4, 503/4, 573/4, 573/4, 643/4, 713/4)" Length: 271/2 (285/8, 293/4, 293/4, 307/8, 307/8, 32, 32, 32)"
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Novo Fedora Hat Design by Lena Skvagerson This hat has many wearing options—try it as a funky fedora or as a fun bucket hat. Create interchangeable bands of color to match any outfit with three versions to choose from. Made using a size I/9/5.5mm crochet hook and Berroco® Comfort® Chunky yarn, 2 skeins for the hat and 1 skein for each color band. Finished measurements: To fit: Women’s S/M (M/L) Circumference: 21 (22)"
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Bacara Stole Design by Lena Skvagerson Summer festivities in the horizon? This stole is ideal for a wedding, an anniversary, or when you want to give denim a romantic and feminine touch. Fancy flowers are worked up and attached as you go, then the detailed lace section is worked from the band. Design is stitched using 5 balls of Plymouth Yarn Fiore and a size E/4/3.5mm crochet hook. Finished size is 72"W x 22"L at widest point
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Contributors Lena Skvagerson, Connie Ellison and Kara Gott Warner joined forces to create the Annie’s Signature Designs Summer Love Collection of 20+ captivating knit and crochet designs that symbolize passion and creativity in those who enjoy the crafts of knitting and crochet.
Lena Skvagerson
Lisa Gentry
Charles Voth
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.
Born in Germany and raised by nuns in a Catholic church, Lisa Gentry has been a fleetfingered crocheter since the age of 6 when she learned crochet in first grade. Lisa now lives in Louisiana on a beautiful lake, and her fingers still fly through yarn. Lisa has crocheted her way into the Guinness database with an average time of 170 stitches per minute.
Charles Voth has crocheted and knit for 45 years, since he was a toddler. He enjoys exploring how yarn and texture interact to produce versatile crocheted fabric, which he then uses in his designs. He is a crochet diagram illustrator, technical editor, designer and crochet teacher at local yarn shops and yarn conventions.
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.
Jill Hanratty
Scott Campbell
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.
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.
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