Crochet Pattern for Cosy Layers

WonkyZebra 975

WonkyZebra 975

The WZ975 is a yarn driven pattern with a rather an odd combination of garments linked only by the yarn itself-and a “warm but lightweight” theme I guess. However both are very nice, easy to crochet and to wear.

WonkyZebra 975

WonkyZebra 975

The car coat; named for those days of popping in and out of the car, for driving rather than serious walking requiring a heavy “sensible” coat. This one is shown in a 2 row stripe in the shell stitch; but it looks good in just one colour too (see above) and the length is easy to alter for a perfect custom fit, making a lightweight but cosy long jacket.

The vest or waistcoat would make a warm layer without too much weight and is quick to make because of the large scale lace stitch pattern; choose a soft yarn for the same effect.

While I am on the subject of cosy crochet; this is a lovely jacket WZ687 – rare in crochet although I have many… ( many ! ) in knitting patterns.

The horrid blotchy yarn is not helping (at all, yuk!) but the shape is lovely… look beyond the photo and see the lovely new project beckoning  😉

WonkyZebra 687

WonkyZebra 687

 

 

 

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Some more ponchos to crochet…

WZ00976 is good for crochet practice or just for when you want a bit of simple and quick crochet fun. This is a nice variation of a “normal” traditional granny square. You could make a fab retro poncho from this pattern-complete with hippy fringe and bright colours… or just use your squares for a blanket or cushion maybe.

 

WonkyZebra 976

WonkyZebra 976

WonkyZebra 976

WonkyZebra 976

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Otherwise I have a plethora of poncho patterns on my website and pinterest boards; not all as mad as this one – but some are if it is your thing!

 

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WZ749 Crochet Venetian Lace Motif JACKET Vintage Pattern PDF 00749 from WonkyZebra

Venetian square lace, reworked

WonkyZebra 749

WonkyZebra 749

 

CROCHET: A wonderfully gothic looking long vest or waistcoat to crochet. This stunning vest/waistcoat pattern is from the late sixties… but before then this motif was usually used for tablecloths etc. The motif is called a “Venetian square” and it has an almost tatted look to it, especially with the lattice work borders and picot loop corners.

Especially if made in white….

WonkyZebra 749

WonkyZebra 749

WonkyZebra 749

WonkyZebra 749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…in this supersized large trellis, it looks so unusual; but chose a yarn with lots of body so it stays crisp. Cotton would be good, although the pattern is written for yarn. The motif would also be usable for other projects- fab cushions, pillows, or blankets… or even wall art pieces… just with a variation in the thread used.

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Fab chevron top and long vest for summer, festivals and parties.

A crochet pattern for a “waistcoat /vest and sleeveless coat”  in glittering gold and silver, straight from the 70s.

WonkyZebra 00361

WonkyZebra 00361

WonkyZebra 00361

WonkyZebra 00361

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love crochet waistcoats and vests-as I may have mentioned in an earlier post LOL.

The WZ 361 is a particularly nice pattern; a long, fairly plain (apart from the bling gold thread!) “sleeveless coat”  and a really fab little top. Perfect for festivals, parties and for summertime in a cotton yarn.

WonkyZebra 361

WonkyZebra 361

The buttoned top is reversible back to front; technically a waistcoat (or vest in USA) if worn with the buttons at the front, but either way it looks stunning. (Particularly stunning if worn in this 70s braless mode-rather brave even in then! The beautiful model does look a tad unsure about it herself! )

I love the detail of stripes and chevron patterning at the hem, which is also left without button, emphasizing it even more. The top would be very easy to make as a solid fabric instead of the open “granny stitch” mesh, if you wanted to make this in regular yarn for daywear. You could do without buttons altogether, if a tank top effect is preferred; or …how about a silky ribbon threaded through the start of the stripes and tied in a bow…?

WonkyZebra 361

WonkyZebra 361

 

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Retro Sixties Shift Dress PDF Pattern

Retro Sixties Shift Dress PDF Pattern WZ 00974 just listed; super stylish, easy & quick crochet. A perfect project for summer days and practically any occasion.

WonkyZebra 974 Crochet Shift Dress a2.jpg

Here is one of the latest crochet dress listings; another I have from the Sirdar “Summer Breeze” range (see also WZ 709 and WZ 710).

Sixties style crochet shift dresses; still completely fresh and wearable even after all these years. This style is SO useful in one’s wardrobe; elegant and quick to crochet too!

 

WonkyZebra 974 709 710

WonkyZebra 974 709 710

“Summer Breeze” was a bouclé cotton – worked with a 3.00mm or 3.5mm hook. Aptly named in this case, as these styles are, indeed,  a breeze to crochet! The cotton yarn has lots of texture so the stitch patterns are simple-but look very effective.

I have so many crochet patterns for these dresses (and also some knitted ones too) and they make lovey first garment projects too.

 

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MonoChrome

Black and white, always eye catching and in clothing usually chic; or smart at the very least. Hence a ubiquitous combo in workwear of all kinds (and understandably a favourite of WonkyZebra).

WonkyZebra 157 monochrome   WonkyZebra WZ001 001 dress pattern pdf

WZ157                                                    WZ001

The late sixties took it to a new level fashion wise, with an explosion of Op Art looks in shiny new textiles. Courreges took it space with his futuristic shapes and outrageous plastic and metal textures; but Mary Quant was our local heroine using it to great advantage with her signature daisy motif, simple mini dresses and lots of wearable looks. And yes, she even endorsed some crochet and knitting patterns! Anyone with needles or hooks could easily make these fashions for themselves.

Crochet patterns had been quite vague by modern standards, but pattern writers began to produce really usable patterns aimed at fashion conscious women who wanted “the look”. For me, some of the best crochet patterns were from Twilleys, as the “Barbara Warner couture crochet” range. These were always super stylish, really pushing the boundaries for homemade fashion, yet written in a clear, easy to follow format aimed at newbie fashionista crocheters. The patterns are written in a logical way, really embracing the 3D possibilities of crochet compared to the standard knitting pattern format of the time. They are usually worked top, or waist, down and often in the round, without side seams etc.

Crochet Blisss!

Here are two garments at different ends of the crochet spectrum but both would be great for creating your own vintage fashion. A great example for some easy-super wearable class is “Barbara Warner” WZ157 monochrome “mod” dress…

WZ157 mod evening dress pattern  WZ157

This simple but stunning dress is made in stripes of bog standard trebles. Sounds boring, but is anything but; by using big, bold, blocky bands, across the skimming a line shape it has instant fashion cred. They have separated the bands with a little bobble row, in a glint of silver “Goldfingering” thread; well, they were a yarn company so you can’t blame them for promoting the product! I like that for a quite subtle hint of evening glam – but for daytime I think it is not needed, the black and white is stylish enough. To change the pattern up you could just contrast the yoke and do a single solid body colour, still a truly vintage look. However the concept would work in other colours such as chalky summer pastels; just think of those retro Neapolitan ice cream blocks… or a layered angel cake. Yum! Here is a slightly wonky concept image:-

WonkyZebra 157 Neapolitan pattern PDF

WZ157

And another dress with a similar idea, the “vintage Paris  chic” WZ395 in bands of “spider web”stitch lace. I love the white one with black velvet ribbons- but this is a good example of how the other versions change the look considerably.

WZ396 gigi style dress patterns

WZ395

Lots of other pattern houses also produced stylish crochet patterns; Lister developed their own distinctive look in their “Crochet Festival Set” range (appropriately named for us now with all the music festivals; but the name inspiration was the new, brutalist, South Bank Festival Hall, as shown in this image). They had stitches and weren’t afraid to use them – creating dresses, tops and even trousers, in fab lace textures. These are great if you really like the lacier possibilities of crochet.

                 WZ755 Festival Trouser Suit     WZ755 crochet hem detail

WZ755

At the full on crochet glam end of the spectrum this “festival” evening outfit has it all”! Crochet lace, crochet flowers and crochet trousers – with more crochet flowers… yup – she crochets! This looks intricate but is surprisingly simple crochet work – very clever! The tunic over trousers look goes on and on as it’s always so wearable; but either of these pieces would work on their own too. Of course you would need a crop top, to wear with the the trousers; which is still a very retro style! You could even just make the flowers for a fab festival head band!

WZ755 detail close up

WZ755

The flowers are made then crocheted together along one edge (after which the marathon of the trouser leg continues). If you crocheted around the other side instead… instant headband.

 

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Party On

Continuing on from my last post… here are some pretty dresses for more of an evening party. Perfect for “evening reception” wedding invites,  or just for a night out! Some are already in full on sparkle mode; others partyfied by style rather than yarn. Most of my chosen crochet dresses will work as crossover pieces with a little judicious yarn choice. Like these;

WonkyZebra 630 Jaeger Crochet Dress 4237 AT BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ630

I was recently sent this made in many colours of stash busting cotton; it looked completely different-and just as stunning.

So, they will work for daytime in good old plain cotton, but if made in a glittery thread – pow ! Party mode 🙂 .

This wonderful trouser, palazzo or pantsuit – depending where you are- looks stunning in this metallic thread. It is made in Twilleys “Goldfingering” thread which is beautiful… and still available! Maybe I should put that in capitals, as substituting for a vintage thread seems to cause such angst. I do send my own notes to help with all my pattern sales… but people’s access to yarn varies so much, so it is impossible to give a definitive alternative for each pattern or yarn.

WonkyZebra AT 336 Crochet Pantsuit 5096 Image1 BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ336

It is thin (thinner than 4 ply) but very dense; it has wonderful drape as a fabric once made, although it is a little springy and scratchy to work for the first few rows. It is also quite heavy to wear, but wonderfully swishy.

Here are some more made in this lovely thread. A gaucho suit (yes, really-their words not mine! The mind boggles as I thought Gauchos were a kind of cowboy… so not very suitable gear for them!) They do offer the alternative “culotte” which is a little closer…

WonkyZebra 616 Gaucho Suit Image1a BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ616

The girl on the right is wearing a copper tone Goldfingering which ( IMHO is even more gorgeous than gold ). So is the set below

WonkyZebra 372 A Crochet Dress Tunic Trousers C60 Image1l BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ372

WonkyZebra 372 B Crochet Dress Tunic Trousers C60 Image1topl BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ372

 

WonkyZebra 607 T Gold Crochet Dress C788 Image1 BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ607

( WZ398 is a similar dress in plain yarn – if you need help to visualize the difference.)

WonkyZebra 398 AT blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ398

Or,  to wear over any plain evening dress, this delicate “Irish crochet” jacket.

WonkyZebra 620 Irish Crochet Jacket At BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ620

Here is a little find from a family circle magazine; a dainty dropped waist dress… and a bonus gold suit with it!

WonkyZebra 178 At Image3squarel BLOG

WonkyZebra178 extra suit BLOG

 

 

 

 

WZ178

“Other metallic yarns are available”. As they say on telly!

Jaeger had “Astral-spun” used for the 630 above and this fab set.

WonkyZebra 314  DT Skirt Bolero Bra 4233 blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ314

The outfit is such a useful one in any combo; but she is another one who looks a little worse for party wear, like her mate from the previous post.

WonkyZebra 613 Crochet Pink Suit 6525 BT BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ613

Another pantsuit – this one from Ladyship wools; very on trend for a retro seventies look… the chain belt is option, they helpfully point out!

WonkyZebra 181 A RollNeck Tunic PantSuit 4472 Image1cleanedt BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ181

Robin had a yarn called Moonlite… very glittery and with some interesting evening garments that are both knitted and crocheted. The logo had a curlicue outline which some bright spark took delight in placing on the models features -with varying degrees of weirdness!

WonkyZebra 636 Long Evening Dress 2323 Image1BT BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ636

This one has amazing sleeves and square neckline… and an unfortunate dripping nose logo placement!

The other is a short outfit with a crochet textured skirt and detailing (and only a “teardrop” of  logo thankfully!) I can hardly bear to mention the pathetic attempt to theme the styling with a naff silver paper “moon”; they didn’t even have enough for a whole moon LOL… It is hardly noticeable on the dark background, so I don’t know why they bothered.

WonkyZebra 487 Crossover Top and Skirt 2324 Image1a BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ487

Or how about this scrumptious full on “dolly bird” dress from the sixties.  It has the fitted bodice, slightly high waistline and short flirty skirt that was such a flattering combo. It is from Emu, in “Candlelite” yarn.

WonkyZebra 711 Crochet Dress 2975 Image1blog

WonkyZebra 711 Crochet Dress 2975 Image1t BLOG

 

 

 

 

WZ711

Actually I have several with this thread; all from the same styling set (which is a tad tacky to be honest ). Another themed link ( the “Candlelite” /romantic one ) they obviously went on location to romantic France, but only had one hat between them!

WonkyZebra 656 ZigZag 2967 Image1ct BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ656

WonkyZebra 484 BT Crochet Skirt and Blouse BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ 484

WonkyZebra 699 Purple Crochet Dress 2976 at Image1c

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ699

I do like those shapes; neat bodices and nice skirts!

The next one is also neat but moving into the seventies with a midi length and deep scoop neckline. The candlelite is used as a bobble band edging and insert trim, like braid, on this one.

WonkyZebra 641 Bobble Stripe Crochet Dress 3036 Image1cBT BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ641

The Emu team must have liked a good party; now I look, lots of the dresses I am thinking of this time are from Emu. Here is another one in a different yarn, beaded and “20’s flapper” inspired. ( I would leave off the headband unless  its  for fancy dress).

WonkyZebra 117  A DSCN6843b BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ117

Then there are these dresses with the iconic-and briefly trendy, jabot neckline. This is a home based styling set, posed around some even more vintage cars. I have a lot of patterns taken with this setting, so it is easy to date them all together.

WonkyZebra Bt 192 Image1 BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ192

WonkyZebra 192 CT Image1a BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

WZ192

This is worth a close up as it is, unusually, a clear photo. Just look at the statement rings and the change of decade hairdos!

WonkyZebra 461 Crochet Dress PDF Pattern 2768 Image1ct

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ461

Now this charming dress is moving back to the crossover day to night kind of dress… maybe even Emus get tired of full on party mode!

And here is Jaegar getting back in on that style with this neat dress.

WonkyZebra 619 Crochet Dress 4152 Image1bt BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ619

I will let you have a little drool over these-they speak for themselves really!

Just bear in mind they are completely customisable… you can lengthen – or shorten… go for pastel, moody dark colours, sultry black… or even neon if you like!

PS just a sad note to add; you may see some of these on sold elsewhere on Etsy. Some by other bona fide pattern sellers, but a few are in the shop of a Kiwi seller, being sold with my logo partially erased and no permission from [or payment to] me. She was given them, to make on commission, from one of my customers 😦 A bit cross about that; I would happily have shared if asked!

 

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A Grand Day Out…

Well – the weather is better here in WonkyZebra land… lots of pretty spring flowers and sunshine… all very uplifting and happy making.
Time for some pretty dresses; maybe with a little jacket to keep the chill out though!
WonkyZebra 147 AT Crochet Set 2107 blog  WZ147
Also time to think of the wedding season coming around soon.

WonkyZebra 244 AtT arch lace wedding dress BLOG WZ244 WonkyZebra 244 Bt arch lace wedding dresstop BLOG WZ244

Here is a lovely wedding dress WZ244. It would have been -still is – quite a good one for a cool weather wedding-and is very demure by today’s standards, where bare shoulders and mostly bare bosoms are commonplace. I would stop short of the full look with the sixties Juliette cap and go for one of those on trend floral headbands…. maybe a even crocheted one… This was originally made in “Kismet“ yarn. An unusual mohair / synthetic mix but with a surprisingly silky texture, with just a little fuzz to soften the stitches. Something like a very fine angora or a lace weight yarn! I still have some stashed… here is a photo for you as it is hard to describe.

WonkyZebra kismet ball bandWonkyZebra kismet yarn 2

More to see in the bridal line here

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/wonkyzebra?section_id=6989036

Or on pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/wonkyzebra/

If it’s not your year as a bride… you may well be going to someone else’s wedding. So… could be time for a serious frock ( such an old fashioned word for best dress… does anyone actually use it nowadays? LOL ).

WonkyZebra 341 B Tea Party Dress 2975 Image1 blog  WZ341

This really is a dressed up sort of dress… very “Alice in Wonderland pretty”. Perfect for looking lovely, while discreetly using the wall to remain upright during photos.

Or maybe you prefer a suit for a more formal affaire. So how about one of these cheeky little numbers…

What about this Barbara Warner couture one, C52… with its neat little “Peter Pan” collar and cuffs? Might be better with just the collar for a more modern look (although those cuffs are kind of cute ).

WonkyZebra 692 Peter Pan Suit CT BLOG WZ692 WonkyZebra 692 Peter Pan Suit C52 b

Love these crochet patterns; they are so well written!

You can easily date them too as they were in old and new currency from when UK “went metric”! Around the end of the 60’s /start of 70’s the patterns are marked in both “old money” shillings and pence and “new money” New Pence. Simple ( only it SO wasn’t!  ) Plus they did the same with imperial to metric on the fabric and wool measurements; trying it out on us needlewomen first… which was rather mean of them, but we soon learned 4”= 10cm… good old tension squares handy for that! )

The  lovely lace suit modeled by Twiggy, would also work very well

WonkyZebra 306 Twiggy  WZ359

and for more suits just search here or for “suit” anywhere on the blog.

Maybe you need a dressy mother of the bride outfit; this suit is something unusual.

WonkyZebra 273 AT Crochet Suit 2475B Image1 BLOG WZ273

She looks like she is in a vintage version of the “PhotoBooth” all ready!

Classy, pretty without being too fussy,  and oh so comfortable while looking fresh all day long. The 3/4 sleeve and bold buttons are very stylish and the bands of lace look great in the slight boucle yarn. It is not mentioned in the pattern but you would need a lining, for the skirt at least. In those days ladies wore slips as a matter of course! A pretty camisole instead, or shell top in plain silk, would give an evening option of removing the jacket….

Or this very informal take on “suit” from Jaeger; so modern despite being vintage!

WonkyZebra 167 Jaeger Gaelic Skirt Top A4207 Image1at BLOG WZ167

( Which reminds me… here is a very casual one WZ416 featured in “Simply Crochet” magazine recently. )

For an alternative what about this set from Lee Target.

https://signup.wordpress.com/activate/945157029c151199https://signup.wordpress.com/activate/945157029c151199https://signup.wordpress.com/activate/945157029c151199 WZ125 https://signup.wordpress.com/activate/945157029c151199

A fab coat and dress, with a retro sixties, very  “Jackie O”, look… but still so fresh and wearable and dead easy to make in double crochet (US SC). The textured yarn does all the work for this set; although there is a neat yoke detail on the dress and optional beading. (“Topaz” was all the rage.) The stitch variation adds interest on the coat, as do the sweet frilled elbow length sleeves; just enough girlyness creeping in!..

Going back to a more informal look, I have patterns for some nice dresses you can wear without being too “dolled up”. Just add a hat and dainty shoes… and you are all set. However, dressed down, these work all summer and all day long too. ( Digressing on shoes for a moment, the 60’s sling backs on the WZ125 lady are fab ! ). I often wish I could go back in time to get a better crop of some of my pattern images, sigh.

WonkyZebra C 8715 Image1s  WZ125

But here are the dresses…

A few lovely simple sheath dresses; two in fine boucle cotton for a great texture with only basic crocheting. The first one has a very unusual neck detail that is so 60s.

WonkyZebra 710 Crochet Dress 2555 Image1c BLOG WZ710 WonkyZebra 710 Crochet Dress 2555 Imageb2

She is another one who looks like she is in a photo booth, with that clearly fake background! Does it remind anyone else of that movie line “under the big W” ?

Or this one from the same set, but even simpler with a dainty shell edging to the neck and sleeve as the only detail.

WonkyZebra 709 Summer Breeze Crochet Dress 3942 Image1c BLOG  WZ709

Despite its plain finish it actually works as a very wearable (and easy to make) summer dress. Once again the fake background, but the church is appropriate for a wedding theme (and so the lovely ladies at Simply Crochet thought – they will be featuring it soon…)

I will do a two for one offer on these dresses, as well as my usual sale freebies I always add to purchases.  Just type GDO  in your message when you buy either.

For a slightly dressier sheath dress, with a more complex lace, how about this beauty. Make it for daytime colour or white; but how about in sultry black for evening? (I will do an evening party set next – pop back soon!)

WonkyZebra AT 411 Crochet Sheath Dress 3018 BLOG WZ411

So continuing with the lace theme, there is always the beautiful WZ059. This is so popular and all over the place online; there must have been lots of these patterns published-or  maybe a high percentage are saved , as it is such a timeless style. For those who don’t like motifs WZ177 is a good alternative; I usually tend send them together when one is purchased, so just remind me LOL.

WonkyZebra 059 B T Crochet dress DSCN5876 WZ059 WonkyZebra A T177 Simply Dishy 9928 Image12 BLOG   WZ177

For those who do like a good motif this is cute

WonkyZebra 626 Motif Crochet Dress Image1T BLOG  WZ626

As is this one; almost identical but made with a totally different method.

WonkyZebra 617 Patchwork Dress Crochet Image1t BLOG   WZ617

They both look like “daisy loom” creations but they are actually crocheted. One is made with long stitches worked into a ring, the other actually mimics the loops of the daisy loom. Again I generally send these two together; I would love to know which technique is preferred. For myself I would use the Lister pattern; Mon Tricot ones are lovely but more work to decode. I almost always have to re-write them for modern use, and have even made photo tutorials for some.

But both are as fresh as a daisy… unlike the lady in this neat suit I am ending on. The suit is classy and sixties elegant, unlike the lady in it who looks like she has had had one too many and given up; just sitting on the floor in a state of oblivion!

WonkyZebra 613 Crochet Pink Suit 6525 BT BLOG  WZ613

Well, if you are going to do that, you may as well do it in the stylish “Rocco meets  Alice in Wonderland” surroundings which epitomised sixties set design!

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Tops, Tees and Shells

I have just been scanning some summer tops … OK I know our English summer is almost over – but it is always summer (or hot) somewhere-WZ is intercontinental,  LOL.

WonkyZebra 720 Batau Neck Shell Crochet Top 2491

WonkyZebra 720 Batau Neck Shell Crochet Top 2491

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These little garments really lend themselves to crochet, their simple unassuming shapes made to fill a basic need; a cool but covered top half!

Or, alternatively a garment that won’t pad out the arms of a fitted suit.

Crochet (and knitted lace) provide an interesting texture so they are a bit more interesting than plain fabric without being too colourful…

WonkyZebra 714 Ladys Crochet shell.

WonkyZebra 714 Ladys Crochet shell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These tops can add a more feminine look to a plain formal business suit,

WonkyZebra 115 Lace Shell Top 1013

WonkyZebra 115 Lace Shell Top 1013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or look fresh and pretty as the top half of a summer outfit.

WonkyZebra 713 Crochet Top 5065

WonkyZebra 713 Crochet Top 5065

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can wear them over skirts or trousers,

WonkyZebra 267 2207

WonkyZebra 267 2207

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

go lacy, or casual,

WonkyZebra 661 MonTricot Green Crochet Top

WonkyZebra 661 MonTricot Green Crochet Top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

make them sleeveless,

WonkyZebra 106 Two Tone Shell 2071

WonkyZebra 106 Two Tone Shell 2071

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or with sleeves if you prefer,

WonkyZebra 722 Pretty Crochet Shell Tops 1083

WonkyZebra 722 Pretty Crochet Shell Tops 1083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

for evening,  with high or lower necklines,

WonkyZebra 044 Crochet Top and Choker 1052

WonkyZebra 044 Crochet Top and Choker 1052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WonkyZebra 649 Lacy Top 2438

WonkyZebra 649 Lacy Top 2438

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

there is such scope!

Then you can choose between cotton thread,

WonkyZebra 683 Squares Camisole

WonkyZebra 683 Squares Camisole

WonkyZebra 481 Crochet Shell Top 2318

WonkyZebra 481 Crochet Shell Top 2318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or fine yarn (this beauty even has a knitted lining underneath! If you want it – times have changed).

There are all sorts from intricate lace in rows or motifs to plainer bands of simple stitch patterns.

I even have a very simple, one row, no shaping first project

WonkyZebra 721 Pretty Crochet Shell Tops 1083

WonkyZebra 721 Pretty Crochet Shell Tops 1083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They cover everything (literally) from demure to sexy in their styling and ease of making.

So hopefully something for everyone..

Everyone who wants to crochet one anyway , haha.

I am saving the knitted ones for another day; do ask if you are looking for one!

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Festival Days…

Hello everyone… long time no blog… been a busy WonkyZebra.

Well – here are my thoughts for you now; on a summer theme (we have to try, despite out lovely weather!) so including some pretty dresses and festival creations. Crochet works so well for these… and the last wave of “let’s-crochet- it -ness” was right in the middle of the summer of love itself… late sixties dude… so lots of my collection is apparently newly minted despite being 40plus years old!

Here are some crochet lovelies; sweet and simple, sexy (but never slutty!) and quite quick to whip up…

WonkyZebra 676 Crochet Sleeveless Dress PDF Pattern 309

WonkyZebra 676 Crochet Sleeveless Dress PDF Pattern 309

UK Magazine “ Simply Crochet” have a lovely festival theme this month… including an image of this dress, WZ676… …and a pattern for a waistcoat looking rather like this one, WonkyZebra 378  Fringed Crochet Ves blog

WonkyZebra 378 Fringed Crochet Vest

[Proving the comment about “right up to date/back in fashion”…]

Here are some more festival friendly garments like these hippy chic items…

…cute fringed tops.

WonkyZebra 466 list

WonkyZebra 466

WonkyZebra 466 THREE Hippy Crop Tops

WonkyZebra 466 THREE Hippy Crop Tops

gorgeous hoodies, one very girly…

WonkyZebra 260

WonkyZebra 260

…and one beach casual…

WonkyZebra 478 Hooded Tunic 2208

WonkyZebra 478 Hooded Tunic 2208

and how about this crazy floral creation ?

WonkyZebra 476 Crochet Cobweb Waistcoatt

WonkyZebra 476 Crochet Cobweb Waistcoatt

( more waistcoat/vest things here; )

By the way-I love the cute tie belt on WZ676; if you add one to a long T-shirt dress, it is a VERY quick way to update it! The “polo mint ends” remind me of all those belts made from rings.. oh hang on … there’s a pat(ern) for that… ( sorry –the “app” advert has stuck!)

I have another pattern with this technique used for necklaces… I have seen lots made like this on Etsy, in all sorts of variations. Here is my oldest one ; wonderful font on the title.

WonkyZebra 007 Chokers 1003

WonkyZebra 007 Chokers 1003

 

Some rather more fanciful adornments from my vintage French Mon Tricot magazines which are fun and wouldn’t look out of place at a festival (But a bit OTT anywhere else).

WonkyZebra flower necklaces blog

WonkyZebra flower necklaces blog

Some more fresh but sexy little mini dresses.

WonkyZebra 078 Yellow Crochet Dress 5092

WonkyZebra 078 Yellow Crochet Dress 5092

 

 

WonkyZebra 390 Fluted Goddess Dress

WonkyZebra 390 Fluted Goddess Dress

 

And tunic dresses for a looser fit-but still effortlessly stylish in a feminine but casual way

WonkyZebra 116 Hilton Ladies Crochet Dress

WonkyZebra 116 Hilton Ladies Crochet Dress

 

WonkyZebra 152 6303

WonkyZebra 152 6303

WonkyZebra 191 blog

WonkyZebra 191 blog

Or –still casual… how about this if it gets chilly?

This looks like a fabulously useful retro thing to have… both of these come in one PDF. The fringed one is a tad more retro, but the stripy one wold be fab on a beach in chalky or pastel cotton.

WonkyZebra Striped Poncho

WonkyZebra 629 Lacy Granny Poncho

WonkyZebra 629 Lacy Granny Poncho

 

Here’s a newish addition for a very quick project that looks stunning. Here it is made in “granny chic” clash- with- everything stripes-but equally cute in subtler colours to coordinate with your wardrobe-or just as a plain colour top!

WonkyZebra 00Z Granny Halter

WonkyZebra 689 Granny Halter

 

I am winding up with a couple of pretty long dresses-which are everywhere this season-gorgeous for summer party evenings or hot summer days…

WonkyZebra 665 MonTricot Zebra Crochet Dress

WonkyZebra 665 MonTricot Zebra Crochet Dress

A mon tricot dress -again! I jazzed up the image with some colour to show how it could look. Guess which one WonkyZebra likes best ?  (Black and White is always in style!)

If you are a fan of ripple or zigzag crochet… and don’t really need another blanket… then how about one of these colourful dresses? This one is another Mon Tricot design. I always reformatte them as the writing style is awkward and the font usually teeny weeny; but  there is no denying they are great looking designs. you have to be careful with colour choices with this one though-or your waistline ends up looking just like a set of owl’s eyes!

 

WonkyZebra 657 Zig Zag Dress

WonkyZebra 657 Zig Zag Dress

 

WonkyZebra 656 ZigZag Dress

WonkyZebra 656 ZigZag Dress

Maybe this one for a more classical zigzag version; plus the bodice is a solid stitch , which is useful! Oh and there is a little crochet sunhat as a bonus.

………If it gets really hot-check out my bikini blog… for some quick solutions to the “what to crochet quickly so I can wear it, keep cool and look fab?” question.  LOL

Or try some shorts… here is one very cute set that should cover anyone out for a day at a festval, or beach..(anyone young/with a  cracking little figure that is… most of us would maybe give it a miss past 21, sigh!  )

WonkyZebra 674 Crochet Sexy Top and Pants 2102

WonkyZebra 674 Crochet Sexy Top and Pants 2102

 

Enjoy some sun if you can… WonkyZebra

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