Springtime Hood - Scheepjes YARN The After Party

When you design something, make it, send it off to its new home with NO idea at all as to what will become of it and then THIS happens..

Isn't that photography gorgeous!!

I might be a wee bit biased but I think this is the prettiest Scheepjes After Party photography so far! And that model!  If you'd asked me to choose a model for this project that flaming red hair would have been high on my list, again a wee bit of bias as my youngest daughter has red hair and she'd been my model during the making process.

I'd affectionately code named this design #2 and now it's here I really must get used to calling it by it's name, but I do love a secret and a code name.

I had originally designed this as a wee cowl but after talks with Simy from Scheepjes we decided on something bigger.  I love working with Simy, her encouragement and genuine love for what she does is inspiring.  If it meant working with Simy, I would design ALL the things for Scheepjes, she is nuturing and honest and her wealth of knowledge is beyond measure.

I was so excited to design something in Scheepjes Linen Soft.  Honestly, it's my favourite of the Scheepjes Yarns.  Crocheters know this yarn well but I highly encourage knitters to embrace Linen Soft.  I love knitting with it, the stitch definition is gorgeous!  Linen Soft can seem a bit stiff to those of you used to knitting with super soft Merinos and the other soft, squishy yarns that flood the market, but that stiffness totally disappears after washing.  In fact the more you wash Linen Soft, the softer it becomes.  Think of your favourite linen shirt or pants and how beautifully soft and drapey they become with age.  Look at that drape!

The Springtime Hood is a big, generous, piece of luxurious glamour. I love the mix of modern and vintage in this design.  That vintage look of the flower like eyelets, mixed with the age old moss stitch is such a classic look.  Mix that classic with the modern twist of a big generous cowl that can be worn as a hood, I just love the combination.  Evening beach walks, Alfresco dining in cafes, or throw it on with your classic jeans and sweater combo. There's enough weight to take the chill off your shoulders but light enough that you won't feel smothered by it.

It really is a beginner friendly project.  I'd encourage new knitters to give it a go, there aren't any difficult techniques involved and it's a good, easy introduction to more lacy patterns.  My tester, Bec, from Three Bags Full Crochet, was perfect for this project. At the time of testing she wasn't a prolific knitter and she had no problems at all with the pattern and simple techniques used. Those of you who are more experienced knitters will find it a quick and relaxing project. You'll find instructions in the pattern for making it bigger or smaller.  I know a very cute little girl I'd love to make one for, hopefully I'll find the time before she's old enough for the full sized version.

Linen Soft is part of the White Label luxury line of Scheepjes yarns and comes in 30 stunning colours, from the subdued pastels to the super intense brights. It's a DK weight yarn, 27% linen, 47% cotton, 26% acrylic.  It comes in the iconic Scheepjes centre pull balls, 50g, 135m. Just look at those colours! Aren't they gorgeous?  I chose colour 616  for this piece because that classic cream colour works so well with the vintage look of the design.

If you make The Springtime Hood I'd love to see it, I'm really looking forward to seeing the colour choices you make.   You can use the hashtags #SpringtimeHood #ScheepjesSpringtimeHood on social media and don't forget to tag me @thecalmnookcrafts.  Please pop it in your favourites on Ravelry and create a Ravelry project page so that I can see it.


YARN The After Party Springtime Hood pattern is available now as an instant Ravelry Download and check with your favourite Scheepjes retailer for the printed booklet.

You can purchase Scheepjes Linen Soft from:

  Scheepjes Retailers,
*Wool Warehouse (Internationally)
  Knit Spin Weave (Australia)
*Love Knitting (US)
  Caro's Atelier (Netherlands)



Ok, one more photo because, why not?!

* Affiliate links. Purchasing through these links will generate a very small percentage of sales, at no extra cost to you, for The Calm Nook Crafts to continue designing and purchase the products to do so.