Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Jack O’ Lantern Halloween Cocktail

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jack-o-lantern_cocktailFind the Jack O’ Lantern cocktail–and the idea for this clever “pumpkin top” garnish–HERE at the Hostess with the Mostess blog.

Looking for more Halloween recipes and ideas? Check out Taste of Home Halloween  Here you’ll find dozens of spooky, cute, spirited and fun Halloween foods to delight boys and ghouls of all ages. We tossed in top pumpkin-carving tips and party ideas, too! To round out the collection, cozy up with some of the best-loved recipes from the slow cooker as well as the pumpkin patch. Fall flavours abound in this keepsake collection of 100+ scrumptious recipes. And, the book concludes with a Day of the Dead bonus chapter brimming with lively Mexican flair!

Have you read?

Knit a Summer Top with Blocks of Lace

When I first saw Orofino, a cute summer top from Berroco, I thought it was crocheted. Something about those shifting blocks of eyelets made me think of crochet but on closer inspection it is knit, so let’s take a closer look. 

This project alternates blocks of simple eyelet lace and garter stitch to make a boxy tee with a bit of air flow and a lot of texture. 

The project is worked from the bottom up mostly in rounds (which does mean a fair bit of purling to do that garter stitch in the round, but the effect is worth it). When you divide for the armholes, the back and front are worked separately and flat to the end of the project. 

That leaves you a little seam at the top of the shoulder, and there’s a tiny bit of finishing (literally picking up stitches, purling a round and binding off) at the neckline and armholes. 

It calls for a worsted weight cotton yarn, but this would also be nice worked in linen or a blend. 

The pattern includes both written and charted instructions, but the key on the charts is a little confusing in how it describes working flat versus in the round, so you can always double check with the written instructions if you need help. 

There are six sizes available, ranging from a finished bust circumference of 38 to 71.5 inches, or 95 to 179 cm. It’s meant to be worn with 6 to 12 inches (or 15 to 30 cm) of positive ease. 

It is rated as an intermediate knitting project, but if you have a little experience with lace knitting and potentially reading a chart if you want to use them, it shouldn’t be difficult for you. 

The pattern is available to download for free on the Berroco website. You can also learn more about it on Ravelry. 

[Photo: Berroco]