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PHASE INTO PHALL (er…. FALL)

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The air is suddenly crisp and cool.  Fall (my least favorite time of year) may well be upon us and it’s still August!  Tho’ I’m not a fan of Fall as cold winter soon follows, I do like the colors of fall and the transitional garments that often ease me into the heavier garments of the dreaded winter.

Here are a few patterns I’ve run across lately that will work up fairly quickly, will flatter most, and will fit into many of our wardrobes.

First is this freebie from Caron:

cowl vest 0809

http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/cowl_vest.html

For those of us with no necks, the cowl can be eliminated and a crew neck collar will appear.

Angela Lavonne Best led a Crochet-A-Long recently using a pattern she designed called a ‘Shawligan’.  This is a perfect ‘into Fall’ transitional garment.  Ronnie Titus made it in a lovely variegated yarn in a gray/black/white colorway.

shawligan 0809

http://lavonneknotjustknits.com/blog/

From the front, the Shawligan looks like a long garment, but the shortened back makes it easier for sitting at the office desk, sliding into the front seat of the car, and keeping the shoulders warm in Fall wind.  As you can tell on Lavonne’s site, it’s also a very flexible garment that can be ‘wrapped’ in a variety of ways.  The pattern is a free download on Ravelry.com.  Just sign in and search for ’shawligan’ and you’ll find it.  Thanks, Lavonne!

And, when you’re around the house or office and just need a little ’something’ on your shoulders, here’s a lovely ‘just enough’ shawl that will look great topping any outfit:

tranquil wrap

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80877AD.html

Make this in any fall color, especially a muted ombre, and you’ll have a topper that people will want to steal right off your back!

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Primrose and Bee Punch Needle Pattern from DMC

If you’ve been looking for a punch needle project that’s both cute and calming, let me introduce you to the Primrose & Bee Punch Needle Pattern from DMC. It’s got everything I love in a design—playful florals, a touch of nature, and just enough charm to make you smile every time you glance at it.

This pattern is part of DMC’s free collection (yep, free!), and it’s ideal for both beginners and seasoned punch needle crafters. The scene is simple but sweet: a soft primrose flower in bloom with a happy little bee buzzing around. It has that slightly whimsical, handmade look that works beautifully in a modern or cottagecore-inspired home.

The instructions are easy to follow, and because it’s DMC, you’re getting clear thread recommendations and a helpful diagram that breaks down the steps. It’s designed for chunky yarn or DMC’s Nova Vita eco-friendly threads, but you could absolutely adapt it with what you already have in your stash.

I love that punch needle gives you quick, textured results—you don’t need to commit weeks of stitching to see something take shape. This pattern would look gorgeous stretched in a hoop or sewn into a mini cushion. Honestly, it’s cute enough to gift, and small enough to finish in a couple of evenings.

My favorite part? That fuzzy little bee! It adds such a fun 3D element to the design, and it’s a great excuse to practice your loop consistency and texture techniques if you’re still learning.

If you’re feeling crafty and want something cheerful that won’t overwhelm your to-do list, this little project is the one. Download it, print it, and enjoy the buzz of a good stitch session.

Let me know if you punch it up—I’d love to see your version!