Crochet Today Alternatives

My designs in the latest Crochet Today all have alternatives that you can try to expand the patterns.



Like for instance, the cowl can easily be extended for a wrapping shawl for a different wintry look. Honestly the only difference is the length, you just keep crocheting till it fits around your shoulders.



Also the booties are easily changed from straps to shoestrings with just a few different steps at the end. Here's a picture of the straps and of the shoestrings.

To make the shoestring option, follow the pattern as written to Rnd 8 of the booty.

Rnd 8 Join CC 4 hdc back from last hdc with sl st, ch 1, sc in same hdc, sc in next 14 (16, 18) hdc, 4 ch, sc in next 3 hdc, sc2tog over next 2 hdc twice, sc in next 2 hdc, sc2tog over next 2 hdc twice, sc in next 3 hdc, 4 ch, sc in ea hdc to end, sl st to first sc, do not turn. (30, 32, 34 sc)

To make the shoestrings:
Ch 20 with CC, hdc in 3^rd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in ea ch to end, join to boot 2 sc from ch-4 sp with sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc on boot 3 times, sc in next sc, ch 20, hdc in 3^rd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in ea ch to end, fasten off, weave in ends.

Of course, you can also change the candyland sweater into a more lacy design just by using a solid fiber instead of the boucle that is in the pattern. Just look at CJ's sweater to see what the stitch pattern looks like in your basic merino wool.

And that's it. Hope you enjoy the options on the projects!