I frequently run to my local Michael’s store to grab “just one skein” of yarn that I need for a project. I have an embarrassing amount of yarn at home, and often times I think my office could rival a yarn store (anyone else?? Please don’t tell me I am alone with my yarn obsession). But even so, I will often be knee deep into a project only to find that I do not have enough yarn to finish. This was the case with a Valentine’s Day order I was working on. It was the Chill Time Cardigan by Yarnspirations, and I was making it for a woman to gift to her husband. He had recently lost a large amount of weight, and as a result, was always cold. She wanted to give him a sweater that would be like wearing a blanket – thick, warm, and super snuggly. I liked the pattern for the Cardigan but I opted to use a bulky weight (#5) yarn rather than the worsted weight (#4 yarn) in the pattern. So I had no guide on how much yardage to use, and figured (guessed!) I would buy 10 skeins. Well I used 5 1/2 skeins just on the back panel, which meant, of course, another shopping trip. And since I had bought all that was in stock at my local store with my first trip, I decided to make a stop at a Michael’s that was out of my usual territory. And while I was dashing through this new store, family waiting (and annoyed at another stop for yarn) in the car, I saw a huge display of the Loops and Threads Fox Fur yarn. I had never seen this yarn, or anything like it before. It isn’t carried at my usual yarn digs. I was intrigued, so obviously I had to buy it! I grabbed one of each colour with only a vague idea what I would do with it, grabbed the sweater yarn and headed out. On the long drive home I pondered what to do with yet another spontaneous yarn purchase that I really didn’t need. And I started to think about the high-fashion fur stoles that I picture on glamorous women of decades ago. And so my new pattern for the Faux Fox Fur Stole was born. It captures the look I was going for and I am happy to report no animals were harmed in the making of this piece!

Materials

• 1 Skein Loops and Threads Fox Fur Yarn (about 35 yards)
• 25 mm crochet hook
• large button
• tapestry needle and a small amount of yarn for attaching button

Stitches

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

This pattern uses the linen, or moss, crochet stitch which is a sc, ch1, skip 1 stitch, sc in the next stitch, ch 1, skip 1 stitch etc. On the next row you place the sc stitches in the space left from the ch1/skipped stitch in the row below. I chose this stitch since this yarn is so furry, you cannot really see the stitches. However, it is easy to feel the stitches and the spaces (holes) left from the ch1/skip stitch.

Sizes

X-small/small (up to 34″ bust)- finished piece measures 41″ by 8″

Medium (up to 37″ bust) – finished piece measures 45″ by 8″

Large (up to 40″ bust) – finished piece measures 49″ by 8″

You can easily modify the pattern to fit any size by using an even number of starting chains. For a custom fit, measure the circumference around the shoulders of the wearer and make the rectangle length to this measurement.

Pattern is written in size small, with the other sizes noted in parenthesis.

Pattern

ch 32 (36, 40)

Row 1: sc in 3rd chain from hook, *ch 1, skip 1 stitch, sc in next stitch* repeat across, ending with a sc

Row 2-4: ch 2 (this will count as the first ch space), sc in 1st ch 1 space from the row below, *ch 1, skip 1 stitch, sc in next ch 1 space* repeat across, ending with a sc in the space from the turning chain.

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Attach button to upper right corner.

As always, feel free to make and sell as many pieces as you want, but please remember to give me credit of the pattern. Do not distribute copies of the pattern or my images without my permission. I am always happy to get feedback, and would love to see your finished pieces! Please tag me or use the hashtags #oneknottydog and/or #fauxfoxfurstole.

Happy making,

Britteny