Crochet beyond trends: lace and fingering weight yarn, drape & thoughtful making.
Patterns-Classes-Crochet Crew

#2A2A2A

Karen Whooley Designs

David Isak Hansen

Martin Amarloui

Spoks Tech

Daniel Andersson

Karen Whooley

As February draws to a close, I realize there are a lot of things happening around the studio that I havent mentioned much!  So in this newsletter, I am going to share a bit! 

Without further ado, I am going to get started!

 February 28 - March 1, 2026. I will be in the vendor market with my books and some of my patterns and kits as well!

Purlside Fiber Fest - Hermiston, Oregon: February 28 - March 1, 2026. I will be in the vendor market with my books and some of my patterns and kits as well!

 July 16-19, 2026: Join me at Graceland for three immersive days of crochet with world-class workshops, a curated shopping trip, and swag bags you’ll love.

(Ch Sp) Retreat 2026 - Memphis TN: July 16-19, 2026: Join me at Graceland for three immersive days of crochet with world-class workshops, a curated shopping trip, and swag bags you’ll love.

When:&nbsp;Saturday, March 21, 2026 Time:&nbsp;11:30 AM Pacific / 2:30 PM Eastern – 2:30 PM Pacific / 5:30 PM Eastern Class length:&nbsp;3 hours
Stop Hiding Your Finished Objects—Start Presenting Them with Pride
Have you ever finished crocheting something you loved—only to look at the seams, the gaps along the edges, or those ends poking through and think, "It looked so much better before I finished it"?
Maybe you've struggled to get your seams to lie flat. Maybe those little holes that appear along your double crochet edges drive you crazy and you don't know how to fix them. Maybe weaving in ends feels like a guessing game every single time.
Here's what I want you to know: those finishing struggles are not a skill problem. They're a technique problem. And technique can be taught.
What You'll Learn
In this hands-on 3-hour class, I'll walk you through the finishing techniques that separate a handmade piece from a truly polished one. These are the same skills I use on every single project I make—and they're easier to learn than you think.
We'll cover:
✓ Invisible seaming — how to join pieces together so the seam simply disappears
✓ Eliminating gaps along double crochet edges — that one fix that makes such an enormous difference
✓ Weaving in ends so they truly stay gone — no more ends working their way back through
✓ Blocking basics — what it is, when to do it, and which method to use for different projects
✓ Choosing the right finishing method — because one size does not fit all
Why This Class Works
Finishing is the part of crochet that most tutorials rush past or skip altogether. This class is dedicated entirely to it—because your finished objects deserve the same care and attention as every stitch that went into making them.
I don't just show you what to do. I explain why it works, so you'll carry these skills into every project you make from here on out.
Who This Class Is For
This class is perfect for you if you're an advanced beginner or beyond who:
✓ Knows how to chain, single crochet, and double crochet
✓ Has finished projects that didn't look quite as polished as you hoped
✓ Has been avoiding patterns that require seaming because it feels uncertain
✓ Wants every project you complete—from now on—to look refined and professional
You Deserve to Feel Proud of Every Finished Object
For over 27 years, I've been helping crocheters build the skills and confidence to create work they're genuinely proud of. My teaching style is warm, patient, and clear—because crochet should feel rewarding at every stage, including the last one.
Finishing isn't an afterthought. It's the moment your project becomes everything you imagined it could be.
Let's make sure yours looks exactly that good.

March 2026 - Fabulous Finishing

When: Saturday, March 21, 2026 Time: 7:00 AM Pacific / 10:00 AM Eastern – 10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern Class length: 3 hours
<h2 style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">Stop Avoiding Colorwork Patterns—Start Creating Crisp, Beautiful Color Images in Crochet</h2>
Have you ever fallen in love with a crochet pattern featuring gorgeous Fair Isle-style colorwork but thought, "That looks too hard—I'll stick with single colors"? Maybe you've tried working with multiple colors before and ended up with puckered fabric, visible gaps between stitches, or a tangled mess of yarn ends to weave in.
Here's the truth: colorwork isn't difficult—it just requires understanding a few key techniques that most patterns gloss over. And once you learn how to carry colors cleanly and work with tension that stays even, colorwork becomes one of the most rewarding and impressive techniques in your crochet repertoire.
<h2 style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">What You'll Learn</h2>
In this hands-on 3-hour class, I'll share the secrets to creating smooth, graphic colorwork that looks polished and professional. You'll walk away confident and ready to add beautiful color images to hats, bags, blankets, pillows, and more.
We'll cover:
<ul style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">
<li style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">
How to read colorwork charts confidently – Understand chart symbols and follow multi-color patterns without getting lost or overwhelmed</li>
<li style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">
The single crochet technique that keeps fabric smooth – Learn the exact approach that prevents distortion, no matter how many colors you're working with</li>
<li style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">
Carrying colors without bulk – Discover how to float unused colors behind your work so they stay invisible and your fabric stays even</li>
<li style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">
Working seamlessly in the round – Master the technique for circular colorwork projects like hats and cowls, with clean color transitions</li>
<li style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">
Concealing ends without weaving them in – Yes, really. Learn how to hide your yarn tails as you go, so finishing your project takes minutes instead of hours</li>
<li style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">
Troubleshooting common colorwork mistakes – Know what to do when your fabric puckers, your stitches show through the beads, or your tension feels off</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">Why This Class Works</h2>
Unlike tutorials that rush through colorwork or assume you already know how to manage multiple colors, this class takes a patient, step-by-step approach. I don't just show you what to do—I explain why it works and how to check your progress as you go, so you truly understand the technique.
You'll practice on real colorwork swatches during class, working through simple two-color patterns and building up to more complex images. By the end of our time together, you'll have samples you're proud of and the confidence to tackle any colorwork pattern that's been waiting in your queue.
<h2 style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">Who This Class Is For</h2>
This class is perfect for you if you're a beginner or intermediate crocheter who:
✓ Knows how to chain, single crochet, and fasten off ✓ Wants to add beautiful, graphic colorwork to your projects ✓ Has been curious about Fair Isle-style crochet but didn't know where to start ✓ Tried colorwork before and struggled with puckering or messy ends—this time will be different ✓ Loves the look of colorwork but thought it was only for advanced crocheters
<h2 style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">You Deserve Patterns and Classes You Can Trust</h2>
For over 27 years, I've been helping crocheters build confidence with techniques that once felt out of reach. My teaching style is warm, patient, and clear—because crochet should be fun, not frustrating.
My Italian grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 7 years old, and I've spent nearly three decades refining how I teach the techniques that seem intimidating at first but become favorites once you understand them. Colorwork is one of those techniques—it looks complex, but it's built on simple, logical steps.
Whether you've been crocheting for decades or just a few years, this class will give you the tools and confidence to create the crisp, colorful pieces you've been admiring.
<h2 style="text-align: center; color: #2A2A2A;">Ready to discover that colorwork is easier than it looks?</h2>
Let's make colorwork approachable—together.

March 2026 - Colorwork Made Easy

I know some of you are wondering what happened to my book, Pineapple Passion. The book and the eBook are no longer available.

After a good while, I decided to break out the patterns and sell them individually.  So beginning March 6, 2026, every Friday I will be dropping one of the patterns until they are all up! 

 is available individually.  I will also be offering the patterns as a collection, and will offer the Cardigan pattern free if you purchase the collection.  Watch for a Collection Launch on Friday, February 27th, for the details!

You may have already noted that the Pineapple Cardi is available individually.  I will also be offering the patterns as a collection, and will offer the Cardigan pattern free if you purchase the collection.  Watch for a Collection Launch on Friday, February 27th, for the details!

How To Choose The Best Yarns for The Cold Weather

id you know that if you purchase my patterns directly from me on my website, you have the ability to add them to 

 from my website? Purchasing patterns directly from me does not cost you any more and saves me the cost of the fees Ravelry charges me. 

DID YOU KNOW? 
Did you know that if you purchase my patterns directly from me on my website, you have the ability to add them to Your Ravelry Library from my website? Purchasing patterns directly from me does not cost you any more and saves me the cost of the fees Ravelry charges me. 

, I hope you will consider purchasing patterns directly from me and then add them to your library.

If you are a Ravelry User, I hope you will consider purchasing patterns directly from me and then add them to your library.

I am taking time off of all of my social media channels for the Season of Lent.  However, I will still be available here on my newsletter and on my Substack, 

I am taking time off of all of my social media channels for the Season of Lent.  However, I will still be available here on my newsletter and on my Substack, The Thoughtful Crocheter.

I have been trying out several different Newsletter management systems lately.  I am sure you have noticed this from time to time.  I have finally landed on one that I think is going to work for me for the foreseeable future!  While I am still learning how this particular platform works, you may see new and different layouts from time to time until I find one that I like!

As most of you know, I have been going through a lot of planning and brand changes. I am slowing things down just a bit, but you will still continue to see things moving and changing.  I will keep you updated and new things happen!

Discover upcoming events, new releases, and updates from the studio in this February newsletter.

February Studio Updates

Karen Whooley Designs, LLC • 2709 N Hayden Island Dr, STE 340483, Portland, OR 97217

Hello crochet friend,
As February draws to a close, I realize there are a lot of things happening around the studio that I havent mentioned much!  So in this newsletter, I am going to share a bit! 
Without further ado, I am going to get started!
Until next time,
UPCOMING EVENTS
Click on the links below for details!
Purlside Fiber Fest - Hermiston, Oregon: February 28 - March 1, 2026. I will be in the vendor market with my books and some of my patterns and kits as well!
(Ch Sp) Retreat 2026 - Memphis TN: July 16-19, 2026: Join me at Graceland for three immersive days of crochet with world-class workshops, a curated shopping trip, and swag bags you’ll love.
VIRTUAL CLASSES FOR MARCH 2026
NEW RELEASES
I know some of you are wondering what happened to my book, Pineapple Passion. The book and the eBook are no longer available.
After a good while, I decided to break out the patterns and sell them individually.  So beginning March 6, 2026, every Friday I will be dropping one of the patterns until they are all up! 
You may have already noted that the Pineapple Cardi is available individually.  I will also be offering the patterns as a collection, and will offer the Cardigan pattern free if you purchase the collection.  Watch for a Collection Launch on Friday, February 27th, for the details!
POPULAR ON SUBSTACK
Use the buttons below to read the latest
WORTHY OF NOTE
DID YOU KNOW? 
Did you know that if you purchase my patterns directly from me on my website, you have the ability to add them to Your Ravelry Library from my website? Purchasing patterns directly from me does not cost you any more and saves me the cost of the fees Ravelry charges me. 
If you are a Ravelry User, I hope you will consider purchasing patterns directly from me and then add them to your library.
I am taking time off of all of my social media channels for the Season of Lent.  However, I will still be available here on my newsletter and on my Substack, The Thoughtful Crocheter.
I have been trying out several different Newsletter management systems lately.  I am sure you have noticed this from time to time.  I have finally landed on one that I think is going to work for me for the foreseeable future!  While I am still learning how this particular platform works, you may see new and different layouts from time to time until I find one that I like!
As most of you know, I have been going through a lot of planning and brand changes. I am slowing things down just a bit, but you will still continue to see things moving and changing.  I will keep you updated and new things happen!

Hi Crew Member,
Happy March! February just blew by didnt it?
This month we have lots going on and I want to make sure I share everything

Hello crochet friend,
As February draws to a close, I realize there are a lot of things happening around the studio that I havent mentio

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