Labels

Netherfield Wrap (All About Ami) + YarnArt Flowers

A few days ago, I posted a crochet wrap called Netherfield. Jane Austen fans would recognise the name of the Netherfield scarf wrap by All About Ami. During the Regency period, a wrap or shawl would grace the shoulders or waists of many women. They were popular during that era as women wore wraps over their dresses to ward off the cold. Wraps were not only functional, but also fashionable during that time; and they continue to be so in the present-day. Some may not consider it as fashionable in our modern era but they certainly remain a go-to, classic staple for any fancy or formal event, and even in the office.

All About Ami’s Netherfield scarf wrap is a beautiful crochet wrap. The pattern has these skipped stitches and chain stitches that create small peekaboo gaps in it, resulting in a pretty, lacy appearance. I can imagine it draped over a high-waisted Regency style dress. Perhaps gracing the shoulders of Jane Austen as she read drafts of First Impressions to her family in the sitting room. Or Mary Shelley as she bent over her writing desk penning Frankenstein, or the Enchantress of Numbers as she studied Bernoulli numbers and other algorithms.

Netherfield wrap (pattern by All About Ami) in YarnArt Flowers yarn (on IG)

There were a few things that I did different from the original pattern, namely, the yarn weight, crochet hook size and the size (being a shawl rather than a scarf wrap). I also incorporated some crochet tips and techniques that I picked up.

For this attempt, I used YarnArt Flowers No.282, a fingering/sock weight yarn with an ombre of light pink, red, grey and black colours. The colour combination reminds me of raspberry swirl ice cream with black sesame. Given its thickness (or thinness), I used a 3mm crochet hook. End result seemed a little more delicate.

This was my first time using YarnArt Flowers. It is a cotton-acrylic blend but feels fairly soft and similar to cotton yarn. It doesn’t have that sticky, plasticky hand feel that some acrylic yarns have. The end result had a nice, soft hand feel. It was also a big reason why I had so much fun making this wrap that I didn’t want to stop making it.

I originally completed the project in November 2024 (below) but I had such fun making it that I wasn’t ready to give it up. I know this sounds crazy but I wanted to keep working on it. So, I got the 2nd yarn cake and extended it to a shawl. So, my version is larger, measuring around 80 cm wide by 130 cm long, with 400 stitches in each row and a total of 107 rows. Hence it’s more of a shawl than a scarf. (Omg at 42,800 stitches, it is my largest crochet project yet....) It was hard to stop at 2 yarn cakes. But it’s finally hook down, and I’ve said goodbye to it. I gifted it to my friend OB who was so happy with it that she plans to take it with her on her travels this year.

Also I liked these crochet tips and techniques a lot and used them when making this crochet project.

Crochet Technique 1: Stacked Single Crochet Stitch

My favourite was starting each row with a stacked single crochet stitch instead of the regular chain 3 as the first double crochet stitch at the start of each row. I first started using this in the crochet ripple baby blanket project back in 2024. This method basically involves making a single crochet stitch on top of another single crochet stitch, see this tutorial by The Loophole Fox. I love using this method because it creates a first stitch that is sturdier and closely resembles a double crochet stitch. It also gives the edges a cleaner, more gapless finish. I now use this method every time I need to start a row or round with a double crochet or treble crochet stitch. (For the treble crochet stitch, just stack another single crochet on top of the 2nd stitch in the same way.)

Another alternative to the regular chain 3 method is the standing double crochet stitch, which is also great as the first double crochet stitch, as can be seen in this The Crochet Crowd video tutorial and this Moogly tutorial.

Crochet Technique 2: Long Tail Cast-on Foundation Chain

For this wrap, I also used the so-called long tail cast-on foundation chain method, aka the long tail foundation chain instead of the standard starting chain method. It is useful for making crochet cords, which I have done for other amigurumi. This method creates a nicely finished cord or foundation chain that is easier to work with. The troublesome part is having to calculate the length needed for the starting tail; a bit of a pain for a long or large project like this one. I first learnt this method in a video tutorial by Mandaloria (formerly MellowMe Creations). This method has since sprung up in other video tutorials, e.g. Fiona Meade Crochet and Twist My Stitch.

While looking up more information, I also learnt about the foundation single crochet (fsc), aka chain-less foundation row method; see these tutorials by The Crochet Project, One Dog Woof, The Unraveled Mitten and Willow Crochet. And this Moogly video tutorial shows how this method can also be used to extend a foundation chain. I think this method could be easier for projects with very long foundation chains, like wraps, afghans, blankets. I didn't use it for this project but intend to try it for the next big crochet project.

Netherfield Wrap (All About Ami pattern, modified) in YarnArt Flowers yarn.

Would I make the Netherfield wrap again? YES! It is easy to make, looks beautiful, is practical and versatile. I'd love to make it in other colours and other yarn weights too.

I also think the Netherfield wrap pattern has a lot of potential: I think it can be modified to make a throw blanket or baby blanket, or even the basis for a cardigan. It looks beautiful but is easy and beginner-friendly as it consists of basic crochet stitches. And for crocheters past beginner level, it’s a great pattern that creates something pretty without requiring too much concentration. Great for curling up in front of a show (ahem, Bridgerton) and just decompressing. I’ve even worked on it while on car rides, bus and MRT rides and a ferry.


Materials and tools used:

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for stopping by. I would love to hear from you, and I believe it is important to have a respectful and open-minded environment in which to express our views. Different views are welcome; abuse, hate speech and cyberbullying are not. Freedom of speech does not justify the unacceptable.