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Forager Ruana/ Shawl MAKE ALONG
Announcement: Unlock Your Palette: Select Your Color Combo

Seasonal Forager Ruana / Shawl Make A Long

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I'm absolutely thrilled to finally unveil this exciting Make Along! 

The journey to this moment has been quite an adventure, filled with twists and turns. From the initial sketch that received so much love to the moment I realized I wanted the sides of the ruana to be different, leading to a complete frogging of my work. Through it all, my dear husband has been the most patient co-adventurer, weathering the turbulence right alongside me! :))

But, let's talk about the star of the show - the ruana.

What exactly is a ruana, and why are we making it? According to Wikipedia, it's a poncho-style outer garment native to the Colombian and Venezuelan Andes: thick, soft, and sleeveless square or rectangular blanket with an opening in the center for your head and a slit down the front to the hem.

I adore this garment for its confident aura (not my quality so it helps to fake it sometimes, heh heh), its unbeatable comfort (yes, above everything: bring it on!), and the fact that it keeps me warm (anybody else who is always cold here?). Plus, it's perfect for introverts – try wearing one, and you'll understand why; it creates a little personal space bubble around you! :))

So, it pretty much ticks all the boxes for me, and I'm sure some of you can relate. But here's the best part: let's say you run out of steam halfway through – it happens to the best of us. No worries, you can simply stop at that point and call it a shawl (a big check on versatility).

The Make Along takes place in the official Scheepjes Facebook groups:

 

In the groups, you can share your work, view the progress of other members, receive support from the designer, your crochet buddies, mods, and admins, and access any additional resources I may share during the MAL!

Grab the pattern starting October 4:

  • With 20% discount ($4.39*) during the MAL (4-25 October 2023) on Ravelry or Etsy. *VAT and US sale and use taxes apply.

  • Languages: English and Dutch

  • Included: written instructions in US terms, schematics, charts, videos for all parts.

 

Forager Ruana crochet pattern

Let's dive into the endless possibilities that await with the Forager Ruana and Shawl crochet pattern. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, this pattern offers a world of style and creativity.

Two-in-One Magic:

Create a stunning shawl or trendy ruana with climbing branches, delicate leaves, and whimsical berries.

Make it unique:
Experiment with a spectrum of hues to craft a Forager Ruana or Shawl that's uniquely yours.

Play with Draping:

Experiment with different ways to wear it – from cascading to crisscrossing, the choice is yours.

Boho Vibes:

Embrace the bohemian aesthetic for an individualistic touch to any outfit.

Autumn Warmth:

Stay cozy and fashionable during chilly autumn days with the Forager Ruana and Shawl. Your new autumn must-haves!

If you're still on a fence, see the ruana in action: 

Sizes

 

Flexible:

This pattern is initially available in one size fits most, but thanks to its seamless design, you have the freedom to adjust both its width and length (adjusting instructions are included). And if you're feeling adventurous, who knows, you might end up with a cozy blanket! On the other side of the spectrum, you might craft something small: a pillow or a chair cover! Actually, that made me realize I need a warm layer between the leather car seat and you know what for the coming winter. 😂 So, think creatively, and it will pay off!

Explore a Different Finish:
You have the choice to complete it with a knotted fringe edging or select a double border to hide overlay mosaic crochet tails. Instructions for both finishing options are included and we have an example of the double border finishing from the tester Karin Terpstra.

  • Ruana (excluding fringes): Length x Width: 76.5cm x 100cm/ 30 ⅛'' x 39 3 ⅜''

  • Shawl is 2 repeats longer than ruana panel:
    (excluding fringes): Length x Width: 185cm x 50cm/ 72 ⅞'' x 19 ¾''

  • Model is size S-M/ 90cm/ 35 ½'' chest, 93cm/ 36 ⅝'' hips, 168cm/ 5' 6'' height

Forager Ruana and Shawl Schematic
Forager Ruana mosaic crochet pattern

Yarn

We tested this garment with 5 different Scheepjes yarns:

  • ​Scrumptious

  • Our Tribe

  • Colour Crafter

  • Colour Crafter Velvet

  • Softfun

 

But when it comes to ruanas and shawls, including my own, Scheepjes Scrumptious Yarn (50% Recycled Polyester, 50% Acrylic, DK/ 100g/ 300m/ 328yds) took the center stage. Besides its fantastic durability and lack of pilling (a definite win!), knowing that I helped recycle a few plastic bottles into cozy wearables made me feel good! 🌍♻️

You wouldn't believe the hours I spent agonizing over color choices – trust me, you'll be there too! :))

But here's a little piece of advice I wish I'd followed when ordering the yarn: go with your gut and your initial instincts, and don't second-guess yourself! It'll all work out just fine. You might catch a glimpse of other people's color choices and start nibbling your nails, but just stay calm and remind yourself that your first choice was spot-on! In the end, we all agreed that the ruana looks fantastic in every color imaginable!

Here is my choice:

  • Yarn1 (border background, berries) in red/ 365 Summer Pudding

  • Yarn2 (body background, borders contrast) in gold/ 311 Chai Shortbread

  • Yarn3 (leaves) in green/ 349 Rainforest Cake

Scroll down to the bottom of the post to see the amount needed in Scrumptious, Colour Crafter, and Our Tribe or download PDF with required yarn amount and affiliated links. In the PDF you will also find tables with yarn usage for each part if you feel adventurous and want to use colors differently!

 

Keep reading to see color combos from our testers and a few templates I made for your inspirations. Get yourself busy coming up with your unique color template and keep your eyes peeled for the color combo template give away in Official Scheepjes Facebook groups on September 20. I will offer to make a sketch for the first 10 takers in each group, International and Dutch.

Download PDF with required yarn amount

(including amount for each part if you want to customize)

Feel free to use our affiliated links (we receive a small commission from the seller at no additional cost to you; these links are also included in the above PDF's):

​​

Testers

Discover the stunning ruanas and shawls brought to life by our incredible team of testers in the gallery below. They've been the wind beneath my crochet wings, supporting each other and me every step of the way. Click or tap on the images to unveil the details of each unique project. 🌟

Color combinations

Take a peek at a handful of color combinations I've put together to get your creative juices flowing: 🎨

Coloring Sheet 🎨

I usually create color templates using a vector editor or the Pixelmator app on my iPad, but there's something satisfying about picking up colored pencils or crayons and working on good old paper, isn't there? If you're in the mood to disconnect from the digital world, here's a fun option for you: a PDF coloring sheet that you can easily print out and color. Just click or tap on the image below to download it:

Enjoy your coloring adventure! 🖍️

Forager Ruana coloring sheet

Now that you have all the information you need, you can keep yourself busy creating a color template for the next few days.

Don't forget to check out Scheepjes Official Facebook Groups on September 14. You could be among the first few to see your color ideas come to life as a template.

Check this post next:

Next blog post with Tips and Tricks is coming on September 27.

In the meantime, feel free to reach out to me in the groups if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Natalia

Forager Ruana mosaic crochet pattern

Yarn

  • Option 1:
    Scheepjes Scrumptious (50% Recycled Polyester (recycled plastic bottles) x 50% Acrylic, DK/ 100g/ 300m/ 328yds)

    Overlay mosaic crochet gauge with 4 mm hook: 21 sts x 20 rows = 10cm x 10cm/ 4'' x 4''

    Get from:* Wool Warehouse (UK, US), Caro's Atelier (Netherlands),
    Jimmy Beans (US), Knitkat (Belgium)

    Yarn1 (border background, berries) in red/ 365 Summer Pudding
    Yarn2 (body background, borders contrast) in gold/ 311 Chai Shortbread
    Yarn3 (leaves) in green/ 349 Rainforest Cake

    Ruana:
    with fringe edging:
    Yarn1: 4 skeins/ 356g, Yarn2: 8 skeins/ 714g, Yarn3: 5 skeins/ 460g
    with double border to hide tails, no fringes:
    Yarn1: 4 skeins/ 400g, Yarn2: 7skeins/ 700g, Yarn3: 5 skeins/ 450g

    Shawl:
    with fringe edging:
    Yarn1: 3 skeins/ 210g, Yarn2: 5 skeins/ 440g, Yarn3: 3 skeins/ 280g
    with double border to hide tails, no fringes:
    Yarn1: 3 skeins/ 234g, Yarn2: 5 skeins/ 430g, Yarn3: 3 skeins/ 274g
     

  • Option 2:
    Scheepjes Colour Crafter (100% Premium Acrylic, 100g/ 300m/ 328.1yds)

    Get from:* Wool Warehouse (UK, US), LoveCrafts (UK, US), Jimmy Beans (US),
    Caro's Atelier (NL), Knitkat (Belgium)

    The same amount as Option 1
     

  • Option 3:
    Scheepjes Our Tribe (70% Wool x 30% Polyamide, 100g/ 420m/ 459.3yds)

    Overlay mosaic crochet gauge with 3.5-3.75 mm hook: 21 sts x 20 rows = 10cm x 10cm/ 4'' x 4''

    Get from:* Wool Warehouse (UK, US), Caro's Atelier (Netherlands),
    LoveCrafts (US, UK), Knitkat (Belgium)

    Ruana:
    with fringe edging:
    Yarn1: 3 skeins/ 257g, Yarn2: 6 skeins/ 512g, Yarn3: 4 skeins/ 330g
    with double border to hide tails, no fringes:
    Yarn1: 3 skeins/ 286g, Yarn2: 5 skeins/ 500g, Yarn3: 4 skeins/ 322g

    Shawl:
    with fringe edging:
    Yarn1: 2 skeins/ 151g, Yarn2: 4 skeins/ 316g, Yarn3: 2 skeins/ 200g
    with double border to hide tails, no fringes:
    Yarn1: 2 skeins/ 168g, Yarn2: 4 skeins/ 308g, Yarn3: 2 skeins/ 196g
     

  • Option 4:
    (haven't been tested except for the gauge swatch)
    Scheepjes Whirlette (60% Cotton x 40% Acrylic, 100g/ 455m/ 497.6yds)

    Overlay mosaic crochet gauge with 3.5-3.75 mm hook: 21 sts x 20 rows = 10cm x 10cm/ 4'' x 4''
     

  • Get from*: Wool Warehouse (UK, delivers to US), Love Crafts (UK, US),
    Jimmy Beans (US), Caro's Atelier (NL), Knitkat (Belgium)

    Ruana:
    with fringe edging:
    Yarn1: 3 skeins/ 234g, Yarn2: 5 skeins/ 471g, Yarn3: 4 skeins/ 304g
    with double border to hide tails, no fringes:
    Yarn1: 3 skeins/ 264g, Yarn2: 5 skeins/ 462g, Yarn3: 3 skeins/ 297g

    Shawl:
    with fringe edging:
    Yarn1: 2 skeins/ 139g, Yarn2: 3 skeins/ 291g, Yarn3: 2 skeins/ 185g
    with double border to hide tails, no fringes:
    Yarn1: 2 skeins/ 155g, Yarn2: 3 skeins/ 284g, Yarn3: 2 skeins/ 181g



*Affiliated links (I receive a small commission from a yarn seller at no additional cost for you)

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