Pineapple Passion is a new crochet pattern book by designer and author Karen Whooley! And today I'm excited to share a guest post that Karen has written all about the crochet pineapple - and a giveaway of her fab new book!
Disclaimer: Guest post and materials for this giveaway provided by Karen Whooley.
The Modern Pineapple
From the time I learned to crochet, pineapples were one stitch motif that I absolutely loved. The delicate chains and single crochets all connected to a double crochet base (and sometimes a triple crochet base) was not only a soft, lacy fabric but the fact that there were so many different ways to construct pineapples in all shapes and sizes completely fascinates me even to this day.
A Little Pineapple History
Although you can find patterns and stitch dictionaries dating back to the mid-1800s with pineapple motifs, history records that the symbolism of the pineapple goes further than that.
Pineapples are native to the Carribean and the natives considered the fruit a symbol of welcome. With the advent of global exploring, most notably the travels of Christopher Columbus, pineapples found their way to other parts of the world. They were expensive to import, so serving pineapples at meals and events became a sign of affluence along with the welcoming gesture.
In the 1600s, Christians used the pineapple as a sign of their faith. Craftsmen and women would carve into furniture, include them in their paintings, and you will find architecture all over the world that includes pineapples as an outward sign of the creator’s beliefs.
Even with the motifs found in books, the pineapple didn't really make a splash in crochet until the 1930s and 1940s. The pineapple started to show up in tablecloths, doilies and even garments and accessories. Commonly made in cotton thread, the tablecloths gracing the tables of diners and restaurants of that era sported the pineapple as the proprietor’s welcome gesture.
Pineapple Passion
Pineapple Passion is a collection of some of my favorite pineapple patterns. I have taken the basic stitch patterns and used them in a delightful set of 5 modern pieces. Pineapples are a gorgeous motif and my trademark simplicity in construction along with elegant texture help to create cozy yet modern pieces that you will want to wear all year long. The fact that pineapples are easy to make allows the garment or accessory to look much more complex than it actually is.
Even though four of the five patterns use lace weight yarn, you can easily substitute heavier yarns if that is your preference. Just remember that your gauge is going to change, as well as the yardage you will need to create the project. I do recommend, however, that the garments are not made in any yarn heavier than a DK weight - otherwise you will lose the texture and drape of the original.
Pineapple Passion is widely available in yarn shops and online retailers. BUT - if you order directly from me, you will receive the print book + download code for the FREE Digital version (from Ravelry) plus a commemorative stitch marker designed especially for this book by Ann Tudor. There are limited quantities and when they are gone they are gone! To find out where the book is available, or to order direct, visit my Pineapple Passion page.
I hope you enjoyed this little history lesson. I love learning historical bits about some of my favorite stitches and patterns and I love to share them with crocheters. You can get more of these types of posts and information when you sign up for my newsletter. Plus you’ll get my Angel Wings Shawl pattern FREE when you sign up.
You can also find me on social media:
Instagram: @karenwhooley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KarenWhooleyOfficial
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/karen-whooley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarenwhooleyDesigns
The Pineapple Passion Giveaway
The Craft Destiny Crochet Hook Set and Case Giveaway is open worldwide and ends July 1, 2019, at 12:15am Central US time. One winner will receive a digital downloadable (PDF) copy of Pineapple Passion by Karen Whooley. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. Only the email option is mandatory – all other tasks are optional, for bonus entries only.
Good luck all! Be sure to check out all the other giveaways happening on Moogly right now too!
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Lisa Weirich says
Have always loved the look of the pineapple stitch. Finally learning how to read patterns and trying my first shawl.
Erica says
I've been crocheting for about 9 years but I still don't know how to make pineapples! I'd love to get my hands on this book..
Mary says
Thank-you Tamara for all you do for your crocheting community of followers. Really appreciate the compilation of "Gveaways" a quick way to view and learn about new products while entering. Best ^..^ ^..^
Tamara Kelly says
♥ Thank you so much, Mary!
Connie says
Thanks for the fiveaway
Marie says
My mother used to make many articles centered around the pineapple. She did such beautiful work; never learned how to do it while she was able to teach me...maybe now I can achieve that stitch. Thank you.
Gayle McCandless says
I have never done the pineapple stitch as of yet!! I would love to learn!! Thank you for the chance of winning this book!!! <3