In Memoriam: Knit and Crochet Designer Annie Modesitt

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As we take time this month to focus on crocheting for charity, we also want to honor a woman who has contributed much to the world of knitting and crochet. Annie Modesitt, also known as the Knitting Heretic, passed away on October 1, 2020. This well-known knit and crochet designer and long-time contributor to both Interweave Crochet and Interweave Knits always created designs that were both a delight and a challenge for knitters and crocheters alike.

In tribute to this awesome woman, we have made one of her earliest Interweave Crochet designs free for download. Get the Striped Scarf and Headband pattern as our gift to you. As we go into this holiday season, and we look forward to spending time with friends and family, please consider taking a moment to crochet something for someone who might need a little comfort and joy this holiday season.

Celebrating Crochet Designer Annie Modesitt

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Citrine Skirt

Worked in vertical panels, this eye-catching skirt has all the details a crocheter loves to see in a new project. The gores created between panels at the hemline are filled with pear-shaped motifs, the pattern is extensible for a range of sizes, and the yarn choice provides color and drape. The A-line silhouette is classic and makes for a fun twirl. Go on, get hooking!

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Deceptively Simple Stole

Long and luxurious, Annie Modesitt’s beaded stole is deceptively simple. Its length makes it extremely versatile to wear for a multitude of occasions.

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Retro Car Coat

Inspired by vintage car coats of the 1940s and 1950s, Annie Modesitt set out to re-create these classics for crocheters. The coat is worked from the hem up in a crossed double crochet pattern, and the waist is shaped with subtle darts that will flatter any figure. Pockets and Dorset buttons provide the finishing touches to a look that will go everywhere, whether you drive a VW bug or a Rolls Royce sedan.

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Flip Side Jacket

A jacket ending at waist level tricks the eye by emphasizing the narrowest part of the body, resulting in an ultra-flattering look. Create plaid patterning by switching yarn colors as you work.

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Geometric Throw Rug

A basic crochet rug gets a geometric makeover with rounds worked in varying stitch heights.

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Yo Yo Scarf

In the Fall 2004 issue of Interweave Crochet, Annie Modesitt presented the now super-popular Yo-Yo Cardigan for girls. Here, she lets grownups wrap themselves in exuberant yo-yos (crochet circle motifs), worked from yarn that she hand-dyes herself.

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Umami Crocheted Shrug

Like umami (oo-MA-mee), the ineffable fifth savory flavor that pulls together a dish, this delicious long-sleeved shrug will transform any outfit.

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Audrey Twinset

Grayscale allows the design elements of this twinset to shine; innovative shoulder shaping, a ripple pattern, and post stitches give tailored elements to the cardigan and shell of this classic look with mod, funky touches.

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Chromatic Hoodie

This hoodie allows experimentation with several different colors of yarns, variegated and semi-solid, offset by large solid areas of light olive green to highlight the playful spike stitch colorwork technique.

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Lady Knight Balaclava

You say it’s super cold? And you’re feeling bold? The Lady Knight Balaclava, brimming with attitude, is what you need.

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Aquint Crocheted Skirt

You’ll be turning heads in this smart, fitted skirt with drape and panache. This bit of wearable geometry is worked in sock yarn, with a bit of mathematics applied to the placement of green zig-zags through the top portion. It’s an excellent project for working up your own favorite palette.

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Scrivener Cloche

Solid fabric and mesh form the body of this crochet hat, which is then adorned richly with ribbons, flowers, and leaves.

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Jazz Bag

Surface crochet with a fabulous yarn gives this sumptuous bag a rich texture.

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Lacy Leaf Cocoon

Based on the popular cocoon shape, this crocheted jacket features a long back that curves under the arms into a shorter front that flows into a shawl collar. The narrow sleeves have amazing stretch due to the mesh pattern, and sweet ruffles trim the cuffs to carry out the feminine vintage theme.

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Striped Scarf and Headband

By skillfully combining half crochet with single crochet stitches, the designer has created the illusion of horizontal knitted ribbing in this fun and funky duo. A chunky yarn in vibrant autumn tones emphasizes the technique, and each garment works up quickly. The project is great for newer crocheters and a fun one for the experienced.

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Yo Yo Cardigan

The idea for this whimsical kid’s sweater evolved from a crocheted pullover designed for an actress in the musical Amour. That sweater was pieced together from granny “squares” worked in different shapes. In this little cardigan, the designer has joined crocheted circles to form a round yoke. The striped body and sleeves are worked down from the yoke’s bottom edge and granny square flags are added at the bottom border. A disco-style collar finishes the neckline.

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Phoebe’s Cuff

Explore new dimensions when you crochet with wire and beads to make Phoebe’s Cuff by Annie Modesitt.

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Coco Holly

Knit and crochet form fast friends in the Coco Holly Tospy-Turvy Doll. The socialite Coco is knitted, and her hippie chick friend Holly is crocheted. Their dresses have a cute feminine lace to them and a playful striping.

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Finest Hops Bag

Inspired by the shape of the hops flower branch and by a trip to Portland, Oregon, where she sampled some fine amber brew, designer Annie Modesitt has married a simple crochet fabric with decorative chain embroidery. This embroidery technique, which is worked with a crochet hook, is quite easy to master and allows for limitless interpretations of new motifs and color combinations when worked on a simple fabric.

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Sun-Kissed Hat

Protect your face from the sun in this stylish portrait crochet hat worked in alternating stripes of sunny yellow and a colorchanging yarn. A statement floral bloom caps the look.

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Kinni Cardigan

Delicate contrasting cables intersect and overlap in this sleek coat with asymmetrical zipper closure, deep collar, and narrow edging. Worked without shaping, the crochet sweater nonetheless ebbs and flows beautifully. A single front pocket is perfect for holding a phone and a couple of secrets.

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Ruched Cardigan

Exquisite tailoring and fine detail make this crochet cardigan a delightful crafting experience. The ruching evokes a 1940s feel, but with its cropped silhouette and asymmetrical button band, this crochet cardigan is thoroughly modern.

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Pretty Pleats Skirt

Annie Modesitt’s hip skirt features pleats that rein in the skirt’s fullness at the top, while contrasting gores celebrate the skirt’s swingy silhouette. The shaped yoke is worked up from the skirt panel section, and the piece is finished with a chain lattice hem. The sizing ranges from girl to grown-up, making it a great mother-and-daughter crochet-along.

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Marcy Tee

This on-trend exuberantly colored crochet tee has subtle shaping that flatters your figure while allowing ease of movement. Varying rows engage your hook while creating a fabric with terrific ease and drape. A delicate edging softens the simple shape.

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Share With Us

If you have created any of Annie’s designs, please post a picture on social media tagged #AnnieModesitt to join us in a tribute to a crochet designer and creator who will be sorely missed.