The Vivy Skirt

I stay in a ‘70s mood. David Bowie, Earth Wind and Fire, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchel, and Jimi Hendrix are always in my ears along with other icons of the time. I always resonated with the free-spirited flower children singing for peace and getting lost in the sky with diamonds if you know what I mean ;) As a crochet artist, how could I not be inspired by the ‘70s?! Crochet left its stylistic mark at that time with freestyle lace, granny squares, and, of course, bold color play.

I was minding my own business on Pinterest one day looking at all the nostalgically kitschy crochet vibes I could find and came across a super fun colorful zig-zagged granny square blanket pattern. It had all the right elements: sepia color pallet, granny squares (what could be more classic than a granny square), and a psychedelic color illusion. I had a stash to bust that consisted mostly of the warm side of the color spectrum and decided to adapt the vibe of the blanket into a pencil skirt.

I arranged my golden tones into a sunset-like sequence that lead the eye seamlessly around while also playing with contrast. I made bold lines and wove in glitter yarn to make it all pop!

I loved the skirt but hadn’t really shared it with social media until I used it in an outfit during Dressember. The reaction to the skirt was so positive and I even got a few orders for it so I decided to turn it into a pattern!

I named the skirt Vivy after my aunt Vivana who was a fashion queen in the ‘70s (and still is). Plus, I like how the “Vs” in the name looked like the Zig Zags in the pattern!

I assembled my testing team of amazing makers who all had great styles and different personalities. I was SO excited to see the different color combinations these ladies would come up with and they did not disappoint! Check out these babes in their rad Vivy Skirts!

Camilla of Moonmars.cm made such beautiful color choices and paired her skirt with a stunning matching Juniper Bralette! I am so smitten with her look!

Anne-Marie of Amtrabolsi is stunning in her playful colorwork. She captures Springtime in New York City with her vibrant fun colors, artistic belt, chic glasses, and turtleneck top.

Ananda of Ananda Handmade has such a gorgeous organic style and her sage green with beautiful neutrals is such a gorgeous pallet that looks perfect in a natural setting.

Brittany of Zorah UnThreaded chose sunflowers as her color pallet inspiration and WOW what a stunning result! I love the way she styled her look with elegant top and shoe choices and, of course, beautiful sunflowers.

Siobhan of Yarnoverfloyd is the yarn dying colorwork queen and came through with a stunningly beautiful pink pallet.

Kate of Oneofakate is serving all the Alice and Wonderland realness with her sweet look. I love that she played with deep crimson and pastels in her skirt and paired a beautiful matching Juniper Bralette to complete the look.

As a new designer, I really rely on my testers to give me feedback not only on the pattern but how I can be a better leader and member of this community. I must say that the love, encouragement, and support I received from these ladies was truly a gift and I do not take for granted that they were willing to lend their time and talents to help make this pattern happen.

Each design marks an emotion or mood for me. I think the reason I feel so drawn to the ‘70s right now is because of the echoes we seem to be experiencing when it comes to human rights and social justice issues.

The colorwork on the skirt is such a beautiful representation to me of how all of our differences as the human race are actually what makes us beautiful. The contrast of the colors makes each one uniquely special and gives life to the others. I truly believe that if we could celebrate the beauty of our differences and work together we can create a beautiful and transformational moment at this time in history.

I am constantly in awe of the heart for social justice and equality that is shared in the fiber arts community and hope to be one voice of many calling for a new world.

I hope you enjoy the Vivy skirt!

Namste,

Dominique