f.o.: penny polo.

I’m on a bit of a crochet kick. After first learning to crochet as a teenager and pretty much exclusively doing that through college, I went on a bit of a knitting bender post graduation. I’ve crocheted a few toys, blankets, and other small items since then but definitely not any garments.

That is, until this spring, when I found myself desiring to start to crochet some tops. It felt like I was entering into a more playful, whimsy era and I wanted to create some shirts similar to ones I’d been seeing my fashion inspo. wearing out in the world without the hefty pricetag.

Enter Penny Polo by Erin Reiko, which I modified slightly based on another crocheters own finished garment. I made the stripes wider and the double crochet fan sections smaller with pops of various colors—hues of yellow, peach, and green. I used a budget yarn for this one (Hobbii Friends Wheel) because I wasn’t sure whether I’d love it and didn’t want to commit the expense. Well, I love it, and the yarn is actually really soft and has lovely drape!

It came out exactly as I have envisioned. And the even wilder news is I’ve worn it out in the world…TWICE. I received so many compliments it made me think anew about the bins and boxes of knitted garments I have that I never wear, and that maybe this new era should include wearing the things I make, instead of immediately gifting them or relegating them to a cedar closet.

Am I actually in my wear it era, instead?

I have grand visions for a few more crocheted tops and will feature here some others I made this summer.

My ravelry project notes are here, of course.