Hello, my dazzling diamond! Today, I have a delightful, romantic crochet top to share with you. I think you’re going to really love making this flouncy, fun top, so be sure to keep reading to learn all about it!
Babylonica was designed by Sarah S. When asked about her debut pattern for Expression Fiber Arts, Sarah said, “The motifs used in this lacy, circular top look like the long, swaying branches of the weeping willow tree (Salix babylonica). The weeping willow tree’s scientific name “babylonica” came from the thought that the tree came from Ancient Babylon, which was later proven inaccurate. Nonetheless, the weeping willow has been important in medicine and folklore in many cultures; it is revered for its healing properties and portrayed as a powerful spiritual symbol of thriving in challenging conditions. The branches are also resilient and flexible. If a cut branch is planted in the ground, a new tree will take root.”
This is an Intermediate level pattern that is suitable for crocheters who feel comfortable with crocheting and have made a few projects, using various skills and techniques. Concepts include combination stitches, special stitches, garment construction, and sizing.
Babylonica is crocheted with our soothing Moongleam Fingering yarn, which is a soft and silky blend of 50% cotton and 50% mulberry silk. Just heavenly! It’s a 2-ply, fingering weight yarn that is glowing and buttery and perfect for a variety of projects. Shawls and scarves are fantastic, as are sweaters, blankets, home items, and more! Breathable and light and amazing for warmer climates with 437 yds/400 m per skein.
Babylonica is offered in five sizes: XS/S (M/L, XL/1X) (2X/3X, 4X/5X) and requires two to four skeins of Moongleam Fingering yarn, depending on your chosen size. The top is designed to be worn with 6” (15 cm)+ positive ease. The sample is shown in size XS/S and is modeled on a 34” (86 cm) bust with 6” (15 cm) of positive ease. We used our stunning Rose Gold Moongleam Fingering yarn to crochet the sample shown here.
You’ll need approximately 700 (860, 1000) (1320, 1400) yds / 640 (786, 914) (1207, 1280) m total to make this design or 2 (2-3, 3) (3-4, 4) skeins of Moongleam Fingering yarn, depending on the size you select.
We made a video showing how to work the special stitches featured in this pattern. Grab your hook and some yarn, and get ready to crochet a few stitches with me!
This pattern includes written and charted instructions, as well as a schematic.
Download Babylonica today! I hope you LOVE it!! Let me know in the comments below what color you’ll use to crochet your new top.
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Talk to ya soon.
XOXOXO Chandi
I’m working on Babylonica and my question is for the Trim Rnd: 1, Do I begin with a Str and chain 3 for the first leaf! Thank you, Joan
Hi Joan, I’m happy to reach out to the designer and check on your question. Alternatively, I’d suggest asking your question in our Facebook group.
Have a lovely day! – Johanna 💕
Hi Joan,
so this is what the designer said:
“The start of the trim goes right into the first triple treble stacked leaf so it won’t begin like the other rounds. It will be the first special stitch Chandi shows in the video – The very first triple treble stacked leaf at the beginning of the round. You can either do a SDC+ 1, then wrap for the next triple in the tr2tog (to finish the tr3tog) but wrap 2 extra yo to be able to complete the last DC branch on top of the tr3tog leaf, so that’s 4 YOs. Or you can chain 3 to replace the first tr in the tr3tog. Either way will work, but make sure you have enough YO’s left after making the tr3tog at the beginning of a round to complete the little DC at the top. Should be good to go after that. It will look everso slightly different than all the others but that’s just the nature of the first stitch in a round. Personally I think the chain 3 for this particular motif start is better than the SDC+1 in this instance, but it’s up to you whichever you like better.
I did a chain 3 for my beginning here:”
https://youtu.be/78DQMi9yUXc?feature=shared
I hope this is helpful and answers your question. Have a nice day! – Johanna 💚