In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the wonderful world of scarves, Sascha-style! We’ll chat with blogger and seasoned Haakster Sascha Blase-Van Wagtendonk and ask her all about her new book. This book isn’t just a collection of the most beautiful scarves and shawls—it’s also an inspiring fashion and lifestyle guide.
Crocheting Scarves à la Sascha - After publishing eight different crochet books, including the popular titles *Crocheting Lace 1 and 2* and *Crocheted Rag Dolls 1, 2, 3*, Sascha is now releasing a crochet book entirely dedicated to scarves and shawls. We spoke with the friendly and creative Sascha about her new book. Of course, we’ve already taken a look at the book, and we can tell you right now: it’ll really get you in the mood to crochet! You’ll find tons of Tips, and the patterns are very diverse and well explained. Plus, the book has a beautiful hardcover, and the illustrations are a joy to look at.
Crochet Book: Crocheting Scarves, Sascha-Style
The book *Crochet Scarves à la Sascha* is now available!
Interview with Sascha Blase - Van Wagtendonk
Tell me a little about the book.
The most beautiful scarves and shawls I’ve designed over the past few years are collected in this book, along with 3 brand-new patterns. In total, there are 20 Crochet Patterns, each with two color variations. So there are 40 scarves in all. Each pattern is clearly explained and accompanied by a diagram. I’ve put a lot of love into this book, and I’ve done my best to inspire both beginner and advanced Haaksterrs with a variety of patterns. It’s not just a book of Crochet Patterns—it’s also a fashion and lifestyle guide, as it includes many Tips on styling and using various materials and colors.
Is this book typical of Sascha?
Absolutely! This book is so me because it focuses on my favorite things to crochet (scarves)—and, of course, on me. Unlike my other books, I stepped out of my comfort zone for this one and posed for photos wearing all the scarves. A different scarf every time, styled differently and in a different setting! I also share my personal story and explain various types of materials and Tools & Supplies, draping, color use, and how to care for scarves. I really love that the book has become so personal—from the photography to the design and layout.
Why do you love scarves so much?
My love for crocheting began 10 years ago when I crocheted a… scarf. It was the first thing I ever crocheted, and to this day, it’s still my favorite thing to crochet. I love crocheting scarves and shawls the most because I can pour all my creativity into them. Unique shapes, colors, and stitches—you can easily incorporate all of these into a scarf. Whether the pattern is large, small, difficult, or easy, a scarf offers endless possibilities. A scarf makes everyone happy, and the styling options are endless. I love playing with colors and materials, and scarves are perfect for that. For example, you can easily transform a summery Crochet Pattern for a scarf into a cozy winter scarf by adjusting the colors and yarns. And for many of the patterns, you can use any Crochet Yarn you like with a matching hook—the possibilities are endless!
Which scarf from the book is your favorite?
The mandala scarf! I’d been thinking about crocheting a scarf in the shape of a mandala for a long time. I could already picture the scarf in my mind, but translating that into a pattern was a challenging task. The pattern is now clearly written out, and it has turned into a beautiful semicircular scarf with symmetrical shapes. Crocheting this gorgeous mandala scarf is almost like meditation.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
From all sorts of things! An idea for a new scarf can just pop into my head when I’m sitting on the couch with my family or going for a walk. I draw my inspiration from everyday life—I use colors and shapes from nature, but I’m also inspired by the fashion I see in stores. I always have so many ideas for new patterns in my head!
How do you develop all your ideas?
I know exactly what the scarf will look like beforehand, so I start by drawing a sketch of it. Then I crochet the scarf and write down the pattern as I go.
What do you hope to achieve with this book?
Above all, I want to reach as many people as possible with my book and get everyone crocheting! I think it would be wonderful if even more people discovered, through my patterns, how much fun crocheting is and how you can use it to make the most beautiful accessories. My book also clearly explains all the crochet stitches, so that even people who have never crocheted before can get started with this wonderful hobby!
So this book is written for all (future) Haaksters?
Absolutely! The scarf patterns are suitable for a wide audience because these crocheted fashion items are incredibly trendy and the color combinations are accessible. With this book, you’ll not only learn how to crochet but also how to choose the right materials and colors yourself, tailored to your taste and the season!
