The Madlyn Triangle Scarf Crochet Pattern

+ tribute to a very special lady.

Hey there, I’m Gianna – the redheaded maker, designer, and yarn lover behind Little Red Knits. I’m so glad you’re here, and I would love to tell you the story of my Grandma Madlyn and how the Madlyn Triangle Scarf design came to be.

About the Design

The Madlyn Triangle Scarf is a modern approach to the classic granny square stitch. Made up of double crochet stitches and simple increases, this lightweight shawl offers the perfect coverage and elegant style through many seasons.

I designed this scarf using Lion Brand Jeans Yarn in the color Brand New. I chose this classic navy color because my grandma’s favorite color was blue. Everything in her house and wardrobe was blue, so it was no question that I had to make this color shawl in her memory.

Meet Madlyn

High School Graduation – 1946

My grandma and I have been very close my whole life. I have sweet memories of when my grandparents used to come visit when we lived about two hours away, and when they would arrive, I would run through the house and greet them with a big hug.

My grandma teaching my brother and I Christmas tunes on the piano ~1994

I was 10 years old when we moved closer to them, two streets over to be exact, I used to get off the bus at their house every day after school until my mom picked me up after work. One of our favorite things to do was play cards, poker believe it or not, (yes I was 10..lol), and she had a Tupperware full of pennies that we used as poker chips. I think all us grand kids were between 7-10 when she taught us how to play, but don’t worry, it was all in good fun. 🙂

As a teenager, I scheduled my college classes so I could visit my grandparents during my class breaks. My community college was less than a mile from their house so I would go over there between classes to visit with them a few times a week. After a few years I went away to school but when I came back, I lived with her after my grandpa passed away for a few months before finding my own place with my then, brand new pup Henry. She was so nervous about having a puppy in her pristine house, but of course he was the perfect little boy and they quickly became best friends. I have a highlight reel on my Instagram of “Grandma’s House” if you want to see her pretty house and all of the fun videos of Henry + grandma. But fair warning – guaranteed smiles and water works!

Madlyn’s first bachelorette party, ever – What?! Haha this was my bachelorette party in 2016

There are truly so many memories I could share, but of course my favorite from this time was when my grandma taught me how to knit. We were watching Jeopardy one night after dinner, (lol), and I looked over to the side table where she kept her aluminum 8mm knitting needles, (that my brother would always play sword fighting with as kids), and I said – “Hey, why don’t you teach me out to knit?” She was SO thrilled to bring out these tools that her, her mother, and her sister spent countless hours using and making beautiful things over the decades, and pass it all down to me.

She went to Joann the next day and I’ll never forget the yarn she picked – Lion Brand Hometown USA in a lilac color and we got right to it. My love for Lion Brand started right off the bat, as you can see, and I immediately fell in love with the craft. Over the years I would spend countless hours searing pinterest for patterns, making up my own patterns, watching YouTube videos to learn new techniques, and even taught myself how to crochet.

My first knitting project in grandma’s TV room with my great grandma’s knitting needles – November 2012

Every time I made something I was so excited to show her my project, pictures, ideas, the times I was featured by large companies like Lion Brand and Joann, (still so cool each and every time!), all of the craft shows I was participating in the community, selling on Etsy, and ultimately telling her my plans to quit my 9-5 to do Little Red Knits full time! Words can’t even describe the feeling I had every time I would tell her all of the fun things I was doing with yarn, the people I was meeting, and friendships I was making – all because of her. Seeing the proud look on her face each time meant the world to me, and I am tearing up just typing out these words right now.

Trying on my first double brim crochet hat and saying, “OH how cute! – 2017

Madlyn is woven in my life in so many ways and I’m so grateful for that. She really was, and always will be one of my best friends, and I miss her so much. But the memories we have together will be treasured forever.

Every time I wear this scarf or see someone else make this design, it will remind me of the bond we shared, and how she had such a positive influence on my life and I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for her.

Thank you for reading this tribute to my very special Grandma Madlyn. <3

Madlyn Ann Walsh – 7/26/29 – 1/9/20 Rest In Peace

 

You can get the Madlyn Triangle Scarf pattern on Etsy or Ravelry, or you can get the complete KIT directly from Lion Brand Yarn. Also, don’t forget to pin this post for later!

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