Positively Lace: Monster in Law Crochet Poncho

Crochet: Monster in Law Poncho

Image From the movie Monster in Law, 2005

It wasn't the first time I had watched the movie Monster in Law starring Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, nor was it the first time I fell in love with this crocheted poncho that Jennifer Lopez's character (Charlie) wears in the movie. In fact, I think I fell in love with everything that she wore in this movie! So much so that I actually looked up who the costume designer was and was surprised to find it was Kim Barrett, the costume designer from Romeo+Juliet, The Matrix, and more.

Image From the movie Monster in Law, 2005

Anyways, I was watching t.v. one Saturday last October and this movie was on. I hadn't seen it in a few years so I decided to watch it. Instantly I remembered watching this years before and admiring the poncho; I loved the way it fell off one shoulder, the v-shape in the front, the fuzziness of the yarn, the combinations of the colors, the tassels... I needed to find this pattern! After a little googling, I found a link to a free pattern and started shopping for yarn.

I didn't like the look of the yarn that was used in the pattern so I chose to use Jo-Ann Sensations Angel Hair yarn, it had the exact texture and colors that I wanted for this pattern. I also purchased the biggest crochet hook I've ever used (Q-19/15.75 mm) going up a size from the one indicated in the pattern (P-15/10mm) to give my poncho the same open lacy look as the one in the movie.

The pattern was extremely simple and easy to follow, and after re-doing this a couple times to get the shape the way I wanted, I finished it in about a day. Looking back on it, I should have made a gauge swatch. I don't know what it is with me, I just get so excited to make something that I assume I know more than a swatch, then I inevitably end up making mistakes. I am promising myself that from now on I will make a gauge swatch (for clothing at least). My poncho ended up shorter in the back and a little too long in front. Live and learn, when I make this again (totally making it again) I will take better precaution.