Transport yourself to the rolling purple fields of Southern France with “The Lavender Provence” Retreat. This exquisite miniature caravan captures the essence of a peaceful summer afternoon in the countryside. The color palette is a soothing mix of Deep Violet, Soft Lilac, and Sage Green, reminiscent of the lavender plant itself. The exterior features a charming color-blocked design with cream-framed windows and tiny floral embellishments.

The interior is a lesson in “Shabby Chic” elegance. Through the large open side, you can view a pristine white bedroom suite featuring a vintage dresser with tiny drawers and a delicate lattice-back chair. Bundles of dried lavender hang from the ceiling, infusing the space with an imaginary calming scent. Outside, a silver bicycle with a basket full of fresh blooms sits ready for a ride to the market, next to a woven basket filled with handmade soaps. This project is perfect for those who love pastel tones and intricate, romantic details.

To achieve the crisp, boxy shape of the caravan and ensure the walls can support the furniture and window frames, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is non-negotiable for the structural integrity of this project. We will use a standard hook for the main shell and a precision micro-hook for the delicate lavender buds and furniture details.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials & Tools

• Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn (Mercerized cotton works best for the furniture and flowers).

  – Deep Violet/Aubergine: Lower exterior walls.

  – Soft Lilac: Upper exterior walls (Left/Roof), bedding, curtains.

  – Sage Green: Upper exterior wall (Front/Right), trim.

  – Cream/Antique White: Window frames, interior furniture, interior walls.

  – Lavender Purple: Flower buds (various shades).

  – Stem Green: Flower stems.

  – Silver/Grey: Bicycle frame, hubcaps.

  – Pastel Scraps: For the “soaps” in the basket.

  – Tan/Beige: Woven baskets.

• Hooks:

  – 2.5mm (Size C/2): For the caravan shell, floor, and main furniture.

  – 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the lavender flowers, bicycle, and basket contents.

• Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, silver craft wire (essential for the bicycle frame and hanging hooks), fabric glue, tapestry needle.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Hdc: Half Double Crochet
• Dc: Double Crochet
• Inc: Increase (2 sc in one st)
• Dec: Decrease (invisible decrease)
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• Sl st: Slip Stitch
• Popcorn/Bobble: Used for the lavender texture.

Part 1: The Provence Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

1. The Floor Base

Make 2 identical panels using Cream or Light Wood color.

1. Row 1: Ch 28. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (27)
2. Row 2-42: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 4.5″ x 7″).
3. Fasten off Panel 1. Keep yarn attached to Panel 2.

Assembly: Cut plastic canvas to size. Sandwich between panels. Sc around the perimeter to seal.

2. The Multi-Color Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the main body. Note the color changes based on the image.

Panel A: Exterior (The Color Block)

• Row 1: Ch 95 (Length to cover Back + Roof + Front). Sc across.
• Rows 2-15 (Lower Section): Work in Deep Violet. This creates the dark base around the entire caravan.
• Rows 16-35 (Upper Section):

  – Back/Roof Section: Change to Soft Lilac.

  – Front Section: Change to Sage Green (as seen on the right side of the image). You will need to use intarsia crochet or sew panels together to get this split color effect. Alternatively, make the whole top Lilac and sew a Sage Green panel overlay on the front wall.

• Window Cutouts: Create square window openings on both the Lilac side and the Sage Green side.

Panel B: Interior (Cream)

• Use Cream yarn for a bright, clean interior. Match dimensions and window gaps.

Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas strip (with window holes).
• Sandwich canvas between Panel A and Panel B.
• Join: Sc around the perimeter. Use a contrasting Cream or Sage Green yarn to create a thick border around the large open side opening.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape. Sew bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Side Wall (Closed Side): Make a solid sandwich panel (Deep Violet bottom, Lilac top) to close the non-open side.

3. Window Details

• Frames: Cream. Sc around the raw window edges. Work (Sc, Ch 1, Sc) in corners to keep them square. Add a second round of Hdc to make the frame thick and “wooden” looking.
• Curtains: Lilac. Ch 10. Dc 6 rows. Tie in the center with a piece of purple yarn. Glue inside the windows.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 2: Shabby Chic Interior

Use Hook Size: 1.5mm – 2.5mm.

1. Vintage White Dresser

Use 2.5mm Hook and White yarn.

• Body: Ch 12. Sc 10 rows. Sandwich with plastic canvas to make a rigid box.
• Top: Ch 14. Sc 4 rows. Make it slightly wider than the body (countertop overhang).
• Drawers: Surface slip stitch rectangles on the front to outline drawers. Sew tiny silver beads as handles.
• Decor: Place a tiny white “ceramic” vase (MR 4 sc, BLO sc up) on top.

2. Lattice-Back Chair

Use 1.5mm Hook and White yarn. Rigid structure needed.

• Seat: Ch 6. Sc 6 rows. Square.
• Legs: Ch 4 tight tubes. Make 4.
• Backrest:

  Row 1: Ch 6. Sc across.

  Row 2: *Ch 2, Sk 1, Dc* (Mesh stitch).

  Row 3: Sc across top.

  Stiffen with glue and sew to the seat. Place a tiny Purple cushion on it.

3. Hanging Lavender Bunches

Use 1.0mm Hook.

• Bunch: Use Green for stems. Cut 5-6 short wires (1 inch).

  Flowers: Dip the tips in glue and wrap with Purple nubby yarn OR crochet tiny bobbles (Ch 2, puff st) at the ends.

• Assembly: Tie the stems together with a piece of twine. Make 3 bunches. Glue them upside down to the interior ceiling.

Part 3: The Silver Bicycle & Accessories

Use 1.0mm Hook.

1. The Silver Bicycle

• Frame: Cut craft wire to form the diamond shape of a bike frame.

  Crochet Cover: Using Silver/Grey yarn, crochet tight chains or tubes (4 sc round) and slide them over the wire frame.

• Wheels:

  Tire: Black. Ch 15 circle. Sc around.

  Spokes: Use Silver thread to stitch a star pattern inside the tire. Make 2. Attach to frame.

• Handlebars & Seat: Shape wire. Cover handlebars in Silver, seat in Purple.
• Bike Basket: Silver/Grey. MR 5 sc. BLO Sc 3 rounds. Attach to front handlebars.

  Fill: Fill with tiny Lavender sprigs (Green stems, Purple knot flowers).

2. Floor Basket with Soaps

• Basket: Tan/Beige. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. BLO Sc 4 rounds. Handle: Ch 10.
• Soaps: Pastel Pink, Blue, White.

  Pattern: Ch 4. Sc 3 rows. Sew into tiny cubes. Stack inside the basket.

Part 4: Exterior Details & Assembly

1. Exterior Floral Embellishments

• Vines: Green. Ch 30. Sc back down.

  Flowers: Tiny Pink and Purple knots sewn along the vine.

  Placement: Glue these vines climbing the corners of the caravan exterior for a cottage feel.

2. Wheels

Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Tire: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 2 rounds.
• Hubcap: Silver. MR 6 sc.
• Sew to sides in the Deep Violet section.

3. Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the U-shell is sturdy. The color blocking (Purple/Lilac/Sage) should be neat. Use the cream trim to hide any rough edges around the opening.
2. Interior Staging:
   • Glue the White Dresser against the back wall.
   • Place the Lattice Chair angled near the opening.
   • Ensure the Hanging Lavender is secure on the ceiling.
3. Exterior Scene:
   • Lean the Silver Bicycle against the front/side wall.
   • Place the Basket of Soaps on the ground near the door.

Congratulations! You have created “The Lavender Provence” Retreat. This peaceful, aromatic sanctuary is a beautiful addition to your miniature collection.