Showing posts with label Ravelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ravelry. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Blanket Statement

I first learned to crochet when I was 12.  My mom would make those funky ("funky" in a good way) ripple afghans and they were remarkably cozy and practical.  I watched her and picked up on the double stitch ripple groove and made about 10 afghans one year.  Sadly, after compulsive coverlet creating, I kind of fizzled out and focused on smaller projects for the next few decades.

"Citrus Rose"
Several weeks ago, our younger daughter asked me to crochet a blanket for her.  I thought, "why not?" We looked over some ideas on Ravelry and we always love the beautiful designs and ideas from Lucy of Attic 24.  We went with the Granny Stripe Blanket.  After the initial 2 starting rows, which are mostly just long and a bit boring, the rest is a breeze!  There are so many options here.  You can go crazy with color or keep it refined.  You can crochet lengthwise or widthwise, depending on how you want your stripes to run.  I went with assorted colors from my cotton Sugar N' Cream stash, we call the finished product "Citrus Rose."  For the edging, I used a basic shell stitch.  

"Violet Bluebell"

Of course, our older daughter wanted one immediately after feeling the airy, yet cozy softness of the triple-crocheted granny stripe stitch. Since she loves blues, I went with a cooler-hued stash to create "Violet Bluebell."  I used a different edging here, I'm not sure what the appropriate name for it is.  Basically, I start with a shell stitch and add a picot stitch to the middle of the shell.  

These blankets are perfect for this time of year, especially when they are made of cotton yarn.  You could also use a double stitch as opposed to triple, to create a slightly tighter feel to the blanket.  Thicker, woolier yarn would also add warmth, if you need that.  


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Crochet Persuasion

It's not often that I purchase an entire book of crochet patterns... NEW!  Usually I look for crochet books at used book stores or the library, or I purchase individual patterns from Etsy.  Well... USUALLY I look for free patterns, but I seldom hesitate to purchase a pattern if it looks well-written.

I found this book on Amazon today, Austentatious Crochet:  36 Contemporary Designs from the world of Jane Austen by Melissa Horozewski.  My first project will be the "Eat Your Heart Out Willoughby" sweater!



"Eat Your Heart Out Willoughby" sweater
"Becoming Jane" sweater - free pattern here!




















The "Becoming Jane" sweater (the green one) is also quite beautiful and it happens to be available for FREE on this blog.

Jane Bennet skirt
"A Ball at Netherfield" sweater








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