Monday, September 23, 2013

The Crochet Comeback

Hey there!

I'm finally back with the one thing that this blog was supposed to be about: Crochet! And today I'm going to show you not one, not two, no - I'm going to show you three new WIPs I've got on my hooks!!

Let's start with something that I have already posted on Facebook last week:

I had a whole lot of "likes" for this projects, and I'm glad you all seem to like this pattern as much as I do. It's called "Dots and Dashes Crochet Throw" and it's available as a free download on Red Heart!

The original pattern is for three colors, but I'm using four colors of the fabulous Stylecraft Special DK: Cream, Saffron, Spring Green and Shrimp. Since I'm not planning to make a full-size throw but only a baby blanket, it should be finished pretty soon.

I had started this project with yarn that I already had in my stash, and of course it wasn't enough, so I had to re-order. While waiting, I already started the next blanket with my all-time favorite double-ended crochet pattern that I had already used for my own Magic Blanket and my Mom's Christmas Blanket:

The yarn is Stylecraft Special DK, too, and the colors are Candy Floss and Bright Pink. The reversible effect looks good with these colors, don't you think? I've got the pattern in my "Crochet Master Class" book, but as I had already mentioned the last time I used this pattern, there is a free version on Woman's Day. (But keep in mind, that you need a double-ended crochet hook for this technique!)


And since all good things come in threes, here's my third BIP (Blanket in Progress):


This is a pattern I've been dying to try for a long time! It's a vintage ripple pattern by Churchmouse Yarn and Teas and available for sale on Ravelry. Although I like the pattern a lot, I'm not completely satisfied with my color-choice here: the contrast between Cream and Pomegranate (also Stylecraft DK) looks great, but then I switched to lighter colors (Candy Floss and Sherbet), and I'm not happy with the contrast here at all! I might start this one all over again with different colors, we'll see!

So, now maybe you wonder, why I'm working on three blankets at the same time, but the answer is quite simple: I've finally decided to open my own Etsy-Shop sometime soon, and I need some highlights for the grand opening. Right now I can't tell when I'm going to open the shop, but first I need some more things to fill the shelves, right?

By the way: have you noticed the new design on my blog and Facebook-page? I feel like I needed a new start after several months of crochet abstinence, and a new look is always a good idea. So in case you might have worried that this blog is dead - it's definitely very much alive, and I hope you'll check back soon, to see what else I've got on my hooks... you didn't really think I'm only working on blankets, did you? ;)



27 comments:

  1. Lovely blankets! I really like those colors together :-)

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  2. Loving your blankets, especially Dots and Dashes
    Sally :) xxx

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  3. Loved the dots and dashes blanket. The colors really pop and would brighten up any living room! All the best for your etsy shop and may you have a lovely new adventure with it!!

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  4. Gorgeous Barbara! Love your cheery colors!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Have a great week!
    Diana

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  5. Oh my gorgeous! I've made the Churchhouse as well and it's been on my mind to order some blanket quantity to make another one this fall...just a few more Christmas gifts to get done first.

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  6. All such lovely work Barbara. The dots and dashes is so serene looking with those colours.

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  7. Lovely blankets !! :) best wishes for your etsy shop!!

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  8. good work!!!!!!
    all the best for your easy shop!!!!
    xxxxx Ale

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  9. All 3 of your blankets are beautiful - I love your color choices. I'll have to try that vintage ripple pattern sometime soon. Have a great day Barbara. :)

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  10. Beautiful blankets Barbara, my favourite s the dots and dashes it's beautiful! working three at a time is quite normal for me, I like to have the variety or I get bored. I love your new changes too, it's nice to have you back and posting again. :)

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  11. Your projects are all very pretty. You chose such pretty colors for each one. Best wishes on your new adventure. Heather

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  12. Lovely blankets I love the colours of the first one, lots of luck with the Esty shop.
    Clare x
    http://summerhousebythesea.blogspot.co.uk/.

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  13. There you are!! Missed you around :-) Glorious WIPs, can't wait to see more progress.
    Esther.

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  14. Your work is beautiful as always. Love the colors of the Dots and Dashes throw. Hey, guess what! I am planning on opening an Etsy shop too. Lets us hope it is as exciting and fruitful as we wish.
    Regards

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  15. Loving your BIPs!!! What fabulous colours and stitches. Must get myself some stylecraft...
    Good luck with your Etsy shop, too!
    Sarah x

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  16. The projects look lovely and the new website design is very cheery.

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  17. can you please point me to the pattern for the double ended hook blanket.

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    1. Oh, it seems that the color I've picked for my links isn't too good to recognize, sorry! Just click on the words "Woman's Day" in the article above, and it brings you directly to the pattern!

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  18. I really like the Dots & Dashes - nice colour combination, and stitch - haven't seen it yet.

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  19. LOVE the dots and dashes one! I'm such a noob though, I've not a clue as how to incorporate a 4th color and still follow the pattern? Any tips? Maybe I should just break down and take a class. *sigh*

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  20. I just love your work, especially the Dots & Dashes blanket. Did you carry your yarn?

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  21. Barbara....
    I have been searching for years for the pattern my aunt used for a baby blanket she gave me for my eldest daughter years ago. I believe your version is the closest I have seen.

    I did try the free Woman's Day Baby Blanket pattern but it does not look like the bright pink you show on this page. The blanket you show looks just like the one my aunt made; it looks like either double crochets or large hook single crochets. Is the blanket you show truly a different pattern than the Woman's Day version? I am so confused...I love the pattern so much and want to create the same one for my grandson. Thank you for your time.

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  22. Beautiful... love them all. Glad I found you. Karen xxx

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  23. Artistic vision. You have it! I adore every single blanket you shared on this post! But, accentuating your talent, is the first blanket. The Red Heart pattern. Dots and dashes, or vice versa. The photo on Red Hearts site would have never caught my attention. Never. But you saw something that could be created by adding 1 more color. And your use of those colors created a beautiful, stunning whole new look that WOULD catch my attention. I wish I understood color use the way yourself and other fabulous bloggers share! We need a blog that instructs us in how to use color to creat visual effects in crochet. Welcome back to blogging about crochet!

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  24. Im trying to find the pattern to your pink and white blanket you made with double ended hook. My aunt gave me a pattern similar to this one, but sadly i have misplaced it. Thank you 😊
    Carol

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