Monday, May 26, 2014

Lacy Trellis Blanket - Free Pattern

The Lacy Trellis Blanket was obvious after so many ponchos.



The beauty of this blanket is that it uses less yarn than a granny stripe.  I finished this blanket (a twin size blanket) with 6 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver.  That includes the scallop border I designed on the vertical edges!

Because this blanket is so open, I used the Double Knot method when I changed colors.  It was miraculous!  With a little trial and error, I managed to get the join to completely hide my join knots.


Supplies: 

Worsted weight yarn (Red Heart Super Saver)
I Hook
**Notice I'm not including a tapestry needle.  No need with the Double Knot method!

Pattern: 

Chain: a multiple of 8 plus 5 more chains.  I started mine with 181 chains.

Row 1:  Single crochet (SC) in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn.  (180 SC)

Row 2:  Chain 3.  Skip 3 SC and double crochet (DC) 3 times in the next SC. *Chain three, skip 3 SC, and SC in the next SC.  Chain 2, skip 3 SC and DC 3 times in the next SC.*  Repeat from * to * ending with 3 DC in the final stich of the row.  Chain 3 and turn.

Row 3: DC 3 times in the first chain 2 space from the previous row. *Chain 3, SC in the top of the first DC in the next cluster.  Chain 2, 3 DC in the next chain 2 space.* Repeat from * to * across. Chain 3. Turn.


Row 4: Repeat Row 3

Continue repeating Row 3 until your piece measures your desired height.

Final row:  To make the end of the blanket match the beginning, we are going to do a row of solid stitches.  In the last row, you finished with a 3 DC cluster. Chain 1, SC in each of the DCs in the cluster.  1 HDC in the chain 2 space.  1 HDC in the top of the SC.  2 HDC in the chain 3 space.  Continue across with 1 SC in each of the 3 DCs, 1 HDC in the chain 2 space, 1 HDC in the SC, 2 HDC in the chain 3 space across. If you find that this row is starting to ripple, you may need to only crochet 1 HDC in the chain 3 space.  It really depends on your tension.

Finish with your preference of border!  My scallop border on the sides can be found in the comments below.

Upside down, but this shows the scallop border I added to the vertical sides.  No border was used on the horizontal sides.

Work in Progress - Vintage Color Inspired Blanket

I've been working on two separate patterns for ponchos using the Lacy Trellis pattern but the math is being elusive and annoying.  To take a break, I decided to work on something I promised a friend a very long time ago: her very own blanket.  She told me that she had very specific colors in mind: vintage farmhouse colors.  I have no idea what that means, but to her that means avocado green, pumpkin orange, mustard yellow, turquoise, and cherry red.  She left the design to me but told me that she really likes granny squares and ripple blankets.  I decided to go with a hybrid pattern.

Okay, don't hate me.

It's a Lacy Trellis blanket.

I know.

Here's what I have so far.


In reality, the colors are deeper than what this picture shows.  I'm debating whether to keep going in a rainbow pattern or to get a little crazy and mix it up a bit.

Let's turn it on its side and see what it looks like:


I think everyone has a pattern they love, a pattern that gives them lots of pleasure.  This pattern is the one for me.  Maybe it is the chain between the granny clusters that gives the extra space and makes the rows fly by.  I don't know.  It just makes me so very happy!

I'm about 35 or so rows in with about triple that left to go.  I'll post when it is all done!

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Baby Blanket Patterns Galore!

I want to make everyone of these!



If you have a baby blanket (or two or three) to make, check out Oombowka Designs blog for links to 50 free baby blanket patterns, including my Easy Car Seat Blanket.


Visit Oombowka Designs to see all the great designs!
http://www.oombawkadesigncrochet.com/2014/05/50-free-crochet-baby-blanket-patterns-fcpf.html