I’ve finally finished the crochet blanket that I have been working on for the last few months. I’ve been sharing updates on Instagram from time to time, and a few weeks back I decided that I would enter it into the local show (which is on this weekend). Nothing like announcing a deadline to get yourself into gear. Despite the busyness of work, the hot weather (crocheting a woolen blanket in the 35*c heat isn’t ideal), and running out of the aquamarine yarn halfway through the border, I did it with a week to spare!
I found the pattern on Pinterest, but I’m not sure what the design is called. I have seen it called a globetrotter blanket or block stitch afghan; both names sound good to me. Basically the blanket is made by crocheting alternate stripes. The first stripe is just two chain stitches followed by a double stitch to anchor it to the previous row (I did this in the aquamarine yarn). The second stripe is like a granny square with three triple stitches over each of the two chain stitches. You just keep going to the desired length and width It really is so easy to complete. You can see the pattern here or here.
Once I had finished the basic blanket, I did three of rows of double crochets around the edge to smooth out the rougher edges, and then did a scalloped edge. by doing five triple crochets into the same stitch. It took several goes, experimenting, and several tutorials to work out the best way to do it, but I’m super happy with the final result!
I made it using a mixture Bendigo Woolen Mill’s luxury wool range in 8 ply (my favourite to use), and also their classic range – also in 8 ply. Not sure why I did that. Possibly because I already had the wool, and was too impatient to wait for more to come. I used less than a quarter of a ball each of Lotus, Sunrise, and Cream in the luxury range, and about the same in Red Berry, Mulberry, and Lipstick Rose from the classic range. Clearly it isn’t ideal to use two different yarn types, but the rug seems to have turned out fine. For the aqua blue flecks and border I used aquamarine, also in 8 ply from the luxury range. I had already used some of the ball in another project, so I think a whole 200g ball should do it nicely. Once again I also used my favourite 5mm hook. I’m nothing, if not predictable.
Next up, I’ve got my hands on some Bendigo cotton blend yarn and I’m going to have a go at some beanies for the kids. Who knows what I’ll do after that!
Got any good crochet projects for me to try?
