Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

A MAGAZINE WITH GREAT GIFT IDEAS

by

The latest issue of Interwearve Crochet Accessories (special Issue 1010) is on the newsstands now and is FULL of wonderful ideas that will make fantastic gifts for those special people in your life!

There are lots of very attractive caps, scarves, and fingerless mitts in this issue.  Lots of color.  Gifts for all ages.  I especially like the looks of the Fancy Neck Wrap designed by Sheryl Means, stash-busting Carmen’s Jazz Scarf (on the cover) by Sue B. Balcom, and the yummy Victorian-influenced neckwarmer called Sarah’s Steampunk Collar.  There are cute, cute fingerless mitts to match this collar!

Other winners include Laura’s Lacy Mittens (with a sort of windowpane design), the adorable Molly’s Mukluks (for tykes) by Toni Rexroat, and Audrey’s Lace Cap by Linda Price.

You’ll find plenty of other bags, scarves, caps, socks, and handy tips in this nifty collection.  I got mine at Joann’s with a coupon, so it was an even greater value at 40% off!

Comments

  1. This is the first accessories/gifts issue of a crochet magazine that has multiple things I’d make. There’s some really nice stuff and enough variety to make it worth having. I got it Sunday and won’t let myself look at it again until I finish the scarf I’m working on.

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.