Patterns, projects and techniques
SO, HERE THE FIRST QUESTION FOR JANUARY, 2010. If you don’t know how the blogtest works, please refer to my blog post of January 2, 2010 for all the rules.
WHAT IS YOUR CROCHET GOAL FOR 2010?
Be sure to post an answer ON THIS BLOG IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. Do not send an email to me or respond elsewhere if you want to be counted as an entry.
And, oh, yeah. The first prize is this sweet little book:
What a sweet little deal!
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.
For 2010, my goals are to do everything in the CALs that I have joined – at least 10 shawls, 10 12×12 inch blocks, at least 1 class a month at HPKCHC, etc.
Oh, and to do at least three skirts for me, while trying not to stress out about my son (who is currently deployed in SW Asia).
Starting the projects is not the problem, finishing them is…oh, and trying to do the majority from my stash.
I just found amigurumi…I’ve been out of crocheting for a while. Last year I crocheted 3 animals for TheToySociety toy drops, this year my goal is to do at least one a month to continue the drops.
Finishing at least one small project a month and FINALLY making something for myself a sweater and a new bedspread. Oh ya and finishing this fine crochet bedspead that I have been working on for TEN YEARS!!! Time to get going on that I think.
My crochet goal is to learn to crochet!
I have the basics down but just can’t seem to make the stitches consistent. So I usually give up and knit instead.
My crochet goal is to use up all the yarn in my stash (which is outta control!!!) and to make and finish at least one project every month. I also want to learn tunisian crochet.
My crochet goal for 2010 is to learn how to read crochet ‘patterns’. I want to learn the lingo well enough to complete projects, right now I just know a few stitches here and there.
I goal is to finish a sweater I started in Feb, 2006 for my DIL. I was about 2/3 done when I had a stroke. I was spared any physical damage but the brain is another thing! I was immediately able to crochet but couldn’t read/understand patterns. I’ve slowly worked my way back and am ready to tackle this again. I want to have it done for her birthday Feb 15. Then I’ll start on other UFOs.
I’ve thought quite a bit about what I want to resolve to do with my crochet. Eventually, I really want to turn my crafting into a legit business (not just the odd contract piece). So, I’m resolving to work on perfecting techniques and finishing–to really give my work that extra “something.”
Actually, this is going to sound weird.My 2 year old grandson is totally in to ROBOTS! MY daughter had just done a painting of one for his room, and I commented that I had to find a pattern to crochet one for him. So that was my immediate goal.
I want to make a teddy bear for my son, who is turning 1 this week. A quality-looking 10″ or so sized one that can be his “Forever Teddy.” If you know where I can find a good pattern, just let me know. Thanks! Happy crocheting!
My goal is to get my nine year old daughter hooked on crochet. Actually…any of my children, but I’ve been softening her up. Now I’ve just got to grasp that hook and show her how much fun it can be.
My crochet goal for 2010 is basically threefold. 1. To finish off the projects that are lying around almost finished. 2. To make more baby outfits for the charity that I belong to. 3. To really make an effort to do some Tunisian crochet and do it properly and finish it.
My crochet goal for 2010 is to complete one amigurumi character a month.
crochet goals: finish daughter black & gray afghan; design &make son’s purple, black & red afghan; make slipper socks for everyone’s Christmas visit; make bed slippers for hubby; Make 2 shawls/month for church charity project; Design & make dresses for large porcelian dolls-showcase items; join CGOA & take master crochet course.
For 2010, I have promised myself that I will stop making things for me that I won’t wear. I find enticing frilly things that I just love, make them, and then am not comfortable wearing them. I will continue taking those ‘unwearables’ apart and making something that I will use with the yarn. I really hate wasting yarn!
My crochet goal in 2010 is to learn how to crochet! I’ve been admiring other people’s beautiful works for a couple of months now, and I think it’s time that I learn it myself!
My crochet goals for 2010 are to finish an afghan by joining a block-a-month group, creating my own patterns, and making things for myself as well as others.
My goal for 2010 is to make more presents for my family crocheting or knitting. Also to make more items for myself.
I will finally get back to crocheting once my wrist has healed. I will finish my daughters afghan that’s 2/3 of the way complete & also continue crocheting the scarfs for the caritas men that my church supports.
My goal this year is to crochet enough items to have for a booth at a yearly craft fair held every November here. Plus, my sister-in-law is pushing me to sell my crocheted items and write down my patterns. Lol, looks like a busy year for me.
I’m 8 months pregnant and so my crochet goal is to make something for baby this year!
I recently moved from Canada to Austria, so my 2010 goal is to learn to read crochet patterns in German to be better able to make use of all the resources here.
Goals… I have some but I am not exactly sure what they are… they are more like vague ideas on where I want my life to go… things like I want to make more time to crochet and paint and design jewelry… but I have to finish all the UFO’s first, then the WIP’s, then get the craft room organized after I figure out what I’m keeping and where I’ll put it…
So I guess my goal is to make some time every day to work toward these things… maybe one day I’ll crochet, one day make jewelry, one day go thru my stash of fabrics… but if I tackle a little every day after a while my goals will be accomplished.
My crochet goal for 2010 is to keep learning new patterns and stitches. I also want to finish a sweater set for my grandnephew who is going to be born around August
My goal is to continue busting my stash by making cat beds for a local rescue group.
My crochet goal is to finish a NY Yankees afghan I just started and to start making patterns that are in the intermediate category and get away from simply single and double crochet projects.
My goal for this year, is to quit work, and crochet for my home. I have so many places in my home begging to be crocheted for. I have started to lay awake at night thinking of things I can crochet for each and every room. I think I have some crochet illness. I’m sure you all must have the same condition.
My main goal right now is to finish my first afghan ever! I haven’t ever made one, it seems like such a huge project but I chose a good one I think. I’m doing the sampler afghan 6401. Yippie! I’m working on the third block now 🙂 It’s only 48 total (only.. heehee)
So I’ll make a blanket and get to practice 48 ways of stitches!
Here’s the pattern I’m doing
http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/afghan-patterns/vol64-no6401
My goals are twofold:
1. Finish my middle son’s afghan-in-progress
2. For new projects, crochet only from stash (with a near-certain falling off the wagon at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival)
My crochet goal this year is to crochet at least 6 items. I work fulltime and have a 7 year old daughter who is into activities and homework so my crochet time is very limited. I have already begun by crocheting a Granny Square Christmas Tree (pic on Crochet Partners), I’m working on a caplet now for my daughter’s fist communion in March and I want to make some things for me. So, for me this is a big goal
My goal is to finish the afghan that I had started for my husband to give to my grandson since my husband passed away on January 6, 2010 and this little guy will never know his papa.
I’ve had a Babette in my queue waiting to be hooked seems like forever. I’ve got the yarn, and have started working on a few squares. Let’s see if 2010 is the year I finally finish an afghan.
I intend to finish the Dale Earnhardt afghan (so much larger than an afghan) that I originally started 3 years ago.
I just started learning crochet at the end of 2009 and when my best friend found out she said she wanted me to crochet her a waistcoat for Christmas 2010. So that is my goal to be able to crochet her waistcoat by this coming Christmas 🙂 Eek!
Hi , my goal is to to teach as much and to as many as possible the dying art of crochet . I also want to distrbute maximum profit to each one of my NGO girls for all the hard work they put in . So guys , please pray that all our exhibitions here in India area a roaring success !!
To feel more in control, proficient, comfortable with it. I still feel like i am stumbling around, or guessing. But with the help of the internet and a few good books with photos i am getting htere!
My goal for 2010 is to use all the Red Heart Super Saver yarn (tubs full) that is not soft enough for hats, scarves, afghans, etc. BEFORE I buy any more yarn! I inherited the yarn from my mother and sister and feel guilty every time I buy other yarn to make a project.
I want to make my daughter a doll afghan — shouldn’t take long!
I would love to learn more than just the basics of crochet.