Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet A Solution

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Here are two nifty ideas, one is a storage solution and one is to solve a home decor issue.  I hope you’ll find both to be helpful.

I like this simple to construct hanger for storing your scarves.  It’s constructed of a clothes hanger and some cardboard.  I think it would look even better if the circles were covered with crochet rather than the fabric strips its designer .  It wouldn’t be difficult and would greatly improve the appearance.  What do you think?

Scarf Hanger

 

 

This idea is one that is easily adaptable to anyone’s decor.  You just have to pick the colors and maybe the motifs that suit you better.  But the directions and ideas will work with any curtains.

Curtain Tie Back

Another idea for crafting curtain tie backs is to use memory wire usually sold in craft stores in the jewelry supply section.  It’s nice to add a few shanked buttons with your crochet motifs in creating your tie back.  Memory wire comes in a variety of sizes – rings, bracelets, necklaces – and in round and oval.  It cuts easily with tin snips or a pair of rough use scissors.  It’s inexpensive and available at many craft stores.  This one is from Joanns.com:

Memory Wire

 

Comments

  1. I agree, jd, that the scarf hanger is a great idea and would be even better in crochet. One could use one pound coffee can lids or similar and cut out the center and crochet around them. I have lots and lots of scarves, including many I’ve crocheted so I think I might give this a try!

  2. JD. girl you have just solved one huge problem for me! I’ve been reorganizing drawers in my bedroom and accessories (belts, scarves) are a huge storage problem right now! I simply have nowhere to put them. This is a beautiful idea, and I am going to work on designing my own “flavor” hopefully starting tomorrow! Careful girl, you may have just started me down a whole new rabbit trail! Thanks!!!

  3. Yeah! And to think, it can really be a stash buster too!! And coordinate the scarf to the hoop color and makes where does it go question easy to answer.

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.