Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet Link – Link To Link Party

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Link parties are cropping up all over the net, so I thought I’d host one here.  This one is limited to crochet – and to your original design(s).  You don’t need to have a pattern available – although everyone will ask!  The idea is for us to see all the wonderful crochet designs that are being created daily in the family rooms and kitchens and waiting rooms all over the world!  I know you have them, those things you’ve dreamt up yourself, freeformed, or dramatically altered from an existing pattern.  If you did start with a published pattern (free or not), please credit the original designer.

So here’s your chance to grab your few minutes of internet fame!  In the Comments Section below, just post a link to your design.  It must have a picture.  Otherwise how will we be able to see how cool it is?  So, get busy photographing and posting.  I can’t wait to see all the crochet goodies.

The doily pictured here is NOT my own design, but it is Sheila of Sheila’s Schnauzzie’s original pattern, so I’m posting it here for her – because it’s my favorite doily pattern ever!  I’ve made a bunch of doilies, but not original designs.  To get to this pattern (only free until about June, 2012), go to the page, then scroll down to Pond Lilly No. 1 .  Hope you enjoy making it as much as I did!

Now, it’s your turn.  Post away!

Comments

  8. a few things I’ve designed, and more I am working on, problem is, I don’t have a website, a blog or anything like that. Wouldn’t even know where to begin. Another problem is trying to the upkeep, since I really don’t like being on computer that much, and having to write something daily, Yikes, all my free time would go to the blog, and not crocheting. Also, having to take pictures and post them to the blog, another thing I don’t know how to do.

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.