Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

CROCHET! MAG SCORES AGAIN!!!

by

The Autumn, 2011 issue of Crochet! Magazine has some fantastic designs in it.  The cover indicates 32 new designs – and they’re all in there.  But, I’m usually unimpressed with the number of patterns that actually interest me.  In this issue, there are FOUR designs that I am buying the yarn for and several more that are on my WIM list.

 

First, the cover design, the Floral Fantasy Shawl designed by Theresa Kehrer.  This deliciously colored shawl uses Mini Mochi, one of my favorite yarns.  Since I’m not a huge fan of joining motifs, this is on my WIM list – and will be on yours too!

TURNING LEAVES SCARF

A smaller motif pattern that will probably be the first from this issue that I actually crochet is the Turning Leaves Scarf, also by Theresa Kehrer.  The person I have in mind to make it for is a November birthday and is allergic to wool.  I’ll be on the lookout for the perfect non-wool yarn in the scrumptious colors chosen by Kehrer for this simple but stunning design.

For myself, I’ll be making the Blue Waters Vest from Caron.  This is the narrow-shouldered vest pattern I’ve been looking for.  The pattern calls for Caron Spa which is a light DK weight acrylic/bamboo yarn, using a G hook for this project.  I’m thinking I might try it in Caron Simply Soft to see how it works out.  It’ll be a perfect topper over my winter tops for the office.

VICTORIAN ORNAMENTS AFGHAN

I love the look of the Victorian Ornaments Afghan designed by Kate Steinke.  The combination of a sort of retro motif shape with current bright colors really makes the motifs pop.

Also on my to-do list are the Rings Around Necklace by Lisa Gentry, the Lace Collar Cardigan by Margaret Willson, and the elegantly simple Noche Buena Christmas Ornament by Bendy Carter.  I can make a BUNCH of these in all the colors of sparkly yarn I have in my stash.  Thanks, Bendy!

BENDY CARTER’S NOCHE BUENA ORNAMENT

Do yourself a favor and find an issue of this magazine if you’re not a subscriber.  It’s a keeper!

Comments

  2. I am so glad you like the designs published in Crochet. If you are interested in making the Turning Leaves Scarf in a non wool yarn, I suggest using cotton thread. Universal Yarn has a lovely collection of #10 threads in their Nazli Gelin collection. You could achieve a very similar scarf with those lovely threads. I would choose several different colors and alternate them.

    Good luck!

    Theresa

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.