Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

CROCHET WISHES AND DREAMS

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Some times you just need some downtime on the computer to get some crochet inspiration.  There are lots of delicious blogs full of tempting projects.  There are write-ups of books and magazines.  There are oodles of free pattern sites to peruse.  But, I’ve found a site that is a treasure trove of crochet goodies of all sorts to dig through for ideas, news, and inspiration.  Have you seen this one?

In addition to all the items they offer for sale, there is a huge index of their previously published Newsletters.  This is the goldmine of crochet inspiration and a good place to spend some time just surfing through – crochet wishes and dreams, I call it.  Kinda’ like my mom describes the old Sears Catalog of her youth.  She and her sister would spend hours looking at all the goodies available in the Sears Catalog (long since defunct), dreaming of all the pretty clothes, toys, games, etc. and wishing for Santa or the Fairy Godmother to bring them to their house!  These newsletters give me that same sensation. Click here to see the Newsletter Index.  There are years and years of archived newsletters, so be prepared to while away your afternoon or evening!

Don’t neglect the rest of the site.  There’s plenty of goodies to view.  They do ship internationally, so if you find something special there, you can fulfill your wish or dream.

Comments

  1. Not really crochet related, but I beg to differ about the “defunct” Sears Catalogue – here in Canada we still get regular catalogues, and kids still love the Christmas Wish Book (the big one with lots of toys) that comes out in August, if I recall correctly. Then there’s a big fall + winter catalogue, and a spring + summer catalogue, with smaller sales catalogues about once a month. I have a stack of them on my coffee table, and I still like to peruse and dream.

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.