FIBER FESTIVAL 2009

Samples of Yarn Entered in the Yarn Competition 2009 MO Fiber Retreat

The past three years, DJ and I have attended the Missouri Fiber Festival in Jefferson City, MO in March. This year, through a series of circumstances that made getting away that particular weekend difficult for both of us, we decided to delay our excursion til this coming weekend. We missed the Fiber Festival.

Each year, the Fiber Festival, presented by the University of Missouri Extension Center, offers classes in a variety of fiber related arts and crafts. There is knitting, weaving, tatting, dyeing, felting, preparing wool from shearing to yarn, beading, and other classes. Crochet usually gets short shrift here. DJ and I know and accept this, although not without complaint.

After each class, the teachers pass out evaluation sheets for the classes. After each day’s events, there are evaluation sheets to be completed by all who attend. Each year, I carefully write down our strong desire to have crochet classes. I’d like to see a cable class. I’d like to see Entrelac taught. I’d like to see courses on crochet pattern design. I’d like to see crochet and crocheters treated as first class. Apparently, this is not forthcoming.

So, who loses? Well, this year, the folks at the Fiber Festival didn’t get a penny from DJ or me. We chose to turn our annual Fiber Festival into a Women’s Weekend Out and will teach ourselves a new technique. When we’re not applying ourselves to the tasks at hand, we’ll be haunting the great thrift stores in Jeff (as we locals refer to our state capitol) and consuming far too many pancakes and ice cream cones.

Classes or not, I’m really looking forward to this weekend. I’ve lined up my book, my yarn and hooks, a pattern I want to work on, and plenty of cash to indulge myself with a few crochet-related goodies and hidden treasures only to be found (in my price range) at the thrift store.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

This Free Whip It Up Crochet Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like pure comfort crochet. It is a free download for a crochet afghan, and Mary Maxim describes it as a beautifully textured blanket with a plush, soft texture designed to be worked up quickly.

The yarn choice is what really sets the tone here. This pattern uses Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, with 5 skeins and a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That puts it firmly in the jumbo-yarn category, which usually means fast progress, chunky stitches, and that lovely instant-gratification feeling where the blanket actually starts looking like a blanket very quickly. Mary Maxim lists the yarn as weight 7 jumbo.

The finished size is also generous at 52 x 60 inches, so this is more than a tiny lap throw. It sounds like a proper snuggle-on-the-sofa blanket, and one that would make a nice gift as well. Mary Maxim specifically suggests it as a throw for home décor or as a thoughtful handmade present.

Skill-wise, this one looks very approachable. The page lists it as Beginner / Easy, and the stitch requirements are simple: chain, double crochet, repeat, single crochet, and slip knot. That makes it a good option for newer crocheters who want a chunky blanket project without too much fuss, or for more experienced crocheters who just want something relaxing and cozy on the hook.

I also think this is the kind of pattern that has strong appeal for anyone who likes fast, useful projects. Jumbo yarn blankets are not subtle, but that is part of their charm. They feel squishy, dramatic, and very giftable. Sometimes you want a delicate heirloom project, and sometimes you want a big soft blanket that feels like crocheting with a cloud. This one definitely leans toward the second category. That last part is my take based on the listed materials, size, and description.

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