Crochet

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It’s Bastille Day. Crochet Something!

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crochet signet ring free pattern

http://www.stitch-story.com/2012/09/crochet-signet-ring.html

Ok.  Most of the world does not celebrate Bastille Day – the French version of the USA Independence Day on July 4 is their July 14 Bastille Day.  How do I know this?  Once upon a time, I majored in French for 3 of my 4 years of undergraduate college.  The things you didn’t know about me…..

While I was wandering through the internet looking for French crochet, I ran across this wonderful article about crochet and Paris.  How apt!  On the same blog, I found this cool Signet Ring Pattern.  I can see this over sized ring finding its way to the hand of many a fair young princess, can’t you?

The story about crochet in Paris, complete with a picture of a unique crochet gift can be seen here.  Très charmant!  (Hope I got that right!)  The last time I was in Paris (sounds like a song title, right?) in 2001, I purchased a lovely and very dressy crocheted scarf – worked in black thread with gold metallic accents.  It cost a small fortune and I ended up gifting it to someone as I never wore it.  On the flight home from Paris, I crocheted a wonderful freeform heart piece that I ended up giving to someone as a housewarming gift.  So, I have no Paris crochet of my own –  and no pictures.

So, in honor of our French amies (and amis), I suggest you visit Shelby Allaho’s blog where you can see some French crochet, read about what sounds like a great crochet book (Le Crochet), and maybe work up your own Signet Ring too.

 

 

Comments

  1. naturally like your website however you need to check the spelling on several of your
    posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth
    on the other hand I will certainly come back again.

  3. As if spelling is our biggest worries in our lives!!! I usually blame it on the computer or the spell checker or both! I would not know of any country’s holiday as I don’t generally rem’ber our own unless it hits me in the face. But, since I will never get a chance to visit other places, I like to see about them! I’m headed there now. P.S. That was nice of you on those 2 gifts! Hugs!

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.