Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Light And Lovely Spring Crochet

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cro necklace 1213

I’ve seen necklaces like this before but have never seen instructions for creating one for myself.  I think this would be perfect for a special touch for Spring.  It would also be especially lovely to match a shawl or cap.  And, no, it’s not too early to think about Spring in the first weeks after Christmas and New Year!  This is the perfect time to evaluate your wardrobe and see where you might like to fill in some missing pieces or perk up some of those old outfits.

Shemi Dixon has created this particular necklace and offers her free pattern and tutorial here.  While she shows it in a ladder-type yarn, giving it an especially airy appearance, I think it would work well with other types of yarn also – especially ribbon types yarn.  I happen to have a single ball of a ‘shoelace’ type yarn that appears to have been tie-dyed.  I’m thinking this necklace would be a perfect use for that single skein of very pretty yarn.  It’s in pinks and blues so would look good with a pink tee shirt for me this Spring matched with a pair of jeans.

ADDENDUM:

Thanks to Barb Grenier for offering these sites for obtaining the type of yarn used in this project:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4854601_make-trellis-yarn-necklace.html

http://grammiepammie.wordpress.com/crocheted-necklace-from-trellis-ribbon/

Comments

  2. Marie,
    It’s called ‘ladder yarn’ and has been widely available at stores like Joann and Michael’s. You might look online.
    jd

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.