MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!

Look what I got myself for Christmas!

Mine doesn’t look exactly like the one pictured here – but it’s the same company and the same 35 pockets for holding all kinds of goodies.

Mine is the Tote-ally Cool Craft Tote made in 2009 by Advantus, so it was available at Tuesday Morning (the outlet store) where I snagged mine. Mine is prettier than this one, being black with pink edging and cute white polka dots. Also the drawer in the bottom is covered with a zipper front. The nifty thing about mine is that it has an easily removeable and replaceable bottom that allows it to turn Lazy Susan style.

I like that it can hold many hooks, some yarn, lots of the little things I like to have with me when I crochet like my stitch ruler, hook gauge, yarn needle, stitch markers, pen, paper, paperclips, etc. And, with the little ringed handle on top, I can grab it and go with everything secure. Apparently it is marketed as a scrapbooker’s accessory, but I think it works perfectly for my crochet addiction. No scrapbooking for me. It’s all about the yarn.

And, the best part. Mine cost lots less than the one pictured here! I couldn’t pass it up. A treat just for me.

Disclaimer: I purchased this the week before Christmas so it’s unlikely that you’ll find it at Tuesday Morning.

Looking for more Christmas themed Crochet Patterns? Check out these books

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

Christmas Crochet Pattern Books

And these Christmas patterns on Etsy

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.

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