Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

NECK SCARF/EAR WARMER

by

This is a pic of my daughter modeling a narrower version of the Miley Cowl.  I have fallen in love with this pattern.  It’s a keeper!  In the pictured version, I used two yarns from my stash – one is a cranberry colored cotton and acrylic blend that’s got a ‘crinkly’ appearance like cottontots.  I paired it with a strand of a acrylic and metallic blend in approximately DK size that was gifted to me by a friend in India.  My daughter and I both like the way it turned out.  Now, I must find just the right button or brooch to sew on the front of it.  Despite my daughter’s mismatched tee and the lack of a brooch, this is a very sophisticated piece.

Looking for more Crochet Cowl patterns? Check out these crochet cowl patterns we found on Etsy.

MILY COWL

The original pattern is a very modestly priced offering from Nicole and can be found on etsy here . The one pictured on etsy is the one I fell in love with.  In my email exchanges with Nicole, I mentioned that the size I had made my version would work perfectly as an earwarmer also.  Different yarn choices would be required, but the stitch pattern and size worked great for this alternate use.  Nicole agreed and promptly sent me some additional pictures, showing how flexible her pattern is.

MILY COWL AS EARWARMER

I’ll be making more of these!  I’m excited to go through my stash to see what yarns I can pair.  Earwarmers for me, some for my daughter (to keep her ears warm as she walks cross campus), and cowls to give as gifts for several friends.  What are you going to make?

NOTE:  I’ve corrected the link to the Mily Cowl.  Here it is:

 

Comments

  3. Hi, JD! I just wanted to say thank you for the book! I got it yesterday & it is so fabulous! There are so many awesome projects! I just love it! Thank you so much!

  4. I looked at the pictures before I read what you had to say, and I have to agree with you, that the ear warmer needs something added to it, such as a button or brooch.
    Very nice indeed.
    (Lurker on crochetpartners)
    Thank you.

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.