Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

WHAT NEW ONLINE?

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I’m always on the lookout for what’s new in the online world of crochet. A couple sites have really made some improvements/updates that are worth checking out.

First, on Craftbits.com itself, we now have free videos of crafts, including a couple of crochet ones. This is a new function of Craftbits.com and more will be coming. Shellie (one of the site owners) has the first crochet video. Check it out at:
http://www.diycraftvideos.com/search/?search_id=crochet&search_type=search_videos&x=0&y=0

Kim Guzman has some great new videos too – very helpful.  Start here:

http://kimguzman.wordpress.com/

And, when I got my hands on this:

I had to go check out the new website at crochetme.

http://crochetme.com/

I’m still working on my tunisian and the cover pattern on this issue of Interweave Crochet just shouts my name.

There are lots of new goodies on the crochetme site.  Forums, a great Glossary of crochet terms, and their nice collection of free patterns.  Go get some!!

Comments

  1. I picked up the magazine and told my husband that I am so making that item on the cover-and expect to pay for the specialty yarn!!! I am still working on my daughters afghan using the same technique-it is time consuming-but that is because it is in black and gray and I have moved in the middle of it & have made so many other things too!

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.