Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

What’s so great about Ravelry?

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I have been aware of Ravelry since it first came online.  Initially, and for a long time thereafter, I wondered what all the fuss was about.  People had to wait for an invitation to join it.  Kinda like those first Lexus commercials years ago that were quite mysterious, featured no automobile, but just let us know that something ‘exciting’ was coming our way.  I don’t get excited about new cars.  Sorry…

But, yarn and patterns and blogs and chat about them DO get me excited!  That’s why Ravelry is so cool.  If you haven’t joined yet, go to the site and get yourself signed up.  I don’t think you have to stand in line to do that anymore.  I don’t know enough about designing websites to know if the initial invitation period was technically required or if it was just a very good publicity tool.  What I do know is that the site is worth exploration.

Here is where you can see the many versions and variations on this pattern.  I especially enjoy the inspiration from seeing all the different yarn weights and colorways in which talented crocheters have created the shawl.  Having seen this shawl worked up in very colorful yarns inspires me to pull out some of my favorite variegateds to crochet one for myself!

I have spent far less time on Ravelry than I would like.  The computer is a huge time-eater for me.  Now – I didn’t say ‘time-waster’ – but it can be that too!  When I really first understood the attraction to Ravelry was when I was anticipating making a Southbaby Shawlette, a free pattern offered by LionBrand Yarns.

I had several concerns about the pattern.  First, I didn’t want to use a ‘mohair-like’ yarn because I am one who must perpetually frog a new pattern til I figure it out and memorize it.  Mohair is not kind to froggers!  I emailed a friend who had made several of these and asked for her advice.  She referred me to Ravelry for information on the pattern.  Bingo!  I got what I needed in short order.  What could be better than an instant room full of crocheters who are ‘talking’ about what I want them to ‘talk’ about?  Not only that, but they had ALL beat me to the punch.  They have been using this pattern for months, many having made more than one version of it.  I was able to quickly benefit from their successes and failures without having to make a bunch of mistakes myself.  I like that!

Bottom line was that I purchased two different yarns to make this pattern.  First is Lanett Superwash Merino which is not a mohair-like yarn.  I’ve finished that shawl.  Next, now that I’ve learned the pattern (and boy is it simple!), I’ll make it in the white angora I bought at the most recent Yarn Crawl.

Comments

  1. Ravelry is fantastic. I’m a fairly new knitter and I love how many patterns are on there with examples. It is a fabulous resource.

  3. Ravelry is awesome! There is so much fun stuff going on all the time – Swaps, charity projects, knit/crochet-alongs, etc. Plus, I have have met some really nice cool people who have a common interest. And the resources and help the Ravelry community provides is invaluable!

  5. My dear daughter calls it “crack for crocheters and knitters. I too love ravelry, but I haven’t done much with my personal part of it. I need to get more active. As a research tool it is EXCELLENT!

  6. I almost never use the yarn that a pattern calls for. At revelry I can look at pattern and very often see several versions of it..different yarns. colors, and even on different bodies Ala the interweave gallery gals AND with notes about modifications and progress. AND that’s just the patterns..not yarn finder or the forums or the people… it’s virtually endless!

  7. Hi jd, I do the same thing with yarn. In Ravelry, some yarns have gotten lots of comments and advice. I look up a specific yarn, and on its yarn page, there’s a tab at the top for comments. I’ve learned so much from what others say about what happened when they washed the yarn, or used for a certain kind of project.

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.