Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Why You Should Buy Crochet Today! Nov/Dec, 2011

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I just got my hands on this latest issue of Crochet Today! magazine.  This is one of their best issues!  Of the 25 projects offered in this edition, FIVE of them are must-do’s and several others look quite promising.  That’s a really high average for me.

First, there are a couple of Christmas items which I find charming.  The Snowflake Garland, Wish Upon A Star tree topper, and Festive Wine Tags are cute projects which will work up quickly and make great gifts.

Nest are a couple of wearables that look quite special.  The Opal Skirt, a granny variant designed by Robyn Chachula, is a knock-out.  And, the For The Mom’s Shawl is a Solomon’s Knot project which will buzz through your stash.  The Cherub  Sweater and Booties, perfect for any little angel, are designed by Elena Malo and are absolutely adorable.

Then, there are 4 different afghan patterns in this issue.  Three of them make my To-Do List.  The Whimsey Blanket is a mesh background adorned with scattered motifs that will appeal to many.  The Building Bock Blanket is another stash buster that puts a nice spin on stripes and blocks.  Best, for me, is the Lancaster Quilt which takes a quilt-like pattern of color blocks to a very bright place.  I love its colors.

The remainder of the projects in this issue will appeal to a wide variety of crocheters.  Granny squares abound with 8 patterns including them.  I think this issue is a keeper.

Comments

  1. I was pleasantly surprised when I received this issue in the mail. Like you, there are quite a few patterns that I want to make.

  4. I was dispointed in this issue. It was mainly things made from grannie squares. Why are all the crochet magazines have such lousy patterns, and so simple. The knit magazines have better quality patterns. I wish the crochet industry would pick up better quality patterns. I’m not sure I will renew my crochet magazine subscription, very disappointed in the quality of the patterns. I can get most of these patterns for free.

  5. I am visiting England and can’t find the magaqzine at the shops. Do you send to England? Hope there are some left when I get home next week.
    Frustrated Crochet Today lover,
    Joan

  6. I know I’m taking a big chance but, do you still have this issue? I would love to get the Colorful Snowflake Garland pattern.

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.