Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Your New Moderator is Here!

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An example of my work - red and white doly

Pond Lily Afghan - unblocked from sheilaschnauzies site

Greetings to all crocheters! My name is jd and I’m the new Moderator for this Blog. I have been active in the world of crochet for about 8 years, having founded the St. Louis Crochet Club shortly after I learned to crochet just over 8 years ago. Why did I found the club? I knew no one who crocheted! No kidding! Not my mom! I have no sisters. Most of my women friends are career women who do not participate in crochet or knit. I didn’t know about the crochetdude or ken jones or any of the other enthusiastic male crocheters in the world. I had to look far and wide at the time to find a crochet teacher – then she disappeared! So, I decided to go back to basics and start a group of some sort where I could learn more and make new friends. Have I told you that I don’t have a shy bone in my body??

So, here I find myself. I hope to be able to share lots of crochet related ideas with you. While I am NOT a world-class crocheter as far as technique goes, I am a world-class promoter of this art. I LOVE crochet and want to share it with all. So, please return to see what I find to inspire and encourage you in your crochet endeavors.

Comments

  1. Looking good jd. Look forward to reading more and seeing more of your crochet work. Hugs Essie

  3. Congratulations jd!!!!!!! I’m so excited for you!!! I look forward to all you have to say. :))
    Love, Leah

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.