Crafting Memories: The Border of the Memories Blanket CAL

                      

Crafting Memories: The Border of the Memories Blanket CAL

Here we are! This is the very last pattern for the Memories Blanket. This is going to be the subtle finish to your blanket that will let the rest of your hard work shine.

One small tip before you move on: I would take the time to block my blanket before adding the border. If yours looks anything like mine did your edges look like the slide at a water park. I found it helpful to lightly block mine so my edges were straighter when I applied my border. This also helped my blanket to lay flat when it was completed.

The fifth textured section:

If you missed Section 5, click the picture below to go to the pattern: 

If you have already completed Section 5, we can move on to The Border. 

The border is going to consist of single crochet and chains. We will be making the Linen/Moss Stitch, which is a simple sc, ch1, sk1, repeat pattern. This is a great place to bring in colors you used throughout the blanket to tie it all together.

One tip, though! This section is going to require a lot of counting in the first round. I recommend breaking out your stitch markers so that you can keep track of where you are as you are crocheting your border foundation row. 

Let's talk colors! 

For this section, I used four different colors. I used this as an opportunity to highlight some of my favorite colors from the blanket. Contrasting Color 1 (CC1) is Sungold,  Contrasting Color 2 (CC2) is Desert Glaze, Contrasting Color 3 (CC3) is Brown, and my Main Color (MC) is Ivory. 

Have fun with it! You can make every row a different color or you can do like I did and use your main color in every other row which causes the contrasting colors to stack on themselves. 

If you want the whole pattern now:

We have made the entire pattern available to you now in a PDF upgrade that includes charts and bonus video links, as well as being available to download in either US or UK terms. It is available for the discounted price of $11.99 through the length of the CAL. You are not required to purchase the PDF- as the patterns will be forever free to view on our blogs in US terms. But, if you ever find yourself in need of extra guidance or inspiration, or you just want it all in one place, don't forget that the option is there to upgrade.

MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE-CHECK WHICH VERSION YOU ARE CLICKING!!!

Because of the digital nature of the product, there are no refunds.

So, are you ready to finish building your Memory? 

Let's Go!! 

Crafting Memories: Section 5 of the Memories Blanket CAL

   

Crafting Memories: Section 5 of the Memories Blanket CAL

Oh my gosh!! It's the last week of the Memories CAL already!! I can't believe we are already at the last two patterns to be released (Section 5 and the Border). Let's soak up as much as we can this week and finish this awesome Memory off with a bang!

The fourth textured section:

If you missed Section 4, click the picture below to go to the pattern: 

If you have already completed Section 4, we can move on to Section 5. 

Section 5 doesn't have anything that should throw you off at this point. The first portion of this section is going to be rows of single crochet with FPtr in strategic spots that will create a textured diamond. The second portion will be mostly sc's, chains, and dc's. The stitches themselves are something I know that you will be comfortable with. The most fun part of Section 5 is being able to play with colors.

The only big tip I have for you is to make sure you watch closely which stitch post you put your first FPtr around as that will inform the rest of your stitches...and don't forget to skip the sc's behind the FPtr's. If you don't, you will add stitches to your rows. 

Let's talk colors! 

For this section, I used a solid in the diamond textured portion because solids seem to show off the texture better. But, in the second portion, I used four different colors because that portion just "calls" for colors! Contrasting Color 1 (CC1) is Light Sage,  Contrasting Color 2 (CC2) is Brown, Contrasting Color 3 (CC3) is Turquoise, Contrasting Color 4 (CC4) is Sungold, Contrasting Color 5 (CC5) is Cranberry, and my Main Color (MC) is Ivory. 

Have fun playing with the subtle textures created by the colors in this section!

If you want the whole pattern now:

We have made the entire pattern available to you now in a PDF upgrade that includes charts and bonus video links, as well as being available to download in either US or UK terms. It is available for the discounted price of $11.99 through the length of the CAL. You are not required to purchase the PDF- as the patterns will be forever free to view on our blogs in US terms. But, if you ever find yourself in need of extra guidance or inspiration, or you just want it all in one place, don't forget that the option is there to upgrade.

MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE-CHECK WHICH VERSION YOU ARE CLICKING!!!

Because of the digital nature of the product, there are no refunds.

So, are you ready to dive into Section 5? 

Grab your yarn, your hook, and let's keep building a Memory!! 

Crafting Memories: Section 2 of the Memories Blanket CAL

 

Crafting Memories: Section 2 of the Memories Blanket CAL

I'm so excited!! Today, we are moving on to the second texture section of the Memories Blanket CAL!

Watch the live video where Deb and I discuss Section 2 and give you helpful tips and tricks:

The second square:

If you haven't done it already, make sure you grab the link to the second square of the week, the Cordelia Square. You'll need to complete your second 8-square strip to continue with the Section 2 pattern. Click the picture below to get this pattern:

If you have already completed your 8 square strip- then, it's time to focus on putting an edge on your squares, attaching it to Section 1 (instructions provided below in the pattern), and moving on to Section 2. 

We'll be incorporating some classic crochet stitches like US dc's and chains, but Section 2 will be our most challenging section of the whole blanket. The first portion of the pattern focuses on the Interlocked Diamond stitch, which can be a little tricky to start with but once you have the stitch pattern down- it's so much fun! It truly makes you feel like a crochet genius in the end because it's so simple to do, but looks way more intricate. 

There is a helper video linked below for you to get the hang of working the Interlocked Diamond, and unless you're already familiar with how to work it, I recommend giving it a look. The rest of the second section will focus on rows of chunky clusters and US dc's. 

Let's talk colors! 

For this section, I varied my colors up a bit more. I stuck with my Main Color (MC) in Ivory, but I used more contrasting colors to start incorporating more of the colors I used for the Cordelia Squares. Contrasting Color 1 (CC1) was the nutty brown again, Contrasting Color 2 (CC2) was the cheerful orange, Contrasting Color 3 (CC3) was bright turquoise, Contrasting Color 4 (CC4) was a light sage color, and Contrasting Color 5 (CC5) was a mustardy gold yellow. Of course, feel free to let your imagination run wild and incorporate as many colors as your heart desires!

As you work through Section 2, take your time with the new stitches and savor each skill you learn or continue to master. You are creating a new memory with this blanket and we want it to be a happy one!

If you want the whole pattern now:

We have made the entire pattern available to you now in a PDF upgrade that includes charts and bonus video links, as well as being available to download in either US or UK terms. It is available for the discounted price of $11.99 through the length of the CAL. You are not required to purchase the PDF- as the patterns will be forever free to view on our blogs in US terms. But, if you ever find yourself in need of extra guidance or inspiration, or you just want it all in one place, don't forget that the option is there to upgrade.

MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE-CHECK WHICH VERSION YOU ARE CLICKING!!!

Because of the digital nature of the product, there are no refunds.

So, are you ready to dive into Section 2? 

Grab your yarn, your hook, and let's keep building a Memory!! 

Crafting Memories: Section 1 of the Memories Blanket CAL

 

Crafting Memories: Section 1 of the Memories Blanket CAL

Hey there crochet friends! Today, we're diving into the first texture section of this delightful project, and trust me, you're in for a treat!

Watch the live video where Deb and I discuss Section 1 and give you helpful tips and tricks:

The first square:

If you haven't done it already, make sure you grab the link to the first square of the week, the Mitered Square. You'll need to complete your first 8 square strip to continue with the Section 1 pattern. Click the picture below to get this pattern:

If you have already completed your 8 square strip- then, it's time to focus on Section 1. We'll be incorporating some classic crochet stitches like double crochet, single crochet, chains, and topstitching to create something truly special. There will be light texture in this section- but lots of fun color pops!

So, let's talk colors! 

One of the best parts of this CAL is the freedom to choose your own color palette. For my blanket, I envisioned a cozy mix of warm tones and vibrant pops of color. I did a Main Color (MC) of ivory, and I used a Contrasting Color 1 (CC1) in a rich nutty brown, Contrasting Color 2 (CC2) was a deep cranberry, Contrasting Color 3 (CC3) was a bright turquoise, and Contrasting Color 4 (CC4) was a cheerful burnt orange. Of course, feel free to let your imagination run wild and incorporate as many colors as your heart desires!

As you work through Section 1, take your time to savor each stitch and embrace the joy of creating something beautiful with your own two hands. And remember, this CAL is all about celebrating memories, so don't hesitate to infuse your blanket with personal touches and sentimental flair.

If you want the whole pattern now:

We have made the entire pattern available to you now in a PDF upgrade that includes charts and bonus video links, as well as being available to download in either US or UK terms. It is available for the discounted price of $11.99 through the length of the CAL. You are not required to purchase the PDF- as the patterns will be forever free to view on our blogs in US terms. But, if you ever find yourself in need of extra guidance or inspiration, or you just want it all in one place, don't forget that the option is there to upgrade.

MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE-CHECK WHICH VERSION YOU ARE CLICKING!!!

Because of the digital nature of the product, there are no refunds.

So, are you ready to dive into Section 1? 

Grab your yarn, your hook, and let's start building a Memory!! 

From That to This: The Evolution of a Submarine

Hey everyone! Today is the first day after a holiday weekend (the 4th of July) and I have to switch gears and get myself back in "work" mode. So, I decided to share with you the journey of a pattern design I am putting out in August. I was originally going to wait until September, but my testers are just zooming through so I'll be able to release it sooner. 

*This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links provided. Please note: I will never become an affiliate partner for a product or service that I don’t use and love! Not all links are affiliates.

Around 2015 I was into designing toy bags a lot more than I have been in recent years. It all came to sort of a screeching halt when I created two bags that I just couldn't get right. The Prairie Bag and a submarine bag that I never published. I finally revamped the Prairie bag and released in 2017, but the submarine bag kept moving with me from house to house never being completed. 

The main reason it never got completed was because I had made a stack on the top of the sub that had plastic canvas around it to hold it upright causing a myriad of issues. haha! It was too small for hands to reach into the bag and get the characters out of it and it was a scratch hazard for little ones. In the picture below you can see how tiny the top was. 

So, I took the scissors to it and cut the stack off the top. It definitely opened up nicely, but I still decided I needed to remake it so that I could figure out a different top. This is what I came up with...

The stack definitely looked more "submarine" to me after I was done, and hands could reach in and out of the bag- so I was successful, right? Not really. I wasn't happy with it and I couldn't put my finger on it. But, I moved on to the animals because I couldn't place my unhappiness with the pattern up to this point and this is where everything went completely wrong for me. 

I started with the squid. I wanted it to look like the squid from Surfs Up because it's a hilarious character- and I didn't want to make the characters too elaborate and difficult to make. That sucks the fun out of everything. 

Lani from Surf's Up. She's a lifeguard and the squid is her safety rescue tube. The squid has expressions throughout the whole thing- he talks with his eyes. It's hilarious and one of my favorite animated movies. If you've never seen it- you need to and you can get a copy here!

By the time I got him done I knew the aesthetic was completely wrong for the grey sub. This guy was cute and the grey sub was really dark and sort of gothy looking. But, I thought...let me try another animal and see if I feel any differently, so I moved on to the octopus. But, that just sealed the deal for me. These guys were too cute for the grey sub.  

Since everyone was too cute for the current sub, I decided that I wanted to put them in something more cartoony and a yellow submarine seemed like the perfect answer. I based my design off of this picture. 

I tried to keep it true to form as much as possible. With this being a bag, I needed one of the windows to serve as a door. In order to get one big enough to use as a door- I had to cut the windows down to just one per side. I also left the rivets off of the seams. I'm sure if someone added some in it would just complete the look, but it was too fiddly for me. I decided simple was better.

I was very happy with how it came out. After I got my sub squared away I was able to come up with the remaining characters much easier. I opted to go with a sea turtle and a stingray. I'm really happy with the whole gang, and I hope you guys love it as much as I do. 

Like I said at the beginning, my testers are hard at work cleaning up all the little details in the pattern and it should be ready to put out in August. 

See you soon!!

Last-Minute Wedding Gifts- Summer Themed

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links provided. Please note: I will never become an affiliate partner for a product or service that I don’t use and love! Not all links are affiliates.

Welcome to June, everyone! 

This is sort of known as the "wedding" month, so I thought I would throw together a short list of last-minute gifts for the new couple. I have made my suggestions Summer-themed, just because it's that time of year and all of these items can definitely be used for gifts and for yourselves!

Coasters make great gifts!

1. Here's a great boho style mug rug by Through The Loop Yarn Craft:

 Mug Rug Free Pattern - Through The Loop Yarn Craft (throughtheloopyc.com)

2. And here is one of my favorite coaster books from Annie's. I love the bright colors:

Color Burst Coasters Crochet Pattern

Cotton Covers also make Great Gifts!

1. If they are coffee drinkers, I'm sure they would appreciate a matching set of iced coffee sleeves.

Iced Coffee Cup Cozy: Free Crochet Pattern: The Sunny Days Cozy. - Carroway Crochet

Or if they are movie fans, you could make them character cozies. Here's one idea:

Ravelry: Green Space Baby Cup Cozy pattern by Squishes and Squiggles

2. If they are ice cream lovers, matching covers for their pints and quarts are awesome for keeping hands warm and ice cream cold! My family swears by them and they are great stashbusters!

Bizzy Crochet Pint Cover

Bizzy Crochet Quart Cover

They can also be used for Ball jar covers...just decorate to coordinate!

Dishcloths are another hit for wedding gifts!

1. These fabulous waffle stitch dishcloths would be fantastic in a bundle!

All-Purpose Waffle Stitch Crochet Dishcloths - I Can Crochet That

2. These Pineapple stitch washcloths are super quick to stitch up!

Bizzy Crochet Pineapple Cloths

3. Here's another quick project from Through the Loop Yarn Craft.

Just A Pinch Dishcloth - Free Pattern - Through The Loop Yarn Craft (throughtheloopyc.com)

Last, but not least, are table runners! 

They aren't talked about often when looking for wedding gift ideas, but they are a great and easy way for the new couple to decorate and add a touch of "homemade" to their new home together. Pair one of these with a set of coasters and they are set for Summer!

1. This table runner on the Clover blog is gorgeous and simple!

Zigzag Table Runner – Clover Needlecraft (clover-usa.com)

2. Keeping with the Summer theme, you could make a runner celebrating Summer fireflies! 

Fiery Dragonfly Table Runner

No matter what you're looking for in today's roundup, whether it's quick and easy wedding gifts, or something fun and new to uplift your home, I hope it brings you joy!!

Happy Scrappy Quart Ice Cream Cover Pattern

 People are going to start thinking I'm addicted to ice cream. I'm really not. As a matter of fact, until I hit my late 40s ice cream was food I rarely ever thought about. I was not your typical "If there are chips or ice cream in the house I have to eat them" type of person. 

Then, my hormones changed and we'll leave it at that. 

So, I recently put out a Happy Scrappy Pint Cover Pattern as a way to burn through some of my cotton stash. (I swear those little balls of cotton sit in their container and breed when I'm not looking.) Well, when my husband was out getting ice cream recently, my flavor didn't come in a pint. I had to use a kitchen towel to wrap around it (because who uses a bowl??) as I ate what I wanted out of it. That inspired me to create today's free pattern. 

I knew I wanted it to be simple, bright, color-blocked, and have flowers. Here's what came out...

Happy Scrappy Quart Cover

Also available Ad-Free on Etsy, Ravelry,  and my Website.

By Elizabeth Mareno

Material:

Scrap balls of Worsted Weight Cotton yarn. (Sample used Drops Paris 100% Cotton)
Hook: #7/4.5 mm
Large eye needle for sewing ends

Gauge size: Bottom of cover should measure 3-1/2” across using WW yarn and a #7 hook

US Terminology

Abbreviations:

Ch- chain
sc- single crochet
hdc- half double crochet
dc- double crochet
tr- treble crochet
bpsc- back post single crochet
MR- Magic ring

NOTE: 

1- You can change colors and stripe wherever you would like.

2- It is helpful to have an empty/clean quart container for "fitting" purposes as you are working. 

3- Beginning chains do not count as stitches throughout. (ie, ch3, ch2) Unless otherwise stated.

4- This cover is meant to fit snugly on your quart container. The bottom ridge is meant to be on the underside as you can see in the picture below. 

Pattern:

Bottom:

Rd1- MR, ch3, 16dc in ring, join with 1st dc. (16dc)

Rd2- ch3, 2sc in each st, join with 1st dc. (32dc)

Rd3- ch3, (dc, 2dc in next) around, join with 1st dc. (48dc)

Sides:

Rd4- ch1, bpsc around each dc, join with 1st sc. (48 bpsc)

Rd5- ch2, dc in join and each sc around, join with 1st dc. (48dc)

Rd6-14- Stripe as you like, ch2, dc in join and each dc around, join with 1st dc. (48dc) 

After Rd 14- cut and weave ends. 

Finishing:

Lines between colors: top stitch using a sl st in the tops of dc's between stripes. Make sure you keep your line color inside the cover and pull through to the front. Commence with sl stitching in the top of each stitch around. 

Flowers: Uses two colors;  A and B. Make as many as you wish- the sample has 2.

Rd 1: With color A, MR, ch1, 10 sc in the ring, pull snug and join with 1st sc. (10sc) cut color

Rd 2: With color B, join in join with ch2, in the same space- dc and tr, in the next sp- tr, dc, ch2, sl st, *sl st in next st, (ch2, dc, tr) in same st, (tr, dc, ch2, sl st) in next st; repeat from * 3 more times, cut color leaving a long end for sewing to the cover. (5 petals)

I hope you enjoy today's free pattern!

Happy Crocheting!

Biz