Cosy Blanket CAL : Part 1

Those of you who've been visiting me in the Attic over the years will be very familiar with my blanket obsession. When I first picked up a crochet hook in the Summer of '07 and taught myself what to do with that metal stick, I knew without doubt that my very first project would be a blanket. No question about it, I was always going to be a Maker of Blankets. Seven years and a good many projects later, and nothing much has changed, which is kind of comforting really. And I guess that's a big part of the appeal for me - the comfort of crocheting a blanket over a length of time is just so addictively lovely! You can lose yourself in those therapeutic rows of colour, snuggling under them as your blanket grows, and at the end of it all there is a beautiful object that carries on delivering comfort for many more years.

Towards the end of August I decided to plan a special blanket journey that would take me from Autumn to Winter, something to look forward to after the hectic Summer months preparing for Yarndale. I was craving an easy blanket that would deliver a maximum amount of hooky pleasure with very little brain power. Something simple, relaxing and soothing. I actually set about choosing some colours before I settled on the pattern, and this part of the decision making came together remarkably quickly. I could already visualise what I was after you see - something warm, rich and cosy which would cheer my soul as the Autumn season closed in.

As you know I absolutely adore playing with colour, and coming up with gorgeous colour schemes floats my creative boat almost as much as the crochet does. I look at the above colours, and my heart sings with pleasure! They look so scrumptious!

Following on from my previous two blankets (the Coast and the Cottage ripples), I chose 15 colours of Stylecraft Special DK for this Autumn-inspired blanket. These colours give me exactly the feelings I was after as we head away from my beloved Summer - they are happy, vibrant, rich and warm.....perfectly cheery for the cold months of the year.

The colours were inspired by my memories of Autumn, by the things that I associate with the natural world at this time of year. Leaves, berries and flowers - nature's Autumnal rainbow if you like. I made the above sample to test out the rainbowy credentials of the colours, to see how they would look when placed in a very considered order. I absolutely love the way this looks, and honestly for a while I was very tempted just to stick with this tried and tested stripe order. I dithered over making a "Cosy Rainbow" blanket, but in the end I know myself well, and I know that by repeating the same colour sequence I would get a teensy bit bored after a while.

But that doesn't mean to say that I can't play with the rainbow idea for a bit, does it?

A few weeks ago, I happened across an amazing artist called Philippa Stanton, who works with natural finds to create the most incredible still life images. She regularly photographs her "pickings" (leaves, berries, flowers, moss, twigs etc) on an old table in her home in Brighton and shares her images on her blog { 5ftinf }. Her work is utterly captivating and inspiring, and I instantly felt a strong connection as we appear to both own the same rainbow-tinted glasses! Do go and feast your eyes on Philippa's colourful work, I'm sure it will make you smile (a lot).

I know she inspired me enormously, as I found myself one glorious Autumn day last month gathering my own colourful bits and pieces of nature to feed my creative soul. I think I must have been colour-hungry that day, because I spent all morning playing with this little lot, gobbling up the gorgeous colours and immersing myself in a 5ftinf-style rainbow photo-fest........

oh, the joy!!!!!!!! The absolute joy of playing with bits of nature, just for the sheer pleasure of it! I was trying to see if I could create the real-life natural version of my Cosy Rainbow.....

.....and yes, I pretty much think I managed it. I had imagined these things in my mind when I put the colours together back in August, and it was unbelievably lovely to see that the reality did in fact match the memory.

I imagined Autumn leaves, chinese lanterns, beech nuts and shiny chestnuts....

....glowing red and orange berries, sycamore seeds and that particular type of limey green and golden yellow that appears in the leaves at the end of the Summer....

.....and I thought about hydrangeas and those beautiful purply-blues....

....and the way that magenta and pink is still very much a part of the floral world in Autumn.

That day back in October that I spent making colourful photographs was infused with deep happiness, at a time when actually things weren't feeling so good. The whole experience uplifted my spirits, it really did.

I started making my new Cosy blanket in the middle of October, but I had this idea that I would love more than anything to go back to the business of sharing my journey here on my blog. Making the Coast and Cottage blankets earlier this year taught me that I am much happier doing the sharing thing, than doing the secretive thing. It suits me much, much better to be able to talk about what I'm making at the time I'm making it. So I've decided to do just that - to share the journey. It means there will still be a happy Ta-dah moment at the end, but you will be able to follow the blanket as it progresses and grows.

I also thought it might be fun to casually invite you to crochet a long with me, if any of you would like to? I say casual, because this CAL (which stands for "Crochet-a-long", in case you often wondered but didn't like to ask) will flow gently as we head through November and December, and possibly into January depending on how distracted I become by a) a Winter Wreath idea shouting for attention and b) a desire to crochet some Christmas decorations next month.

Do you like the pattern I'm using? it uses just one crochet stitch -  Treble Crochet (Double Crochet in the US). It's an incredibly simple but very effective mixed stripe using two rows of crochet for each colour. The simplicity of it (very little counting or pattern reading!) makes it a hugely enjoyable project where you can just get lost in the joy of the colour.

The rows grow satisfyingly quickly, and the simple mix of stitches creates a beautiful surface texture. The rows do look quite "bumpy" and textured here, but I'm thinking it'll probably stretch out and relax a bit more as the blanket grows and there is more weight to it.

I came up with this pattern as a way of providing myself with a super-relaxing, low-brain-power project, but also as a way of encouraging Newbie Hookers to think about having a go at making a blanket. I know that often new crocheters are daunted by the prospect of embarking on a big project, fearing that they might not be able to ever finish, or that they simply might find it too hard. I've made this stripe as easy as I know how, whilst still making it look a little different and new. And I promise you, it really is easy (just trebles!). I've written up the pattern (it's called the Cosy Stripe) with a full step-by-step tutorial to guide you through each row.

You can use whatever yarn and colours tickle your fancy for the cosy stripe, just so long as they make you feel warm and happy. This blanket would make a great stash-buster if you've got lots of odds and ends of colours that would look good hooked into random stripes.

There aren't any rules with this Crochet-a-long, it's going to be ridiculously casual, excepting that I am making a promise to open my Attic window and show you my blanket progress every Sunday throughout November and December (and possibly January, depending on how far I get this side of New Year). I'm using 15 Cosy Colours of Stylecraft Special DK (on a 4mm hook) for my blanket, worked in a random order as that is what makes me tick. You are very welcome to follow along with me as I'll be sharing my exact colour sequence each week as I work my own blanket, but that's only if you wish to. The whole point of this CAL is that it gets us all snuggling under some happy colourful rows, which in my opinion has to be a good thing :) The colours that you choose have to be right for you, they have to make you feel happy!

Each week when I share my progress, I'll show you the part of the blanket I've just made. The image above shows the very beginning of the blanket working from the bottom (Petrol) row up to the top (Violet) row, as follows :

1. Petrol (foundation chain and rows 1 & 2)

2. Meadow (rows 3 & 4)

3. Camel (rows 5 & 6)

4. Gold (rows 7 & 8)

5. Claret (rows 9 & 10)

6. Copper (rows 11 & 12)

7. Lime (rows 13 & 14)

8. Khaki (rows 15 & 16)

9. Grape (rows 17 & 18)

10. Magenta (rows 19 & 20)

11. Pale Rose (rows 21 & 22)

12. Spice (rows 23 & 24)

13. Raspberry (rows 25 & 26)

14. Denim (rows 27 & 28)

15. Violet rows (rows 29 & 30)

In case it's helpful - here is how I "do" random colours for my blankets. I use yarn pegs to help me order the colours first, playing with the pegs and working out 15 rows/colours at a time. When I'm happy with how the pegs look all lined up, I use snips of yarn selotaped to a bit of paper to act as a "colour pattern". I keep this with my crochet hook, then I always have a clear guide to working up the next set of stripes. It also means that when I head out to the café/pub with my hooky, I only have to grab 3 or 4 balls to pop into my bag rather than cart the whole lot out and about.

I would love to hear if you're going to join me making your very own Cosy blanket - what colours are you going to go for I wonder, will you stash-bust or choose your own collection of cosy colours? I really hope you'll love working the pattern as much as I do, it really is fab.

Here are some info links ::

♥ Cosy Stripe Pattern ♥ Cosy CAL thread on Ravelry ♥ Cosy yarn pack ♥

Remember I'll be sharing the Cosy CAL every Sunday, so Part 2 will be this coming Sunday 9th November. I've created a CAL category so that all posts relating to this blanket journey will be tagged to make it easier if you are coming in part way through and want to get to the beginning. You don't need to sign up, or make promises to join in this CAL, just jump in and have fun, take it at your own pace, but don't forget to tell me how you're getting on!

Happy Cosy Hooking!

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Comments

[Tanya Hottinger]

Where do I get pattern??

[Penny Heath]

how many stitches and how many rows needed to make a Queen size blanket? I've bought double the amount stated. Is this enough for a Queen blanket?

[Toni]

I bought a yarn pack and wanted so much to make this blanket but had trouble with the stitch and getting it started. May try again now that I see this. :)

[Melissa Harrell]

Six years ago I started having sort term memory problems. My neurologist suggested that I take up hobbies that made me think and concentrate. Recently I moved on to crochet and have found much pleasure in crochet and quilting. Some days I have to read the instructions several times before being able to understand and complete one stitch. Your tutorials are helping so much. Being a crochet newbie, I've completed a few projects but I still have so much to learn. Thank you for opening your attic to us. There are so many sites about crochet, I'm so glad I found yours.

[Dana]

I love how you pick colors from nature. I think that's a great idea, nature has the best color combinations. :)

[Paula Harvey]

I keep trying to subscribe but it clears before I finish.
I've been trying to join for 2 years.
Thank you for all the beautiful designs and vibrant colours. Love every bit.
Sincerely ,Paula Harvey. Perth Western Australia.

[Jasmin]

Wow, this is a beautifully, colorful post! I'm just now seeing this, but I had to comment. I loved the colors inspired by nature, and the random stripes of your blanket. I also love that it is a rainbow, but not an "in your face" rainbow of colors. Thank you for your inspiration! I look forward to seeing more of your colorful creations. :)

[Karen Mackin]

think theres a error with ur pattern
row 3 at the end, it says skip 2 stitches, ork 3 trebles into next stitch. repeat until 3 stitches remaining, I only have 1

[Arletha Sutton]

Hi Lucy!
How many cosy pack do I need for this beautiful blanket? I've made everyone in my family one and was looking for something special for me and this is it.

[Ann]

I have a question...what if I wanted the stripes to run horizontally rather than vertically...so if I wanted the stripes to go across the bed rather than from the head to the foot? Do you think it would work in the same pattern with fewer stitches but perhaps then more rows? Either repeating the pattern of colors twice or having more rows per color?

[Ann]

I've been thinking that I might use the colors from the sunny crochet blanket in this pattern! So many beautiful colors that I may just have to make a blanket of each color set!!

[Karen pitt]

Hi, I have just started this blanket and my foundation row seems tight making the rest of the work wavy. So I need to start again and what did I do wrong ?

[Marleen Staessens]

It was by very coinsidence I discovered this page of you Lucy and I loved it imediatly! I live in Belgium.(Sorry,I sometimes make mistakes in English ) Years and years I was looking for the perfect blanket to Crochet and...tadaaahhh!!! this is the one!
My packet is on its way. I can hardly wait to start. You are so right, this project looks simpel, colourful and I will not get bored after 10 rows because of the large variety of beautiful colours.
I will keep the same order in colours, its just perfect !
Sinceraly,
Marleen

[ana paula campolina silveira]

Sou brasileira e apaixonada por crochet.... me encantei com seu trabalho! É de um bom gosto indiscutível.... Minha família também gosta de trabalhos manuais, como parece que você envolve a sua família nos seus trabalhos também! Vou me inspirar neles!!!! Obrigada!

[Hannah Heath]

Love love love this blanket! It is the first blanket I've ever followed the pattern for and I couldn't be more pleased.
https://heathandhome.wordpress.com/2015/02/21/february-making-and-mending/

[Greengranny]

what size crochet hook is used. perhaps I am missing it somewhere...love the look. I have a Granddaughter who is only 3 but I want her to have it forever as my gift to her..
please note I am in the USA and need the equivilant of your hook.
Thank you and Happy New Year

[barbara burdick]

Hi Lucy, love your blanket! You are from the part of England featured in the James Herriott books. Loved all of them and the p.b.s.shows.You definitely live in a beautiful countryside,which probably inpires your work. Just found your site. Hope to check back with you again in the near future. Keep on crocheting, and making our world a more colorful place!

[Darlene]

I just got my colors this afternoon. I tried to match your color chart. I love how you love every color. So do I. Will post pictures when finished.
All year long I hooky blankets for the VA and deliver them around December 15th. I'm all done with those, delivery date is for the 17th. When I seen this blanket I was so happy to treat myself with a project. This is a beautiful blanket. Thank you for this pattern. Love all your projects. A fan from reno, Nevada

[M.H.P. Verwoerd]

For The Netherlands: Stylecraft is not only available in a cute little shop in Delft, but also in the mall Nieuwegein. Not only Special DK but also Alpaca. Enjoy!

[B]

All those colours and textures! So incredibly beautiful :)

[Vivian Costa Manso]

And yes... You are such a nice person.. You've been inspiring me with your way of living, your way of showing a simple way of life.
I love the way you do your work.

Now.. Please tell me , what shoul i do, in order of not having my first rows ( in my attempt of doing the cosy blaket) turning out a little ruffled?

I know, that maybe is.the tension of my stitches. I' ll try bigger hook in the beggining and after two rows a smaller one, couse once i read that this might work.... But please tell me what you think about it... Kisses, Vivian

[Vivian Costa Manso]

Lucy im so grateful of having your blog to inspire me. Its not only what you do, but the way you do it. your tutorials are full of compassion to hose that would have trouble otherwise
Please ...you are a life saver and yes dont have mercy on those that are accusing you of this or that... Simply delete those comments.

You have been a life saver indeed, with your colours and compassionate tutorials. Love, Vivian, from Brazil

[Judith Thompson]

Lucy I want to make everything!!!! I absolutely love all your colours too. Happy days😊

[Carol McFee]

I am coming in a bit late here, but think it is high time I taught myself to crochet properly, I could do the stitches but I could never master the turning chains or if the hook goes through the chain or under. I think the blanket is the perfect challenge to get the hang of it.
I have received my yarns this morning, it makes it so much easier knowing which yarns to get and where to get them from,so thank you for that, I picked my
own colours and as someone who doesn't really do colour I am very excited to get started.

[Vicky]

Just got my yarn pack and can't wait to start. Work full time and tired when I get home so probably won't start til this weekend. But can start making my color pins!!!!