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

[Sam Roberts]

Hi Lucy, you are so clever with colour!! Your blanket looks super!! I have pinched your peg idea as it is just such a brilliant one and have had loads of fun playing with my yarn shade pegs. Thanks for this an all the other inspiration you have given me, take care, Sam xx

[scarletolive]

Been following your blog for a number of years, and love the colours and textures you use. A blanket is filled with symbolism, something we use to protect a newborn! and is saturated in love. I loved the use of the blanket in the movie with George Clooney who plays the widower, Matt, following his wife Elizabeth's accident. For the period of Elizabeth's life following the accident, her bed is draped in a golden and cream coloured blanket. At the end of the movie, as Matt and his daughters move on as a family, accepting the events of the past, they make themselves comfortable under the same cosy blanket, watching TV and eating ice-cream, with a togetherness that Elizabeth is still with them, and life is back to normal. They seem to be watching 'The March of the Penquins' who survive everything that's thrown at them. So, I always think that life at no. 24 must be very cosy with all these lovingly made creations, with texture and colour that are unique to you Lucy. All the penguins at 24 must feel very loved indeed. What wonderful memories you are creating for them!☺️❤️😍

[Brigida Gee]

Hi Lucy!
I'm here in frigid Brooklyn,NYC! Temp is 20F but feels like 15F Couldn't sleep so I went to your blog to cheer me up. Always love your posts and pictures. I too am a color-holic! I made your hexagon blanket last year. Everyone loved the happy colors! I saw your cosy striped blanket and decided I must make it. Sooo I ordered the yarn and I can't wait to get started. Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration and joy you bring to all of us! Night night, Love, Brigida

[Marie Salamanca]

Wow lucy, i love the way your yarn choice exactly matches the flowers and leaves of autumn :) its gorgeous!! Please can you tell me what the pattern for the little squares is? the one you used on the photo with the leaves and flowers on a tray and the other photo with the squares laid out and the nature finds laid out to match...thank you so much!!

[Carrie Johnson]

Headed out tomorrow to get my yarn. A little late, but I think I can catch up with everyone. So excited!!!

[Deb]

How anyone can be nasty in the face of your generosity baffles me. But there are always one or two saddos out there! I just want to say how much I loved your photo of the crochet juxtaposed with the bits and pieces you picked up from nature. The colour similarities were remarkable. I'm almost finished the wave blanket (more of a throw in my case). I won't reveal how long it has taken me, but its been worth it.

[Lizy Tish]

You are so talented with your color play - just wonderful flower pictures with the colors flowing into each other. And then translating that into a crochet project. So pretty! You are just amazing. One day I will get to working on one of your blankets - too much Christmas knitting to do for now but maybe after the new year.

[sofia katliakas]

It's okay Lucy, I took it out and started again...I didnt crochet too loosely this time and its fine now...love the feel of this wool, just dont want to put it down...thankyou so much !!! Xxx

[sofia katliakas]

Hi Lucy, im so excited !! I received my cosy pack today and started my blanket..I am using 4mm hook and my width is measuring 145 cm instead of 120 cm...should I start again maybe use a smaller hook?I dont want to continue and not have enough wool for my blanket...what do you think? please let me know...thanks xx

[Tanya Tomlinson]

Yay!!! Just recieved all my yarn to start your CAL! Can't wait to start, so I'm not! I'm starting it straight away as I'm too excited to put it off. I've chosen the same colours as you as I'm a bit rubbish as choosing colours. Thanks for the time and effort you put in for us all in the Attic x

[Karla Teague]

Joining but with my own colors as I have a request for a blanket from son #2 and he's wanting colors more like your coast blanket. Thanks for the framework to hang it on.

[Andrea*B]

Would love to join in!

[Sarah raine]

I wasn't going to do it! But I can't resist any longer lol. I have ordered my yarn and am waiting impatiently for it to arrive. Cannot wait to begin. Thank you Lucy your colours are magnificent.

[Pam Richardson]

Perhaps as Lucy has learnt and grown with her crochet skills, perhaps like we all do, she too has found that beginners new to crochet/knitting like the natural fibres as it feels great to work with and this can help to encourage the newbie. As we become more skilled in our craft we begin to try new fibres and realise that the natural ones may not withstand the punishment children can dole out and wont stay in shape throughout umpteen washings, unless you can afford to pay a small fortune. Remember some on here have only been crocheting for a short space of time and Lucy herself 7 years now, so perhaps she shouldn't be accused with lying! Perhaps she is on a learning curve too. I'd love to make something with 100% English Wool but like many others simply can't afford it. I tend to make blankets from Acrylic because its less hassle as I can just bung it in the washing machine and peg it out on the line. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt in any case. Accusing someone of lying is in my opinion dragging their good name through the mud. Is this slander I wonder? Get real! Who wants to use loads of pure wool in a blanket it would cost a bomb.

[Katie]

I love this idea!! How do you decide how much yarn goes on your clothes pin (I love the fact that you do this-- it's so much easier than carrying around 15 skeins of yarn just to change colors every row)? I'd like to give this a try and don't want to have to keep adding yarn in the middle of the row.

[Jane]

Got to finish a biiiiiiig project first but am nearly there now and very excited to get going on this new pattern, I have always loved viaducts and aqueducts and it makes me think of them. Hope I don't get too behind everyone else but I'm going to double it to make a blanket for our kingsize bed so that's probably a faint hope. I'm going to use colours nearer to your coastal ripple blanket, with a few more yellows and some purples, but use your numbering so that my randomisation matches yours. I was fascinated by your explanation of how you do the random colours - and am going straight out tomorrow to get some wooden clothes pegs to try for myself. You are a brilliant teacher, thank you for sharing your ideas and inspiration.

[Flic]

I cant quite do the CAL but I'm going to do this for a friend's birthday blanket. I'm currently working two granny Stripe baby blankets so this will be next. Thank you Lucy. I'll be sure to flick you a few £ for a coffee or two. Xxx

[Susan]

Madame Defarge was a knitter.....she sat in her husbands wine shop knitting on those sharp pointy needles plotting the downfall of all those she deemed to be aristocratic. The most hated was a Charles Darney who had a wife called ....gasp... Lucie......!!!!!! Now I love knitters, even been known to dabble in that dark art myself but that Madame Defarge allowed her past to colour her future with such spite and venom. Madame Defarge would be a cautionary tale to those who seek to wound others, it will cause dropped stitches and a sharp poke from your needle. Crochet folk on the other hand use a soft rounded hook that only wishes to play nicely with the yarn, no sharp points to cause pain....well unless you count those crazy lace makers...lol...
Another tale from the ages concerns the many headed hydra, she was always having a bad hair day, as heroes tried to vanquish her by cutting off a head....two more grew in its place...another cautionary tale....just walk on and compliment a hydra about her latest hairdo....Now thank you for indulging my love of history and literature, there is always a lesson to be learned by reading widely.

[beth]

late to the CAL but I am hopping in. I bought yarn to do your ripple pattern and then when you 'kitted' your colors I bought that.
I am jumping in. Thank you

[Ninasimone]

I've been following your blog for about six months.This is my favorite blanket. Thank you for sharing your process. It's like a class in color and has helped me complete a few of my own ta-dah moments. I enjoy the photos almost as much as the tutorials. So unique and inspiring.

[Cathy]

Also to Clare: I guess if it were your blog you would have that freedom too, but cutting Lucy down for being an independent adult is just plain senseless. Perhaps you should reflect on your mean-spirited attitude and point it somewhere else! Do you like it when others cut you down? Or, are you just a taker?

[Cathy]

This is to LIZ, aka "Ms. Unpleasant": it is a tacky, and classless thing to be downright nasty to Lucy, who gives of her talent and experience so freely. I suggest you examine your own life and see what fears you enjoy projecting on to others. I will pray for you in your journey!

[Penny L]

This has to be one of my favourite ever posts! I ordered the wool just before I went away on Griday. I so hope it will arrive tomorrow. Can't wait to be joining in . What a lovely thought to be doing something at the same time as people all over the world. What a lovely lot of positive vibes and happiness going into the ether! Penny L xxxx

[Susan Sheppard]

Looking forward to receiving my cosy yarn pack so I can make a start. This will be my first crochet along and has come just in time as I've almost finished my crochet bag. I started it as a freeform bag but didn't know how to finish it but having found your blog recently the handles and flowers on your bag tutorial are just right. Thank you Lucy!!

[Marbada]

I'm gonna join you!!