I've been so so so looking forward to sharing this post with you, I always do get a bit giddy when there is a ta-moment on the horizon but I am especially excited to share my Cupcake Stripe with you today. I confess that I've developed a bit of a crush on this blanket as I've been making and photographing it during the past few months, the colours have given me such a lift through the dull days of February and March when I wasn't feeling quite so good.
Do you remember the post I wrote back in early February, chatting about the way I plan my blankets? Well the Cupcake blanket wasn't inspired by nature or the seasons, it was down to one of my lovely Facebook followers (thank you Sheena!) who wrote to me and asked if I could create a cupcake-inspired colour palette for her. The idea was so appealing I was powerless to resist, and that's how I found myself in the middle of Winter playing with these pretty colours.
Before I actually start on any new blanket, I like to make myself a little colour sampler which helps me to get an overall impression of the colour palette I've chosen. Sometimes when I'm at this stage, I find one or two colours just don't play nicely with the rest and it gives me the opportunity to make changes. In this case, I ended up swapping out Sage Green and replacing it with the softer Pistachio shade. Don't the colours look sooooooo pretty stacked like this? Good enough to eat!
The fifteen colours of my Cupcake Blanket (made using Stylecraft Special DK) are as follows ::
Top row, left to right ::
Wisteria ♥ Cloud Blue ♥ Pistachio ♥ Mocha ♥ Fondant
Middle row, left to right ::
Parma Violet ♥ Duck Egg ♥ Spring Green ♥ Camel ♥ Apricot
Bottom row, left to right ::
Clematis ♥ Sherbet ♥ Lemon ♥ Stone ♥ Cream
Putting these fifteen balls of yarn into my bag gave me something of a wide-eyed surprise as they are quite different from my usual trade-mark brights. I admit it wasn't love at first sight, it was more of a slow, soft, creeping type of affection that began to set in.
Once I'd chosen the colours, I had a bit of a ponder over which pattern to use. I was very tempted to ripple these colours, I think they would look wonderful made up using the Neat Ripple pattern. In the end I decided to use my Cosy Stripe pattern which is the one I designed for my Autumn/Winter 2014 Crochet-A-Long. I thought it would be fun to make a Spring Sister for the Autumn-inspired original.
Oh I LOVE starting a new blanket, I love it so much! I am quite addicted to it I'm sure. Here I am on the 8th February, hoping that this soft, pastel coloured yarn was going to give me the required dosage of pleasure and deliver my daily colour-fix. Out of the fifteen colours I chose for this blanket, there were six that I'd never used before (Apricot, Cream, Lemon, Stone, Pistachio, Duck Egg). It was exciting to play with some new colours, even if it felt a little strange at first. Cream yarn?? Is this really me??
It was funny taking the Cupcake blanket out and about as it did tend to generate some surprised responses from my yarny friends. At first, nobody could believe their eyes, they were astounded to see me working with pastel colours.
I hope it's OK to confess that I did wobble a little bit at the start of this blanket, wondering whether I'd made a mistake. I think maybe this uncertainty was caused by the fact that I was using very Spring-like colours in the middle of Winter? Or maybe it was a response to everyone else's shock?! Or maybe it was just the unfamiliarity of the lemon/cream/apricot colours that made me doubt what I was doing for a bit.
But these colours are so charming, it's hard to doubt them for very long. They sing such a pretty song, they are seductive, gentle and very easy on the eye. The effect they had on me as I crocheted these stripes was, well.....it was like the visual equivalent of a lullaby, all soothing and calming and dreamy.........
...........oh, I nearly nodded off then.......where was I? Ahh yes, the gentle nature of these easy going stripes, I can confirm that they do grow on you beautifully. It took me five weeks to crochet ninety stripes (I had a lot of sofa-time through February and March remember), and then my usual dither as I contemplated The Edge. Actually, I had already formed an idea of what I wanted the edge to look like, so it was a case of choosing the right colours and having a jolly good play around until it all came together.
I absolutely love this edging and I know I will definitely use it again. I would love to try a very wide version of it one day, which I think would look amazing around a patchwork of granny squares.....can you see it? {edit - ooooo, look what I just found on Pinterest!! >> HERE} See? Fabulous idea eh?!
The Linen Stitch Edging is formed in five rounds - four rounds of linen stitch (also known as moss stitch) and a fifth round of simple scallops to finish. I've written up a full tutorial for making it, which you can find in my left hand side bar....
I really loved finishing this blanket, it felt like such a joyous triumph, and something of a small relief too.
"Lucy Crochets with Pastel Colours and All Is Well!"
I had worried quietly to myself that I might end up feeling half hearted about this blanket once it was finished. And I know that I wouldn't be able to lie about my feelings here on my blog either. I would have to tell the truth, of course I would.
So I just want to tell you that as much as I fell for these beautiful pastel shades, my bright-colour-love has not altered one jot with the making of this blanket. I've not suddenly gone over to the Pastel Side. I can appreciate the gorgeousness of these sweet, pretty-pretty shades and they've been a refreshing change, but my heart still belongs in the the Bright Colour camp. And that's the truth.
Anyhow, would you like to see how it looks, this Cupcake Stripe blanket?
Want to see how darn pretty it all is?
OK................................
Stripes
coming
up.................................
Ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They are pretty yummy - think fondant icing, creamy ice cream, love heart candy and iced gems all rolled into one sugary sweet blanket.
The blanket measures 120cm x 175cm which is roughly single bed size. But as with most of my blankets, I like to have them all to hand downstairs for sofa snuggling/den building. They are well used by the Little People I can tell you, which makes my heart happy :)
It's been lovely having this blanket around in the Attic24 household for a while, it does make me feel good to see it casually flung on the sofa, a constant reminder that Spring is on it's way.
Here are some useful links and information about the Cupcake Stripe Blanket ::
♥ CUPCAKE YARN PACK :: 15 x 100g balls of Special DK, which comes with a full colour printed pattern.
♥ CUPCAKE STRIPE PATTERN :: I wrote a separate page for this blanket pattern which gives lots of information about tension, size etc as well as the written Cosy Stripe pattern with the colour order for the Cupcake stripes.
♥ LINEN STITCH EDGING :: this is the new edging I designed especially for the Cupcake blanket.
As ever, I am thrilled to share patterns with you for free and I hope very much that you might feel inspired to make your own pretty-pretty snuggle blanket. Happy hooking my lovelies!
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Hi Lucy,
I just finished this blanket using the neat ripple pattern. I made it for my granddaughter's bed and she can't wait to start using it. You inspired me to start crocheting with your beautiful blankets. I made a couple before for the sofas but used up lefover yarn so no real colour scheme. I'm feeling quite proud of this one. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Elena | March 06, 2018 at 09:45 PM
Love the Colour's fantastic
Going to start one at the weekend
Posted by: Phil gonoude | September 22, 2017 at 08:51 AM
24 Spicer Lodge
Enville Street nearly finished the cup cake blanket. Mr [email protected]. super. Now on the look out for a ponchoice. Have you a pattern etc?
Posted by: Thornewell. Mr | October 27, 2016 at 11:20 AM
Hi Lucy, I've just finished my blanket. I love it! The colour combinations just kept on surprising me - they're beautiful, you have such an amazing eye for colour. I kept imagining different cakes as I was making it! Here is my finished piece - http://www.liveconsciouslyconnected.com/crochet-therapy/
Laura x
Posted by: Laura | August 12, 2016 at 10:48 AM
I'm just starting my cupcake blanket as a baby blankie for my nephews baby. Love these colours and do you know it arrived in New Zealand the same week I ordered it - 4 days I think it took to get here. Great service and I love your work....or is it work :-)
Posted by: Rhonda Roberts | July 23, 2016 at 04:48 AM
I really love your Cosy Stripe pattern, busy with no 3 at the moment. I also love making blankets and since it is winter now here in South Africa I enjoy it even more!
Posted by: Kobie | May 07, 2016 at 11:08 AM
Hy Lucy I am Italian and you have inspired me so much!
Thanks you for your clear explanations.
Posted by: ILARIA | April 28, 2016 at 09:59 PM
So excited to begin my fifth Lucy blanket! Your patterns are so well thought out and the colors just warm the heart! A big thank you from your crochet friends across the pond!
Posted by: Deb Kronenbitter | April 28, 2016 at 04:14 AM
Beautiful. My next blanket may be inspired by your pastel choices.
Posted by: Maria | April 25, 2016 at 09:39 AM
There is a photo with a laceir extended border, where is the pattern for that?
Posted by: Deanna Hemenway | April 25, 2016 at 03:55 AM
I love your usual bright palette, but this cupcake stripe is also really beautiful. These chilly spring days just cry out for a lovely blanket like this to snuggle under.
Reading your posts about celebrating spring with your decorated branches and bunting make me smile, and also think you might like this post-
http://www.brocantehome.net/blog/puttery-treats-for-spring-joy/
Posted by: Mimi from Brocante Home | April 24, 2016 at 10:10 PM
Love, love the colour combination. The blanket is amazing. I must say the cup cakes look really yummy! Well done, Lucy! Love Von xxx
Posted by: Yvonne | April 24, 2016 at 08:32 PM
I'm from Yorkshire but last week on Friday I was travelling by Amtrak from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia to attend a wedding. As I got on with my crochet the lady opposite started talking to me and said what a fan of Attic24 she is! She has never been to Yarndale so I encouraged her to put it on her to-do list. It was a lovely conversation with a stranger but with a hooky link. Thanks Lucy
Posted by: Clare | April 24, 2016 at 09:37 AM
These colours are just lovely. So summery.I don't usually work in pastels but am being inspired to give it a go.
Making a pastel blanket with the traditional granny and will put updates on my blog crochetbyroz.blogspot.co.UK
Thanks Lucy
Inspiring again! Love it!
Posted by: Roz | April 24, 2016 at 07:14 AM
These colours are beautiful. So summery! Have inspired me to put together a pastel blanket of my own. Will give updates on my blog as I go along
Posted by: Roz | April 24, 2016 at 07:09 AM
I am sooo in love with this. The kit is ordered and on its way to Sydney. I can't wait. I am madly finishing up my granny stripe blanket, which I have thoroughly enjoyed making, so I can start on the cupcake blanket as soon as my parcel of yummy goodness arrives? Thank you for such wonderful projects!!
Posted by: Rebecca | April 24, 2016 at 05:44 AM
Stunning, loving the pastles
Clare xx
Posted by: Clare | April 23, 2016 at 09:13 PM
I'm so looking forward to making this blanket. All the colours I love. I love your website and patterns. I find your instructions brilliant, thank you. You have made learning to crochet sooo much easier and I'm now an addict.
Posted by: Whitney | April 22, 2016 at 11:07 PM
It reminds me of a packet of Refreshers. Do they still make those?
Posted by: Debbie Qalballah | April 22, 2016 at 10:02 PM
I have say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this colour mix and I cant wait to get started and thank you for this blog I have really learned so much from doing your patterns and have found joy in doing every one of themxxxxx
Posted by: Mel from Lincolnshire | April 22, 2016 at 09:57 PM
Amo tu blog! siempre te leo, te saluda desde Montevideo Uruguay Ximena
Saludos!
Posted by: Ximena | April 22, 2016 at 01:42 PM
I am having to sit on my hands to stop myself ordering the pack for this one - lovely work, Lucy!
How about a pastel log cabin? :-D x x x
Posted by: Catherine Burke | April 22, 2016 at 08:03 AM
Hi Lucy,
please excuse my bad english but after all I'd like to say that I love your blog. I love crocheting and I love to read all your posts. I`ve learned English for year but I was never very intrested or good in int now ;-)
In reading your blog I found a way to improve my English a Little bit. I really enjoy seeing your photos an reading every single post!
thanks a lot a greetings from Austria -vnot Australia ;-)
Thank you Andrea
Posted by: Andrea | April 21, 2016 at 09:50 PM
Hi Lucy, love the new pastels color combination! I'm not a pastel type person usually, I love hotter and brighter colors, but the way you've put the colors together in this new blanket still makes the pastels pop. Makes me think of Easter, but then of course spring and summer too, and would also make a great baby blanket too. Last week I ordered the yarn pack for the Cozy blanket and am waiting in anticipation to receive it. I don't know if I've commented on here before but have read your blog and admired your creations for several years now. Love your bright use of color because we can never have too much beautiful color in our world! Thanks for sharing your ideas and beautiful blankets with us, you are a great inspiration! Have a great week!
Posted by: Barb | April 21, 2016 at 06:16 PM
Lovely blanket, it would be great for a baby blanket, thanks for sharing your adventures in pastel-land!!
Posted by: guyot | April 21, 2016 at 04:00 PM