Hello my Lovelies! I'm so sorry this is a day late - I really wanted to write this post yesterday but unfortunately I couldn't find the time. Those of you who are marking your planners/calendars with these pretty stickers from EllieBeth Designs will know that yesterday (Friday 25th) was the date to celebrate the start of the "6 weeks to go" countdown until my Crochet-ALong begins. Only six more weeks, yippeeeee!!!! Mind you, it's hard to believe that in six weeks from now, Christmas will be over and we will already be into a brand New Year. Thank goodness for a delicious new blanket to look forward to....happy days indeed.
So today I'm going to write a little bit of a question and answer post, in response to the many questions and queries that have flooded into my blog, Facebook and Instagram during the past few weeks. If by the end of this post I haven't answered something you'd like to know, please do leave a comment and I'll do my very best to give you an answer.
What size blanket will I be able to make from one yarn pack?
One Moorland Yarn pack contains 15 x 100g of DK weight yarn. In my experience of blanket making, this is usually enough to make a single bed size blanket. The Neat Wave pattern that I'll be using to make the Moorland blanket is a fairly dense stitch with some surface texture which means that the rows don't stretch quite as much as say the Ripple or the Cosy Stripe. As a result of this, the finished blanket will probably end up a little bit smaller than my usual blanket size.
I'm aiming to make my blanket 110 cm wide (almost 4 ft) and as long as I can possibly get it with the yarn available in the pack - it'll be somewhere around 150 cm long (5 ft),hopefully a little bit longer if I think there will be enough yarn.
Will there be enough yarn to make a border, and what sort of border will it be?
If you are using the Moorland yarn pack and following my colour order, the design will allow for enough yarn to make a border. I'm going to keep the border narrow so that it provides a very simple frame around the landscape waves. I'll be using Storm Blue and Lime in the border.
What if I want to make the blanket larger, to fit a double bed?
If you wish to make a double bed size blanket, you will need to buy two yarn packs.
When I write the pattern, I'll give guidance about the starting chain and pattern repeat so that you can work out exactly how wide you wish to make your own blanket. There is such a variation in "double bed size" that it's not possible for me to give an exact pattern for a larger blanket, but I will do my best to help you work it out.
What hook size do I need?
This is a tricky one to answer up front as the hook size you use will very much depend on your own personal hooky tension.
The standard hook size for Stylecraft Special DK yarn is 4mm. However, after much sampling and experimenting, I've found that the stripes look much better if they aren't worked too tightly. For example, I'm a tight crocheter so I'm making my Moorland Blanket using a 5 mm hook. If you crochet quite loosely, then you will probably find that a 4mm hook suits you just fine.
In Part 1 of the CAL, we'll be working up a small tension sample to test out the Neat Wave pattern and to decide on the right hook size. I would strongly advise you to do this with me (please don't think it's a waste of time!) as I would hate for you to find that your blanket comes out too small/tight, or too big/loose meaning that you run out of yarn.
I prefer coastal/cosy/bright colours, do I have to use the Moorland Yarn pack for this blanket?
Absolutely not! If you fancy making a Neat Wave blanket using one of my other yarn packs, or your own stash yarn, that's completely fine, and I'm really looking forward to seeing you make this pattern your own. Each week of the CAL, I'll be giving colour information for you to work up 20 Moorland stripes to create a yarny view over the moors (I explained this colour idea in my CAL Introduction post). But really, the main thing is that we all enjoy making our own waves of colour into a blanket, and I'd be delighted if you fancied trying the pattern out in different colours.
I prefer natural yarns, can you put together a yarn pack with wool yarn in the same colours?
I've had a surprising number of requests over on Facebook for a natural yarn pack which match the colours I'm using in the Stylecraft Special DK. I'm not able to do that for this project as it takes many months to organise these things, but I am investigating the idea for my next blanket.
Is the Neat Wave pattern suitable for beginners?
I think this blanket would be OK for beginners to have a go at, so long as you can crochet a chain and know the basic crochet stitches. I write my patterns in UK crochet terms, and the basic stitches you need are dc (double crochet), htr (half treble) and tr (treble). The Neat Wave is a simple combination of these three stitches which create the rise and fall using the different stitch heights. There is simple counting involved, and after a little bit of practice you quickly get used to moving between the three different stitches. You do need to concentrate on the pattern as you work as you can quite easily forget where you are in the sequence of stitches, but I've found there is a delightful rhythm to this pattern which is very soothing.
Can you let us have the Neat Wave pattern before the CAL starts?
Well, I have thought about this, but for several important reasons I've decided against it. The pattern will be accompanied by a full picture tutorial and will be published on the start date of the CAL which is Friday 6th January. The tutorial will be aimed at newbie crocheters, so will give advice about joining in new colours, keeping your edges straight, darning in ends etc. I hope you don't mind waiting another six weeks, I think this pattern is wonderful and versatile and will be worth the wait.
In the meantime, I thought you might like to see what I'm up to at the moment - I'm making a Neat Wave cushion cover using up lots of small oddments and left over bits and bobs of Stylecraft Special DK hanging around in the giant pink tub in my studio. The colours are veeeery random and quirky as I've not really been giving much thought to the placement at all. But what I really want to show you is the surface texture - isn't the above photo lovely? I had the crochet laid out on my studio table ready to photograph yesterday and the way the morning sun highlighted the undulations was amazing. I love it so much, and am even more excited to see how this effect looks as the Moorland Blanket grows.
This simple project is giving me so much pleasure, and although I'm only half way through (one side of the cover is complete), I thought I'd give you some colour information, just in case this sparks some creative ideas for you....
There are 33 stripes in total, using 22 colours of Stylecraft Special DK. I'm making the cover for a 45 cm / 18 in cushion.
From the bottom upwards, as follows ::
Denim : Aspen : Fondant : Cloud Blue : Magenta : Spice : Lime : Aster : Lavender : Pale Rose : Sage : Copper : Magenta : Storm Blue : Grass Green : Mustard : Turquoise : Pomegranate : Fondant : Plum : Aspen : Teal : Tomato : Gold : Lime : Denim : Lavender : Cloud Blue : Magenta : Turquoise : Grass Green : Petrol : Copper.
I'll be sure to share the second side and give you the colours for that too once it's made (same 22 colours, different random order). I'll also show you how I crochet it all together and add a button fastening. As already mentioned, the Neat Wave pattern will be published here on my blog at the start of my CAL on 6th January.
I'd really like to practice the Neat Wave pattern before the CAL starts, what can you recommend?
You will need to be familiar with the three basic stitches, and I think a good way to have a go with this is to make some of my May Roses. This will give you practice of making and working into a foundation chain, and using dc, htr, and tr stitches. You can find the pattern/tutorial here on my blog {May Roses}
The other thing you can do is this : crochet a long chain (maybe 100 or so) and work a base row of double crochet stitches to practice working into the foundation chain. Then try making a row where you go up and down through the three heights of stitches (double crochet, half treble, treble, half treble, double crochet etc etc), just to familiarise yourself with how it feels to keep swapping between them.
Will the Moorland CAL information stay on your blog if I want to go at my own pace or make the blanket later in the year?
Yes, yes, yes of course! All my blog posts and patterns are available for always so that you can dip in and find the information when it suits you. The CAL will run for 8 weeks in total but it really doesn't matter if it takes you a year to make this blanket. You can start and stop, hop in and out as you wish. There is no deadline, no signing up, no commitment, no guilt. Just hooky pleasure at your own pace :)
I hope I've managed to answer all of the questions that have popped up in recent days/weeks, and that if you've been umming and ahhing about whether to join in with my Moorland CAL or not, then perhaps this might have helped make up your mind. My colours or your colours, 8 weeks or 80 weeks, baby blanket or super king size, it's as flexible as you want it to be.
Six weeks...............bring it on!
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ps the Moorland CAL Introduction post is {HERE} if you missed it or need to take another look.
I'm loving the fact that your CAL uses less expensive yarn. I'm a fan of Jarrol DK which is 55% wool, and I've never tried 100% acrylic yarn, so I'm excited to give my first crochet project a go using it. Sadly the yarn pack colours didn't go in my room so I chose others, but they did remind me of being out on my bike in the hills of Aberdeenshire, very similar colours and similar beautiful landscape. I may also do some cushions based on your pattern, I'll see how I get on. I have more enthusiasm than skills just now x
Posted by: CathS | December 30, 2016 at 09:21 PM
I received my package from Wool Warehouse on Chistmas Eve, my present to myself. Looking forward to working on this.
Posted by: Sarah Dickens | December 30, 2016 at 08:38 PM
Lucy, I just received the package from the warehouse today. The yard is beautiful, soft, and the colors are gorgeous. I can't wait to get started. I was amazed it only took a few days to get from UK to Sunny Florida.
Posted by: Charlene | December 28, 2016 at 05:35 AM
I have signed up to do the blanket, I already bought the wool, I hope you have patience, because I do not know much crochet and less English.
Hoping to start with a lot of desire, a kiss.
Posted by: ara | December 18, 2016 at 02:44 PM
I love this post thank you- it encouraged me that I can maybe do the stitches 😊
Will blog any progress at my new crochet section at
www.whimsyandcosy.wordpress.com
Posted by: Zozie | December 17, 2016 at 11:18 PM
You didn't answer my question: what on earth can I do if my husband doesn't take the thousands of hints I've been giving him and get me this pack for Christmas - I just can not justify buying any more yarn to add to my enormous stash!!!!!!!
Posted by: A-M | December 17, 2016 at 08:42 PM
Received my pack today from woolware house. Love the colours and something lovely to look forward to after Christmas.
Posted by: Audrey | December 17, 2016 at 09:22 AM
Frustrating it might be to have to wait until January, I have put the time to good use and made a huge effort to use up all my leftover wool to make a cosy stripe blanket (third of the way through) and made 7 (yes seven) pairs of socks for myself and Christmas presents. Also having ordered one pack of the Moorland wool now decided to make a double bed size blanket for a 2017 Christmas present for my daughter so now have two lovely looking packs of wool already to go!
Cant wait!
Posted by: Linda | December 13, 2016 at 09:28 AM
I am so looking forward to this CAL, the colors in the blanket are gorgeous. Now all I need is for Wool Warehouse to put together more packs!
Posted by: April | December 08, 2016 at 02:23 AM
I'm on the penultimate border row of my first ever crochet blanket (well, my first ever CROCHET, actually!!!) but am not confident enough (YET) to join in with your CAL.
Although it's sort of based on Little Cotton Rabbit's Misty Afghan, I was inspired to finally learn to crochet by your blog and your beautiful creations. I'm not brave enough to use colour like you do...but I'm working on it!
love
Debbie
x
Posted by: Debbie, Essex | December 07, 2016 at 05:03 PM
Two yarn packs ordered before Thanksgiving (in the US) and they just arrived two days ago. I've had to hide them away to resist temptation to get them out and play with them. I absolutely LOVE the colors in combination with each other!
Looking forward to starting this in January!
One question before the start...can we use the chainless foundation to start instead of chaining so many?
Posted by: Heather S | December 07, 2016 at 02:53 PM
yarn on the way from woolwarehouse. Excited!!! I have been following you a long time. Love your work.
Posted by: Jeanne | December 04, 2016 at 03:15 AM
I ordered my yarn pack and am excited to make the Moorland Blanket. Do I need to sign up somewhere to be a part of the CAL?
Posted by: Linda Palmer | December 01, 2016 at 01:22 PM
For those wanting a natural yarn choice. The only superwash wool brand I can find with a big enough colour range is Cascade 220 Superwash (also available at Wool Warehouse!) This would make a super blanket but it wouldn't be cheap.
If you were happy with a delicates / hand wash, then Jamieson's of Shetland Double Knitting would be amazing. It's in 25g balls though so shop carefully. Again, much more expensive but it's the only yarn that is made completely in Shetland. http://www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk/spindrift-and-double-knitting-1-c.asp
Posted by: Helen | December 01, 2016 at 09:26 AM
The kit is sold out. :( Will it be available any time soon?
Posted by: Katharina | November 30, 2016 at 11:49 PM
Hi Lucy!
WOO HOO! I just ordered my yarn pack! I am soooooo excited to start this CAL in January. Looking forward to see everyone's progress and the sheer fun of it all.
Posted by: Robin W. | November 30, 2016 at 08:26 PM
Hi Lucy :) I'm very excited as have just ordered my Moorland pack from Wool Warehouse to do the crochet along with you in January. Yay!!! We are safely back in New Zealand after our motor home trip and one of the highlights was visiting Skipton and meeting you and the lovely ladies at Coopers' Cafe. I'm really looking forward to making the blanket as I just love the colours and the effect of the stitch pattern. Gorgeous!! I'm pleased to be back home with the little grand children and summer just round the corner. Am finishing the Coast Ripple blanket and it's going to go in the motorhome when it arrives in just over a week! Take good care and thanks again for the lovely crochet you share with us xx
Posted by: Angela Cameron | November 30, 2016 at 06:55 AM
For Nancy: I just ordered a set of Clover crochet hooks on Amazon. An early Hanukkah present to my self
Posted by: Jennifer L Mahler | November 29, 2016 at 01:16 AM
SOOOO excited for my first CAL!! Received my yarn over the week end and just ordered new hooks for the occasion. (A Hanukkah present to my self) January 6 can't come soon enough
Posted by: Jennifer L Mahler | November 29, 2016 at 01:11 AM
Its lovely. Really jumped out at me and I couldn't wait to start.
So I did! I have abig stash of Alize extra just waiting for the right idea. A match made in heaven! Ive put all detail on ravelry as my Memories Moorland Afghan user is Djumbel.
Hope you dont mind.
Posted by: Susan Thompson | November 28, 2016 at 07:06 PM
Oh, I'm so excited. This is my first ever crochet along and I'm currently racing to finish a ripple wave blanket for my daughter so I can join you guys in 6 weeks!!!!
Posted by: Joanna Devoy | November 28, 2016 at 05:10 PM
Hi! I greatly admire your work, this project is gorgeous. I'm looking forward to the CAL in six weeks. Thank you for this opportunity! It'll be lovely to be a part of it. What a great way to start a new year!
Posted by: Sofia B. | November 28, 2016 at 04:39 PM
I fell for your pattern and your colors, so with your recommendation on the quality of the yarn I'm eagerly awaiting my order's arrival and the eventual blanket for my own snuggling!
Posted by: suzanprincess | November 28, 2016 at 04:21 PM
I live in South Africa so I was very excited when someone was able to bring me 2 packs of this CAL. What a spoil. The colours are so beautiful. Thanks Lucy.
Posted by: Wendy | November 28, 2016 at 09:01 AM
This will be my second crochet project. I made another Attic24 this year starting in Jan. I love how clear your tutorials are. I've tried so many times to teach myself crochet and failed miserably until I discovered Attic14. I can't wait for Jan 6th. I have mt yarn and hook at the ready!
Thank you!
Posted by: Christine Jukes | November 28, 2016 at 08:14 AM