During the past few weeks this glorious bag of yarn as been delivering me a huge amount of daily pleasure. The deep familiarity of these seventeen colours that are so very "me" has felt both comforting and inspiring, and I can honestly say more than ever that a good dose of colour therapy really does absolute wonders for mind, heart and soul. This bag of yarn is making me so so happy!
I hatched this blanket plan back at the start of May - at this time of year I get a strong urge to make outdoor picnic blankets as opposed to indoor bed sized blankets. So far I've made two of these which we use a lot during the summer months, they come with us in the car whenever we go to idle about at riversides, hilltops or beaches. Do you know the ones I mean? There was the Granny Patchwork blanket which I made in 2013, then the Colourwash blanket which I made last year. These two blankets were both stash-busting projects and ended up being roughly 140cm / 4.5ft square.
This year, I felt the strong pull back to my original collection of 17 colours which you can see above.
Top row, from left to right ::
♥ Aster ♥ Turquoise ♥ Cloud Blue ♥ Sherbet ♥ Spring Green ♥ Aspen ♥ Meadow ♥ Saffron ♥
Bottom row, from left to right ::
♥ Plum ♥ Magenta ♥ Lavender ♥ Wisteria ♥ Clematis ♥ Fondant ♥ Shrimp ♥ Pomegranate ♥ Lipstick ♥
I also had in mind that I'd like to try making my Harmony Granny Squares in these bright colours - I've been thinking about doing a second version of the Harmony Blanket for quite a while, and this seemed like a good time to give it a go. I am all about comfort and familiarity at the moment :)
I absolutely love love LOVE setting out on a new blanket journey, the thrill of it hasn't in any way diminished over the ten years I've been hooking up blankets. It gives me such a buzz, a real infusion of pure happiness where everything feels right with my world.
Over the coming weeks, I'm going to try and document my progress with this blanket in as much detail as I can, so that any of you who might feel like joining me can jump in and give it a go. This would be a brilliant stash-busting blanket to use up odds and ends of yarn left over from other makes. As you probably know, there is already a full tutorial for the Harmony Granny Square on my blog. These squares are crocheted in six rounds, with the final/sixth round becoming the join-as-you-go bit of the making process. Now if I was making this blanket with odds and ends of stash yarn, I would simply dive in and make each square completely at random, picking out colours on the hoof and hoping for the best. However, in this case I have my seventeen balls of yarn and I've decided that the best thing to do is approach it in a little bit more of a methodical way. So instead of making each square in full, I'm making them all round by round. Let me explain......
There will by One Hundred squares in total (arranged in a 10 x 10 square format).
Each square will use a different colour for each round (so six colours per square), and no two squares will be the same.
So unlike the Harmony Blanket which used one single colour for the sixth/joining round, these squares will be ALL-the-colours in the joining round (sooooo excited about that!)
With seventeen colours, this means working in groups of 6 (17 x 6 = 102, so I'm just going to make up 102 squares and abandon two of them in the last joining round as I only need 100).
I hope all that makes sense, and you get what I'm trying to do!!! If you look at the picture above ↟↟ , that's how this blanket started out - 102 little granny squares (6 of each colour) which form the first round of each Harmony Square. It felt really great to get that first fiddlesome round out of the way!
After the first round is complete, the fun really begins - time to choose the right colours to make up the next round (picture me hopping about in my back yard doing this in the hot sun!) In theory it's a simple method, but it does take a little bit of skill to keep the colours balanced out (hot/cold, light/dark) and to be able to visualise how the colours will work together. The above picture shows you exactly how I did it - I laid out the seventeen balls of yarn, then one by one placed the little squares on top of the yarn ball which will form round two. No two squares of the same colour should be put on any one ball, keep them all different. It's quite a challenge, but a really excellent way to learn about colour combining, if you fancy giving it a go yourself.
Its quite an instinctive way to work, and I don't have any real rules that I apply to this process. Some colours just feel right together and some colours just feel wrong together. Some colours give something of a zing when they come together, some colours sing in harmony when they are together. It's just about what makes me feel happy I guess. For example, I really dislike yellow and purple together so try to avoid that combo, but I really LOVE putting blues with reds or pinks for a it of a colour pop!
I have actually written out all the info for this first part if you wish to follow my choices exactly. Click on the following link and you should land on a PDF file which contains a colour info table for rounds one and two (I really hope this works - let me know??!)
Download Summer Harmony Part 1
Once you've decided which 6 little squares go with each ball, the next thing to do is gather them up and make sure you keep a note of what decisions you've made! I decided on this method - take a length of yarn from the ball approx. 30 cm and fold it in half. Thread the looped end through the corner spaces of each square.....
....then pass the ends of the yarn through the loop and pull tight.
This way, your six little squares are all gathered together and you know exactly which colour to use for the second round of crochet.
The advantage of doing this (other than to avoid making colour mistakes), is that it makes this project extremely portable. If you are going out and about with your crochet, all you need to do is pick up a couple of "bundles" and make sure you have the right balls of yarn to go with them. No need to lug all 17 big balls out and about, just take a few at a time and get ready for some easy, therapeutic hooky.
Working on all 102 squares at a time means that you quickly become familiar with the pattern too, and those rounds really start to fly off the hook. I find it very addictive working in this way ("just one more set, then I must go and cook dinner......"), pleasurable too.
Before you know it, you will be stashing and stacking those two-round squares feeling mighty happy with your progress. It's hooky heaven!
One thing I do need to mention is about the ends........now don't start groaning and rolling your eyes, honestly, it's really not that bad! With a project like this (six hundred colour changes, people), it's vital that you dig deep and find some end-darning discipline. Keep your needle with your scissors and get used to darning in the ends as soon as you snip off the yarn.
Crochet, snip and darn.
Don't even question it, just try it and you will be surprised how quickly it becomes a habit - trust me, it's the only way to go.
In my next update, I'll show you how round 3 looks and I'll have a go at putting all the colour info together in a way that makes sense.....now there's a challenge!
Here are some links that you might need :
♥ ORIGINAL ATTIC24 YARN PACK ♥
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ps Forgot to say - as per the title of this post, I'm calling this blanket "Summer Harmony"
Hi Lucy I’m trying find the harmony blanket but the colourwash moorland have the wool just need know which order please Jane
Posted by: Jane fraser | September 06, 2018 at 03:00 PM
I have fallen in love this blanket! It is so bright and fun! Is one pack of the original Attic 24 yarn pack enough to complete the blanket or should I get 2?
Posted by: Lucy Renard | August 26, 2017 at 12:07 PM
Oh Lucy, I have been following along for years and have admired every single project you have produced (even completing a monster ripple blanket of my own) but this is probably my favourite blanket you have produced so far. That colour wash effect is truly beautiful. I can see why you are sooooo pleased. Well done.
Posted by: Kerry | July 30, 2017 at 01:47 AM
Hi, Lucy! Will one Original Attic24 Pack be sufficient for making the Summer Harmony blanket? Or should I buy two packs?
Posted by: Amy | July 25, 2017 at 12:32 PM
Woooohooo! Another wonderful project to make with left overs from the previous 2 blankets I crocheted with you. I am still a beginner but have enjoyed the journey as you make everything so clear to see and read. Is it possible to tell me how many squares I need for a knee blanket or throw?
Posted by: Ondrea | July 16, 2017 at 09:02 AM
Hi Lucy. I have recently discovered your site and am blown away by your choice of colours and patterns. Although a life long knitter you have inspired me to learn to crochet and have just purchased the wool for the summer harmony blanket. I am following your tutorial but am not able to get the PDF on clicking on the link http://attic24.typepad.com/files/summer-harmony-1-1.pdf. Is there an issue with this?
Posted by: Carol | July 08, 2017 at 10:05 PM
Hi! Oooow how I like this blanket-to-be soooo much!
Do you maybe have a drawn pattern of the harmony granny square?
That way I can take my project with me at all times.
Thanks!! Mirjam, from the Netherlands x
Posted by: Mirjam Slotboom | July 05, 2017 at 12:25 AM
I see you laid out those itty bitty squares on to the skeins for
Round 2. Could you lay them out on the skeins after each round so we can see your color combinations? Since you want to document your work...😊
Posted by: Carolyn A Lloyd | July 01, 2017 at 09:56 PM
Once again, this will become a very beautiful blanket!
I love the colours!!!
Can't wait to see the result...
Love, Liz.
Posted by: Liesbet | June 29, 2017 at 12:07 PM
What a brilliant way to make colour choices so the colours will be evenly used. I am stash busting making your hexagon rug and was struggling to get a good mix of colour. Problem solved. It's now looking brilliant. Love both your patterns and colour pallets Sue in OZ.
Posted by: Sue Eamens | June 28, 2017 at 11:19 PM
These are such happy colors. How can one keep from smiling when seeing them! Thank you for brightening my world today!
Blessings~ Andrea
Posted by: Andrea | June 27, 2017 at 02:05 PM
I like the Harmony Blanket pattern. Love the colors.
Posted by: RuralTN | June 27, 2017 at 02:34 AM
What size will the finished blanket be please?
Posted by: Dorothy Harrington | June 26, 2017 at 08:03 AM
Hi, Lucy! Wonderful looking blanket and such happy colors! Years ago I made a baby blanket with some of those same colors using the same "no repeats" process. Since I had, I think, only 5 or 6 colors, it was less intense, but still a brain twister. I also spent a lot of time arranging the completed blocks so the centers and last rounds weren't next to each other. It was a fun puzzle! I wish I had a picture of it....
Posted by: auntiemichal | June 25, 2017 at 10:26 PM
Hi Lucy, what size hook are you using for this blanket? I can't seem to find the size anywhere. Hope you can help.
Posted by: Terry | June 25, 2017 at 12:33 PM
Your pictures are so clear and the colours together gorgeous. Have a great Sunday. x
Posted by: Kerry Lucas | June 25, 2017 at 09:03 AM
I do have the Attic24 Harmony Blanket kit that requires the 3 bunches of Parma Violet. I need to have these to join my blanket.
Posted by: Linda Midtlyng | June 24, 2017 at 07:52 PM
Linda, if you purchased the Harmony Yarn Pack then YES, it should have came with three balls of Parma Violet. BUT...if you purchased the Original Attic24 Yarn Pack to make the blanket above, then NO, there isn't a stitch of Parma Violet in it. The two blankets only have the pattern in common except, if I understand correctly, where the Harmony Blanket used the Parma Violet to join all the squares, the revised pattern for the Summer Harmony (using the Original Attic24 Yarn Pack) will use all the colors for joining. Hope this helps.
Posted by: Candace Jacobs | June 24, 2017 at 04:55 PM
This is going to be another beauty Lucy. I love your original colours and the harmony pattern is gorgeous.
I'm glad you are finding comfort in crochet. I seem to have lost my interest a while back.
Hopefully one day it will return.
Jacquie x
Posted by: Jacquie | June 24, 2017 at 03:43 PM
The download works perfectly and is a fab idea.
lovely easy to follow chart with the picture attached for comparison.
Thank you
Posted by: claire | June 24, 2017 at 11:24 AM
You have created a huge challenge for yourself. I'm sure it will be spectacular! I appreciate your comment about weaving in ends as you go. I have been doing that for years because I cannot stand to do it all at the end, and because it seems easier to "lose" them in one's ongoing project.
Posted by: Jen | June 24, 2017 at 06:05 AM
Lucy dear,
My daughter,21, asked if you had a death wish when I told her this blanket would have 600 colour changes. Lol
When I saw your pictures, I smiled to myself. I have made several "patches" of granny squares using all my leftovers. I will eventually have a blanket.
I love your posts. Each one brings me peace and serenity as though I were with you in your cozy corner crocheting or rambling along a countryside walk with you.
And of course Kitty is my favorite.
Thank you so much for your posts and pix. I look forward to each one.
Posted by: Ronda Richards | June 23, 2017 at 11:48 PM
I am going over my wool for the Harmony Blanket and I don't find the yarn for the joining. Supposed to be 3 balls of Parma Violet. My package does not have these. Are they purchased separately?
Posted by: Linda | June 23, 2017 at 10:40 PM
Lovely colors Lucy, so bright and cheery. I am currently working on two of the Marinke Slump tribute blankets at once but might give your Summer Harmony blanket a go.
Thanks for reaching out to us every so often and inspiring us to seek out color in our lives. I love your colorful photos and of course your finished blankets.
Posted by: Arlene | June 23, 2017 at 08:18 PM
Dear Lucy, I am following your "blanket production" for quite a while now and it inspires me again and again... Thank you sooo much for your really creative and colourful work - wished to be so organized and dedicated on my blanket/s as you are :-) Please carry on! All the best wishes for you from the Black Forest.
P.S.: Summer Harmony is going to be my next blanket, as the 22nd of June was my birthday...
Posted by: Margit Sauer | June 23, 2017 at 07:45 PM