Dune Blanket :: Introduction

Before I begin posting proper today, I'd like to say a huge big ((thank you)) for all your lovely comments on posts just lately. I love hearing from you very, very much and I know it's not always easy in our busy, full-on days to make time to comment on blogs, Facebook, Instagram. It takes time and care to write thoughts and feelings, and I am so grateful that you send your warm words my way. I really do appreciate it! I often question myself when I'm writing about outings or holidays as they are very personal experiences and I do wonder whether anyone will really be interested in what I ate, what the weather was like, or what itty bitty things caught my eye. However, you repeatedly tell me that you enjoy my posts, so I am encouraged to keep sharing the minutiae of my ordinary life and hope to carry on brightening your days.

Following on from my coastal post yesterday, I thought it would be fun to share a little bit more of the inspiration behind my Dune blanket. If you've been following my blog over the years then you will be very familiar with my enduring obsession with the coast. I grew up on the south west coast of Dorset and my childhood memories are anchored to the beaches, clifftops and harbours there. Now that I live 300 miles away in North Yorkshire I've found new coastal places to satisfy my sea craving, so all is well in my world and I continue to try and take regular trips to see the sea. 

The Fylde coast (St Annes in particular) has been a beautiful discovery for me over the past three years, and I absolutely love it there. We visit whenever we can, often for quick day trips but a few times we've been lucky enough to rent a house to extend our stay for a couple days. 

We visit at all times of the year, but I think Winter and early Spring is my favourite season for beaching. There is something truly wonderful about having all that wide open, virtually deserted space for the taking, and walking on this vast sandy beach always makes me feel full to the brim with coastal feel-good.

Although I am a Summer loving soul, I really do love out-of-season beaches. With very few people choosing to walk when the weather is cold, it's often extremely quiet and I do love the feeling of being gifted a deserted expanse of space to roam in. I adore wrapping up warm and braving the elements, feeling the tang of cold, salty air on my face, the wind whipping my hair into knots, and my lungs filling to the brim with all that breezy freshness. It's peaceful and invigorating, calming and energising all at once. It never fails to make me feel really, really happy! 

It was last Autumn when the idea came to me for a blanket inspired by my feelings and memories of this particular coastal location. As you can see in the above photo it wasn't an especially nice day when I was on the beach at St Annes celebrating my birthday in October. In fact it was very grey, cold and fiercely windy but I was still so happy to be there. It was this deep-down contentment and bubbly joy that I wanted to remember and hold onto, and creating a blanket that would become a guardian of those memories seemed like such a good idea.

In the weeks that followed, my mind often drifted back to that day. I thought about the essence of the coast at St Annes, the things that make it special - the huge beach, the natural beauty of the sand dunes which lead down to the open sands, the endless views of the sky, the very gentle, shallow waves advancing and retreating, the abundance of sea shells to be found. It's natural and unspoilt - sea, sand, coastal vegetation, seagulls and seashells......blissful stuff for a sea-junkie like me.

Heading back there last month when the weather was light and bright and unseasonably warm was an utter delight. I had my camera with me everywhere we walked and spent lots of time photographing our holiday there. Dozens and dozens of photos which capture light, colour, texture and happiness.

My Creative Mind began to filter and distil all the images I was capturing on my camera, building an impression of colour and pattern which would represent everything that I love about this beach.

I searched for shells to see what delicate colours were held there. 

I observed light and shade, the changes from morning to night, the reflections and shadows which shifted constantly. But most importantly I began to think about the colours that would capture the emotion of spending such happy hours with family enjoying the fresh air and tranquillity.

Light, airy, breezy, soft, joyful colours, like a chilly gust of salty fresh air followed by a warm hug.

When I'm beginning to think about a new blanket journey, photographing the source of my inspiration and gathering visual material is a vital part of my creative process. I absolutely LOVE this element of design almost as much as the crochet itself. It's like being given permission to have a really good play, and who can resist that??!!

I chatted a little bit yesterday about the full family affair that surrounded this shell gathering mission....it's a really good memory I have of all of us searching the strand line for shells, laying them out on an old weathered wooden sleeper along with gathered driftwood, feathers and the distinctive silvery grey marram grasses which grow in abundance amongst the sand dunes.

Grass, wood, shells......add in some sea, sand, sky......and then finally add the breeze, the salty air and the deep down feel-good.

This is my Dune palette beginning to take shape.

I popped the shells we'd gathered into a paper bag and brought them home so that I could really study the colours in detail.

Some of the shells were familiar and I already knew the names - others I managed to look up online so that I could have that knowledge tucked away in my mind for the future.

Top row - Common Whelks

2nd and 3rd row - Necklace shells, also known as Moon Snails

4th row - Rayed Trough shells

5th row - Cockles

Bottom row - Baltic Tellins

I absolutely love the moon snails, they have such pretty markings and soft colours.

And the cockles and tellins are pretty too, those pale pinks are enchanting and I knew straight away that I would include some of these delicate shades in my Dune blanket. 

As lovely as these pale shell colours are, they would be lost without the rest. Soft neutrals and very pale pinks need to be enriched by the shades of sand, sea, sky and grass.......

....it's still pretty subtle as colour palettes go, but there is a gentle harmony which I find very appealing.

I'm really looking forward to sharing the exact colours I've chosen for my Dune blanket - you'll have to wait a little longer for this information as I won't be publishing the colour list until the yarn packs become available in my shop. I know, such a tease! I am going to show you some of my blanket though......

.....would you like to see?

When it came to deciding on a pattern for my Dune blanket, the obvious choice would have been something Ripple-ish or Wavy. I did ponder on this decision for quite some time (I so very nearly went with the Neat Wave), but I found that my Creative Mind had other ideas and I began to fixate on my collection of shells. 

Shell or scallop patterns are popular in crochet and there are masses to choose from once you go searching. After a lot of sampling, I settled for a type of shell pattern which is slightly different from the usual crochet shells, in that the pattern is worked up in two different rows. I can't tell you how much I love it! It's a fabulous pattern to crochet, easy to get to grips with and very, very therapeutic.

The other thing I really like about it is that it has two distinctly different sides. Both are lovely so there isn't really a right or wrong side as such. The above photo is what I'm calling the front.....

....and this is the reverse. 

The blanket has a gorgeous squishy texture, but the little holes at the base of the shells stop it from looking too dense. I'm so happy with it I have to say.

I've been asked if this would be a good pattern for beginners, perhaps those of you who are relatively new to crochet but have tackled the Sweet Pea, Cosy or Hydrangea stripe and are looking for your next project? I would say absolutely YES, this is a great next step. There is slightly more learning to do with this pattern in that the start and end of the rows change depending on whether you're working an even stripe or an odd stripe. But aside from that it's a very easy pattern to memorise and crochet, and I'll be making my usual full photo tutorial to help you step by step through the pattern.

As you can see, Tilly has been "helping" me to test the blanket for snuggleability qualities and I'm pretty certain she's given it the kitty seal of approval.

Currently, I'm about two thirds of the way through my Dune journey and absolutely love it to bits. I'm hoping that I'll have everything ready to share with you in about three weeks time, around the middle of April.

I won't be running this project as a Crochet-A-Long this time. There will be a Dune yarn pack which will contain a full colour printed pattern, and I'll share a full photo tutorial (with a complete stripe order) free here on my blog too. 

Thank you for always showing such enthusiasm for my designs and ideas, it means the world to me that you enjoy what I do.

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Comments

[Susanne orsi]

Can u please send to my email copy pdf of this pattern?

[Jacqueline]

Eine wundervolle Decke. Gibt es ein Video mit Schritt für Schritt Anleitung...bin blutiger Anfänger

[Louise Fisher]

Hello Lucy ~ warm smiles and a big thank you for all you do ~ I feel so much closer to home now I see all your pics everyday and hear your news and look at these amazing colors and craftwork .... so thank you !

Big Hugs ((( ))))

I hope you are all well and happy ~ Good night x

[Jane]

Yrs I was wondering if you have a book of all your patterns. The colours you use are wonderful.

[Sue diaz]

Lucy what a wonderful post you have such a way with words and transported me back to times on beaches that made me feel the same !!
Your description of the shells and colours and how the light affects them is pure joy to read and makes me want to go to the beach right now . Every time I’m there I collect shells which makes my hubby smile and makes me feel like a kid again .
Was natural choice for me to select a Dune Pack and I live the seashell stripe
But sadly it was sold out I hope it will restock soon.
Thanks again for your inspiration and reminisce.

[Margaret J Dean]

I have just been given a pack to make a Dune Blanket, unfortunately this one doesn't have a pattern with it. Is it possible to buy one from you or one of you pattern books ? There seems to be some gorgeous things ! My daughter is preparing me for lock down !!!

[Fay Williams]

How do I knit this blanket?

[Mel]

So pretty! I think I'm going to dive in. Even though I just finished a blanket that took me far too long.

[Bev Farrall]

loving the way you are choosing your colour palettes Lucy. I've been blown away with all these beautiful blankets, the colour combinations are stunning and so hard to choose a favourite. I thought I likes Sweetpea, but then when I see Dune that is beautiful too. Makes me want to put away the sewing machine and get the hooks and yarns out again!! x

[Natalie]

How do you crochet the shells? Many thanks natalie

[Angela Webb]

Buzy finishing off my Sweet Pea Blanket so as soon as this is released I can start - cant wait please publish soon

[Therese P]

I always love to see the photos that you post that show the colour inspiration behind your patterns! Initially, I wasn't going to do this one quite yet as I haven't finished my Moorland yet, but the Dunes are calling to me louder and louder, so I think I might just have to get a pack and start next week :)

[Ann P.]

Just lovely. I think the colors are very calming and beautiful, and the neutrals give the blanket a level of sophistication that keeps it from looking like something made for a child (although it would be a wonderful blanket for a person of ANY age). I cannot wait to make one for myself!!! You have made me fall in love with Crochet again, Lucy. Thank you.

[Gail Dixon]

Beautiful as always and thank you for sharing. The colours are just perfect for this project....thank you Lucy, 😊 Gail x

[Gillian French]

Fabulous! Can’t wait for the pattern release to hunker down and start as our days start to shorten for autumn in the Southern Hemisphere! I bought the 15 dune colours a little while ago when I ordered some more pistachio to finish some squares for the Tasmania firefighters harmony squares lol 😂 as I wanted the dune palette to be my next blanket since Moorland! 😁 Keep blogging! Love your photos and descriptions of where you live!! 💜

[Joan Remnant]

I so enjoy reading your posts and 'virtually wandering' around Yorkshire through your lovely photos. I'm not able to travel far these days but can feel the breeze on my face and enjoy the colour, scents and sounds because of what you share with us. Really looking forward to further news about the Dune blanket.

[Anne]

Again such a wonderfull blanket! Love the colours and the pattern. You are really an artist Lucy. Just great again!

[MaryAnn Parish]

I cannot wait to see this pattern and the yarn pack available for sale. I love all your tutorials and tips to help us all crochet. Thank you!

[Debbie Longville]

What beautiful colours! So soft and delicate - what a departure for you ;)

I love your blog BECAUSE of the minutae - you remind me what is REALLY important in life. It IS the 'little things' that we take for granted, or forget about because we are too busy stressing about other 'stuff' so please carry on exactly as you are! (and, of course, your beautiful photos and inspirational creations!)

Thank you!
Love Debbie x

[Evelyn Fraser]

Love your Dune blanket, the colours are beautiful and I can’t wait for blanket pack to go on sale. Thank you again for sharing this with us.xx

[Linnell Nickerson]

Love your blog. You are a busy little beaver. It's wonderful how you enjoy your family. It's nice to read about. Your blankets are very pretty. I'm crocheting a granny square afghan right now.Thank you for the directions for crocheting it together. I'm enjoying that. Years ago I use to teach it at adult education in our area. take care xo

[Karen]

Lucy your dune blanket is just gorgeous, I will definitely be buying the kit thankyou x

[Penny]

Hi Lucy I’m looking for the pattern you did for little blue and pink bunny, I can’t find it in your pattern list would you be able to help me find it please? It made such lovely little presents. Thank you

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[Angela-Southern USA]

It's fabulous already! I love a shell pattern and the rhythm to it. My go to pattern for quick baby blankets. I made a spring/Easter inspired shell pattern throw a few years back and still love it. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Patty]

Thank you Lucy for your fabulous photos of the dunes, shells and all that beachy beauty!!! Looking forward to the newest design and new colors.