Dune Blanket :: Ta-dah!

Hellooooooooo, and welcome to my happy place where I'm very excited to be sharing a breezy coastal ta-dah moment with you all!!! I imagine you all know by now that today is the day for my Dune blanket to be given a bit of a smooch, and quite honestly I've been hopping with excitement this past week as I've finished off my blanket (yeah, I only completed it a week ago) and worked hard on creating the pattern to share. 

You might recall me introducing you to the Dune blanket at the end of March when I returned from a gorgeous short family jaunt to one of my most favourite coastal spots - St Annes on the Fylde coast. You can read all about my holiday ((here)) and read more about the inspiration behind my Dune blanket ((here)).

As you can see from the above collection of photos, my Dune blanket is all about the colours of coastal sand dunes, shoreline adventures and shell collecting. I wanted to bring all those breezy, happy feelings together into a colour palette which is soft and cool, like the tang of salty sea air on a cold Spring day.

When I was in St Annes at the end of February, I spent lots of time wandering the strand line with the family, collecting things which caught my eye and playing about with different colour ideas. I had the notion that I wanted to try and capture the essence of this seaside place where I love spending family time, creating a colour palette that not only described the physical aspect of the coast, but also the emotion of it. I thought : "light, airy, breezy, soft, joyful colours, like a chilly gust of salty fresh air followed by a warm hug" - that's the essence of this place for me. I've written a lot more about my creative process and shared loads of photos in my Dune Introduction post.

I took lots of photos at the seaside holiday house where we were lucky enough to be staying for a few days in February. It has these wide, white painted windowsills which were perfect for arranging things. I was so happy in my own little creative bubble, spending hours lining things up, photographing them, rearranging them and faffing to my hearts content.

After a major amount of creative faffery, I finally settled on fifteen shades of Stylecraft Special DK  to create my Dune palette.

I love the gentle harmony of them and the way that each and every colour holds a significance for me. There are the pale greens of the marram grass, the warm neutrals which represent driftwood, sand dunes and the rippled wet sandy beach, the blues and pale greys of a cold spring sky and the softest of pinks which come from the sea shells I collected.

As is usual for my blankets, I've chose fifteen shades of Stylecraft Special DK for my Dune blanket.

This is enough to make a single/twin size blanket measuring approximately 120cm x 180cm.

Top row, left to right...

♥ Mocha ♥ Pale Rose ♥ Parma Violet ♥ Storm Blue ♥ Sage ♥

Middle row, left to right...

♥ Camel ♥ Mushroom ♥ Silver ♥ Cloud Blue ♥ Spearmint ♥

Bottom row, left to right...

♥ Stone ♥ Powder Pink ♥ Parchment ♥ Duck Egg ♥ Lincoln ♥

You can find the Dune yarn pack in my shop at Wool Warehouse, click on the link below...

DUNE YARN PACK

The yarn pack also contains a 10-page full colour pattern.

Do you like the shells? I crocheted these up in a fit of spontaneous creativity one afternoon, satisfying a craving for something decorative to come flying off my hook.

I found the shell pattern free online - it's a design by Ramsi Leigh who writes her blog {Ramsileigh Designs}. The pattern is actually the beginning part of some bigger crochet sea shells which Ramsi designed as coasters.

I worked round 1 as Ramsi wrote it to make the middle circle (a combination of UK dc, htr and tr), then continued the spiral with round 2 but working in the Back Loops Only. Crocheting in back loops only creates a little ridged line of single loops which defines the spiral shape beautifully - I love it!  If you are going to make these shells, please note that the pattern is written using US terms - the tallest stitch I crocheted was a US treble (this is a UK double treble) - I stopped after this part of the pattern and didn't bother to work the even taller stitches. So in round 2, I worked (2 UK tr) x 4 and (2 UK dtr) x 6, then fastened off.

I love them very much.....I'm still deciding what to do with them, but I'm swaying towards some pretty summer shell bunting for my mantel. I've got some gorgeous little mother of pearl shell buttons which would go really well with these crochet shells.

Having my big baggy yarn bag full of new colours with a fresh, exciting new blanket journey about to begin is one of my greatest pleasures. It makes me so ridiculously happy!

I always spend a long time on the pattern sampling stage, and I have a whole motley pile of discarded stitch samples to prove it. I tried out some wavy things and some ripply things, but nothing seemed quite right. In the end it was the shell idea that my mind seemed to really fixate on, so I went with it and ended up with a whole slew of shell-type samples. 

I settled on a delightful variation of a shell pattern where the stripe is worked in two rows - first you create a row of v-stitches, then you infill the v-spaces with shells - it really is a beautiful pattern to crochet. This pattern creates a delicious texture, and best of all the blanket is different on both sides, making it double sided, squishy and visually very lovely indeed.

I'm certain this pattern would be suitable for beginners to have a go at. It does need a little concentration in the beginning to make sure you are starting and ending each row correctly, but it very quickly becomes memorizable (is this even a word?!).

I've written a full step-by-step photo tutorial to walk you through the pattern and give you as much guidance as I possibly can. I've named it the Seashell Stripe, and you can find it in the usual place over in my left hand sidebar, or click on the following link to go right there >> 

SEASHELL PATTERN

As with all my blanket patterns, I would strongly advise you to work up a small tension sample before you launch straight into the blanket - this helps you to become familiar with the pattern (in particular the way the different rows start and end), but also to determine your own personal hooky tension and which hook sizes to go for. This Seashell pattern produces a slightly tighter crochet fabric than usual, so if you are used to working with Stylecraft Special DK, my general advice would be to use a bigger hook size (a half-millimetre) than you would normally use. The Dune blanket is similar to the Moorland and Woodland in this respect. All this is explained in the tutorial.

I've also given options for different blanket sizes, from a baby blanket to a King Size blanket. The yarn pack is enough to make a standard 120 x 180 cm single bed blanket, you will need two yarn packs for a double or king size.

DUNE YARN PACK

So............................................................

Shall we have a look at the blanket now? Would you like to see some more of it?

I love love love starting out on a blanket journey - yes, I'm one of those weirdos who even loves making that very first awkward, wiggly dc row into the foundation chain!! Love it! Having said that, it's wonderful once the stripes get under way and the blanket slowly begins to show itself. I used my yarn pegs and little snips of yarn taped to paper to work out the colour order of the stripes. This is the way I prefer to work - it's hands on and old school and suits me down to the ground.

There are 100 stripes in the Dune blanket, and I've ordered them in what I like to call a "planned random" way. This method gives a lovely energy to the blanket I think, and is definitely my preferred way of playing with colour. I know from the Sweet Pea blanket that many of you prefer to order your stripes using a colourwash, so we'll talk about the idea of a Dune Colourwash towards the end of the post.

I began crocheting the Dune blanket hot on the heels of finishing the Sweet Pea CAL, so these stripes have grown in super-quick time. Started on 12th March and finished on 9th April - that's just four weeks from start to finish. Its a good job I fell head over heels in love with the Seashell stripe pattern isn't it??!! I crocheted at every opportunity - at the café, at friends houses, on the train, and even on an aeroplane (and that's a whole other story for another day!)

But mostly I cosied up and crocheted these pretty rows in the comfort of home. I snuggled on the sofa....

.....in bed....

....and beside the fire.

Shell after shell after shell after shell. The addiction was real.

I finished working my one hundred stripes in record time, and can honestly say that I loved every second of this blanket journey. These soft coastal colours have such happy vibes, and every stitch holds fond memories of happy, breezy, fun-filled times.

For once, I managed to decide on my edging pretty quickly and I'm really, really happy with how it turned out.

I chose four colours and created a version of my Spot-On Edging - this is an easy border to crochet and very enjoyable.

I think the colours I chose work really well - I deliberately placed the Pink between two blue shades to create the "spots" of colour, reminding me of the tiny pink Baltic Tellin shells that I collected from the beach at St Annes.

I've enjoyed the pleasure of the Dune blanket on my bed this past week as the nights have been f-f-f-f-freezing.

I've made my blanket the usual single bed size (120 x 180 cm) so it's not really a good fit for a double bed, but I still love to drape it across my duvet so that I can admire it every time I walk into the bedroom.

It was while I was tidying up my bedside table for photographic purposes that I was reminded of one of my all time favourite books.......

......The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. I've read this delightful book many, many times over the years (did you know it's over 30 years old now, written in 1987?) and adore it's simple charm and coastal setting. I bought my copy in a second hand book shop in Robin Hoods Bay many years ago, but I was really happy to find that it's still in print and you can find it online {Amazon UK : Amazon US}. I can highly recommend it as a lovely, lighthearted read, especially if like me you have a craving to be beside the sea.

I only got round to spreading my blanket out for photography purposes at the weekend, and the light wasn't especially great to be honest. But I thought you'd appreciate being able to see all one hundred stripes.............

..............ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I adore the texture of the seashell stitch, it is just so blinkin' pretty!

Scrumptious even!

And already very much at home here in the Attic. I'm sat at my drafty desk under the window right now and have the blanket wrapped around me, it feels warm and snug and cosy. I love it so much.

On Friday morning last week, we woke up to the most glorious blue skies, and there was only one place that I wanted to be. So after dropping Little B at school, J and I set off to drive west..............

.......yes, my Dune blanket went on a jolly to St Annes!!!!! I can't tell you how happy I was to stride out into the sand dunes with my blanket tucked under my arm, to conduct my own little personal photo shoot.

It was a beautiful clear day, but don't be fooled by those blue skies as it was blowing a hoolie and really, really cold.

Still, despite the very low temperatures, the sun was shining and my blanket looked amazing with a beachy backdrop.

↑↑↑ oh boy, this photo really makes me laugh!! There is a moody, grumbling husbundo hiding behind that blanket, he really didn't enjoy being my photographic assistant I can tell you! He was cold, his arms ached, he was hungry, it was too windy, no he couldn't hold it any longer......hahaha!!!! We took some terrible photos actually, there is definitely a knack to photographing things on location, especially in windy conditions with strong sunlight and harsh shadows and all that.....

.....I'm certain we didn't do a very good job, but well, the resulting photos are homespun and honest and real, which is what my blog is all about.

I do quite like the above windy action shot, using a wooden post and a piece of driftwood jammed into the sand - this was the last picture before we gave up and trudged off in search of food and warmth. 

I did come home with a really beautiful cockle shell in my pocket though!

I'm wondering what you think of these colours and whether you find them calling to you and whispering all sorts of breezy, seaside things to you? Yarn colours talk to me all the time, is that odd do you think? 

The above bag of yarn is what remains after my blanket was finished - I used approximately 80g of each colour.. There is plenty left to make shell bunting....or maybe a Dune cushion? 

I mentioned earlier about the idea of using the Dune colours to create a colourwash version of the blanket. I made the above sampler to test out the pattern, and deliberately arranged the colours so that they could be crocheted in a subtle wash of colour if you prefer the look of this to a random order.

You could repeat the above order (the Cloud Blue and Storm stripes flow really well together), or you could create something similar to the Sweet Pea colourwash that I put together for my last CAL blanket. I'm sorry I haven't had time to write out an exact blueprint for a colourwash blanket, but if you'd like me to do this, please leave a comment and I'll see what I can do to make it happen ** PLEASE SEE EDIT BELOW**

My own random stripe order is listed over on the Seashell pattern page, and also as part of the printed pattern that is included when you buy a yarn pack from my shop at Wool Woolwarehouse.

And finally, after all the wordy words and excessive number of photos, I just want to say THANK YOU.

Thank you for your encouragement, your friendship and for always keeping me company as I indulge in my blanket and colour addiction. I appreciate you so much, I hope you know that. Thank you!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Here are some links you might need :

♥ DUNE YARN PACK (including printed pattern)

♥ DUNE BLANKET : INTRODUCTION

♥ SEASHELL PATTERN

♥ DUNE BLANKET : EDGING TUTORIAL

**EDIT :: There is now a colourwash colour order for the Dune blanket if you would like to try it. I wrote a blog post which includes a colour chart for you to download - click on the link below >>

♥ DUNE BLANKET COLOURWASH

x

 

Comments

[Jan Quigley]

The dune blanket is just beautiful & what a lovely surprise to see we both love The Shell Seekers. I've also read it quite a few times over the years & loved the movie adaptation with Angela Lansbury.
We are currently renovating, & totally redecorating, the home we moved into last year, & I've realised the dune colours are perfect for the Laura Ashley duck egg Summer Palace wallpaper I have chosen for a feature wall in our bedroom. I think perhaps a larger version of the blanket to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in August would be perfect. Thank you for another amazing project, I've made the hydrangea & the sweet pea harmony so for this year, & the moorland last year.

[wendy]

Fantastic Lucy just simply beautiful ♥♥

[Meredithe]

Yay! Thank you Lucy - another gorgeous blanket and I’m looking forward to getting my yarn......just in time for our Winter.

[Ann K.]

Hi Lucy - Oh my goodness...This blanket is GORGEOUS. I already ordered the pack! I love the stripes as is, but am also interested in the color wash version. In fact, the sample is stunning and I think I might want to crochet it that way. I would love it if you’d work out that option and post it. I can’t wait to get started!!!

[Sarah]

Hi Mrs. Lucy, I am an 11 year old crochet enthusiast. my mom introduced me to your blog and I instantly fell in love with it. I've already made your Weekend Bag project, and it was wonderful. This will be my 1st crochet blanket. Thank you so much for sharing this blanket pattern!!! The colors are sublime.

[Dawn]

Beautiful pattern, Lucy. Thank you for letting us share the journey. Very very tempted by the colour wash scheme! Need to quickly finish a blue and grey road network Cosy Stripe blanket first!
Dawn

[Crafty Cath]

I think my partner may leave me if I buy any more yarn (still haven't started the lovely moorland blanket I promised to make him!) but I need this!! I love all of your blankets equally, I cannot possibly have a favourite! I want to make them all!! and I will....eventually :)

[Charlotte.]

Beautiful blanket. Great colors.

[Anna]

Hi Lucy, after years and years of reading your blog and seeing your blankets and wanting to make one but not quite pulling the plug, this is the one that finally got me to put in my order. This will be my first blanket! My mom grew up by the beach (but here in New England) & her family is still there. These colors sing to me of early mornings, being the only one on the beach, & of summer! I can't wait to make this for her!!!

[Joan]

This colourway is gorgeous, your best yet. I've placed my order and hope it is delivered quickly as I just can't wait to get started.

[Claire Pascoe]

Hi Lucy, this is a fabulous blanket, thank you! I too would love the colour sequence for the colour wash version. Many thanks in advance Claire Pascoe

[Tina]

Fantastic colours and lovely photo shooting on the beach and the dunes.
Well done, Lucy!!
Tina x

[Grace Horton]

Beautiful choice of colors.

[Charlotte]

I've been waiting for this, I have a separate little account that I save for buying wool, it rounds up my debit transactions and put the change in another account so just waiting a little bit longer to have enough to buy this, I love both sides of the blanket, it looks really squishy. Thanks for all the instructions!x

[Diane]

Hooray! I’m so excited and grateful for this new pattern! Thank you and I’m looking forward to crocheting the coast!

[charlotte m.]

I love the soft colors and the shells are just...wonderful is the only word I can think of. Thank you for another treasure Lucy.

[Fiona M]

Gorgeous colour palette, can't wait to get started!

[Dana]

I’m so excited. My yarn pack is on the way to New York.

[Tracy]

Thank you Lucy. I love the colours in this blanket and they go so well with the shell pattern, you are so clever! I can't wait to get started on mine so I can snuggle up in it. Thanks again.

[Mary W]

The picture where your dear hubby is holding it all the way up high, is a delight in that it perfectly captures the colors and feeling of the dunes. He did good as did you with the camera. I especially like how it looks like bumpily windblown sand on one side then when you flip the sandy bumps - it uncovers a bevy of sparkly shells. So cool as I really love the texture of this one.

[Sue]

it's beautiful - I've ordered my yarn pack :)
I know just what you mean about trying to get good photographs on a cold windy beach!

[Carole]

Love this blanket - the shell pattern is just gorgeous & really eye catching...this will be my first attempt at a crocheted blanket & I shall be starting this whilst sat by the sea using the coast wool pack (purchased from my fabulous local yarn shop)...looking forward to seeing it grow row by row. Thank you for the inspiration & clear guidance xx

[Jane Garry (tales from my lens)]

Lucy this blanket is absolutely stunning. So me with the sea & collecting shells. You mentioned a colour wash version & I love to way the colours lie as well on this one. I would love a colour wash version too if possible . Thank you for your beautiful patterns & the love & time that goes into them xxxxxxx

[Angel Francis]

Absolutely stunning! I’ve ordered my color pack. Now to decide if I’m going to do the original stripes or the color wash. Decisions, decisions! Thank you for all you do Lucy. Your work is amazing and appreciated! 💗

[Melissa]

Absolutely gorgeous Lucy, as ever ... I love how you pick out the natural colours and weave them into your blankets! I am soooo behind as I'm still busy with my Woodland Blanket (!!) but so looking forward to this in the future, and seeing everyone else's pop up online. BTW I adore The Shell Seekers, I've also read it a thousand times. I love Coming Home and Winter Solstice as well ... excellent reads whilst tucked under one our crochet blankets! <3