Hello, and welcome to the start of a brand new decade, and the beginnings of a very colourful new blanket journey. I know that many thousands of you are joining in with the Dahlia Blanket Crochet-A-Long (CAL) and I am so very happy to have your company. It's going to be a beautifully bright start to 2020 that's for sure!
You will probably remember me telling you all about the inspiration behind the Dahlia blanket at the end of last year? If you missed that introduction post, you can find it ((HERE)). I've been in love with dahlias for many, many years - their flamboyant nature and vibrant colours never fail to make me happy and lift my spirits. I figured that if the flowers make me feel so smiley, then putting those colours into a blanket would be a very good thing indeed. It would be a blanket of Summer Cheerfulness!
As is usual for my blankets, I've chose fifteen shades of Stylecraft Special DK for my Dahlia blanket
Top row, left to right...
🏵️ magenta 🏵️ fuchsia purple 🏵️ shrimp 🏵️ apricot 🏵️ powder pink 🏵️
Middle row, left to right...
🏵️ boysenberry 🏵️ pomegranate 🏵️ spice 🏵️ lemon 🏵️ blush 🏵️
Bottom row, left to right...
🏵️ claret 🏵️ lipstick 🏵️ tomato 🏵️ saffron 🏵️ fondant 🏵️
You can find the Dahlia yarn pack in my shop at Wool Warehouse, click on the following link...
For those of you who have already got your yarn ready and waiting, I really hope that you've been enjoying the colour palette. I am so in love with it! There is a lot of heat in this palette as we move through the reds, oranges and yellows and into the pinks and purples.
Before you take your paper bands away from your balls, please remember to make a note of the colours so that you don't get into a muddle. A few of the shades can look very similar, especially under artificial light (Fondant and Blush in particular). I always use my trusty yarn pegs, but you could simply attach snips of yarn to a piece of paper with some sticky tape and write their names down.
Ruth has made some very sweet little sampler squares to keep a track of her colour palette...
And Charlotte has punched some holes into an index card to keep her yarn snips in order.
However you like to do this, it's an important first step in preparing for the CAL and helps you to become familiar with the colour names.
If you've made any of my blankets before, you know that I always like to encourage you to make up a small tension sample before launching straight into the blanket. This helps you to feel comfortable with the pattern repeat, but more importantly to work out your own personal crochet tension and the best hook size to use.
Stylecraft Special DK uses a 4mm hook as standard, but I've found that the Dahlia Spike Stitch works better if it's not too tight. I'm a tight crocheter myself, so I've moved up to a 5mm hook to stop my crochet fabric becoming too stiff. If you've made my blankets before, then you will probably have a good idea of what hook size suits you best for this yarn. Remember also that it's generally a good idea to make the foundation chain using a bigger hook size, then drop back down again when you begin to crochet the rows.
Working a tension sample doesn't take that long as it's only a small piece. Make a chain of 27 then work up 8 rows of crochet. The width should measure approximately 16cm across.
If it's a cm or so bigger or smaller, it's not too much of a problem really, the sizing is an approximate guide so please use your own judgement.
If your sample measures waaaaay bigger and feels all floppy and loose, then you will need to switch to a smaller hook. Alternatively, you can reduce the number of starting chains when you make your blanket (keeping a multiple of 4, plus an extra 3) to ensure you achieve the correct width and don't run out of yarn.
If your sample feels tight and stiff and is coming out way smaller, switch to a larger hook size.
I created my usual photo-heavy, hold-your-hand tutorial to help you crochet your tension sample and learn how to work the Spike Stitch. You can find it by clicking on the following link >>
And due to popular request, I also made a simple written pattern that you can download/print if you don't need the step by step help and prefer to have a traditional printed pattern to pop in your bag. You can find it by clicking on the following link >>
DAHLIA BLANKET PATTERN DOWNLOAD
In the tutorial, I also included some help with darning in ends for this particular blanket which I hope you find useful.
Once you're happy with your tension sample, you can get wiggly with those first few rows. The pattern gives you starting chains for different sizes of blanket, so although I make my blankets a standard 120 x 180 (single bed size), you could easily make smaller or bigger versions if you prefer.
When you work the first stripes of your blanket, it's a good opportunity to check your gauge again and make sure you're on track. The best way to do this is to use digital kitchen scales. There will (mostly) be 7 stripes of each colour in the Dahlia blanket and as you can see from the above photo, I'm using approx 11g of yarn per stripe. This means 77g of yarn in total from a 100g ball, leaving enough left over to work a border.
I'm going to list the first set of colours for you in just a moment, but first I'd just like to reassure you that all CAL posts will remain on my blog indefinitely so you can dip into them whenever you need. Please don't worry if you miss a week or fall behind with your hooky, you can go at your own pace and you certainly won't be alone.
Here is a rundown of the CAL schedule :
Friday 3rd January - part 1 - working a tension sample, choosing the right hook size, stripes 1-15.
Friday 10th January - Part 2 - stripes 16 -33
Friday 17th January - Part 3 - stripes 34 - 51
Friday 24th January - Part 4 - stripes 52 - 69
Friday 31st January - Part 5 - stripes 70 - 87
Friday 7th February - Part 6 - stripes 88 - 89
Friday 14th February - Catch up week (darn in those ends!!)
Friday 21st February - Part 7 - the edging and a grand Ta-dah!
Following on from the success of the Sweet Pea blanket last year, I decided to also make two versions of the Dahlia blanket. Both blankets have the same number of stripes and use the same fifteen colours, but they each have their own signature. On the left is the "Mixed Stripe" and on the right is the "Colourwash. I love them both, but if you backed me into a corner and forced me to choose, then I would say that the Colourwash pleases me just a smidge more than the mixed bunch.
You can see a sneaky preview of both blankets by clicking ((HERE)), although I know some of you prefer the surprise element!
The Mixed Stripe is inspired by the glorious and huuuuuuge bunch of dahlias that I brought home with me after my trip to Halls in Northumberland last September. You can see lots more photos of that wonderful place in my Dahlia blanket introduction post ((HERE)).
The riot of hot summer colour really does remind me of walking in that sunny dahlia field, it was an experience that I will never ever forget. The bright medley of colour is just so impossibly joyful, don't you think?
This is what the very start of the mixed stripe blanket looks like with the first fifteen rows complete. Please note that I managed to colour co-ordinate my hand knit socks for this photo, but I'm sure you noticed that straight away.
So here is the colour info for Part 1 of the "MIXED STRIPE" Dahlia Blanket.
Click (( HERE)) for the printable worksheet.
1. Boysenberry (Foundation chain & rows 1 & 2)
2. Pomegranate (rows 3 & 4)
3. Blush (rows 5 & 6)
4. Lemon (rows 7 & 8)
5. Tomato (rows 9 & 10)
6. Claret (rows 11 & 12)
7. Magenta (rows 13 & 14)
8. Powder Pink (rows 15 & 16)
9. Fondant (rows 17 & 18)
10. Apricot (rows 19 & 20)
11. Saffron (rows 21 & 22)
12. Spice (rows 23 & 24)
13. Lipstick (rows 25 & 26)
14. Shrimp (rows 27 & 28)
15. Fuchsia Purple (rows 29 & 30)
The Colourwash version of the Dahlia blanket was largely inspired by the work of Erin Benzakein who runs the most amazing flower farm in the US called "Floret Flowers". I'm a massive fan of Erin's work, her website and Instagram page is an absolute visual paradise for floral colour lovers and is unbelievably inspiring.
Erin very kindly gave me her permission to share these photos with you (thank you so much Erin), but do please go and feast you eyes on more of her beautiful dahlia photos ((HERE)). There is also a wealth of information on the Floret website for anybody who fancies growing their own dahlias, it's something I aspire to one day.
I had a play with my own bunch of dahlias and ordered my yarn colours into a pleasing wash of colour. I started with the deep reds and oranges, moved through the more delicate yellows and pale pinks, then transitioned to the deeper pinks and finally on to the purples.
So for the first part of the colourwash, we start with the deep reds and coppery orange tones.
These are very hard colours for my camera to capture so I'm sorry if the shades all look a bit samey in these photos. In real life they are strong and beautiful and the wash of colour is a little more obvious than these pictures suggest.
It's a bold beginning and I love the drama of it!
Here is the colour info for Part 1 of the "COLOURWASH" Dahlia Blanket.
Click (( HERE)) for the printable worksheet.
1. Claret (Foundation chain & rows 1 & 2)
2. Lipstick (rows 3 & 4)
3. Claret (rows 5 & 6)
4. Lipstick (rows 7 & 8)
5. Claret (rows 9 & 10)
6. Lipstick (rows 11 & 12)
7. Claret (rows 13 & 14)
8. Lipstick (rows 15 & 16)
9. Tomato (rows 17 & 18)
10. Lipstick (rows 19 & 20)
11. Tomato (rows 21 & 22)
12. Lipstick (rows 23 & 24)
13. Tomato (rows 25 & 26)
14. Lipstick (rows 27 & 28)
15. Tomato (rows 29 & 30)
A little note to say that the Colourwash stripe order is designed to be worked across 99 stripes in total to create a 180cm length, and isn't therefore suitable for smaller or bigger versions.
I know quite a few of you fancied creating a "REPEATING STRIPE" or a "mirror repeat" using the order that appeared on my sampler. So here is that colour order for those of you who wish to create a REPEATING STRIPE for the Dahlia blanket. Starting from the bottom of the photo and working towards the top, as follows:
1. Claret (Foundation chain & rows 1 & 2)
2. Lipstick (rows 3 & 4)
3. Tomato (rows 5 & 6)
4. Spice (rows 7 & 8)
5. Saffron (rows 9 & 10)
6. Lemon (rows 11 & 12)
7. Apricot (rows 13 & 14)
8. Powder Pink (rows 15 & 16)
9. Fondant (rows 17 & 18)
10. Blush (rows 19 & 20)
11. Shrimp (rows 21 & 22)
12. Pomegranate (rows 23 & 24)
13. Fuchsia Purple (rows 25 & 26)
14. Magenta (rows 27 & 28)
15. Boysenberry (rows 29 & 30).
After stripe 15, you can either go back to colour 1 again and repeat, or work backwards through 14, 13 etc and work the colours in reverse (this produces the "mirror" effect).
Well, I think that's about all for this week - remember you can share photos or questions on my Facebook page, in the "Hooked on Attic24" Facebook group, or an Instagram (use the hashtag #dahliacal).
Have a fabulous, happy hooky week my lovelies!!!!!!!!!
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I bought the yarn for dahlia woodland blanket. I just need to know the sequence of the colors. thank you Linda
Posted by: Linda Hendrickson | April 13, 2023 at 08:51 PM
Love these colors
Posted by: Dorothy Bradham | January 30, 2022 at 08:32 PM
I am so confused. How are there only 99 rows in this blanket for the color wash? Just doesn’t seem like it will be very big. I want to crochet the color wash and I’m looking at the colors from the blog and I can’t make sense of it. Please advise! Is there a list that I am not seeing for the full color of the pattern? It looks like it is way more than 99 rows when completed. Thank you. Sandra Cencelewski
Posted by: Sandra Cencelewski | July 21, 2021 at 02:43 AM
Hi From Wales. I am half way through the Dhalia blanket and so enjoying the process but, do you have any instructions on how to finish the border as it is not listed on the download I printed off? Many thanks in advance.
Posted by: Mrs Frances Grassi | January 28, 2021 at 11:24 AM
Any chance someone can give me the order of the colors for the color pack I just ordered.
Posted by: MARILYN ARONSON | November 16, 2020 at 02:14 PM
Hello, where do i find the instructions for the colorwash after line 15? Thank you
Posted by: Renee Odierno-Kronenbitter | August 24, 2020 at 04:09 PM
Hi Lucy, I am working on this beautiful blanket. Love the colours! I do have a question, where do I find the instructions for the border? I printed the pattern, but it doesn't include the instructions for the border. Are you able to help me?
Many thanks.
Posted by: Debra Watts | May 09, 2020 at 07:22 PM
Lucy, I was so excited today when I,went to the mailbox and my package of lovely yarn came!! Also, the bag that the yarn comes in is awesome! I would like to know if you know when your English video would be available?
Have a wonderful day!!🌺🌸🏵
Posted by: Shelley Lewis | February 11, 2020 at 02:37 AM
How much wool would I need for a lap throw please? And how many chain to start- I know I have seen that but now I can’t find it again thanks
Posted by: Sue | February 04, 2020 at 12:32 PM
I would love to do this pattern but I’m sorry to say that the colours are just not me and the only flower l don’t like are the large coloured ones l did see on your blog that there was a sample of a blue one is it possible for me to have the pattern with a pack of these colours ?
Posted by: Betty Lewis | January 17, 2020 at 02:44 PM
My yarn pack has arrived, got every thing ready now going to start. the pictures look wonderful,my sample came out smaller and more holely than i like so might try a size4mm hook before i start.
Posted by: Teresa Cox | January 08, 2020 at 12:07 PM
Hi Lucy, I always say I'm going to join one of your CALs but never do! I think I'd feel too much pressure to keep up lol.
I always love reading your blog. Hope it will continue for a long time to come xx
Posted by: Karen | January 07, 2020 at 03:39 PM
Lovely crochet project for a new year! I've been looking forward to this all during the holidays! I have looked for the tips on darning in the ends for the Dahlia blanket but can't seem to find anything except the comment under one picture. Are there more pictures anywhere?
Posted by: Susan | January 07, 2020 at 11:54 AM
Hi Lucy. Commenting from West Sussex. This is so lovely & I have learnt so much . Thank you & I hope your family are feeling stronger and better able to cope with the new year. Take care
Posted by: Jeannine Traverse-Healy | January 06, 2020 at 08:37 PM
I have just found your blog but seem unable to follow you the subscribe button just produces loads of text. Please advise what I have to do
Posted by: Fiona Sherwood | January 06, 2020 at 06:12 AM
Goodness I love this post....it is so happy on such a grey miserable day. I love dahlias so much and adore the colours you have chosen! I would dearly like to join in but as I have never finished a blanket I started 10 years ago (I know shameful) I don't think it would be a good idea to start another....not yet. I will of course enjoy looking at the progress you yourself make and pop over for a slice of sunshine and colour every now and again!
xx
Posted by: Lynda Robinson | January 05, 2020 at 06:47 PM
cik skaisti :)
Posted by: Madara | January 05, 2020 at 05:35 PM
Hello from Greece! Have a happy new year, full of blessing for you and your family. Be always creative and thankful for all simple things. Thank you for your beautiful posts, that make us happy!
Elena
Posted by: Elena | January 04, 2020 at 03:13 PM
Hello from Virginia, USA. I too loved the colors in this blanket from my first view and can't wait to get started. Now that it is a cold and gray winter here, I love looking at the colors of this blanket and dreaming of warmer days. Lucy, I sincerely appreciate all of the time you took in creating the photos and blog posts of how to make the stitches. They are so clear and detailed. I know I will be a better crocheter because of your efforts. Thank you so very much.
Posted by: Christine | January 04, 2020 at 01:40 PM
Wow - what a fantastic tutorial! This must have taken you many, many hours Lucy.
Thank you for taking the time to share with us so that we can enjoy making your beautiful design too.
Posted by: Betty | January 04, 2020 at 09:57 AM
I so love your blog. Your color selections are the best. I buy my yarn from your woolwarehouse collections. It does not matter if I am hooking a particular pattern, I simply choose from one of your yarn packs and get slowly hooking along. Although my #3 grand kiddo is my current work in progress, I bought two of the dahlias, because I so love the colors and your inspiration.
I too have SAD, and the winter months in Utah don’t offer enough sunlight, mainly due to smog. So I look at all your stunning blog pictures, to bring calm and happiness into my heart.
Posted by: Lisa Matthews Sutton | January 04, 2020 at 04:30 AM
Beautifully written instructions. I appreciate the printable directions and color chart. Very useful. Got my tension right and have picked the colorwash version. Got five of the 15 rows done. Had to force myself to stop for the day!!!
Posted by: Linda from Boston | January 04, 2020 at 12:51 AM
The loveliest colours. I'm a huge fan of dahlias, they're just the best. I shall looking forward to seeing all of the blankets taking shape. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | January 03, 2020 at 10:17 PM
I’m so excited! This is going to be so much fun. The colors you’ve chosen hit all my happy colors
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
Posted by: Michelle | January 03, 2020 at 09:19 PM
lovely blanket but I can't open the printable post or the sneak preview of blankets a;; the others open
Posted by: Eileen | January 03, 2020 at 09:03 PM