It's been seven weeks since the Dahlia Crochet-A-Long began right at the very start of the New Year, and as in previous years I've been beyond thankful for the timing of my CALs. I find January and February a struggle on so many different levels and having a sense of purpose to my weeks helps enormously. Add in the uplifting colours, gentle creativity and vibrant online community and these dull winter days really do feel more joyful for me.
I hope very, very much that you feel the same?! I hope that you've enjoyed these weeks of glorious floral colour, the sunshiny flowers and happy stripes. And if you've been hooking along and making your own Dahlia blanket, I hope with all my heart that you're loving the journey, no matter how fast or slow it is. I always keep my patterns and tutorials freely available on my blog so that anyone can find them and use them at any time in the future.
As you know I made two versions of the Dahlia blanket, and although I love both of them very much I think the colourwash really stole my heart.
These Dahlia shades are bright and bold (even the paler shades seem to have a vibrancy) and there is something so soothing about bringing order to strong colour palette by arranging them in a tonal way.
The above photo by the super talented Erin Benzakein of Floret Flowers just steals my breath away and certainly had a creative influence on my Dahlia colourwash blanket.
I have loved immersing myself in these beautiful colours, it's been therapeutic and wonderful. Actually, I've been pondering on the Dahlia colour palette for almost a year now - I start thinking and planning for my CAL blankets at the end of April usually, so I live and breathe the whole thing for a really looooong time. A lot of heart felt emotion and passion goes into each and every blanket I design and make, and it is my hope that I can pass some of that happy emotion on to you. Whether you like to crochet yourself or just appreciate me sharing the colourful photos of my creative journey, my aim is to bring about a spark of visual happiness to be enjoyed wherever you are in the world.
So last week there was a lull in the CAL as we took a little break to catch up if needed, and to take stock of yarn quantities and any tidying up that needed seeing to. And by tidying up, what I really mean is darning in those ends. Yeah, that. I am one of those people who always, always, always darns in my ends as I go along, as I cannot deal with the idea of having to do the ends all at the end. I would honestly not be able to cope with the drama of that. But whichever way you prefer, you will need to have all your ends darned in neatly before you make a start on the border.
YARN QUANTITIES
This information is mainly for those of you who are making a blanket from a yarn pack (eg 15 x 100g Stylecraft Special DK) where you have a limited yarn quantity. My blanket measures 120 x 175cm before the border, and after 99 stripes I ended up with around 25-40g of yarn left over, depending on whether I worked 6 or 7 stripes in the main body of the blanket.
I have some Salter kitchen scales which are super useful for yarn weighing and I can highly recommend them as an addition to your crochet kit!
I thought it would be useful to give you an approximate idea of how much yarn you will need to work the Spike Stitch border, so you can weigh your balls and make sure you have sufficient.
Rounds 1, 2, 5 and 6 (the dc rounds) use approx. 18g of yarn.
Round 3 (the treble round) and Round 4 (the spike stitch round) use approx. 30g of yarn.
I've chosen six colours for the border, all of which should have around 35-40g of yarn left. I sincerely hope that your tension has been good, your finished blanket size has turned out spot on and that you have enough yarn to make the border that I've designed for this blanket.
Designing borders is a huge amount of fun, it's such a fabulous challenge to come up with something new that finishes off a blanket project to perfection. I love love love (LOVE!) working those loooong stretches of blanket rounds on a border, it's just the most rhythmic and soothing thing to me. Being on the edge of the Edge however is bittersweet - the final round of a project that has spanned many months can often be tinged with a little sadness. I really felt it with this blanket!
COLOURS
I chose six colours to make the Spike Stitch border, and they are worked in the following order ::
🌸 1. Pomegranate 🌸 2. Blush 🌸 3. Claret 🌸
🌸4. Magenta 🌸 5. Powder Pink 🌸 6. Boysenberry 🌸
If you are choosing your own colours for this border, then I thought it might be helpful to give you a little guidance.
Round 1 : a narrow dc round : Generally speaking, the first round of any border can be a little uneven, so it's best to choose a colour that blends as much as possible with the body of the blanket - opt for something mid-tone (not to light, dark or bright)
Round 2 : a narrow dc round : you can choose to blend this with round 1, or choose a lighter/darker shade to make it pop out a little.
Round 3 : the treble round : this round wants to really stand out as much as possible, so think about the darkest or lightest/brightest colour you might have in your palette (I went for dark and used Claret)
Round 4 : the spike stitch round : this should have a high contrast with round 3, so if you picked a dark colour for round 3 then round 4 should be something light and bright. If you went for a light coloured round 3, then round 4 should be a dark shade.
Round 5 : a narrow dc round : I think this round should pop right out so choose either a really light or a really dark colour to contrast with Round 4.
Round 6 : final dc round : this is the final frame of the border, so choose a colour you really like. I generally prefer a darker finishing round, but this is a personal choice.
I have to say, I am so ThRiLleD with how this border turned out!! It was one of those times where I could clearly visualise what I wanted to create in my mind, and the sampling came together really fast (three attempts, oh maybe it was four actually) and I felt that jolt in my heart which happens when an idea finally comes to life.
As explained above, the Spike Stitch border is made in 6 rounds. The first two are narrow rows of double crochet which almost blend into the body of the blanket. The 5th and 6th rounds are also double crochet and provide a finishing frame for the blanket. But it's the middle two rounds where the magic happens.................
......it might look complex but I promise you it's not.
Round 5 is made by working groups of 2 trebles, with skipped stitches in between - those skipped stitches are left free to accommodate the spikes in the next round, in exactly the same way as the Dahlia Spike stitch stripes.
Round 6 alternates spike stitches with little dc stitches (long, short, long short - it's a beautiful rhythm!), which has the effect if creating little heart shaped petals in the row below. It's so simple, but I think extremely effective.
I've created a full photo tutorial for you, and you can find it by clicking on the following link >>
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 >>
DOWNLOAD DAHLIA EDGING PATTERN
I'm so happy with the finished look and think this border really does an amazing job of taming those flamboyant stripes and keeping everything in order.
Often I find that striped blankets work better with a simple narrow border, but somehow this particular combination of bright colours and spiky stripes called for something bolder. I would LOVE to hear what you think of it.
It's maybe worth pointing out that you don't have to use this border if you don't want to - you might prefer something simpler, in which case you could stick with narrow rows of dc (have a look at the Moorland Edging), or maybe try something like the Linen Stitch border if this suits you better. I am more than happy for you to make your blanket your own, you know I'm not precious about these things and really enjoy seeing all variations.
You may be wondering what has happened to the Colourwash dahlia blanket? Well, due to an ongoing ailment in my hands my crochet time has been very limited during the past three months. I've had to hook in short, concentrated bursts with pain relief and take days of rest in between, which has meant I'm still slowly working on my colourwash border. I'm using the exact same pattern and colour combo though, and will show you how it turns out when I celebrate my grand Dahlia Ta-Dah moment here on my blog, very soon I hope.
Before I finish up here, I just want to say a massive warm and heart felt THANK YOU to you for joining me on this journey. I am so grateful for all the friendship and lovely comments, and for the way in which you always show such enthusiasm for the projects I come up with. Thank you for making time to visit with me in the Attic, I appreciate it very, very much. Thank you.
Here are the CAL links that you might need.........
🌸DAHLIA PRINTABLE EDGING PATTERN
Hi Thank you ever so much for all your patterns and tutorials. I 'dropped' a coffee for you.
I have just finished a dahlia spike using Sweet Pea colours, just because....! Then I edged 2 sides with Sweet Pea Trellis and 2 sides with Dahlia Spike edging. Well pleased. With wool left going to try Cosy Stripe now.
Posted by: debbie cameron | March 30, 2021 at 12:44 PM
Oh I am so in love with this border, I’m onto the last row and it is looking amazing!!! This is my third one of your designs, I have the dune pack calling me to get started on as well. Love, love, love it!!!
Posted by: Anne | April 16, 2020 at 02:33 AM
A bit slow but have finally completed the blanket it is absolutely lovely. This is my fourth one and I have enjoyed every one of them. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Posted by: Elizabeth Jessop | March 20, 2020 at 09:13 AM
I may have made a mistake...uhm 'modification' in your edging...lol. I have so enjoyed the colors. You just rock the flower afghans! (Your seashore one was pretty too, but flowers get me every time.)
Posted by: Helen | February 26, 2020 at 08:01 PM
Another great blanket! Bright and cheerful for the Winter weather. Thank you Lucy.
Posted by: Charlotte | February 25, 2020 at 02:07 PM
looking ahead to doing this border. I was blessed with two woodland kits last Christmas . So having made one woodland blanket I am experimenting by using the dahlia crochet pattern but following the woodland colour order with the second kit. loving it so far
Posted by: rachel | February 24, 2020 at 08:12 PM
This is my favorite of your border designs yet. Lovely contrast to the blanket in terms of the stitches used and really provides a delicious frame to the main work!
Posted by: Kendall Toewe | February 24, 2020 at 01:21 PM
Just beautiful! You are inspirational, so generous with sharing your skills and your time with others who love to crochet....learning to crochet through discovering your wonderful blog and the best tutorials has been incredibly uplifting.Thank you very much Lucy for all that you do.
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | February 24, 2020 at 12:09 PM
Loving this border - both the colours and design are so pretty it really is perfect!! Thank you so much Lucy.
Posted by: Betty | February 24, 2020 at 10:45 AM
I have a question rather than a comment. If I buy a second pack and double the width, will I be able to make a double size blanket?
Posted by: Sassa Wade | February 23, 2020 at 01:53 PM
Hi Lucy I absolutely love the border pattern, it is absolutely perfect you could not have done any better. I am sorry to hear your hands are still painful I do hope you manage to find some relief very soon. Huge gratitude for everything you share so beautifully with us, certainly you brighten my life and I know thousands of others feel the same.
Posted by: Annette | February 23, 2020 at 10:22 AM
What a lovey way to brighten up a dull grey cloudy day...well done for your colour choice and design...I love the crochet stitch you’ve used for the blanket.
Very very colourful and pretty.
Posted by: Wendy theakston | February 23, 2020 at 08:47 AM
I’m on row 4 of the border and it is beautiful!! Almost looks like little hearts 💕. Love it. I appreciate your tutorial with the photos. Very helpful!!
Posted by: Linda from Boston | February 22, 2020 at 06:20 PM
I hope you, your family and community are safe and dry Lucy. The BBC Is reporting flooding in your neck of the woods.
Posted by: Caz | February 22, 2020 at 02:28 PM
Absolutely perfect border! The colors are spot on. I’m definitely a fan of a bigger border and I love this one. It reminds me of a beautiful ribbon. Hopefully your hands are feeling better soon. Wishing you a great day..., thank you for the beautiful crochet inspiration. I always love catching up with you and so enjoy both your crochet as well as your beautiful photos of the English countryside. Cheers.
Posted by: Barbara | February 22, 2020 at 12:02 PM
The border is perfect! So sorry about your hands - that must be driving you crazy! I had lots of problems with mine a couple of years ago - I think it was during the Woodland CAL. I had a 3 month break from crocheting and did other things instead and then came back to it gradually - 10 minutes at a time, very strictly enforced (with a timer 😆) and nowadays they are fine - I’m much more aware of stopping regularly and taking breaks though. Never did get to the bottom of what it was, other than “RSI”. I found dunking my hands alternately in very hot and then very cold water helped relieve the pain a bit.
Posted by: One-oh-four | February 22, 2020 at 08:33 AM
Beautiful blanket. I love the stitch. Considering using this for my Dune pack.
Hope your hands soon heal. 😃
Posted by: Kath Stephenson | February 22, 2020 at 06:02 AM
You are truly a "spark" of creativity, encouragement, support, and wisdom when it comes to crochet. Thank you for being you and bringing flowers to our daily lives when the calendar and tilt of the earth doesn't allow them in our Chicago-land gardens. However, our local jollies are made when looking at the witch hazel in bloom :)
Posted by: MK | February 22, 2020 at 12:29 AM
Beautifully done, the border is genius. I shall look forward to the ta-da very much and hope that your hands ease up for you very soon. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | February 21, 2020 at 10:11 PM
What a beautiful border! I'm working om Part 3 Mixed Stripe so it will be awhile, but I'm already thinking about a companion colorwash version. Thank you, Lucy!
Posted by: Barb W | February 21, 2020 at 07:26 PM
I love the border. I can't wait to get started on my blanket. I was planning to make the Dune pattern with the Dahlia color pack. I bought 2 color packs so I could make a larger size. But I like the spike stitch pattern too. I'm torn. I started the swatch of the Dune pattern yesterday, but ended up with only 5 shells instead of 6, so I have to start over. It will be good practice, since I don't know how to crochet and have to follow along with your fabulous tutorial. I am excited to learn.
Posted by: Savannagal | February 21, 2020 at 06:50 PM
LOVE the border!! A perfect finishing touch. I’m making both versions!! I’ve finished the colorwash and just have a few rows left on the mixed stripe. So, that has to take a backseat to the border. I’m on the second row. My son, Eric, who is 27 and lives in his own apartment, has called dibs on the Colorwash version!! The mixed stripe will be for me. Hate for the journey to end. It’s been such fun. I have the yarn pack for the cupcake stripe waiting for me!! Onward to a new journey. :) I do hope your hands feel better. As a crafter, I know how sometimes the old joints hurt. Sending healing vibes!! Take care.
Posted by: Linda from Boston | February 21, 2020 at 04:22 PM
I truly loved doing this CAL and being a part of such a wonderful community of happy hookers! Thank you Lucy for creating and providing such an inspirational project that has once again united us on this Dahlia journey. Bless you for all you’ve done to make this such an amazing adventure.
Posted by: Catherine Selway | February 21, 2020 at 04:18 PM
I can't imagine a border that would look better than this! It's beautiful! Thanks for brightening up my Jan and Feb. I share the struggle of getting through the winter months. I hope your hands are much better soon.
Posted by: Beverly Kinsley | February 21, 2020 at 04:17 PM
Thank you for the joy this blanket has brought to my Jan/Feb . Hope your hands improve, I can imagine it must be frustrating xxx
Posted by: Audrey | February 21, 2020 at 03:12 PM