Good morning! If you're here looking for the new Meadow yarn pack, click on the following link to go straight there >>
❧🏵️ MEADOW YARN PACK ❧🏵️
If you'd like to read on, I'm sharing more of the inspiration behind the Meadow blanket.....
I always embark on a very curious and creative journey when I design colour palettes for blankets, as I am never quite sure where the inspiration will come from or how it will manifest itself inside my Creative Mind. Sometimes I mull over possible themes for a very long time (years) before it feels right for them to come to fruition, and sometimes the ideas just seem to ping in at a moments notice. The Meadow blanket was definitely a PiNG moment!! The idea for the colour palette landed inside my mind with such force one sunny morning that I immediately knew I would be powerless to resist it's charms.
Those of you who've been reading my blog for a while will be familiar with the small meadow I visit which is just a five minute stroll from home. I mostly feel the pull there in late May when the buttercups are in full flower, and over the years I've often shared photographs of the haze of golden flowers. It's a such a stunning sight and one of the many reasons that May is my absolute favourite month of the year.
This year during May and June, I often felt drawn to the meadow when I was feeling in need of some breathing space. We were still in quite a severe lockdown back then with pretty much everything shut so that we were only venturing out for our daily walks.
I strolled around the meadow almost every day throughout June, most often on my own when I craved solitude. It became my sanctuary, a haven of tranquillity where I could calm down my racing thoughts and find some peace for my emotions to gently settle.
As June progressed I began to notice more and more wild flowers hiding in the tangle of tall summer grass. The buttercups were still there, but their vibrant golden yellow was joined by a beautiful palette of summer shades. Purple and white clovers, vetches and trefoils, creeping thistles and creamy meadowsweet, wild sorrel and hogweed.
I found myself absolutely transfixed by the beauty of these common wild flowers....
...hogweed...
...clover...
...buttercup.
I spent long moments slowly wandering the pathway around the edge of the meadow searching for flowers and taking in the colours. It was a beautiful time - long slow days with many hours to spend day dreaming and creating inside my mind.
I still walked the meadow through the days of July as it continued to deliver a welcome period of quiet calm to my days. By this time, most of the flowers had gone and the tall summer grasses had well and truly taken over. There was a delicious purple haze over the meadow - I don't know what this particular grass is called but it's very delicate and its smoky purple hue looked amazing.
OH>> I just had a little search online and found this, aren't we so so fortunate to have so much information at our fingertips? So this grass ↑↑↑ is "Yorkshire Fog grass" - wow, I am LOVING that!!
Into August and pretty much all the wild flowers had gone, with the exception of the hogweed....
....towering above even the tallest grasses. I learnt the hard way that hogweed should not be picked as it really irritates the skin. In fact, it's not the thing to pick any flowers from the meadow as the area is protected and I have a lot of respect for these kind of rules.
I spent a lot of time walking throughout the summer months, often covering many miles across fields and around quiet narrow lanes around my town and neighbouring villages. I saw so many wild flowers growing in abundance, along verges and rough grass around fields and roads, and I noted that most of them were the same species that were growing in the meadow. So one stormy summers evening, I went off on a mission to gather in some stems for my photographs, taking care to pick only one or two from each spot. I walked just under five miles in my quest to gather in all the shades that I needed...
....ahhhhhh, such a wonderful spread of summer colour! I decided to include some blues in this colour palette to represent the summer sky, and I'm really happy with the overall feel of it. Actually "really happy" doesn't even come close to describing my feelings here - this delicate and pretty colour palette is absolutely full of summer light and warmth and I couldn't love it more. It has a healing quality which instantly gives me a calm feeling and transports me back to my quiet, solo walks around that glorious field of living colour. I am very much hoping that the Meadow blanket will be blessed with the same calm, healing vibe.
As is usual for my blankets, I've chose fifteen shades of Stylecraft Special DK for my Meadow blanket
Starting from the top and working clockwise ::
🏵️ Wisteria 🏵️ Lavender 🏵️ Cloud Blue 🏵️ Duck Egg 🏵️ Sage 🏵️
🏵️ Lincoln 🏵️ Meadow 🏵️ Pistachio 🏵️ Dandelion 🏵️ Buttermilk 🏵️
🏵️ Parchment 🏵️ Mushroom 🏵️ Pale Rose 🏵️ Raspberry 🏵️ Grape 🏵️
You can find the Meadow yarn pack in my shop at Wool Warehouse, click on the following link...
❧🏵️ MEADOW YARN PACK ❧🏵️
It's hard to put into words how much I adore these colours - they are extremely calming (without being dull) and bring a gentle warmth which reminds me so much of my summer meadow walks. They sing to me of sunshine and a light breeze, of soft footsteps around quiet pathways, of tall waving grasses, distant hills and calming views. And of course the floral delights are represented in all those glorious hues - the pinks, purples and golden yellows of the wild meadow flowers.
Beautiful, all of it.
The wild flowers that I gathered from the roadside lasted a few days indoors - I plopped them into recycled glass jars and really enjoyed observing their gentle beauty up close.
It was fun to play with the colours, matching flowers to yarn and marvelling at how the "Dandelion" shade was the absolute perfect match for buttercups. It couldn't be a more perfect colour for the Meadow blanket.
I have to confess it was a sneezy affair having wild flowers and grasses on my table - atchooooo! So much pollen!
But in the days that I had wild flowers in my table I absolutely made the most of it. I played endlessly with my yarn pegs, and sampled a whole stack of possibilities for a stripe pattern that would do these colours justice.
After a lot of false starts, I eventually settled on something simple but rather perfect. This is a variation of a "crossed treble" where the stitches are worked in pairs so that they cross over each other. It immediately reminded me of the tangled criss-cross of grasses and flowers as they grow in such abundance in the meadow.
These neat rows of little crosses create a beautiful pattern - it's a weeny bit lacy and a weeny bit textured but all very subtle I'd say. And oh, it makes for some delicious, easy-breezy crochet! Perfect for beginners (if you can crochet a UK treble, then you can create this stitch I promise) - there is just enough concentration needed to keep you on your toes, but the ease of these rows makes it extremely pleasurable.
When I was first working on the design ideas for the Meadow blanket, I knew straight away that it would be perfectly suited to creating a "colour story". If you've followed along with my CALs before, you are probably familiar with the Moorland and Woodland blankets? Both of these blankets were designed as a colour story, which means that the stripes are ordered in such a way that the colours tell a story of a particular landscape view.
From a design point of view, this represents a fairly major challenge - it's not nearly as easy as it looks to create this kind of effect whilst keeping a track of yarn quantities. But you know me, I do really love a colour challenge and I think "story blankets" are my absolute favourites to design.
In the above photo, you can see on the left that I've created a graphic representation of the Meadow Story. This should hopefully give you an idea of how the ninety stripes will look once they all come together to create the full length blanket. My aim is to use the colours to recreate the tranquil feeling of strolling through a quiet meadow surrounded by flowers, with a beautiful distant view of rolling hills and summer sky.
As well as the Meadow colour story, there will also be a second option to create a "mixed stripe" Meadow blanket where all fifteen meadow colours are dispersed evenly throughout the whole blanket. Over the past few years I've enjoyed giving more than one option for my CAL blankets and it's always wonderful to see the excitement as everyone makes their decision as to which version they prefer. I'll be sharing some sneak peeks of the two versions of the Meadow blanket a little bit closer to the start of the CAL.
Needless to say, I'm really, really excited for this blanket journey to begin and for us to enjoy a meaner in the meadow together. Just a reminder that there is no need to sign up for this CAL - it's all very relaxed here in the Attic so all you need to do is gather your yarn together and join in when the pattern is released in the New Year.
I'll be writing more about the CAL a little closer to the time (just over six weeks until the CAL starts), but here is a quick round-up of information for you :
♥ The Attic24 MEADOW CAL will will run for 8 weeks in total, beginning on Friday 8th January - that'll be the day when the pattern will be published here on my blog and I'll give you all the information you need to get started. I'll then give weekly updates every Friday throughout January and February 2021 so that we can make the most of weekend hooky time.
♥ There will be a full picture tutorial here on my blog for the new Meadow stripe pattern. Each week I'll share the colour stripe order for the two different versions of the Meadow blanket I'm making (Colour Story and Mixed Stripe)
♥ The MEADOW YARN PACK contains 15 x 100g balls of Stylecraft Special DK and is enough to make one blanket/throw. There is no printed pattern included in this pack, all pattern info will be here on my blog, with updates every Friday throughout January and February 2021.
♥ The Meadow blanket will measure approx. 120cm x 175cm. You will need two packs if you wish to make a larger/double bed size blanket. I'll give starting chain/pattern guidance for those of you wishing to make larger (or smaller) blankets.
I'm extremely grateful to my friends at Stylecraft Yarns and Wool Warehouse for all the hard work they've done to make sure that this gorgeous collection of yarn is here for you. Wool Warehouse are continuing to work under very tricky conditions, keeping their fabulous staff safe with social distancing measures and an increased work load. They will do their best to get yarn out to you as quickly as they can, and to ship overseas at the present time, but as postal and delivery services are snowed under right now, please expect that there maybe some slight delays. The CAL begins in just over 6 weeks, so hopefully enough time for you to gather your yarn together.
As always thank you so so much for your friendship and enthusiasm as I embark on another blanket journey, it means the world to me that I get to have your company, especially in the depths of winter when life can feel like an uphill struggle. Thank you, thank you xx
❧🏵️ MEADOW YARN PACK ❧🏵️
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ps my lovely planner friend Rachel of Elliebeth Designs has designed some truly beautiful planner stickers to go along with the Meadow CAL which will be available as part of her WNW (what's new Wednesday) tomorrow. I have a discount code for you, so I'll be sure to post more info for you in the next day or so. xxxx
I have tried several times to subscribe to your web site but i never get a reply back by the time i have been on your webpage the patterns are done and over .
I still visit your site but i miss out on anything that's new.
Posted by: janet | February 27, 2021 at 11:55 AM
I'm hoping that I can join the CAL late?! The colours are amazing and I'd like to be a part of this beautiful group. It's already February 8th and I still have to order the yarn. Is it too late?
Posted by: Debra Kuron | February 08, 2021 at 05:35 PM
Every year I say I'm going to learn to crochet one your gorgeous blankets but I need to learn to crochet a straight line first. AND I always seem to have a longer UFO list! One of these years I'm going to do it.
Posted by: Julieann | January 07, 2021 at 07:41 PM
My husband gave me the wool for this blanket for Christmas so I'm looking forward to starting. Made 2 of your lovely blankets so far, one went to my mum who loves it and snuggles under it every day. The other is still wrapped, ready to give to my father in law - it was supposed to be his Christmas present! Think this one might be for me :-)
Stuck in a city with no access to the woodlands, your photos have been a bright spot during these times, thank you!
Posted by: Sarah | January 06, 2021 at 05:21 PM
hay posibilidad de tener las instrucciones en castellano/ español?
Posted by: antonia casellas | January 05, 2021 at 10:07 PM
Boris announced the lockdown at 8pm. I ordered my Meadow pack at 8.10pm! Now excitedly waiting for delivery. What a perfect project to get through the next couple of months at home. Thank you so much Lucy for all your hard work creating this beautiful blanket. I was the proud owner of 5 of your previous blankets, but both of my sons also loved them and took 4 of them for their own homes! Oh dear - I’ll just have to make some more. Stay safe everyone x
Posted by: Marilyn | January 05, 2021 at 01:28 PM
Dearest Lucy, fortunately, I did not need to order the yarn pack for this CAL. Had every color (already) except Dandelion. So I substituted a pretty gold from my stash. From what I have reseached in your postings, I think my choice will be fine. I"m so looking forward to getting started on this blanket.
I"ve been following your blog since I don"t know when, just years ago. I love it. I think of us as friends.
Marcee from South Carolina, USA
Posted by: Marcee Chown | January 05, 2021 at 01:54 AM
Hi, Lucy
Just to let you know, I tried to subscribe to your blog but the link opens Apple News instead. Couldn't find a workaround.
Posted by: Barbara Temperton | January 02, 2021 at 02:20 PM
I’ve just ordered the meadow yarn pack to hopefully start the meadow blanket with you in Jan, I completed both the sweet pea blanket and the coast ripple during lockdown, thank you for keeping me sane (ish) throughout 2020 ❤️
Posted by: Kim Mckeown | January 01, 2021 at 08:02 AM
So excited. This is my 4th with you.
Due to so many in lockdown, would love it to start january 1. Just wondered if January 8 release is flexible?
Posted by: Teresa Williamson | December 28, 2020 at 08:27 PM
How do I download instructions for 'Moorland Stripe Blanket? I have been given the wool pack as a present and just need the instructions which I can't anywhere on the site.
Posted by: Jane Caldwell | December 25, 2020 at 03:31 PM
The perfect timely treat! I look forward to combatting the challenges of winter in Tier 4 with yarn time in the Meadow. Thank you so much Lucy for your continued inspiration, you have no idea how much this is helping. An Aria blanket in Hydrangea colours recently got me Through Tier 3. Pure crochet delight.
Posted by: Janet Bruce | December 22, 2020 at 10:28 AM
Hello Lucy, I received my yarn for your Meadow Blanket last week. (Was very surprised that it took so little time from the UK to Honolulu,HI). Can't wait for January 8th to start. Such beautiful colors! I also love your Aria Blanket so I purchased it as well! As soon as I finish all my Christmas projects, I'll be ready to start the Meadow Blanket. Thank you for giving us the fabulous pictures and story of your beautiful part of the world!
Posted by: Bobbie French | December 08, 2020 at 09:05 PM
I just went to order my yarn poach pack and am so happy that Wool Warehousevhasc resumed shipping to the US! I went ahead and picked up the Cosy blanket pack too. I just love everything you do and enjoy reading your posts so much!
Posted by: April | December 04, 2020 at 01:01 AM
Love the colors! This time I will try my hands on a Queen Size Blanket. Cannot wait for January to come!
Posted by: Catheryne | December 03, 2020 at 02:20 PM
Hi Lucy, gorgeous colours. do you have the pattern for your flower on your site? they look so lovely in your colour choices.
Posted by: Samantha Oh | December 02, 2020 at 03:19 PM
Whoua, so lovely colors! I have ordered my pack yarn today and looking forward to start this beautiful CAL.
Thank you so much. Love & Hugs
Posted by: virginie | December 02, 2020 at 12:41 PM
Ohhh Hoo! Colours...😋
Posted by: Banik Thapa | November 30, 2020 at 07:57 AM
Thank you so much for sharing your creativity, patterns, and amazing color sense with all of us. You’re so generous with your time and giving all of us a gift to look forward to each winter. My mom bought herself, my sister, and I your Meadow pack for Christmas and we’re all so excited. The colors are so beautiful and I love the color story behind the design. Thank you again!
Posted by: Sarah F. | November 27, 2020 at 05:11 PM
Another fantastic color combination. I cannot wait for my yarn to arrive and looking forward to this next blanket.
Posted by: Helen Mathey-Horn | November 26, 2020 at 05:01 PM
Lucy......you are NOT going to believe this, but my Meadow kit arrived today!!!! I went with the tracked shipping, and did not expect one day delivery!!! I’m blown away that it got to Boston in one day. Wool Warehouse’s packages must have wings!! Love the colors and can’t wait to begin.
Posted by: Linda from Boston | November 26, 2020 at 12:00 AM
I loved reading this, those colours are just gorgeous together. Yorkshire Fog is my favourite kind of wild grass - I love how you can slide all the seeds off the end of the stalk to look like a little bunch of flowers! :) xx
Posted by: Winwick Mum | November 25, 2020 at 08:00 PM
Hello Dear Lucy, I'm so thrilled for you that your new yarn pack is going great guns. I was all set to buy it and then spotted your summer blanket pack and got that instead!!! Funny how things work out some times. My son is gifting it to me for Christmas. I will still be here eagerly reading all about the Meadow CAL. Warmest blankety wishes Claire
Posted by: Claire Hayden | November 25, 2020 at 05:18 PM
You got those colours spot-on! The plain stripes look gorgeous with the little heart of flowers on them...idea!
Posted by: Charlotte Pountney | November 25, 2020 at 12:57 PM
Ordered and email to say my pack is on the way. Now doing my happy dance 💃 waiting for these beautiful colours to arrive. So enjoy your colour stories.
Posted by: Marion Hoines | November 25, 2020 at 10:24 AM