Meadow Blanket CAL :: Part 5

Hello my lovelies, thank you as always for calling by to visit with me, I hope you know how much I appreciate it. It's been another long, slow, plodding sort of a week here and I've continued to stay home and safe in the current lockdown. I venture out most days for a daily walk with J, and sometimes an additional "exercise walk" with the Little People once their home school learning has finished for the day. It's been quiet and mundane, but that's no bad thing for this time of year I don't think. If I tell myself that it's hibernating season then I find I am more content to spend such long extended hours within the home. 

The Meadow blanket continues to bring me so much happiness and I honestly think I would feel very differently about this time of year if I didn't have this blanket in my hands. It really is the best kind of therapy, and I am so, so thankful for it.

As you would expect, as I sit quietly and crochet my stripes my mind is often filled with summery meadow memories. The solace that I found in this special place last year is something that I crave during these lockdown days that we are living through. I am very much looking forward to being there again this year, I mean, I can go there now if I wished to, but the winter meadow is pretty subdued (and helluva muddy) and very different to it's summertime show.

I did walk through the meadow on Tuesday though, in six inches of snow!! It was magical actually, so still and peaceful, and bitingly cold, perfect February weather I'd say.

I continue my fight against the chill of the winter, and have been making full use of the many, many blankets that are always within arms reach. Even though the Meadow blanket is now big enough to be very cosy as I sit and crochet, I have felt cold enough to need multiple yarny layers. Pile 'em on I say!

The other night I was snuggled on the sofa adding my final stripe for the day when the kitty decided that I had provided her with the perfect snoozing place. She is pretty good in that she doesn't often claw my blankets, she kind of turns round in circles a few times, then flops down into an immediate sleeping position. It's all very comforting for us both and I absolutely love to feel her warmth and weight as I lose myself in my stitches.

Over the past weeks as I've tiptoed through social media (in the Facebook groups, and the #meadowcal hashtag on Instagram), I've come across lots of delightful photos of your pets sharing your meadow journey. It really makes me happy to see how much your crochet blankets are being loved and appreciated.

Shall we take a look at some of your furry (and feathered) friends?

↑↑ Sharon shared this wonderful photo of her kitty, Evil Edna, which made me laugh as I'm old enough to remember Willo the Wisp! 

↑↑ This is Nicole working on her meadow stripes with a very cosy little lap warmer tucked away under her blanket.

↑↑ Hollie shared this photo of her beautiful white kitty looking very contented indeed.

↑↑ This gorgeous cat belongs to Cailin and I love the look of ownership - we know who the meadow blanket belongs to!

↑↑ Angela's kitty has found a super-comfy bed to cosy up in, perfectly placed for a light catnap.

Of course it wasn't just cats who were taking advantage of the cosy meadow vibes, there were plenty of dogs too......

↑↑ Awwwww, just look at that face!! Lynda's super-cute dog is irresistible!

↑↑ Oh, would you look at that attitude! Lorraine's little cutie is most obviously in charge of the Meadow.

↑↑ Emma is hooking away with a very contended and sleepy companion.

↑↑ Gabriella's gorgeous little dog has most definitely decided who the meadow blanket really belongs to.

↑↑ Oh, this melted my heart, the cuteness is too much! Carolanne, thank you for such a heart-warming photo.

So many of us share our homes (and our crochet blankets) with cats and dogs, but I was delighted to see some other pets enjoying the crochet life too.......

↑↑ Say hello to Dexter! Jakki shared this photo of her pet degu and I love how chilled out he looks.

↑↑ This little cutie is Hermione the Russian dwarf hamster, enjoying Karen's meadow blanket. Such a sweet little face!

↑↑ Oh my goodness, I couldn't believe my eyes when this photo appeared, I don't think we've ever had a chicken join the CAL before?! This feathered beauty is called Poppet and she belongs to Carrie who has taken her meadow blanket al fresco.

↑↑ Lorraine made me smile when she shared some photos of her beautiful knitted rabbits enjoying her meadow blanket. 

↑↑ This handsome chappy is Sid the Squirrel, isn't he wonderful? He was made by Emma as a gift for a friend, but he looks like he's loving the Meadow life.

↑↑ And finally, please say hello to Unicorn Kitty with her colourful Meadow tufts!!! Louise made me laugh out loud with this photo, definitely an inspired moment.

I've really loved all the photos from this week, such a lot of comfort and humour.

Right then, would you like to see how week five of the Meadow CAL is looking?

In week five, we'll be looking out across the tops of the tall dried summer grasses to the distant hills and sky beyond. The meadow where I walk is a hilly place and the far reaching rural views are wonderful. 

I wanted the top part of the colour story to capture the serenity of these views - these colours are soft and calming and remind me so much of summertime. 

We'll be introducing the final two colours this week - hellllloooooooooo blue sky!!!! Oh, it's a glorious moment when the first glimpses of summer sky appear in the blanket I can tell you, I was sooooooooo excited to break out the Duck Egg!!

Part five is mostly about the dried grasses and distant hills, but the little peeks of Cloud Blue and Duck Egg give a hint of the summer sky above.

As you work your stripes this week you will really get a feel of the colour story working its magic. It's not always easy to transition gently from strong brights to soft pastels, but I think I've managed to do it. I know that my heart is happy when I look at these beautiful stripes and that's usually a good indicator that all is well.

Shall we take a proper look?

>>

I am so happy with it! I can't tell you how much I love the colours and the way they are playing out my summer memories. It really does feel like magic.

Lets look at the colour lists for part five now, to see how these paler colours are working together this week...

Here is the colour info for Part 5 of the "COLOUR STORY" Meadow Blanket.

Remember each stripe is made of two rows of crochet.

Click (( HERE )) for the printable worksheet.

61. Wisteria

62. Parchment

63. Lincoln

INSERT OPTIONAL STRIPE HERE - Mushroom (for double bed size blankets)

64. Sage

65. Parchment

66. Lincoln

67. Mushroom

68. Duck Egg

69. Parchment

70. Lincoln

71. Wisteria

INSERT OPTIONAL STRIPE HERE - Lincoln (for double bed size blankets)

72. Mushroom

73. Cloud Blue

INSERT OPTIONAL STRIPE HERE - Parchment (for double bed size blankets)

74. Lincoln

75. Parchment

So here is the colour info for Part 5 of the "MIXED STRIPE" Meadow Blanket.

Remember each stripe is made of two rows of crochet.

Click (( HERE )) for the printable worksheet (the mixed stripe is on page 2 of the PDF)

61. Meadow

62. Buttermilk

63. Pale Rose

64. Lavender

65. Grape

66. Cloud Blue

67. Lincoln

68. Parchment

69. Dandelion

70. Mushroom

71. Raspberry

72. Wisteria

73. Sage

74. Duck Egg

75. Pistachio

I hope you find peace and calm in your Meadow journey this week....

....enjoy your hooky time!

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Here are some links for you, should you need them....

🌸 PART 5 PRINTABLE WORKSHEET

🌸 MEADOW YARN PACK

🌸MEADOW STRIPE TUTORIAL

🌸MEADOW PRINTABLE PATTERN

🌸 MEADOW BLANKET INTRODUCTION

🌸 MEADOW CAL PART 1 - stripes 1-15

🌸 MEADOW CAL PART 2 - stripes 16-30

🌸 MEADOW CAL PART 3 - stripes 31-45

🌸 MEADOW CAL PART 4 - stripes 46-60

 

 

Comments

[Susan]

Hi I can’t seem to find the instructions for the border pattern, could you please send them to me, thanks Sue

[Helen Arlidge]

👋I am taking part in a Facebook Website Challenge, today’s task is to find a blog in my niche and add a comment. I am also learning about back links. So here I am my name is Helen and I have knitted for over 30 years and crocheted fo at least 10 years.
I love your blankets! and photo’s.
I currently have a Small Website offering 10 Beautiful Bespoke Handmade Crochet and knitted Gifts. Which I change frequently.
I do have a blog about crochet, but it’s not linked to my website?
You have given me the idea to add my furry friends photo’s too.
Thank you 😀

[Sarah Brimble]

Good Afternoon! I just wanted to let you know that I have loved reading your blog and looking at all your patterns. I'm new to crochet and hope to be able to do some of these when I've practiced a bit.But, anyways, I just wanted to say that I tried subscribing to your blog by clicking on the subscribe link and it comes up with a page that's all 'computer talk' and it won't let me subscribe! I'm wondering if you have a glitch with that bit?
Best Regards Sarah Brimble

[Arlene Lubbers]

Het is vrijdag en ik ben reuze benieuwd naar deel 6 van de Meadow Blanket Cal. Waar blijft die?

[Charlotte]

Looking forward to tomorrow. You are most likely asleep as it is about 1;55 am in the Attic.

[Amanda Smith]

Absolutely adore this post. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing eveyone's fur babies and the awesome blankets. I want a lap warmer like Nicole's :-) Thanks for sharing! keep well Amanda x

[Cj]

Loving loving this. I’ve not been on social media for the better part of a year. I checked in on IG, there is Amber - the YarnHoarder who was starting hers - which brought me here to you (again :) I’ve done several of your blankets), she so inspired and as I checked on other posts, I knew this would be soothing.
Into the closet of my Stylecraft DK and see what I could I had. I had everything but Buttermilk & Dandelion & Pistachio!!! Ack! Pistachio color 2 of the color story version .... waiting patiently quick order finding what I needed and then decided to go big with a Dbl bed version so that meant extras balls for some of the colors ... yet, I was excited! Haven’t felt that way about a lot of things for awhile. Saturday, yesterday, yes yesterday, all my extra balls needed plus pistachio arrived!! HUZZAH!!
Now I wait for buttermilk & dandelion ... which was set for delivery tomm!!! (International mail actually has been arriving faster than most domestic mail!!) now another snowstorm - 8” inches more due today. (That will put his over 3ft of snow in a week!!) its Super Bowl Sunday, hubs is at work plowing, just my beloved KitKat and I. Comfy cozy clothes and cast on!!! (I also did do a tension swatch! I never do that (eeekkk yes I admit it!)) however, so glad I did. Saw I needed go down a wee bit in crochet hook size. 2 rows in on the blanket - on point!! YES!!!
Snowy day, Super Bowl Sunday (I’m a only girl in a all male family growing up. Find myself drawn even more this past year or so, after my dads passing, in moments of sports I feel close to him - if that makes sense) and he always encouraged my creative side. As a child I crocheted and knitted him Christmas gifts - he told me years later it saved him. He’s always encouraged me to doodle, create, be true to my heart - this blanket - your vision of a meadow - in such dark hard times - is a balm I’m so grateful for. My heart is smiling.
Fingers crossed - buttermilk & dandelion make in soon! Don’t know if I’ll catch up, I imagine I just might or could! It feels good to crochet again - what i first learned as a child. I even have a blanket kit of yours I meant to surprise my dad with for Christmas 2019... sadly that didn’t happen. I’ll crochet it one day and maybe donate it to a grandfather, or someone who has a dad who needs a hug.

Thank you for your creative heart ... spirit and genuine kindness, encouragement and sharing your creative world with us all. It has meant more than I think you might ever know. In big and small healing, loving, generous kind ways.

[Lucy Jackson]

I came late to the party I'm half way through week one of meadow my very first CAL.
I'm really enjoying your blog and your clear instructions and pictures have helped me along as I've been learning crochet for less than a year.
Thank you Lucy.

[Robin May]

Really enjoying this pattern! In your 4th picture, what is the colorblock blanket underneath your Meadow blanket?
Thank you for putting together this CAL!

[Marcelle]

Loving this CAL so much. Doing it with my mom and my sisters. Quick question..... in the beginning you mentioned 6 rows of each color leaving enough yarn for the border. With the release of week 5's colors, we now have 7 rows of sage.... will we still have enough sage left over for the border?

[Liz]

Gorgeous pics of the animals enjoying the blankets! Thank you for your uplifting post💕

[Cecilia]

Thank you. ♥️

[Teresa Kasner]

Hi Lucy, what a fun post, it was so neat to see all the crocheters pets cuddled up while they worked on their blankets. I will try to get a shot of my darling Cairn Terrier, Mocha, on my lap, too. My color sample repeat is looking lovely, but I'm way behind on it, but I know you're okay with me going at my own pace. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Marylin Ollivier]

Hi Lucy, Loved your post with all the critters sharing the blankets. I have Gracie cat and Rudy dog, who are blanket hogs at times! I am enjoying this Meadow Walk so much and i do imagine walking thru a summertime meadow. I so look forward to evening time when I can sit with my yarn and relax with my musings. Hooky times are always my 'zen'. Oooo, am looking forward to the Duck's Egg Blue!!! Have a great week m'dear. MO

[Melissa Harbott]

The link to the printable PDF is not working for me. =(

[Jen Ballington-James]

Still on catch up and as always, reading your blog, seeing the lovely pictures and reading all the smashing comments from everyone keeps me going! One day I'll keep up! (The enternal optimist, me!) Thank you.

[Jo Howes]

Nicest blog post ever, I love pets and crochet! :)

[Geeha]

Suzanne, Lucy said in an earlier post the extra rows for the longer Mixed stripe blanket will be given at the end of part 6 as they do not have to fit into the strong to pastel sequence like the story stripes. I am only on stripe 29 due to my arthritis so have plenty of time to see all the posts before I get to them. This is a lovely project for these difficult times.

[Shasta]

I love all of the beautiful images you add to your posts.

[Beverley]

Still enjoying the beautiful meadow blanket and the four legged friends sharing the joy x

[Sissy Hillenbrand]

Thank you so much. I am so excited to wake up on Friday and print my page and look forward to starting after work.

[charlotte m.]

I am very excited to be caught up and ready for this week. This is the first time I have done the colour story and it really speaks to me more than the mixed stripe this time. Such fun!

[Ann]

I loved seeing all the blankets with their cat and dog friends especially Evil Edna which made me laugh out loud!

[Linda from Boston]

I can’t believe how fast the weeks are going. It’s like reading a good book......you want to get to end, but sad when it comes. I ordered your sweet pea blanket kit which arrived yesterday. Have to have a backup project!! Are you thinking of the next CAL??? Can’t wait!! I so appreciate your exceptional tutorials and all the work you put into it. 💕

[Susanne Nichol]

Love the blanket and all the colours. I’m just wondering when we will get the extra stripes for double/ king size blanket in mixed stripe? It is only stated for the colour story. Can any one help me please !