Harbour Blanket CAL :: Part 4

I do love to see a pile of crochet blankets sitting pretty in the home and it really doesn't matter if they are finished items or works in progress. It's like they give me a profound sense of wellbeing just by sitting there, fulfilling something deep in my soul which I never knew was empty until I learnt to crochet. Quite simply, I cannot imagine my life without at least a dozen colourful crochet blankets at my disposal, and at least one under construction at all times. 

I'd love to hear from you in the comments how you feel about crochet blankets, do you feel the same as me? Do you love them with all your heart? Do you have stacks and piles of them made over the years or maybe you're just starting out and the Harbour blanket is your very first? Lets chat about it, I'd love to hear from you if you have time.

I've been reading some wonderful comments about the Harbour blanket during this past week in my wanders through the interwebs, so much positivity and enjoyment, it's made me feel very emotional to be honest. It makes me so happy when I read about how much these bright, cheery colours are helping you through the weeks, it really is the best kind of therapy in my opinion.

This past week I've found myself very drawn to the colour yellow which is unusual for me because normally I'm all about the blues. I think it must be my subconscious mind trying to recreate a sunny outlook for my poor light-deprived brain.....give me ALL the yellow things and let me pretend that the sun is shining!! 

When I visited the coast last May to gather together some visual inspiration for the Harbour blanket, I was exceptionally lucky with the weather. As you can see in the above photo there was plenty of sunshine and blue sky, and it was also the time of year when the surrounding countryside was swathed in bright yellow fields of rapeseed crops. This colour is extremely vivid and it really stuck in my mind when I was creating the colour palette back at home.

I spotted some self-seeded rapeseed plants growing right out of the harbour wall in Staithes, and of course I loved seeing that bright pop of colour against the cool coastal landscape.

There were a good number of yellow fishing boats that caught my eye too, so despite my usual hesitance with using yellows in my designs I felt I absolutely had to include it in the Harbour blanket.

Luckily, the latest shade of yellow introduced to the Stylecraft Special DK range is a truly beautiful colour and I am absolutely smitten with it. This is Dandelion, and is everything a good yellow should be. It's bright without being garish, it has a depth to it which makes it look very natural and it blends beautifully with so many of the other colours. It really is sunshine in yarn form, and any blanket that's inspired by the coast really deserves to have a bit of sunshine thrown in! 

I'll chat a bit more about the Harbour colours when we take a look at Part 4, but before we get into that, lets have a look at some blankets of yours that have caught my eye on social media. This week, it's all about squares....

⇞⇞ Judith is making a granny log cabin blanket which is a wonderfully simple but effective pattern.

⇞⇞ Martina is working on this stunning square harbour blanket and every time I see it pop up on instagram it immediately makes my heart leap. 

⇞⇞ Chris is making solid granny squares and will be following the design made by Kaz Hall for the Hooked on Attic24 facebook group. I think it's looking great already, even in its deconstructed state.

⇞⇞ Brenda has really powered along and made a fantastic Harbour blanket using the Yuletide square pattern. If you look closely you'll notice that she's crocheted the colours in a repeating sequence which gives the blanket a very harmonious feel. 

⇞⇞ Hannah has been following along with the ripple pattern, but felt inspired by seeing the Harbour Yuletide blankets shared online and decided to jump in and make a second square blanket. I'm all for doubling up!! 

Incidentally, this combination of colour palette and pattern (Harbour x Yuletide) has been named "Harbourtide" on Facebook and I absolutely love love love it. I wish I'd thought of it haha!!

⇞⇞ Another Harbourtide creation taking shape, and already looking stunning. Holly has decided to make four large squares which she'll then crochet together at the end - I'm really looking forward to seeing this.

⇞⇞ And here is one more beautiful Harbourtide work in progress, not a blanket this time but a poncho. Carol decided to make her own version of my Home Poncho (this one), by combining the Harbour colours with the Yuletide stitch pattern, and my goodness it really does look amazing. Her photo received so much interest on facebook and inspired a good many people, so Carol very kindly explained her pattern in case anyone else wanted to give it a try....

Here is the basic method, written in UK Terms :

Row 1: Ch 128. Join with a sl st to form a ring. Ch 1 and dc around. End with a sl st. [128 sts]

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr); (1 tr; ch 2; 2 tr) in the same st; 1 tr in each of the next 63 sts; (2 tr; ch 2; 2 tr) in the next st; tr in each of the next 63 sts; end with a sl st.

Row 3: Follow Yuletide pattern from the 2nd round which is the Sk 1 st; 2tr in next st; sk 1 st pattern round.

 

I've so enjoyed my time spent on social media this week, there is a lot of feel-good around this year's CAL (well there always is every year) and it's really heart warming to be a part of it.

So this week we're moving into the second half of the Harbour blanket with another fifteen stripes being added. I was crocheting this part of the blanket on my long train journey home from Dorset last autumn, and it was a very enjoyable way to pass the time as the miles flew by. Oooo, see, there's that glorious yellow again, bringing in the sunshine!

As you crochet part 4 you'll find that the extra length really makes your blanket feel extremely blankety. It'll be getting to that perfect size where you can have a snuggle underneath it as you work, and you should be so familiar with the pattern by now that you can really allow your mind to relax as the ripple rhythm flows.

I hope that you're enjoying these colours as much as I am, they really do bring some much needed summer sunshine at this time of year.

I always get a jolt of pure joy each week when I lay my blanket out to take the progress photograph and I get to see how it's looking. When you're immersed in crocheting those ripples you don't often view the blanket in it's entirety, so there is always that little element of surprise when you lay it out and take a long look.

I don't mind telling that this is quite a challenging colour palette to work with in terms of balance, and creating random stripes that have a harmonious feel is much harder than you would think. I'm actually pretty proud of it :)

I had to show you the above photo which was completely unplanned and unstyled - I'd left my blanket in a heap on the chair after I'd been photographing, and Tilly decided that it was obviously there for her comfort. I love love love it when cats curl themselves into a ball and turn their little heads upside down to sleep, it's so cute!

Ok, lets have a look at this week's colours, we'll be working on stripes 46-60.

Here is the colour info for Part 4 of the "MIXED STRIPE" Harbour Blanket.

Remember each stripe is made of two rows of crochet.

Click (( HERE )) for the printable worksheet.

46. Lipstick

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

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

47. Aspen

48. Lapis

49. Cloud Blue

50. Storm Blue

51. Clementine

52. Spearmint

53. Denim

54. Turquoise

55. Apple

56. Dandelion

57. Tomato

58. Aster 

59. Spice

60. Cornish Blue

Stripy blankets are just soooooooooo good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haha!!

Lets look at this week's colourwash blanket now........

As you know, I'm working on the harbour colourwash myself at the moment, so I know first hand how uplifting these brightly coloured stripes are. It's been chilly here in Atticland during the past week - you can see in the above photo that I'm stretched out on the sofa wrapped up in the mixed stripe harbour while I work on the colourwash version - double therapy!!

You can also see that this week there'll be some sunshine streaming into your blanket because we have Dandelion incoming - yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You'll be using four colours this week...

Cornish Blue : Clementine : Dandelion : Turquoise

As we leave the oranges and reds behind, we'll be lightening the balance now as we add in yellow. It's a lovely, uplifting part of the blanket and I really hope you enjoy seeing the sun rising........

......ahhhhhhhhhhhh, so good!! 

Here is the colour info for Part 4 of the "COLOURWASH" Harbour Blanket.

Remember each stripe is made of two rows of crochet.

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

46. Cornish Blue

47. Clementine

48. Cornish Blue

49. Cornish Blue

50. Dandelion (here comes the sun!)

51. Cornish Blue

52. Dandelion

53. Cornish Blue

54. Dandelion

55. Dandelion

56. Turquoise

57. Dandelion

58. Turquoise

59. Dandelion

60. Turquoise (hint - don't fasten off, there will be another stripe of Turquoise next!)

Oh, hi Tilly.....!

I think that's about all for now, I hope this week goes well for you all - isn't it strange to think that next week we'll be stepping into February? Time flies when you're having fun.....enjoy your ripply stripes and soak up those glorious colours!

Here are some links you might need this week ::

♥ PART 4 COLOUR WORK SHEETS

♥ HARBOUR YARN PACK 

♥ EASY EYELET RIPPLE TUTORIAL

♥ HARBOUR PRINTABLE PATTERN

♥ HARBOUR BLANKET INTRODUCTION

♥ HARBOUR CAL PART 1 - stripes 1-15

♥ HARBOUR CAL PART 2 - stripes 16-30

♥ HARBOUR CAL PART 3 - stripes 31-45

 

 

 

Comments

[Alex of Log & Mitten]

These are very pretty Lucy. I'm impressed at what can be achieved with crochet alone.

[Lisa Smith]

I adore my blankets😍 I have 4 on my sofa, one on each armchair,one on each bed and 2 in my caravan. They're cosy,warm and comforting!

[julie Lewis]

A colleague from work came to visit and on seeing my pile of blankets asked me what I was going to do with them! It was then I knew that we blanket pile lovers are indeed very special people lol xx

[PatriciaA]

Can't wait till June when I promised myself that I will buy this yarn pack.
Used the Trellis pattern to make a baby blanket in three baby colours: baby pink, baby blue and white. It was so easy. I confess I only do easy. :-)
Also tell all newbie crocheters to visit your blog for inspiration and instruction. Nice simple patterns that don't break the brain bank. :-)
Keep up the good work! Pat

[Femke]

Hi Lucy, I am so enjoying the visuals of your harbour blanket. It really feels like summer, which seems very far away today with a storm blowing over the Netherlands... On the other hand, it's the perfect weather to hide under crochet blankets! I have made a few big ones and a few smaller ones. Everyone in my house uses them with pleasure, which makes me so happy! I am currently working on the Dahlia blanket, oh those colours make me happy too!

[Simon]

I have never known life without crochet blankets! They've always been around in various sizes and colours and patterns. I've currently got four on my bed, five if you count the doubled-over one twice!) I just wish I was quicker at making them!

Loving the Harbourtide squares, could this be your best colour choice yet?

[Amelia Birch]

I've been enjoying your blog for many years, even though crochet wasn't really my thing! I learned how to do it years (decades) ago, when making enormous granny squares was all the rage at primary school, but always considered knitting my one true love...until November/December last year, when I finally took the plunge back into crochet and made myself your original Harmony blanket in the space of about 6 weeks. Now I'm addicted to granny squares all over again! I think it's something to do with the soothing rhythm you quickly get into, and the visual feast of all those gorgeous colours.
After the Harmony blanket was finished I made a little Solid Squares baby blanket with some of the leftover yarn, and I'm now working on a blanket for my daughter ('Flowers in the Snow' pattern by Solveig Grimstad on Ravelry), using the rest of the left-overs plus some new colours she's chosen. I can't believe how obsessed I've become with crochet - I don't even mind darning in all those thousands of ends!
I find your joy in creating really inspiring, and appreciate your generosity in sharing all your patterns too - but I especially want to thank you for your brilliant step-by-step photo tutorials - it's like having an expert tutor sitting next to you, showing you exactly where to put the hook next. Thank you Lucy!

[April]

I am developing a love of crochet blankets! I have am working on my 3rd one of yours, the meadow color wash, which I started last year and still haven't finished. I crochet on it here and there between other projects. I have the Harbor pack and had intended to join this CAL but then the Meadow blanket still needs finishing so I decided to stay the course on that. Today, my 7 year old son curled up under the first blanket I made, which was one of your patterns but don't ask me which, and he said it was the best and so cozy. That gave me a real boost to keep making blankets in my slow way. Thanks for the wonderful, easy, fulfilling patterns!

[Karen]

I love to crochet a blanket...all thanks to you a few years back when a lady in a wool shop recommended your blog.
I'm currently working on a granny hexagon blanket but last night it dawned on me that I'm missing the rhythm of a blanket made in rows. Which do you prefer?

[Susan]

I learned to crochet blankets from YOU and your wonderful blog! So thank you, thank you, thank you. My first was your ripple pattern and I was so stinkin' happy to actually create something so pretty and warm. I was instantly addicted to the pattern and made at least 4 more (of different colors, of course)! I've made other patterns since, and just love the rhythm of the stitches, the colors, and to see my family (including the dog) enjoying the finished products. We are under house remodeling at the moment, so I am patiently waiting until I can purchase both your Yuletide and Harbor packs!

[Kate S]

I have been crocheting for ages, but it really took off when I found your blog all those years ago. I have made many of your blankets- too many to count. They give me so much joy. I think it’s the repetitive nature that calms me and I find so intoxicating!! And doing the different colors is soooo fun and enjoyable. Thank you for making our lives brighter, Lucy!

[RL]

I have crocheted 4 of your blankets so far: Woodland, Moorland, Meadow and Log Cabin. I have two in the queue, meaning I have the yarn packs, but I haven't started yet.It takes quite a long time for me to crochet one blanket. I had decided that when I have all six done, I am going to stop there. No more. When I saw the Harbour blanket, I couldn't resist. I had to start it. I can't resist anything to do with the seaside. If I had to pick a favourite and it would be very difficult to do, it would be the Harbour blanket. Such a bundle of joy. I love all of your blankets. They are all masterpieces.

[Janet]

Yellow is my favourite colour. I like in week 3 the yellow next to the cloud blue .

[BillieJo]

Hello! I popped over from my friend Julia's lovely blog. Your crochet blankets made me so happy. My mom had a very special one in our living room when I was growing up, and your post brought back so many happy and cozy memories! I have added you to my reading list and am looking forward to visiting again soon!

[Marylin Ollivier]

Hi Lucy, I am absolutely addicted to crocheted blankets. I have a small pile of them just sitting there in their glorious stripey blankety-ness, and most of them are your patterns. They bring joy to my heart. Everyone's blankets are so beautiful and a feast for the eyes and heart. Yes, crocheting blankets makes me happy and their is always one on my hook. Take Care, Hugs, MO

[Geri Inglis]

This is a stash-busting project for me as I'm only creating bands of red and black with your ripple pattern. I'll be donating the blanket to the local cancer centre for chemo patients. I learned how to read crochet diagrams on this project - yay! Here in the greater Toronto area of Canada it has been very cold (-14C today) so I'm enjoying draping the blanket over myself as I work on it. A couple of decades ago I crocheted a grandmother's garden afghan with 6-sided blocks - all with a yellow centre and many colours for the other rounds. I recommend your blog to any of my crafty friends who crochet. You are such an inspiration.

[Susan]

Oh so many clever people out there with their gorgeous crochet rugs. Well done to all & a big pat on the back for it's designer and master crocheter. I love what they are all doing. Thanks Lucy, take care & hugs.

[Rachael Ayres]

Hi Lucy, a question. It seems to me you have the blues running from dark to light (bottom to top) and the “other colours” doing the same in the colour wash blanket (which I love, incidentally) I was wondering if it would achieve a more “balanced” look (in terms of overall tone) if the blues ran the other way with light at the bottom towards dark at the top- or would the contrasts at each end be too stark? I’d be interested in your feeling on this.

[Linda]

Yes blankets are definitely a thing with me too, I have them lying all over the house and have gifted all family members at least one. I have made countless blankets for charity and am always looking for an excuse to make another. Have a great weekend. xx

[Rose]

I love crocheting blankets too! I discovered colorful blanket making thanks to you and the ones I've made have been all following your patterns - started with the Summer flower granny, made 2 using the original ripple, a hexagon where I tried to match your colours, a hydrangea and now a Harmony using my first order of Stylecraft with my own colors! Thinking of starting on the Harbor ripple too ... thank you so much for providing desgisn and amazing inspiration over the years !!! XOXO

[Katie]

I’ve joined the Harbour CAL and it’s the first time I’ve made anything bigger than a baby blanket or hat. I am loving it but can only do a row or so a day so I’m still on week 1! Loving it so far and can’t wait for it to get bigger!

[Ann]

I too love looking at my pile of crocheted blankets. They are all scrap blankets from various knitting projects. I also have a treasured granny square one made by my grandmother over 70 years ago. She taught me to crochet when she made this and there are a few squares in there made by 6 year old me. At the start of the pandemic, I repaired al the holes in it and finally added an edging to it using one of your patterns. Thank you Lucy for all you do to bring crocheting to all of us.

[Julia]

Wow! You are so talented. The Harbour blanket is gorgeous and so colorful. I don't crochet or quilt - I wish I were so talented. A dear friend gifted me a homemade quilt last year and I adore it. Love all your bright, happy photos. Have a lovely weekend!

[CJ]

Lovely to see different versions and I love the poncho. I was going to say I don't have anything blankety around here, but then I realised I do have a load of quilts dotted around the place as well as knitted blankets slotted in here and there. I am sort of surprised at how productive I have been in the past. And I know exactly what you mean about how nice it is to see these things in situ. CJ xx

[Linda from Boston soon to be buried in snow]

I enjoy having a stash of crocheted blankets. It’s so nice to just grab one when you have a chill!! Your patterns are easy to follow and what I love most is the Stylecraft yarn. It’s so soft and warm and easy to work with. I’ve made several as gifts including a baby blanket in the Cupcake pattern and everyone loves them. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2022!! ♥️ We’ll be wrapped in blankets tomorrow as we are getting 24 inches of snow!!!! ⛄️ Lord help us!!