Good morning! If you want to go and grab a Fireside yarn pack, here is the link to Wool Warehouse >>
Please do read on if you'd like to find out more about the blanket design and drink in lots of colour!
I've been crocheting with Stylecraft yarns for over twelve years now, and this is the first time I was tempted to abandon my beloved Special DK to try something different. For those of you who don't know this particular yarn, it's called Highland Heathers DK which is a premium acrylic yarn with a rich depth of colour. The colour palette is heavily inspired by nature, so the shades are quite earthy and natural with a few brighter surprises to lift the overall tone and stop it from becoming too dreary.
I was very excited to try it out as I'd heard nothing but good things about it in the few years since it launched, and a warm, snuggly blanket for Autumn seemed like the perfect project for it.
Sadly, this yarn is a bit camera shy so it's hard to get a good photograph which shows off the true lushness of the colours. You have to trust me when I tell you it is absolutely BEAuTiFUL. The "heathered" look is created by heavily blending several shades together giving them a subtle tweeded effect, and it really is lovely.
The yarn itself is also slightly more floofsy than Special DK and it has a really soft, slightly fuzzy appearance. I think the technical word is "halo" - yes, this yarn definitely carries a halo, in that there are teeny, fine fibres all along the surface of the strand which really help to add to the soft, blended appearance.
Because this yarn is a little more expensive, I opted to make a smaller sized blanket so that I could create a neat palette of a dozen colours.
Twelve balls (100g of each colour) is enough to make a blanket measuring approximately 120cm square.
The Fireside colours from left to right...
♥ Tayberry ♥ Whiskey ♥ Lichen ♥ Loch ♥
♥ Thrift ♥ Marmalade ♥ Gorse ♥ Firth ♥
♥ Thistle ♥ Heather ♥ Bracken ♥ Cairn ♥
You can find the Fireside yarn pack in my shop at Wool Warehouse, click on the link below...
*the yarn pack contains a 16 page full colour A4 printed pattern
I've been lucky enough to work with Wool Warehouse for over eight years now, and they continue to do such a fantastic job of sending my yarn packs out all over the world. They are lovely, lovely people too - a young family business, run by folks who genuinely love their customers and want nothing more than to make everyone happy.
You probably already know that I earn a small commission on each pack sold through my shop, so I want to take this opportunity to thank you so much for supporting me in this way. I am extremely grateful, thank you, thank you.
Also, you know I always publish my patterns here on my blog for free, but in addition to the online tutorial I've created, there is a 16 page full colour A4 printed pattern included in the Fireside yarn pack. Yes sixteen pages!
The design for the Fireside blanket came together very slooowly over many weeks of sampling. I opted to combine some ideas from previous blankets that I've made - I think I was maybe searching for some familiar comfort, something that would bring me back to my roots so to speak. So you may well recognise the look of the fireside squares because they are very similar to the ones I designed for my Summer Garden throw. And you might also think that the layout looks familiar too, because I made a blanket many years ago which combined two different sized squares (the Sweet Flower granny).
Having said all that about wanting comfort and familiarity, this blanket journey was NOT especially comfortable! I spent a lot of time in the sampling stage (way more than usual), and then once I was about a third of the way through I realised it wasn't working out as it should and it then spent an extended period (almost three months) in the naughty corner. Eventually I decided that the only thing I could do would be to start all over again, so that is exactly what I did. And do you know, from that point on it was an absolute, total pleasure.
The centre rounds of any square design can often feel a little bit fiddlesome, so my preferred method is to crochet them all at once and get them done and dusted. If you would like to do the same with your own Fireside blanket, then here are the numbers for you :
5 of each : Loch : Thrift
6 of each : Bracken : Firth : Gorse : Lichen : Tayberry : Thistle : Whisky
7 of each : Cairn : Marmalade : Heather
There should be 73 little circles in total which form the first round of each square.
As part of my design process I also needed to make all of the round-two circles in one go too. This was mainly to make sure that I used all twelve colours evenly, but they are also very photogenic arranged like this, aren't they? It's not necessary for you to do it this way, although of course you could if you wished.
Turning circles into squares is very easy and a little bit magic. I deliberately selected contrasting colours so that the circles would stand out against their backgrounds.
I really like to join blanket squares using the join-as-you-go method where you use joining slip stitches as part of the final crochet round of each square. It's a wonderful, fast method which allows you to see your blanket grow as you work. I explain the technique in full in the tutorial, but if you really don't like joining in this way then it's perfectly OK to stitch your squares together instead.
I'm in my element here, working steadily away, making colour choices on the fly and designing the colour placement pretty much as I go along. In the above photo I'm away by the sea in Saltburn, spending many blissful hours listening to music and hooking those little circles into squares.
Home again - it's mid July now and I'm about half way through the joining process now. This is my favourite kind of design work as it's all about the colour balance and is a really delicious challenge for a colour-addict like me.
I'm almost at the end of the joining now, and Tilly is on hand to inspect my work and make sure the yarn is pulling correctly. Whatever would I do without her?!
YAY!!!!!!! All the squares have been joined now, and I'm super happy with how it's looking. It's time to design the border, and I spend a long while working on samples and deciding on the order of the colours. I know the border is going to be big and wide and will use all twelve shades and I'm majorly excited about getting stuck into those long, soothing granny rounds.
We went off on a summer holiday at the very end of July and it was lovely to have the border to work on while I was away. Because I'd already made all the colour and design decisions, it was pure, hooky bliss! We stayed in a small fisherman's cottage which had a beautiful, sunny enclosed garden full of flowering shrubs and potted geraniums. I spent most afternoons sat there with my crochet on my lap, drifting in and out of seasidey daydreams as my hook did it's thing.
I also took the Fireside blanket to the beach, well of course I did. We were staying in a very special place - the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland - and this quiet beach was just a few minutes walk from the holiday cottage.
I was absolutely living my best life during this week - oh, happy, happy, happy me!
Every day we would head to the beach in the evening to watch the sun set - it's around 8.30pm in the above photo. I would settle on a bench with my hooky while J and Little B went off to beach comb for sea treasures. So many happy summer memories stitched into the border of this blanket, which I hope will carry me through the cold months to come.
I made twenty-one rounds of granny stitch for the border, nice and wide to frame the squares.
And then a final round of dainty little scallops just to add a delicate finishing touch. In the above photo I had just made the very last slip stitch and knew that the blanket was finished. Such an odd feeling - huge joy in finishing up a project that has spanned many months, but also an acute feeling of loss too. Bitter sweet indeed.
I really, really LOVE the border and it does its job so well. It holds the squares in place, keeps them from looking chaotic and disorderly. It brings a calming finish to the whole blanket and allows the colour palette to sing.
Surprisingly for a blanket made up of squares, there wasn't really any need to block it as it looked wonderfully smooth and neat. But I think blocking is a lovely way to finish off a blanket journey and well worth the effort, so I did treat my Fireside blanket to a little spa treatment (blocking advice is given in the tutorial).
SO would you like to see it?
OK..........here it is.............
........................ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so, so happy with how it turned out, and absolutely ADORE it. The colours are really rich in real life (the photos really don't do it justice) and the blanket is warm, soft, cosy and snuggly - everything a blanket should be.
I really hope you love it as much as I do.
At the weekend I quickly worked up a stripe sample using all twelve colours arrange in a rainbow order. I'm calling it a "heathered rainbow" which I think is quiet poetic?! I used the super-squishy Hydrangea Stripe pattern for my sample, but if you wanted to make a striped blanket you could of course use any of my existing patterns.
I'm going to be working on a random stripe order during the next few days as I've already had many requests for this on social media. I'll share more stripy info in a separate blog post at the weekend for those of you who prefer stripes to squares.
Going back to the Heathered Rainbow - I followed the exact colour order on this lovely wooden shade card, made by my friend Veronica. You can buy these lovely birch wood cards via Etsy, they are brilliant for keeping a record of colours, and for reference while you are making your blankets. In the Fireside palette for example, the two blues (Loch and Firth) can look very similar, so it's really useful to be able to check which is which!
(wooden birch shade cards can be purchased via Simply Shade Cards on Etsy)
Thank you also to Jo for adding in yarn tassels for me especially for my photograph (I have the nicest friends you know)
Since I finished making my blanket in early August I've had plenty of time to get acquainted with it and I'm happy to report that it lives up to its cosy, homely name.
It's ever so warm, and at 4ft square it's the perfect size for a generous lap blanket, or to fold in half and wrap around your shoulders like an oversized shawl. I've been doing both on a daily basis because we've had an unexpectedly cold snap as we've come to the end of the Summer season.
I named the blanket "Fireside" as I wanted it to feel cosy and comforting, the kind of feeling you get when you are snuggled up warm at home on a chilly day. The colours really do give off that cosy warm vibe I think, so even if you don't have a real fire to enjoy, I'm sure you can still take comfort from this lovely blanket.
As always, I've worked hard to create a very full, in depth tutorial to help you make the Fireside blanket. It contains LOTS of photos which explain the join-as-you-go technique and guides you through the whole process from start to finish. My hope is that it will enable beginners to have the confidence to give this project a go, it's my mission to help absolutely everyone find the joy in making blankets!
Here is the link >>
If stripes are more your thing, then make sure to check back here at the weekend and I'll have some samples to show you and some guidance about yarn quantities, patterns and sizing etc.
Well I think that's about all the Fireside chat for now, I hope you've enjoyed a peek behind the scenes into my creative process and have enjoyed seeing my blanket journey take shape.
Thank you as ever for your enthusiasm and support of my work, it really does mean the world. THANK YOU!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Here are a few useful links >>
♥ FIRESIDE YARN PACK (includes a 16 page full colour printed pattern)
Hello there,
After many visits, and 'ooh's', 'aarh's' and 'ummm's', I have settled on a project. It is this gloriously rich fireside blanket. I think I must need the depth and warmth of the colours, and the variety of sizes and design of squares, to get me entranced sufficiently to actually want to do this.
Thank you for all your interesting notes and photographs, which have entertained me on many visits. I wish you and yours every happiness.
Posted by: Christine Jordain | August 04, 2024 at 02:27 PM
I have loved making the fireside blanket but am a little frustrated that the printed pattern that comes with the kit, has a mistake on the border rows 9&10. It says the colour is Bracken when it should be Lichen! I note that this mistake was pointed out back in 2022 in this thread but no amendment to the pattern has been made.
Unfortunately I crocheted one and a half rounds of Bracken before I ran out of wool! I have had to send for an additional ball to complete the round as I don’t want the undo all that work.
Please amend the printed pattern.
Posted by: Hilary | April 30, 2024 at 06:54 PM
I had seen this blanket before, but hadn't read the pattern. I read it today.. Funnily enough it is very similar, but different, to the one I am currently making/designing. My blanket has 94 small squares.
My blanket will look totally different to yours as it is only four bright colour and white.
Started out as the blanket from the Australian Better Homes & Garden magazine pattern. Did four squares, then modified the pattern. Heh! We are each the designer of our own blankets. At least I am as I rarely follow a pattern completely. :-)
Posted by: Patricia A | October 01, 2023 at 12:41 PM
Hi. After completing a couple of blankets, the last one being the Moorland blanket, I am now making the Fireside blanket to use up my left over wools.
Can anyone tell me how much wool, in grams, that is needed for each 2 row colour for the boarder stripes please?
Posted by: Jan | July 13, 2023 at 11:38 AM
A couple of years back I tried to make the squares as a production line, doing the centres then the next row. I failed. It didn’t feel right for me. I hadn’t any connection to the square. So since then I make the whole square at the same time except for the joining row. It’s more *zen crochet*, I don’t find myself trying to rush for whatever reason. Weird science I guess.
Anyways I’m looking forward to beginning this one. Haven’t used the Highland yarn as yet. Must finish the knee rug I’m making now first or the invisible crochet fairy will hide my hook. Thanks for the pattern, Lucy.
Posted by: Wendy Lavender | March 24, 2023 at 03:08 AM
I’ve started mine and with the tip of making all the centres first I’m onto a good/ stress fee system The colours are beautiful and using a 5mm hook works brilliantly for me. Thank you for all your hard work. X x
Posted by: Gwen Cockett | February 24, 2023 at 11:08 PM
I've loved this blanket since I first saw it but couldn't justify buying any yarn when I'm literally drowning in the stuff. But after a challenging year I took the plunge and ordered the kit for Christmas. Took a few weeks to make it all the way to Central Australia but it arrived today and I am in love! Lucy you were right - the photos don't do the yarn justice. Your pictures are wonderful but these colours are divine in real life.
Posted by: Mel | January 16, 2023 at 11:50 PM
I AM 84 and the pack I ordered came with no ibsructionsSoHELP where can I buy the instructions DONT understand why one pack comes with instructions and the other doesn’t and I don’t have a printer I AM DELIGHTED WITH THE COLOUR OF THE YARN BUT VERY FRUSTRATED AS CANT GET STARTED
Hilda mcallister email address pethilmac@ btinternet.com
Is there a telephone number zi can call my number is 01877330771 THANKYOU
Posted by: Hilda E MCALLISTER | December 03, 2022 at 06:53 PM
Hi, I am working on the border of the blanket, and I don’t think the border color round 9&10 is correct. The instructions that came with my yarn pack call for Bracken, but I think it should say Lichen. I don’t have enough Bracken left to crochet twice around. Can you please confirm.
Posted by: Birgit Rosenberg | November 29, 2022 at 12:37 AM
So, I'm not quite sure where the right place to ask this is (and you probably already know) but I think there is a mistake in the worksheet for the Fireside blanket. It says that rounds 9 and 10 should be done in Bracken but the Tutorial says it's Lichen.
It's the same in the printed pattern I got with my yarn pack.
I am loving making the blanket, by the way, love the colors and the sense of accomplishment after finishing each square and now making those long meditative border rounds.
Posted by: Susanne | November 23, 2022 at 08:45 AM
Beautiful! It looks really nice and will surely get one for me in the upcoming week. Recently I bought a fluffy white dressing gown from Woods Fine Linens. Feels really great wearing it. Recommend you visit it.
Posted by: Daniel Windsor | November 04, 2022 at 07:03 AM
Lucy, I was introduced to your page in November 2019, while visiting a friend in Guisborouhh, England. I am from the USA and have been crocheting since I was a girl. I immediately fell in love with all of the colors of your blankets. You truly are masterful at combining colors. Many of the blankets have spoken to me, but I had not purchased any of them. The Fireside Kit is the 1st kit I have purchased and I am in love! The colors in this kit truly speak to me! And this is my first kit, it will not be my last! Thank you!
Posted by: Deb Lewis | October 28, 2022 at 02:37 PM
If you are following the fireside stripe worksheet, I think stripe 30 should be whisky not marmalade ?
Posted by: louise | October 23, 2022 at 02:45 AM
Just completed square 13 and it's all coming together beautifully as all Lucy's designs do!!! My printed pattern has an error on joining square 13 to square 3. Fortunately I have done a few if Lucy's Join As You Go so was able to work it out. When I compare my printed pattern with the instructions on here they are different so match what I've been doing - phew!!! Just a heads up if anyone's struggling with that section - follow the instructions on here. Enjoy!
Posted by: Kate Casey | October 17, 2022 at 08:21 PM
Hi lucy thank you for another beautiful blanket love this wool and colours. Could I just ask what the size of the larger square is please. Mine looks a little small although the small squares are the right size. Many thanks.
Posted by: Sue | October 04, 2022 at 10:47 PM
Reminds me of Harmony Blanket in different colors.
Posted by: Charlotte | October 01, 2022 at 02:49 PM
Sorry that was to say STIPED pattern. I love they way you arrange the colors! Can not wait to get mine to get started!
Posted by: Tara | September 26, 2022 at 10:40 PM
Ordered mine and can not wait to get it! Are you going to be offering a stripped pattern for this pack? These colors are just beautiful! Love all of your blankets!
Posted by: Tara | September 26, 2022 at 10:37 PM
I have started my Fireside Blanket - 7 squares done and joined. However, I’ve decided to take your advice Lucy and am now doing the centres first and popping them into little labelled see through bags (they are actually the little bags that came with the lateral flow testing kits!). The colours are beautiful and I’m just getting used to crocheting with this yarn as opposed to the usual Special DK. Can I also say that I ordered my kit teatime last Thursday and it arrived Saturday morning! Wonderful service😊 Thank you.
Posted by: Patricia Dobson | September 26, 2022 at 11:21 AM
I have had a quick scan through your fireside pattern so forgive me if I have already missed a mention about my query. I am left handed and I seem to make my granny squares the other way round to you, will that affect me when I get to your joining round?.
Posted by: Julie | September 25, 2022 at 06:30 PM
Lucy, Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Your Yuletide pattern has become my favorite and almost any color way. I know it's a larger blanket with an outcome of about 5 ft square. Do you know how much more yarn I would need of your fireside colorway to complete a yuletide? What I need to double my yarn order? Your Yuletide Mandela pattern is one of the most wonderful leftover yarn ideas!
Posted by: Fay | September 24, 2022 at 03:59 PM
I’m definitely going to be making this blanket! It has similar vibes to the cosy blanket which is my all time favourite! If I’m ever feeling under the weather, out comes the cosy blanket! Such a lovely photo of you crocheting at the beach! Take care! Angela x
Posted by: Angela | September 23, 2022 at 03:54 AM
Hi, it’s gorgeous and I’m just starting mine 😊
May I mention that I think on your instruction page you have got the instruction for round 8 wrong. I think it should be right side facing.
Feel free to delete this message, I just didn’t know where else to comment.
I’m doing my 73 mini rounds first and half way there - now to see whether I do sew in my ends as I go along 🙄
Thank you again, Linsey.
Posted by: Linsey Taylor | September 22, 2022 at 10:24 PM
What a pretty palette! So inviting! You have a great eye for color, Lucy, and those yarns are beautiful. I remember when you first started using Stylecraft. It seems to me it was a big leap for you at the time and I was very curious as to what your opinion would be. Because you loved it, I thought I would give it a go. Best thing I ever did, yarn-wise. And, boy, was I nervous about ordering yarn, sight unseen (not to mention touch), from across the pond. But there was no discernible difference in price, the selection of yarns and colors is amazing, it arrived fast and, long story short, I love the stuff. It's become my go-to place for yarn. Soon as it cools down here a bit, I'll be back to crocheting my happy little heart out. Kinda can't wait -- it's been a long hot summer and I've missed it.
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 22, 2022 at 01:25 PM
Lucy, you look so happy in the beach picture... Your blanket looks stunning 😍 ✨️ 💕
Posted by: Kristine S | September 22, 2022 at 11:01 AM