Sungold Blanket :: Introduction

Morning, morning!! If you'd like to go and grab a Sungold yarn pack before coming back to read my blog post, click on the following link to go to Wool Warehouse :

♥ SUNGOLD YARN PACK ♥

Today I'm really excited to share the inspiration behind my latest blanket design which I've named SUNGOLD. As you can see from the photos I'm sharing, this a blanket inspired by flower-filled gardens. Not just any old ordinary back yards though, no, I've taken my inspiration from the type of gardens created and nurtured by skilled teams of horticulturalists. Picture the type of grand English gardens that have grown up around stately homes or the select gardens that've been created by horticultural societies to showcase the very best in garden design. 

I first came across our local Royal Horticultural Society garden when I was capturing photographic inspiration for my Sweet Pea blanket in 2018. RHS Harlow Carr near Harrogate in North Yorkshire has been a beautiful go-to place for me and my family ever since then, and during this past year we even had a members season ticket so we could visit as often as we wanted. It meant we got to see the garden in all four seasons, but my most favourite time of all has to be late Summer, hands down.

I'm a fairly recent newcomer to visiting big gardens, I think because I only have a teeny-tiny back yard I've never been particularly interested in seeking out grand garden design as inspiration. But flowers on the other hand, yes I've been a massive flower addict for pretty much all of my life. And late summer flower borders are nothing short of magnificent, so full of glorious colour glowing in that particular golden sunlight that comes in late August and early September.

Visiting these gardens full of floral colour never fails to leave me feeling happy and energised. And I can tell you that crocheting a blanket with these same colours has exactly the same effect, it's colour therapy that is seriously good for the soul.

Over the past few years I've taken hundreds of photographs of the famous flower borders at RHS Harlow Carr, and I used this collection of images to help me create the Sungold colour palette. The colours are rich and uplifting - joyful floral shades glowing with golden warmth. In late summer there is definitely a lot of heat in the floral colour palette - rich shades of gold, burnt orange and copper, deep reds and russets and the most beautiful rich purples and saturated pinks. And then there are the softer mauves and silvery greens too, creating an overall feeling of rich abundance, softened by golden sunlight.

The Sungold Blanket is going to be run as a crochet-along (CAL) and I like to think of it as me inviting you to come on a slow garden stroll with me, with the sun on our faces and the late summer borders in full bloom. If that sounds appealing, then read on and I'll tell you more about the yarn colours and new pattern I've designed for the Sungold CAL blanket.

 

 

For the Sungold blanket I've put together 15 shades of Stylecraft Yarns Special DK, and I absolutely love the way they look together. I wanted this colour palette to be a little dose of summer perfection - colours that remind me of a sunny afternoon strolling amongst brightly coloured flowers buzzing with bees.

 

 

Here are the fifteen shades of Stylecraft Special DK that make up the Sungold colour palette :

Top row :

♥ Lavender ♥  Proper Purple ♥  Plum ♥  Boysenberry ♥  Fuchsia Purple ♥

Middle row :

♥ Gold ♥ Tomato ♥ Copper ♥ Claret ♥ Magenta ♥

Bottom row :

♥ Dandelion ♥ Lime ♥ Lincoln ♥ Sage ♥ Cyprus ♥

You can find the Sungold yarn pack in my shop at Wool Warehouse, click on the following link... 

♥ SUNGOLD YARN PACK ♥

As you know, one of the things that I am very passionate about is designing blankets with simple patterns to encourage new crocheters to feel confident about embarking on a large project. I also like that my simplified designs are great for more experienced crocheters too - these stripes are designed to help you unwind and relax and enjoy the rhythmic and therapeutic nature of working easy rows of glorious colour without having to faff with difficult pattern reading.

 

It's actually harder than you might think to come up with new stripe patterns which use basic stitches in easy repeats, and I work very hard to keep it simple for you. For the Sungold, I've designed a really easy little lacy shell which creates these beautiful, curvy stripes, inspired by the shapes I see in the wide flower borders. Let me show you what I mean...

 

 

....can you see the soft, rounded shapes?

When perennial flowers are planted in abundant layers, they create a series of overlapping curves which I really love the look of.

 

The above photo shows my Sungold sample with the light shining through, which gives you a clearer idea of the very pretty pattern. It reminds me a little of the flowers as they grow in overlapping clumps in the border, well that's what my mind sees anyhow....I guess it doesn't really matter what the stitch configuration looks like, only that it all works together to create a super lovely stripe pattern for you to enjoy :)

 

This is an easy pattern to learn, and providing you can hold an even tension and crochet the basic stitches (a UK treble and double crochet), then this pattern is very achievable for newbie hooksters. You might need to practice working a row of treble crochet into a foundation chain, but I don't anticipate you having any problems learning this stitch pattern. There will of course be my usual full (and I mean FULL) photo tutorial to help you every step of the way, and I'm quietly confident that all of you will adore crocheting this new stripe. It's pure hooky pleasure.

 

In the photos above, I've shown the Sungold colours arranged in a very ordered "warm rainbow" (note the absence of blues in this colour palette, very unusual for me), but the CAL blanket is going to be worked as a mixed stripe.

 

 

By "mixed stripe", I mean that the fifteen colours are going to be mixed together in a harmonious way that resembles the pleasing mix you would see in a flower garden. 

 

 

The above stripe sampler gives you an idea of how stunning the Sungold colours look mixed together, and how rich and uplifting they are - sunshine and flowers, what more could you want?! The blanket is going to be stunning, I can just feel it in my bones.

However, if you prefer the look of the colours following the natural order of the colour wheel, then I'll also be creating a "colourwash" stripe for you to follow in the crochet-along if that's more your thing.

 

 

This year there is also a third option, and that involves making squares!

One of the Attic24 Facebook groups ("Hooked on Attic24") is going to be running an alternative Sungold CAL, offering a square design alongside my stripes. Talented crocheter Kaz Hall is creating a Sungold version of my Summer Harmony Blanket, and will be sharing the colour charts in weekly instalments as part of the Sungold CAL. We discussed the colours together and decided on adding Violet and Meadow to the 15 Sungold colours, making 17 in total.

As you can see from the photo, she's off to a flying start and we'll be sharing snippets of progress in the coming weeks. In my opinion, it's already looking absolutely gorgeous!

If making a Sungold Summer Harmony appeals to you, make sure to join the "Hooked on Attic24" Facebook group for all the details. You will also need to add Meadow and Violet to your basket when you pick up a Sungold yarn pack.

 

 

OK, lets talk about the CAL details now, just in case this is all new to you and it all seems a bit daunting. I promise you it's easy-peasy and crochet-alongs are a lot of fun.

Firstly 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 free pattern is released on Friday 5th January.

♥ The Attic24 SUNGOLD CAL will will run for 8 weeks in total, beginning on Friday 5th 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 2024 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 Sungold stripe pattern. Weeks 1-6 I'll share the colour order for a set of stripes (around 15 each week). Week 7 will be a catch-up week (darn in those ends!), and the final week 8 will be all about the border.

♥ The SUNGOLD YARN PACK contains 15 x 100g balls of Stylecraft Special DK and is enough to make one blanket/throw. The 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. 

♥ 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 2024. 

♥ All CAL instalments (pattern and colour info) will remain FREE on my blog into the future so that it's there for you to access at a time that suits you. You don't have to squeeze your blanket journey into 8 weeks if you don't want to - take your time and work at your own pace.

♥ Something I often get asked - can you use your own colours, or use one of my other yarn packs and still join in with the CAL? The answer is YES, of course you can! I appreciate that many of you will probably already have yarn that you want to make use of, and I really look forward to seeing your creativity with stash busting. 

All in all, you've probably guessed that this is a relaxed crochet-along project and the main aim is for us all to enjoy crocheting together. It's such a lovely way to start the New Year, and I hope you'll look forward to it as much as I do.

Before I go, I just want to say how grateful I am for my continued partnership with the lovely folks at Wool Warehouse, they really are fabulous. We've been working together since 2014 and they are just the loveliest people, a true family business who genuinely care about their customers. And for full transparency, I do receive a commission for every Attic24 yarn pack sold through Wool Warehouse, so thank you ever so much for your support, I appreciate it more than I can say.

Well I think that's about all for now, and I hope these rich, sun-soaked colours have inspired you to plan a new blanket journey with me.....roll on January!!

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♥ SUNGOLD YARN PACK ♥

 

 

Comments

[Aroha]

Where do I find the CAL instructions? I'm looking forward to starting but can't find them...

[Doreen Fahey]

Hello I’m a keen crochet fan of yours. I would like to have the full pattern for the kit I have bought from you as I’m not able to follow the CAL/blog instructions week by week as I’m 85 and recovering from a stroke - I need to have the pattern in front me and I will be up and away crocheting happily. Previous kits I have bought from you have been easier to follow with having the pattern to follow at my own pace.
I understand that it is your friend Caz Hall’s design that I need to follow because I’ve bought the extra two colours. I hope this makes sense and you can help me to make a start.
Doreen Fahey - my daughter Bev Beattie bought my kit. We have both been keen crocheters for many years.

[Diane]

Got my wool pack . How do I start ? How do I find the instructions?

[Margaret]

Where can i follow the cal please. I really want to participate!

[Michaela]

Hi Lucy
I am so looking forward to joining in on this my first CAL. I cant wait to get started and see how this blanket crotchets up using these fabulous colours. Hope i can follow the instructions as ive only ever done the granny stitch and waffle stitch that i learnt from the youtube xx

[Betsy True]

Can't wait! I've started winding my yarn--is it possible to find out what color we are starting with so I can be sure to wind that skein? Thanks!

[Jan]

Only just discovered you! Amazing I can’t wait to join never done a CAL before so super exciting. Will be ordering today xx

[Michelle]

Hi Lucy, I've been a quiet fan for years, and have dug out my crochet supplies to finally join you in a CAL! I'm going to have fun with Attic 24 in 2024 :-)

Thank you for the endless inspiration and joy you bring to us in this space. May 2024 bring you joy & peace.

[Lorraine]

My lovely daughter gave me as a Christmas present. Im looking forward to joining you each week that your running the program. Love the colours.

[Shoyna O Gorman]

I was gifted this from some amazing ladies in our Women's Shed in Newport Tipperary.
So looking forward to it !! Thank you Caroline xx

[Janet clayton]

Hi Lucy. I’m going to make your gorgeous sungold blanket using Yarnsmiths. Is there going to be a wooden shades card to go with this CAL to help us identify which colour is which? I love having them to look at afterwards too.

[Susan Turner Maconkey]

I have just received my Sungold pack...the colours are lovely and looking forward to your CAL in January..
Merry Christmas 🎅 from sunny Western Australia 🇦🇺 😎

[veronique]

Just an information . I just bought 2 packs . I received in 2 separate bags (before, it was one big box ); For EACH bag, I payed 8 euro for taxes ( Brexit ; ok ), but ALSO 8 euro to the tax collection (for the Post Office!) . I am in France . 32 euro . I mention it just because this information is nowhere .

[Beverley]

Such beautiful colours to cheer us up on a November day. Thank you Lucy. Enjoy the CAL everyone who is taking part.

[Ruthie]

Beautiful colours, Lucy! Love the inspiration photos too x

[Sandra]

What beautiful colors and ovely to see what inspired you for this blanket.

[Linda from Boston]

Just got my yarn pack!! I love Wool Warehouse and DHL. They are top notch. Beautiful colors………can’t wait to start. Crochet hook ready!!

[Susan]

Thank you Lucy. Got my Sungold yarn today. Can't wait to start.
You've inspired me so much I never picked up a crochet hook until I came across your blog . I've made the yuletide blanket and cosy strip too. You've been a Ray of sunshine to me in my dark days of mental health problems thanks soo very much your I diamond love your blog kind regards Susan. X

[Lynne]

I just ordered! The colors are gorgeous and although I've never done a CAL I'm looking forward to this one as I know from reading your blog for many years, the directions will be clearly written with no pressure to finish by a certain time (I'm very slow). It's Thanksgiving here in the US and I'm geateful for so much this year, including you, dear Lucy!

[Barbara]

My sort of colour palette. I love late summer flowers especially dahlias. I’m toying with my next blanket although i do have another aria blanket on the go finishing off bits of yarn. I’m still in love with the fireside pattern but maybe using the latest colour pack. Decisions decisions. I’m blowing as hard as I can to send the sunshine your way. B x🌞🌞🌞

[Lynn Walsh]

I need these colours in January, such a gloomy month after the excitement of Christmas and (what feels like) a very dark winter. Please enjoy another coffee on me 🙂

[Norma]

I searched through my mountain of Attic24 pack leftovers in my huge stash & found I needed at least 6 colours, so I thought 'why not' and got the Sungold pack for myself for Christmas!!!
Hard to resist those luscious colours!

Just have to do some stash-busting next time ! 😃

[Autumn]

I'm really looking forward to this CAL! It will be my first :)

[Susannah]

So beautiful, Lucy. You are truly the Queen of Color!

[Liz]

Looking forward to working with these vibrant colours after Christmas. Have bought my daughter a pack too so we will be enjoying them together.

I enjoyed the vibrant colours of the Harbour blanket and the soft shades of Springfrost so particularly looking to these rich colours in the winter gloom.

Thank you for your blog which brightens the day