Okay, you guys… it’s crunch time. ‘Tis the Season… for Xtreme crafting. Are you as behind as I am? It’s November and I have a zillion projects I wanted to complete in 2018 that aren’t done yet. I know many of y’all are in the same boat, and you are probably freaking out that the year is almost over as much as I am… Where does the time go?? Well, In order to help me feel like I have my life together, I’m going to make a list of everything I want to accomplish before 2018 is over. Yay!
Before I let you guys into my check-list of non-stop crochet design, let me show off all the patterns I published in 2018 so far. This is going to be a long and comprehensive post that is more meant for my sanity than your viewing pleasure, I can already tell.. Bear with me.
Jan-Oct 2018
ShadeTree, Issue 1
A collection of five crochet blanket patterns, all made with Scheepjes Yarns, inspired by the artwork and nature photography of Jessica Wilkinson of IG @VanillaLemonCake. If you look through the Behind the Scenes posts, you can see the exact photos of Jessica’s that were the inspiration behind each piece. Her photography is wonderful, and if you tune in to her IG stories sometimes she will reveal her photography setup. It’s always a real treat and educational! Take a moment to visit Jessica’s Instagram; you’ll love it.
Information on these four free motifs and five crochet blanket patterns:
This info includes: The name of the piece, the blog post link for behind the scenes content, the Ravelry PDF link, the affiliated yarn shopping link marked with an *, and the photo/blanket sample credit.
- Four Free Floral Motifs – Behind the scenes – Ravelry – Shop Aquarel Yarn * – Photo and blanket sample by Gwen Kok (IG @StitchGwen)
- Spring Flatlay – Behind the scenes – Ravelry – Shop Softfun Yarn * – Blanket sample by Teresa Daily Davis
- Indigo Blossom – Behind the scenes – Ravelry – Shop Aquarel Yarn * – Photo and blanket sample by Makenzie Pearson (BQueen Collection)
- Birdsong – Behind the scenes – Ravelry – Shop Merino Soft Yarn * – Photo and blanket sample by Ariel Jensen (IG @CraftyTrekkieChick)
- Tiny Garden – Behind the scenes – Ravelry – Shop Spirit Yarn * – Photo and blanket sample by Amy Mason (IG @DogKnits)
- Colorburst – Behind the scenes – Ravelry – Shop Cotton 8 Yarn * – Photo and blanket sample by Tiffany Santos (Tifersarie Handmade)
- Get the Ravelry ebook – with all 6 PDF files
Dutch Rose
What can I say about Dutch Rose? I made it into a CAL, because someone suggested it, and it ended up being a wild success due to all of the community love. What a wonderful project it was, and I’m super proud of this design. Thanks, y’all for all of the Ravelry favorites and kind words.
Information: Blog post – Free Pattern – Printable PDF Ravelry – YouTube Playlist (Subscribe!) – Shop Stone Washed yarn *
Edited to add: I made another Dutch Rose in November! More purples this time 🙂
Relaxghan Series
In January, I decided to create a series of blanket patterns that were designed with an air of peacefulness and tranquility. I’ve been saying lately: Crochet is meant to de-stress you, not re-stress you. The high strung and tightly wound among you will undoubtedly want to frustratedly obsess over every pattern element.
This includes me. I’m as tightly wound as they come, but I’m trying to get better at relaxing. While pressure makes diamonds, or what-have-you, I’ve recently begun to appreciate letting the light in a bit more. Patterns are named after peaceful concepts.
Information on these six crochet blanket patterns:
This info includes: The name of the piece, the blog post link for behind the scenes content, the Ravelry PDF link, and the affiliated yarn shopping link.
- Happy Little Tree – Free pattern (expanded for beginners) – Printable Ravelry PDF – YouTube Playlist (Subscribe!) – Shop SW and RW Cutie Pie Colour Packs *
- Let it Go – Free pattern (expanded for beginners) – Printable Ravelry PDF – Shop Stone Washed XL *
- Good Vibes – Free pattern (expanded for beginners) – Printable Ravelry PDF – Shop Colour Crafter Yarn *
- Self Love – Free pattern (expanded for beginners) – Printable Ravelry PDF – Shop Merino Soft Yarn *
- Carefree – Free pattern (expanded for beginners) – Printable Ravelry PDF – Shop Catona Yarn *
- Unbothered – Free pattern (expanded for beginners) – Printable Ravelry PDF – Shop Cahlista Yarn *
- Get the Ravelry ebook – with all 6 PDF files
Scheepjes YARN Bookazine, Issue 5 – Lotus Leaf Blanket
I designed this piece to push my boundaries and experiment with carrying motifs and stitches in the same blanket. The color palette speaks to me as blues and greens are so relaxing, peaceful, and re-energizing. I have been on a real energy, meditation, zen kick lately, and expressing this through crochet has been the best thing for my mental health.
Information: Blog post – Order YARN Bookazine, Issue 5 “WOMAN” – Check out the Ravelry page and give it a favorite heart – Shop Cahlista Yarn *
2018 Vibrant Vintage CAL (VVCAL) Reboot
Another VVCAL?? Well, I told everyone I was completely overhauling the VVCAL Square patterns as part of my endeavor to update all of my older patterns for better readability, and one of you spoke up and asked me, “Will there be another CAL as well?” I decided it was actually a great idea. Dutch Rose Blanket CAL was wrapping, and I had been bitten by the bug. So here we are! There are all new squares, which will completely coordinate with the 2016 squares. Yay!
Information: Blog post with free pattern – Printable PDF Ravelry – YouTube Playlist (Subscribe!) – Shop Softfun yarn *
Crochet Learning Portal
Launched this year, and will be expanded greatly over time. Designed as crochet posts and videos that help you go from complete beginner to adventurous beginner, and beyond. I even have entrepreneur posts and videos planned, so stay tuned!
Information: Main Page – YouTube Playlist – Shop Cahlista yarn *
Patterns for Absolute Beginners
In my series, You Can Crochet This!, I break down each of my crochet patterns into bite-sized chunks in an expanded version for absolute beginners. Each free course includes step-by-step photos and videos for stitches, motifs, edgings, and more. It is designed for the absolute crochet beginner, to help guide your hook through pieces that may look intimidating. You can crochet this!
Information:
- Linen Stitch Washcloth – Free Pattern – YouTube Video – Shop Softfun yarn *
- Chain Stitch Statement Necklace – Free Pattern – YouTube Video – Shop River Washed XL yarn *
The Art of Crochet Blankets
I wrote a crochet blanket pattern book, y’all! Squeeeeeeee! When Stephanie from Interweave approached me to write a book in 2016, I was completely gobsmacked. Two years later, and my eyes still glass over at the thought that I will have a crochet pattern book, out there in the wild. You lovely lot have made it even better with all of your support, excitement, and positive feedback for the book. Truly, I am filled to the brim with joy!
Information: Blog post with all the deets – Order my book on Amazon – Head to the Ravelry entry and pop some patterns in your queue and give everything a favorite heart – This helps more people find my book! Thank you for your support. So many have ordered and I’m really overjoyed.
Scheepjes YARN Bookazine, Issue 6 – Happy Folk Blanket
I was inspired by the geometric quilts depicted in American Folk Art, with the different sized blocks all pieced together to form a unique blanket. There are so many beautiful quilts made in this type of design. Unlimited inspiration! I love all how the blocks are pieced without too much thought to symmetry or balance. From this inspiration came Happy Folk.
Information: Blog post – Order YARN Bookazine, Issue 6 “FOLK” – Check out the Ravelry page and give it a favorite heart – Shop Cahlista Yarn *
Nov-Dec 2018
I could never have published all of these designs without my incredible Tester Tribe who helped me with so many of the patterns, and even worked up some of the blanket samples for me. And as always the support of the best group – the Scheepjes Bloggers. I’m so proud to be among such talent! How great is that? I feel very fortunate to have such a supportive community surrounding me.
And here is a look at the rest of 2018, where I attempt to cram every possible blanket and pattern into two months. These are split into two categories: Magazine Features (incredible opportunities – I’m so thrilled), and Upcoming Patterns/Blankets.
Upcoming Magazine Features
Beach Hut Blanket – Crochet! Magazine
The Beach Hut Blanket pattern is a no-sew, reversible piece with linen stitch, so the front and back look equally fabulous. I am so excited that Crochet! Magazine will showcase it in an issue next year! Find Beach Hut on Ravelry (give it a favorite!) – Shop Colour Crafter Yarn *
My book, The Art of Crochet Blankets, has a mini feature in Mollie Makes, Issue 99!
Mollie Makes is a lifestyle magazine bringing contemporary craft to today’s makers. Designed for the engaged, connected generation who make up the handmade revolution, each issue of Mollie Makes is filled with unique home décor, fashion and children’s projects, all showcased with inspirational styling and photography.
Readers can subscribe here: http://www.molliemakes.com/
Information: See a preview of Issue 99 – Find the digital version of Mollie Makes – Mollie Makes Website
Dutch Rose and Callie to be featured in Happily Hooked Magazine in early 2019
Happily Hooked is a monthly digital magazine filled with beautiful patterns that make the perfect gifts!
Information: Dutch Rose Pattern (Shop Stone Washed Yarn *) – Callie Pattern (Shop Cotton 8 Yarn *) – Happily Hookeed Magazine Website
Deep Chevron Project Linus Pattern
Prime Publishing, and the site AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns.
But I’m making the new chevron design with Colour Crafter yarn *, in a seaside palette like this one (heart eyes!):
Edited to add: I’m finished with it! Here’s how it came out 🙂
Pattern for the Sierra Blanket releases on Monday, Nov 19.
Upcoming Patterns/Blankets
Larger version of my Happy Little Tree Blanket
The original Happy Little Tree pattern uses 1 box of the Stone Washed and River Washed Cutie Pie Colour Pack *, but the larger version will use 2 packs. Yay!
Scheepjes YARN Issue 6, Happy Folk Blanket, alternate colorway
I don’t have a photo for this yet, but if you scroll up on this post, you can see the Happy Folk blanket. See how the background is red? Well for this alternate colorway, the background is plum! Squeeeeee! Look out for this, coming soon 🙂
Block A Week 2019 with JulieAnny
Julie is planning to feature a Block of the Week Crochet-Along for 2019 on her blog. It will feature one afghan block weekly by a different designer, supplemented by her own designs – and I am contributing! Exciting!
Julie is well known on these platforms: Facebook Crochet-Along group, Crochet-A-Long with JulieAnny (11000 members), and Ravelry Board, Julie Yeager Designs (3000 members), and for her blog, http://julieyeagerdesigns.com.
ShadeTree, Issue 2 – Tessellation Magic!
Y’all, I have a new ShadeTree coming soon, with FIVE blankets based on amazing tessellation, and it is going to be bananas…
Here is a sneak peek of a couple of the tessellations and color palettes that I saved in my inspiration book:
I am super pumped for this collection – do you want to see a sneak peek?? This blanket is called Dimensions, and the sample blanket and photography are by the talented Andrea Greig. It is made in Stone Washed * yarn. Yes, that is Andrea’s beautiful pupper, Nesta (all the heart eyes). Just wait till you see the blanket all spread out on the ground… Eeep, I can’t wait to share it!
And that’s all folks!
Well, hope y’all enjoyed a look at my 2018! Here’s to a productive 2019 full of love and hooky. 🙂
Love you guys – Happy crafting!
Rachele C.
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