Hello, and welcome to the fourth week of my Gloria Blanket Crochet-Along! This week we will make a mix of Quarter Mandala Squares and Snowflake Squares. I am so pumped to get started and I’m very thankful that you’re joining me for this CAL. Have fun and share pics!
Please read everything carefully.
Gloria Blanket CAL Quick Links
- Gloria Blanket CAL Main Info Page
- Gloria Blanket PDF Pattern Ravelry / Etsy / My Shop– As usual, the CAL will be released free every week here on my website, but I will offer the full blanket pattern in PDF form as soon as I write it up (I’ll have a date soon!)
- Instagram Sharing – I’m on Insta as @CypressTextiles. Hashtag your WIP and FO pics with #GloriaBlanket and #CypressTextiles so I can share and save them in my story highlights!
- CypressTextiles Tree Huggers Facebook Group – This is my main FB group (join!). Share your progress pics in this group if you like, and I will share CAL highlights there as well.
- YouTube Channel (Subscribe!) – Here I will be posting Gloria Blanket CAL pattern videos releasing shortly after the Friday CAL release. Yay!
Social Media Hashtags: #GloriaBlanket and #CypressTextiles
How This CAL Works
Find your chosen yarn down below. I list separate instruction for each of the yarns that I discussed in the main info post. If you aren’t working any of the listed yarns, you can check out the Stash Yarn Version section, or go completely rogue! I often say that’s my favorite part of hosting a CAL, the variety of blankets that everyone presents in the Facebook group or on Instagram.
There are 3 suggested yarns for which I am making a sample blanket during the CAL. These yarns have a full CAL schedule for the 12 weeks. You can see that schedule on the Main Info Post. (Scroll all the way down on that post.) There are some yarns for which I am not making a sample blanket, but I do give advice on them below to help you.
Under each Gloria Blanket version section below, you will find the following information:
- How to organize your yarn into groups by color, if applicable
- How many squares to make this week, in which color (MC, CC1, CC2), plus link to pattern for Quarter-Mandala Motif (US and UK Terms)
- Where to share pics
If you need yarn quantity info and yarn ordering info, please refer to the Main Info Post.
Once you make your squares, you can take pics and share them in my Facebook Group, or on Instagram with hashtags #GloriaBlanket and #CypressTextiles
Now begin the yarn sections with instructions for Week 4 – read everything carefully – and have fun!!
Metropolis 10g Colour Pack Version
This version uses one Scheepjes Metropolis 10g Colour Pack and 14 x 50g balls of Metropolis, with a size 3mm hook. For more yarn info and where to order, head to the Main Info Page.
Follow the steps below to complete your work for Week 4.
Step 1: Organize your yarn for this week
Color Group 4 – Pull the Color Group 4 colors from Week 3: 035, 052, 032, 040, 038, 031, but not 028 since it was used up in a Snowflake Square last week..
Color Group 5 – Pull colors 029, 027, 021, 022, 023, 026, 020 from the Colour Pack and store them together.
I am storing my separate color groups in reusable zip-lock bags. There are 9 total color groups just in case that helps you sort out your storage system.
Step 2: Make 6 Quarter-Mandala Squares
The Quarter-Mandala Square Pattern will note when to change colors between MC (Main Color), CC1 (Contrast Color 1), and CC2 (Contrast Color 2). Follow the Color Notes in the pattern.
For this version, CC1 colors are from Color Group 4, and CC2 colors are from Color Group 5 (see below). Save all remnants in an organized fashion with their ball bands, as we will use the colors again in the following weeks. FYI, the CC1 and CC2 colors will vary week to week, but the MC and the color groups will always be the same.
For Week 2, use the following yarn colors for your 6 squares.
- MC for all = Metropolis Color No. 025
- Square 1: CC1 = 035, CC2 = 029
- Square 2: CC1 = 052, CC2 = 027
- Square 3: CC1 = 032, CC2 = 021
- Square 4: CC1 = 040, CC2 = 022
- Square 5: CC1 = 038, CC2 = 023
- Square 6: CC1 = 031, CC2 = 026
Here is a sample Quarter-Mandala Square labeled with the CC1 and CC2 color placement. This sample is a Whirl + Whirlette square, but the CC1/CC2 placement is the same for the Metropolis Version.
Here is the Quarter-Mandala Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Gauge
Check your gauge! The first 8 Rows of the Quarter Mandala pattern measure 3in on either straight side with Metropolis and a 3mm hook.
- If your motif is taller, but still makes a 90 degree angle at the corner, then going down a hook size will help.
- If your motif is taller and narrow, or if you know yourself to make very tall dc sts, please check out this Golden Loop video. If you are a “lifter” your square will be elongated into a diamond. Changing hook size won’t help much. Working on controlling your Golden Loop will be your solution to having a nice square shape.
- Note: The square needs a light blocking to make straight, neat edges and open the lace; however, if the square is too much of a diamond due to very tall dc sts, focus on the Golden Loop may be required.
Step 3: Make 1 Snowflake Square
The Snowflake Square Pattern will note when to change colors between MC (Main Color), and CC (Contrast Color). Follow the Color Notes in the pattern.
Save all remnants in an organized fashion with their ball bands, as we will use the colors again in the following weeks. FYI, the CC1 and CC2 colors will vary week to week, but the MC and the color groups will always be the same.
For Week 3, use the following yarn colors for your Square.
- MC = Metropolis Color No. 025
- CC = 020
Here is a sample Snowflake Square labeled with the MC and CC color placement. This sample is a Whirl + Whirlette square, but the MC/CC placement is the same for the Metropolis Version.
Here is the Snowflake Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Step 4: Share pics!
- Instagram Sharing – I’m on Insta as @CypressTextiles. Hashtag your WIP and FO pics with #GloriaBlanket and #CypressTextiles so I can share and save them in my story highlights!
- CypressTextiles Tree Huggers Facebook Group – This is my main FB group (join!). Share your progress pics in this group if you like, and I will share CAL highlights there as well.
Whirl+Whirlette Version
This version uses two Scheepjes Whirl and 6 x 100g balls of Whirlette OR 12 x 50g of Scheepjes Cotton 8, with a size 3mm hook. For more yarn info and where to order, head to the Main Info Page.
Follow the steps below to complete your work for Week 4.
Step 1: Organize your yarn for this week
This week, we will be working from the inside of one Whirl, and the outside of the other Whirl. During Week 1, you labeled one Whirl “A” and the other Whirl “B”.
Here is the diagram for CC1/CC2 for WEEK 4
You will pull from the same Whirls this week as for Week 3.
Step 2: Make 6 Squares in Order as Instructed
The Quarter-Mandala and Snowflake Square Patterns will note when to change colors between MC (Main Color), CC1 (Contrast Color 1), and CC2 (Contrast Color 2) – see below. Follow the Color Notes in the pattern. The label “Whirl A” and “Whirl B” will not change throughout the CAL, but the CC1 and CC2 will vary week to week. The MC will be the same throughout the CAL.
For Week 4, use the following yarn colors for your Quarter Mandala squares.
- MC for all = Scheepjes Whirlette in Ice, OR Scheepjes Cotton 8 in preferred background color
- Squares 1-7: CC1 = Whirl B, pulled from inside, CC2 = Whirl A, pulled from outside
Note: For this Yarn Version, the Snowflake Square only uses MC and CC1.
In order to create a flow of color and spread the Snowflake Square evenly throughout the blanket, we need to work the squares in a certain order, dispersing the Snowflake Square evenly through the Whirl. Follow this sequence when making your squares. This will also break up the monotony of working the Quarter-Mandala Squares.
Work your squares in the following order:
- Square 1: Snowflake
- Square 2: Quarter-Mandala
- Square 3: Quarter-Mandala
- Square 4: Snowflake
- Square 5: Quarter-Mandala
- Square 6: Quarter-Mandala
In the photo below, if you look closely at the squares, you can see how they fade beautifully and they are organized in the QM, QM, S, QM, QM, S, order.
Here is a diagram of how the placement of CC1 and CC2 look for the squares.
Here is the Quarter-Mandala Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Here is the Snowflake Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Gauge
Check your gauge! The first 8 Rows of the Quarter-Mandala pattern measure 2.5in on either straight side with Whirl/Whirlette and a 3mm hook.
- If your motif is taller, but still makes a 90 degree angle at the corner, then going down a hook size will help.
- If your motif is taller and narrow, or if you know yourself to make very tall dc sts, please check out this Golden Loop video. If you are a “lifter” your square will be elongated into a diamond. Changing hook size won’t help much. Working on controlling your Golden Loop will be your solution to having a nice square shape.
- Note: The square needs a light blocking to make straight, neat edges and open the lace; however, if the square is too much of a diamond due to very tall dc sts, focus on the Golden Loop may be required.
Step 3: Share pics!
- Instagram Sharing – I’m on Insta as @CypressTextiles. Hashtag your WIP and FO pics with #GloriaBlanket and #CypressTextiles so I can share and save them in my story highlights!
- CypressTextiles Tree Huggers Facebook Group – This is my main FB group (join!). Share your progress pics in this group if you like, and I will share CAL highlights there as well.
Catona 10g Colour Pack Version
This version uses one Scheepjes Catona 10g Colour Pack and 20 x 50g balls of Catona, with a size 3mm hook. For more yarn info and where to order, head to the Main Info Page.
Follow the steps below to complete your work for Week 4.
Step 1: Organize your yarn for this week
Color Group 3 – Pull colors 242, 387, 504, 162, 254, 507, 502, 503, 179, 383, 506, 157, from the Colour Pack and store them together.
I am storing my separate color groups in reusable zip-lock bags. There are 9 total color groups just in case that helps you sort out your storage system.
Step 2: Make 5 Quarter-Mandala Squares
The Quarter-Mandala Square Pattern will note when to change colors between MC (Main Color), CC1 (Contrast Color 1), and CC2 (Contrast Color 2) – see below. Follow the Color Notes in the pattern. The CC1 and CC2 will vary week to week. The MC will be the same throughout the CAL.
For this version, CC1 and CC2 colors are all from Color Group 4. Save all remnants in an organized fashion with their ball bands, as we may use the colors again in the following weeks.
For Week 3, use the following yarn colors for your 5 squares.
- MC for all = Catona Color No. 404
- Square 1: CC1 = 242, CC2 = 387
- Square 2: CC1 = 504, CC2 = 162
- Square 3: CC1 = 254, CC2 = 507
- Square 4: CC1 = 502, CC2 = 503
- Square 5: CC1 = 179, CC2 = 383
Here is a sample Quarter-Mandala Square labeled with the CC1 and CC2 color placement for this version.
Here is the Quarter-Mandala Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Gauge
Check your gauge! The first 8 Rows of the Quarter Mandala pattern measure 2.75in on either straight side with Catona and a 3mm hook.
- If your motif is taller, but still makes a 90 degree angle at the corner, then going down a hook size will help.
- If your motif is taller and narrow, or if you know yourself to make very tall dc sts, please check out this Golden Loop video. If you are a “lifter” your square will be elongated into a diamond. Changing hook size won’t help much. Working on controlling your Golden Loop will be your solution to having a nice square shape.
- Note: The square needs a light blocking to make straight, neat edges and open the lace; however, if the square is too much of a diamond due to very tall dc sts, focus on the Golden Loop may be required.
Step 3: Make 1 Snowflake Square
The Snowflake Square Pattern will note when to change colors between MC (Main Color), and CC1/CC2 (Contrast Color). Follow the Color Notes in the pattern.
Save all remnants in an organized fashion with their ball bands, as we will use the colors again in the following weeks. FYI, the CC1 and CC2 colors will vary week to week, but the MC and the color groups will always be the same.
For Week 4, use the following yarn colors for your square
- MC = Catona No. 157
- Square: CC1 = 522, CC2 = 506
Here is a sample Snowflake Square labeled with the CC1/CC2 color placement.
Here is the Snowflake Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Step 4: Share pics!
- Instagram Sharing – I’m on Insta as @CypressTextiles. Hashtag your WIP and FO pics with #GloriaBlanket and #CypressTextiles so I can share and save them in my story highlights!
- CypressTextiles Tree Huggers Facebook Group – This is my main FB group (join!). Share your progress pics in this group if you like, and I will share CAL highlights there as well.
**Suggested Yarns Without a Sample Blanket**
Here is some advice on these yarn versions for this week. Feel free to follow along with one of the versions above!
Stone Washed / River Washed 10g Colour Pack Version
For this yarn, if you are making 30 squares, you can make 3 of the Quarter-Mandala Squares this week and 1 Snowflake Square. Pick 2 similar contrast colors for CC1 and CC2 or even use 2 completely different colors! It will look amazing.
You can follow along with the Catona 10g colour pack version above if you like. Just make fewer squares. MC will remain the same week to week, but the CC1 and CC2 will be unique to each square.
Here is an example of how your square will look if you follow the Catona 10g pack version:
Catona 50g Skeins Version
For this yarn, if you are making 56 squares, you should make 5 Quarter-Mandala Squares this week. CC1 and CC2 follow the Whirl + Whirlette Version.
Make 2 Snowflake Squares as well. CC1 and CC2 follow the Whirl/Whirlette version.
Here is the Quarter-Mandala Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Here is the Snowflake Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Cahlista 15g Colour Pack Version
For this yarn, I gave several layout options on the Main Info Page. You can follow the color combos CC1 and CC2 for the Catona 10g Colour Pack Version as the colors are the same for these 2 packs, but the quantity of squares will depend on how many will be in your blanket.
Here is the Quarter-Mandala Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Here is the Snowflake Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Stash Yarn Version!
If you are going rogue (YAY!) you can make anywhere between 5-7 Quarter-Mandala Squares this week and 2 Snowflake Squares, depending how many squares your blanket will be. I can’t wait to see the fun color combos!
Here is the Quarter-Mandala Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Here is the Snowflake Square Pattern: US Terms // UK Terms
Have fun making your squares this week! Be sure to share progress pics as we love them in the FB group and IG. I share them in my IG story highlights as well if you post them and add the hashtags.
THANK YOU for joining me in the Gloria Blanket CAL!
Happy crafting as always,
Rachele C.