Inspiration
Published on January 13, 2021

CypressTextiles 2020 Design Roundup: Everything I released in 2020!

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Hello, lovely! Today I feel like taking a walk down memory lane, so let’s take a look back at everything I released in 2020! Crazy enough, the last time I did a year-end design roundup was for 2018, so I guess I skipped 2019. Although this doesn’t surprise me too much, as during odd-numbered years I take a bit of a break.

I went through all of my notes and my pattern platforms, and learned that I released 16 designs in 2020. And here they are!

Click through to any pattern that interests you to see the yarns that I used, and also yarn order information.

Dimensions Blanket

One day I became obsessed with the idea of turning tessellation designs into crochet blankets and this blanket design was born! Dimensions is a 3D illusion piece, so you should choose your colors accordingly if you want the 3D effect.

Skyfall Shawlette

The Skyfall Shawlette is a sweet and stylish little number that I crafter out of Scheepjes SKIES both Heavy and Light weights – one hank of each is used. Quick to make and affordable too, this will be a great gift or the perfect thing to wear to a Spring wedding. Enjoy it!

VVCAL 2020

Fully condensed and updated PDF with all 35 different squares, joining method, and beautifully ornate lace border pattern. Chart, Written, Step by Step pics, and Videos. 

French Braid

This blanket is made in three versions: Mini, Mondo, and Mega. The Mini features a small square, the Mondo features a larger square, and the Mega is just one huge square – FUN!

To Mega, Mondo, or Mini?

Make the Mega version if:

  • You have at least 2 100g balls of each color
  • You want fewer ends to weave (the blanket is literally one huge square)
  • You don’t want to sew squares together

Make the Mondo version if:

  • You have larger quantities of each color
  • You want fewer ends to weave (the squares are larger so you need to make fewer of them for the same size blanket)
  • You want to make fewer motifs to reach your desired blanket size

Make the Mini version if:

  • You are working with small amounts of yarn, for a zero-waste project (remnants busting)
  • You want each motif to be quicker for instant gratification
  • You like the look of many motifs or want more color variety

Mini Version

Mondo Version

Mega Version

There are MANY yarns featured in these patterns. Just click one and get started!

Zendoodle

Zendoodle Blanket is a pattern you may recognize. I released it in 2015, and five years later it was in need of a huge makeover as well as clarifying and simplification, so I re-released it as part of an exciting series!

Find this pattern in a condensed ad-free PDF for a small fee on Etsy, and Ravelry. 

Find this pattern in a condensed ad-free PDF for a small fee on Etsy, and Ravelry. 

LissMiss

LissMiss was a WIP that I had in the works since late 2013. Mind you, my design career started in 2012, so this puppy has been waiting since the beginning of my designer days. I was just a baby! But I had a seed of an idea… And that seed grew into the LissMiss Blanket, the third blanket in my Linen Stitch Blanket Series.

You can now purchase this pattern on Etsy or Ravelry, or see the free version here!

Before I learned to crochet, I was a knitter! You may not have known that, but I taught myself to knit in college – from books, as YouTube was in its infancy – and one of the first things I made was something that I really connected with. I loved the bright, randomized colors and the geometric, striped look. This pattern was the No-Sew Mitered Square Afghan (an alternate construction method for the Psychedelic Square Afghan).

I worked it up using the no-sew tips from the Mason-Dixon Knitting site, but I never ended up mattress stitching everything together to finish. The colors and the design reminded me of my former self and I knew I had to create something to bring the pieces back to life. With these seeds of inspiration, the LissMiss Blanket was born. Hope you love this one!

Beach Hut

The Beach Hut Blanket is a definite keeper. It was inspired by the Colorful Chevrons Quilt by Christa Watson. The clever no-sew construction will definitely make you happy! The piece is made by creating base triangles and layering colored chevron with simple zig-zag until your blanket is long enough. Finish off by squaring the top and you have a gorgeous, modern blanket.

Kurinji Square

This square was designed for Granny Square Day (August 15th)! I decided to craft a little square that you can make with 10g of Catona or Stone Washed / River Washed. It has a little color-work too. This is a square to savor the moment. It’s a square to slow down and love the process. If you’re looking for something quick and zippy, this may not be the one. Of course, after a few, it gets faster because you’ll memorize the pattern, but it’s just not a super fast make, in my opinion. So, this one won’t be for everybody, and that’s okay.

Free Pattern Blog Post

Garden Walk

This is my much anticipated Garden Walk Crochet Blanket Pattern. It features a traditional and solid granny as well as a fun and preppy half-striped square. This pattern was offered as a free promo by Interweave Press during the promotion of my book, The Art of Crochet Blankets. Now my book has switched hands to Penguin Random House, and the free promo is no longer offered, so I begged and pleaded to have the copyright returned to me so that I could share it with you all! Finally, my wish came true, and I just couldn’t wait to share it. I have received many messages requesting this pattern, and I am so happy to be able to share it!

Free Pattern Blog Post

Gloria Blanket

One of my favorite things to do in my designer life is to host a Crochet-A-Long. I just love the community involvement, and I especially love seeing the different variations being made all over Instagram and my Facebook Group.

Gloria was several years in the making and I was so pleased to finally release the pattern as a CAL. Originally, I wasn’t going to as my typical CALs have many different motifs to entertain you week after week, whereas Gloria only has two motifs, but lots of folks agreed it would still be a great CAL, so I decided to just go for it! I know you will love this one!

Ravelry Page | Etsy Listing | Free Version

Runway and Equinox

I created Runway and Equinox as contributions to the fifth installment of the Friends Around the World CAL (FATW5).

Runway Square

The Runway Square is perfect for when you need a lacy motif that is not too delicate. There is a lot of integrity in the square, and yet it retains that open look. To create something engaging and still simple, I have kept the more complex portions at the center of the square, and the outer rounds can be worked while watching your favorite show.

Runway Square Free Pattern

Equinox Square

Equinox is a bold floral square that is perfect for any season. You’re sure to enjoy the fun petals at the center and the leafy final border rounds are so simple and satisfying. I enjoyed designing this one, and I hope you love making it!

Equinox Square Free Pattern

The Learner Bag

The Learner Bag was a project that stemmed from a desire to branch out from making blankets and into creating something new. I don’t think I am alone when I say that crafting is my safe and happy place, and I don’t like to rock the boat too much for fear of inviting discomfort in.

So, to take baby steps, I chose a project that would effectively be two small, erm.. bag-sized.. blankets sewn together. I even used an old pillow case for the lining; I was that dead-set on making this thing as painless as possible.

Related Links Ravelry Page | Etsy Listing | Free Version

Chevronnie

Linen Stitch is one of the most versatile crochet stitches, and great for a relaxing crafting session. For Chevronnie, I created a join as-you-go chevron linen stitch panel blanket using my PLT Join.

Texture Masterclass

I had the honor of teaching a Texture Masterclass for three consecutive issues of Inside Crochet Magazine, beginning with issue 131. Part 1 featured a delightful blanket called Sugar Frost. Iris from SouthernBelleCrochet graciously helped me crochet the sample for this project. Thank you, Iris!

Sugar Frost Blanket

I enjoyed designing this blanket immensely, as it is the perfect intersection of texture and geometry, two of my favorite facets of crochet design.

The Inside Crochet Website has a cheeky preview of Issue 131, and you can see a hint of my column at the top left. Eeeep!

Inside Crochet Preview 5

Well, I certainly enjoyed walking down memory lane to see all of the designs I released in 2020. It’s always motivating to see how much was accomplished when you’re feeling like you aren’t doing enough. I know sometimes everyone feels that way, and we are all just doing our best. 2021 is going to be full of fantastic designs and updates of oldies but goodies.

Thank you for coming along this journey with me!

Happy Crafting to you,

Rachele C.

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