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Scheepjes Whirl

Published by Rachele Carmona

Eeeep! Scheepjes adds another sugary-sweet yarn to their collections. I was just swatching with BonBon and Sugar Rush* the other day, and then I heard about the yummy Whirl upcoming release – well you know this girl has a sweet tooth!

Check out this absolutely delicious sneak peek photo from Scheepjes:

And drooooool over these ice cream-y names!

Here are the scrumptious details for these sweet cakes:

Made from a blend of 60% cotton/40% acrylic to produce projects that are lightweight and breathable.
Unlike other gradient yarns, Whirl has a generous twist to enable speed while working the yarn and to help prevent splitting.
Whirl has a unique twisted plied section, which gives it a characteristic ‘flavour’ all of its own!
This Extra Large yarn cake holds an enormous 1000 meters of softly colour changing yarn, more than enough for a large shawl or wrap.
Each colour change is carefully tied in an optimum way to ensure the knot can be discretely hidden within your stitches.
Recommended hook / needle size: 3.5-4mm

Whirl is available in all Scheepjes retailers from March 6th 2017, but I have the unique opportunity to do an exclusive preview “taste test” for two flavors: Blueberry Bambam and Green Tea Tipple. Lucky me!

You know I couldn’t resist dipping my hook into Blueberry Bambam. When I showed my eldest daughter the color card, she picked out this colorway for a scarf. And so the Rebani Möbius Scarf is born!

It will be a beaded Möbius scarf, made by alternating from center and outside of the cake. Free pattern coming soon!

Here is a sneak peek of my WIP! Peep that cherry drizzle on the blueberry ice cream… okay, brb.. headed to Cold Stone Creamery 😝

Okay I’m back – lol. I can’t wait to play with Green Tea Tipple – maybe more scarves for my other two daughters! Look at this beauty close up:

The color changes are just so pretty. I took a photo of the unique “twist” that makes this yarn so special. I think it’s my favorite thing about Whirl!

So excited to reveal more of the Rebani Möbius Scarf to you, and as I dream of collecting all the creamy Whirl yarn cakes even more ideas swim in my head. Stay tuned!

*Thank you for using affiliate links which do not cost you anything extra, and which help to support the running of the blog by providing a small amount of ‘advertising’ commission.

Scheepjes Secret Garden

Published by Rachele Carmona

Try not to drool on your screen!! This yarn can definitely provoke a stare and drool effect.

Shop: Deramores = Buy it here*! || Wool Warehouse = Buy it here*!

Details:

Yarn Weight: DK
Length: 93m
Needle Size: 4mm
Ball Weight: 50g
Tension: 18 stitches, 23 rows to 10 cm on 4 mm needles
Fibre: 20% Silk x 20% Cotton x 60% Polyester

I wanted this next photo to be cat-free but let me zoom out to show you my cat Bootsie – lol.. She is very independent but has gotten extremely clingy since we took in a stray kitten a couple of weeks ago.

The actual photo with the Secret Garden yarns I plan to use in my latest pattern brainstorm which will feature diamonds and bobbles ❤️❤️❤️

Peep all of the brand new Secret Garden “solids” – gorgeous tweeds – and notice the beautifully chosen colors for the little marly bits.

I chose three of the multis for my project:

Close up of Rambling Blooms because Heart Eyessss, I love this!! What kind of Aladdin Jasmine royal sorcery is this gorgeous color??

By the way, last minute I decided to move the solid red over to the multi side. This pattern will alternate between solid and multi, and I want all the solid colors to stand out! So I’ll be hiding dispersed red squares throughout the multi sections 🙂 Much better 🙂

Can’t wait to share more of my Secret Garden project with you all!

Here’s my first square:

I would describe this yarn as a thick and thin tweed.. how fun is that?! Every stitch is a surprise and I’m looking forward to using all the colors – if the solids are this fun, I can only imagine the multis!

More to come on this project. I think I’ll name it “Hearthside Blanket” because it’s so homey and cozy with familiar and dear square patterning.

Moon Landing Blanket Free Pattern

Published by Rachele Carmona

January 17 – Moon Landing Blanket Published

I’m so pleased to bring you all the Moon Landing Blanket free pattern!

Named for its resemblance to moon boots and for those outlandish bobbles, Moon Landing is a unique hexagon blanket that you can make using three different yarn types of a similar weight. Of course the same yarn can also be used throughout. This piece is perfect for any space from a newborn’s crib to a college dorm room. With clever color choice, anyone will enjoy this modern and striking blanket design.

Pattern

Find the ad-free, easy to print Pattern PDF for a small fee on

RAVELRY//Etsy//Craftsy//LoveCrochet.com

You can also find this pattern on AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns.com.

Or scroll down for the free pattern!

Allow me to introduce my newest FO: the Moon Landing Blanket!

Features:

Bold, large hexagons with color rings worked through BLO for a beautifully neat layered look
Bobbled corners that reach out to each other creating a diamond visual
PLT join using HDC instead of SC which gives a wider band of color between motifs
3 Different yarn types (see below!) with varying textures and makeups, all the same care instruction for easy wash
My first blanket with hexagons placed in this “sideways” orientation! Half hexies are on the long sides of the piece – never done it that way before!

Yarns used (all Scheepjes brand):

Inner hexagon color – Stone Washed
First color ring and join/border – Colour Crafter
Second color ring – Softfun Aquarel

Full free pattern coming soon – Should be finished with it by next week!

Hope y’all enjoy this one! It’s for my cuter than ever 3yo cousin – adopted from Ethiopia ❤️❤️ Can’t wait for her to snuggle in it! I made her brother a blanket for last Christmas (Zendoodle Blanket No. 2) and finally I’m able to gift her one too.

Huge thank you to all the people in my life (that includes YOU!) who let me live my dream and craft cozy blankets for others to wrap themselves in ❤️❤️

I’ve been interviewed by Christine of ChristineGuestDesigns.com – check out the interview here! It’s been lovely meeting new crafters by participating in the Ravelry Giftalong 2016. Thank you so much, Tatiana of Lilla Björn Crochet for pointing out this event to me.

November 30 is the last day to get 25% off of all my patterns in my Ravelry Shop using code: giftalong2016!

materials list

Yarn – DK Weight – 3
Shown here: Scheepjes Brand – Yarn A – Stone Washed (8 balls), Yarn B – Colour Crafter (4 balls), Yarn C – Softfun Aquarel (6 balls)
Notions
US Size 4mm and 5mm hooks
Large tapestry needle for weaving ends

stitch guide (US Terminology)

ch = chain
Beg HDC = Beg DC = (SC, Ch 1) – note: Counts as a HDC/DC
BLO = Back Loops Only – note: I work through both back loops. It takes time but is much stronger.
DC = Double Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet
rem = remaining
rep = repeat
RS = Right Side
SC = Single Crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sk = skip
st = stitch
TR = Treble Crochet
WS = Wrong Side

instructions

Note: This blanket is constructed of several full and half hexagon motifs, joined together continuously with a border which squares off all sides.

full hexagon (make 17)

Rnd 1 Using size 4mm hook and Yarn A, ch 3, sl st in third ch from hook to make ring. All in ring: Beg HDC, ch 1, (2 HDC, ch 1) 5 times, join with sl st in top of Beg HDC. [12 HDC, 6 ch]

Rnd 2 (Beg DC, ch 1, DC) in first ch sp, (2 DC in next st, sk 1, (DC, ch 1, DC) in next ch) 5 times, 2 DC in next st, join with sl st in top of Beg DC. [24 DC, 6 ch]

Rnd 3 (Beg DC, ch 1, DC) in first ch sp, (DC in all sts to next ch sp, (DC, ch 1, DC) in ch sp) 5 times, DC to first corner, join with sl st in top of Beg DC. [36 DC, 6 ch]

Rnds 4-6 Rep Rnd 3. St count after Rnd 6: [72 DC, 6 ch]

Rnd 7 3 SC in first ch sp, SC in all sts around, placing 3 SC in 5 rem ch sps. Join with sl st in first SC. [90 SC]

Rnd 8 Switch to Size 5mm hook. (Beg DC, 6DC) in center SC of 3SC corner (or “corner SC”) – Beg Shell made, * DC in all sts across to next corner SC, 7 DC in corner SC – Shell made, rep from * 4 times, DC to Beg Shell, Join with sl st in top of Beg DC. [6 Shell, 84 DC]

Rnd 9 Insert hook in both second and sixth st of Beg Shell, SC through both layers to close Shell creating Bobble. * SC across to next Shell, SC in first st of Shell, make Bobble, SC in last st of Shell, rep from * 4 times, SC across to Beg Shell, SC in first st of Beg Shell, join with sl st to first SC cut yarn and finish off. [102 SC]

Tip: When you work the SC that closes the Shell to make the Bobble, be sure to insert hook front to back through the second SC, and back to front through the sixth SC. This may be intuitive, but I want to be clear.

Rnd 10 Change to Yarn B. Working through BLO, 3SC in corner SC, SC in all sts around, placing 3 SC in 5 rem corner SC, join with sl st in first SC. [114 SC]

Rnd 11 Rep Rnd 8 [6 Shell, 108 DC]

Rnd 12 Rep Rnd 9 [126 SC]

Rnd 13 Change to Yarn C. Rep Rnd 10 [138 SC]

Rnd 14 Rep Rnd 8 [6 Shell, 132 DC]

Rnd 15 Rep Rnd 9, BUT instead of working only 1 SC to close Shell, work 3 SC through both layers. [162 SC]

half hexagon (make 6)

Row 1 (WS) Using size 4mm hook and Yarn A, ch 3, sl st in third ch from hook to make ring. All in ring: Beg HDC, ch 1, (2 HDC, ch 1) 3 times, HDC, turn work. [8 HDC, 4 ch]

Row 2 (Beg DC, ch 1, DC) in first ch sp, (2 DC in next st, sk 1, (DC, ch 1, DC) in next ch) 3 times, turn work. [14 DC, 4 ch]

Row 3 (Beg DC, ch 1, DC) in first ch sp, (DC in all sts to next ch sp, (DC, ch 1, DC) in ch sp) 3 times, turn work. [20 DC, 4 ch]

Rows 4-6 Rep Row 3. St count after Row 6: [38 DC, 4 ch]

Row 7 2 SC in first ch sp, (SC across to ch sp, 3 SC in ch sp) twice, sc across to ch sp, 2 SC in ch sp, turn work. [46 SC]

Row 8 Switch to Size 5mm hook. (Beg DC, 6DC) in first SC – Beg Shell made, * DC in all sts across to next corner SC, 7 DC in corner SC – Shell made, rep from * once more, DC to final SC, make Shell in final SC, turn work. [4 Shell, 42 DC]

Row 9 Insert hook in both second and sixth st of Beg Shell, SC through both layers to close Shell creating Bobble. * SC across to next Shell, SC in first st of Shell, make Bobble, SC in last st of Shell, rep from * once more, SC across to Shell, SC in first st of Shell, make Bobble, cut yarn and finish off, turn work. [52 SC]

Row 10 Change to Yarn B. Working through BLO, 2SC in first SC, SC in all sts across, placing 3 SC in next 2 corner SC and 2 SC in the final st, turn work. [58 SC]

Row 11 Rep Row 8 [4 Shell, 54 DC]

Row 12 Rep Row 9 [64 SC]

Row 13 Change to Yarn C. Rep Rnd 10 [70 SC]

Row 14 Rep Row 8 [4 Shell, 66 DC]

Row 15 Rep Row 9, BUT instead of working only 1 SC to close Shell, work 2 SC through both layers on first and fourth Shell, and 3 SC through both layers on second and third Shell. [82 SC]

joining the full hexagons

Note: This is a CONTINUOUS JOIN, which means you will start and finish the join in the same place, and work around the piece in a continuous manner, leaving only first and final ends to weave, and creating a very neat and tidy join with high integrity. I will spell everything out as much as possible, but if you’ve never worked a “CJAYG”, I suggest you do a tiny bit of research to at least get the gist. I have lots of free info and tutorials on my website. This join also makes use of a maneuver that I invented called “PLT Join” I will explain it here, but you can find more info at that link as well.

Prepare motifs: Lay out all 17 full hexagon motifs as shown in Joining Schematic above. Motifs are numbered in the order they are joined to the piece. With 5mm hook, join Yarn B in the corner SC at the spot indicated. Continuous red line marks joining path.

Motif 1: Working through BLO throughout entire join, 3 HDC in same corner st – Corner made. HDC across side 1, make Corner, HDC across side 2, make Corner, HDC across side 3, make Corner, HDC across side 4 to corner st, work 2 HDC in corner st.

Motif 2: HDC in corner st at green circle in schematic. PLT as follows: Release loop from hook, insert hook front to back in final HDC on Motif 1, replace loop on hook, Pull Loop Through to front of work. HDC in same corner st on Motif 2, PLT in corresponding HDC st on Motif 1. Continue across Side 1 of Motif 2 in this manner, working (HDC, PLT in corresponding st on completed motif) across to join Side 4 of Motif 1 and Side 1 of Motif 2 together. When you reach the next corner, the last st that will be PLT joined to Motif 1 is the second HDC of that corner. Work the third HDC of the corner, and continue across Sides 2-4 without joining. Final st of Motif 2 will be the second HDC of the corner after Side 4.

Motif 3: Work as for Motif 2, stopping after Side 3.

Motif 4: HDC in corner st at spot marked with orange circle, PLT, HDC in same st, PLT, work across Side 5, joining to Side 3 of Motif 3. Stop after second HDC of next corner.

Motif 5: HDC in corner st at spot marked with turquoise circle, PLT in corner of Motif 3, and join Side 5 to Side 2 of Motif 3. At corner marked with purple circle, make center HDC and PLT through both center HDC of corners on Motif 2 and Motif 3. Make third HDC of same corner, and continue down Side 6, joining it to Side 3 of Motif 2.

Motif 6: Work across Sides 5 and 6 as for Motif 5.

Motif 7: Work across Side 5 as for Motif 5 and continue around Sides 1-4 without joining.

Motif 6: Work as for Motif 2.

Motif 5: Work as for Motif 2.

Motif 4: Work as for Motif 2, stopping after Side 2. Two rows of Full Hexagons are now joined together.

Motifs 8-10: Work up the Motifs, joining sides 5 and 6 onto the piece, and then working around each hexagon down the piece, joining adjacent sides, and stopping after Side 3 of Motif 8.

Motif 11-17: Work as for Motifs 4-10. When you get down to the corner marked with a yellow circle on Motif 15, it is time to work across the bottom side and up the right hand side.

HDC across all lower edges of Motif 15, 11, 8, 4, and 3. Be sure to complete the corners where 3 hexagons meet. After completing Side 4 of Motif 3, make Corner, and continue up to the Starting Point Join with sl st in first HDC. Cut yarn and finish off.

Attach Half Hexagons: Place half hexagons in 6 spots as shown on first photo on Page 3. As before, join along adjacent sides of half hexagons to connect them to the piece. Only center half hex on either side will have all 3 Sides Joined. Now you have zig-zag top and bottom edges, and straight side edges.

work the border

Straighten zig-zag edges

Row 1 (RS) Using size 5mm hook, join Yarn B with a sl st in corner before short, zig-zag side. SC in same and following st, * HDC in following 3 sts, DC in following 20 sts, DC in far left HDC of corner on next hexagon and in next 19 sts, HDC in next 3 sts, SC in next 3 sts, rep from * 3 times, making SC in only final 2 sts, turn work.

Row 2 SC in first 5 sts, * HDC in next 3 sts, DC in next 16 sts, sk 2, DC in next 16 sts, HDC in next 3 sts, SC in next 9 sts, rep rom * 3 times, making SC in only final 5 sts, turn work.

Row 3 SC in first 8 sts, * HDC in next 3 sts, DC in next 8 sts, sk 2, DC in next 8 sts, HDC in next 3 sts, SC in next 15 sts, rep from * 3 times, making SC in only 8 final sts, turn work.

Row 4 SC in first 11 sts * HDC in next 2 sts, DC, sk 2, DC, HDC in next 2 sts, SC in next 21 sts, rep from * 3 times, making SC in only final 11 sts, cut yarn and finish off.

Final border

Rnd 1 (RS) Join Yarn B in any corner. 3 SC in same corner, work SC evenly around, making 3 SC in 3 more corners, join with sl st to first SC. Be sure to count that opposing sides have identical amount of SC.

Rnd 2 Change to smaller hook for Rnds 2 and 3. 3 SC in corner st, SC all around, putting 3 SC in 3 more corners, join with sl st in first SC, turn work.

Rnd 3 (WS) (SC, TR, SC) all in corner st – Corner made, (TR in next st, SC in next st) across to next corner, make Corner, continue in this manner with rem 3 sides and corners, join with sl st in first SC, cut yarn and finish off.

Note: Working SC, TR on the WS of the piece should create tiny “bobbles” on the RS. Check final photo on pages 5 and 6 to see bobble border.

DONE! YAY!

Rachele C.

KnitPicks Chroma Yarn

Published by Rachele Carmona

Because of the long color changes and gorgeous combinations, KnitPicks Chroma has always held a place in my heart. I also love the texture of this yarn and how it has a “freshly spun” quality.

Eye candy: Lace hexagon blanket made with discontinued colors

Browse my Vibrant Vintage blankets on BabyLoveBrand.net (my portfolio site) – No. 3 and 5 are the gorgeous hexie blankets seen in this post.

Just look at this color range, which not only includes a myriad of palettes, but also features a few neutrals for mixing in or making motifs with a solid background.

Chroma comes in two weights, fingering and worsted. I prefer the fingering weight for delicate, impressive pieces, but I’ve seen gorgeous blankets made with the worsted.

Fingering weight details:

Buy here: Chroma Fingering Weight
Fiber Content: 70% Superwash Wool, 30% Nylon
Weight: Fingering
Knitting Gauge: 7 – 8 sts = 1″ on #1 – 3 needles (2.25mm-3.25mm)
Crochet Gauge: 21 – 32 sc = 4” on B – E hooks (2.25mm-3.5mm)
Yards: 396
Grams: 100
Put Up: ball
Care: Machine Wash/Dry Flat

Worsted weight details:

Buy here: Chroma Worsted Weight
Fiber Content: 70% Superwash Wool, 30% Nylon
Weight: Worsted
Knitting Gauge: 4.5 – 5 sts = 1″ on #6 – 9 needles (4.0mm-5.5mm)
Crochet Gauge: 11–14 sc = 4” on I – K hooks (5.5 mm-6.5 mm)
Yards: 198
Grams: 100
Put Up: ball
Care: Machine Wash/Dry Flat

When I laid out my KP yarns ❤️❤️❤️

Around edge: KnitPicks Palette – See my full review, or go straight to browsing

Center: KnitPicks Chroma, fingering weight – mostly discontinued colorways! A couple years ago they did an overhaul, but never fear, the new shades were absolutely breathtaking, and they even switched to a mirrored

Some seriously gorgeous new shades:

Used to make another lacy hexagon blanket ❤️❤️

If this doesn’t have your heart, I don’t know what will! Happy holiday shopping!

New Scheepjes Accessories!

Published by Rachele Carmona

Hi, y’all! I recently opened some super happy mail and felt I just had to share! Scheepjes Yarns has unveiled a new line of crafty accessories, and I had the wonderful opportunity to un-box a gifty package of them.

As I started tearing through the festive holiday wrapping paper (thank you, Scheepjes!!), I stopped myself and decided to make my very first ever video. This is huge! I’ve gotten numerous requests along the way to make videos, and always felt out of touch with technology and completely not savvy.. But I gave it my best shot and it can only get better from here (lol) ❤️

Gorgeous umbrella swift {{Heart Eyes!!}}

I’ve had my Patreon.com account set up and ready for launch for about two months now, just waiting for the right time to hit that Launch button. Well, what’s a better way to open my Patreon site than with my first video?

Knitting Fork

Head over and check out the reveal of all the Scheepjes goodies complete with links on how to use some of the accessories that you see in the video and may not know how to use.

Notions Kit – oooooo, aaahhhhhh ❤️

Everything is linked on my Patreon.com video post ❤️❤️

Beautiful smelling lotion with no greasy feel

Even places in the USA (including one right around the corner from me in Spring, TX!) where you can find this delicious Dutch chocolate – YUM

Delish!!

Here’s what Scheepjes says about their new accessories line on their Facebook Page

I’m so pleased to kick off my video endeavor with these Scheepjes goodies – hope you enjoy!

As always, Happy Crafting!

– Rachele C.

Mixing Yarns for a New Project!

Published by Rachele Carmona

Hi, y’all! I’m planning a new project and I pulled a few different Scheepjes* yarns to mix it up. These may have slightly different weights, but if you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know that I’m definitely not afraid to cross yarn types, even if they’re just “close enough.” I’ll mix in a heartbeat!

Yarns:

Colour Crafter* – 4 balls – My yarn review

Stone Washed* – 10 balls (2 duplicate colors not pictured)

Softfun Aquarel* – 6 balls

Ran these gorgeous yarns through the Prisma app for some fun!

And here’s my plan for this project. My upcoming free pattern: Moon Landing Blanket! Stay tuned!

BQueen Collection – Custom Dye Box

Published by Rachele Carmona

You may remember my post back in mid-June when I photographed my first experience dyeing yarn with a BQueen Dye Box. If you haven’t seen that post, please hop over! It talks about the process and you’ll see the gorgeous yellow Safflower-dyed yarn. ❤️❤️

(The pattern for this square is “Crystal” from the Vibrant Vintage CAL!)

When I dyed my first hank, I instantly wanted 6 more colors on 6 more hanks to make – of course – a blanket! Wouldn’t that be too lush?? After a chit chat with super-cool BQueen founder, Makenzie, she informed me that she had some gears turning already for a custom type Dye Box.

I waited patiently and finally she told me it was ready! 6 hanks of Superwash Merino bulky and 6 gorgeous natural dye vials.

I put my yarn soaking and started mixing up the dyes in the cups Makenzie provides with each Box.

Here are the remaining 5 dyes and their name tags.. I couldn’t stop the vials from rolling around to get a shot of the names in the previous pic!

Today, since I’m dyeing all 6 colors I don’t want to heat my house into oblivion with a 6-hour boiling water session on the stove. Outdoor kitchen to the rescue! We have a grill, a large griddle, and a gas flame that’s perfect for just this situation. I promise, buried under all the protective coverings and random junk, there’s a very useful outdoor kitchen. Lol..

Below you can see my setup with the Quebrucho Rojo first, and then mini-pics of the dyes Wattle and Madder (Yellow)

What a delightful and easy experience checking on the yarns amongst baking cookies all day and washing a few loads of laundry. Never a boring moment! 🙂

Draped on the chair to dry.

From top to bottom: Quebrucho Rojo, Wattle, Madder (yellow), Weld/Caribbean, Henna, Madder (Red), and balled up: Safflower.

Red bowl to catch drips.

Lounging by the hammock for a photo op.

I 100% recommend BQueen Collection – their Dye Boxes are just perfect and she is a joy to talk to. Sooooo worth it!! I can’t wait to decide on a pattern and work up some of this loveliness! ❤️❤️❤️

And if anyone thought, “ooo, cookies!!” a while ago… I made Sally’s Baking Addiction Chewy Oatmeal Cookies, minus the raisins and some of the sugar, plus sliced almonds, pecan pieces, and nutmeg. (I’ll write this one up soon in a Sunday Baking post!)

Of course I also had to make a couple batches of my “Scary-Good” Bake Sale cookies for my mom to take to work for their Halloween spread! ❤️❤️

Great day! Hope y’all enjoyed your Sunday as well!

Big Leaf Border

Published by Rachele Carmona

Hey-ooooohh! It’s me again – bringing you a new freebie. This one’s a border that looks like a line of connected leaves.. hence the name! For the demo sample, I used Scheepjes Softfun* in color 2535, a lush leafy green shade.

Use the Big Leaf Border pattern for any size blanket. Head over to the Ravelry page for a PDF version (coming soon!) or keep scrolling and we’ll get started!

Basic information:

Border is 7 rounds
With DK weight yarn and size H hook, I get a width of approximately 2 inches
Use the same hook you used in the blanket body for Rounds 1-6, then switch to a hook size smaller for Round 7

Special stitches:

Beg DC = (SC, Chain 1)
DC4tog = (in next St work DC up to final step, leaving behind one loop on hook) 4 times, YO, draw yarn through all 5 loops on hook
3DC Cluster = in indicated st/sp, work DC up to final step, leaving behind one loop on hook 3 times in same spot, YO, draw yarn through all 4 loops on hook
4DC Cluster = in indicated st/sp, work DC up to final step, leaving behind one loop on hook 4 times in same spot, YO, draw yarn through all 5 loops on hook
Reverse SC (crab st) = Insert hook in st to the RIGHT, YO, pull up loop, YO, draw yarn through both loops on hook. Repeat for entirety of border.

Photos:

Rnd 1-4

DC4tog

Rnd 5 and 6

Rnd 7

Done!

Charted Instruction:

Written Instruction:

NOTE: Rounds 1 and 2 are optional, but I use them to even out any jagged edge of the raw blanket, this way I can begin round 3 with a smooth, straight edge. If your blanket already has perfect edges and you’d like to jump into round 3, you can do so and work a narrower 5-round border instead.

Rnd 1 Join yarn with sl st in any corner st or space, 3SC in same st/sp. SC in all sts around, putting 3SC in all 3 remaining corners. Join with sl st in first SC.

Rnd 2 In corner SC, (Beg DC, Chain 2, 2DC), DC in all sts across to corner st, (2DC, Chain 2, 2DC) in corner st, repeat around in this manner until first corner is reached. DC in first corner to complete it, join with sl st in Beg DC.

Rnd 3 3SC in chain space, SC in all sts around, placing 3SC in 3 remaining chain space corners. Join with sl st to first SC.

Rnd 4 In center SC, (Beg DC, chain 1, 4DC), ** (skip 2, 4DC in next st) across to next corner. (4DC, chain 1, 4DC) in corner st, repeat from ** around blanket to first corner. 3DC in first corner to complete it, join with sl st in Beg DC.

NOTE: Round 4 will look somewhat cramped. This is correct, and all will flatten back out with Round 5.

Rnd 5 In corner chain space, (Beg DC, 3DC Cluster). ** (Chain 3, DC4tog over next 4 sts) across to corner chain space. Chain 3, 4DC Cluster in chain space to make corner, repeat from ** around blanket to first corner. Chain 3, and join with sl st in top of 3DC Cluster.

Rnd 6 3SC in top of 3DC Cluster (same spot as join). (3SC in all chain spaces across to corner, 3SC in 4DC Cluster) repeat around to first corner. Join with sl st in first SC.

Rnd 7 Reverse SC in all sts around. Do not add in any extra sts at corners. This we’ll create a nice, rounded corner. Join with sl st in first Rev SC. Cut yarn and finish off.

Done! Have fun with this one on your leafy Spring or Fall projects! ❤️❤️

For the love of Linen Stitch

Published by Rachele Carmona

There are many tutorials online for Linen/Moss/Woven Stitch, but check out this one by by Dedri Uys!

My love for Linen St goes back to about 2012 when I started making simple back-and-forth blankets with it. I called them “Bold Stripe Blanket” and even wrote a simple free pattern in Spring 2013.

That year, when I started using PLT Join (this was before I named it so), I made “Bold Gingham Blanket”, which is a piece made of join-as-you-go strips, using color to form an opulent pattern. I really love this one and wish I had time to make another!

After that, I got caught up in a hexagon custom order whirlwind. Other crafters referred to me as “the hexie queen”, I made blanket after blanket of custom order hexagon pieces: Sunburst Flower, Cottage Quilt, Painted Hexagons, and Geometric Lace – probably about 65 in all.. So linen stitch definitely wasn’t on my hook, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t on my mind. One day I’d have time to make a booklet of linen stitch patterns.

I was sketching and making up samples to keep the ideas fresh, some super-simple and others based on quilt blocks and fabric yardage.

Chevron faffing below using the Lucy Pack* of Stylecraft Special DK from Deramores.

Blocks below made with Scheepjes Stone Washed* and Catona Denim*

The right-hand sample above is based on this quilt block called “Seaside Boardwalk”, a beautiful tutorial seen on heyletsmakestuff.com.

Isn’t it the cutest? You just know I had to make flying geese too – made in KnitPicks Palette Yarn* 🙂

Once I decided to close my custom order service, I began to design again. In 2015, I designed a couple blankets using linen st, my Beach Hut Blanket, and Zendoodle Blanket.

The Beach Hut above was based on the award-winning “Charming Chevrons” over on ChristaQuilts.com – please take a look; her blog post is wonderful!

A customer requested the color layout below, which turned out really lovely.

Zendoodle Blanket shown below, made in New Fashion DK, using the Summer Evening yarn pack curated by MyCraftLife.

So that’s my history with this gorgeous stitch. Fast forward to today, and I’m getting a serious itch to work with linen st again. I kept all those samples and sketches from before in a gallon-size ziplock bag and waited until I had time to write a small collection of patterns. Well, it’s time! Now that I can bring my bag of swatches to life, I have some serious goodies for y’all.

Check out “LissMiss” (Linen St Mitered Square) in my previous post, made in Colour Crafter*.

And “Bias Strip”, first strip seen below in the “Sweatshirt” colorway as an homage to cutting up beloved old sweatshirts to make a cozy blanket. Made in Wool and the Gang Shiny Happy Cotton and Billie Jean yarns. I lurve this one! I cannot *wait* to release this ebook, a neat collection of blocks and blankets, sure to please you linen-loving crafters 🙂

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to shops I love and trust, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using the links marked with an asterisk*. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep CypressTextiles going!

Lissmiss Blanket WIP (Wonderfully Interesting Project)

Published by Rachele Carmona

I have a new project in the works called the Lissmiss Blanket.. What is Lissmiss??? Well it’s the way “LSMS” is pronounced, which stands for Linen Stitch Mitered Square – of course! 😛

I’m making a no-sew linen st mitered square blanket because this is a pattern that has been floating around my head (and scraps of paper) for long enough! This needs to be made!

Here’s a pic of my prototype – pulled from my Instagram from November 2013!! Dude! Three years this baby has been marinating…

And the current WIP… The glorious Lissmiss!

Hellooooooo Fall! Peep this Scheepjes Colour Crafter – YUM!

Why the mitered square?

Did you know I used to knit? Well my crafterly adventures all started back in the day (my college years) with WendyKnits.net, when blogs were definitely more primitive. I got busy knitting all. the. things. And one of the Things was the Psychedelic Squares Afghan. Only I used the No Sew Mitered Square Afghan tutorial over at Mason-Dixon Knitting because, well I’ve always known I stink at sewing…

click to read about the knitted inspiration

So I gathered my Lion Brand Cotton-Ease (since replaced – I think – by 24/7 cotton*, which looks amaaaazing – can’t wait to buy and try!) and I made a BUNCH of Mitered square quads, which I then stuffed into a box to sit for a decade…

Fast forward to 2013 when I had long since converted to the hook, and I decided to use those knitted squares in a collaboration with my former co-ed self. Read all about that experience – HERE! (Side note: Soon after, I promptly designed the crochet version you see at the top of this post… Loved the sticks, but I’m stuck on the hook!!)

Okay, so back to Lissmiss.

Working on this Wonderfully Interesting Project has me reminiscing and I think you’ll enjoy the retro stripes with an updated rugged, sophisticated palette – or with your own curated scheme! These stripes will make any colors look great.

Can’t wait to post the Lissmiss Blanket pattern! Coming soon in a booklet of Linen St patterns – woohoo! ❤️❤️

KnitPicks Palette Yarn

Published by Rachele Carmona

Where to buy: KnitPicks Palette*

When you have a winner, you have a winner. I’ve been collecting Palette for a couple years now, ordering when a certain color combo grabs my fancy, and adding the 50g candies to my special Palette Tupperware bin. I just love this yarn.

It comes in 150 colors! And it’s a dainty fingering weight with a recommended hook size of teensy, but I use an F hook and sometimes even a G! The yarn has a fuzziness since it’s wool, so you can get away with going up in hook size and not worry about losing stitch structure.

Peep some of my Palette lounging in a candid action shot. Honestly you can’t go wrong with your color combo here. And certain shades are delightfully heathered, which I truly love for the added depth it gives the finished piece.

Here is some of my Palette stash on the second row down, hanging out with a group of coral and sea junkies.

And another pretty group of sweets – my kiddoes at the park! 😍 Swooooon!

Okay, so what can you do with this KnitPicks* yarn? Need some inspiration??

I have some!
Imagine making a blanket like this, using granny squares… (Image of lovely Criss Cross blanket from the beautiful ombré fabric Blog post )

Well there are definitely enough shades and the price can’t be beat, so ordering a ton of colors is completely doable to achieve this amazing ombré effect.

Then there’s something a little more geometric and clean.

Braided paper art on the NotWithoutHeels blog. (Check out that blog for tons of practical and gorgeous projects.)

See what folks are making with Palette yarn on Ravelry – HERE.

And then check out the 150-color complete collection bundle from KnitPicks – HERE.*

Can you imagine this being delivered to your door?? Whoa! A girl can dream, can’t she? 😊

Hexagon Burst: Free Pattern

Published by Rachele Carmona

I am so excited to finally offer my Hexagon Burst free pattern to you all!

Find Pattern

Pattern is available on Ravelry in PDF format for a small $5 fee – ad-free and easy to print. Also on Etsy! See free pattern below.

You can also find this pattern on AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns.com.

Update: This pattern now has a yarn kit at my storefront on Deramores.com. Check it out and get the yarn in just a few clicks!
Peep this rockin’ blanket. I’m in love with it and so pleased to share the pattern with you all – look for “Hexagon Burst: Free Pattern” next week! (Needs to go through my updated pattern template checklist!) I’m still going around for portions of the border, but I’m still calling this an FO because I can finish the pattern at this point.

Can you just imagine draping this blanket around your shoulders for an instant rock star energy boost? Make it in the original Scheepjes* Velvet* for maximum energy potential, or pick your own yarns and have a blast mixing up the color palette.

Here I started one in a little 17-color mix of Catona Denim* and Sunkissed*.

Isn’t it darling in this yarn? Complete change of personality! And so lacy in the thinner weight too. In this sample, I used the same color for the first three rounds instead of just two, because I wanted to have more variety of colors among the motifs.. Lowering the amount of colors per hexie to four helped, and I like the way it looks with the flowery center instead of cutting off after Rnd 2.

Back to the Velvet version. 🙂

For this rock star blanket, I used the darker shades of Velvet for joining and lighter ones for the flowers, and as I mentioned in a previous post, I was careful not to use the brighter shades (yellow, aqua) for the center circle to avoid having any circle “polka dot” effect.

Looking forward to sharing this pattern and seeing all your lovely makes. Be sure to hashtag #hexagonburstblanket on social media!

Few more pics:

Close-up of border that I’m calling “Big Leaf Edging” which will be included in the pattern but I’ll also publish it separately to use on any blanket. Also, it will look more clearly like leaves in a solid color! So I’ll make up a small sample for that shortly.

And one last photo featuring my son who is taking advantage of the moment to draw on the floor in pen.. His expression says it all 🙂

Related Links Quick Reference:

Velvet yarn review
Catona Denim yarn review (coming soon!)
Sunkissed yarn review (coming soon!)
Hexagon Burst WIP post
Pastel Hexagon Burst FO post (coming soon!)

___________
Hexagon Burst came to be when I decided to see how many petals I could jam onto a sunburst circle flower. Turns out you can safely cram 24 petals if you add an extra round in the centAer and make those sts taller with trebles (UK double-trebles).

Such an exaggeratedly large and bold hexagon motif deserves a unique yarn, and Scheepjes* Velvet* is just that! With a saturated palette, and a super-cool color effect, this yarn makes a pattern really stand out. Perfect for Hexagon Burst! To read my full review or buy this yarn, click – HERE.

By the way, I love that they named this yarn “Velvet” because it totally reminds me of those fuzzy velvet coloring posters.

click to order one and enjoy a blast from the past

More motifs as the blanket grows.. The yellow and green colors stand out so much, I decided not to use them for the center 2-round circle, only for outer petal rounds. That way I don’t get a polka-dot effect.

Can’t want to finish this up and write the freebie pattern – Hexagon Burst – to be released in mid September. This will be the first free pattern that I’m going to make in my updated system. All of my patterns – free and paid – will be getting an update!! By the end of 2017 I’m hoping that I’ll be done with every single one of them 🙂

New patterns and updates will include:

Charts (yay!)
Updated written instruction
Fewer step-by-step photos, but more clarity and precision in photos and writing
PDF download on Ravelry, Craftsy, Etsy, and LoveKnitting – even for free patterns where possible
Options for both US and UK terms
More precise yarn information if possible

Woohoo! Looking forward to the overhaul! Stay tuned for the Hexagon Burst FO reveal 🙂

Extra WIP pics added 9/12/16!

Blanket info

Scheepjes ColourCrafter Velvet* – DK weight – One ball each, colors: 860-Fonda, 855-Chaplin, 850-Crawford, 844-Hepburn, 841-Kelly, 851-Gardner, 852-Garland, 848-Rogers, 856-Grant, 858-Martin, 859-Burton, 854-Turner, 853-Leigh

Size H hook for body and G hook for final Border round.
Size: 50×64″

Here’s a general outline of how the blanket is constructed.

First, make the pretty motifs!

Once you make all the motifs, join them with your favorite method! I’ve been crushing hard on the Flat Zipper Join by Dedri Uys. Any join will work, so use your fave!

If I’m honest, I used my freebie SC PLT join on the blanket in the photos, but I didn’t include it in the pattern because I wanted to avoid complexity. By all means, read up on it and join as you go on Round/Row 9 of motifs. Go wild!

In the actual pattern, I describe a simpler join method involving slip st through back loops only.

Once all motifs are joined, we’ll square off the zig-zag edges and make the 7-round Big Leaf Border. And ta-da! Done! 🙂

Related Links Quick Reference:

Scheepjes Velvet yarn review
Hexagon Burst WIP post and FO Reveal
Do you love sunburst flower patterns? See more: My Sunburst Flower blanket collection, 50 Shades of 4-Ply Retro Flower blanket, Crafty Queens Modified Sunburst

Notions & Sizing

US Size 5mm hook – body
US Size 4mm hook – final Rnd of border
Tapestry needle for weaving ends
Gauge Full hexagon motif is 10 inches tall from flat top to flat bottom. If you choose alternate yarn and hook, beware dimensions will vary.
Measurements Finished piece is about 50x64in

Key Stitch Descriptions (US Terms)

ch chain
2dc-cl Work as for dc2tog, but work into the same st/sp, creating a cluster
3dc-cl Work as for dc3tog, but work into the same st/sp, creating a cluster
4dc-cl Work as for dc4tog, but work into the same st/sp, creating a cluster
beg beginning
beg dc (sc, ch 1) – counts as 1 dc
beg tr (sc, ch 2) – counts as 1 tr
dc double crochet (wrap yarn around hook 1 time)
dc2tog (in next St work dc up to final step, leaving behind one loop on hook) 2 times, yoh, draw yarn through all 3 lps on hook
dc3tog (in next St work dc up to final step, leaving behind one loop on hook) 3 times, yoh, draw yarn through all 4 lps on hook
dc4tog (in next St work dc up to final step, leaving behind one loop on hook) 4 times, yoh, draw yarn through all 5 lps on hook
dec decrease
hdc half double crochet
lp(s) loop(s)
rep repeat
RS/WS right side/wrong side of work
sc single crochet
sc2tog (insert hook in st indicated, yoh, pull loop to front) 2 times, yoh and pull yarn through all 3 lps on hook
sk skip
sp space
ss slip stitch
st(s) stitch(es)
tr treble crochet (wrap yarn around hook 2 times)
yoh yarn over hook

Layout

Full Motif

Half Motif

Blanket Body

Full Hexagon motif (Make 27)

Rnd 1 Sl knot, ch 4, ss in fourth ch from hook to make ring. All in ring: Beg tr, 23 tr, ss in beg tr. [24 tr]

Rnd 2 In next st, beg tr, (ch 1, tr) 23 times, ch 1, ss in beg tr, cut yarn. [24 tr, 24 ch-sp]

Rnd 3 Join new yarn with ss in any tr, (beg dc, dc) in same st, (ch 2, 2dc-cl) 23 times, ch 2, ss in beg dc, cut yarn. [24 2dc-cl, 24 ch-sp]

Rnd 4 Join new yarn with ss in any ch-sp, (beg dc, 3dc-cl) in same sp, (ch 2, 4dc-cl in next ch-sp) 23 times, ch 2, ss in beg dc, cut yarn. [24 4dc-cl, 24 ch-sp]

Rnd 5 Join new yarn with ss in any ch-sp, (beg dc, 3 dc) in same sp, 4 dc in 23 ch-sps, ss in beg dc. [96 dc]

Rnd 6 Beg dc in same st as join, dc3tog, (ch 3, dc4tog) 23 times, ch 3, ss in beg dc, cut yarn. [24 dc4tog, 24 ch-sp]

Rnd 7 Join new yarn with ss in any ch-sp, (beg dc, ch 1, 2 dc), in same sp, * 5 dc in next 3 ch-sps, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-sp, rep from * 4 times, 5 dc in next 3 ch-sps, dc in first ch-sp, ss in beg dc. [114 dc, 6 ch-sp]

Rnd 8 (Beg dc, ch 1, dc) in first ch-sp, * (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 9 times, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-sp, rep from * 5 times omitting final (dc, ch 1, dc), ch 1, ss in beg dc. [66 dc, 66 ch-sp]

Rnd 9 3 sc in first ch-sp, * sc in each st/sp 21 times, 3 sc in next ch-sp, rep from * around motif until beg corner is reached, ss in first sc, cut yarn. [144 sc]

Note: I used brights for flower portion, and darks for final 3 rnds to make the flowers “pop.”

Half Motif (Make 6)

Row 1 (RS) Make sl knot, ch 3, ss in third ch from hook to make ring. All in ring: (Beg tr, 13 tr), turn. [14 tr]

Row 2 Beg tr in first st, (ch 1, tr) 13 times, cut yarn, turn. [14 tr, 13 ch-sp]

Row 3 Join new yarn with ss in first st, beg dc in same st, ch 1, (2dc-cl in next tr, ch 2) 11 times, 2dc-cl in next tr, ch 1, dc in final st, cut yarn, do not turn. [2 dc, 12 2dc-cl, 11 ch-2 sp, 2 ch-1 sp]

Row 4 (RS) Join new yarn with ss in first st, beg dc in same st, 2dc-cl in ch-1 sp, (ch 2, 4dc-cl in next sp) 11 times, ch 2, 2dc-cl in ch-1 sp, dc in final st, cut yarn, turn. [2 dc, 2 2dc-cl, 11 4dc-cl, 12 ch-sp]

Row 5 Join new yarn with ss in first st, beg dc in same st, 4 dc in next 12 ch-sps, dc in final st, turn. [50 dc]

Row 6 Beg DC in first st, ch 2, (dc4tog, ch 3) 11 times, dc4tog, ch 2, dc in final st, cut yarn, do not turn. [12 dc4tog, 11 ch-3 sp, 2 ch-2 sp]

Row 7 (RS) Beg DC in first st, 2 dc in ch-2 Sp, * 5 dc in next 3 ch-sps, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-sp, rep from * 1 time, 5 dc in 3 ch-sps, 2 dc in next ch-sp, dc in final st, turn. [59 dc, 2 ch-sp]

Row 8 (Beg dc, ch 1, dc) in first st, * (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 9 times, ch 1, sk 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-sp, rep from * 2 times omitting final (dc, ch 1, dc), ch 1, sk 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in final st, turn. [35 dc, 34 ch-sp]

Row 9 Sc in first st, * sc in all sts/sps to next “corner” ch-sp, 3 sc in corner-sp, rep from * 2 times omitting final 3 sc, sc in ch-sp and in final st, cut yarn. [73 sc]

Join Motifs

Arrange motifs like in schematic on page 2. Make 5 vertical strips as follows: holding motifs right side together, whip st flat bottom and top edges together. Once 5 strips are complete, whip st strips together, zig-zagging from top to bottom in the same manner.

Fill Side Gaps

Along zig-zag sides, fill each triangle dip one by one as follows:

Row 1 With RS facing and any leftover yarn color – I chose the darker shades, locate the center sc at the “peak” on right hand side of triangle gap (white arrow). Join yarn with ss in the sc to the LEFT of that center st, sc2tog over same and next st, sc in 19 sts, sc2tog over next st and center sc on motif corner. Working now on next motif, sc2tog over center sc of corner and next sc, sc in 19 sts, sc2tog, turn. [4 sc2tog, 38 sc]

Row 2 Beg dc, dc3tog (counts as dc4tog here and throughout), (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 7 times, ch 1, sk 1, dc4tog, (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 7 times, ch 1, sk 1, dc4tog, turn. [3 dc4tog, 14 dc, 16 ch-sp]

Row 3 Beg dc, dc3tog, dc in 11 sts, dc3tog (note: these 3 sts are ch-sp, dec, ch-sp), dc in 11 sts, dc4tog, turn. [2 dc4tog, 1 dc3tog, 22 DC]

Row 4 Beg dc, dc3tog, dc in 7 sts, dc3tog, dc in 7 sts, dc4tog, turn. [2 dc4tog, 1 dc3tog, 14 dc]

Row 5 Beg dc, dc3tog, dc in 3 sts, dc3tog, dc in 3 sts, dc4tog, turn. [2 dc4tog, 1 dc3tog, 6 dc]

Row 6 Beg dc, dc3tog, sk center dec, dc4tog, turn. [2 dc4tog]

Row 7 Sc2tog, cut yarn. Repeat to fill all 12 gaps.

Border

Note: For my border, I used every darker shade of leftover yarn balls until they ran out. This created a fun color effect, and helped to conserve yarn.

Rnd 1 Join yarn with ss in any corner st/sp, (3 sc in corner, sc evenly in all sts across to next corner) 4 times, ss in first sc. (Tip: Be sure to SC enough sts so make a flat border. Too few will create puckering, and too many will cause ruffling.)

Rnd 2 (Beg dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner st, dc in all sts across to corner st, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner st, rep around in this manner until first corner is reached, dc in first corner, ss in beg dc.

Rnd 3 (3 sc in corner, sc in all sts to next corner) 4 times, ss in first sc.

Rnd 4 (Beg dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in corner st, * (sk 2, 4 dc in next st) across to next corner, (4 dc, ch 1, 4 dc) in corner st, rep from * around to first corner, 3 dc in first corner, ss in beg dc.

Rnd 5 (Beg dc, 3dc-cl) in corner sp, * (ch 3, dc4tog) across to corner sp, ch 3, 4dc-cl in ch-sp, rep from * around to first corner, ch 3, ss in beg dc.

Rnd 6 3 sc in top of 3dc-cl, (3 sc in all ch-sps across to corner, 3 sc in 4dc-cl), rep around to first corner, ss in first st.

Change to size G hook, or hook one size smaller than main hook.

Rnd 7 Reverse sc in all sts around (Note: do not add any extra sts at corners), ss in first st, cut yarn. YAY!

Copyright

No pattern or other material may be reproduced — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying — without written permission of Rachele Carmona. This applies to all content on CypressTextiles.net, BabyLoveBrand.net, all free/paid patterns, and tutorials. Paid patterns are for personal use only. You may sell your finished crocheted items.

My Planner: Moleskine

Published by Rachele Carmona

Warning! If you’re not interested in how I juggle a huge workload and 4 kids + hubby without losing my noodle, just skip this post 😁😁❤️

I’ve always been a meticulous planner, but never stuck with any one method of organizing it all. Previously I’d go through spiral notebooks haphazardly, and half the time I’d chunk them when filled, and lose all notes and potentially valuable info.

First I tried to get jiggy with the young’ns and take it hi-tech with a few different apps.

But something about good old pen and paper is so charming and natural and creative to me, that I deleted them all off my phone the very same day.

I poked around online for planners and found some cute stuff:

Then I headed to the office supply store and after looking around, I bought a boring, plain Jane, ready-made day planner. Woe was me, indeed. I used that planner for about 6 months before I realized I was still going through stacks of cheap spiral notebooks for notes, lists, and project planning. Boooo! (I did score some sweet pens though.)

The cookie cutter day planner failed because it was missing some key things:

Blank pages between months for notes and project planning
Useable vertical space for daily lists (I think in lists)
Concise and functional month at a glance
Flexible formatting to suit changes in schedule from week to week

That last point was especially important because I needed a format that was light enough on its feet to be changed on a whim for personal customization. I realized that my only realistic option was to draw my planner by hand.

After some research, I discovered this is already a major thing! It’s called a “Bullet Journal.” Yes I live under a rock, so I hadn’t heard of it. 😛

This is the planner I bought:

I should name it! My kids put Shopkins stickers on it, which I love because it makes me smile when they’re at school.

Buy this Moleskine or search through zillions of other options on Amazon.

So how should you draw your planning template?

Well, there is an absolute wealth of information and examples online:

Alexandra Plans – A fun site with tons of videos
Passion Themed Life – A gorgeous collection of Bullet Journal posts
Tiny Ray of Sunshine – My favorite site – with how to get started, and some awesomely simple layout options

Equipped with some ideas, I bought my Moleskine notebook and started drawing in my templates how I imagined they would be most useful to me for the month of August 2015.
From there, I adapted my planning style over a full year – yes I stayed in my Moleskine for that long.. This is how much of a game-changer drawing your planner can be.. 15 months fit in my planner, with tons of pages left that I filled with project notes. And the only spiral notebooks I buy now are of graph paper for drawing pattern charts.
Phase 1 – Neatly drawn lines and colored pens. Although I don’t color code, as I found that’s never something I could keep up with. And I don’t use a ruler either! So it can get quite wobbly.

Month at a glance, with numbered days list for major event/holiday marking. Notes page. I used to do custom blankets, so I had a monthly “Blanket Queue.”

Week at a glance, with lines drawn in and vertical days for easy list making.

Also, I left a spread of 2 pages between months for notes and project planning.

Phase 2 – Ditched the lines, messy messy.

Monthly: Same as Phase 1.

Daily, a huge wreck..

Having extra space between months for project planning is very useful.

Phase 3 – Lines are back, still super messy, but realistic and effective I promise!

And now I’m in Phase 4 – ready to try something new..

The end of my black Moleskine is near, and I wanted to dip back into the world of Bullet Journaling to see if I could get re-inspired and add in some new sections.

I loved the idea of the “Dutch Door” where you fold in a vertical page, or cut out sections of pages for a mini flip book at the bottom half.. To see what I mean, look here. This is supposed to give you more planning real estate per week. I tried it for one week and as cool as it looks, I found I had no use for it.

That seemed to be a theme that kept arising as I researched.. “It looks cool, but is not useful for me..”

Alas, I have 4 young children and a hubby to dote on – not to mention a business to run.. I couldn’t imagine spending time and energy to write the numbered days of the month on multiple pages, but I did want to incorporate these sections.

So at long last, here’s my condensed month at a glance (I call it the “Monthful”), with habit tracker, and business/social media schedule. I only have to write the numbered days once, and still have room at the far right for random notes. Condensed and practical!

And here’s my weekly template. I kept the vertical day format to make listing items easier (I’m a big lister, and not so keen on the two-column list that gets forced by a horizontal day format). Room underneath with goals/notes.

And ta-da!! I bought myself a new Moleskine… -drumroll- it’s RED!

Buy here on Amazon.

I also picked up that small pen set (yippee!) to play with. They’re fine tip, and don’t bleed through the page. I got PaperMate “Flair Ultra-fine” at Walmart – click here to buy.

But I REALLY have my sights set on this 42 pack of Staedtler colored pens:

Oooooooo, aaaaahhhhhhh… I want them for both color-in blanket planning, and daily journaling. Woohoo! Let me start saving now, and then I can splurge! Buy here on Amazon.

So that’s it! Planning is a lifesaver! If you have your own journaling experience or you found this helpful, do let me know 🙂

Free Crochet Pattern: Blanket Border – 2016 Vibrant Vintage Blanket (VVCAL)

Published by Rachele Carmona

Find this border pattern in PDF format as a Ravelry download.

(Side note: if you are interested in the Vibrant Vintage CAL, I created a handy 20-page PDF including condensed versions of all 33 square patterns, plus border option, and the lace border. Get the convenient PDF for a small fee of $5 on ETSY.)

You can add this border on ANY blanket, so if you have a blanket that needs edging, get it out and let’s do it!

Try this pretty edging in a built tough, but super soft DK weight yarn like (affiliate)

Round 1: Begin in any corner and SC evenly around, putting 3 SC in each corner. Join with sl st in first SC. Do not cut yarn.

NOTE**It’s important to make sure you have the corner stitches, with a multiple of 4+1 on each side, like this:

Corner SC, multiple of 4 SC + 1, corner SC

Example of a side with correct amount of stitches: Corner SC, 101 SC, corner SC

If you have DC or SC around your blanket before you begin, then use Round 1 to correct your stitch count, increasing or decreasing a couple stitches on each side as necessary to get the count right.

If you have chain loops around your blanket, you can divide up the count and evenly SC in each chain loop to get the count correct. If you have to make one loop with an extra SC, it’ll be okay I promise!

If you used Celtic Lace Join, you have larger loops around the blanket, and working just one SC round may come out lumpy. If this is the case, you can try a DC round first, then a final SC round. Just be sure the final SC round has the correct stitch count as above.

Round 2: **(SC, Chain 2, SC) in corner stitch to make corner. (Chain 2, skip 1, SC) across to the next corner, skip 1, repeat from ** around the blanket .. At the end of the round, chain 2, skip 1, join with sl st in first SC. Do not cut yarn.

These 2 rounds will be the foundation you need to start the V-stitch portion along with the beginning of the beautiful corners.

******NOTE!! I have had some feedback that some folks have frogged and switched to a size smaller hook for rounds 3 and 4 of this portion to combat frilling.. You may want to do the same! Or try working with a size smaller hook on all 4 rounds – might just work even better! ******

Special Sts:

Beg DC = (SC, Chain 1) –OR– your favorite method for working the beginning DC

2DC Cluster = work 2 DC in the same spot, omitting the final step of each DC, leaving 1 loop behind on the hook. YO and draw yarn through all 3 loops on hook. This is like a 2DC decrease, but in the one spot to form a little “Cluster”

Round 3: Join yarn in any corner chain space. (Beg DC, Chain 3, 3DC) in same chain space, *** skip 1 chain space, (DC, Chain 4, DC) all in next chain space, [skip 1 chain space, (2DC, chain 1, 2DC) all in next chain space)] repeat across to final 3 chain spaces before corner chain space. Skip 1 chain space, (DC, Chain 4, DC) all in next chain space, (3DC, chain 3, 3DC) in corner chain space. Repeat from *** around blanket to first corner. 2DC in first corner to complete it, and join with sl st in Beg DC.

Round 4: (Beg DC, chain 3, 3DC) in corner chain space, *** 9DC in chain 4 space to begin “Shell”, (2DC, chain 1, 2DC) in all chain 1 spaces across, 9DC in chain 4 space, (3DC, chain 3, 3DC) in corner chain space. Repeat from *** around blanket to first corner. 2DC in first corner to complete it, and join with sl st in Beg DC.

Round 5: (Beg DC, chain 3, 3DC) in corner chain space, *** (DC, chain 1) in first 8 DC of Shell, DC in ninth DC of Shell, (DC, chain 1, DC) in next chain 1 space, (2DC, chain 1, 2DC) in all chain 1 spaces across up to final chain 1 space. (DC, chain 1, DC) in final chain 1 space before Shell, (DC, chain 1) in first 8 DC of Shell, DC in ninth DC. (3DC, chain 3, 3DC) in corner chain space. Repeat from *** around blanket to first corner. 2DC in first corner to complete it, and join with sl st in Beg DC.

Round 6: (Beg DC, chain 3, 3DC) in corner chain space, *** 2DC Cluster in all 8 chain 1 spaces of Shell, DC in next chain 1 space, (2DC, chain 1, 2DC) in all chain 1 spaces across, up to final chain 1 space before Shell, DC in chain 1 space before Shell, 2DC Cluster in all 8 chain 1 spaces of Shell, (3DC, chain 3, 3DC) in corner chain space. Repeat from *** around blanket to first corner. 2DC in first corner to complete it, and join with sl st in Beg DC.

This completes the V-Stitch portion of the VVCAL Blanket Border! Go down a hook size for this final portion to prevent frilling.

Special Sts for this next section:

Puff stitch = Great tutorial HERE

4DC Cluster = Tutorial HERE, but instead of working into the next 4 sts, you’ll be working the entire cluster in the same chain space, making a “coin” shape

3DC Cluster = work as 4DC Cluster, but with only 3 partial DC sts instead of 4

Popcorn stitch = Tutorial HERE

Picot = Chain 3, SC in side of stitch just before chain 3. Picot complete. Or use picot of choice!

In this close-up photo, I’ve started every round in the border at once, and it shows you how each round will look when you begin it.

Round 7 (foundation round) – if you are working multicolor, then this round is the same color as your v-stitch round (for reference in the close-up photo above, this round is maroon – please refer to it for stitch placement concerns): (Beg DC, Chain 3, 3DC) in corner chain space, *** Chain 2, SC between 3DC and 2DC cluster. (Chain 2, SC after next 2DC Cluster) 8 times. (Chain 2, SC in chain space, chain 2, SC in between v-stitches) repeat across to Shell, checking close-up photo if needed. At Shell, (chain 2, SC before next 2DC cluster) 8 times. Chain 2, SC between final 2DC cluster and first 3DC of corner, chain 2, (3DC, chain 3, 3DC) to Make Corner. Repeat from *** around blanket to beginning. 2DC in first corner to complete it, join with sl st in beg DC and finish off yarn (if multicolor border).

Round 8 (2DC round) – in close-up photo, this round is light pink: join yarn in starting corner and (beg DC, chain 3, 3DC) in same corner space. *** Chain 2, (2DC, chain 1) in all 8 chain-2 spaces of Shell. 2DC in all chain-2 spaces across to next Shell. (Chain 1, 2DC) in all 8 chain-2 spaces of Shell, chain 2, Make Corner. Repeat from *** around the piece to beginning. 2 DC in first corner to complete it, join with sl st in beg DC and finish off yarn.

Round 9 – in close-up photo, this round is cream color: join yarn in starting corner, (beg DC, chain 3, 3DC) in same chain space, *** (chain 2, Puff Stitch) in all of following 9 chain spaces (refer to close-up photo above). Skip 2 DC, DC in next st. (Chain 1, skip 1, DC) across to 2 DC before next Shell. Skip 2 DC, (Puff Stitch, chain 2) in all of following 9 chain spaces, Make Corner, repeat from *** around blanket to beginning. 2 DC in first corner to complete it, join with sl st in beg DC, and finish off yarn.

Round 10 – in close-up photo this round is light Aqua: Join yarn in starting corner, (beg DC, chain 3, 3DC) in same chain space, *** (chain 2, 4DC Cluster) 8 times between next 9 puff stitches (refer to close-up photo). * SC in next DC, chain 2, skip next DC (3DC cluster, chain 2, 3DC cluster) all in next DC, chain 2, skip next DC, repeat from * across to next Shell. SC in final DC just before Shell. (4DC cluster, chain 2) 8 times between next 9 Puff Sts. Make Corner, repeat from *** around blanket to beginning. 2DC in first corner to complete it, join with sl st in beg DC and DO NOT finish off yarn. Round 5 is this same color.

Round 11 – in close-up photo, this round is light Aqua: Join yarn in starting corner, (beg DC, chain 3, 3DC) in same chain space, *** (chain 3, SC in next chain space) 8 times, referring to close-up photo. Chain 3, * (SC, DC) in next chain-2 space, DC in 3DC cluster, 5DC in chain-2 space, DC in 3DC cluster, (DC, SC) in chain-2 space, repeat from * across to next Shell. (Chain 3, SC in next chain space) 8 times. Chain 3, Make Corner. Repeat from *** around blanket to beginning corner. 2DC in first corner to complete it, join with sl st in beg DC, and finish off yarn.

Round 12 – dark teal in close-up photo: join yarn in starting corner, (beg DC, chain 3, 3DC) in same chain space. *** (Chain 2, Popcorn st) in all of following 9 chain spaces. Skip 1 SC, * SC in next DC, (chain 2, skip 1, SC in next st) 4 times. Skip 2 SC, repeat from * across to next Shell. At Shell, (Popcorn St, chain 2) in all of following 9 chain spaces. Make corner, repeat from *** around blanket to beginning, 2DC in first corner to complete it, join with sl st in beg DC, and finish off yarn.

Round 13 – final round – deep purple in close-up photo: join yarn in starting corner, (beg DC, picot, 3DC) all in same chain space. *** Chain 2, (SC in next chain space, chain 5, SC in second chain of chain-5, chain 2) 9 times. * (SC in next chain-2 space, Picot) 2 times, work 2 more Picot so you have 3 Picot in a row. Each SC used to close these 2 additional Picots will be placed in the SC from the Picot before. SC in next chain-2 space, Picot. SC in next chain-2 space, repeat from * across to next Shell. At Shell, (chain 5, SC in second chain of chain-5, chain 2, SC in next chain space) 9 times, chain 2, (3DC, Picot, 3DC) in corner space, repeat from *** around blanket to beginning, 2 DC in first corner to complete it, and join with sl st in beg DC. Finish off yarn and take a deep breath 🙂 Done!!!

I love you guys!!! Thank you for going on this journey with me! You can post progress pics on the Facebook group, or on Instagram under the hashtag #VVCAL

All links for this social media are on my website under the “Patterns” tab on the menu J

Sweet Treat is sweet as candy!

Published by Rachele Carmona

Introducing a new yarn by Scheepjes*! I’m welcoming Sweet Treat* laceweight thread to my Scheepjes stash ❤️❤️ There are 87 shades of this 25gr teensy yarn – each little ball is about 2.25″ tall, and recommended hook size is 1.25mm. It’s truly the cutest thing!

Check out this color range – wowzers! Colors match back to Catona* too – so neat.

And you just know I had to organize all the yarn in some kind of rainbow… Goodness this was fun, and challenging. There are just so many colors!

So what’s the yarn like? Well it’s a mercerized cotton, so you can think “small hook”, but I actually chose to hold it double on my prototype project and use a size G hook. That worked really well! Especially if you’re like me and you get scared by a 1.25mm hook 😝😝

Info drill-down:

100% mercerised cotton, high twist, Lace weight (2ply) yarn
25g = 140m
Available in 87 colours
Perfect for smaller projects, or larger projects where you’d like to use a lot of colours. Ideal for small home decor projects, jewellery, amigurumi, accessories etc. Perfect for filet crochet and lacework
Use with a finer crochet hook for a sturdy shape or with a larger hook for a softer drape

Here’s a closeup so you can see the sheen. Not too shiny. The hook is an H in the photo – I was holding it from a different project 🙂 .

A sneak peek of one way that I’ll be using the yarn in my Sweet Treat project! Look out for a pretty square with a color-fade effect based on a classic quilt block. Coming soon!

And of course I had to make a color wheel!

Ooooo, aaaahhhhh – absolutely gorgeous!

To see more color play with this new yarn, check out these beautiful blog posts from some fellow Scheepjes Bloggers 🙂

Hope you find some gorgeous inspiration! Happy crafting!