Author Archives: The Crochet Swirl

Inspiration from Patchwork Quilt Designs

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When I come to end of one project, there is always a sense of excitement that I can start a new one. Yes, I am one of those really annoying people who are very strict about having ONE project on the go at any time. I have to stick to my rules otherwise I would never finish anything! But sometimes when the time comes to start a new project my head is buzzing with all sorts of ideas, and it can take a while to really crack on and make a sample and see if works.

For this project `I have used the technique that was used for my Rainforest Patchwork Squares and my Violet blanket.

Violet Blanket
Rainforest Patchwork Square

The inspiration for this project came from modern quilt designs, particularly the disappearing 4-square designs. I decided to make 4 differently configured squares, which I will later come to join to form a larger square. My basic design was as follows:

My 4 square designs

I then joined the squares in groups of 4 and then edged the group in a darker colour.

More details on this pattern is coming soon.

Colourful Crosses – Granny Square Variation

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I wanted to share my latest project with you – the working name is ‘Colourful Crosses’, and is a Granny Square Variation. Over the last few weeks I have been working on a bright and colourful project. I needed something relatively portable to be able to take the project on my summer holiday. The colours are a mix of reds, pinks, oranges and yellows and are wonderfully uplifting.

Granny Squares are so addictive, and this variation was so aesthetically pleasing. The squares are worked in 3 colours in 3 different stages.

The first stage produces some beautiful little sweetie-like squares.

The second stage:

The third stage adds a little twist – some crossed stitches:

The best thing about these squares is that they turn out wonderfully ‘square’ and they are completely reversible.

I have decided to join the squares by sewing them, and am so pleased with how it works up so neat and still completely reversible. Not quite finished doing yet, and then on to a border.

Full pattern is to follow shortly.

Mocha Sundae Blanket Finished!

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I am please to announce that the full pattern and details for this Mocha Sundae blanket are available here. This is completely free. I have tried something different with this project and have put together a YouTube step-by-step slide show tutorial here. I hope that this helps a few people at least. Written pattern is also available free too.

More colour blocks

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I have to admit that I am a bit obsessed with colour blocks and single colour squares. I think this is because I just want to make something with as few ends as possible to sew in. I also had some beautiful Paintbox Simply DK yarn in my stash that I have been saving for that perfect project. You can buy Paintbox Simply DK yarn here (affiliate link – if you buy anything via this link, at no extra cost to you, I may get a small commission which helps me to run my website).

My first task was to work out what stitch combination I wanted to use. In the end I went with a combination of two different stitches – a combination that I used in a previous project or two, see if you can work out which ones.

Initially I was not happy with how the edges looked, so my second task was to work out how to create a perfectly straight edge. This took loads of attempts, but I was really happy with the outcome – more on this coming soon.

My third task was to work out how to do the join. In the end I went with a join similar to that I used on my Rainforest Patchwork Blanket, but with some little differences.

Now my task is getting the bulk of the blanket finished………and when the weather is fine I can sit in the garden and get in the crocheting zone!

I have had lots of comments on social media calling this the ‘ice-cream’ or ‘Neapolitan’ blanket – not sure what I will call it but it does remind me of ice-cream!

The Spring Square – a modern variation of the Granny Square

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I have been wanting a project to use up my yarn stash, and this Granny Square variation is perfect. Each Spring Square requires approximately 7g of DK yarn. These 4 different squares are all based on the same pattern, just with different colour schemes.

You can find the free pattern here.

The squares can be used for a many different projects – here I have made 4 coasters. But I also have been working on a larger project using these squares…..more about this soon.