Come A-Llama Throw Blanket

My newest pattern features a big, llama-butt. It makes me giggle to myself each time I see it.

There are actually two shaggy llamas looking back at you. They are saying, “Come along!” but since they are llamas I made them say, “Come a-llama” … get it? It’s punny, right?

My husband helped me come up with the title and so I am going to blame him if this blanket pattern is a complete flop. I know not everyone can be as funny and cool as my beloved hubby.

I debated internally on whether to put the words on the top corner or not. Having words on the design means I have to create written instructions for the left-handed crocheters. I don’t want to leave them out.

I just liked the way it looked better, so I decided to put the words on it. I make a lot of decisions based on a whim like that. So far, it’s working out okay for me!

Interlocking Crochet Sample by Skye Acker. Dark brown used as the Main Color (MC).

To summarize, you’ll get this super-awesome, funny little llama throw blanket crochet pattern written up for two techniques (interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet) and each technique has right- and left-handed instructions. There is a one-page chart for the interlocking crochet technique (it is best used on a screen, good for zooming in). And the multi-page chart for the mosaic technique has X’s on it so you know where to drop those double crochets.

The mosaic version of this pattern has had the interlocking mesh dots and the extra border lines removed and the gauge gets slightly larger because of that.

Usually I say you can use whatever colors you want. For this pattern it is important that you definitely use the darker color as the Main Color (MC), that is the first color used. It will allow the llama drawing to show properly.

Wrong side of interlocking crochet sample by Skye Acker. If you use the mosaic technique your “wrong side” will just be stripes.

Interlocking Crochet Details

  • US crochet terminology
  • Chart is 185 x 185
  • Finished measurements approximately 46” x 46” / 117cm x 117cm
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (2500-2575 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) black – 1250 yards plus 75 for optional border
    • Accent color (AC) yellow – 1250 yards
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”

Overlay Mosaic Crochet Details

  • US crochet terminology
  • Chart is 181 x 181
  • Finished measurements approximately 48” x 52” / 123cm x 131cm
  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • Worsted weight yarn (3050-3650 yards)
    • Main color (black) – 1200 yards
    • Contrasting color (yellow) – 1850 yards
    • Optional envelope border – 600 yards
  • Gauge: 14 stitches x 15 rows = 4”

Get the Pattern

On Etsy, take 20% off this pattern until March 25, 2022 by using code “20MARCH“.

I put a special secret promotion on Ravelry for this pattern: make sure you’re signed in to Ravelry and then add “Come A-Llama” to your cart to see! 😉 This secret offer ends 11:59 pm CST March 25, 2022.

“Come A-Llama” on Ravelry
“Come A-Llama” on Etsy

ashleebrotzell

Dress to Impress Yourself: Princess Gown Blanket Pattern

This voluptuous ball gown will lovingly adorn your little princess’s bed!

I had a lot of fun drawing all the folds in this dress. Sometimes these details can feel tedious but this pattern really came together easily and made me feel a little bit like a superstar!

I originally created this as a custom pattern – their niece is graduating high school and we put the year and their name on it. You can have customization as well! Just send me a message BEFORE purchasing this pattern and I’ll get it drawn up for you.

As per my new usual, there is a slight difference in the pattern depending on whether you use the interlocking crochet method or overlay mosaic crochet.

The interlocking mesh dots and extra border lines have been removed from the mosaic version of the pattern.

If you use the interlocking technique you’ll want to get about 1850 yards of black (or something similarly dark) to use as the “main color” and 1850 yards of something lighter (like pink or purple or sparkly white) to use as the “accent color”. I like adding a simple single crochet border with the main color yarn around the outside because it helps give the outside edge a nice defined look, but that is optional.

If you use the overlay mosaic technique, you’ll want to take note of the way the colors are labeled in the written instructions for this pattern: usually the black lines in the image correspond to the “Main Color” but this pattern switches that! The first color used in the overlay mosaic version of this pattern is not black. In Angela Kermack’s sample here that means the “Main Color” is the striping blue yarn.

Of course, you are free to use something other than blue – but make sure you know that the color you pick as the “main color” is going to show where I’ve put pink in the sample. And your “contrasting color” needs to be really dark (navy blue, super deep purple, or black) to make the drawing show up properly.

If you meet gauge, the finished blanket will be slightly smaller using the interlocking technique compared to the mosaic technique. The mosaic version has a lot of dropped double crochets in a row, so I suggest using a 5 mm hook with worsted weight yarn but the interlocking technique looks better with a tighter weave (in my opinion) so I suggest a 4.5 mm hook with worsted weight yarn.

It’s just a suggestion, like everything, but if you follow my suggestions you should get a blanket about 51″ x 61″ with the interlocking technique or 53″ x 68″ with the mosaic technique.

I have done my best to be accurate – yet generous – with the yardage amounts. I always suggest buying more yarn than you think you’ll need.

Interlocking Crochet Details

  • Chart is 205 x 245
  • Finished measurements approximately 51” x 61” / 130cm x 156cm
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (3650-4250 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) black – 1850 yards plus 75 for optional border
    • Accent color (AC) purple – 1850 yards
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”

Overlay Mosaic Details

  • Chart is 199 x 239
  • Finished measurements approximately 53” x 68” / 135cm x 173cm
  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • Worsted weight yarn (4800-5500 yards)
    • Main color (pink or blue or sparkly white, etc) – 2800 yards
    • Contrasting color (black or very dark) – 2000 yards
    • Optional envelope border – 700 yards
  • Gauge: 14 stitches x 15 rows = 4”

Get the Pattern

New release promotion: take 30% off your purchase of “Dress to Impress Yourself” until 11:59 pm CST, March 11 2022 by using code “2022DRESS”.

“Dress to Impress Yourself” on Ravelry
“Dress to Impress Yourself” on Etsy

ashleebrotzell

Double Wedding Rings: Crochet Square or Blanket Pattern

Are there bells ringing soon? Do you have friends or family members tying the knot?

This beautiful design (if I do say so myself) was based on a traditional quilting pattern. The Double Wedding Rings Quilt has been remade in many variations throughout the years and I am happy to offer my take on it now. I even unpacked my wedding dress for some photos!

Mosaic version, grey as Main Color, with my old wedding dress.

Like all of my patterns, this pattern includes written line-by-line instructions and charts for two techniques: interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet. The overlay mosaic crochet version has X’s on the chart to show where the dropped double crochets go.

This pattern can be made as large or as small as you want; simply adjust how many repeat you would like to do and choose a yarn weight and hook that matches.

The base size for the interlocking crochet method is 81 x 81. This is the same size as my collection of large squares (see a list here). The outer rows that lock the layers together show three solid lines but those lines won’t interfere with the image because there are markings to show you which parts to repeat.

Because the chart is the same size as my other oversized squares it works great as a pillow or as a panel in a mix-and-match blanket. Kimberly Windsor-Johnson made this interlocking sample of one square (no repeats) and you can see how awesome the back looks too!

Right Side, white as accent color, crocheted by Kimberly Windsor-Johnson
Wrong Side, white as accent color, crocheted by Kimberly Windsor-Johnson
This design can be made as a single square or a blanket as large as you want!

The mosaic version has had the interlocking mesh dots removed and the unnecessary extra border lines that locked the interlocking mesh layers together are not on the mosaic chart. The mosaic chart is 79 x 79 because of that.

My patterns always instruct you to look at the chart to be sure you’re using the colors the way you intend to. I get a lot of messages from people who aren’t sure which color to use first (and I don’t mind these messages) but I always try to help now and educate for later.

My overlay mosaic sample, grey as the Main Color

For my mosaic sample I have used grey as the main color which shows as blue on the accompanying chart. I made mine 2 repeats wide and 3 repeats tall. I used a 5 mm hook and my yarn is technically a 4 weight but felt a bit thin. The finished size was 36″ wide by 52″ tall. It works as a small couch throw and feels so nice draped around my shoulders!

And the wrong side of your overlay mosaic crochet project will be striped with a faint illusion of the front. There are fancy techniques you can use to change the way the back looks – but I like the simple version.

The wrong side, overlay mosaic crochet.

Cyncitycrochets made this interlocking sample and she decided to use white as the main color which would correspond to the black squares on that chart. The result is stunning on both the right and wrong side.

Right side, interlocking crochet sample by cyncitycrochets (white as Main Color).
Wrong side, interlocking crochet sample by cyncitycrochets (white as Main Color).

In my opinion, you will want a minimum of 3 repeats to get the rings effect otherwise it looks a bit like a flower to me. My husband called it propellers.

Interlocking Crochet Details

  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”
  • FOR FULL BLANKET (4 squares wide and 5 tall):
    • 79” x 92” / 189cm x 234cm
    • Worsted weight yarn (7800 – 7900 yards total)
      • Main color (MC) – 3900 yards plus 100 for optional border
      • Accent color (AC) – 3900 yards
  • FOR SINGLE SQUARE:
    • 20” x 20” / 51cm x 51cm
    • Worsted weight yarn (460 – 485 yards total)
      • Main color (MC) – 230 yards plus 25 for optional border
      • Accent color (AC) – 230 yards

Overlay Mosaic Crochet Details

  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • Gauge: 14 stitches x 15 rows = 4”
  • FOR FULL BLANKET (3 squares wide and 4 tall):
    • 59” x 84” / 150cm x 213cm
    • Worsted weight yarn (5550 – 6400 yards total)
      • Main color (blue/yellow on chart) – 2600 yards plus 850 for optional envelope border
      • Accent color (white on chart) – 2950 yards
  • FOR SINGLE SQUARE:
    • 20” x 22” / 52cm x 56cm
    • Worsted weight yarn (525 – 825 yards total)
      • Main color (blue/yellow on chart) – 250 yards plus 300 for optional envelope border
      • Accent color (white on chart) – 275 yards

Get the Pattern

Take 30% off your ENTIRE CART when you purchase this pattern and use code “WEDDING30” until 11:59 pm CST March 1, 2022. Applicable on Etsy and Ravelry.

“Double Wedding Rings” on Ravelry
“Double Wedding Rings” on Etsy

The envelope border on my overlay mosaic sample took me about 4 hours. I used 4 rows of single crochet in the back loop only after a round of surface single crochets on the ends with the fringe.

ashleebrotzell

Medical Staff, Caduceus Crochet Blanket Pattern

Months ago I created a custom pattern that included this caduceus as part of the design. I meant to get the public version posted sooner but, alas, life gets busy and I forgot. Earlier today I saw someone asking if there were any medical patterns and I was reminded that I had this in my drafts!

Here’s an amusing quote from wikipedia:

The caduceus is the traditional symbol of Hermes and features two snakes winding around an often winged staff. It is often used as a symbol of medicine, especially in the United States, despite its ancient and consistent associations with trade, liars, thieves, eloquence, negotiation, alchemy, and wisdom.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus_as_a_symbol_of_medicine

The chart for the interlocking crochet technique has the double border lines and mesh dots as required for this technique. It is 217 x 221.

I’ve adjusted the chart for the overlay mosaic technique and removed the dots and unnecessary border lines. This chart is 213 x 217. It has X’s marking the dropped double crochets and because there are so many in a row I suggest using a larger gauge than the interlocking version.

Pin this image for later!

Of course, gauge is really a suggested guideline that you are completely free to ignore. To be really accurate you should make your own gauge swatch with the yarn you want to use and then you can do some math and figure out how large the finished piece would be with your personal gauge.

For my personal crochet projects I tend to do a gauge swatch only for something wearable (like a sweater) and wouldn’t bother for a blanket.

Get the Pattern

Take 20% off your entire cart with purchase of this pattern until January 8, 2022. Automatic, no code needed.

“Medical Staff” on Ravelry
“Medical Staff” on Etsy

Interlocking Crochet

  • Chart is 217 x 221
  • Finished measurements approximately 54” x 55” / 138cm x 140cm
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (3360-3435 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) – 1680 yards plus 75 for optional border
    • Accent color (AC) – 1680 yards
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”

Overlay Mosaic Crochet

  • Chart is 213 x 217
  • Finished measurements approximately 57” x 62” / 144cm x 157cm
  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • Worsted weight yarn (4475-5075 yards)
    • Main color (blue on chart) – 1450 yards
    • Contrasting color (white on chart) – 3025 yards
    • Optional Envelope Border – 600 yards
  • Gauge: 14 stitches x 15 rows = 4”

ashleebrotzell

2022 January Cat; Interlocking and Overlay Mosaic Crochet Pattern

Happy New Year!

We made it to 2022. We don’t know what the future holds but many people are really focused on making this year better than last year. I have never done well with “new year’s resolutions”. If I want to do something, I do it now. If I don’t want to do it then there’s no point in writing it on a fancy paper to declare that in the new year I’ll do it.

My pretend new year’s resolution is to stay a bit more balanced than the last few year’s have been. Less extremes, less craziness. More “slow and steady” instead of “race, race, race!”.

My advice to myself and to all of you: everything works out in the end. If things haven’t worked out, then it’s not the end. Things are always changing, let it flow.

Now, back to the crochet, which is the real reason you’re here!

Last year I did a fun gnome square each month. This year I am going to do a cat square each month! We just got two new kitties when we moved at the end of November and they are good inspiration.

The orange one is “Flippers” (named by my ocean-obsessed four-year-old son) and the black on is “Tiger” (named by my six-year-old daughter; it was supposed to be orange as well but when we went to pick up the cats it turned out the other orange kitten had met its demise so we substituted for this black one).

I have created an eBook (even though it currently has ONLY January Cat) and if you know you’re going to want all 12 cats then this is the best deal for you. Each month I will add the new cat square and you will receive an email letting you know the eBook has been updated.

You can also purchase each square individually as they come out.

Click here for more details on the EBook

Please note, unlike the Gnomes there are differences in the charts for the interlocking version and the overlay mosaic version. This time I have decided to removed the interlocking mesh dots and extra border lines from the mosaic version of the square. All 12 mosaic cat squares will be the same size (77 x 77) and all 12 interlocking squares will be the same size (81 x 81; 40- window square).

Get the Pattern

My current Year End Sale takes an automatic 30% off (valid on Etsy and Ravelry); sale ends 11:59 pm CST January 1, 2022.

“2022 JANUARY Cat” on Ravelry
“2022 JANUARY Cat” on Etsy
“2022: A Year of Cats” eBook on Ravelry
“2022: A Year of Cats” eBook on Etsy
“2022: A Year of Cats” eBook, direct purchase

Interlocking Crochet Details

  • Chart is 81 x 81
  • Finished measurements approximately 20” x 20” / 51cm x 51cm
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (460 – 485 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) – 230 yards plus 25 for optional border
    • Accent color (AC) – 230 yards
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”

Overlay Mosaic Crochet Details

  • Chart is 77 x 77
  • Finished measurements approximately 20” x 22” / 52cm x 56cm
  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • Worsted weight yarn (550-800 yards)
    • Main color (blue on chart) – 300 yards
    • Contrasting color (white on chart) – 250 yards
    • Optional Envelope Border – 250 yards
  • Gauge: 14 stitches x 15 rows = 4”
Mosaic sample crocheted by CarolinevdB

Update, March 2022: I redid my square to use the same yarn as my other squares (Premier Home Cotton). I picked black and orange because we have two cats: one black and one orange.

ashleebrotzell

Cupcake 20: one pattern, four ways

When I started designing a year and a half ago I made quite a few small squares. I designed them with the thought that people could mix and match the designs to create customized blankets.

For example, my seven year old is absolutely in love with this cupcake design but she also wants unicorns and dinosaurs in her blanket. This cupcake square would also work great in a blanket for any pastry chef you know and also for anyone else who likes to eat delicious treats! Or how about for someone who has a birthday?

I’ve also seen people use these squares as pillows (the back panel can either be another fancy design or just something simple), wall hangings, potholders (use cotton or wool!), and wash cloths!

I used bulky pink and white blanket yarn for my interlocking crochet sample in the photo below and worsted weight yarn for the two mosaic samples (one rainbow and one pink/grey). The rainbow sample shows the adjusted mosaic pattern where the border lines and interlocking mesh dots have been removed. ALL THREE PATTERNS are included in this listing.

An assortment of cupcakes 🧁

You may be asking, “why does the title of this blog entry say four ways?”

I am counting them as such: the interlocking square as shown above, the interlocking version repeated (the asterisks allow you to not repeat those border lines), the mosaic version as a square like the interlocking, and the adjusted mosaic version that is repeated like the rainbow sample above.

. . .

When I was naming my original squares I ended them all with “20” (like Cactus 20, Waves 20, Wine 20, etc) because they begin with a foundation row of 20 windows when you use interlocking crochet (when I first started designing I was only doing Locked Filet Mesh/interlocking patterns).

When I learned how to create overlay mosaic patterns I went back and updated all of my patterns. I didn’t alter the charts; I just created written instructions for the mosaic technique.

There are no windows when you use the mosaic technique (the foundation row uses single crochets) but it is a size reference nonetheless so I have left that on the titles. The 20-window squares are all on a chart size of 41 x 41 and when I use worsted weight yarn they come out to 10″.

20-window squares on Ravelry
Entire Pattern List with links

I have a permanent promotion on Ravelry: put six “20-window-squares” into your cart but only pay for 4! These small designs are NOT on Etsy because the fees eat up the small price on the small square.

. . .

My patterns all come with written line-by-line instructions and charts for BOTH the interlocking crochet technique and the overlay mosaic technique.

You can see in this picture below that the interlocking square (bright pink and white) and the mosaic square (country rose and grey, unfinished envelope border) are both made from the same chart even though they are crocheted using different techniques. The pink is the main color in the interlocking sample, and the grey is the main color in the mosaic sample; it also has some extra pink around the edge because I started an envelope border to cover the tails.

There is a bonus file in this listing: a repeatable mosaic cupcake! The interlocking mesh dots and the unnecessary border lines have been removed. The chart is only 36 x 37 instead of 41 x 41 like the original square.

Four repeats of the bonus adjusted repeatable mosaic-only version of Cupcake 20

I added asterisks (*) to the written interlocking instructions so that you can repeat the inner motif without repeating the border lines. You could do this to any of the 20-window squares but I have not updated them all to include asterisks.

Funny side story: when I create my patterns I do all the editing to the line-by-line instructions in a word document and then copy and paste it into my template for the pattern (where the key remains the same for each pattern and the methodology instructions are the same too). I took the file I had saved as “Cupcake 20” and was halfway through the square before I realized I was crocheting a “Monogrammed C”. Oops! But what a happy accident, because “C is for Cupcake!”

Get the Pattern on Ravelry or Directly From Me Here

“Cupcake 20” on Ravelry
“Cupcake” Direct Purchase

Cupcake 20 for Interlocking Crochet

  • Chart size 41 x 41
  • Written instructions and chart for interlocking crochet
  • Repeatable section marked off with asterisks (*)

Cupcake for Overlay Mosaic Technique

  • Chart size 41 x 41
  • Written instructions and X-marked chart for overlay mosaic crochet
  • Chart looks like Interlocking chart

Bonus Repeatable Mosaic Version

  • Chart size 36 x 37
  • Written instructions and X-marked chart for overlay mosaic crochet only
  • No interlocking mesh dots or border lines

Yardage & Hook Details:

For Interlocking Crochet, You Will Need

  • Worsted Weight Yarn (131 yards)
  • Main Color (MC) – 60 yards plus 11 yards for optional SC border
  • Accent Color (AC) – 60 yards
  • Crochet hook: 4.5 mm (US7)
  • Stitch marker
  • Gauge: 16 stitches x 8 rows in one color = 4” square

For Mosaic Crochet, You Will Need

  • Worsted Weight Yarn (130 yards)
  • Main Color (MC) – 65 yards
  • Coordinating Color (CC) – 65 yards
  • Crochet hook: 4.5 mm (US7)
  • Scissors
  • Gauge: 16 stitches x 16 rows = 4″ square

For Adjusted Repeatable Mosaic Crochet, You Will Need

  • Worsted Weight Yarn (175 yards)
  • Main Color (MC) – 85 yards
  • Coordinating Color (CC) – 90 yards
  • Crochet hook: 5 mm (H-8)
  • Scissors
  • Gauge: 16 stitches x 16 rows = 4″ square

ashleebrotzell

Oh… H-E-Double Hockey Sticks!

I am not much of a sports fan. My contribution to sporting events is sort of, “go, team, go! Which color am I cheering for again?” and, in the words of comedian Brian Regan, “go my favorite sports team! Score a goal… unit… basket… beat the opponents… soundly!”

One time when I was watching football with my husband’s family (we were only dating back then) when the team scored a touchdown I yelled “football!” instead of “touchdown!” and they have never let me live it down.

When I started crocheting this one I estimated it would take me a week to do both the interlocking sample and the overlay mosaic sample. But we had a few house issues (see my blog entry on our watery adventures) and the kids (and the grown ups, to be honest) are not handling our 3rd move in the last 14 months that well. We are all tired and life is just big lately. So, all that to say, this pattern has taken me longer than I anticipated.

Interlocking sample next to overlay mosaic sample – see the differences in the mesh dots

Because of the move, and my own frugalness, I wanted to use up some of my yarn stash for these pieces. I thought they were small enough that it would work out but I did put a few extra scraps in my bag just in case. It’s a good thing I did that because I ran out of yarn a few times.

I crocheted the interlocking sample first. The light blue yarn is the 2nd color, that is the “Accent Color”, and I know that terminology confuses people sometimes, especially in a piece like this where the light blue seems dominant. The camo green was my Main Color and I am glad the colors didn’t make the image hard to see – sometimes that can happen with yarn that isn’t a solid color.

I used my trusty 4.5 mm hook but the light blue yarn is a baby worsted weight (aka. thinner than worsted weight) so my finished piece is actually 23″ x 18.25″ – not 27” x 21” because I didn’t actually meet gauge.

I wanted to show the difference in the two techniques for this pattern – the interlocking mesh dots that are a natural byproduct of that technique don’t need to be included on the overlay mosaic version, so I didn’t include them. But, having so many dropped double crochets next to each other changes the gauge so you may notice that the finished size for the mosaic piece is larger than the interlocking piece.

I also had to use a larger hook than normal for my mosaic sample because the red yarn I had pulled out of my stash before we packed it all up and moved was one of those super thick “worsted” weight yarns. Isn’t it crazy how “worsted” weight has such a large range?

I had to use two strands of the light blue to match the red and then I couldn’t find my 5 mm hook so I used a 5.5 mm hook. Oh, the joys of moving.

Just like with the interlocking sample, the light blue is the “contrasting color” (not the “main color” even though it looks like it is the most visible color). Always look at the charts to make sure you’re using the colors the right way – and ask for help if needed! I really don’t mind those messages asking for confirmation to make sure you’re doing it the way you want it!

You can’t tell in the picture, but my mosaic sample is 32″ x 23″ instead of the expected 29” x 25”. And you can definitely see where I ran out of red. But you can’t see where I also ran out of green. And then purple. And then blue. *Picture my face getting more and more frustrated even though it’s a bit funny now.*

Here, on the back of the mosaic sample, you can see where I tried to use purple where it wouldn’t be seen to keep the green visible through the final rows. And then you can see I also didn’t have enough purple – I knew there wouldn’t be enough when I grabbed it but I didn’t give myself many options in this bag of scraps that I kept out of the packed section of our house. I had to use a small amount of black/white camo yarn to sew my final blue envelope border together as well.

This fun adventure is FINALLY over. And just in time for my upcoming Winter 2021 CAL to begin! Tomorrow is the final day to grab the pre-sale price of 50% off (grab the code in the link above) and then the Crochet-A-Long begins on December 21!

Get the Pattern

“Hockey Sticks” on Ravelry
“Hockey Sticks” on Etsy

Use code “21GOALS” to take 30% off my sports-themed patterns until December 24, 2021.

Sale code valid on Ravelry for “Hockey Sticks“, “Canoe 20“, “Tire Tread Scarf“, “Tire Tread Border Scarf“, “Checkerboard Scarf“, “Fishing Hooks Scarf“, “Football Scarf“, and “To Sail Away“.
Valid on Etsy for “Hockey Sticks“, “Tire Tread Scarf“, “Tire Tread Border Scarf“, “Checkerboard Scarf“, “Fishing Hooks Scarf“, “Football Scarf“, and “To Sail Away“.

Interlocking Crochet

  • Chart is 109 x 85
  • Finished measurements approximately 27” x 21” / 70cm x 54cm
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (700-730 total)
    • Main color (MC) – 350 yards plus 30 for optional border
    • Accent color (AC) – 350 yards (light blue in photos)
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”

Overlay Mosaic Crochet

  • No interlocking mesh dots
  • Finished measurements approximately 29” x 25” / 74cm x 62cm
  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • Worsted weight yarn (900 – 1200 yards)
    • Main color – 350 yards
    • Contrasting color (light blue in photo) – 550 yards
    • Plus, optional envelope border – 300 yards
  • Gauge: 14 stitches x 15 rows = 4”

ashleebrotzell

Nordic Collection 2021: bundle of four crochet patterns

To me, the Nordic star / snowflake is a classic Christmas element. There are a few designers out there who have various takes on it. I wanted my version to have my own flair.

I’ve created a collection of four patterns for you: a blanket and three 20″ squares. The squares can be used to create your own colorful blanket or maybe you’d prefer a matching pillow or some wall art.

You may notice on Ravelry the pattern names of the squares ends with “40”. This refers to how many windows you begin with when you use the interlocking crochet technique. It is still a size reference for the mosaic version of the pattern (all “40-window” squares have the same charts size: 81 x 81).

Blanket and 3 squares, Interlocking Crochet samples by cyncitycrochets.

Each design in this eBook has written instructions and charts for BOTH interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet plus charts (the mosaic chart has X’s). I had a full team of testers and I am very thankful for the hours they put in crocheting while I packed up my house and moved!

The first piece in this collection is the Nordic Snowflake. This is the archetypal image in my mind. The corners of the square will create more snowflakes if you join these squares together.

“Nordic Snowflake”, interlocking and overlay mosaic samples by CarolinevdB, cyncitycrochets, Nancy Foster, and Maja Serec. Purple/Black sample also shows the wrong side of the interlocking square.

The second square is called Nordic Hearts. These corners will also create the snowflake design when joined together.

“Nordic Hearts” crocheted by Maja Serec, CarolinevdB, and cyncitycrochets (also showing the wrong side of the interlocking version).

The third part of my 2021 Nordic Collection is the blanket; I call it the Nordic Squares Blanket because it has the designs from both of the first two squares on it. The size is adjustable, just repeat the motif as many times as you want. As designed it is 3 repeats wide and tall and finishes to 59″ square with worsted weight yarn when you meet my gauge.

Samples of “Nordic Squares Blanket” crocheted by Nessa Miller, Altona Newcombe, and cyncitycrochets (both interlocking and overlay mosaic samples shown).

The fourth pattern in this bundle is basically a bonus square. The corners will still create the snowflake just like the other two squares but the centre motif isn’t anywhere else. I had actually drawn this one first and then discarded it. My tester, cyncitycrochets, convinced me it was worth putting out there for all to see. It has hearts but is more decorated with details, hence the title: Nordic Hearts Decorative.

Interlocking sample of “Nordic Hearts Decorative 40”, right and wrong side, crocheted by cyncitycrochets

Get the Patterns

The eBook (which includes the blanket and all 3 squares) represents a 50% discount compared to buying each pattern individually.

Take an additional 20% off your purchase of the eBook or any of these patterns individually by using code “20NORDIC” until 11:59 pm CST December 14, 2021.

EBook “Nordic Collection” on Ravelry
EBook “Nordic Collection” on Etsy
“Nordic Snowflake 40” on Ravelry
“Nordic Snowflake 40” on Etsy
“Nordic Hearts 40” on Ravelry
“Nordic Hearts 40” on Etsy
“Nordic Squares Blanket” on Ravelry
“Nordic Squares Blanket” on Etsy
“Nordic Hearts Decorative 40” on Ravelry
“Nordic Hearts Decorative 40” on Etsy

I’ve also thrown my “Fa La La Wall Hanging” pattern into this sale because it also uses the Nordic Snowflake design. Use code “20NORDIC” to take 20% off until Dec. 14, 2021.

“Fa La La Wall Hanging” on Ravelry
“Fa La La Wall Hanging” on Etsy

ashleebrotzell

Forever Be My Always, Crochet Blanket

There’s a quote written in cursive on this blanket that says, “you will forever be my always” next to two rings on a cross. This romantic blanket is made sideways (working with the long side instead of the shorter side) and it comes with right- and left-handed instructions.

See more patterns with quotes (and left-handed instructions)

The overlay mosaic crochet pattern differs from the interlocking crochet pattern: the mesh dots have been removed from the mosaic version.

Interlocking versus mosaic version

You could get this one finished in time for Valentine’s Day! Or, perhaps for an anniversary? Or in memory of a loved one? I have some friends getting married soon, I’m going to see if I can finish it in time for them.

Get the Pattern

Use code “21FOREVERBEALWAYS” to take 25% off your purchase of this pattern until December 9, 2021. No code needed on Etsy – automatic discount.

“Forever Be My Always” on Ravelry
“Forever Be My Always” on Etsy

Interlocking Details

  • Chart is 261 x 181
  • Finished measurements about 65” x 45” / 166cm x 115cm
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (3320-3395 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) – 1660 yards plus 75 for optional border
    • Accent color (AC) – 1660 yards
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”

Overlay Mosaic Details

  • Chart is 261 x 181
  • Finished measurements approximately 70” x 52” / 177cm x 131cm
  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • Worsted weight yarn (4125-4725 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) – 1375 yards (black)
    • Contrasting color (CC) – 2750 yards (pink)
    • Plus, optional envelope border – 600 yards
  • Gauge: 14 sc x 15 rows = 4”

ashleebrotzell

Soaring Dreams

I wish I could explain the titles of my patterns, but honestly, I don’t know why I pick the names sometimes. This one has lofty goals of helping you sleep and dream peacefully.

Some of my inspiration was the art deco lines that are popular lately. It makes me think of the arches in grand cathedrals. But after getting it put into yarn form it also reminds me of feathers or hand-held fans. The colors Angela chose to use really make it pop!

Overlay mosaic – by Angela Kermack

The size of this pattern is adjustable. It is designed as a small blanket: three repeats high and three repeats wide of the repeated section. I’ve given stitch counts to help you make it larger if you prefer.

I have also adjusted this pattern to not have the mesh dots from the interlocking method on the overlay mosaic version. That means long sections of dropped double crochets will create ridges on the wrong side. You can lock in these stitches if you want, but it is an optional step.

Back side of mosaic technique, crocheted by Angela Kermack

Get the Pattern

Use code “NIGHT30” to take 30% off your entire cart when you purchase this new pattern! Offer expires 11:59 pm CST, December 5, 2021.

“Soaring Dreams” on Ravelry
“Soaring Dreams” on Etsy

Interlocking Crochet Details

  • 47” x 53”
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (2770 – 2845 – 3425 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) – 1385 yards plus 75 for optional border
    • Accent color (AC) – 1385 yards
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”

Overlay Mosaic Crochet Details

  • 48” x 60”
  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • Worsted weight yarn (3485 – 4035 yards)
    • Main color – 1510 yards
    • Contrasting color – 1975 yards
    • Plus, optional envelope border – 600 yards
  • Gauge: 14 sc x 15 rows = 4”

ashleebrotzell