Many Hearts Baby Throw Blanket

Before I jump into the details on my newest pattern (which is really a remake of an old pattern), let me tell you that I am having a FALL SALE on everything in my Ravelry Store and Etsy Shop until the end of September! Get 25% off, no Codes needed!

Many moons ago (that’s a funny saying, isn’t it?) I came out with an eBook called “Hearts, Hearts, Hearts” and I put an assortment of squares of different sizes and designs in it. The largest pattern in the eBook was my “Many Hearts Throw“.

Anonymous crocheted this sweet blue and white version of the large throw blanket.

By request, I have now created a baby-blanket-size version of this throw. The original throw is 70″ square and the new baby blanket is 38″ square. You can see that the corners are the same but the repeated hearts section inside is smaller.

I used the interlocking crochet technique for my sample because I like the way the back looks (mosaic crochet produces stripes on the wrong side but interlocking crochet shows these hearts pointing the other direction). This lavender purple is being used as my main color (MC) in the pattern. Most of my patterns use the darker color as the first color used, or the Main Color in the pattern.

I also made a super fun little video clip because Etsy tells me people like to see videos and Instagram’s algorithms are really pushing for us to use videos instead of photos, so here’s my attempt at fitting in. It was actually an accident that I started recording a video. I meant to press the button to capture a photo and somehow I bumped the thing that changed it to a video instead and that’s when I remembered that I need to try using videos anyway. This is not the kind of video I consider to be award-winning. It’s just to meet algorithm madness and try to get better organic reach. I don’t pay for ads or subscribers, I prefer to keep my followers as a list of people who actually want to see my stuff.

Video of a blanket hanging on a fence near a tree

I spent a lot of time debating internally whether this pattern deserved its own Ravelry listing or if it should just be added to the Many Hearts Throw as a size difference. I ultimately decided that since the various sizes of “Many Hearts” all have their own listings then this blanket can have its own as well.

I have turned on a permanent promotion that allows you to get this baby blanket free if you’ve purchased the larger throw blanket on Ravelry. And, of course, I have added it as a late addition to the “Hearts, Hearts, Hearts” eBook so if you already have that eBook then you will now have this new baby blanket as well. I didn’t have all of these patterns listed on Etsy previously so that’s a new thing here too.

“Many Hearts Baby Throw” on Ravelry
“Hearts, Hearts, Hearts” eBook on Ravelry
“Many Hearts Baby Throw” on Etsy
“Hearts, Hearts, Hearts” eBook on Etsy

This eBook has also *finally* been updated to include the x-marked charts for mosaic crochet. There are 15 patterns in this set and while I’ve been busy updating all my patterns I did leave the “hard” tasks for last. The eBooks just feel like so much more work than the individual patterns. I still need to update the Alphabet eBooks and the Holiday eBook.

I hope to create a YouTube tutorial on using these charts marked with X’s, but for now I only have written instructions.

Tutorial on reading X-marked Charts for Mosaic Crochet

Also, a side note: the smallest square, “Tutorial Hearts“, is the one I used in my videos to teach the interlocking crochet method (Locked Filet Mesh / LFM) and overlay mosaic crochet method.

I also made this neat photo signature business card thing. At one point I had planned on going to graphic design school and I love how I get to build some of those skills while I turn my crochet hobby into a business! So many avenues to explore!

ashleebrotzell

Summer Direction CAL for Interlocking Crochet

I’ve seen this already, jump to the List of Sections

This is my 5th Crochet-A-Long (CAL) since I started designing about a year ago. My first CAL was some large flower squares for Mother’s Day 2020. Then I did a Father’s Day CAL of scarves that joined together to create a blanket. My third CAL was the Abstract Queen; it was the first one to be available with written instructions for both interlocking and overlay mosaic crochet (before that, the other CALs were just interlocking crochet, but they have been updated since then to include both techniques). A few months ago we did the MusicCAL (which had an easier and smaller repeat section compared to the Abstract Queen CAL). I also contributed to the Friends Around the World 6th Anniversary CAL, but since I didn’t host that one I don’t consider it one of “MY” Crochet-A-Longs.

You can find the links for all my Crochet-A-Longs (CALs) in one place here: https://ashleeslint.com/cals/

  • 2020 Mother’s Day CAL
  • 2020 Father’s Day CAL
  • Abstract Queen CAL
  • MusicCAL

My newest CAL, the Summer Direction CAL, like all of my patterns now, is written up for two different techniques: interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet. This CAL has video walk-thrus for both techniques! That’s the big new thing about this pattern.

This is the landing page for the INTERLOCKING CROCHET method of my Summer Direction CAL. It is also available on the overlay mosaic landing page. I did pre-release the yardage charts, but you can also view them here on this post.

If you’re new to interlocking crochet, you may want to check out my tutorials first! I call this technique Locked Filet Mesh as well – they mean the same thing. You’ll find other designers call it all sorts of things (Interdimensional Crochet, Wacky Weave Crochet, etc).

YouTube Playlist on Learning the Locked Filet Mesh technique
PDF tutorial

I created a video walk-thru for each section in this Summer Direction CAL! It was a bigger job than I expected and it put me behind schedule so I almost didn’t get this ready before the end of summer! And, you may find that as you learn the technique you prefer to just read the written instructions and don’t even need my videos – that’s ok!

The written instructions can be found FREE here online (one section released at a time) or you can purchase a nice PDF of the entire pattern (including a plain chart for interlocking and a chart marked with X’s for mosaic as well as links to each YouTube walk-thru for every section) on Etsy or Ravelry.

Get 50% off when you use code, “SUMMER2021” (offer ends 11:59 pm, CST, September 30, 2021, valid on Etsy and Ravelry for the pattern “Summer Direction CAL” only).

“Summer Direction” on Ravelry
“Summer Direction” on Etsy
My single-width samples for the YouTube videos!

Remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get notified when the videos are live! You can also subscribe to my mailing list and / or subscribe directly to the blog (there should be a spot to enter your email in the side bar).

Summer Direction CAL – Interlocking Crochet

Section 1 – Foundation Rows

The first section is very short. It is aptly called, “Foundation Rows” and we will decide how wide our project is going to be and how much yarn we will need. The YouTube video does not include information on yardage so please see the written portion for that!

Foundation Rows on YouTube
Foundation Rows written portion

Section 2 – Chevron A (WS)

It is important when doing a project in interlocking crochet that you pay attention to the wrong side and right side. This section continues from where we left off, and thus we are first looking at the wrong side (WS).

Chevron A (WS) on YouTube
Chevron A (WS) written portion, rows 5-14

Section 3 – Chevron A (RS)

Like mentioned earlier, it is important when doing a project in interlocking crochet that you pay attention to the wrong side and right side. This section begins when looking at the right side (RS).

Chevron A (RS) on YouTube
Chevron A (RS) written portion, rows 15-24

Section 4 – Dark Arrows

This section begins when looking at the Wrong Side (WS) but since my design does not use it again I HAVE NOT created a duplicate section beginning with the Right Side (RS). There is a section later on that looks almost the same – however it is actually a reversed or mirrored image.

Dark Arrows on YouTube
Dark Arrows written portion, rows 25-48

Section 5 – Chevron A (WS)

If you’ve been following the pattern as written, we are now at row 49. However, this section is identical to rows 5-14. Both the video and the written pattern will begin with row 5 and go through row 14. You may wish to use a stitch marker to mark row 49 so that you remember it counts as the beginning of this section.

Chevron A (WS) on YouTube, rewatch rows 5-14
Chevron A (WS) written portion, rows 5-14

Section 6 – Chevron B (RS)

This chevron differs from Chevron “A” because it goes up and then down instead of down and then up. This section begins with us looking at the Right Side (RS).

Chevron B (RS) on YouTube
Chevron B (RS) written portion, rows 59-70

Section 7 – Light Arrows

These arrows are hollow, just the outline is drawn. This is our halfway point!

Light Arrows on YouTube
Light Arrows written portion, Rows 71-94

Section 8 – Chevron A (RS)

This section is identical to an earlier section so the written portion and the YouTube video shows rows 15-24 while we are actually crocheting rows 95-104.

Chevron A (RS) on YouTube, rewatch rows 15-24
Chevron A (RS) written portion, Rows 15-24

Section 9 – Chevron B (WS)

This is the first time we have crocheted the “B” chevron starting with the Wrong Side (WS) facing us so there is a NEW YouTube video for you to watch!

Chevron B (WS) on YouTube
Chevron B (WS) written portion, Rows 105-116

Section 10 – Dark Arrows Reversed

These look very similar to those dark arrows at the beginning of our project but their direction is actually reversed. Or perhaps a mirror-image is a better way to think of it. Either way, there’s a NEW YouTube video to accompany this section.

Dark Arrows Reversed on YouTube
Dark Arrows Reversed written portion, Rows 117-140

Section 11 – Chevron B (WS)

You might be a pro at this interlocking crochet stuff by now! If you still need to reference the video please rewatch the section that covers rows 105-116. The written portion also says rows 105-116 but if you’ve been diligently following the pattern your project will be at row 141-150.

CHevron B (WS) on YouTube, rewatch rows 105-116
Chevron B (WS) written portion, Rows 105-116

Section 12 – Chevron B (RS)

We’ve done this chevron before, so you know what to do: follow the YouTube video for rows 59-70 or follow with the written pattern (remember, we are at rows 151-160 even though the section you are following will say rows 59-70).

Chevron B (RS) on YouTube, rewatch rows 59-70
Chevron B (RS) written portion, Rows 59-70

Section 13 – Top Border Lines

This is barely a “section”. We are just finishing off the pattern.

Top Border Lines on YouTube
Top Border Lines written portion, Rows 161-162

This space will be updated with each new section release (with a link to the written section online and the YouTube tutorial for that section).

We are finished! No more updates!

Interlocking Crochet Pattern

I know you’ve been eager to get started, so let’s figure out some details!

Remember, the written instructions can be found FREE here online or you can purchase a nice PDF of the entire pattern (including the chart and working links to each YouTube tutorial) on Etsy or Ravelry. Get 50% off when you use code, “SUMMER2021” (offer ends 11:59 pm, CST, September 30, 2021).

“Summer Direction” on Ravelry
“Summer Direction” on Etsy

To create a full-sized blanket, do 9 repeats for the width. You repeat the stitches between the stars as many times as you want. Each repeat will add about 4.5” in width. Each line has instructions between stars, like this: Ch3 in back, 1F, *2F, 1B, 1F, 1B, 4F*, EB     

If you are doing 2 repeats you will crochet: Ch3 in back, 1F, 2F, 1B, 1F, 1B, 4F, 2F, 1B, 1F, 1B, 4F, EB

If you repeat 3 times: Ch3 in back, 1F, 2F, 1B, 1F, 1B, 4F, 2F, 1B, 1F, 1B, 4F, 2F, 1B, 1F, 1B, 4F, EB

When repeating the pattern 9 times your foundation rows will have 84 MC windows or chain 172, skip the turning chain and single crochet 171 back. Foundation row step 2, using AC: chain 170, then continue as described.

Take note that when using the interlocking crochet technique your stitches do not always create an opposite image on the reverse side. Due to starting on the right side or the wrong side you have different instructions to create the same image.

Yarn weight and hook size can easily be adjusted, just keep in mind your finished project will use a different amount of yarn and be a different finished size. A gauge swatch can help with that.

To figure out how many stitches you begin with:

I’ve done an example for 3 and 9 repeats wide but you can choose any number of repeats!

LFM FoundationScarf (single width)(3 repeats)Blanket (9 repeats)
Finished Size (41” height includes all the sections of the original designs)6.5” x 41”14” x 41”42” x 41”
MC Windows to start (repeats x 9) + 3 = windows  9 + 3 = 12 windows(3 x 9) + 3 = 30 windows(9 x 9) + 3 = 84 windows
Or MC Chains to start (windows x 2) + 4 = MC Chains  (12 x 2) + 4 = 26 chains(30 x 2) + 4 = 64 chains(84 x 2) + 4 = 172 chains
AC Chains to start (repeats x 18) + 8 = AC Chains18 + 8 = 26 chains(3 x 18) + 8 = 62 chains(9 x 18) + 8 = 170 chains

Yardage Estimates (worsted weight, gauge 16 DC x 8 rows of one color = 4”)

LFM YardageScarf (single width)(3 repeats)Blanket (9 repeats)
Yardage per color = base + repeats40 + (105) = 14540 + (105 x 3) = 35540 + (105 x 9) = 985
Optional SC Border = base + repeats20 + (3) = 2320 + (3 x 3) = 2920 + (3 x 9) = 47
Total Yards = first row x 2 (for MC and AC), plus optional border145 x 2 = 290 + 23 = 313355 x 2 = 710 + 29 = 739985 x 2 = 1970 + 47 = 2017

Important Details

  • US Crochet Terminology
  • Full blanket chart 169 x 165
  • Repeat chart is 18 squares wide (plus 7 squares for border lines) x 165 tall
  • Full blanket measurements approximately 42” x 41”
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (1970 – 2020 yards total for a blanket)
    • Main color (MC) – 985 yards plus 50 for optional border
    • Accent color (AC) – 985 yards
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows (of one color) = 4”

KEY

AC = accent color (usually light or multicolored)

MC = main color (usually dark)

RS = right side: the side of your work that will show the finished design

WS = wrong side: the back of your project

Back = the side not facing you

Front = the side currently facing you

ch = chain

sk = skip a stitch

sc = single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops

dc = double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, *yarn over, pull through two loops* twice

tr = treble crochet: yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, *yarn over, pull through two loops* three times

B = double crochet (dc) behind, and chain 1

F = double crochet (dc) in front, and chain 1

EB = end stitch in back: using AC, dc into the last AC window, working behind MC

EF = end stitch in front: using AC, dc into the last AC window, working in front of MC

ES = end stitch: dc into the last window space

ACB = put AC yarn to the side facing away from you

ACF = bring the AC yarn to the side facing you

Foundation Rows (see chart above for help with counting)

  1. Using MC create repeats of 9 + 3 windows:
    1. I prefer the chainless technique (chain 6, dc into first stitch, chain 1, tr into same space, *chain 1, tr into 2nd part of the previous tr* repeat as many times as needed).
    1. Alternatively, you can Ch repeats of 18 + 10 (or 11 if you chain tighter than me), then DC in 6th (or 7th) chain from your hook. *Ch 1, Sk 1, DC* repeat until the end. Place stitch marker so your work doesn’t unravel.
  2. With your AC, Ch repeats of 18 + 8 (or 9 if you chain tighter). Lay MC windows below this chain (make sure the end with the stitch marker is at your left) then pull the tail of your AC through the window on the right end (see picture above). DC through the back of the next window into the 6th (or 7th) chain from your hook.
  3. *Ch 1, Sk 1, DC through the back* repeat to end. Place stitch marker so your work doesn’t unravel. Both stitch markers should be on the same end.
The chain tail goes through the first window of the trellis.

WS – ACB (wrong side facing you, AC to back)  

4 MC – Ch3, 1B, *9F*, 1B, ES

Thus concludes our foundation rows! This is the tricky and sometimes frustrating part of all my projects. The foundation rows are boring, involve a lot of long counting, can get a bit twisted, and don’t look very exciting when you’re done. But this is a very important part of our project so it must be done!

Remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get notified when the videos are live! You can also subscribe to my mailing list and / or subscribe directly to the blog (there should be a spot to enter your email in the side bar).

Go back to the list of sections for the next part

© 2021 Ashlee Brotzell.
All rights reserved. This publication is protected under federal copyright laws. Reproduction or distribution, in whole or in part, in any medium, is strictly prohibited.

What does this mean?
This is an original pattern by Ashlee Brotzell. You may not copy, reproduce, sell, or share any part of it whether for profit or not. This includes, but is not limited to, the written pattern, the chart, and the photos. No translations or video tutorials are allowed.

Sales of your finished items are, of course, unrestricted (and I wish you all the best!). I appreciate credit given to the designer when possible but it is not a requirement. You may tag me @AshleesLint or direct people to my website http://www.ashleeslint.com

ashleebrotzell

Baby Sea Turtle: the 4th pattern but there will be more!

My four-year-old son LOVES sea turtles. He really like all ocean-things but there’s something special about a baby sea turtle.

For months, every time we took the (chicken) egg carton out of the fridge he would want to come play with the baby sea turtles (tv shows always show baby sea turtles hatching from their eggs). It was a bit hard to bake with him during that phase. Usually we like to make cookies and cake but it was hard for me to keep the eggs safe from his quick, but not-so-nimble hands.

This little blanket will be for him. I used my preferred technique, interlocking crochet (also called Locked Filet Mesh or LFM) because I can crochet it much quicker than when I do mosaic crochet. This blanket took me a week – I am sure some of you will be much quicker and many of you will take much longer for a blanket of this size. That’s ok!

I used a discontinued yarn for my sample. It was on clearance and I love a good bargain. The fluffy yarn I used (Premiere Pixie Dust) is considered a worsted weight yarn but the labels suggests you use a 5.5 mm hook. I really like the stitches to be quite small with interlocking crochet because it keeps those chain-gap-squares small and then the other color doesn’t show through too much, so I used a 5 mm hook.

Because it is so fluffy it does make the details of the design a bit less defined. And even though I used a 5 mm hook instead of my favorite 4.5 mm hook, I still used less than 500 yards per color. My finished square, including the simple single crochet border, is 33″ square.

You can use any weight yarn for my blankets, just make sure you use an appropriately-sized hook.

I titled this pattern “Baby Sea Turtle”, singular, but then I drew it with 3 little turtles swimming in the sea. 😬🤷‍♀️ I did the same with the dolphin pattern. The title is singular but the image shows more than one animal. One of my weird quirks, I guess.

My interlocking crochet version of “Baby Sea Turtle”

And, as always, the pattern is written up for interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet. The two files each include written instructions and an appropriate chart.

The chart that is attached to the mosaic instructions has X’s where you need to do your dropped double crochets. I hope to make my own tutorial video for using the chart with X’s soon. But for now it is mostly useful for people who are already familiar with that style.

Natalie Caruso has been amazingly helpful in creating these charts with X’s for you guys. Thank you, Natalie!

If you’ve seen the previous patterns in this series, then you already know I created an eBook on Ravelry called “Baby Ocean & Others“. All of the patterns in this eBook have a chart size of 121 x 121 and have an ocean theme.

“Baby Ocean & Others” eBook on Ravelry

These blankets – when matching the gauge stated in the pattern – will be about 30″ square. My sample with the fluffy yarn and large hook came out to about 33″ square.

All of the patterns in my Baby Blankets section on Etsy and Ravelry are the same size.

You can get “Baby Sea Turtle” on Etsy or Ravelry. Use code, “BABY21” to get 20% off* all my baby blanket patterns!

“Baby Sea Turtle” on Ravelry
“Baby Sea Turtle” on Etsy

*20% discount is valid in my Etsy Shop on Preemie Love Blanket, Feline the Deer, Many Hugs, Baby Ocean, Baby Dolphin, Baby Crab, Baby Sea Turtle, Baby Whale, Baby Fish, and Baby Ocean & Others eBook; use code “BABY21MORE”.

And in my Ravely store on Preemie Love Blanket, Feline the Deer, Many Hugs, Baby Ocean, Baby Dolphin, Baby Crab, Baby Sea Turtle, Baby Whale, Baby Fish, and Baby Ocean & Others eBook. Code “BABY21” must be used at the time of purchase, and is not retroactive. Offer ends 11:59 pm CST July 31, 2021. OFFER EXTENDED TO AUGUST 10, 2021.

And, sorry for the delay in adding Baby Crab to the list of sale patterns – I forgot it doesn’t happen automatically!

The wrong side, using interlocking crochet. If you use the mosaic technique it will be striped on the back instead.

ashleebrotzell

Blooming Owl Wall Hanging

My musical husband has a guitar strap on his classical wooden guitar with these floral motifs. Everytime I see it I think of an owl.

Obviously I couldn’t just draw it as it is, but I think I captured the idea of a flowery owl in my newest wall hanging: Blooming Owl.

My husband loves it!

I used fingering weight yarn. This is also called 4-ply or 8/4 depending on where you live. Craft Council lists it as a weight 1 – super fine and states it can also be called sock yarn.

The black yarn is “110 Jet Black” Scheepjes Catona. It is 100% mercerized cotton. The small balls are only 50 grams and have 125 metres of yarn. Scheepjes suggests a 2.5 – 3.5 mm needle (I believe that specifically refers to knitting needles). I used a 2.5 mm crochet hook.

I used a full 2 balls. There was barely anything left over (see photo below). So, make sure you match my gauge or grab an extra skein. If you’re going to grab an extra one you might as well grab two! 😉

The gold yarn is actually called “Copper” (oops, it is called “Ginger”). It is from SweetGeorgia Yarns’ Tough Love Sock Yarn line. We looked online at YarnCanada.ca and I gave Mitch a few options. He said this color was “it” and he didn’t care that it was also the most expensive.

It comes in a twisted hank of 115 grams which gives you 425 yards of soft, silky wool. I only used half the skein.

It cost me $3.65 CAD per ball of Catona, so $7.30 total (but I did buy a 3rd ball just in case). The Tough Love Sock yarn was $33.95 but I only used half, so it cost me about $17 for this project. It felt really expensive to buy the fancy color Mitch wanted but it was so worth it because this is just beautiful to look at.

It was my first time using my fancy yarn swift! It is fun having toys! This is one of the more expensive things I own (related to yarn crafts). I don’t usually buy yarn that comes twisted because it just gets all tangled up. This was easy to set up and I turned the hank into a cake in a few short minutes!

The “Tough Love Sock Yarn” is 80% merino wool with 20% polyamide. Because it is a hand-dyed yarn it gives my finished piece a sort of mottled look where the dying process created slightly different shades in the yarn.

Like all of my patterns, this pattern is written for my two favorite techniques: interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet. You can choose to use your favorite method or you can try something new!

I used the mosaic method because I wanted the fringe on the bottom and I wanted to use the strings at the top to attach the wooden dowel. I created a short YouTube tutorial with some tricks for attaching the dowel.

YouTube tutorial: Adding a Dowel

If you use interlocking crochet for your project you can add fringe to the bottom and whipstitch the dowel to the top. Instructions are included in the PDF pattern.

Both techniques work the design starting at the top-right corner going down to the bottom-right corner. I designed it to sideways because of the mosaic fringe.

The PDF includes written line-by-line instructions for both techniques and two charts; one is marked with x’s for overlay mosaic crochet. I haven’t created a YouTube video on how to use the x-marked charts yet. I have only just started updating my patterns to include a marked chart.

The other chart can be used for both techniques and I have tutorials on YouTube for that!

YouTube: Read Interlocking Crochet Chart
YouTube: Read Chart Without X’s for Mosaic Crochet

Grab your copy of my “Blooming Owl Wall Hanging” on Etsy or Ravelry and get 15% off your entire cart*!

Etsy
Ravelry

*no code needed, offer ends 11:59 pm, CST, July 13, 2021.

Pin this! https://pin.it/6jorpDe

ashleebrotzell

Une Autre Fleur

This is a 3rd companion to my Eiffel Tower Wall Hanging and my Fleur-De-Lis Wall Hanging. A friend found a beautiful design in her pillow and I tried to capture a piece of it here. She helped me name it too! If you don’t speak french, I will tell you it means “Another Flower”. The Fleur-De-Lis is a classic french image and although the image is a bit abstract the translation is a lily flower so this new wall hanging is simply another flower.

You may remember, my Eiffel Tower pattern has been published in Crochet Now! magazine. The rights will revert back to me in a few months and I will publish it to Ravelry and Etsy at that point. The sample in the image below was crocheted using the interlocking technique and only uses two colors (the original in the magazine is overlay mosaic and has 7 colors!).

The Eiffel Tower Wall Hanging – with just two colors

I have created an eBook Bundle for these three Parisian Wall Hangings. You can purchase the bundle now and it will be updated to include the Eiffel Tower at the end of August 2021. Updating is easier on Ravelry but if you don’t use Ravelry I have made it available on Etsy as well.

You can see in this image below that my tester used 2 wooden dowels for each wall hanging – you can do the same, or you can just put one at the top. I love seeing creativity and I always think of my patterns as guidelines or suggestions rather than strict rules. Make your project your own!

Bundle of 3 wall hangings: Eiffel Tower, Fleur-De-Lis, and Une Autre Fleur

On Ravelry: if you already purchased the Fleur-De-Lis Wall Hanging you will receive a retroactive discount on the eBook bundle – it happens automatically.

On Etsy: I have already contacted the individuals who purchased the Fleur-De-Lis

Une Autre Fleur on Etsy
Une Autre Fleur on Ravelry
Parisian Bundle on Etsy
Parisian Bundle on Ravelry

For “Une Autre Fleur Wall Hanging”:

You will receive one file containing:

  • the interlocking pattern (including instructions for adding fringe and attaching a dowel)
  • a one-page chart (101 x 109)
  • the overlay mosaic pattern (including instructions for an optional envelope border and attaching a dowel)

The Locked Filet Mesh (LFM) interlocking crochet method uses only chain spaces and double crochets to create a mesh; two colors are worked alternately which creates the pattern.

Mosaic crochet uses single crochet and double crochet stitches. The double crochet stitches cover some of the other color’s single crochet stitches to create the design. My patterns instruct you to cut your yarn at the end of each row. The back is striped but often gives a faint impression of the pattern on the front (sort of like illusion knitting). See an example here.

I have YouTube tutorials available for both crochet methods! Follow this link to get to my YouTube channel and find my other social links.

Important Details

  • Fingering Weight Yarn (500-520 yards)
  • Main Color (MC) – 250 yards (plus 20 yards for optional SC border when done in interlocking crochet)
  • Accent Color (AC) – 250 yards
  • Plus, extra for fringe
  • Crochet hook: 3 mm (C/2)
  • Stitch marker
  • Finishing Needle
  • Wooden Dowel: 1/2″ diameter, 21″ length
  • Interlocking Gauge: 13 dc stitches x 26 rows in one color = 4” square
  • Mosaic Gauge: 26 sc stitches x 26 rows = 4″ square
This sample shows a dowel on both the top and bottom of the piece – you can also use a single dowel for just the top if you prefer.

©️ 2021 Ashlee Brotzell.
All rights reserved. This publication is protected under federal copyright laws. Reproduction or distribution, in whole or in part, in any medium, is strictly prohibited.

What does this mean?
This is an original pattern by Ashlee Brotzell. You may not copy, reproduce, sell, or share any part of it whether for profit or not. This includes, but is not limited to, the written pattern, the chart, and the photos. No translations or video tutorials are allowed.

Sales of your finished items are, of course, unrestricted (and I wish you all the best!). I appreciate credit given to the designer when possible but it is not a requirement. You may tag me @AshleesLint or direct people to my website http://www.ashleeslint.com

ashleebrotzell

Fleur De Lis Wall Hanging

I consider this a companion to my Eiffel Tower Wall Hanging. A friend requested the Fleur De Lis to go with the Eiffel Tower and I was happy to oblige. I’ve had a few asking about when and how they can get the Eiffel Tower pattern; at the end of August the rights will revert to me and I will publish on Etsy and Ravelry. Until then, it is only available in Issue 68 of Crochet Now! magazine.

You can get your copy on Etsy or Ravelry. It is 20% off for the first few days! *no code needed, offer expires 11:59 pm CST, June 10, 2021.

“Fleur De Lis” on Ravelry
“Fleur De Lis” on Etsy

Wall Hanging

I have included instructions for turning this rectangle into a wall hanging as such: cut a piece of MC yarn about 4x the length of your dowel. Whip stitch around the dowel into each stitch across the top. Tie another piece of yarn to each end of the dowel to use when hanging on the wall.

But, of course, you are free to do whatever you like with your piece! My tester, @raki_crochet did these beautiful single crochet (sc – US terminology) tabs. Each tab is 7 stitches wide and 17 rows tall. There are 11 stitches between each tab.

I am sure you can find a few options on YouTube – I don’t have a video on adding the dowel for a wall hanging yet, but maybe someday I will add my voice!

Fringe

Created naturally with the overlay mosaic technique. An optional addition when done in interlocking crochet.

The fringe on the sides is a by-product of cutting your yarn for each row when using the mosaic crochet technique. You can add an envelope border to hide them but I think they look good as a design attribute.

If you work this pattern using the interlocking technique there is no fringe. But, because it looks so good, I would add fringe to the bottom or to the two sides like the mosaic version.

These instructions are included in the interlocking part of the pattern: cut 1 piece each of both the MC and AC yarn for each window you will add fringe to. Length can be whatever you choose, I suggest 8-10” each which gives you about a 4” tassel.

Holding one strand of each color, fold in half and pull the loop from the front to the back (go through each window along the bottom edge).

Drop the ends inside the loop and pull tight.

You can see that my photos are using a different pattern (the MusicCAL, to be specific), but you can add tassels to anything!

Yarn weight and hook size can easily be adjusted, just keep in mind your finished project will use a different amount of yarn and be a different finished size. A gauge swatch can help with that.

Watch my YouTube tutorials! I also have a free photo tutorial in PDF form on this technique available in my Facebook group (Ashlee Brotzell Designs) and on Ravelry. All my social media links are here: https://linktr.ee/LFMandMosaic

If you share your works on Instagram, tag me: @AshleesLint

Important Details

  • US crochet terminology
  • Chart is 77 x 87
  • Finished measurements approximately 13” x 14.5”
  • 3 mm hook (C/2)
  • Wooden Dowel: 1/2” diameter, 16” length
  • Finishing needle
  • Scheepjes Organicon (Or any fingering weight yarn to meet gauge) (260 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) – 120 yards (plus 20 for optional sc border when done with interlocking)
    • Accent color (AC) – 120 yards
    • Yarn estimates do not include fringe! If you make long fringe you will need more yarn.
  • Interlocking Gauge: 13 dc x 26 rows = 4”
  • Mosaic Gauge: 26 sc x 26 rows = 4”

You may have noticed that this pattern is SO CLOSE to being the same size as my 40-windows squares (chart 81 x 81). I originally tried drawing it up to be the same but the dimensions just weren’t working. I do like it when one pattern can be used for more than one thing, but in this case I just had to make it it’s own wall hanging without being easily added to the large afghan squares.

I know that yarn weight can also be a confusing thing. We have so many different terms for the same thing. Yarnsub.com can give you some options, or you can check out what the Yarn Council has to say about yarn weights.

A final note: most of my patterns are written up with only two colors (main color and accent/contrast color). A few have included extra colors and I want to make sure everyone knows that I am not the type of designer to get bent out of shape when people take my patterns and create their own beautiful works of art. So, add some color, mix and match with other patterns, make your project your own. Just don’t sell my pattern as your own.

https://ravel.me/fleur-de-lis-wall-hanging

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Monstera Leaf Throw Blanket

Have you noticed these giant leaves are very popular right now? I love how they give a space a happy, carefree, tropical vibe.

To become the iconic leaf, the plants must fenestrate (this is when the leaves split and get holes). Knowing how poorly I manage to take care of houseplants, if I had one of these in my house it would probably never get to that stage. 😬🤣

I drew this chart smaller than some of my previous blanket patterns. I like having lots of different sizes for you to choose from. Sometimes we want intricate patterns that are huge and sometimes we want a smaller project.

I personally like to have multiple WIPs (works in progress) of varying sizes and difficulties so that I can work on whatever I want in the moment. Something big, something small, something easy, something hard, etc.

If you match my gauge, your finished “Monstera Leaf” blanket will be 46″ x 60″ / 117cm x 152cm. I think black or dark green would be the best choice for the Main Color and either a light green or possibly an off-white as the Accent Color / Contrasting Color. But, of course, you are free to choose any color you want!

Monstera Leaf, crocheted by Altona Newcombe using the Mosaic technique

Promotion Code!

On Ravelry, get 30% off this new pattern and any others you add to your cart at the same time until 11:59 pm, May 24, 2021 CST. No code needed.

“Monstera Leaf” on Ravelry

Etsy sets things up differently, but you can still get 30% off as long as you add a minimum of 2 patterns to your cart and use code “MonsteraSale” until 11:59 pm, May 24, 2021 CST (no code needed).

My Etsy Shop
“Monstera Leaf” on Etsy

A final note, just in case you weren’t already aware, I have tutorials on both techniques (all my patterns are written for interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet) on YouTube. Both techniques are easier than they look, so give it a try!

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Chained Ponds Blanket and Pillow Set

A few weeks ago I published a blanket pattern called “Chained Ponds“. I also created a challenge: finish the blanket in 6 weeks and receive the pillow pattern for free! Three members of my Facebook group were able to complete the blanket in time and win their bonus pattern! Congratulations!

“Chained Ponds” blanket crocheted by danabouch

I planned on the pillow pattern retiring after the promotion. But, I am nothing if not flexible. Due to some suggestions and questions and feedback I have decided to list the pillow pattern after all.

On Ravelry: if you previously purchased the blanket pattern you will receive an automatic $1.50 CAD discount on this pillow pattern. Or, you can add them both to your cart now to receive the $1.50 discount. This discount doesn’t expire (ok, Ravelry requires that I put an expiry date, so I chose Dec 31, 2030, but when the time comes I will just extend that).

Buy the bundle on Ravelry now

For my Etsy users, the pillow pattern will be added to the same listing as the blanket. The price will go up slightly.

Buy the set on Etsy
Sew together two panels for a big pillow!
Ravelry listing for pillow
Ravelry listing for blanket

The pillow is really a 40-window square and can easily be added to other squares to create a blanket instead. See my list of other squares this size: www.ashleeslint.com/patterns#large

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My one-year designer anniversary!

This post should start with a bunch of pictures of my face making surprised, confused, ecstatic, and bewildered looks! HOW did I manage to become a crochet designer and spend an entire year doing this already!?

How come I didn’t do this sooner? How long can I keep doing this? How did I get so many followers and supporters on all my various social media sites? And, why do I have so many social media sites? 😆

At this time last year I was trying to wrap my head around how to create an interlocking crochet pattern. I managed to publish my first pattern to ravelry on April 1, 2020.

I now have 200 patterns published to Ravelry! Quite a few are also on Etsy. Almost all of my patterns are written for interlocking and overlay mosaic; I did try my hand at “regular” crochet patterns too but I don’t find it as enjoyable.

I have met (online) so many kind and creative people this past year. There are over 3000 members in my Facebook group. I have over 1400 followers on Instagram, over 1800 subscribers on my YouTube channel, and I actually don’t know how to check how many of you are subscribed to these blog posts. And I am failing at being regular with the Mailchimp newsletter 😬 but I really appreciate everyone who has shown their support there too!

Honestly, I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me through this first year. I can’t believe how validating and rewarding it has been. So many little dreams-come-true. 🤩

I need to give a special shout-out to David Q. Orth. His pattern, Doctor’s Orders, is what got me hooked. His kindness through this first year has been a breath of fresh air.

My brown and yellow, “Doctor’s Orders” blanket; designed by David Q. Orth

Plus, his designs are amazing and that inspires me to do the best artwork I can. He started designing only a few months before I did and it has been nice to grow beside each other.

I am also very thankful for Kate Dudman! She has been a source of emotional support, an encyclopedia of knowledge and experience, and a fun friend to chat with. She puts a lot of time and effort into her facebook group, Interlocking Crochet World, and it is a great resource for everyone!

I also put my new friend, Neetsey, to work shortly after becoming acquainted. She has helped me with ravelry and other “business” things but is also a good shoulder to cry on. It is really too bad the shoulder is only online, the internet is still lacking the human touch. We will meet someday! And, her little dog too! 😉😆

I credit my new friend, Kimberly Windsor-Johnson, as the kind push that has helped me keep moving forward. Her encouragement and creativity have buoyed me a few times. And, of course, I needed another virtual shoulder for my many moments.

There have been others through the past year who have shown me how to believe in myself, even when it’s just a single comment. I appreciate the constructive criticism as well as the compliments and I am thankful that not everyone has given up on me.

I have made mistakes this year. That’s to be expected when learning so many new things and filling my schedule to the brim (ok, it was definitely overflowing: started designing, sold our house, hubby lost his job, moved twice, homeschooling my eldest, and a global pandemic? Ya, it was a stressful year lol). I am sorry for the disappointments and I guarantee I will not be perfect in the future either.

I have disappointed myself a few times as well. But I have also grown.

It’s hard to have a plan for the future of “Ashlee Brotzell Designs” when I really don’t know what I expected or what I can expect from myself when a hobby blows up into a job.

First and foremost, I am a mom. I am a wife. My family is, and has to remain, a priority.

Secondly, my own mental health is a balancing act between pushing myself to grow without pushing myself off the edge. 😅 I want to keep working at designing but I don’t want it to be “work”. This is therapy. This is me-time. This is supplemental income.

In short, my goals for the next year are to keep designing, keep trying new things, but with a stronger focus on balance.

I still have a lot of things on my to-do list. Even more on my wishlist. And a lifetime supply of inspiration.

Tune in tomorrow, when I will tell you how we are going to celebrate this momentous occasion!

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Chained Ponds – A New Pattern and A Challenge

I created this motif a few months ago but couldn’t decide if it felt finished. It was originally just a 20-window square and it felt like it was missing something. When I got my new computer, I decided to go through some of my half-finished projects and see what I wanted to keep and what I needed to work on first.

Suddenly, it occurred to me that if I repeated the pattern in a larger scale it might look better! So, I changed a few things and moved a few things, and here is my newest pattern for you!

It is my 200th pattern on Ravelry! I am not sure if they count the eBooks as separate publications or not. I considered adding this one to its own eBook as well – a set with a blanket and large square. But, I have decided to make it a challenge instead!

If you can complete this blanket (chart size 201 x 201; finished size 50″ / 127cm) in 6 weeks you can have the “pillow pattern” for FREE! See more details at the end of this blog post. (Offer expired)

The “pillow” is just a 40-window square (like my other large squares) and you can use it however you like.

I already know there will be people who are upset with these patterns.

  • The blanket chart is not symmetrical.
  • The motif is not the same up and down (there’s one “arrow” pointing down that doesn’t have a mirror-image arrow pointing up).
  • The pattern is not easily repeatable (technically the repeat is about 250 stitches wide).
  • The pillow chart colors are inverted compared to the blanket (the dark squares on the blanket are the light squares on the pillow).

I like designing random things. I like finding asymmetrical balance. I like hard patterns. I’m not sorry. Well, I am a little bit. I wish I could please everyone.

Some of you will like this pattern set. And, more importantly, *I* like it.

The “Chained Ponds” blanket pattern and BONUS pillow pattern!

You can get the blanket pattern on Etsy or Ravelry. It is on sale for the first few days, of course! Get an automatic 30% off until 1:59 pm CST, March 29, 2021.

And, that bonus FREE pattern (offer expired)? Post a picture of your finished “Chained Ponds” blanket (using the interlocking OR mosaic technique) to the Ravelry Group or Facebook Group or tag me on Instagram @AshleesLint and I will send you the pattern for the “Chained Ponds Pillow”. Offer expires May 6, 2021 – then this pillow pattern will be retired! (Update: pillow pattern available separately)

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