August Gnome: Cherries

*Radio crackle and static* We interrupt your Ocean baby blanket series to return to your previously scheduled series: A Year of Monthly Gnomes! (I am totally funny, right?)

August is a busy month in my household. We have a lot of birthdays! We will celebrate my husband’s birthday! 🥳 Then a few days later my baby girl turns two! 🥳 A week later is my first daughter’s 7th birthday! 🥳

And birthdays mean cake. And cake means ice cream. And ice cream should have cherries on top!

Plus, cherries scream SUMMER to me! August means hot, summer days around here.

I was worried this design isn’t busy enough. It is definitely less busy than last month’s design. But I hope you like the simplicity of it.

Each monthly gnome on Ravelry and all of the mosaic files in the eBook have been updated now to include a chart with X’s. If you purchased any of my patterns (not just these gnomes) on Etsy and would like an updated X-marked chart please send me an email!

This listing comes with two files: an interlocking crochet pattern and chart, and an overlay mosaic crochet pattern and X-marked chart.

“August Gnome” on Ravelry
“A Year of Gnomes” on Ravelry
“August Gnome” on Etsy
“A Year of Gnomes” on Etsy
Overlay Mosaic sample crocheted by CarolinevdB

Here’s our master list of Gnomes so far:

We are still continuing the Friends Around the World 6th Anniversary CAL: Adventure in Mosaic Crochet and I love seeing everyone’s projects! Even if you start late you can still join in! Make sure you join the Facebook group and event for all the new FATW6 releases every Monday and Thursday: https://www.facebook.com/calcrochetalong

When I finish with this Baby Ocean series I am hoping to have a new Crochet-A-Long as well! The “Summer Direction CAL” will have video walk thru’s for both techniques! I just finished the interlocking technique and I have only one more video to do for the mosaic one. And then I have to get my webpages set up for it all. And make sure my written pattern is ready. But first, in a few days, I will have the final pattern in the Baby Ocean and Others eBook – and it’s a special one for me, so keep your eyes peeled!

ashleebrotzell

Plus Flower: a large crochet square pattern

Sometimes I doodle.

This doodle was about me exploring what the wrong side looks like when done in interlocking crochet. Of course, the front looks good whether done in interlocking or overlay mosaic crochet!

Nessa Miller used the interlocking crochet technique for this sample.

The stitches are opposite but that doesn’t mean the wrong side shows an opposite image. It isn’t an inverse of colors. It is sometimes not even pretty on the wrong side even though technically you can create dual-sided, reversible fabric with this technique.

This is the wrong side when using the interlocking crochet technique (crocheted by Nessa Miller). The mosaic version will just be striped on the back.

When crocheted using the interlocking crochet method, the plus-signs all turn into boxes in this design.

I think it is a fun flower regardless of what the back looks like.

The chart is 81 x 81 which means it is the same size as all my other large squares. See a list here: ashleeslint.com/patterns#large

You can mix-and-match to create a blanket or use 2 squares for a pillow. I’ve thought about using them for a purse or bag as well. In that case I would use a thinner-weight yarn and smaller hook.

The suggested yarn is a worsted weight, medium – 4 but as long as you use an appropriate hook for your yarn you can really use any yarn you’d like. Keep in mind, your yardage used may not match my pattern if you don’t match the gauge swatch.

Altona Newcombe used the overlay mosaic technique for this square

And, as always, I’ve included written line-by-line instructions for the interlocking crochet technique and the overlay mosaic crochet technique. Each technique comes with a chart; the mosaic chart has x’s for my experienced fans who are familiar with that setup. I hope to have a tutorial on reading that kind of chart soon.

Grab your pattern on Ravelry before 11:59 pm CST, July 17, 2021 and get an automatic 20% off your entire cart!

“Plus Flower 40” on Ravelry
All my patterns on Ravelry

If you don’t use Ravelry, you can buy the pattern directly from me here. Keep in mind this requires me to personally respond to the email notification so there may be a delay of a few hours to get your pattern to you.

Plus Flower 40 – Interlocking and Mosaic Crochet Patterns and Charts

You will receive one file containing the written, line-by-line instructions for the interlocking technique, and a one-page chart (81 x81). And another file containing the written, line-by-line instructions for the overlay mosaic technique (including instructions for an envelope border), and a multi-page chart with X’s marked (81 x81)

CA$3.50

ashleebrotzell

FATW6 CAL: Adventures in Mosaic Crochet – Ocean Theme

Good morning, Monday!

It has been so great seeing all the new projects getting started since Thursday when my Mosaic Coral Strip was released as the first section in the Friends Around the World 6th Anniversary CAL (FATW6)!

Mondays and Thursdays will be the release days of a new section – and today is Monday! Remember, all the pieces in this Crochet-A-Long have been designed by different people. The common theme is mosaic crochet and then 3 blankets were compiled from the submissions!

Each section is FREE. Some designers, like me, have included videos. I believe all the sections include a chart and written instructions, but I guess we will have to wait and see if that’s true.

This blog post of mine is going to be where I keep a list of all the sections as they are released. You can bookmark it if you like! You can also sign up for updates from the host: CAL Crochet A Long Facebook group

Also, please feel free to share your progress on this CAL in my Ashlee Brotzell Designs Facebook group. Normally, I don’t allow work by other designers but since this is a group collaboration I am making an exception – I want to see your progress! 🙂

I will link to the official CAL blog entry and you will have to scroll through their post to find the link to that section’s pattern (some are Ravelry downloads, some are on websites; different designers have different ways of doing things).

Friends Around The World: Adventures in Mosaic Crochet – Ocean theme

July 8, 2021: Mosaic Coral Strip by Ashlee Brotzell

Since this is my section I will also link to my blog entry about it and the ravelry download. Plus, my handy-dandy video walk-thru: Coral Strip on YouTube

July 12: Sally Starfish by Lynette Kosar of Lavender Cup Cottage

Look for the link to the ravelry download near the end of the article I linked to above.

July 15: Mosaic Crab by Suzanne Lively Boren

This one also has a link to ravelry near the end of the article.

July 19: Dancing Octopus by Suzanne Lively Boren

Find the ravelry link at the end of the blog article!

July 22: Mosaic Squid by Suzanne Lively Boren of Not So Boren Crochet

Suzanne was busy! This is another section she did!

July 26: The Goldfish 1 by Svetlana Rogatykh

This goldfish section also includes a tiny border design you can use at any point in your design! And the goldfish is pretty awesome! The link the to ravelry download is at the end of the article I have linked to above.

July 29: The Goldfish 2 by Svetlana Rogatykh

Svetlana’s second pattern in this Crochet-A-Long is swimming the other direction! Her Ravelry link is going at the end of the post linked to above.

August 2: Wave 1 by Svetlana Rogatykh

Another beautiful section from Svetlana!

August 5: Dolphin by Suzanne Boren of Not so Boren Crochet

You must be familiar with this designer by now! The official blog post from CAL has a direct link to her download, no Ravelry this time.

ashleebrotzell

FATW6: Mosaic Coral Strip

Introduction

This is a pattern for an overlay mosaic crochet strip that belongs in the Friends Around the World 6th Anniversary CAL (FATW6) “Adventures in Mosaic Crochet” hosted by CAL – Crochet A Long. Links to all past and future patterns can be found on their blog: https://calcrochetalong.com and you can join their facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/668646249929007/

My section (this Mosaic Coral Strip) can be found here on the blog (scroll down) or downloaded on Ravelry: https://ravel.me/mosaic-coral-strip

Download on Ravelry

You can also crochet with my YouTube video to guide you! Please note: the video does not show the foundation rows. You can add sections onto each other, but if this is your first section you must start with a foundation row; see my other YouTube tutorial on creating a Mosaic Foundation: https://youtu.be/RqgmJQMaB7A for more information.

When I first designed this piece I didn’t know I would be the first section in the blanket. That’s why my Coral video mentions that you will be joining to a project you already have. But I have created a video on crocheting the foundation rows now!

Quick Bio

I published my first pattern less than a year ago (April 1, 2020) and, honestly, that was a dream come true! My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was about 8 years old, and it has been a favorite hobby of mine in an on-again-off-again kind of way. I finished my first blanket in high school and created a few projects over the years to fit my needs (how about a bag that fits this book exactly and nothing else).

Three years ago, I picked up my hooks in earnest again as a coping method after the traumatic delivery of my son. Crocheting – and now, pattern designing, too – are therapy for me. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me and made it a little easier to stay at home with my 3 beautiful children.

I was also able to achieve another dream of mine in April 2021: I got published in a magazine! My Eiffel Tower Wall Hanging can be found in Crochet Now! Magazine, issue 68. I feel a little famous now!

The Coral Strip

I love how wiggly and intricate coral can look. It is almost abstract enough that if you didn’t know it was called “Coral” you might just think it was random lines.

My single repeat used 30 g of yarn (Medium 4 – worsted weight, acrylic). I used Caron Kindness in Tomato and Robin’s Egg Blue because it was what I had on hand. Unfortunately, this is a discontinued yarn. You can use any yarn medium (4) weight yarn. If you’d like some suggestions, try Yarnsub.com for a list of similar yarns.

Like the other patterns in this CAL, each repeat is 48 stitches wide. An extra stitch is added at the beginning of each row, and two extra stitches are added to the end. Each designer may have different ways of explaining things but all the pieces in this CAL are designed to work together!

My chart does not show those extra 3 stitches (the joining stitch, balancing stitch, and end stitch), it only shows the repeated section.

Chart is included in the ravelry download

If you share your works on Instagram, I would love for you to tag me: @AshleesLint

YouTube

I created a YouTube video to go with this pattern! You can see each stitch being done and crochet with me! Please note: the Coral video does not show the foundation rows. You can add sections onto each other, but if this is your first section you must start with a foundation row.

Foundation Row YouTube Video

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Mosaic Coral Strip YouTube Video

Important Details

  • US crochet terminology
  • Chart is 48 x 19, add 1 extra stitch at the beginning of each row and 2 extra stitches at the end of each row. Repeat is 48 + 3 stitches wide.
  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • 18 g / 21 yards of Main Color (MC) = coral
  • 12 g / 30 yards of Contrasting Color (CC) = light blue
  • One repeat finishes at 10” x 4” / 26 x 10 cm
  • Gauge: 18 stitches x 18 rows = 4” / 10 cm

Key (US terminology)

MC = Main Color: coral in chart

CC = Contrasting Color: light blue in chart

ch = chain

SC = single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook

sc = SC into Back Loop only

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

dc = dropped double crochet: skip next single crochet, and instead double crochet into Front Loop of stitch in the row below

JS = Joining Stitch: create slip knot, insert hook under both loops, complete a normal single crochet

ES = End Stitch: single crochet under both loops, chain 1, cut yarn and pull through tightly

Mosaic Technique

Please see the YouTube tutorial for more details. I use a single-row mosaic technique. Each square on the chart corresponds to one stitch. There is an additional stitch (not visible on the chart) on each side of the chart for joining and ending (for this pattern only, add an extra balancing stitch at the end of each row before doing the “ES = end stitch”). You start at the bottom-right corner of the chart.

dc = the dropped DC goes into the same-colored stitch, 2 rows below, front loop only. Skip the (pink) single crochet behind this dc.
sc = a single crochet in the body of this pattern goes into the back loop only
  • The front of your work is always facing you (this is the right side, the side showing the design)
  • You are always working from the right to the left (opposite for left-handed crocheters)
  • You tie on a new yarn at the beginning of each row and cut it at the end
    • Tails don’t need to be longer than an inch and a half (unless you want to use them as fringe, like on scarf)
  • Yarn colors can be anything you like
    • They need to contrast well (try a black and white photo to see if they are too similar)
    • They need to be the same weight (size/thickness)
  • Odd-numbered rows use MC (coral), even-numbered rows use CC (light blue)

Optional “Locked Double Crochet”

To prevent the small flaps on the back of your work, consider locking-in your stitch.

Begin like a dropped double crochet: skip the next stitch, and work into the Front Loop of the stitch in the row below; yarn over, insert hook into front loop below (see first image below), pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, insert hook into back loop of skipped stitch (see second image below), yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.

Time to start crocheting!

(There was an error with this blog but it has been fixed! I am so sorry! And majorly embarrassed 🙈)

Row 1 can be your foundation row OR you can add it to another section.

Repeat between *’s as many times as required for your project.

Foundation Row:

Row 1 MC – Can use a chainless single crochet foundation or you can chain the desired number of stitches, plus one for turning chain. Turn, skip turning chain, single crochet into each chain.

Repeats of 48 +3 = desired number of stitches

For example, if you want to repeat the design twice: (48 x 2) + 3 = 99 sc needed (chain 99 + 1 = 100, skip 1 stitch, sc into the rest of the 99)

Or, if you want to repeat the design three times: (48 x 3) + 3 = 147 sc needed (chain 147 + 1 = 148, skip 1 stitch, sc into the rest of the 147)

OR when added to another project:

Repeat between *’s as many times as required for your project.

1 MC – JS, *sc48*, sc1, ES

2 CC – JS, *sc48,* sc1, ES

3 MC – JS, *sc5, dc3, sc3, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc3, sc3, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc3, sc3, dc1, sc3, dc3, sc3, dc1,* sc1, ES

4 CC – JS, *dc3, sc5, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc5) x2, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1, dc1, sc5) x2, dc3, sc1,* sc1, ES

5 MC – JS, *sc3, dc1, sc1, dc3, sc1, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc3, sc1, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc3, sc1, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc3, sc3, dc1,* sc1, ES

6 CC – JS, *(dc1, sc3) x2, (dc1, sc1) x3, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc5, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc5, dc1, sc1,* sc1, ES

7 MC – JS, *sc1, (dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc5, dc1, sc1, (dc1, sc3) x2, (dc1, sc1) x2, (dc1, sc3) x2, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc2,* sc1, ES

8 CC – JS, *dc1, sc1, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc1, (dc1, sc3) x3, (dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3) x4,* sc1, ES

9 MC – JS, *sc3, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc5, (dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc5, dc1,* sc1, ES

10 CC – JS, *(dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc5, (dc1, sc1) x2, (dc1, sc3) x2, (dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3) x3, dc1, sc3,* sc1, ES

11 MC – JS, *(sc1, dc1) x2, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x2, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc5, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3) x2, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc2,* sc1, ES

12 CC – JS, *sc2, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc5, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc1, (dc1, sc3) x2, (dc1, sc1) x4,* sc1, ES

13 MC – JS, *sc3, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x6, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc5, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc1,* sc1, ES

14 CC – JS, *dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x5, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc5, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3, dc3, sc1,* sc1, ES

15 MC – JS, *sc1, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, (dc1, sc3) x5, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc5, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc8,* sc1, ES

16 CC – JS, *(dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3) x2, dc3, sc1, dc3, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc3, sc1, dc1, sc1, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc1, dc8,* sc1, ES

17 MC – JS, *sc3, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc11, dc1, sc7, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc12,* sc1, ES

18 CC – JS, *dc3, sc1, dc1, sc1, dc3, sc1, dc11, sc1, dc7, sc1, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc1, dc12,* sc1, ES

19 MC – JS, *sc31, dc1, sc16,* sc1, ES

20 CC – JS, *dc31, sc1, dc16,* sc1, ES

Trim the fringe, if needed.

Continue with the next FATW6 ocean-themed section!

ashleebrotzell1 Comment

Hobby Stencil Blanket

Not too long ago, I published a square called “Hobby Stencil 40“. This large square was like a puzzle piece. I made 4 of the squares and then joined them together to create a blanket with a full circle motif (although, there are definitely more ways to join them: you could even mix-and-match with other squares of that size.

I used interlocking crochet because the tails and envelope border with overlay mosaic crochet can get annoying. I like how I can get more colors into a blanket this way. I like colors!!

But, I really wanted this cool circle pattern to be more accessible. I know that a LOT of my fans prefer to use the overlay mosaic crochet technique.

So, this blanket is the full circle motif!

It is also handy for people who crochet with the interlocking technique and don’t want to join squares.

But, wait! There’s more!

If you’re familiar with my patterns, you know they always have the written instructions for interlocking crochet, a one-page chart, and then the written instructions for overlay mosaic crochet.

This pattern ALSO has a bonus file: the chart has X’s!!!

Natalie Caruso, a fellow designer, has generously offered to help me add X’s to my charts! I have a lot of patterns, so I’m not sure how long it will take me to update everything. I know you will all be patient while I work 😉

If you’ve already purchased the square you will get an automatic discount on your purchase of this blanket pattern (applies to Ravelry only). Or, you can add both of them to your cart right now to see the discount (buy the blanket and get the square free!).

Hobby Stencil Blanket on Ravelry
Hobby Stencil 40 on Ravelry
HObby Stencil Bundle on Ravelry

On Etsy, to help keep the fees down, I’ve bundled the Hobby Stencil square and blanket permanently.

Hobby Stencil Bundle on Etsy

ashleebrotzell

Mosaic Locked Double Crochet

This is a quick photo tutorial on locking in those stitches when you have long stretches of double crochets in a mosaic crochet pattern. Most of my patterns are not created with long stretches – but as I grow and create more things I have introduced a few small pieces where this could help.

To prevent the small flaps on the back of your work, consider locking-in your stitch.

Begin like a dropped double crochet: skip the next stitch, and work into the Front Loop of the stitch in the row below; yarn over, insert hook into front loop below (see first image below), pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, insert hook into back loop of skipped stitch (see second image below), yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.

~Yarn over, insert hook into front loop 2 rows down (then yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)~
~After completing first half of the double crochet (US), insert hook into back loop of stitch usually skipped, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.~

This extra step is optional but I like how the back stays smooth. You can lock in every other stitch if you prefer.

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

Hobby Stencil: Large Square, best for interlocking crochet

Update on July 6, 2021: I have created a one-piece blanket! https://ashleeslint.com/2021/07/06/hobby-stencil-blanket/

I did my first YouTube LIVE this morning! It was very fun and I feel a little bit famous now – you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/qaH8xu_s-L4

I did mention in that video that I was hoping to publish this pattern today – and here it is!

Skip the babble, I want the pattern

When I started designing I only created patterns for interlocking crochet. I was told that my charts would work for overlay mosaic crochet as well, so since it didn’t require me to change anything I added those instructions to all my patterns as well.

But, even though you CAN do both techniques for all my patterns, sometimes one technique just works better than the other.

For example, my Eiffel Tower pattern has horizontal stripes through the whole thing. This is very easy when doing the mosaic technique but it is a bit annoying when doing it in interlocking crochet.

My squares, of all sizes, do seem easier to do in interlocking because there are no tails to worry about. You can add an envelope border to your mosaic pieces but it is an extra step that I don’t really like doing because I want to move on to the next big thing. And, for this new pattern an envelope border might detract from the design a little.

This “Hobby Stencil” square was designed to be added to more squares to create a bigger design. It is small enough to work on in the summer heat (as opposed to a blanket which can get too warm).

You can also join it to other squares if you’re not concerned about breaking up the flow of the pattern.

Where To Get the Pattern

I sell my patterns on Etsy and Ravelry. Not all of them are on Etsy, but this one is!

You can get 10% off your cart with a minimum purchase of $10 CAD until June 30, 2021. Use code “HOBBY” (valid for Etsy and Ravelry).

View “Hobby Stencil” on Etsy
View “Hobby Stencil” on Ravelry
Buy “Hobby Stencil” Now on Ravelry
I haven’t joined these squares together yet but this is the way I am going to arrange them

June 24, 2021 Update: I just sent an email that included an announcement about this pattern: https://mailchi.mp/8202b396674b/youtube-live-and-new-pattern

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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Tropical Tree: Colorful Square in both techniques

I crocheted this palm tree square with a colorful background in both of my favorite techniques: interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet.

One of the things I love about interlocking crochet is that you get a fabulous image without using bobbins or tying and weaving in ends. I did a single crochet graphgan once (see it here), and although it is definitely beautiful to look at, the amount of work involved made it stressful at times.

The simplicity of a two-toned image without tangled yarn balls and 10 more hours of work after you’re “done” is one of the main benefits of my Locked Filet Mesh patterns (LFM = interlocking crochet).

But, I also love how colorful the mosaic patterns can be! Since you are cutting the yarn at the end and joining at the beginning of each row it is really easy to simply grab another color.

The biggest challenge is just to make sure the main color and accent color (or contrasting color) are not too similar. If the colors blend together too much you won’t see the image your yarn is trying to create.

All that being said, this pattern includes instructions on changing colors every few rows. It creates the beachy feel and I think it is worth the effort of weaving in tails (with interlocking crochet). The mosaic version can just use a nice envelope border like usual.

Tropical Tree on Ravelry

You can grab Tropical Tree on Ravelry. It is just a 20-window square and will join nicely with other 10-inch squares, like my flamingo! See my list of other patterns of this size here: www.ashleeslint.com/patterns#medium

As usual, the back looks striped when done with the overlay mosaic technique and has an almost reverse image when done using interlocking.

I don’t usually change colors with my interlocking patterns so I included a short explanation in the pattern.

I cut and tied off the first color and then joined my new color with a slip knot. More specifically, I put a slip knot on my hook, put it into the stitch I was just working with and pulled a loop up and through the slip knot to make its own slip stitch.

I kept my instagram feed up to date with my progress while crocheting 😉 check it out: instagram.com/ashleeslint

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