October Mystery Pattern

There’s one week left in October. I don’t have a new pattern ready for this month. I haven’t published a new pattern since October 11, when I published all 6 patterns in the eBook More in the Ocean. It feels really weird to have so many days go by between publishing.

Since I started designing patterns 570 days ago, I have published 249 designs to Ravelry which averages to 1 new pattern every 2.3 days. I don’t know if Ravelry includes eBooks in that number (I have 15 eBooks listed). I only have 109 active listings on Etsy – I’ve bundled things when possible to keep fees down and some of the small squares just aren’t available on that platform yet. I’ll keep working on that.

Each pattern includes written line-by-line instructions for both techniques (interlocking and overlay mosaic) and a chart for each technique as well. The mosaic charts have X’s (there are still a few patterns that I haven’t updated yet; I’ll keep working on that too).

I haven’t had to rely on games or gimmicks to keep engagement up in my Facebook group or on my Instagram feed because I just have new content to share all the time. I am learning as I go and I am trying to be a full-time marketer as well as pattern designer as well as website creator as well as pattern support as well as teacher for newbies as well as…. you get the point.

So, when I realized I would have a big gap between new patterns I decided to create a game for my Facebook group! There’s still time for you to join!

I created a quick mystery pattern and posted it in my Facebook group for free. Thank you to the 100+ comments that have kept it bumped up for everyone to see! Tonight I will create a new post asking to see everyone’s creations. It is a very small piece and doesn’t take long to work up. One self-proclaimed “slow-crocheter” said it only took her 2.5 hours. I think it took me about 45 minutes – but I also had the benefit of knowing what I was making.

This mystery pattern is ONLY mosaic crochet this time. I was hoping it would encourage some of you to try something new and it is the more popular technique in the group. Plus, I really liked the solid look for this pattern so I didn’t want the interlocking mesh dots over the whole piece. Maybe next time I will get the group to learn solid interlocking sections!

If you share your photo in the thread that I haven’t created yet (wait about 12 hours for it to be October 24 here) then you will be entered to win a free pattern of your choice!

I hope you enjoy these little games while you wait for the next pattern. I have a few really awesome ones on the way!

Get the free mystery pattern

ashleebrotzell

More in the Ocean eBook

A few weeks ago I published an eBook called Baby Ocean & Others to Ravelry and Etsy. I really enjoyed drawing those ocean-themed baby blanket patterns. In fact, I couldn’t stop at just six so I’ve created another eBook called More in the Ocean!

This new eBook contains 6 more ocean-themed designs. I am calling it More in the Ocean! It is available on Ravelry and Etsy. You can easily mix and match the patterns from both eBooks because they are all the same chart size 121 x 121). I think these new patterns have a more grown-up feel than the previous eBook. Which one is your favorite?

I am very thankful to my group of testers for this bundle: Angela Kermack, cyncitycrochets, & Nessa Miller!

To refresh your memory, the Baby Ocean & Others eBook can be found on Ravelry and Etsy and it contains these patterns: Baby Ocean, Baby Dolphin, Baby Crab, Baby Sea Turtle, Baby Whale, Baby Fish.

Each pattern is listed individually on Ravelry and Esty as well as being contained in the eBook on both platforms. You can also search by “category: baby” on Etsy and you will see these in my Ravelry bundle: Baby Blankets.

More In The Ocean eBook

This full eBook is available on Etsy or Ravelry now. The individual patterns contained within are published separately as well. In the next few days you will see a new blog post to go along with each of the individual patterns.

More in the Ocean eBook contains these six patterns:

“more in the Ocean” on Ravelry
“More in the Ocean” on Etsy

The eBook is a 30% savings compared to buying each pattern individually.

Each pattern is also listed individually on Etsy and Ravelry!

Ravelry

Etsy

ashleebrotzell

FATW6: Mosaic Sunglasses Strip

Introduction

This is an overlay mosaic crochet strip that is part of 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 pattern) can be found below and also as a download on Ravelry. You can also follow along with the video walk-thru on YouTube (scroll down for more details)! I’d love for you to join my Facebook group as well and show us how you used this Sunglasses design: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AshleeBrotzellDesigns

If you share your photos on Instagram I’d love for you to tag me @AshleesLint

Ravelry Download

Quick Bio

I have loved making so many new friends online through this past year as a new designer. One of the funny things about making friends online is how we get to choose what parts of ourselves we reveal. We usually go over the big general things first, like:

  • I’m Canadian, born and raised in Saskatchewan and have lived here for basically all of my life (minus 3 years)
  • I’m a stay-at-home mom to three amazing kids: Alice (7 as of yesterday!), Remington (4.5), and Melody (2 as of last week!)
  • My husband is a Mechanical Engineer which means he does a bunch of math and office work and problem-solving
  • I have a psychology degree (nearly a double major in sociology) and I dropped out of law school
  • I’ve been designing patterns for over a year now and I think it’s my forever-job!

If you met me in person, you might be surprised to see how boring I am:

  • I wear my hair in a ponytail/messy bun everyday
  • I don’t wear makeup (but I did buy some basics for fancy photos and YouTube videos)
  • I own one pair of heels and I don’t think I’ve worn them in the last 5 years
  • I have one pair of black canvas shoes that I wear everywhere (unless I take the kids to the spray park, and then I wear my water shoes)
  • I prefer to be barefoot – even in the winter I don’t often wear socks
  • I usually wear a pair of black yoga pants and a tank top; if it’s cold I put on my favorite cardigan
  • I have at least 6 sweaters that I never wear
  • I have peanut butter and honey on bread for breakfast every morning
  • I only drink water 90% of the time; sometimes I will have an iced cappuccino if we have a long car ride
  • I am a creature of routine and habit and definitely would not call myself adventurous
  • I am pretty bad at idle chit-chat
  • I would never wear sunglasses like the ones in this design

The Sunglasses

This is my second pattern in this group Crochet-A-Long. I had the privilege of being the first pattern in the Ocean-themed blanket with my Coral strip and now I get to finish things off with some cool sunglasses!

When I was invited to join this CAL I started thinking about how I now have friends around the world and yet, I am lonely. Between being a stay-at-home mom to little kids and moving to a new city when nearly everything is closed, I feel very isolated. It is also the middle of winter here in Saskatchewan, Canada (well, it was when I designed these – it is now the middle of summer; we are in a big heat wave!). I would love to meet up with my new friends and what better place to meet than a beach!? Hot sun, a bright beach ball, some cool sunglasses; let’s all go to my happy place, please!

I created my sample in bright colors but the great thing about your project is that you can use whichever colors you prefer! You can do one dark color and one light color or you can use a rainbow of colors as your contrasting color like I did. You can use any yarn medium (4) weight yarn.

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.

YouTube

I created a YouTube video to go with this pattern! You can see each stitch being done and crochet with me! I also have tutorials on the overlay mosaic crochet technique and my other favorite technique, interlocking crochet! www.YouTube.com/c/AshleeBrotzellDesigns

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 of Main Color (MC)
    • 18 g Purple
  • 12 g of Contrasting Color (CC)
    • 5 g Tomato (CC1)
    • 4 g Robin’s Egg Blue (CC2)
    • 3 g Ray Yellow (CC3)
  • Gauge: 16 stitches x 16 rows = 4”

Key (US terminology)

MC = Main Color: black in chart

CC = Contrasting Color: white 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 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)
  • Unlike my other patterns, there are no foundation row instructions, join to your previous work
  • For this pattern only: odd-numbered rows use MC (Dark purple), even-numbered rows use CC (a series of red, blue, and yellow)

Join to and continue from the previous FATW6 section.

Alternatively, if you need to create a foundation row and are starting a new project please see my video here or see how we did the foundation rows in the Mosaic Coral Strip.

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

1 MC (purple) – JS, *sc48*, sc1, ES

2 CC1 (red) – JS, *sc48*, sc1, ES

3 MC– JS, *sc7, dc1, sc11, dc1, sc9, dc1, sc11, dc1, sc6*, sc1, ES

4 CC1 – JS, *sc8, dc1, sc9, dc1, sc11, dc1, sc9, dc1, sc7*, sc1, ES

5 MC– JS, *sc5, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x2, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc5, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x4, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc4*, sc1, ES

6 CC1 – JS, *sc6, dc1, sc9, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc7, dc1, sc13, dc1, sc5*, sc1, ES

7 MC – JS, *sc3, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x2, (dc1, sc3) x3, dc1, sc1, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x6, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc2*, sc1, ES

8 CC2 (blue) – JS, *sc4, dc1, sc9, (dc1, sc3) x3, dc1, sc17, dc1, sc3*, sc1, ES

9 MC – JS, *sc3, (dc1, sc1) x5, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc5, (dc1, sc1) x9, dc1, sc2*, sc1, ES

10 CC2 – JS, *sc4, dc1, sc11, (dc1, sc3) x2, dc1, sc13, dc1, sc5, dc1, sc3*, sc1, ES

11 MC – JS, *sc3, (dc1, sc1) x16, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x3, dc1, sc2*, sc1, ES

12 CC2 – JS, *sc4, dc1, sc31, (dc1, sc3) x3*, sc1, ES

13 MC – JS, *sc3, (dc1, sc1) x15, (dc1, sc3) x2, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc2*, sc1, ES

14 CC3 (yellow) – JS, *sc4, dc1, sc29, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc5, dc1, sc3*, sc1, ES

15 MC – JS, *sc3, (dc1, sc1) x14, (dc1, sc3) x2, (dc1, sc1) x3, dc1, sc2*, sc1, ES

16 CC3 – JS, *sc4, dc1, sc31, dc1, sc7, dc1, sc3*, sc1, ES

17 MC – JS, *sc3, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x13, dc1, sc3, (dc1, sc1) x2, dc1, sc3, dc1, sc2*, sc1, ES

18 CC3 – JS, *sc6, dc1, sc35, dc1, sc5*, sc1, ES

19 MC – JS, *sc5, dc1, sc37, dc1, sc4*, sc1, ES

Trim the fringe, if needed.

If you’re mixing and matching things you may move on to a different section, but if you’re following the FATW6 CAL in order then you’ll need to go back to the host and get instructions on finishing it off! Congratulations, you’re done!

Sunglasses Pattern on Ravelry
My Tutorial on an optional envelope border

© 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

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Summer Direction CAL Spoiler

Hopefully you’ve heard that my Summer Direction CAL (Crochet-A-Long) is starting on Friday, August 20, 2021 – that’s only 2 days away! Yay!

But, I’ve been asked a few times about yardage and I totally get wanting to gather yarn and prepare so I’m copying and pasting my yardage charts here. Two days isn’t that long to wait… but I’m a people pleaser! So, let’s please some people!

This CAL is written for both of my favorite techniques: interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet. It is designed so that you can choose how wide you want to make your piece. The YouTube walk-thrus will show me doing the single-width base. If you have lots of yarn and lots of time you can make it bigger!

Side note: when crocheting, I often don’t meet my own gauge. Blankets and scarves are very forgiving. For my mosaic sample I used a tighter tension than normal (my hands were more tense on the video compared to when I’m relaxing in a comfy chair and crocheting) and I actually got 20 stitches x 18 rows in a 4″ space. My yarn was a bit thinner than the yarn I used for my official gauge swatch as well.

Oops – bit of a size difference between my two samples. I am better at meeting gauge with my interlocking sample. The mosaic is a bit shorter and narrower (some of that gets corrected with the envelope border).

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).

Interlocking Crochet

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”

To figure out how many stitches you begin with:

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

Overlay Mosaic Crochet

Important Details

  • US crochet terminology
  • Full blanket chart 169 x 165
  • Single width chart 25 x 165, repeat width 18
  • Full blanket measurements approximately 42” x 41” (not including fringe or envelope border)
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (Blanket: 2280-2780 yards)
    • Main color – 1140 yards
    • Contrasting color – 1140 yards
    • Plus optional envelope border – 500 yards
  • Gauge: 16 stitches x 16 rows = 4”

To figure out how many stitches you begin with:

I’ve listed 3 width options for an example; you can choose any number of repeats!

Mosaic FoundationSingle widthFour repeatsNine repeats
Finished Size not including fringe/envelope border (41” height includes all the sections of the original designs)6.5” x 41”20” x 41”42” x 41”
Chainless SC Foundation Repeats of 18 + 9(1 x 18) + 9 = (18) + 9 = 27(4 x 18) + 9 = (72) + 9 = 81(9 x 18) + 9 = (162) + 9 = 171
Or, chain and SC back Add 1 to the final number above27 + 1 = 2881 + 1 = 82171 + 1 = 172

When determining yardage, I design for two colors: Main Color and Contrasting Color. You could do a gauge swatch to get a more accurate representation of your yarn and personal gauge but if you’d like to use my estimates keep in mind I use a 4.5 mm hook and a thicker worsted weight yarn (4 – medium).

Mosaic YardageSingle widthFour repeatsNine repeats
Yardage Per color = base + repeats60 + (120) = 18060 + (120 x 4) = 54060 + (120 x 9) = 1140
Plus optional envelope border = base + repeats275 + (25) = 300275 + (25 x 4) = 375275 + (25 x 9) = 500
Total Yardage = first line x 2 (for MC and AC), plus optional border180 x 2 = 360 + 300 = 660540 x 2 = 1080 + 375 = 14551140 x 2 = 2280 + 500 = 2780
My full-width blanket, in progress. Amethyst is my Main Color, Retro Stripes is my Contrasting Color. Both of these are Red Heart yarns, medium 4 weight, but the retro stripes is definitely thinner. They are still working well together though!

ashleebrotzell

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.

August 8: Wave 2 by Svetlana Rogatykh

Svetlana contributed so many designs to this CAL that you could actually create a full blanket with just her designs! You can get all of them in one file now.

August 12: My Anchors by Lana Ignjatovic of Loving Stitches Designs

In this CAL so far we have seen some repeated designers, but here’s a new one! This designer isn’t new to designing though; if you participated in the FATW5 CAL you may recognize her name. You can grab this anchor strip right from the official CAL blog linked above.

August 16: Dragorad’s Regatta designed by Lana Ignjatovic of Loving Stitches Designs

Another design from Lana here! It is hosted on the CAL blog so all you need to do is scroll to the end of their blog post and find the link to her pattern!

August 18, 2021: Sunglasses by Ashlee Brotzell

I have the privilege of being the final piece in this ocean-themed blanket! You can view the pattern on my blog or grab the free Ravelry download. And there’s a full walk-thru on YouTube!

Ravelry download
YouTube Walk-Thru

After you finish crocheting these cool sunglasses, head back to the host blog and find instructions on finishing!

Back to the Host Blog

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!

© 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

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