2022 February Cat & Chinese Year of the Tiger

February has finally arrived! January always feels like the longest month. I think it’s because of the snow but I don’t know if that theory holds throughout the world (I know Saskatchewan, Canada does not represent the rest of the world lol).

Summary of this blog entry (click to skip ahead):

Personal blurb

We are snuggled in tight with a big blizzard right now. I literally can’t see anything out the kitchen window and I can barely see the car parked just outside the living room window.

The blizzard has begun! We may be snowed in for a day or two.

I just baked some banana bread and I am about to start some goulash for supper (that the kids won’t eat anyway – supper is the worst time of every day). Of course, by the time I publish this entry supper will be long done, but that’s where I am currently.

Chinese Year of the Tiger

February 1st also starts the Chinese Year of the Tiger! Let’s celebrate with a 25% discount on “Brotzell Tiger King” until Feb 7, 2022.

Crocheted blanket depicting a tiger's face
https://ravel.me/brotzell-tiger-king

No code needed, valid on Etsy and Ravelry. Pattern includes written line-by-line instructions and charts (mosaic has X’s) for BOTH the interlocking crochet technique and the overlay mosaic crochet technique.

February Cat

I tried blocking my square. It didn’t really seem to make that much difference and it took a long time. Plus my colors started running – I suppose that’s a good thing to have happen now versus when it’s joined to other squares. I am not a fan of blocking still (does that make me unprofessional?)

This month’s square shows two cats sitting on a branch with their tails intertwined making a heart. I use a lot of hearts in this series – just a heads up! The monthly gnomes were themed each month but this series of cats is a bit more abstract.

The wrong side of the interlocking square looks like this (our black cat, Tiger, photobombed it). I used Premier Home Cotton in black for the Main Color and Rainbow Stripe for the Accent Color. See my project notes on Ravelry.

I have already added this square to the eBook – if you know you’re going to want all 12 cats then the eBook is the best deal for you. Each month I will add the new cat square and you will receive an email letting you know the eBook has been updated.

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

Click here for more details on the EBook

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

Crocheted by CarolinevdB
Crocheted by Maja Serec
Crocheted by Ashlee Brotzell
Crocheted by cyncitycrochets
Crocheted by Maja Serec
2022 February Cat – Interlocking and Mosaic Crochet Square

Interlocking Crochet Details

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

Overlay Mosaic Crochet Details

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

Chance to Win!

Come join me in the Facebook group, Two Redheads Crochet for your chance to win this eBook! I am doing a designer takeover for the month of February and there will be a few prizes!

Get the Pattern

The eBook represents about a 50% savings compared to buying each square individually (the eBook will have 12 squares and an all-in-one blanket by December).

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

ashleebrotzell

2022 January Cat; Interlocking and Overlay Mosaic Crochet Pattern

Happy New Year!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here for more details on the EBook

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

Get the Pattern

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

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

Interlocking Crochet Details

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

Overlay Mosaic Crochet Details

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

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

ashleebrotzell

Long Hauler: Interlocking and Mosaic Crochet Blanket Pattern

I originally created this pattern as a custom design for a friend. She made it for her husband who is a trucker (also called a Long Hauler). If you’re unfamiliar with that term, it means his job is to drive these great big trucks all across the country and deliver goods. We call it a semi truck, but I think it’s also called an 18-wheeler, a big rig, or a tractor trailer (there are probably a few more titles that all mean the same thing).

June 2022 UPDATE: I have updated both the interlocking file and the mosaic file. If you purchased this pattern on Etsy please email me with your order number and I will send you the update. Ravelry users already have the update.

My Top 10 Flash Sale has about 4 hours left! Take 20% my top ten bestsellers on Ravelry by using code “21TOPTEN” until 3:30 pm CST, Nov. 13, 2021. Get more details here.

When I shared her picture to my Facebook Group, Ashlee Brotzell Designs, there were a lot of people interested in the pattern!

Custom piece crocheted by “Anonymous Squirrel”

My dad was a trucker for a few years, and my brother-in-law has done it for a few years as well. Based on the responses I received, it seems like everyone knows someone who has been a long-hauler or is still doing it even now!

If you’d like a customized piece, with a name or date like this image above, please email me: ashleebrotzelldesigns@gmail.com and we can go over some details. I will not be refunding your purchase of the non-customized pattern if you choose to add customization.

The non-customized blanket is slightly shorter than this image above crocheted by Anonymous Squirrel because I removed the extra rows above the truck. There is no name and no date in this version.

I have removed the interlocking mesh dots from the mosaic version of the pattern.

Interlocking mesh dots removed from the mosaic version. Also note the blank space above the truck.

Your purchase includes the written instructions and chart for the interlocking crochet technique and the written instructions and X-marked chart for the overlay mosaic technique.

Get the Pattern

*Customization is available – contact me before purchasing this pattern!

New release sale: 20% off for the first 2 days! Use code “21LONG” until November 15, 2021.

“Long Hauler” on Ravelry
“Long Hauler” on Etsy

Interlocking Crochet Details

  • Chart is 261 x 261
  • Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”
  • 51” x 52” / 130cm x 131cm
  • 4.5 mm hook (US7)
  • Worsted weight yarn (3000 – 3150 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) – 1500 yards plus 150 for optional border
    • Accent color (AC) – 1500 yards

Overlay Mosaic Crochet Details

  • Chart is 201 x 203
  • Gauge: 14 sc blo stitches x 15 rows = 4”
  • 54” x 58” / 136cm x 147cm
  • 5 mm hook (H-8)
  • Worsted weight yarn (3975 – 4575 yards total)
    • Main color (MC) – 2025 yards of Black
    • Contrasting color (CC) – 1950 yards of White
    • Plus, optional envelope border – 600 yards

I’ve removed the mesh dots from the mosaic version and because of all the dropped double crochets next to each other I use a larger hook for the mosaic.

The mosaic version has been updated to remove the unnecessary double border lines; however, this image still shows them.

Jackie Lindsey has finished her blanket: great job!

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

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

ashleebrotzell1 Comment

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

ashleebrotzellLeave a comment

Into the Ocean (Waves) Throw Blanket Crochet Pattern

Earlier I mentioned I was working on a pattern that was taking too long. Well, I finished it!

“Into the Ocean” is a swirling wave surrounded by a border of waves.

You can grab it on Ravelry for 30% off until 11:59 pm, February 20, 2021.

Or you can use Etsy. It is also 30% off there until 11:59 pm, February 20, 2021.

You may have seen a conversation in my Facebook group about the fees I have been paying on Etsy. I haven’t decided what my next step is but I will likely be changing how I offer patterns on Etsy. I don’t want to get rid of it altogether, but something does need to change.

Don’t forget to show off your creations! Find all my various social links here: linktr.ee/LFMandMosaic

Mockup of "Into the Ocean" blanket. Blue on blue swirling waves

ashleebrotzellLeave a comment

A Year of Gnomes

A few weeks ago, you may remember, I published a pattern called, “Gnomesflake” on Ravelry and Etsy.

If you already bought that pattern on Ravelry, or if you buy it now with my new eBook (“A Year of Gnomes”) you will see an exciting discounted price in your cart until February 17, 2021 11:59 pm!

Gnomes seem to be very popular right now. And, yes, I agree, they are cute! I like it when they can’t see past their giant hats.

My earlier, “Gnomesflake” pattern

When I was drawing that pattern (Gnomesflake) I played around with a few different gnome designs. I thought it would be pretty cute to do a monthly gnome. Does it count as an impromptu, year-long CAL (Crochet-A-Long) then?

I also really like these oversized afghan squares (chart 81 x 81). I feel like it’s a manageable size (instead of a big, overwhelming blanket). And I like that it makes it easy to use lots of colors in one blanket.

I definitely prefer to use the interlocking technique when making these squares. It is quicker for me and there are no tails to worry about.

I do like the way the envelope border looks around a mosaic project. And you can easily join two bordered squares. But it seems like a lot of extra work, in my opinion.

These squares also work well as pillows, and if I was to use the overlay mosaic crochet technique for a pillow I would just tuck the tails inside. No border, no weaving in ends.

I was a little slow in getting January’s Gnome published. I’ve just published both January and February tonight. I will publish a new gnome each month this year.

The eBook on Ravelry will be updated each month. Etsy doesn’t have a system for updating listings so I will have to email you each month’s new pattern as it comes out.

I have a few promotions on Ravelry for these new squares:

*buy January Gnome, get February Gnome free (you must add both to your cart)

*buy the ebook, “A Year of Gnomes” and the earlier pattern, “Gnomesflake” and get a discounted price (past purchases count! If you already bought Gnomesflake just add the new eBook to your cart and you should see a discount!)

Both of these promotions end February 17, 2021 11:59 pm.

If you’re an Etsy-only shopper, these are 30% off until February 17, 2021 11:59 pm:

January Gnome
February Gnome
The eBook: “A Year of Gnomes”. So far, only 2 gnomes are available.

Master List of Gnomes Patterns

ashleebrotzellLeave a comment

SWAK Blanket Pattern

I am not a fan of made up holidays… or deadlines. I fully intended on publishing this bundle of patterns by January 14 so that you would have a month before February 14 to get it done. It is already January 19, so I am behind schedule. Sorry, my bad.

The silly thing is that these patterns have been in my drafts list for a few months already! I just let too many other fun and exciting things get in the way of finishing the written instructions.

Plus, I don’t always have a crocheted picture to go with my patterns, and if I hadn’t insisted on crocheting this first then it definitely would have been published “on time”.

My little SWAK (Sealed With A Kiss) Blanket is only two panels by two panels. Each panel is a “40-window” square which works out to about 20″ when done with Worsted Weight yarn. You might want yours to be bigger if you use a lighter yarn or plan on doing some snuggling under it. Just make more panels!

P.S. thank you to my friend Kimberly Windsor-Johnson for helping me name it!

You can get the blanket instructions, including the patterns for the three different squares used, here on Ravelry or here on Etsy.

Continue reading “SWAK Blanket Pattern” →

ashleebrotzellLeave a comment

Hearts Shawl: Valentine’s Day 2021 Promotion

From now until February 14, 2021, you can get my Many Hearts Shawl pattern for $1 CAD! It is written up for interlocking crochet and mosaic crochet and also includes a chart. Plus, there are instructions for adding pockets.

But, wait! There’s more!

At the end of February, I will get my Facebook group to vote for their favorite project photo and the winner will receive a FREE pattern of their choice! Your project (a shawl with the “many hearts” design) doesn’t necessarily have to be completed to enter and you can use whichever crochet technique you prefer (interlocking or mosaic).

You may have already purchased the pattern (it is also available in the Hearts, Hearts, Hearts eBook) or perhaps you’re clever enough to extrapolate from my Tutorial Heart pattern (it’s ok if you need the pattern!).

Check out my tutorials, pick some great contrasting yarn, and let’s get hooking!

Interlocking Tutorial

Mosaic Tutorial

(Please note, I have another tutorial on the mosaic stitches that uses “sc/dc” like my current patterns are written. This old video does show the actual hearts pattern though.)

Fine print: you can send me your project photos through email if you are not part of my Facebook group and I can post them for you to be voted on. Or you can add them to my Ravelry group with the same set of permissions (that I download the image and allow my Facebook group to vote).

Voting will begin February 28 and close on March 1, 2021. The photo with the highest number of votes will win a free pattern of their choice (to be gifted on Ravelry or emailed directly).

ashleebrotzellLeave a comment