Fleur De Lis Wall Hanging

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

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

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

Wall Hanging

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

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

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

Fringe

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

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

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

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

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

Drop the ends inside the loop and pull tight.

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

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

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

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

Important Details

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

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

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

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

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

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Monstera Leaf Throw Blanket

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

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

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

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

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

Monstera Leaf, crocheted by Altona Newcombe using the Mosaic technique

Promotion Code!

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

“Monstera Leaf” on Ravelry

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

My Etsy Shop
“Monstera Leaf” on Etsy

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

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Chained Ponds Blanket and Pillow Set

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

“Chained Ponds” blanket crocheted by danabouch

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

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

Buy the bundle on Ravelry now

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

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

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

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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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Anniversary Celebration!

As I mentioned yesterday, I want to celebrate achieving one year of designing interlocking and overlay mosaic crochet patterns!

I couldn’t do this without YOU!

I know that marketing is one thing I need to learn more about, but for now I am just going to give everything away. 🤣

{ Check out the sale details here: https://ashleeslint.com/2021/04/04/designaversary-celebration-sale/ }

~*~*~*~

To celebrate ONE YEAR of pattern making: ONE person will win a ONE YEAR all-access pass to my patterns! That’s right, this prize includes all of the patterns that are currently published and all of the patterns that don’t exist yet but will be published this year! Estimated value $1500.00 CAD.

Grandprize winner: all-access pass for one year!

~*~*~*~

To celebrate TWELVE MONTHS of creating crochet patterns: TWELVE people will win TWELVE patterns of their choice (this offer will also be valid on all currently published patterns and anything that gets published in the next year)! Estimated prize amount $120.00 CAD.

12 winners of a 12-use coupon code

~*~*~*~

I have created a Rafflecopter giveaway page. I did not pay the $84 to upgrade for cool features like “viral sharing” and adding photos there. Maybe next year I will feel famous enough for that!

Enter the Contest Here!

Contest begins on April 1, 2021 at 12:00 AM CST and ends on April 8, 2021 at 12:00 AM CST. Winners will be posted on Instagram on April 13, 2021 – this gives me time to contact each winner and confirm!

Contest is now over. The link above should take you to a winner’s list now!

From RAFFLECOPTER: We have tested your giveaway, and it displays and works just fine. I have attached screenshots for you. Can you please tell us –

What kind of device are you using?

What operating system including version?

What browser including version?

Again, you can see that it is working just fine. You may have a setting on the device, within virus protection software, or within the browser preventing your device from displaying it correctly

I will also be putting my Etsy and Ravelry stores on sale at some point this month! And, I have at least 2 new patterns to publish, so, stay in touch!

P.s. I will be checking that entries were done properly as well, so make sure you’re following the instructions!

Continue reading “Anniversary Celebration!” →

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My one-year designer anniversary!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Chained Ponds – A New Pattern and A Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Peaceful Bird Placemat

This pattern has been a long time coming. I like birds as decoration (not real birds, though!) and I started drawing this pattern months ago. If you’d rather not ready my babble you can get to the Ravelry listing here.

I kept changing it because I wasn’t happy with the way it looked. I finally decided I was happy with it and then started crocheting it.

But I, of course, was using yarn from my stash and ran out. I knew I didn’t have enough yarn, but I thought if I put the envelope border on just the ends instead of all the way around it would work out. It didn’t. That put the project on hold for a few weeks.

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Then I remembered that there are people who are willing to be pattern testers and they can crochet this instead! So, I contacted two people from my list.

Crocheted by Divya Tellakula using the interlocking crochet technique

But, then, the magic of moving meant I found a bag of yarn I didn’t know I had! And in there I found 5 or 6 more skeins of this ancient, vintage yarn!

There’s actually still more in the bag but it is a bit of a tangled mess right now.

But, we were about to be moving AGAIN so I didn’t have time to take any pictures. Plus, this pattern looks small but there are a lot of stitches and I needed to give my testers time to finish.

But, last night I decided it has waited long enough! This birdie needs to be released! Of course, the final challenge has been to use my old computer. I finally bought a new one (hubby has been suggesting that since I started designing) and now it is taking awhile to get things set up and useable.

My mosaic crochet placemat. Might never get a match lol

I am publishing it on Ravelry only. Past experience has not shown Etsy to be very fruitful for the smaller patterns. That being said, if you are an Etsy-only user and want this pattern, please contact me and I will make it happen!

You’ll get 30% off until March 19, 2021, no code needed!

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Lucky Stars: Crochet Pattern Bundle

I hope these stars will be lucky for you!

I drew this pattern last year and had it almost ready for publishing at the beginning of January. Then I ran into some snags regarding the brackets.

So, I found some testers and we ironed out the issues together. And it is finally ready for everyone!

The Lucky Stars Set has a blanket and a square pattern. The square was repeated 9 times for the blanket, but then the edges were covered over with a border design so the repeats don’t work out exactly.

The Lucky Stars Throw Blanket

The square makes a baby blanket on its own. I know people like this size because it’s more manageable. You can create a few and join them together if you want manageable pieces but a large blanket.

Or, if you prefer to just do it all at once, jump straight into the blanket. It is about 63″ wide and tall.

Crocheted by Kimberly Knapp Woltz, mosaic technique. Spread on her king size bed.

Both patterns are written up for interlocking and overlay mosaic crochet, of course. See my tutorials if you’re new to these techniques: youtube.com/c/AshleeBrotzellDesigns

I crocheted the square to show off both techniques.

Lucky Stars Square in Interlocking and Mosaic Crochet

I used Lion Brand Mandala and some baby weight white. The pattern says worsted weight and a 4.5 mm hook. This yarn is a light worsted so I used a 3.75 mm hook.

The colorway is called “Gnome” and I let it flow from orange to blue when I was doing the interlocking technique. I used white as the Accent Color (AC).

I used white as the Main Color (MC) for my mosaic squate. I grabbed a second skein so I could make the color gradient go back to pink after purple.

The “wrong side” of the Lucky Stars Square

The “wrong side” of the interlocking square is a reverse of the front. The mosaic square is striped on the back with a faint impression of the design.

I happened to be working on these squares when I answered a question about the differences between the two techniques. So, you can see these squares in a quick video comparing thickness here.

If you are ready to grab your copy of the pattern you can get the set (with the blanket pattern and the square pattern) on Etsy or Ravelry. They are listed separately on Ravelry as well; get the Lucky Stars Throw blanket pattern or the Lucky Stars Square pattern.

Blanket and Square Set on Etsy
Blanket and Square Set on Ravelry
Blanket on Ravelry
Square on Ravelry

These patterns are all 30% off until March 9, 2021 to celebrate their release! No codes needed.

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March Gnome

Gnomes are totally in right now! I was overwhelmed with the responses to my ebook, “A Year of Gnomes”.

You can grab the ebook on Etsy or Ravelry; you also have the option of buying the individual monthly gnomes. March Gnome is the newest addition.

March Gnome: Interlocking and mosaic crochet patterns

March Gnome is another oversized afghan square (20″ or 40-window foundation when using the interlocking crochet technique). I have quite a few squares of this size that you can mix-and-match to create your own blanket!

I have already emailed this pattern to everyone who purchased the ebook on Etsy. And if you bought it on Ravelry you will see an “update available”.

I have always liked the celebrations on March 17 (in school we would celebrate St. Patrick’s day).

  • It is exactly 6 months away from my birthday.
  • Everything is green (and usually emerald green, which is my favorite).
  • Plus, you get to color pictures of magical rainbows and pots of gold.
  • Oh, and McDonald’s comes out with a shamrock shake ☘ which is minty delicious!
  • Sometimes the weather gives you a reprieve from winter with a spring-like sneak peak lol
  • And, as an adult, I also get to celebrate my son’s birthday!

This will be his 4th birthday so I am going to put all my patterns on sale in honor of him! Get 40% off anything in my Etsy shop or Ravelry store until March 4th!

Happy birthday, Remington! 🥰

By the way, our Master List of Gnomes is here:

  • Gnomesflake (winter blanket)
  • A Year of Gnomes (eBook of monthly squares)
  • January Gnome
  • February Gnome
  • March Gnome
  • April Gnome
  • May Gnome
  • June Gnome
  • July Gnome (not yet released)
    • Etsy
    • Ravelry
  • August Gnome (not yet released)
    • Etsy
    • Ravelry
  • September Gnome (not yet released)
    • Etsy
    • Ravelry
  • October Gnome (not yet released)
    • Etsy
    • Ravelry
  • November Gnome (not yet released)
    • Etsy
    • Ravelry
  • December Gnome (not yet released)
    • Etsy
    • Ravelry

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