Ever since I decided to re-learn to crochet (Granny taught me when I was little, but I hadn’t done any for years and had to re-learn as an adult) I’ve been a huge fan of Lucy and her Attic24 blog. It’s always just bright and colourful, full of gorgeous inspiration and amazing patterns. So I was super excited when I found out that she would be starting a blanket CAL in 2017 – what a great way to start a new year!
attic24.typepad.com
I love the gorgeous moorland that provided the inspiration for this blanket – have a look at the Moorland Blanket CAL::Introduction for more of Lucy’s amazing moorland photos!
Now, even though I’ve known about this CAL for a while and knew that I wanted to be part of it, I’m a bit scatty and only remembered to order my yarn pack on Wednesday! I so wanted to be ready to join in right from the very beginning, but thought I might have to wait a day or two and catch up during the week. Thankfully it arrived Friday morning – hurrah!
The bag that the yarn was posted in is great for containing everything when I take my crochet out (it happens more than you might think… I often turn up at friends’ houses with a bag of yarn and a pair of slippers). But I also wanted to just admire all the colours and have them on display somewhere – and my hamper basket is the perfect place! 15 balls of Stylecraft Special DK deliciousness all packed into one lovely basket. Yum!
Lucy’s advice was to label a small length of each colour – it’s easy to forget the names of them all once the band has been removed. I’ve done this a few times before when I’ve been using a lot of different colours all at once. It’s easy to keep in my project notebook as it doesn’t take up much space and is a really useful reference point.
Another thing Lucy recommended is making up a tension square before starting. I don’t normally bother with these (I’m usually too impatient to get started on a project!) but since she insisted I thought I’d better! It was actually really useful because I realised that I was getting gaps at the beginning of some rows, so I was able to adjust my stitches to make the edges neater.
Friday night progress
Despite lots of really careful counting, I managed to be one stitch short on the foundation row – so annoying! But I was too lazy to start all over again, so fudged it by working two dcs into the last foundation stitch 😉 And it actually doesn’t really show, so I’m glad I didn’t bother taking everything apart!
I already love how it’s looking and the simple, easy to remember pattern is great – it doesn’t need huge amounts of concentration so I can enjoy films/audiobooks/conversations as I merrily hook away!
Saturday Progress
If you’re taking part in the Moorland Blanket CAL put a link to your blog/instagram/facebook so I can see how your blankets are looking!
May I ask what you use for making your yarn sheets. Is it card?
Yes, fairly thin card (but thick enough not to fall apart!) with holes punched down the side for yarn samples 🙂
Thank you so much
You’re welcome 🙂
Although I haven’t started the CAL yet, your tips are going to get me started this afternoon. I do love the yarn! Glad to find you.
Hi Linda, glad I could help! Are you on Facebook or Instagram? I’d love to see your blanket!