If you are a blanket person, then I have something exciting for you. A new crochet-a-long is here!
Introduction
Kamala Blanket was inspired by a single square designed several years ago. I have made a few pillowcases using this pattern, but the textured flower design was too beautiful not to turn it into a blanket. The flower with fragile petals reminded me of a Kamala flower, and this is where the blanket’s name comes from.
Being a simple construction of squares and border, the Kamala Blanket offers lots of interest regarding stitching and texture. And no doubt you will not be bored making it.
The blanket is big! It measures approx. 130 cm x 160 cm/ 51¼ in x 63 in, after blocking.
Where to get the pattern
Kamala Blanket consists of two patterns: A Different Granny Square and Kamala Border. You can grab a complete e-book with everything you need to make a blanket via our website HERE.
However, you can also purchase both patterns separately on Ravelry and Etsy (discover the links below).
Of course, as a stand-alone pattern, Kamala Border can be used for any other project of your choice. You will just need to adjust the stitch counts to start the border (everything explained in instructions).
A Different Granny Square: Ravelry, Etsy
If you previously purchased A Different Granny Square, you should have received an updated version which was added to your library. And if you have the pattern from Etsy, please check an introduction file for how to put a blanket together, as there you will see yarn amounts and placement of the colors for every round of the square.
Materials and yarn amounts
The Kamala Blanket comes in three colorways: Stained Glass, Sand and Blossom.
All three use Softfun yarn by Scheepjes which has been one of our absolute favourite. It is a cotton and acrylic blend, very soft. It also has just the right thickness for a medium size hook, which makes the crochet relatively fast and enjoyable.
Not to mention, the Softfun yarn does not split at all and is easy to care for. I have made several cushions with this yarn, and after years of hard-wear and washing they still are the perfect shape and look.
As for the previous CAL’s, this time we have also collaborated with Laura Jackson (aka @taemombo), who created her own colorway for the blanket and made one of the samples.
And Esther Schippers, who helped with testing, thought of a Blossom colorway for her blanket.
You can either choose one of our ready colorways, or you can pick your own colors to match your taste the best. Luckily, Softfun yarn comes in 90+ gorgeous colors, and you can also combine regular solid shades with Denim and Aquarel lines.
If you are in the USA or Canada, you can purchase a ready yarn kit from Laura’s shop HERE. You can also have a look at other colors and get yarn in your nearest Scheepjes shop or via online retailers: Wool Warehouse (UK, international shipping), Caro’s Atelier* (NL and Europe).
What is CAL (crochet-a-long) and how to join
As with the previous large projects, we have decided to host a Kamala Blanket as a CAL.
Crochet-a-long means that crafters from different parts of the world are making the same project at the same time. Usually, the CALs are hosted on a weekly basis, with new portions of instructions released every week.
However, with the Kamala Blanket we have decided to host a relaxed CAL allowing everyone to work at their own path. After purchasing the patterns, you will right away have all the instructions you need. You can begin at any time, and you can make as much progress every week as you wish.
The CAL means that we will have a space in our Facebook group, where you can share your pictures, give advice, and ask for help.
If you are not in a group yet, please join it, and do not forget to answer the simple question upon signing up. The approving process is automated, and without answering the question you will not be let in.
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We officially begin on May 24th, 2024 to allow enough time for getting all materials. But you can start right away, of course!
Hope you will join us on this journey.
Copyright. An original LillaBjörnCrochet Design (Tatsiana Kupryianchyk). Copyright 2014-2023. All rights reserved. This pattern is for personal use only. It cannot be sold, redistributed or edited in any way. Translations and video tutorials are not allowed. You can sell your finished products, but you cannot use my pictures to promote them. Please, always note me as a designer of this pattern. Thank you!
Sample made by Esther Schippers.
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Materials
Scheepjes Stone Washed, and Scheepjes River Washed (78% Cotton x 22% Acrylic; 50g/130m)
Yarn A: Stone Washed 801 Moonstone x 21 balls
Yarn B: River Washed 957 Eisack x 10 balls, and Stone Washed 810 Garnet x 11 balls
Check all shades of Stone Washed yarn at your local Scheepejs shop, or make a purchase via online retailers: Wool Warehouse* (UK, international shipping), Caro’s Atelier* (NL), Taemombo* (US and Canada).
3.5mm hook
Yarn needle to weave in tails.
Gauge:
Octagon motif measures approx. 14cm/5½in from side to side
Square motif measures approx. 8cm/3¼in from side to side
The Souvenir Blanket consists of octagons, small squares, and a slim border. All rounds are worked on RS unless otherwise instructed. The yarn is not cut after every round but is brought up to the next round on WS, so small floats of yarn will appear on WS. The motifs are joined to each other with an invisible join using yarn tail left after fastening off and yarn needle. You can either join motifs right after they are finished, or first make all motifs and then sew them together.
ABBREVIATIONS (US terms)
blo back loop(s) only
ch chain stitch
dc double crochet
flo front loop(s) only
hdc half double crochet
opp opposite
RS right side
sc single crochet
ss slip stitch
st(s) stitch(es)
sp(s) space(s)
yo yarn over the hook
prev previous
WS wrong side
STITCH GUIDE
FPdc (front post double crochet): yo, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of indicated stitch, yo, draw up a lp, [yo, pull through 2 lps] twice.
FPtr (front post treble crochet): yo twice, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of indicated stitch, yo, draw up a loop, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 3 times.
FPtr2tog (front post treble 2 together): *yo twice, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of next stitch of same color below, [yo, draw up a lp, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook] twice; rep from * once more, yo, pull through all 3 lps on hook.
FPtr3tog (front post treble 3 together): *yo twice, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of next stitch of same color below, [yo, draw up a lp, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook] twice; rep from * 2 more times, yo, pull through all 4 lps on hook.
tr (treble crochet): yo twice, insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, draw up a loop, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 3 times.
tr2tog (treble crochet 3 together): *yo twice, insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw up a lp, [yo, pull through 2 lps] twice; rep from * once more, yo, pull through all 3 lps on hook.
Pattern repeats:
[…] repeat instructions inside […] as many times as indicated in the pattern.
*…; rep from * as times as indicated in the pattern.
Layout for joining
Find a ready-to-print copy of the Souvenir Blanket pattern without ads on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
INSTRUCTIONS
OCTAGON
Round 1. With Yarn A make an adjustable ring, ch1 (does not count as a st here and throughout), 8sc into ring, ss to beg sc – 8 sts.
Round 2. Cont with Yarn A. Ch4 (counts as first dc and ch2-sp), [1dc in next st, ch2] rep around, ss to beg sp – 8 dc & ch2-sps.
Round 3. Ch1 changing to Yarn B. [Ch2, skip st of opp color, 2dc in st of Round 1 below occupied by dc from prev round (work in front ch2-sp)] rep around, ss to beg sp – 16 dc & 8 ch2-sps.
Round 4. Ch1 changing back to Yarn A by grabbing it up on WS (here and throughout), [1FPdc around st of same color below, ch4, skip 2 sts of opp color] rep around, ss to beg FPdc – 8 FPdc & ch4-sps.
Round 5. Ch1 changing to Yarn B. [Ch2, skip st of opp color, 1FPdc around next st of same color, 2FPdc around next st of same color] rep around, ss to beg sp – 24 FPdc & 8 ch2-sps.
Round 6. Ch1 changing to Yarn A, [1FPdc around st of same color below, 1sc in next st, 2sc in next st, 1sc in next st] rep around, ss to beg FPdc – 8 FPdc & 32 sc.
Round 7. Ch2 changing to Yarn B in first ch, [2dc blo in FPdc of opp color, 4dc blo] rep around, ss blo to beg dc, ss blo in next 2 sts – 48 dc.
Round 8. Ch1 changing to Yarn A, [1tr2tog flo in prev and next FPdc of same color below, skip no sts behind tr2tog, 4sc blo, 1tr flo in same st as second leg of prev tr2tog, skip no sts behind tr, 4sc blo, 1tr2tog as prev, skip no sts behind tr2tog, 4sc blo] rep around, ss to beg tr2tog – 60 sts.
Round 9. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, [1sc blo in tr2tog, 1dc flo in st of same color below (here and for all dc on this round), 2dc flo in next st, 1dc flo, 1sc blo in next tr of opp color, 1dc flo, 2dc flo in next st, 1dc flo, 1sc blo in next tr2tog, 2dc flo in next st, 1dc flo, 2dc flo in next st] rep around, ss to beg sc – 64 sts.
Round 10. Ch1 changing to Yarn A, *1tr flo in tr2tog of same color below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo, 1tr flo in same tr2tog, skip no sts, 2sc blo, 1FPtr around tr of same color below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo, [1tr flo in next tr2tog, skip 1 st, 1sc blo] 3 times, 1tr flo in next tr2tog, skip no sts, 2sc blo; rep from * around, ss to beg tr – 72 sts.
Round 11. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, *1sc blo in tr, 2dc flo in st of same color visible at the bottom of next V, skip 2 sts, 1sc blo in next tr, [1FPdc around each of next 2 sts of same color below, 1sc blo in next tr] twice, [2dc flo in st of same color visible at the bottom of next V, skip 1 st, 1sc blo in next tr] twice, 1FPtr3tog around next 3 sts of same color below, skip 1 st, 1sc blo in next tr, 2dc flo in st of same color below visible at the bottom of next V, skip 2 sts; rep from * around, ss to beg sc – 80 sts.
Round 12. Ch1 changing to Yarn A (cut B), *1FPtr around tr of same color below (here and throughout), skip 1 st, 2sc blo in next dc of opp color, 2sc blo, [1FPdc, skip 1 st, 1sc blo] 3 times, 1sc blo, 2sc blo in next st, 1FPtr, skip 1 st, 2sc blo in next st, 2sc blo, 1FPtr2tog around 2 sts of same color on both sides of FPtr3tog below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo, 2sc blo in next st; rep from * around, ss to beg FPtr – 96 sts.
SQUARE
Round 1. With Yarn A, make adjustable ring, ch1 (does not count as a st), 8sc into ring, ss blo to beg sc – 8 sts.
Round 2. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, 2sc blo in same st as join, 2sc blo in each st around, ss blo to beg sc – 16 sts.
Round 3. Note: first dc is worked in a st of Round 1 where next inc of Round 2 was made.
Ch1 changing to Yarn A, *skip 1 st on round 1, 1dc flo in next st of Round 1, skip 1 st on Round 2, 1sc blo, [1dc flo in same st of Round 1, skip no sts, 1sc blo] twice; rep from * around, ss blo to beg dc, ss blo to next 2 sts – 24 sts.
Round 4. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, beg in same st as join, *1sc blo in dc of opp color, 2dc flo in st of same color visible at the bottom of next V, skip 1 st, 1sc blo in next dc of opp color, 1tr flo in free st of Round 1 below, skip 1 st, 1sc blo, 2dc flo in st of same color visible at the bottom of next V, skip 1 st; rep from * around, ss to beg sc – 32 sts.
Round 5. Ch1 changing to Yarn A, *1FPtr around st of same color below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo in next dc, 1sc blo in next dc, [1FPdc around st of same color below (here and throughout), skip 1 st, 1sc blo] twice, 2sc blo in next dc; rep from * around, ss to beg FPtr – 40 sts.
Round 6. Ch1 changing to Yarn B, beg in same st as join and working all FPdc around sts of same color below, *1sc blo in FPtr, 2FPtr around next st, 1FPdc around next st, skip 3 sts, 1sc blo, 3FPdc around next st, skip 1 st, 1sc blo, 1FPdc around next st, 2FPtr around next st, skip 3 sts; rep from * around, ss to beg sc – 48 sts.
Round 7. Ch1 changing to Yarn A (cut Yarn B), *1FPtr around FPtr of same color below, skip 1 st, 2sc blo in next st, 2sc blo, 1FPdc, skip 1 st, 3sc blo, 1FPdc, skip 1 st, 2sc blo, 2sc blo in next st; rep from * around, ss to beg FPtr – 56 sts.
JOINING
Here is a video tutorial for an invisible join.
BORDER
Round 1: Attach River Washed Eisack with ss blo in FPtr2tog of any octagon, ch1 (does not count as a st), beg in same st as join, *18sc blo in each st until you reach the bottom of the V on the edge, 1sc3tog working in sc before tr on current octagon, seam and sc after tr on the next octagon, 16sc blo; rep from * around the blanket, ss blo to beg sc.
Round 2: Increases will always be made directly above FPtr.
Ch2 changing to Stone Washed Garnet in first ch (cut River Washed), beg in same st as join, *5dc blo, 2dc blo in next st, 10dc blo, dc5tog blo over next 5 sts, 9dc blo, 2dc blo in next st, 4dc blo; rep from * around the blanket, ss blo to beg sc, fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends. Block blanket to measurements.
Find a ready-to-print copy of the Souvenir Blanket pattern without ads on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
With love,
The first design of the year 2023 is here! And it is a blanket. We are in the middle of the winter here, in the Czech Republic. The days are short, and even in the daylight it feels greyish outside. Luckily, we, crafters, have lots of other means to brighten our days. With yarn in different colors, for example! “If the snow does not want to come to us this year, I will paint it myself” – I told myself.
Paint the Snow Blanket crochet pattern is available on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
This winter has been weird in many ways. Much warmer than average, with so little snow even in the mountains. And even if we are lucky to see some snowfall, it melts out during the night or the same morning. And it’s frightening.
A few days ago, I shared my thoughts about climate change on my FB page, and I was surprised to hear people in different corners of the world are experiencing the same thing. The weather forecasts surprise with the news that temperatures go down in the warmer regions, while the countries, which are normally used to the cold, have mild winter this year.
On the one hand, today with the rising pieces of energy, it should be a relief not to heat the houses at the most. And we all know that this year higher temperatures and no freeze is a blessing to some countries. But when I am thinking about this issue on a global scale, knowing it might get even worse with each new year, it makes me sad.
It’s not really about lack of snow or no possibilities to go skiing. It’s about understanding that mother nature needs our help. Paint the Snow Blanket has become a remind to myself that I should not take everything for granted, and that everyone is able to make small steps to the better climate sustainability.
Small facts about the Paint the Snow Blanket
I chose bright shades of Scheepjes Whirl yarn for my sample (2 cakes in the same color – so, 4 cakes in total). Whirls are always the best choice when you want a project with many colors, but do not want to bother picking them yourself. One Whirl cake carries several gorgeous shades with soft transitions. And you can also opt for an ombre look.
You can find Whirls in your local Scheepjes shop, or purchase them via online
retailers (affiliate links):
Wool Warehouse
(UK, international shipping),
Caro's atelier
(NL, Europe),
Taemombo
(US, Canada).
However, consisting of hexagon motifs, the blanket allows using us leftovers in different colors from your stash. Freeing your creativity at the same time.
My finished blanket measures approx. 125 x 150cm/ 49¼ x 59in after blocking, but of course you can easily adjust it in size adding or reducing the number of the motifs.
Paint the Snow Blanket uses tapestry crochet technique, and a cute snowflake pattern can bring your memories back to Rozeta CAL. Which also brings up the thought that Scheepjes Our Tribe could also be a great choice for this project for those who prefer warmer woolly blankets.
Paint the Snow Blanket crochet pattern is available on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
Hope you enjoy!
It took a little longer than I expected, but finally here it is! My new blanket design with a hexagonal shape. No name yet, I want it to be something special, so any ideas are welcome.
This blanket is very simple, yet elegant, and even timeless I’d say. I have come up with a nice textured stitch pattern with a repetition of just a few rounds. Easy to remember and joyful to crochet.
I am also happy with the choice of Scheepjes Metropolis yarn, one of my ever favorite. The blanket turned out to be light, warm with a fantastic drape.
It took almost 700g (14 skeins) and the measurements are approx. 160 cm/63in with a 3.5 mm hook. Perfect lap blanket size for TV evenings, or the sunsets outside in the garden. The textured design reminds me a flower, with the rays growing and thinning gradually.
You can follow the pattern on your own and repeat each section for more times for an even bigger blanket. It is finished with a small, delicate border. And I can imagine that this blanket will look gorgeous in every color.
The sample was kindly made by Esther Schippers, and I am sending sincere thanks to her :)
Next week, my family is taking a break. We will go for a short holiday to the mountains with a very limited internet connection. But after we come back home, the FREE pattern of this blanket will be released right away.
And in a meanwhile you can start preparing with the yarn. You can find
Metropolis yarn at your
local Scheepjes shops
and via online retailers:
Wool Warehouse* (UK, international shipping),
Caro’s Atelier* (NL, Europe),
Taemombo* (US&Canada).
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