Blanket inspired by home

Hi from Kel - relaxing with family across the Atlantic today.

I started this blanket last summer as a crochet project for vacation. It was coming along at such a fine pace that I was sure it would be finished over the winter, but with my art course and extra responsibility at work, it was not to be.

My inspiration - 

1) I just love Noro yarn, and have on occasion even bought some with no project in mind. Then I found this, and the colours instantly spoke to me of home.

2) My 'homeland' of Nova Scotia has a combination of colours that speaks directly to my heart. You can see the palette in this photo: spruce greens, deep blues, and a funny sort of orange-brown found in the seaweed and fallen needles.

 

3) Memories of being snuggled down in relative's homes under the weight of afghans and quilts made by previous generations.

I wanted my blanket to carry all these memories of home - the colour palette, the dense heaviness, the natural texture and random colour combinations. I couldn't find a pattern on the internet that wasn't based on a granny square - I love these, but I was looking for something different. So I experimented until I had something with the look I wanted that lay flat (well, flat enough!). The hexagon pattern of grandmother's flower garden quilts added a texture to the blanket that made me think of rocks on the shore and added an unpredictable element to the colour changes.

For UK hookers it's all in double crochet (DC), if you use US patterns it's single crochet (SC). I wanted a closed middle, so I did a slipping loop I learned in a wonderful Japanese crochet book (I think most amigurami patterns start with it). 

Row 1 - I did 6 DC into the loop and slipped it closed, then slip-stitched into the first stitch to close the round. (6 st total)

Row 2 - Chain 1 then 2 DC into each of the previous row and slip-stitch to close the round. (12 st total)

Row 3 - This is where you start making it hexagonal. Chain 1 then (1 DC in 1st stitch, 2 DC in 2nd, CH) 6 times and slip-stitch to close the round. (24 st total)

Row 4 - Chain 1 then (DC in each of 1st and 2nd stitches, 2 DC into the chain space after the increase in the previous round, CH) 6 times and slip-stitch to close the round. (30 st total)

Row 5 - Chain 1 then (DC in each of 1st, 2nd and 3rd stitches, 2 DC into the chain space after the increase in the previous round, CH) 6 times and slip-stitch to close the round. (36 st total)

Row 6 - Chain 1 then (DC in each of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th stitches, 2 DC into the chain space after the increase in the previous round, CH) 6 times and slip-stitch to close the round and finish off. (42 st total)

The single chain stitch allows you to find the corners of the hexagon, especially when you are joining them together. I used the tail ends to over-stitch them together - it's quite tricky to match the colours, so you either have to be very fussy or decide not to care.

It's currently about 3 square feet, so I have a lot to do before it will cover a bed or even a lap! I'll let you know how I get on.

Comments

[Diana]

Wow the colours work so well together and I love the very simple hexagon!

[Caz]

I love this! The colours are just amazing and the shape is different and interesting. I really don't need to start another project but this is pulling me in the direction of the yarn shop!!

[Eleanor]

Wondrous evocative colours. Fabulous shapes; I'm not a real crocheter, so I can only look on in awe.
E
xx

[joy aitman]

I want to wrap myself up in that now! I love Noro wool - the colours are yummy.

[Debbie Roberts]

Love the colours they are just beautiful

[Mandy]

I was impressed with your blanket.... colours, texture & thickness. Thanks for sharing the pattern too :) As a crochet fan I've been enjoying amigurumi (japanese style crochet toys) and designing a pattern of my own for a crochet sock monster. Here's a link if you're interested.
Love 'It's a Creative world' and lurk here all the time.
Mandy.

http://6ichthusfish.typepad.com/6ichthusfish/crochet/