FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Cuddle Up Baby Blanket

December 5, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Baby Items, Blankets, Crochet Pattern Tags: afghan, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, crochet, crochet baby blanket, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, lion brand, lion brand yarn, pattern, stitch, teach, tutorial, vel-luxe yarn, velvet blanket, velvet yarn, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

When a good friend is having a baby girl, one must use their skills and create a luxurious way to welcome her into the world. Join me as I share the free crochet pattern and video tutorial for The Cuddle Up Baby Blanket below. I used Vel-Luxe yarn by Lion Brand Yarn and I LOVE it. I want one for myself, it is so soft!

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.

**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.
***These patterns are copyright YARNutopia © so PLEASE DO NOT COPY, SHARE, ADJUST OR RESELL MY PATTERN. I wrote and tested this pattern myself, from beginning to end. It took a lot of time and work, and I would really like to have it remain “my pattern.”
***You can sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
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Leave a comment, and share with your friends!

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
—Lion Brand Vel-Luxe Yarn in Dusty Pink (240 yards of this color) and Eggplant (492 yards of this color) (you can use 730-760 yards of any color of yarn)
–SizeI-5.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can use any size 4 medium, worsted weight yarn for this project. 2 contrasting colors look great together, but you can use 1 color or many colors if you’d like!
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.
-This blanket is a baby blanket size but you can use any multiple of 3 on your foundation chain to make this wider. Continue repeating the same row repeat to make it longer. My blanket measures 36 inches wide by 40 inches long.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Blanket:

With Main Color (Eggplant)

Ch 78 or any multiple of 3

Row 1: 2 DC in 3rd Ch from hook, *Sk 2 Chs, [SC, 2 DC] in next ch, repeat from * across, ending with SC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 2: 2 DC in 1st st, *Sk next 2 DC sts, [SC, 2 DC] in next SC st, Repeat from * across ending with SC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2

Rows 8-9: Change color to Dusty Pink, repeat Row 2

Rows 10-11: Change color to Eggplant, repeat Row 2

Rows 12-21: Change color to Dusty Pink, Repeat Row 2

Rows 22-23: Change Color to Eggplant, Repeat Row 2

Rows 24-25: Change color to Dusty Pink, Repeat Row 2

Rows 26-47: Change color to Eggplant, Repeat Row 2

Row 48-65: Repeat Rows 8-25

Rows 66-72: With Eggplant, repeat Row 2

Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Border:

Round 1: Attach to any corner of your work, Work between the groupings all around the blanket, Ch 1, SC in same corner, *Ch 3, SC in next gap between grouping of sts, repeat from * around. End with Ch 3, sl st to first SC. Do not turn.

Round 2: Sl st in next Ch 3 sp, Ch 1, SC in same sp, *7 DC in next Ch sp, SC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC.

Fasten off

Weave in all ends. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Boho Throw Blanket

July 14, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Blankets, Crochet Pattern Tags: afghan, afghan block, basic, beginner, blanket, boho, boho throw, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, granny stitch blanket, handmade, how to, how to crochet, lapghan, learn, pattern, stitch, teach, throw blanket, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

Hot off my hook is my Boho Throw! I started filming this week and kept messing up. My camera wasn’t focused or centered, my microphone was off. So many issues. So I scrapped the video and wrote this VERY EASY pattern. I used Lion Brand Yarn Ferris Wheel for the throw and Lion Brand Skein Tones for the border.

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Lion Brand Yarn Ferris Wheel in Summer Day
–Lion Brand Yarn Skein Tones in Nutmeg
–SizeH-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-The measurements of this blanket are 40 inches x 50 inches
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
SHELL: 5 DC in same space

Pattern:

Ch 130 or any multiple of 3

Row 1: 2 DC in 3rd ch from hook, *Sk 2 Chs, 3 DC in next Ch, repeat from * across, ending with 3 DC in last Ch, Turn

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as stitch), *3 DC in next GAP between the 3 DC groupings, repeat from * across, ending with 1 DC in last st, Turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, 2 DC in first gap where the Ch 3 is, *3 DC in next gap between 3 DC groupings, repeat from * across, ending with DC in last st, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your blanket is long enough.
I did 109 rows.

End on an ODD numbered row so it matches Row 1.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Border:

Attach yarn to first gap after corner on the top right corner of your blanket

Round 1: Ch 3, 2 DC in same gap, 3 DC in next gap and in each gap around, in each corner stitch put [1 DC, Ch 2, 1 DC], continue putting 3DC between groupings. Sl st to beginning ch 3 st. DO NOT TURN.

Round 2: Ch 1, SC in the gap right AFTER the corner (where you sl st’d your work from round 1), Shell in next gap, SC in next gap, repeat from * around, in each corner put 7 DCs. SC before AND after the corners. Sl st to first SC st. Fasten off, Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarns

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Snuggle Me Up Baby Blanket

April 29, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in baby, Baby Items, Blankets, Crochet Pattern, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, block, blocks, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, granny square, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, square, squares, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

A very close friend of mine recently had her second baby and I wanted to make something special for her. The simplicity of the granny square is given a little remix in this pattern because I use cluster stitches in the corners to make this unique design. I hope you enjoy this pattern. Follow along

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Circulo Yarns Charme (4 balls total)
–SizeH-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
4DCCluster: [YO, Insert Hook into st, YO, Pull through, YO, Pull through 2 loops] 4 times, YO pull through all 5 loops on your hook. Cluster made.

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Blanket:

Use 2 strands of fingering weight yarn together at the same time, or use one strand of a thicker yarn to create this.

Ch 3

Round 1: 3 DC in 3rd ch from hook, Ch 4, *3 more DC in same Ch as first 3 DC, Ch 4, repeat from * 2 more times, Sl st to first st, Ch 2, Turn.

Rnd 2: In the corner Ch 4 sp: DC in corner, 4 DC Cluster in same corner, Ch 4, 4 DC Cluster in same corner, DC in same corner, *DC in each st until you get to the next corner, [DC, 4DCCluster, Ch 4, 4DCCluster, DC] in corner, Repeat from * around ending with DC in last st, Sl st to first st, Ch 2, Turn.

Rnd 3: *DC in each st until you get to the corner, [DC, 4DCCluster, Ch 4, 4DCCluster, DC] in corner, Repeat from * around ending with DC in last st, Sl st to first st, Ch 2, Turn.

Rnds 4-30: Repeat Round 3.

You can continue to make your blanket larger if you’d like! Just continue the repeat pattern!

Fasten off, Weave in all ends.

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Circulo Yarns

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Snuggle Me Up Baby Blanket

April 29, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in baby, Baby Items, Blankets, Crochet Pattern, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, block, blocks, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, granny square, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, square, squares, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this blanket:

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos even if we don’t live together.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Circulo Yarns Charme (4 balls total)
–SizeH-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-The measurements of this blanket are 36 inches wide but you can make this as big as you want by continuing the repeat.
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the Lion Brand yarn I used in this project.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
4DCCluster: [YO, Insert Hook into st, YO, Pull through, YO, Pull through 2 loops] 4 times, YO pull through all 5 loops on your hook. Cluster made.

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Circulo Yarns

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Aspen Baby Blanket

September 3, 2021 By Nadia Fuad in baby, Baby Items, Blankets, Crochet Pattern Tags: 3d, afghan, aspen, bab, babies, baby, baby blanket, baby shower, back post double crochet, basic, beginner, blanket, bpdc, child, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, fpdc, free crochet pattern, free pattern, front post double crochet, gift, handmade, heirloom, heirloom blanket, holiday, how to, infant, infants, layette, leaf, learn, leaves, pattern, shower, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

There many different reasons to be inspired. The Aspen Baby Blanket was inspired by friends celebrating the birth of their baby. The Aspen tree was the foundation for this piece. Created using series of front and back post stitches, it creates a repeat texture leaf pattern. The striking three dimensional profile of this project took my breath away. When you look at this overall piece you would never guess that it is easier than you think! I used Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling yarn by Lion Brand Yarn and it was THE most luxurious fiber giving this blanket the absolute softest feel. Follow my video tutorial or written pattern and get your started today!

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos even if we don’t live together.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch in Frost and Ecru (6 balls of Frost, 2 balls of Ecru or 1100 yards of Frost, and 300 yards of Ecru)
–Size H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:

-Use a smaller hook to make this smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make this bigger
-This is written in US terms
-This took about 2 weeks to make but I did not work on it continuously.
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the Lion Brand yarn I used in this project.
-This pattern with video tutorial shows the measurement as 35 inches by 35 inches, but you can make it longer by continuing the repeat pattern.
-If you do not want to do a stacked Single Crochet in the first stitch of every row, you can do a half double crochet and that will suffice.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
V-St aka V-Stitch: (DC, ch 1, DC) in same space
BPDC2TOG: Double Crochet 2 sts together
FPDC2TOG: Double Crochet 3 sts together
BPV-St: Back Post V-Stitch
FPV-St: Front Post V-Stitch

Pattern:

Row 1: FDC 203 or Ch 205, DC in 3rd Ch and each ch across (you need 203 sts for row 1)

Row 2: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC in next 2 sts, *BPDC on next 10 sts, FPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 3 sts remain, FPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 3: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 2 sts, *FPDC2TOG, FPDC on next 6 sts, FPDC2TOG, BPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across, ending with BPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, ch 1, turn.

Row 4: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 2 sts *BPDC2TOG, BPDC on next 4 sts, BPDC2TOG, FPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 3 sts remain, ending with FPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, turn.

Row 5: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 2 sts, *FPDC2TOG, FPDC on next 2 sts, FPDC2TOG, BPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 3 sts remain, ending with BPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, turn.

Row 6: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 2 sts, *[BPDC2TOG] twice, FPDC on next 3 sts, BPDC on next st, FPDC on next 3 sts, repeat from * across until 3 sts remain, ending with FPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, turn.

Row 7: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 2 sts, *FPDC2TOG, BPDC on next 3 sts, FPDC on next st, BPDC on next 3 sts, repeat from * across until 3 sts remain, ending with BPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 8: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 6 sts, *BPV-St on next st, FPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with FPDC on 6 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 9: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 6 sts, *FPDC on next st, V-St in Ch sp, FDC on next st, BPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with BPDC on 6 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, turn.

Row 10: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 6 sts, *BPDC on next 2 sts, V-st in Ch sp, BPDC on next 2 sts, FPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with FPDC on 6 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 11: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 6 sts, *FPDC on next 3 sts, V-st in Ch sp, FPDC on next 3 sts, BPDC on next 7 sts, Repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with BPDC on 6 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 12: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 6 sts, *BPDC on next 4 sts, 2 DC in ch sp, BPDC on next 4 sts, FPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with FPDC on next 6 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 13: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 6 sts, *FPDC2TOG, FPDC on next 6 sts, FPDC2TOG, BPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with BPDC on next 6 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 14: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 6 sts, *BPDC2TOG, BPDC on next 4 sts, BPDC2TOG, FPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with FPDC on next 6 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 15: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 6 sts, *FPDC2TOG, FPDC on next 2 sts, FPDC2TOG, BPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with BPDC on next 6 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 16: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 2 sts, *BPDC on next st, FPDC on next 3 sts, [BPDC2TOG] twice, FPDC on next 3 sts, repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with FPDC on next 3 sts, BPDC on next st, FPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 17: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 2 sts, *FPDC on next st, BPDC on next 3 sts, FPDC2TOG, BPDC on next 3 sts, repeat from * across until 7 sts remain, ending with BPDC on next 3 sts, FPDC on next st, BPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 18: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 2 sts, *BPV-St on next st, FPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across, ending with FPDC on 2 sts before last, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 19: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 2 sts, *FPDC on next st, V-St in Ch sp, FPDC on next st, BPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 3 sts remain, ending with BPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, turn.

Row 20: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 2 sts, *BPDC on next 2 sts, V-St in Ch sp, BPDC on next 2 sts, FPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 3 sts remain, ending with FPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 21: Stacked SC in 1st st, BPDC on next 2 sts, *FPDC on next 3 sts, V-St in Ch sp, FPDC on next 3 sts, BPDC on next 7 sts, repeat from * across until 3 sts remain, ending with BPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 22: Stacked SC in 1st st, FPDC on next 2 sts, *BPDC on next 4 sts, 2 DC in Ch sp, BPDC on next 4 sts, FPDC on next 7 sts, Repeat from * across until 3 sts remain, ending with FPDC on next 2 sts, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Rows 23-42: Repeat Rows 3-22

Rows 43-62: Repeat Rows 3 to 22

Rows 63-82: Repeat Rows 3-22

Rows 83-92: Repeat Rows 3-12
End on a repeat of Row 12 before fastening off. (SEE video tutorial for visual instructions on ending/fastening off)

Border:

Attach Yarn in a corner

Round 1: Ch 2, DC in each st around and in each row on the side, put 3 DC in corners (See video tutorial for visual instructions), sl st to first st, Ch 2, DO NOT TURN.

Round 2: DC in each st around putting 3 DC in the middle DC of each corner, sl st to first st, Fasten off.

Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Enjoy!!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

Time to Change Direction

August 18, 2021 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts Tags: afghan, babies, baby, baby blanket, baby blankets, basic, beginner, crochet, crochet inspiration, crochet inspo, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, crojo, fashion blogger, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, inspiration, learn, pattern, stitch, teach, whats on your hook, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 5 Comments

Very often, I’ll make a list or itinerary of what projects I want to work on or which ones pique my interest. I have no idea how many works in progress I have going on because sometimes the inspiration is so strong to work on something and then a few days later…meh…and there it sits. Yet, there is always something that gets my creative energy charged, and that, my YARNutopians, is the key to picking my next project.

What’s on my hook today?

I started off with the best intentions to work on a few summer projects and started them in hopes to film before the snow flies. Well, all the best intentions are just that, intentions. I have them started, they are not going anywhere, I will finish them, SOMEDAY. Just not today. Instead, my direction has changed because of the most exciting news that a close friend had a baby! So, I guess in the world of crochet, we go with the creative flow. Because I went from hooking up a swimsuit cover-up to a baby blanket all in the matter of minutes! Talk about a 180!

Babies and Blankets, oh my!

This particular blanket is using a new design which is so fun to make! I am using Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch in the color Frost to begin this fabulous piece. Look at that texture and softness!

There is just something so alluring about this minty color in a baby layette! I can’t wait to see the impact this is going to make when I am done!

What about you?

What inspires you? Is it personal wants or needs? Is it something you are creating to gift to someone? Is it based on when the inspiration hits, or is it the news of someone having a baby, getting married, a holiday or some event that gets your hook moving???

Share your inspiration here!

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Simply Bright Granny Square

July 3, 2020 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, granny squares, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, afghan block, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, brava, bright, brightness, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, granny square, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, red heart yarns, simply, square, squares, stitch, sunshine, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, wecrochet, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

My Simply Bright Granny Square combines some of the most basic stitches to create this simple but elegant square. A combination of squares would make the perfect afghan, throw, or baby blanket.

Mix it up by doing the opposite colors in each square you make for a more checked look. Any number of color combinations would work up to make a lovely blanket for anyone.

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this granny square:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Brava Worsted by WeCrochet in any color
–Size H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-This is a 6 inch square, if you crochet loosely, it will come out to be 6.5inches. You can use a smaller hook if you prefer to have it exactly 6 inches.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Simply Bright Granny Square

June 27, 2020 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, granny squares Tags: afghan, baby blanket, basic, beginner, block, blocks, bright, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, granny square, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, moss stitch, moss stitch granny square, pattern, simple, simple square, simply, square, squares, stitch, teach, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

My Simply Bright Granny Square combines some of the most basic stitches to create this simple but elegant square. A combination of squares would make the perfect afghan, throw, or baby blanket.

Mix it up by doing the opposite colors in each square you make for a more checked look. Any number of color combinations would work up to make a lovely blanket for anyone.

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Brava Worsted by WeCrochet in any color
–Size H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Square:

With Main Color
Rnd 1: h 2, [SC, Ch 2] 4 times into the 2nd Ch from hook, Sl st to first SC, Ch 1, Turn.

Rnd 2: *In Ch 2 sp, put [SC, Ch 2, SC] Ch 1, repeat from * around, finishing with Ch 1, Sl st to first SC, Ch 1, Turn.

Rnd 3: *SC in Ch 1 sp, Ch 1, [SC, Ch 2, SC] in corner, Ch 1, Repeat from * around, ending with Ch 1, Sl st to first SC, Ch 1, Turn.

Rnd 4: *[SC, Ch 1] in each Ch sp until you get to the corner, put [SC, Ch 2, SC] in corner, Ch 1, repeat from * around, ending with Ch 1, Sl St to first SC, Ch 1, Turn.

Rnds 5-9: repeat Round 4 (Turn your work after every round)
Fasten off, weave in end.

Attach Accent color to any corner ch 2 sp
Rnd 10: Ch 3 (counts as DC), [DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in same corner sp, *[Ch 1, DC in next Ch 1 sp] until next corner, put [2DC, Ch 2, 2DC] in next corner sp, repeat from * around ending with Ch 1, Sl st to beg. ch 3 st. Fasten off accent color, weave in ends. Turn your work.

Rnd 11: Attach Main color in any ch 2 corner sp, Ch 1, *[SC, Ch 2, SC] in corner sp, Ch 1, SC in first DC on the side, [Ch 1, Sk next DC, SC in Ch 1 sp] 9 times, Ch 1, Sk next DC, SC in last DC on side, Ch 1, repeat from * around ending with a sl st to first SC, Ch 1, Turn.

Rnd 12: *[SC, Ch 1] in each Ch sp until you get to the corner, put [SC, Ch 2, SC] in each corner, Ch 1, repeat from * around, ending with Ch 1, Sl St to first SC.

Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Enjoy!!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of WeCrochet

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Ombre Striped Baby Blanket

May 12, 2020 By Nadia Fuad in Baby Items, Blankets, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects Tags: afghan, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, child, colorful, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, infant, kids, learn, ombre, pattern, red heart yarns, stitch, striped, stripes, super saver, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

A very close friend of mine recently had a baby. Prior to the birth, I started this Ombre Striped Baby Blanket, and I finished it in time to leave it on her doorstep as they welcomed this little princess to the world. 😍 The simplicity of the stitch coupled with the surface crochet, make this blanket a fast favorite heirloom for any nursery. Thanks to these lovely photos, we can see it being enjoyed and well loved. Check out the FREE crochet pattern below and the video tutorial linked in this post!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Red Heart Super Saver Yarn (I used Aran -With Love, Pale Plum, Orchid, Dark Orchid, Amethyst) You could use Medium Purple too, and I also used Super Saver Ombre in Purple.
-You could also use Red Heart with Love yarn in Eggshell (I showed this in the video tutorial)
–Size K-6.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-The measurements of this blanket are 36 inches wide and 40 inches long but you can make this as big as you want with the stitch counts being more or less and the length being as long as you want it to be. The Moss Stitch allows for tons of versatility.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Blanket:

With Aran (main color)
Ch 124 or any even number that you want the width of your blanket to be.

Row 1: SC in 4th Ch from hook, *Ch 1, Sk 1 ch, SC in next Ch, repeat from * across, ending with SC in last ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, SC in first Ch 1 sp, *Ch 1, SC in next Ch 1 sp, repeat from * across, ending with SC in last ch sp (see video tutorial for visual instructions), Turn.

Rows 3-109: Repeat Row 2

If you want it bigger or smaller, just do an odd number of rows before fastening off.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Surface crochet stripes on every other row, weave in ends as you go. (See video tutorial after 10 minutes into the video and it will show you how to do the surface crochet)

Border:

Attach yarn to a corner of the blanket. (If you are following along with the video tutorial, the border starts at minute 19)
Round 1 of border: Ch 1, SC in same corner, SC in each st and each ch across to next corner, 3 SC in corner, Work down the side working SC in each row down the side and then put 3 SC in the next corner. Do this concept all around, then Sl st to first St.

Round 2 of border: Start in a MIDDLE SC of a corner, Ch 4 (counts as DC, Ch 1 sp), DC in same st, Ch 2, DC in same corner st, Ch 1, DC in same st, *Sk 3 sts, [2DC, Ch 1, 2 DC] in next st, repeat from * until middle SC of corner, in middle Sc of corner, put [DC, Ch 1, DC, Ch 2, DC, Ch 1, DC], then repeat from * again, all around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beg. ch 4. Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Yarnspirations

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Ombre Striped Baby Blanket

May 12, 2020 By Nadia Fuad in Baby Items, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, child, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, fashion blogger, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, infant, learn, moss stitch, ombre, pattern, red heart yarns, stitch, striped, stripes, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

A very close friend of mine recently had a baby. Prior to the birth, I started this Ombre Striped Baby Blanket, and I finished it in time to leave it on her doorstep as they welcomed this little princess to the world. 😍 The simplicity of the stitch coupled with the surface crochet, make this blanket a fast favorite heirloom for any nursery. Thanks to these lovely photos, we can see it being enjoyed and well loved. Check out the video tutorial on how to make this blanket below, and see the link to the FREE written instructions in this post.

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this beautiful blanket:

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: The Uptown Blanket Scarf

September 15, 2019 By Nadia Fuad in accessories, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, scarves, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, all free crochet, basic, beginner, blanket, blanket scarf, comfort, comfort yarn, cowl, crochet, crochet pattern, crochet stitches, crochet tutorial, crochet written pattern, crocheted, crocheting, dad bod, dad life, diamond, diamond trellis, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet, free crochet pattern, free pattern, fringe, gift, gq model, handmade, haute couture, high fashion, how to, how to crochet, learn, male model, mens, mens fashion, mens fashion scarf, mens scarf, mens scarfie, model, modeling, neck, only free crochet patterns, paparazzi, pattern, red heart, red heart yarn, red heart yarns, runway, squares, stitch, stitches, streetwear, teach, tutorial, tweed, uptown, uptown scarf, urban, video, video tutorial, warmer, written instructions, written pattern, yarn, yarnie, yarnspirations, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Uptown means of, in, or characteristic of the residential area of a city or town. Which brings us to the perfect setting for The Uptown Blanket Scarf I made!

This piece can be worn anywhere, but definitely has an urban fashion feel that wraps you up and protects you from the hustle and bustle as you brave the cold weather! If you’re on your way to work, classes, outdoor travel, you name it, this scarf will keep you warm. Don’t be left out in the cold! Grab your hooks and 2 skeins of Comfort Yarn by Red Heart Yarns and make one for yourself or someone you love today!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Red Heart Yarns Comfort Yarn in Latte Fleck
-H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can do as many rows of this pattern as you want to make it as long as you want.
-You can do a Single Crochet or a Reverse Single Crochet around the edge to clean it up and make it have a nice finished look

Changing Gauge to Adjust Size

June 27, 2019 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, basic, beginner, crochet, crochet hook size, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, d-3.25, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, gauge, granny, granny square, guage, handmade, how to, how to crochet, k-6.50, learn, pattern, red heart yarns, sizing, square, squares, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 3 Comments

I am often asked if one of my patterns can be resized. I know that it can become frustrating to see a pattern you love and yet, not be able to make it in the size you need. I do try to make most patterns in a variety of sizes to accommodate all, but sometimes, the pattern I design is size specific. I don’t have a variation or the stitch counts to make it in other sizes. Today’s blog is JUST A GUIDELINE to show you how changing your hook size can make a pattern slightly smaller or bigger JUST by changing this one detail.

Experimenting!

I decided to do a quick trial experiment because, not only do I love to crochet, I love to get answers to longstanding questions. The question posed to me quite often is: Can I make this pattern bigger or smaller?

If I don’t have the pattern adapted to various sizes, I have offered the suggestion to try different hook sizes.
Here I give you a better visual on how much changing the hook size does increase or decrease the size of your piece.

In this experiment, I took six different hooks:
1. D-3.25mm crochet hook
2. F-3.75mm crochet hook
3. G-4.25mm crochet hook
4. H-5.00mm crochet hook
5. J-6.00mm crochet hook
6. K-6.50mm crochet hook

I then crocheted THE EXACT SAME granny square using each different hook. (See this pattern here for the granny square pattern)

I used Red Heart With Love yarn in color Jadeite (worsted weight) Size 4 Medium (equal to DK or Aran yarn).

Once I completed each square, I placed all together using a US quarter coin as a point of reference to show proportion.
Each square increased somewhat in size but also, notice the stitching is not as tight as you increase the size.

The difference in size from the first square using a D-3.25mm hook to the last square using the K-6.50mm hook is a difference of 3 inches (~8cm)

Visuals Help!

If you are like me, it is so much easier to have a visual to be able to put into perspective how much change happens just by changing your hook. It helps so much to see it right in front of your eyes rather than trying to picture it in your mind how much difference this will make.

This trick may not work for ALL patterns but for some, this adjustment will be very handy in making something just a bit smaller or larger.

Keep in mind, this doesn’t allow for HUGE variations in size but just enough for some to get the desired result if you want to go a bit up or down on a specific pattern.

Also, remember, the larger you go, the looser and open the stitches will appear.

Share with us your experience if YOU have tried resizing by changing your hook gauge. Let us know how that helped you make a pattern smaller or larger. We’d love to hear from you!

Below are photos of each square by itself using the quarter as a point of reference.

Crochet Tutorial: Where Love Grows Afghan Block

June 17, 2019 By Nadia Fuad in Blankets, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, granny squares, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, afghan block, along, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, block, blocks, cal, character, crochet, crochet along, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, free pattern, granny square, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, red heart yarns, square, squares, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, wedding, wedding blanket, wedding blanket cal, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

This afghan block is part of the Wedding Blanket CAL that Marly Bird is hosting on her website!! See more details about it here!

My contribution to this crochet-along is the “Where Love Grows Afghan Block.” It has a floral design to it and it is very fitting to a wedding theme of love and growing together in your relationship.

On the Red Heart team we have a wonderful leader of the Joy Creators, named Ally. Ally got married in May and we wanted to do something very special for her. I got the Joy Creators together and we each made a square to put together to make a wedding blanket for Ally and her husband.

Below is a photo of the whole blanket put together! All the crochet designers that were part of this crochet along had our afghan blocks sewn together to make this patchwork quilt into a beautiful wedding gift!

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this afghan block:

**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.

***These patterns are copyright YARNutopia © so PLEASE DO NOT COPY, SHARE, ADJUST OR RESELL MY PATTERN. I wrote and tested this pattern myself, from beginning to end. It took a lot of time and work, and I would really like to have it remain “my pattern.”

***You can sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You may sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
–Red Heart Yarns Chic Sheep by Marly Bird in the colors VIP, Suede, and Linen
–Size I-5.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-You can make many of these into a blanket of any size. Use the Afghan Size Guide in this Blog Post
-The measurement for my square came out to be 12 inches
-You can use any colors you want. I used a Worsted Weight, Size 4 Medium Yarn but you can use any Double Knitting Yarn or any Aran Yarn as well.
-You do not have to change color so often, but sewing in those pesky ends is a nightmare. Be sure to sew them in as you go.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK/Sk’d: Skip/Skipped
BLO: Back Loop Only
FLO: Front Loop Only
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half-Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
TR: Treble Crochet
Cluster: [YO, insert hook, YO, pull through, YO pull through 2 loops on your hook] 3 times, YO pull through all 4 loops on your hook
Beg. Cluster: [YO, insert hook, YO, pull through, YO pull through 2 loops on your hook] 2 times, YO pull through all 3 loops on your hook
LHDC: Long Half Double Crochet
LDC: Long Double Crochet

Pattern:

With Suede,
Start with a Magic Ring or Ch 4 and Sl st to first Ch to form a ring
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (Counts as DC here and throughout), 7 DC into ring, Sl st to first Ch 3 st. (8 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, Beginning Cluster in same st, *Ch 2, Cluster in next st, repeat from * around, ending with Ch 2, Sl st to first cluster. Fasten off, change color to VIP. (8 cluster sts)

Rnd 3: With VIP, Attach yarn to any Ch 2 sp, Ch 1, * 3 SC in Ch 2 sp, SC in cluster st, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC, Fasten off and change color to Linen. (32 sc sts)

Rnd 4: With Linen, Work in BLO, Attach yarn to any SC, Ch 4 (Counts as DC + Ch 1 sp), *DC in next st, Ch 1, repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4. Fasten off. (32 sts)

Rnd 5: With Linen, Attach yarn to any FRONT LOOP of any st on Round 3 that was not worked into, (See video tutorial for visual instructions), RSC in each st around. Fasten off.

Rnd 6: In any ch sp of Round 4, Attach Suede. Ch 5 (Counts as DC + Ch 2 sp), *DC in next Ch sp, Ch 2, repeat from * around, ending with Ch 2, sl st to 3rd ch of beg. ch 5. Fasten off, change color to Linen. (32 sts)

Rnd 7: With Linen, Attach to any Ch 2 sp, Ch 1, 2 HDC in each Ch 2 sp around, Sl st to first HDC. Fasten off, change color to VIP. (64 sts)

Rnd 8: With VIP, Attach to any st, Ch 1, SC in first 4 sts, * Ch 5, Sk 4 sts, SC in next 4 sts, repeat from * around, ending with Ch 5, Sl st to 1st SC, do NOT fasten off. (8 Ch 5 sps created)

Rnd 9: Continue using VIP color, Sl st into next st and IN BETWEEN the 2 sts of the 4 SC grouping (See video tutorial for specific location), Ch 1, SC in same spot, *[3DC, 3TR, 3DC] in next ch 5 sp, SC between 2 middle SC of next 4 SC grouping, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC. Fasten off, change color to Linen. (If your work is curling at this point do not worry, it will flatten out in the next few rounds) (8 petals made)

Rnd 10: With Linen, Attach to any FIRST DC of a petal, work in BLO for this round, Ch 1, HDC in first 4 sts, *[HDC, Ch 2, HDC] in next st, HDC in next 4 sts, Long HDC in same spot as SC from previous round, HDC in next 4 sts, repeat from * around, ending with LHDC in last st, sl st to first HDC. Fasten off, change color to Suede. (96 sts)

Rnd 11: With Suede, Attach to any LHDC, Work in THIRD LOOP of each st in this round, (See video tutorial for visual instructions), Ch 4 (Counts as TR), [2TR, Ch 2, 3 TR] in same st, * Sk 3 sts, SC in next 2 sts, SC in ch 2 sp, SC in next 2 sts, HDC in next 2 sts, DC in next st, TR in LHDC st, DC in next st, HDC in next 2 sts, SC in next 2 sts, SC in ch 2 sp, SC in next 2 sts, Sk 3 sts, [3TR, Ch 2, 3 TR] in LHDC st, repeat from * around, sl st to first Ch 4 st. do NOT fasten off. (92 sts around)

Rnd 12: Continue using Suede color, work in BOTH LOOPS of sts, In same st as join, Ch 3, DC in next 2 sts, * [2DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in corner ch 2 sp, DC in next 3 sts, HDC in next 17 sts, DC in next 3 sts, repeat from * around, sl st to beginning ch 3 st. Fasten off, change color to VIP. (108 sts)

Rnd 13: With VIP, Attach yarn to any corner ch 2 sp, Ch 3, [DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in same corner sp, * Ch 1, Sk 1 st, DC in next st, repeat from * until next corner, [2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, repeat from * around, sl st to beg. ch 3 st. Fasten off, change color to Suede.

Rnd 14: With Suede, Attach yarn to any corner ch 2 sp, Ch 1, *[SC, Ch 2, SC] in corner, SC in next 2 sts, [LDC in Sk st from previous round, SC in next st on Rnd 13] 14 times, LDC in Sk’d st from Previous Round, SC in next 2 sts, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC. Fasten off, change color to Linen.

Rnd 15: With Linen, attach yarn in any corner ch 2 sp, Ch 1, 3 SC in same corner sp, SC in each st around putting 3 SC in corner ch 2 sps, sl st to first SC, do NOT fasten off. (144 sts)

Rnd 16: Continue using Linen, Ch 1, SC in each st round putting 3 SC in middle SC of corners, sl st to first SC, do NOT fasten off. (152 sts)

Rnd 17: Repeat Round 16 (You can opt out of doing this round if your square is 12 inches after Round 16)

Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Block your square if needed.

Enjoy!!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns

FREE Crochet Tutorial: Happy Hues Sampler Baby Blanket

May 2, 2019 By Nadia Fuad in baby, Baby Items, Blankets, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, red heart yarns, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

Last week, we took a tour of my new nursery that my mom and I set up. (see it here!!) It was so much fun to see the colors come to life, the artwork get hung, and the crib readied for baby’s arrival.

Today, I am introducing the Happy Hues Sampler Baby Blanket. This luxurious blanket was made in the hues of my nursery. Yours can be made in any combo of color or why not use this project for a great stash buster!? You will love this project so much!

I have provided you instructions on how to expand the size of this blanket to fit any size bed. Whether it be all colorful or just a combination of tones that fit the decor of a specific room, this blanket will make the perfect addition to any home or nursery. Join me and get started today!

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make this blanket:

**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.

***You can sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You may sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials:

–Red Heart Super Saver Yarns in all different colors (Denim, Charcoal, Dusty Grey, White, Country Blue)
I used 1 ball of each with an extra ball of yarn for the border. (6 skeins total–2,000 yards of yarn)
–Size I-5.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-You can make this blanket any size. Use the Afghan Size Guide in this Blog Post
-The measurements for my blanket came out to be approximately 45 inches X 50 Inches
-You can make this blanket any size by making your beginning chain an even number.
-You can use any colors you want. I used a Worsted Weight, Size 4 Medium Yarn but you can use any Double Knitting Yarn or any Aran Yarn as well.
-This blanket took me approximately 3 days to complete.
-You do not have to change color so often, but sewing in those pesky ends is a nightmare. Be sure to sew them in as you go, but if you are not changing color as often as I do in the video tutorial, you can carry your yarn up the rows on the sides because when we make our border, we cover the sides anyway.
-Ch 3 at the beginning of a row counts as a stitch unless otherwise specified (See video tutorial for explanation, especially when working treble crochet rows)
-If you do not have the same exact stitch count as me (if you are off by a few stitches, do not worry about it, it is OK, the border will hide any imperfections on the edges)

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half-Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
TR: Treble Crochet
PS: Puff Stitch: *YO, insert hook into st, YO, pull through, repeat from * until you have 7 loops on your hook. YO pull through all 7 loops.

Pattern:

Change color every row.

With Charcoal Ch 132
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook and across, turn. (130)

Row 2: With White, Ch 3 (counts as stitch here and throughout), Sk 1 st, *DC in next st, DC in sk’d st working behind the DC you just made, Sk next st, repeat from * across ending with DC in last st, turn. (130)

Row 3: With Denim, Ch 1, SC in same st, *Ch 2, Sk 2 sts, SC in next st, repeat from * across ending with SC in last st, turn. (44 SC, 43 Ch 2 sps)

Row 4: With Dusty Gray, In first SC st, Ch up 3 (counts as st), put 3 DC in each Ch 2 sp across, (if you have 129 sts, add one more stitch at the end) turn. (130 sts)

Row 5: With Country Blue, Attach yarn to first st, Ch 1, SC in same st, *TR in next st, SC in next st, repeat from * across ending with SC in last st, turn. (130 sts)

Row 6: With White, Ch 1, HDC in each st across, Turn. (130 sts)

Row 7: With Charcoal, Ch 1, HDC in 1st st, Puff st in next st, *Ch 1, Puff st in next st, repeat from * across ending with HDC in last st, turn. (66 sts)

Row 8: With Country Blue, Attach yarn to first st, Ch 3 (counts as st), DC in same st, DC in each Ch 1 sp across ending with 2 DC in last st, turn. (130 sts)

Row 9: Repeat Row 2 with color Dusty Grey

Row 10: repeat Row 3 with color Denim

Row 11: repeat Row 4 with Charcoal

Row 12: repeat Row 5 with White (Be sure this round you are looking at the BACK side of your work)

Row 13: repeat Row 6 with Denim

Row 14: repeat Row 7 with Dusty Grey

Row 15: repeat Row 8 with Country Blue

Repeat Rows 2-15 with the same color sequence

End on row 78
or make this blanket as long as you want!

BORDER:
Rnd 1: SC around entire blanket putting 3 sc in each corner. Sl st to first sc.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 DC in same st, *sk 2 sts, 3 DC in next st, repeat from * around putting [3DC, ch 2, 3DC] in corners, sl st to first st when finished with this round.
Rnd 3: sl st in next 2 sts and into gap between groupings, Ch 3, [2DC, ch 2, 3 DC] in same gap, *SC in next gap between groupings, [3DC, ch 2, 3DC] in next gap between groupings, repeat from * around putting [3DC, ch 2, 3DC] in corners, sl st to first st when finished with this round.

That border is amazing and can be put on any blanket!!

Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns

Like this blanket? Try the Dream Time Mosaic Baby Quilt!

Crochet Tutorial: Butterfly Lovey

July 31, 2018 By Nadia Fuad in amigurumi, Baby Items, Blankets, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, character, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, flower, free crochet pattern, granny, granny square, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, red heart yarns, square, squares, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

“Butterflies can’t see their wings. They cannot see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can…”

Today’s project is this darling Butterfly Lovey. I love the three dimensional look of this piece. You can get as creative as you like with this project! I can imagine the variety of vivid hues one can use to make this sweet lovey for a child or adult.

This could be a great scrap yarn project. Make one or more and attach them for a unique 3D blanket or throw by piecing these squares together. Match a nursery or bedroom for your child.

Butterflies bring out something in all of us. Maybe since they are often beyond our grasp. We love to watch them flutter through the air on the lightness of their wings upon which we can send out wishes out into the world.

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make this lovey:

**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.

***You can sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You may sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
–Red Heart Super Saver Yarn (Any colors, but I used: Delft Blue, Royal, Black, White, Carrot, Redwood, Gold)
–Size G-4.25mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Measuring Tape
–Polyfil
–Scissors

NOTES:

-This lovey is approximately 18 inches wide/long
-Use a bigger hook to make this bigger, and a smaller hook to make it smaller
-This lovey has a lot of pieces to sew together, a good yarn needle is essential to use during this project

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
FLO: Front Loop Only
BLO: Back Loop Only
SC: Single Crochet
SC2TOG: Single Crochet Decrease
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

Lovey Squares: Make 4
With Orange
Ch 4, Sl st to first ch to form a ring (or start with Magic Ring)
Rnd 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), 12 DC in ring, sl st to first st. (12)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 DC in each st around, sl st to first st. (24)
Fasten off orange and change color.
Rnd 3: Attach new color to any st, Ch up 2, [2DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in same st, *HDC in next 2 sts, SC in next st, HDC in next 2 sts, [2DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in next st, repeat from * around ending with HDC in last st, sl st to first st.
You will be working in Rows now:
R0w 4: Sl st into next st and into ch 2 sp. TURN, 2 DC in CH 2 sp, DC in each st to next corner, [2DC, ch 2, 2DC] in corner, DC in each st to next corner, 2 DC in corner, leave rest of the sts unworked. Turn.
Row 5: Ch 2 (does not count as st), DC in each st to corner, [2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, DC in rest of sts on the row, turn.
Rows 6-13: Repeat Row 5, do not fasten off.
Continue to SC down the side, put 3 SC in corner, and work SCs down the next side. (See video tutorial for visual instructions)
Fasten off with a long tail for sewing.

Assembly step:
Sew all 4 squares together (See video tutorial to see how to sew the squares together)
Border:
With White: SC around entire lovey. Fasten off.
With Black: SC around entire lovey. Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Wings: Make 8
Ch 4
Row 1: SC in 2nd Ch and next 2 chs, ch 1, turn. (3)
Row 2: 2 SC in 1st st, SC in next 2 sts, Ch 1, turn. (4)
Row 3: SC in 1st 3 sts, 2 SC in last st, ch 1, turn. (5)
Row 4: 2 SC in 1st st, SC in the rest of the sts on the row, Ch 1, turn. (6)
Row 5: SC in each st to last st, 2 SC in last st, ch 1, turn. (7)
Row 6: Repeat Row 4. (8)
Row 7: Repeat Row 5. (9)
Row 8: Repeat Row 4. (10)
Row 9: Repeat Row 5. (11)
Row 10: Repeat Row 4. (12)
Rows 11-15: SC in each st across, ch 1, turn. (12)
Row 16: SC2TOG, SC in 8 sts, SC2TOG, ch 1, turn. (10)
Row 17: SC in 8 sts, SC2TOG, ch 1, turn. (9)
Row 18: SC2TOG, SC in the next 7 sts, ch 1, turn. (8)
Row 19: SC in 6 sts, SC2TOG, ch 1, turn. (7)
Row 20: SC2TOG, SC in 5 sts, ch 1, turn. (6)
Row 21: SC2TOG, SC in 2 sts, SC2TOG, ch 1, turn. (4)
Row 22: [SC2TOG] twice. (2)
Fasten off.
Before attaching the wings together, make the mini circles and embroider the veins

Mini Circles: Make 8
With first color:
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook, Sl st to first st, fasten off.
Rnd 2: Attach black to any stitch, 2 SC in each st around, sl st to first st. Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly step:
Sew mini circles in place and embroider the veins with black yarn. (See video tutorial for visual instructions on this part)
After the circles and veins are on the wings, Attach the wings together by Single Crocheting around the wings and stuff them. Fasten off with a long tail for sewing. (See video tutorial for this part too), I know it’s a lot of sewing.

Body:
With Black Yarn
Work in Continuous Rounds and in the BLO
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 4 SC in 2nd ch from hook. (4)
Rnd 2: 2 SC in 1st st, SC in the rest of the sts on the round. (5)
Rnds 3-9: Repeat Rnd 2 until you have 12 sts.
Rnd 10: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 11: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)
Rnds 12-13: SC in each st around. (24)
Rnd 14: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 15: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)
Stuff your piece and continue with the next round.
Rnd 16: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 17: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)
Rnds 18-19: SC in each st around. (24)
Rnd 20: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 21: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)
Stuff your piece and continue with the next round.
Rnd 22: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 23: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)
Rnds 24-25: SC in each st around. (24)
Rnd 26: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 27: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)
Embroider eyes to body (Optional)
Stuff your piece and continue with the next round.
Rnd 28: [SC2TOG] 6 times.
SC 1st and 4th sts together.
Fasten off weave in ends.

Antenna: Make 2
With Black Work in continuous rounds and in BLO
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: 2 SC in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: SC in each st around. (12)
Rnd 4: [SC2TOG] 6 times. (6)
Rnd 5: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] twice. (4)
Rnds 6-7: SC in each st around.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly:
Sew wings to body, sew antenna to body, sew body to lovey in the center.
Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns

Stitch Gallery & Glossary Episode #20: Cluster Stitch

April 28, 2018 By Nadia Fuad in Stitch Gallery and Glossary Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, cluster, clusters, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, double crochet, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, red heart yarns, stitch, teach, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make the Cluster Stitch:

Materials Used:
Red Heart Yarns Creme de la Creme Cotton Yarn
Crochet Hook

Cluster Stitch

US Terms

Stitch:
[Yarn Over, Insert Hook into stitch, Yarn Over, Pull through, Yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 5 times. Yarn Over, pull through all 6 loops on your hook.

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Stitch Gallery & Glossary Episode #19: Puff Stitch

April 27, 2018 By Nadia Fuad in Stitch Gallery and Glossary Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fluffy, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, learning, pattern, puff, puffy, red heart yarns, square, squares, stitch, stitches, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make the Puff Stitch:

Materials Used:
Red Heart Yarns Creme de la Creme Cotton Yarn
Crochet Hook

Puff Stitch

US Terms

Stitch:
[Yarn Over, Insert Hook into stitch, Yarn Over, Pull through] 4 times. Yarn Over, pull through all 9 loops on your hook.

[Yarn Over, Insert Hook into stitch, Yarn Over, Pull through] 3 times. Yarn Over, pull through all 7 loops on your hook.

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Crochet Tutorial: Love & Sunshine Baby Blanket

April 24, 2018 By Nadia Fuad in Uncategorized Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, back post, basic, beanie, beginner, blanket, block, blocks, border, christmas, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, double crochet, free pattern, front post, granny, granny square, halloween, handmade, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, love, pattern, red heart yarns, square, squares, stitch, sunshine, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

Are you looking for the perfect project for a baby shower gift? Do you have a new grandchild on the way or are you expecting a new baby? This is the perfect project for you! I designed the Love and Sunshine Baby Blanket as the perfect accessory to any nursery.

It’s an easy pattern using a repeat of Front and Back Post Double Crochet. I have added a touch of accent color in the pattern as well as complimenting it with a lovely picot border to give it some additional design features. This treasured piece will be a huge hit! The Bunches of Hugs yarn by Red Heart Yarns is the perfect fiber to make it feel luxurious and soft as a cloud. Perfect for cuddling your little one!

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make this blanket:

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Red Heart Yarns Bunches of Hugs in Banana
–Red Heart Yarns Dreamy in Grey
-I-5.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-This blanket is 36 inches wide and long but you can continue the repeat to make it as big as you want.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
BLO: Back Loop Only
St(s): Stitch(es)
RS: Right Side
WS: Wrong Side (Back Side)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet
Picot: Ch 3, sl st into 3rd ch from hook.

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.

Blanket:
Ch 4, Sl st to first ch to form a ring.
(RS) Rnd 1: Ch up 3 (Counts as DC), 2 DC into ring, [Ch 2, 3 DC into ring] 3 times, Ch 2, sl st to beg ch up 3 st, ch 1, do NOT turn.

(RS) Rnd 2: FPDC on first st, *DC in next, FPDC on next, [2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, FPDC on next st, repeat from * around, ending with corner sts, Sl st to first FPDC, ch 1, turn.

(WS) Rnd 3: DC in same st you sl st’d into, [BPDC on next st, DC in next st] until corner, *[2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, [DC in next st, BPDC on next st] until corner, repeat from * around, ending with BPDC on last st, Sl st to 1st DC. Ch 1. Do NOT turn.

(WS) Rnd 4: BPDC on same st you sl st’d to, [DC on next st, BPDC on next st] until corner, *[2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, [BPDC on next st, DC on next st] until next corner, repeat from * around, ending with DC in last st, Sl st to 1st BPDC, ch 1, turn.

(RS) Rnd 5: DC in same st you sl st’d into, [FPDC on next st, DC in next st] until corner, *[2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, [DC in next st, FPDC on next st] until next corner, Repeat from * around, ending with FPDC on last st, sl st to 1st DC, ch 1, do NOT turn.

(RS) Rnd 6: FPDC on same st you sl st’d to, [DC in next st, FPDC on next st] until next corner, *[2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, [FPDC on next st, DC on next st] until next corner, repeat from * around, ending with DC in last st, sl st to 1st FPDC, ch 1, Turn.

Rnds 7-28: [Repeat Rounds 3-6] 5 more times and rounds 3 and 4 another time after that.
If you want your blanket bigger, just repeat rounds 3-6 as many times as you want, but end on a repeat of Round 4 before going onto the next row.

Fasten off Yellow and change color to Grey, attaching yarn where you left off on the last round.

(RS) Rnd 29: With Grey, Repeat Round 5

Fasten off Grey and change color to Yellow, attaching yarn where you left off on the last round.

(RS) Rnd 30: With Yellow, Repeat Round 6

(WS) Rnd 31: Repeat Round 3

Fasten off Yellow, Turn your work to the front side and attach Grey where you left off.

Border
(RS) Rnd 32: With Grey, ch up 1, SC in same st, *[Ch 3, Sk 1 st, SC in next st] until corner, SC in last st on side, Ch 3, Sk corner, SC in 1st st on next side, repeat from * around, ending with Ch 3, Sl st to 1st SC. Do NOT turn.

(RS) Rnd 33: Sl st into 1st ch 3 sp, Ch 1, SC in same sp, *[SC, HDC, DC, Picot, DC, HDC, SC] in next ch 3 sp, Sl st in next ch 3 sp, Repeat from * around, ending with [SC, HDC, DC, Picot, DC, HDC, SC] in last ch 3 sp, sl st to first SC.
Fasten off.

Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns

Crochet Tutorial: Ghost Amigurumi

February 6, 2018 By Nadia Fuad in Uncategorized Tags: afghan, basic, beginner, casper, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, ghost, halloween, handmade, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, red heart yarns, scary, spooky, teach, tutorial, valentine, valentines, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

How is everyone on this *boo-tiful* day? For some time, before I release these Punny Valentine projects, I spend a *spooky* amount of time *haunting* around for ideas. A lot of the ideas get the *boo-t*. That whole “what *ghost* up must come down” happens with a lot with my ideas. I get excited for some, and then some fall flat! Many take *float* in my mind and are a *scream*! You can *scare* up inspiration from anywhere and make it a pun. Some things won’t have a *ghost* of a chance, but it *ghost* to show you that many things can!

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this project:

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Red Heart Super Saver in White
–G-4.25mm Crochet Hook
–Googly Eyes
–Polyfil
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
BLO: Back Loop Only
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
SC2TOG: Single Crochet Decrease
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.

Ghost: With White, work in BLO and in continuous rounds.
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: 2 SC in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)
Rnds 5-7: SC in each st around. (24)
Rnd 8: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 9: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)
Rnd 10: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 11: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)
Rnds 12-15: SC in each st around. (24)
Rnd 16: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (18)
Rnds 17-18: SC in each st around. (18)
Stuff the ghost with polyfil
Rnd 19: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)
Rnds 20-21: SC in each st around. (12)
Rnd 22: [SC2TOG] 6 times.
Fasten off, weave in ends.

Arms: Make 2 with White. Work in BLO and continuous rounds.
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnds 2-5: SC in each st around. (6)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly:
Sew arms to side of ghost
Glue on Googly Eyes

Enjoy!!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns

My New Blocking Station Product Review

November 10, 2017 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, Product Review Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, block, blocking, blocks, blocksall, busines, business, chetnanigans, christmas, crochet, crochet hook organizer, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, etsy, fashion blogger, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, granny square, handmade, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, online shop, organizer, pattern, Product Review, red heart yarns, reveiw, review, small business, square, squares, station, stitch, teach, tutorial, unit, video, video tutorial, website, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

I’ve always wanted a blocking unit for my crochet pieces. For someone like me having a handy tool like this makes my work a little easier. Recently, I received The BlocksAll Station from Chetnanigans. Chetnanigans has an Etsy Shop and is definitely worth the look. Today, I had the opportunity to give this product a try. Here is my assessment of this fun tool.

If you are like me, you have practiced many tricks when you are blocking your items. My tried and true way is to spritz a little water on my finished piece, shape it and pin it down on a towel using stick pins or stack my squares on skewers stuck in a Styrofoam block. Then, I leave my piece to dry overnight and wake up the next day to my item blocked, hopefully in the correct form I want. For larger projects this is still the best way I have found to achieve a decent result. However, there are times when making granny square items such as my G.G. Cardigan, my New Beginnings Afghan Block, or we all remember my colossal project the 365 Days of Granny Squares, when blocking single squares become necessary for the best appearance of an overall project. Not everything crochets up as neat and tidy as we hope. That is when the BlocksAll is great option to achieve these results. I set out to give this a test run and was not disappointed!

First, when the item arrived and I opened it, I was very happy to see how well this was packaged. Included were the board, a stand, stainless steel pins, and instructions, all neatly packed and secure on arrival. Seeing it for the first time was thrilling! I always get that excited feeling when a new crochet or craft item arrives at my doorstep. I am like a little child when I see the delivery driver pull up! Once it was opened, I was eager to give it a try!

I decided to give it a test run blocking some squares that I am making for a baby blanket. I sprayed my squares lightly with a bit of water before placing each square on the block. Although I blocked individual squares, you can stack them on the pins and do multiples at the same time. I think approximately 3-5 squares would fit stacked up. There are 50 stainless steel pins included in this set and there are a series of holes on the block. This is important as the placement of the holes make it easy to block items in a variety of sizes! The pins do not rust so if your item is damp, there will be no risk of rust getting on your pieces. It was a bit tough to insert the pins on the first try, but being as this is brand new, I suspect this will become easier the more I use this item. By the same token, the pins were a bit tough to remove once I was finished blocking. Again, with repeated use, this should rectify.

The BlocksAll is very sturdy, durable, and it has some weight to it. The stand has rubber grips for anti-slip if you want to stand it up while blocking your pieces. This is a nice feature when you need to apply a bit of force to either push the pins in or pull them out. Otherwise, there is felt on the back side of the BlocksAll station if you wish to lay it on a flat surface to do your blocking. One detail to point out that many will appreciate as I do, is that the pins are NOT sharp. I can’t tell you how many times when blocking my crochet items the standard way that I jabbed a stick pin into my fingertip or thumb and drew blood! It gives new meaning to putting blood, sweat, and tears into a project and hopefully, having this new item will take those elements out of the equation! There is no risk of that happening while using the BlocksAll pins! Another observation, you will want to store the pins in a small case. Because of the amount of pins included in this set (50), it will be a good idea to have a storage container for these small but important parts.

Once my pieces were blocked overnight, they came out perfectly shaped for my project!! The size of this board allows for pieces up to 12 inches x 12 inches to be blocked easily. I was so happy with the results of each square and they look perfect with the clean straight edge achieved from using this handy device! I love the look and they stack up nicely in piles waiting for me to sew them together! This is exciting stuff!
I love this wonderful gizmo and working with the Chetnanigans crew was a pleasure! Be sure to check out their Etsy site and all the great items they have for knitters and crocheters!! These would make a great gift for any crafter on your list–including yourself!

Also, be sure to use coupon code YARN15 to get a 15% discount on your purchase!!! The discount code is only available until November 19th, 2017 so place your orders soon!! That is an AWESOME deal! You won’t be disappointed! Now back to making more squares and playing with my new toy!

~Nadia

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Crochet Tutorial: Chunky Basketweave Blanket

October 1, 2017 By Nadia Fuad in Blankets, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, basket, basketweave, bedding, bedroom, beginner, bohemian, boho, chic, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, for the home, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, home, how to, how to crochet, hygge, instagram, kinfolk, learn, little things, pattern, queen, queen size, red heart yarns, room, stitch, sweet, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, weave, woben, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 6 Comments

My Solid Tan Chunky Basketweave Blanket is the next project you must add to your to do list! This supremely soft and comfy blanket will make you want to wrap yourself up and not come out for the rest of the season! Grab a good book, a cup of hot tea, and this cozy blanket and you have all the perfect comforts for a fantastic night in!

Get the mug here!
Get the book here!!

Get the bed here!

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this project:

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**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.

***You can definitely sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

NOTES

-Watch the FULL introduction of the video tutorial for frequently asked questions and watch the full video for tips on how to make these smaller or bigger.
-I used Red Heart Sweet Yarn but you can use any bulky size yarn to make this blanket.
-This blanket measures 70 inches wide and 71 inches long
-This blanket uses 1,780 yards of yarn. (I used a total of 20 skeins of Sweet yarn in this project)
–You can get other blanket sizes here (about halfway down the page there’s measurements on different blanket sizes)
-For a baby blanket, my recommendation is to make your foundation chain 64 chains
-For a throw blanket, my recommendation is to make your foundation chain 80 chains
-For a Queen blanket, my recommendation is to make your foundation chain 104 chains
-For a King blanket, my recommendation is to make your foundation chain 144 chains
-Learn more about the basketweave stitch here

Materials:
–Red Heart Yarns Sweet in Tan
–10mm crochet hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors
–Measuring Tape

Get the mug photographed here!
Get the book photographed here!!

Shop Red Heart Yarns Website Today!

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.

Pattern:

Chain 104 or any multiple of 8 (see other blanket measurement sizes here)
Row 1: DC in 4th ch from hook and across, turn. (102 sts)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc) *FPdc around the post of each of next 4 sts, BPdc around the post of each of next 4 sts, rep from * across, ending with 1 dc in top of turning chain, turn.
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc) *BPdc around the post of next 4 sts, FPdc around the post of each of next 4 sts, rep from * ending with 1 dc in top of turning ch, turn.
Row 4: Repeat Row 2
Row 5: Repeat Row 2
Row 6: Repeat Row 3
Row 7: Repeat Row 2
Row 8: Repeat Row 3
Row 9: Repeat Row 3
Rows 10-71: Repeat rows 2-9 for however long you want to make your blanket
When you are finished with your last row, SC around the entire blanket to clean up the edges and put 3 SC in each corner.
Sl st to first SC, and fasten off.
Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns

A Personal Debate: Mainstays Basic Yarn vs. Red Heart Super Saver Yarn

September 26, 2017 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts Tags: acrylic, afghan, afghan block, baby blanket, basic, beginner, block, blocks, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, mainstays, mainstays basic yarn, pattern, red heart super saver, red heart yarns, review, squares, stitch, super saver, swatch, teach, tutorial, versus, video, video tutorial, walmart brand, walmart yarn, yarn, yarn review, yarnie, yarns, yarnutopia 49 Comments

Recently, I was informed that Wal-Mart stores have started selling their own brand of fiber called Mainstays Basic Yarn. At the time I was notified of this new brand on the shelves, I was eager to check it out for myself. Unfortunately, I live in a somewhat rural community and the skeins had not made their way to my local Wal-Mart quite yet.

A short time later, I was able to get my hands on a skein of the Mainstays yarn and decided to do a comparison between Red Heart Super Saver and this new brand by Wal-Mart! This blog is entirely my own opinion, based on my personal observations debating two similar products.

Less money, less quality?

First observation, once I was able to find the product in the store, was the price. A skein of Red Heart Super Saver is $2.88 and the price of the Mainstays Basic Yarn is $1.97, so the obvious difference is the financial aspect. You are saving $0.91 per skein on the basic colors with the Mainstays brand. For those looking at the economic factor, this is a no-brainer. The Mainstays IS obviously less expensive. However, we all know that price is not always reflective of quality, and we all know the saying, “you get what you pay for.” Low prices can mean lower quality products. Keep that in mind when basing your comparison solely on economics – and yes, I do understand the importance of finances as a crafter on a budget, but one must consider other details as well.

Next, the volume of the skeins is equal – Each one weighing 7 oz. However, Red Heart Super Saver has 364 yards and Mainstays Basic Yarn has 397 yards. When we look at another obvious comparison, you get more for your money with Mainstays. I would like to insert a personal observation here: The Mainstays Basic Yarns are definitely a thinner fiber. Although you are getting “more” length in the skein, it actually feels “less.” You can even see when lined side by side, there is a fair amount of difference in how they compare next to one another. Having worked with Red Heart Yarns so frequently, it is hard to explain this, but their fiber has weight and thickness and feels somewhat sturdier versus the Mainstays Basic Yarn, which has a much thinner strand and feels lighter and less substantial. With Red Heart Super Saver, there is ample feel to my piece. The Mainstays yarn has a bit less volume and does not feel as abundant or as sturdy. I hope that makes sense. Both are 100% acrylic.

(Photographed above: Red Heart Super Saver on the Left, Mainstays Yarn on the Right)

Soft but Found

The Mainstays definitely has a soft touch, but, like I mentioned earlier, it tends to lack that feeling of volume when you want something thick and warm or heavy such as a nice blanket, a winter hat, or a scarf, but it has decent softness nonetheless.

I found Mainstays Basic Yarns located ONLY in the Wal-Mart stores. Red Heart Yarns are available in, not only Wal-Mart, but several other craft stores, AND conveniently able to be ordered online. This is important for many who love the ease of online shopping or are unable to get to stores or choose not to shop at large retail shops such as Wal-Mart.

Another fact that I find important point to bring up, is that all Mainstays yarn products are made in China whereas the Red Heart Yarns are ALWAYS made in the USA. To many, this is a VERY important detail to consider when purchasing.

Shrinking options

I made two swatches out of both brands of yarn. I washed each swatch and noticed a slight bit of shrinking in the Mainstays yarn. You will need to keep that in mind when using this brand in sizing your projects. You may get more in a skein yet you may need to use more length in certain projects to adjust for shrinkage. I observed that both fibers have the same amount of stretch to them. I also noticed quite a bit of pilling with the Mainstays Basic Yarn with fuzziness as compared to the Red Heart Super Saver swatch. The Red Heart Super Saver block was also softer after one wash.

(Photo was taken after washed)

It took a while, but my local Wal-Mart recently started stocking this Mainstays yarn product on their shelves this past week; I noticed they are offering an assortment of basic solids in a rainbow of colors. The colors run similar to some of the Red Heart Super Saver yarn hues. Red Heart Yarns offers a MUCH larger selection of color, as well as a variety of other types of yarns and products, whereas the Mainstays offer this one type of yarn. Red Heart Super Saver yarn is not dye lotted which keeps color consistent with each skein of yarn you use. So if you buy a skein of yarn, and 2 months later need the same exact color, you won’t have to worry about it being a different shade. I do not have information if Mainstays yarn does the same thing or not.

I hope this blog helps you as you explore the similarities and differences between these two products. Because of the limitation of the Mainstays yarn, I still find myself preferring the Red Heart Super Saver when choosing an economic and quality yarn product. Have you tried these two products? Leave your thoughts in the comment section!

~Nadia

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Stitch Gallery & Glossary Episode #18: Grit Stitch

September 21, 2017 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, Stitch Gallery and Glossary, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, afghan block, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion blogger, free crochet pattern, free pattern, gallery, glossary, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, red heart yarns, stitch, stitches, stitching, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make the Grit Stitch:

Materials Used:
Red Heart Yarns Creme de la Creme Cotton Yarn
Crochet Hook

Grit Stitch

US Terms

Chain any odd number

Row 1: SC into the 2nd CH from hook and the next CH, *skip 1 CH, 2 SC into next ch, repeat from from * to last 2 chains, sk 1 CH, 1 SC into last CH, CH 1, turn.
Row 2: SC in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 SC into next SC, rep from * to last 2 sts, SK st, 1 SC in last st, CH 1, turn.
Repeat row 2 until you have reached your desired length.

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Weekend WIP

September 16, 2017 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts Tags: ad, affiliate links, afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, books, chai, character, christmas, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, granny square, handmade, holiday, hot chai, how to crochet, learn, magazine, magazines, pattern, red heart yarns, square, squares, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, wedding planner, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

I love receiving parcels in the mailbox! This week was particularly exciting when a close family friend sent clippings from a vintage Women’s Day Magazine dated in the early 1970s. Included in the clippings, and what had her thinking of us, was the vintage crochet patterns she had saved. I love this!

Here I am, as I often do, multitasking on a Saturday! I have a great new project on my hook. I have my wedding planner nearby adding our collected addresses, preparing to send out our Save-the-Dates, I have my rainy day cup of hot chai, and I am perusing these awesome vintage patterns and ads from these 1970s magazines. Some of the articles in these old periodicals have me experiencing quite a few interesting emotions. Things were quite different 40+ years ago, but crochet has remained a strong passion no matter what the decade! Share what’s on your hook and what this weekend has in store for you!

~Nadia

Like the Wedding Planner? Get it here!!

Like the Sheep Measure Tape?? Get it here!!!

Like the Fluffy Yarn? Get it here!!

Like the Crochet Hook?? Get it here!!

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Crochet Tutorial: Destiny Sampler Baby Blanket

September 7, 2017 By Nadia Fuad in Baby Items, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, beanie, beginner, blanket, block, blocks, christmas, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, deramores, destiny, dk, double knitting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, sampler, stitch, tutorial, us terms, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

Here is my latest creation!! The Destiny Sampler Baby Blanket. Using lots of fun crochet stitches, I tried this out for the very first time, some fabulous fiber by Deramores. The softness is absolutely delectable! I fell in love with the feel and flow of using this yarn. It’s always fun to try something new!

You get a whole assortment of fun when you make this piece! This pattern has a mixture of different stitches including Clusters, Puffs, Criss-Cross Stitches, V-Stitches and Shell Stitches!

View this video tutorial to learn how to make this blanket:

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This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase, which means if you click on the link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order, so click away and happy shopping!! The amount you pay is not changed. Thanks for all your support!!

**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.

***You can definitely sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

NOTES:
-Watch the FULL introduction of the video tutorial for frequently asked questions and watch the full video for tips on how to make this smaller or bigger.
-I used Deramores yarn, but you can use any DK or worsted weight yarn for your project.
-You will need approximately 1250 yards of yarn for this blanket.
-This blanket measures 35 inches wide and 32 inches long.
–View this blog (about halfway down the page) for other sizes and measurements of blankets

Materials:
Click here to get the full pack of yarn pack included in this project!

–Deramores Studio Anti-pilling DK Yarn in Frost
–Deramores Studio Anti-pilling DK Yarn in Sky
–Deramores Studio Anti-pilling DK Yarn in Burnt Orange
–Deramores Studio Anti-pilling DK Yarn in Blush
–Deramores Studio Anti-pilling DK Yarn in Velvet Blue
–Size J-6.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors
–Measuring Tape

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
Cluster: [YO insert hook, YO, pull through, YO pull through 2 loops] 5 times, YO pull through all 6 loops on hook
Puff: [YO, insert hook into space, YO, pull through] 3 times, YO pull through all 7 loops on hook

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.

Pattern:

Ch 84 or any even number

Row 1: 2 DC in 4th Ch from hook, *Sk 1 ch, 2 DC in next ch, repeat from * across, ending with 1 DC in last ch, turn. (82 sts)
Row 2: Ch up 3 (Counts as stitch here and throughout), *2 DC between posts of next 2DC grouping, repeat from * across, ending with DC in last stitch.
Rows 3-5: Repeat Row 2
Row 6: Ch up 3, *Cluster in the next st, ch 1, DC in next st, repeat from * across, ending with DC in last 2 sts, turn
Row 7: Ch up 3, *Sk 1 DC st, DC in Cluster, DC in sk’d DC st, repeat from * across (making criss-cross stitches), ending with DC in last st, turn.
Row 8: Ch up 3, *Sk 1 st, DC in next, DC in sk’d st, repeat from * across, ending with DC in last st, Turn.
Rows 9-11: Repeat Row 8
Row 12: Repeat Row 6
Row 13: Ch up 3, 2 DC in each DC across (skip working in the Clusters), Ending with DC in last st, turn.
Rows 14-47: Repeat Rows 2-13
Use photo and video tutorial for visual instructions and color guide.
You can make your piece as long as you want, repeating Rows 2-13, then go onto border.

Border:
Rnd 1: Attach (Color Frost) yarn in any corner Ch 1, SC around putting 3 SC in each corner, sl st to first SC, Fasten off. Turn work to back.
Rnd 2: Start in middle SC of 3 SC grouping in a corner. with Blush, Ch up 3 (Counts as st), DC in same st, *Sk 1 st, Cluster in next, ch 1, repeat from * around putting 3 DC in middle SC of 3 SC grouping in corners. Ending with DC in first stitch to have 3 sts total in the first stitch, sl st to first ch up 3. Turn work back to the front side. See video tutorial for visual instructions.
Rnd 3: Start in gap to the left of a corner (Right before the cluster), With Blue Velvet, Ch up 3, DC in same sp, *Ch 1, 2 DC in next ch 1 sp, repeat from * to next corner, Ch 3, Sk 3 DC grouping,** repeat from * to * 2 more times, ending with Ch 3, Sl st to first ch up 3. Fasten off.
Rnd 4: In any corner, with Burnt Orange, Ch up 3, [DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in same corner space, *2 DC in each ch 1 sp to next corner, [2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, repeat from * around. Ending with Sl st to ch up 3.
Rnd 5: Ch up 1, SC in each st around putting [2SC, ch 2, 2 SC] in each corner, sl st to first st.
Rnd 6: Ch up 3, DC in next st, ch 2, Sk 1 st, *[2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, ch 2, sk 1 st, DC in next 2 sts, ch 2, DC in next 2 sts until next corner, repeat from * around, ending with Ch 2, sl st to first ch up 3. Fasten off.
Rnd 7: In any corner, with Sky Blue, Ch up 1, *[Puff, ch 2, Puff] in corner, Ch 1, [Puff, ch 2, Puff, ch 1] in next ch 2 sp until next corner, repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, sl st to first puff. Fasten off.
Rnd 8: Start in any corner, with Blush Pink, Ch 1, 5 SC in each corner, 1 SC in ch 1, sps, 3 SC in ch 2 sps all the way around. (See video tutorial for visual instructions) Sl st to first st, fasten off.
Rnd 9: In middle SC of corner, with Blue Velvet, Ch up 3, 3 DC in same st, *SK 2 sts, SC in next, Sk 1 st, Shell in next, Sk 1 st, SC in next, repeat from* until corner (middle SC of corner) put 7 DC in middle SC of corner, repeat from * around ending with 3 DC in beginning st to finish beginning corner. Sl st to ch up 3. Fasten off.

Assembly:
Sew in all loose ends.

Enjoy!!

If you enjoyed this blanket, be sure to try the Woven Dreams Baby Blanket!!

Tips on Homemade Gift Giving

September 3, 2017 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, Crochet Projects Tags: accomplish, afghan, afghan block, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beanie, beginner, challenge, character, christmas, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, free crochet pattern, free pattern, gift, gift giving, gifts, give, handmade, hat, holiday, holidays, how to, how to crochet, intentions, learn, list, listing, lists, make a list, plan ahead, planner, planning, present, pressure, projects, red heart yarns, stitch, teach, tips, tutorial, under pressure, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

Over the years, I have found that giving crocheted gifts has been well received. Even my brother has raided my stockpile of crochet items for cowls, hats, scarves, and items to give to his own friends. People love a well-made item. Giving someone something homemade, especially made with love, is priceless.

Here is a quick checklist on what to do when preparing to give a homemade gift of crochet.

Give yourself plenty of time

Start early to avoid stress and pressure of finishing something you are aware has a deadline. Don’t wait until the last minute to start a stack of crochet projects on December 1st for Christmas gifts or a baby blanket two weeks before a baby shower, UNLESS you are a seasoned crochet artist with years of experience and have no worry working under those high pressure deadlines.

Tackle a project or idea that falls within the range of your skill set and time frame, so crochet is a pleasure and not a chore. Even if you want to take on a challenge of something that you have never tried before, having enough time to learn and complete it will remove some of the anxiety of trying something new. That way, if you run into issues experimenting, you will accomplish something doable without the frustration of getting in “over your head” when you have the time to “play around” with a new pattern.

Personally, I have to give myself time. I have good intentions when tackling a project, but I have learned, nothing ever goes quite the way I plan. Even when I give myself time to finish, I find that I am running up to the very last moment of my timeline!

Make Lists

Who is on your gift giving list? Are you tackling a project for one individual or a list of people? Once you answer these questions, make a list of who you are gifting to. Then, decide what you plan to make for each of them. Then, make a list of the supplies needed for each project. Here is where things might get a bit costly. If you have a large list of people you want to make gifts for, breaking down the supplies into smaller purchases takes off some of the financial pressure of doing them all at once. Working on a single or even a couple of projects to completion, and then comprising another list to tackle the rest of your list makes the blow to the pocketbook a little easier to manage.

The next step is to give yourself a REALISTIC and liberal time frame to finish the project. Here is where I always end up in a trap! I always underestimate the time frame I can complete a project. Even as a seasoned crochet artist, I cannot plan for those unpredictable circumstances. It is impossible to prep for the unknown. I can sit down with the best intentions to spend the evening crocheting and friend might drop by, or my best friend who is in the Peace Corp in Africa has an internet connection and wants to have a Skype date! I love crochet, but there are definitely times when my crochet projects take a back burner to other more important things! That is part of life! So always make sure that you allow for those times.

Set goals

When I was making the G.G. Cardigan, I sat down and counted how many squares I needed to make. Then I planned the time frame it would take to reasonably make this coat. My circumstances are different than most, but the principle still applies. I set a goal of how many squares I needed to do in a specific time frame. I took the total number and the time I planned to make it and divided. Example: If I needed 70 squares, I wanted to finish it in 2 weeks, which meant I needed to do 5 squares a day or 10 squares every other day.

Presently, I have been working on my wedding flowers (tutorials to come). I want to make a variety of flowers for different things, my bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, the place cards with coordinating floral details that are color coded for my menu options, etc. This is a HUGE undertaking. I needed to make 2 flowers each day for the year (we got engaged in March 2017 and are getting married in March 2018). Yeah, that isn’t happening. I have a little over 100 flowers done. I have to really amp up my production if I am going to meet this deadline, and I will, but that means changing my expectations. When I miss a day or two, I will sit down and make up a dozen or more flowers to catch up. It has been pretty successful. Again, so much comes in the way of meeting those goals so be sure to account for that!

Homemade gifts will be treasured for years to come, but remember that the goal of giving them with no pressure and stress is our hope and expectation. Try to avoid that last minute pressure and stress that sends you on a stream of made up curse words going off in your head as you crochet like fiends the night before!! I can’t tell you how many times that has happened to me! HAHA! We have all been there and done that!

Are you a plan ahead crochet artist?? Or are you the one that is pulling the all-nighter to finish in time to give a gift? No matter which way you function, I hope crochet continues to bring you joy under every circumstance!

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This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed.

Photos embedded in this blog were found on Google.com.

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Crochet Tutorial: Boho Tassel Scarf

August 31, 2017 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, Video Tutorial Tags: afghan, afghan block, babies, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, bohemian, boho, boho chic, bohochic, class, cowl, cowl neck, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, economy, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, gift, gifts, granny square, handmade, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, learning, make a tassel, neck, neckwarmer, pattern, red heart super saver, red heart yarns, rhss, sc, scarf, scarfie, single crochet, spike, stitch, stitches, stitching, stitchs, super saver, tassel, tassels, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, warm, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment