Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Mixed stripey blanket beginnings...wanna join in?



Well, I have finally got around to starting my next mixed-stitch-stripey blanket, I have been procrastinating a lot regarding this blanket.  


However, on our last trip to Melbourne I bought this book, and there are so many fantastic stitch patterns in here that I could put it off no longer!  There were many patterns with similar effects to what I was looking for in my experimenting, so why reinvent the wheel?  I will just use the similar ones in here I think. 


These are a few I like and think I could incorporate into my blanket, along with some old favourites, they might not all make the cut but it is good to have lots of options in a blanket like this!





What do you think?  Aren't they lovely! I do like nice solid looking patterns, I actually think the Interlocking Diamonds would be gorgeous for a blanket all on it's own! Maybe next project there!


Soooo......here is my beginning, 3 rows of hdc (htr) in blue,watermelon and green.  
Choosing the colours for this blanket has been quite a challenge, do I go for a different look or choose old favourites?  Lots of different colours or a limited palette?  In the end I've decided to go with the flow and see what takes my fancy as I get to each new stitch pattern.  It's going to be fun!
Definitely going to be one interesting blanket!


If anyone would like to crochet along with me on the own mixed-stitch-stripey blanket, feel free, I'd love to see what you come up with!  I am hoping to start a page dedicated to this blankets progress with the patterns and mini tutorials on it so you can see what I am doing.  But feel free to do your own thing, choose what ever stitches you like and lets create a unique blanket together!

I am using 8 ply wool (DK I think equivalent) with a 3.5 mm hook, but use what ever hook you feel comfortable with, I want a nice firm tight stitch, but you may prefer a looser fabric.

To begin with I chained 390ish stitches ( I kind of lost count and then kept loosing count when I went back to check)  because I want a big blanket for our bed, but you can chain as many as you like to suit your own wants.  Because of all the different stitch patterns, there will probably be a bit of adjusting of each row, depending on which pattern is being used; they all have various stitch repeats, if you get what I mean.  As long as we keep the same number of stitches in each row, we should end up with a fairly straight sided piece.  There is a bit of improvising inthids project, so please bear with me!

So the first few rows are of hdcs (htr), just to give us a nice firm base to start with,  I am going to do a couple more before moving on to a different pattern.

Stay tuned, I will try and update this blanket whenever I have made a pattern change, but that's enough to get us started!   

Have a great day!

68 comments:

  1. ooh I'm going to join in how long do you think this will take you? I think I'll do a lap blanket for the couch something smaller. love those colors.

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    1. Great WhingingNinja! It will probably take me a while, each row seems to go on for ages! But i am enthused at the moment so hopefully I'll get stuck right into it! I'm so pleased someone is joining in, this will be fun! :)

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  2. Awww, it's going to be so lovely! I look forward to seeing it finished :)
    I would join in but I can't crochet, and am still trying to finish my first knitted blanket...I look forward to making lots of different kinds of blankets after this one.
    I hope so others join in, it will be great to see other people's blankets too!
    Sarah xx

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    1. Sarah you must give crochet a try, it is really addictive, good luck with your knitted blanket, I have one of them on the go too! J :)

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  3. I've always loved your crochet style and still pop back to the pictures of your mixed striped blanket just to drool! So, yes, I'm going to join in too!

    Tee hee, exciting!

    Heather x

    PS. Love the look of that book; definitely going to pop that on my ever-increasing Amazon list!

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    1. Excellent, Pink Milk! Good to have you join in, I hope you have fun! :)

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  4. Oh wow! I just whooped with excitement! I have been a long admirer of your blankets, I will certainly be joining in, and posting updates on my blog (if that's ok with you-of course I will link straight back to you!) Do you read/write crochet stitches in UK/US terms?

    Kim

    www.whatpeggysaid.com

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    1. Look forward to your updates Kim, it will be fun to see everyones different blankets developing! Great to have you along! I usually write crochet stitches in US terms, but will put UK stitches in brackets. :) J

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  5. I'm in ! I cant wait. I've been admiring your blanket for such a long time. I will try and fit this in along with uni and work

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  6. I am in - yay. Have long admired your blankets and am so excited to join in! Going to the 'stash' now!Love a new project...

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    1. I love a new project too, it is the best bit I reckon! Goos to have you along!

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  7. I'd love to join in - using up my stash is my life's work! Just got to finish a little cardigan before I can start...

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  8. I will join you. I started a 'mixed stitch' blanket a while ago and it has been hibernating. It is a bit different than that beautiful blanket you made last year, but you are where I got the inspiration for it. This will help me finish it. It is very large. Big enough to cover a queen size bed. I have well over 3/4 of the way to go.

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    1. Glad this can be a bit of motivation for you Kashi!

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  9. Oh I really, really do love this idea and I really, really do want to join in but I think I'll be a few months behind.
    I've got a bit of a knitting queue to get through first.
    Loking forward to watching yours grow in the mean time.

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  10. Looks like a really great book. I have to make a blanket for a Christmas present for my In-Laws and they want t all one colour, but you've got me thinking that I could add some interest (for me!) by adding some rows of various patterns. I like the wave / chevron pattern an those interlocking shells ...

    Off to dig out my book of crochet stitches to have a bit of a design session!

    Love the start of your blanket - I'll be following your progress with interest.

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  11. I think I will love it, I will start my own this evening. Thank you for sharing this.
    Groetjes, Gerda

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  12. Hi very excited to be joining in as well ,wool is ready.Thanks so much for sharing
    Donna

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  13. I am in too, I LOVE your other mixed stripey blanket and have longed to do one of my own! I was very apprehensive because I have always used a pattern, almost scared to go "out of the box". I tend to be a perfectionist. Thanks for the inspiration! Looking forward to updates on yours! ♥

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  14. I have lots of small yarn balls which need a project like this but sadly too many projects on the go to join in at the moment. I'll be watching with interest though, such a lovely idea to have a CAL.

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  15. This sounds like fun - I might join in and crochet a baby blankie. :)

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  16. Ooooo.... This sounds tempting. I have some gorgeous yarns that I have trying to decide which stitch to use with for a blanket and here is my solution! Do them all! :) Fantastico!

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  17. SO many fun decisions to make, your creations are always amazing so I would not stress about it at all, it will be beautiful,
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  18. Dear Jules,
    I just love your blog and I am following for a few months. I just love your blankets, and i was waiting for this opportunity: learn how do you make your lovely blankets. I really like the regular colors that you use on your projects. I'll try very hard to follow this project. Here's my question: using a pattern with so many diferent stitches, we will not have problems with the number of stitches on a basic row? Some patterns says that we have begun the row, making a multiple of 3 or 4 stitch, for the right design. For exemple, to make a ripple blanket, follow the pattern of Lucy from Attic24, i made my chain row in a multiple of 3 plus 3 chains. Can you understand my problem? Sorry, but my english is not that good. But, anyway, I'm very happy for you generosity to share your project. I will follow and i'll do try to make my best. Thank you so much!!!
    Claudia, São Paulo, Brazil

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    1. Hi Claudia, I understand what you mean, I think there will be a bit adjusting in some rows if the pattern doesn't fit the stitch count perfectly, For the base row I think just make it as wide as you want, as the different patterns can be fitted in as we go, I think it will only effect the last bit of each row of pattern, so it isn't too much of a problem ( I am not a complete perfectionist though, so it might bother other people!) :) J

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  19. I am definitely in! I have followed your blog for a while and it is inspirational. I have an outstanding order from my daughter to make one of your gorgeous blankets. I bought some yarn months ago but have been busy with other projects, your crochet along will motivate me. I have a few questions:
    - do you use UK or US terminology?
    - do you recommend buying the book to take part?
    How exciting!
    Jacq
    X

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    1. Hi Jacq, I am using US terminology, but will put the UK equivalent in brackets, I don't think you need the book to do my blanket, I will try and show you how to do the patterns I am using, but having said that, there are lots of other nice patterns in this book that are nice to have a look at, so it is really up to you! :) J

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  20. Wow! I'm afriad I have too much on the go to do it right now .... but it will be all blogged up by yourself for another time! How lovely!

    x

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  21. I don't know what to do......Maybe I'll just follow your work on the blog and I'll enjoy the work in this simple way.....or maybe not? We'll see!!!
    xxx Alessandra

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  22. Weeee! I will definitely be joining you and your long list of admirers. Can't wait!

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  23. That blanket it going to be amazing!!! I wish I didn't have so many projects on the go...maybe I do just need one more blanket?!
    Claire

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  24. I love your blankets, so colourful and full of interesting patterns. I have three projects on the go at the moment but I will follow your progress and might get to join in later. Can't wait to see yours and everyone else's blankets!

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  25. super projet!!
    J'adore ton blog que je regarde tout les jours gros bisous du sud de la France.
    nathalie http;//lainespassion.canalblog.com

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    1. super projet!!
      J'adore ton blog que je regarde tout les jours gros bisous du sud de la France.
      nathalie http://lainespassion.canalblog.com

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  26. Oh yes! I will hook along! I need more crocheted blankets around the house but tend to get bored when making them. So hopefully seeing your progress and anticipating your posts will keep me going!

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  27. Awwww ... this makes me want to start yet another project .... yes! Another! ...I have a Rather big habbit of starting lots of things... and have a rather hard time of finishing them all :D
    Cant wait to see updates on this new blanket of yours.
    look forward to your updates, if you have some spare time come visit me at the Garden :) its my new blog that i have only just started http://thecrochetgarden.blogspot.co.uk/

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  28. What a great idea.
    Some of those stitches look a bit tricky. Not sure if I am too much of a beginner.

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  29. Oh I just love the idea of your blanket - I have just started a ripple blanket but feel so tempted to tag along with your project - it sounds amazing :)

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  30. I stumbled on to your blog recently and just luuuv it!!! I luv your mixed stitch blankets and told all my girlfriends about it - soooo naturally we are going to attempt to make one now you will have the instructions!!! Helen F

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  31. Thank goodness for blog archives. Would love to join in, but am mid wavey blanket for my daughter and a baby one for someone - not clear yet. But there is a plan to make a loved up blankie for Big J and me and I think your fabulous scheme would work beautifully. Enjoy, and I know you'll get tons of supportive fans on this one.

    Liz

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  32. I am looking forward to crocheting with you. I have made a baby blanket using both your big blanket and a Greengate blanket for inspiration. Your colour combinations are always so appealing.

    Jane

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  33. love your blog, am following you now. I need inspiration to start crocheting again
    Janice

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  34. That book looks awesome! I might have to track it down....

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  35. Read this post yesterday, and it has been burning on my mind since! I even said 'should I' to my hubby(who to be honest is really not interested, but I was having some strong cases of the wanties) and after telling him how many things I had on the go, but how much I wanted to he said 'do it!' I think he may have just been wanting to shut me up, but do I need any more encouragement! I'm with you!

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  36. I would really love to follow along. may I ask what kinds of yarn you use? Are they acrylics? or wools. or a belnd? where do you get your yarns from? I am in Qld. :)

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    1. Beke, I am using pure wool, just because I like it, ( you can use whatever you like though) I get it from a local shop in Mornington (I live in Victoria), I am going to start supplying some of the regular ones I use as soon as I save enough money for an order, hopefully in a couple of weeks! :) J

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  37. Oooh! me-thought. I'd like that book. So I looked up it on the amazon page and it only got 3 reviews two of which were not at all complimentary. I'm interested in what your views are if you're not too busy hookering to know before I make a purchase.

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    1. Hi Greedy Nan, I found this book to be a good guide to stitch patterns that I could use when doing my own blanket designs, it is nice and clear and a good starting point for creative thinking (for me anyway!) If you are an experienced crocheter it might be a bit boring, but I think it is a great reference book1 Hope this helps with your decision! :) J

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  38. Yay! I would LOVE to join in! It will be my first crochet-along :-) I'll abandon the other half dozen or so projects I have on the go and make a start - don't want to get left behind! I'm hoping that when (very sensible-looking) people tell me I have too many things on the go at once that they are wrong! They are wrong right?!
    Looking forward to seeing what comes next in the blanket
    Karen x x

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    1. Great to have you joining in Karen! There is no pressure, you can pick this up at anytime you like!

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  39. Yes i am joining in! I got some great colours today that i can't wait to use. This is my first crochet-along. I have done 5 rows (in my first day) im doing 350 stitches and it will fit my queen size bed well. I did these first 5 rows in 4 different colours in your hdc. PLEASE let us know what are the rows your doing next, as I am dying to keep going!!

    Has anyone else gone further than say 5rows? If so what have you done?

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    1. Hi Beke, oops, I answered your comment as a separate comment below!

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  40. Hi Beke, great that you are joining in! I have done a few more rows, so will update the CAL tomorrow when I've taken a few pictures. I am doing a queen bed size one too. Sorry for the delay in posting i am just starting a new job so have less computer and crochet time at the minute. Julie :)

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    1. Thank you so much for a reply! :) (I'm a little excited, feels like a celebrity just replied a fan letter....what a looser am I!) LOl.

      I would have love to do a woolen blanket, but I decided as this is my first one, and need to watch the $$ I might do an acrylic. At 2 balls for $3 and it feels alright, (and i loved the sherbet-y colours) i couldn't resist. I am pretty new to needed alot of yarns around and I will thought, start making some purchases at Bendigo Wool Mills (I have a friend who buys from them too and she says they are really lovely).

      Anyway thanks again. I can't wait to see what you have done, as I am dying to do some more rows, but I didn't want to go too far ahead as to miss out on that doing to together feel. If you could maybe tell us a couple of patterns you'll be doing next? :) x

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    2. PS also, I have only just started up my blog recently ( http://night-owl-delights.blogspot.com.au/ )and will be posting my blanket progress, and thought i'd let you know that I will be mentioning you, so that people will know :)

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  41. Hi, would love to join in, when I have finished one or two of my ongoing projects! Not that I need another throw /blanket but they're so pretty......
    I'm quite a basic crocheter but have been able to do the basics for years, just never found many crocheted things that I much liked, until now. Thankyou :)

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  42. Oops, and meant to say looking forward to learning new stitches

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  43. i will have to catch up on your posts and start this stunning pattern with you! thanks for sharing:)

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  44. Hi Jules! I'm so excited about this afghan! I LOVE your other mixed stripe. What a gem you are for doing a tut!! Thank you!!! I have only done one other CAL and I was lost without the pictures. =)

    I realize the size of our afghans may differ, therefore the amount of yarn will differ, but can you please tell me how many colors you will be using?

    Thanks again!!!!!

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  45. Hi Jules
    I only just found your site & want to say - I'm in love!!!
    I've already earmarked your little cat & would love to join in with this blanket, your other blankets are just scrumptious!
    I'm only a beginner crocheter, so will I be able to keep up do you think?

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  46. I love your blog!! I definitely want to join in with this blanket as well. Can't wait to see how this turns out. Thank you!

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  47. I would like to join this crochet-along very much, I hope it is not too late jet.
    I appreciate the work you put into showing how you do it!
    I will be around!
    KATRIN W.

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  48. Hi, I am joining in! I love your blankets and this is a great change to make one myself!

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  49. Bonjour! J'adore ce projet, je garde l'idée parce que je suis déjà dans autre chose en ce moment mais je viens voir vos progrès de temps en temps! Bon courage pour la suite, je lis souvent votre blog! Des bises de France, Lorenza.

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  50. Well it's december already, and I just stumbled upon your blog. Kinda late, but I will join in, I absolutely love it so far

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  51. I have just discovered your fabulous blog and I love that we're both Aussies!!! I think I'd love to give this blanket a go. Thanks very much!

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  52. Jules, you inspired me to start my own Sampler blanket :) Thanks so much!

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  53. A few years late to this, but I will definitely be having a go!
    It gets a little chilly here in Central West NSW in winter, so I'm going to have to do one each for my 3 girls - I'll need to tweak the colours slightly, though.
    May I ask, how many balls of yarn did you require for a blanket to fit a double bed?

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Thank you for taking the time to add your comment, I love to receive comments and read them all, even if I don't get around to responding to you, I am just not that organised!