granny squares Archives - Zeens and Roger

Large Granny Square with Circle Centre

August 26, 2024March 6, 2026crochet, free pattern2 Comments

Granny Square Tutorial

This large granny square pattern has been designed specifically for a larger crochet project I’ve been working on over the last year. Since last autumn or so, I have made enough granny squares for two double-bed sized crochet blankets, and this pattern is part of those colourful blankets.

I recorded a large granny square tutorial in the spring, and it has taken me until the late summer to edit it and put it together! Oh my goodness, such a long time. One reason for the delay was that I wanted to make sure I got the pattern right. The element that needed perfecting was the granny circle in the middle of the square because the first blanket had too many stitches. You can find out much, much more in Episode 104 of the Zeens and Roger Crochet Podcast as that video has a decent chat about the blankets I made. Therefore, if you’d like to know more, please do watch it (there are other granny projects in that episode too).

Watch the video tutorial above on how to make a large granny square with a circle centre, or go HERE to YouTube. For the written pattern, keep scrolling.

Crochet blanket. Large granny squares and cute little granny squares together.

Granny Squares to Make a Crochet Blanket

The photo above shows the first blanket I made at the beginning of this year. It’s a crochet blanket that I have been meaning to make for yeeeeeaaars. Back in 2011 (ish) I made one that was very similar, and over the years, I have been asked for the pattern quite a lot. I’ll have to dig out a photo to share in the next blog post (I’ll do that once blanket no.2 is complete).

The blankets all have the same thing in common; they have large and small squares laid out together in a “random formation”. The pattern for the large granny square is below. You can find the pattern for the cute little granny square HERE (plus the video tutorial too). When combined, you can make an awesome crochet blanket.

The best thing about making lots of squares and turning them into a blanket is that there is no rush. Make just a few every now and then, pick up and put down as and when the mood takes. Before you know it, everything has come together nicely at a super relaxing pace. Wonderful stuff.

Things You Need to Crochet a Large Granny Square

For this pattern, you will need lots of DK yarn and a 4mm hook. This crochet pattern makes a 13 round square, that measures approximately 10 inches. Granny squares are, of course, the best stashbusters in the world, so gather up all your DK leftovers to make your own unique motifs for a one of a kind blanket.

It’s important to note that the written instructions here use UK terms. Anywhere you see “tr” or “treble” please remember that these are US double crochet stitches.

Below are some special stitches that you may not know. I assume that you know any other, more basic, abbreviations, but please leave a comment below if anything foxes you, and I will do my best to answer as soon as I can.

Special Crochet Stitches

To make a stonkingly good crochet square, there are a couple of techniques here that you may be new to, or perhaps not. But I will share them here as they are integral to the pattern. Please do not worry, they are not as hard as you might think and the video tutorial takes you through these crochet techniques step-by-step.

Beg tr2tog:

This is used at the beginning of Rnd 1 to work the first “petal”. It uses the same principle as a Stacked Start (have you seen my video tutorial for Alternatives to a Chain 3?).
Insert hook in circle, yrh and pull through, yrh and pull through both loops on hook (it helps to gently pinch the st at this point to make the next stage easier). Insert hook in left leg of the st and the loop behind it (the pinch helps the back loop to become looser and more visible), yrh and pull through, (2 loops on hook), yrh and insert hook into the circle, yrh and pull through (4 loops on hook), yrh and pull through 2 loops, yrh and pull through 3 loops.

Standing tr start (sttr):

This is instead of starting rounds by using chains, it looks much tidier than a 3-chain and it’s fun to do! It’s perfect when changing colour at the beginning of rows. Yrh three times and hold loops on hook with forefinger, insert hook in ch-sp/st, yrh and pull through, [yrh and pull through 2 loops] twice. Let go of the yarn wrapped around your hook. First treble stitch made.

Standing dtr start (stdtr) = A US standing treble:

This is same principle as the sttr only for a taller stitch; you just wrap the yarn around your hook an extra time.
Yrh four times and hold loops on hook with forefinger, insert hook in ch-sp/st, yrh and pull through, [yrh and pull through 2 loops] three times. Let go of the yarn wrapped around your hook. First dtr stitch made.

A cluster = 3 tr together in the same space.

The written pattern below assumes you will change colour every round. With Blanket No. 2 you will see that I don’t change colour every round for the granny squares. Watch the tutorial (towards the end) to see how that’s done as you have to use a couple of different techniques. Nothing crazy, I promise.

Top Tip!! Alternate the place where you join your yarn for each round. Join new yarn in the opposite corner to the join of the previous round. This avoids the dreaded granny twist! You can see this method doesn’t work quite so well if you are not changing colour.

Crochet Granny sqaure blanket in the making. Pattern for a Large granny square

Large Granny Square Pattern

Chain 5 and join with a sl st.
Rnd 1: 1Beg tr2tog, ch2, *tr2tog, 2ch: rep from * 6 more times, join with a sl st into the 1st 2ch-sp. Fasten off & cut yarn. Do not turn (here & throughout). [ 8 “petals”]

Rnd 2: Attach new yarn with 1sttr in any 2ch-sp, 2tr in same sp, 1ch, *3tr in next 2ch-sp, 1ch; rep from * 6 more times, join with a sl st into the top of the sttr. Fasten off & cut yarn.

Rnd 3: [this is a change from the video tutorial – you may hear me waffle at about 12/13 minutes re where I put my chains for Rnd 4 and this new way makes more sense – it amounts to the same amount of stitches and chain at the end] Attach new yarn with 1sttr in any 1ch-sp, (1tr, 1ch, 2tr) in same sp, *(2tr, 1ch, 2tr) in next 1ch-sp; rep from * 6 more times, join with a sl st into the top of the sttr. Fasten off & cut yarn.

Rnd 4: Attach new yarn with 1sttr in any 1ch-sp, 2tr in same sp, miss 2 sts, 3tr, *miss 2 tr, 3tr in next 1ch-sp, miss 2 sts, 3tr; rep from * around join with a sl st into the top of the sttr. Fasten off & cut yarn. [16 clusters]

Rnd 5: Attach new yarn with 1sttr in any sp between clusters, 2tr in same sp, *3tr in next sp; rep from * around, join with a sl st into the top of the sttr. Fasten off & cut yarn.

Rnd 6: Attach new yarn with 1stdtr in any sp, 2dtr in same sp, [3tr in next sp] three times, *(3dtr, 2ch, 3dtr) in next sp, [3tr in next sp] three times; rep from * two more times, 3dtr in first corner, 1htr join in top of stdtr [see the htr join at 22:30 of the video tutorial]. Fasten off & cut yarn.

Rnds 7 – 13: Attach new yarn with 1sttr in corner 2ch-sp, 2tr in same sp, [3tr in next sp] four times, *(3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in 2ch-sp, [3tr in next sp] four times; rep from *two more times, 3tr in corner ch-sp, 1htr join in top of sttr. Fasten off & cut yarn.

And that’s how to crochet a large granny square! Now, sew in all of your ends!!

How to Join Granny Squares

There are a few different ways to join granny squares and you can do so however you see fit. In the video tutorial for the little granny squares, I demonstrate how to Join As You Go but for the new crochet blankets I have chosen to sew them together using the mattress stitch, which is also known as the ladder stitch. I prefer the look and it gives me more control. But that’s a story for another day.

Obviously, you can use this pattern to create lots of crochet squares for your own projects. However, I will pop by very soon to put all the elements together so you can see how to crochet your own granny square blanket.

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Viral. A Free Granny Square Pattern

August 24, 2020July 20, 2021crochet2 Comments

A quick crochet granny square pattern for when you want to have some granny square fun! I love these crochet squares and I have had to stop myself from making more and more of them. They’re extremely addictive!

Pattern

Notes:

When making tr in the rows/ch-sps below, don’t pull up the yarn too tight.
You need a 4mm (US G/6) hook and scrap dk acrylic or your own choice of yarn.
3ch counts as 1tr stitch (US dc).
2ch counts as 1htr stitch )US hdc).
Written in UK terms.
For rnd 3, when making the tr into rnd 1 , pull the loop up to the height of rnd 3. Complete as a normal tr.
Change colour on the last yrh of the htr join.

Special stitches:
htr join: yrh (yarn round hook), insert hook in top of 3ch, yrh, pull through, yrh, pull through all 3 loops.

With YA chain 5 and join with a sl st.
Rnd 1: 3ch, 2tr, (2ch, 3tr) three times, htr join.

Rnd 2: 3ch, 2tr in ch-sp, *1ch, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in corner sp; rep from * twice, 3tr in ch-sp, 1htr join changing colour to YB on the last pull through (yrh).

Rnd 3: 3ch, 1tr in 2ch-sp of rnd 1, 1tr, *1ch, (1tr in 1ch-sp, 1tr in middle tr of rnd 1, 1tr) in 1ch-sp, 1ch, (1tr, 1tr in ch-sp of rnd 1, 1tr, 2ch, 1tr, 1tr in ch-sp of rnd 1, 1tr, ) in corner ch-sp; rep from * twice, 1ch, (1tr in 1ch-sp, 1tr in middle tr of rnd 1, 1tr) in 1ch-sp, 1ch, 1tr, 1tr in ch-sp of rnd 1, 1tr, 1htr join.

Rnd 4: 3ch, 2tr in ch-sp, *1ch, [3tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch] twice, **(3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in 2ch-sp; rep from *three times ending final rep at **, 3tr in corner ch-sp, 1htr join changing colour to YC on last pull through.

Rnd 5: 2ch, 1htr in corner ch-sp, htr to corner, *(2htr, 2ch, 2htr) in 2ch-sp, htr to corner; rep from twice, 2htr in corner ch-sp, 2ch and join with a sl st to top of 2ch.

Let me know if you make some, I’d love to see. Cheers! x

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Choosing Your Crochet Colour Palette (With Easy Shortcuts).

November 15, 2016March 3, 2026blanket, crochet31 Comments

Your Crochet Colour Palette

I’ve been thinking a lot about colour for crochet palettes over the last few months. I’m not the only one, either. When I researched colour in crochet, I found a ton of articles and blog posts about it. Many of the articles have looked specifically into colour theory and taken choosing colours quite seriously (colour theory is the scientific approach to understanding how colours go together, it’s sciencey, you can even get twiddly colour wheels to help and everything). I’m not going to go into that, I’m just going to explain an easier way at choosing my colours for crochet!

When I first started to crochet, I didn’t think much beyond what colours I liked and which colours were available. That was fine, but sometimes my favourite colours didn’t translate into yarn very well, or I didn’t know which shade would work best with another. Thankfully, there are far more colours and shades available than there used to be (this crochet thing has really taken off).

What’s Your Crochet Style?

These days, I ask myself what style I’m after or how many colours will achieve a good balance for the picture I have in my head? Perhaps approach a crochet project from a different angle. I take inspiration from different sources rather than turning up at the shop and chucking balls of yarn in my basket. And consider more than just my favourite colours.

Crochet examples. choosing colours for crochet

For me, a good starting point is deciding on the theme I want, which can often be just a one-word affair: neutral, bright, pastel, earth, vintage, contemporary, seasonal, blah blah. Once I’ve decided this, it’s so much easier. There are lots of colours I can then eliminate.

The secret to choosing a good colour palette is probably a mixture of confidence and experience. Overthinking can really take the fun out of it. Stop worrying and just begin. You won’t know if something works until you try it out. If it doesn’t work, then that’s a lesson learned. If it does work, then awesome!

Another secret is this: crochet. A lot. All the time!

Before I go into the easy crochet “cheats” I use, I’m going to mention a little bit about whether to be “Random” or “Organised” in deciding the colours you choose for your crochet projects; I think it could be helpful. I’m usually Random. What are you?

Go for A Random Crochet Palette

I love a bit of random colour selection. To go truly random is a risk that can really pay off. It’s also great for stashbusting yarn. Is random really random though?

It’s fun blindly grabbing yarn and putting it all together in a crochet blanket; it can lead to some very interesting results, but it can also backfire tremendously! Arbitrary colour placement can sometimes get you in dodgy situations, but you might also discover that those weird colours actually look fantastic sat side by side.

My only rule about placing colours randomly is not to have the same shades or contrasts too close to one another. And I think I’ve broken that rule a couple of times, too. Rule-breaking is encouraged!

When I’m making a blanket that’s going to be random, I like to choose a minimum of seven colours. Fewer than that and it’s going to be tricky mixing up the colours effectively. More than fifteen colours and you might lose any colour balance you’re trying to achieve.

Blankets where I’ve used over thirty colours have looked like a dog’s dinner. They’ve also looked pretty good, too, if you’re after something you’d find at Granny’s house. I guess it depends on your crochet aesthetic.

Get Organised With Crochet Colour Selection

Don’t want to risk random? Then everything needs to be worked out before you even pick up your hook. I’ve already confessed that I’m Random, so to be properly organised, you probably shouldn’t listen to me. I’m talking colour wheels, yarn pegs, pre-made crochet squares a la Attic 24 Colour Play and The Patchwork Heart.

It’s really not my area! I’m pretty envious of these super organised people. I don’t know why it doesn’t work for me. Oh yes, it’s because I’m lazy!! Instead of taking the time to organise my yarn stash, you’ll most likely find me sitting in a tangle of mismatched balls, whilst umming and ahhing about what I’ve got enough of to eke out into a small blanket.

If you’d rather be in control of colour choices, then Attic 24 and the Patchwork Heart are definitely the crochet folk you need to visit. You’ll learn about matching warm and cool colours so that the balance brings out the best in all shades. You’ll find out about whether you prefer contrasting or complementary colours too. Maybe once the decision has been made, you could get fancy and choose an ombre style, go for block colours or get your rainbow on! Of course, you’ll then get lost in a sea of crochet and colour, but that’s not such a bad place to be.

Easy Ways to Cheat the Crochet Colour

It’s time to get cheaty. If you’re still struggling with choosing colours for crochet projects then here are a few pointers to help. If you can’t be bothered with a methodical approach and you don’t have the time for a potentially hazardous risk, then these tricks might be the ticket.

1. Copy Someone Else’s Colour Palette!

This is controversial! Find a blanket someone else has made and copy it!

Loads of blogs (including mine) will share the brands of yarn and colour choices so that it’s easy to do. I would add that if you do this, then you MUST credit the creator. If I’ve been inspired by someone, I will always say so.

Copying is a good starting point if you’re a beginner. Gradually, you can move away from this once you’ve got more confidence. Copying will become less literal, and the original design will be more of an inspiration. An homage or something! Look at blogs, Ravelry, Pinterest, Instagram etc.

crochet blanket. choosing colours for crochet

The circle in squares blanket (pictured above) was inspired by Crochet With Raymond. I loved the colours and grabbed some similar Stylecraft colours. I wrote a blog post about it in more detail.

crochet petal patch. choosing colours for crochet

For this Petal Patch blanket, the colours are from Attic 24’s Harmony blanket but with a different granny square. So I’m mixing it up, developing ideas while still finding my confidence.

2. Use Pretty Pictures To Inspire Your Colour Choices

Find inspiration from pictures. I love finding pictures in magazines and using them as a starting point. What’s particularly brilliant about this is that current magazines will have on-trend colours (if that’s what you’re after).

Even a picture of a person in a room is great. You’ll see the colours of the decor or the clothes the person is wearing and how they go together. Craft magazines are perfect, they’ll be completely switched on with regard to colour palettes and tonal balance. Also, look at books with illustrations.

granny square blanket for the fireside. choosing colours for crochet

Here is my Fireplace blanket, inspired by fireplace tiles (a special request from my sister-in-law and a great idea).

This green granny curiosity was surprisingly inspired by the Meg and Mog books. I’m not sure I’m keen. It was an interesting experiment!

3. Be Inspired by The Colours of Nature

Go back to nature. Look at a garden you like, where’s your favourite place to be? What mood does that place evoke? Take a picture of a scene that’s pretty and use it. The seaside seems to be an inspiration for many, as does woodland. Maybe some city lights could conjure up a good bunch of colours.

4. Ready-To-Use Colour Palettes

Let technology help you. Design Seeds is a big one. Lots and lots of ready-to-use colour palettes that you can incorporate into crochet. Or you can create your own with palettes with an app.

Try a random colour generator, which can be interesting. On some sites, you can sort by hue, saturation or value. There are apps aplenty that do palette builders. I’ve got one called Real Colours. I’ve been testing lots of pictures from my phone gallery!

Based on colour theory, which I mentioned earlier, is the Adobe colour wheel. It was fun to tinker with, but I’m not sure I’d want to use it all the time.

Anyway, who am I to tell you what to do?! You can choose any colours you like. That’s the beauty of crochet! There are endless possibilities and the freedom to play and have fun. If there are any easy ways of choosing colours for crochet that I’ve missed, do let me know. I’d love to hear about more ways in which I can cut corners!

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The Petal Patch Harmony Blanket

November 11, 2015February 28, 2026blanket, crochet17 Comments

My New Crochet Blanket

If I decide to get out a woolly blanket, the cat will appear from nowhere. Guaranteed! Trying to take pictures of a crochet blanket is even worse. 70% of the pictures I took of this blanket had a cat in them. I eventually gave up.

I’ve put it somewhere safe in case she tries it on again. She has claimed too many of my blankets.

Anyway, I’m pleased to say that I’ve finished the petal patch blanket and it looks lovely. I’m quite tempted to keep it as another blanket for the living room, but it isn’t really big enough. I stopped making squares for it when I realised it wouldn’t go with the rest of the room. It turns out that, actually, it probably would look quite nice. I’m taking it to a Christmas/craft fayre at the end of the month to see if someone buys it…

I really enjoyed making the granny squares. They are the Petal Patch Motif by Betsy Makes and the colour scheme is basically nicked from Attic 24’s Harmony blanket plus a few balls of Parchment and a smattering of the shade, Grape (it’s all Stylecraft Special DK). To give a nod to both of these pilferings, I am calling the blanket Petal Patch Harmony. Blankets have names these days.

It’s now a slightly squashed blanket where the cat sat on it. I should probably wash it before trying to put it up for sale.

Many of these pictures are very samey but it takes too much time, dithering about which ones to use. May as well use them all.

Once again, I used the Continuous Join As You Go. Next time, I’ll move on to a new technique. Not because I don’t like this one (I actually really like it), but because I want to learn some new crochet techniques. I’ve seen a few different ones about that I want to try. Just need to decide which to do first.

It’s a good size for the sofa or maybe a toddler bed. It also works well draped, with nonchalance, over a chair. Perhaps I should aim for one blanket per item of furniture; I can casually arrange crochet blankets everywhere. You’ll never find the cat again.

The border is from Edie Eckman’s Around the Corner, Crochet Borders. Number 27. I cheated and skipped every two stitches, not every other. I did it that way so I wouldn’t have to make as many stitches. I can see that it is ever so slightly stretched, but that’s the punishment I get for being cheaty. I did the same thing on the Fireplace blanket and got away with it more because I tinkered with the pattern. I get told off a lot for not following the recipe.

This granny square blanket measures 95x125cm and it has 63 petal patch squares.

The main colour is Parchment, and I can’t remember if I used three or four balls. The rest of the colours are most definitely less than a ball each. I used: clematis, lavender, lime, meadow, plum, sage, storm, pale rose, turquoise, violet, cloud, petrol, grape, raspberry, parma and aster. Hope I haven’t missed any out… Right, onto the next project!

I made stuff pre-blog too; pretending to be a crafting blogger. When you’re not. Yet.

October 23, 2015March 2, 2026blanket, crochet, sewing17 Comments

I’ve spent years being inspired by other bloggers’ work. It became something I really wanted to do, too. It looked like lots of fun, and it looked like a good way to keep on track of what I was doing creatively.

I was lazy and procrastinatey and used several excellent excuses as to why I hadn’t just done it. I’m still so new to craft blogging, but if I had started when I first had the notion, then I would have been being bloggy for six or seven years by now!

I’ve spent much time taking pictures of crafty projects, and each time I’ve thought that maybe they would end up as a blog post. So, I’m going to put up some pictures of work that was done in the six months prior to hitting Publish for the first time.

I went through a mandala phase. These two are both Made in K Town using Rico Creative Cotton. Cheap cotton, very splitty, lovely colours. This has led me towards doilies, which I still need to make more of. Soon.

I made my eldest boy an Attic 24 Ripple for his bed. It’s Stylecraft Special. Everyone loves a bit of Stylecraft rippling.

The boy chose the colours. So off I went. It was reasonably speedy once the first few rows were out of the way. A repeating colour pattern was a weeny bit boring though. Next time, it’s random colours, like it’s supposed to be.

I made teeny niece the mini version for her dolly. I didn’t use the same pattern. This version has more ripples so it looks better scaled down. It’s actually adapted from a cushion cover pattern from Cute and Easy Crochet by Nicki Trench. When I say “adapted” I mean “added a few more rows”. The edging, I think, is the one that was on the Granny Stripe made by Lucy at Attic 24.

This grey and chartreuse granny blanket was a special request for a baby blanket. My sister-in-law chose the colours. It’s Stylecraft alpaca DK. The blocks were from 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton. Don’t go thinking that all the blocks end with the same stitch count, though. They really don’t. Hmm. I really liked how this one turned out, but I only blocked the edge (which is from Edie Eckman’s Crochet Borders book) and not the individual squares. Next time, I will try super hard to block stuff.

One of the quickest little blankets ever. It was so much fun. The squares were done in a few days, and it was the first time I used a continuous-join-as you-go. This was for a baby girl born in early spring. I’d make one of these again for sure. It was inspired by a picture I saw on Pinterest and it led me to Katie’s Kitchen.

There are six handmade things in the picture above. Six! I am responsible for five of them, but the cream knitted blanket is a mother-in-law job. Three blankets, two cushions and a dolly. Huzzah.

Sewing has been worked on, too. I’m better than I was, but there is definitely room for improvement, too. Having said that, the cherry blossom needlecase is one of my favourite felty sewn things I’ve done.

And a Mermaid’s purse! Well, another needlecase… She was lovely to make. After Christmas, I plan on making more of these sorts of things and giving them a go on Etsy. I’m not entirely sure what the demand is for needlecases and such, I guess I’ll find out. I will obviously shout very loudly on here if these sorts of things head towards my Etsy shop.

Phew, I feel a bit better now. I’m off to have yesterday’s leftovers for lunch, which thankfully, taste better than the experience that I had in the kitchen.

Catching Up with Crochet Blankets and Changes in the Garden.

August 12, 2015February 26, 2026crochet8 Comments

Not quite half way to go in my new blanket.

Crochet Granny Squares

I haven’t been working on these crochet granny squares since the summer holidays began. I honestly didn’t think the holidays would have much of an impact on my crafty gubbins, but it absolutely has. Progress has slowed right down. However, this is still a good batch of granny squares. So far, there are fifty two petal patch squares and shockingly, yarn ends have already been sewn in. I want over a hundred squares to make this crochet blanket. I can’t remember the exact number needed. It doesn’t matter at this stage. I’ll have a play and then decide.

The pattern for this crochet square takes a weeny bit longer to make than a regular Granny, but it looks that much more special. It’s called the Petal Patch Motif by Betsy Makes. I’ll give myself an Autumn deadline for this one.

And More Granny Squares

I’ve also been having a good old tinker around with this crochet pattern. It’s the Lily Pad square, and it’s very pretty. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing this blanket complete. I have a feeling it’ll look lovely.

The first square I made is the one on the bottom right. The middle is tighter and kind of went kind of nipply?! I added some chains between stitches for the first couple of rounds, which sorted that out. I have also only just twigged that it’s someone called Lily who will become the owner of this blanket! Lily pads for Lily. Hee!

Crochet Blanket Inspiration

This pink, yellow and green fireplace tile is the inspiration for the colours. I wrote about it a couple of weeks ago and haven’t moved on that much further. Fingers crossed that the colours match in real life. It’s tricky colour matching by photographs.

A Garden Update

Will I be getting ripe figs this year? Last year, the tree was laden with fruit, but none of the blighters ripened. I always get excited about seeing them ripen, but truthfully, I think figs are a bit pappy. However, I do like to pass them on to friends. People get excited by homegrown figs, and I like to hand out bags and bags of them.

My runner beans are in full swing. I flippin love runner beans. I’m tempted to make chutney this year. I have a good recipe somewhere and I haven’t made any for a few years. Hmm. I could make some courgette chutney too…

The pink Japanese Anemone is looking fabulous at the moment. I wish I could say the same for the white one I got a couple of years ago. The white one is in too much shade, and I’m not sure the ground, in which it sits, is that nutrient rich. I might dig it up and move it.

Scroll past these if you like. I’m gonna add another anemone picture next too…

cottage garden with pink japanese anemone

Behind, on the right, is Arron’s Rod, I think. A bit weedy, but it is adding height. I really need to research some flowering plants that are about 6 feet tall. Any suggestions?

Helloo baby garden spider. I saw loads of these in the spring when they’d hatched, so I knew they would find themselves homes. He flashed his belly at me.

The garden in the summer looks a lot different to how it was in the spring. There are brighter flowers and it looks a lot less organised. I don’t know how to plan planting very well and it shows.

I’m astounded that the Hollyhocks flowered. They have been affected by rust. I sprayed them with Rose Clear, which has antifungal things in it. It seems to have helped them to recover just enough. Not just for roses, it seems. Beside it, the Crocosmia is mightily happy. It isn’t bothered by rust.

Several sunflowers have come up at the bottom of the garden. I didn’t put them there. What I put there was homemade compost. I deny putting Sunflowers in the compost, though. I have no idea how they got there. Lots of self seeding has gone on down at the bottom of the garden. That Borage has barged its way in. And there is what I suspect to be Verbena Bonariensis coming up too. The pink flowers are Lavatera, but that was deliberately planted.

So, there are all these colours going on. It’s a bit of a muddle. It looks nice enough, but I need lessons in planning. Maybe an overhaul for next year? Do I start now? I’m not sure what to do.

More Crafting Projects and Summery Garden Stuff.

July 16, 2015February 25, 2026blanket, crochet12 Comments

Crochet, Sewing and Gardening, Oh My

Okay, I think little crochet brooches are the only finished crafty thing this week. But there are more crafting projects on the go.

The crochet pattern for the raccoon is from issue 33 of Simply Crochet magazine. I made the fox so that he had a friend. It’s the same pattern, just different colours. The raccoon pattern is designed by Becky Garratt. I looked at her blog, and I like it very much.

More Crochet on the Horizon

This new wool, Drops Karisma, is for a granny square blanket that has been “commissioned” (my sister-in-law has asked me to make it). The colour inspiration comes from painted tiles from her Victorian fireplace. I’m assuming that once the blanket is finished, it will drape beautifully somewhere beside the fire on a cold winter’s day. I have made a tentative start to making some granny squares, but the pattern I’ve chosen might need tweaking.

collection of petal patch granny squares

Last week I started the Petal Patch crochet blanket. I found the granny square pattern on Betsy Makes, and it makes a change from the standard granny without going crazy. I really like it. I have pretty much pilfered the colour scheme from Attic 24’s Harmony blanket.

Crochet Blanket Choices

I can’t decide whether to complete this blanket first, or put it aside whilst I concentrate on the fireplace blanket. I know what I should do, but I also know what I want to do. Actually, they will both be fun to make, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.

This Petal Patch blanket will take at least a few weeks more, though, as I want about 100 squares, and so far, I think I only have 25. I haven’t been working as fast as usual either. This is because of a hurty wrist and a yarn-tangling toddler.

Sewing Too

I bought this poly cotton floral fabric in May, I think. It isn’t posh quality, but it was less than £3 a metre, so I don’t care.

I made a bag out of it first, and this week I hope to sew a summer skirt. If, once finished, it looks good, I will post some pictures. I should probably take a picture of the handmade bag, too. I have found what looks to be a good free sewing pattern for the skirt.

Other Handmade Crafting

This isn’t my hand; it belongs to my blanket-wanting sister-in-law. She is into embroidery, and when she visited last Friday, she whipped it out whilst me and some other fab people crocheted. I wanted to share it simply because I like it!

Obligatory Garden Snaps

Moving on from the crafting projects, I am reminded that the garden is thirsty. These Anagallis are my new favourite flower. For about five years, it was a Salvia, which I think is called Cambridge Blue, but my Mum gave me some Anagallis seedlings after I spotted it in her garden last summer. These guys look like they need a drink; they are a bit hot.

Both the Salvia and the Anagallis are here. I expect the Salvia is feeling a bit miffed now. I love all blue flowers equally. Just some more equally than others.

Down at the bottom of the garden, the Crocosmia is just beginning to flower. It was here when we moved in. I don’t mind it too much, so it has been allowed to stay. This picture doesn’t show the Lavatera that has come up behind it but it does show the Salvia, which looks so much better in real life.

I went upstairs and took a picture. Everything is looking quite nice from this angle! Hopefully, I will get the sewing machine out tonight. I’d like to make a start on that skirt.