Purple Mountains Stroller Blanket

Another stroller blanket, this one using Premier Yarns Sweet Rolls - you've surely seen these, along with Caron Cakes, at the big box craft stores and on Ravelry. Acrylic yarn (easy care! Perfect for blankets that get exposed to all manner of spills and dirt!) that comes with long sections of color, making for easy stripes.

I initially made this blanket just to keep Grant warm in the stroller while we walked his big brother to school. (Yes, it does get cold here in the winter. Well, cold enough to need sweaters and jackets.) When given a choice (because I do have a plethora of stroller/baby blankets), this is usually his first pick to take with us.

Purple Mountains Stroller Blanket
by Katherine Larson

Finished Size: 28" wide x 24.5" tall (71cm x 62cm)
Skills needed: foundation double crochet, chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch

Yarn: Premier Yarns Sweet Rolls (5oz/140g, 245yds/224m, 100% acrylic) 2 skeins or 550 yds worsted weight yarn
*note: the sample for this project used all but two yards of the original two skeins. Check your gauge, or have an extra skein on hand.
Tools: I/5.5mm crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge
Tapestry needle

Gauge: 13 dc x 5.3 rows = 4"/10cm

Pattern notes: Pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Turning chain does not count as first stitch.

Abbreviations:
Fdc - Foundation Double Crochet
Ch - chain
Ch-sp - chain space
Sk - skip
Sc - single crochet
Dc - double crochet

Pattern:
Row 1 (RS): Fdc 97

Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, * ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next st, repeat from * to end.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. 3 dc in first st, sk ch-sp, sc in next st, * sk ch-sp, 5 dc in next st, sk ch-sp, sc in next st, repeat from * to last dc, sk last ch-sp, 3 dc in last st.

Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, * ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 1, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, repeat from * to end.

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Dc in first st, * 2 dc in ch-sp, dc in next st, repeat from * to end.

Repeat rows 2-5, 13 more times, for a total of 53 rows.

Border: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st to last st, 3 sc in last st, working down side of blanket, work 2 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each sc to bottom of blanket, working across bottom of foundation row, 3 sc in first st, sc in each st to last st of foundation row, 3 sc in last st of foundation row, working up opposite side of blanket, work 2 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each sc to top of blanket, join with sl st to beginning sc. 

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

Green Thumb Stroller Blanket

It's been a while.

I made this baby blanket almost two years ago, but never wrote the pattern out. Well, ok, I wrote the pattern out, but never shared it. It's a stroller blanket, which means it is smaller than a typical lapghan or baby blanket. But it's the perfect size to keep a toddler snug in a stroller or car seat.

This one is crocheted in acrylic, which means it is so easy to clean - you can throw it in the washer & dryer!

Like all the patterns on my blog, this is free, and written only. Feel free to do whatever you like with what you make from this pattern - use it, gift it, sell it, frog it, trash it (although I hope you don't do that last one). 

Green Thumb Stroller Blanket

by Katherine Larson

Finished size: 27" x 22"/68.5cm x 56cm
Skills needed: Chain, double crochet

Yarn: 370yds/338m aran weight yarn (I used Big Twist Yarns Baby Solids (3.5oz/100g, 185yds/169m, 100% acrylic), 2 skeins)
Tools: I/5.5mm crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge
Tapestry needle

Gauge: 3.5 pattern repeats and 7 rows = 4" / 10cm (gauge is not critical for this pattern)

Notes: Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Abbreviations:
Ch - Chain
Ch-sp - Chain space
Dc - Double Crochet
Sk - skip

Pattern:

Ch 90
Row 1: Dc in 5th ch from hook, ch 3, dc in same st, *sk 3 ch st, (dc, ch 3, dc) in next st, repeat from * 20 more times, sk 2 sts, dc in last st, turn. (24 dc and 22 ch-3 spaces)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 4 dc in ch-3 space, *ch 1, 4 dc  in next ch-3 space, repeat from * across, dc in last st, turn. (22 shells)
Row 3: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), dc in first st, *sk 4 dc, (dc, ch 3, dc) in ch-1 space, repeat from * across, sk last 4 dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in last st, turn.
Row 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in ch-2 space, *ch 1, 4 dc in next ch-3 space, repeat from * across, 2 dc in last ch-2 space, dc in last st, turn.
Row 5: Ch 3, sk 2 dc, (dc, ch 3, dc) in ch-1 space, *sk 4 dc, (dc, ch 3, dc) in ch-1 space, repeat from * across, sk 2 dc, dc in last st, turn.
Repeat rows 2-5 eight more times, then repeat rows 2-3 once.

Fasten off, weave in ends. 

Quick Kindergarten Handwarmers

So yesterday afternoon, my almost-6-year-old says to me, "Mama, I need mittens."
We live in Las Vegas. "Winter" means temperatures of 45F during the day.

Well, anyway, I can't say "no" when my son asks me for something handmade, so I grabbed some blue yarn (because he asked for blue) and a hook and 40 minutes later I had this pair of mittens done.

Yes, they are fingerless. He wants to wear them on the playground, which means he'll need to grip or grab things. Again, we live in Las Vegas, these are perfect for winter.

They were so simple, I figured I'd share them with you all for free.

Here we go:

Quick Kindergarten Handwarmers
by Katherine Larson

Finished size: 4.5"long x 5.5"circumference (11.5 cm x 14 cm)
Skills needed: chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet, working in back loops only/front loops only

Materials:
Yarn: 25-30g of aran weight yarn (I used Big Twist Yarns Premium Solids, in Royal)
Hook: J/6.0mm or size needed to meet gauge
notions: yarn needle

Gauge: 7 sts and 7 rows = 2" / 5cm in sc blo
Notes: Pattern uses US crochet terminology.
Each handwarmer is worked flat, then seamed via slip-stitch.

Abbreviations:
Ch - chain
Sc - single crochet
Sc blo - single crochet in back loop only
Sl st - slip stitch
st - stitch

Pattern (make 2):

Ch 16
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, and each ch st across (15 sc)

Row 2-18: Ch 1, turn. Sc blo in each st across (15 sc)

Row 19: Ch 1, turn. Fold handwarmer so that row 18 and row 1 line up. Working in back loops of row 18 and front loops of row 1, sl st 4; working in back loop only of row 18, sl st 3 (thumbhole made); working back loops of row 18 and front loops of row 1, sl st 8.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

There you go! I hope you enjoyed it! If you like, go ahead and make a project page on Ravelry (click here to do so!)

Green Grocery Getter - Earth Day Free Pattern

In honor of Earth Day, I would like to share the pattern I wrote for this reusable grocery bag:

If you've been reading along this year, you already know that I've been participating in an Earth Day-themed Crochet-A-Long in the Nerdy Hookers group over at Ravelry. This bag is a result of that CAL; I would very much like to stop using so darn many plastic bags every week, but I also know from years of experience, that bringing only enough bags for half the groceries does nothing but confuse the cashiers and baggers.
So, I need to make a lot of them. A whole lot.
I have a bunch, already; about 7 six (I counted) knit and crochet bags; this is more than enough for a trip to the farmers market or Trader Joe's, but I'm still building up to the 12 or 13 I estimate I'll need for a typical grocery run at Smith's.

The collection so far

This bag does hold a decent amount, about the same as a plastic grocery bag, with a little more room at the top. Here's a comparison (it's the same box of Shredded Wheat and fruit snacks in each bag):

Something important to note: I've made two of these, the first from Lily Sugar & Cream and the second (shown here) from KnitPicks Dishie. I strongly prefer the Dishie, and I've listed the gauge for that yarn. Gauge is not crucial to this project, so if you're using a thicker kitchen cotton, like Sugar & Cream or Bernat Handicrafter Cotton, it's ok if your gauge is different. Just make sure you like the fabric you're creating (and you might want an extra ball of yarn, just to be safe).

Ok? Well, then, here we go!!

Green Grocery Getter
by Katherine Larson

Finished Size: 4.5"/11.5cm wide x 11"/28cm long x 10"/25.5cm tall

Skills Needed: Chain, single crochet, slip stitch, half-double crochet, double crochet, single crochet back loop only

Materials:

Yarn: KnitPicks Dishie Multi (3.5oz/100g, 190yds/174m, 100% cotton), 2 skeins or 230 yards/210m worsted weight yarn

Tools: H/5.0mm crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge

Tapestry needle

Gauge: 16sc and 20 rows = 4”/10cm

Pattern Notes: Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Bag is worked in the round.

Abbreviations:

Ch: chain

Sc: single crochet

Hdc: half-double crochet

Dc: double crochet

St: stitch

Sl st: slip stitch

Shell: (dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc) in same st

Pattern:

Body:

Ch 22

rnd 1: 2sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc in next 19 sts, 4 sc in last st, working along back of starting ch, sc in next 19 sts, 2sc in last st, join with sl st to beginning. (46 sc)

rnd 2: ch1, 2sc in same st, 2sc in next st, sc in next 19 sts, 2sc in next 4 sts, sc in next 19 sts, 2sc in last 2 sts, join with sl st to beginning (54 sc)

rnd 3: ch1, 2sc in same st, 2sc in next st, sc in next 23 sts, 2sc in next 4 sts, sc in next 23 sts, 2sc in last 2 sts, join with sl st to beginning (62 sc)

rnd 4: ch1, 2sc in same st, 2sc in next st, sc in next 27 sts, 2sc in next 4 sts, sc in next 27 sts, 2sc in last 2 sts, join with sl st to beginning (70 sc)

rnd 5: ch1, 2sc in same st, 2sc in next st, sc in next 31 sts, 2sc in next 4 sts, sc in next 31 sts, 2sc in last 2 sts, join with sl st to beginning (78 sc)

rnd 6: ch1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 29 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next sc in next 6 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 29 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in last 3 sts, join with sl st to beginning (86 sc)

rnd 7: ch1, sc in same st, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 31 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 8 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 31 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in last 4 sts, join with sl st to beginning (94 sc)

rnd 8: ch1, sc in same st, sc in next 4 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 33 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 10 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 33 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in last 5 sts, join with sl st to beginning (102 sc)

rnd 9: ch1, hdc in same st and each st around, join with sl st to beginning (102 hdc)

rnd 10: repeat rnd 9

rnd 11: ch1, sc in same st, * ch5, sk 4 sts, [sc in next st, sk 2 sts, shell in next st, sk 2 sts] twice, repeat from * around, join with sl st to beginning sc

rnd 12: ch1, dc in same st, ch2, sc in ch-5 sp, ch5, sc in middle dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in middle dc of next shell, * ch5, sc in ch-5 sp, ch5, sc in middle dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in middle dc of next shell, repeat from * around, ch2, join with sl st to beginning dc.

Rnd 13: ch1, sc in same st, * ch5, sc in ch-5 sp, shell in next sc, sc in middle dc of next shell, shell in next sc, repeat from * around, join with sl st to beginning sc

Repeat rnds 12 and 13 five more times.

Rnd 34: ch1, sc in same st, 4 sc in ch-5 sp, sc in next (sc, dc, dc, dc) twice, * sc in next sc, 4 sc in ch-5 sp, sc in next (sc, dc, dc, dc) twice, repeat from * around, join with sl st to beginning sc

Rnd 35: ch1, sc in same st and in each st around, join with sl st to beginning

Fasten off.

Handles (make 2):

These can be placed to your preference.

Row 1: Join yarn to top of bag with sc, sc in next four sts, turn (5 sc)

Row 2: Ch1, sc in back loop only of each st (5 sc)

Rows 3-20: Repeat row 2

Row 21: Ch1, working through both loops of row 20, sl st to top of bag.

Fasten off.

Weave in all ends, and enjoy your new eco-friendly grocery bag!

ps - if you've made a bag from this pattern and would like to share your results, the Ravelry link is: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/green-grocery-getter

Autumn Cowl

Hey look at this...another free pattern! Really. Why? Because I designed it at the same time as the Autumn Beanie, and since I made that one available for free, I figured I could share this one, too.
Also, both the cowl and the hat together use less than a skein of Dream in Color Classy, so you get two projects from one skein. Pretty nice, don't you think?

Autumn Cowl
by Katherine Larson

Finished size: 20.5 in / 52 cm circumference, 3 in / 7.5 cm tall
Skills needed: Foundation single crochet, chain, single crochet, double crochet

Materials:

Yarn: Dream In Color Classy (4oz/113g, 250yds/229m, 100% superwash merino wool), 1 skein or

50g, 100yds/92m worsted weight yarn 

Tools: H/5mm crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge

Tapestry needle

Gauge: 14 sts and 8 rows = 4”/10mm in body pattern

Notes: The cowl is worked continuously in the round. 

Abbreviations:

Fsc – Foundation single crochet

Ch – Chain

Sc – Single crochet

Dc – Double crochet

Sl st – slip stitch

V-st – Dc, ch 1, dc in same st.

Cowl

Fsc 72. Join with sl st to work in round.

Rnd 1: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1 here and throughout), dc in same st, skip 2 sts, 3 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, *V-st in next st, skip 2 sts, 3 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with sl st to beginning dc.

Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc in same sp, skip 2 sts, V-st in next st, skip 2 sts, *3 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, V-st in next st, skip 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with sl st to beginning dc.

Repeat rnd 1 and 2 once, then repeat rnd 1.

Rnd 6: Ch1, sc in same st, sc in each st around, join with sl st to beginning sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Autumn Beanie

So, I've been thinking about what to do with this awesome hat pattern:

It was originally created for the book, Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies. And I meant to create a larger version for adults, with the idea that it would be a Parent-and-me kind of pattern.
But the numbers just don't work out, at least not in the same gauge. I could change to a DK or sportweight yarn, But I happen to like the way it looks in worsted weight. See? I made one in blue, too:

Ok, Grant didn't want his picture taken. Here's what it really looks like:

So, anyway, it was just Christmas and maybe someone put a skein of that really yummy hand-dyed wool in your stocking, and you don't know what to do with it but you're itching to make something lacy and warm at the same time, or maybe it's 6 months from now and you're looking to make a new hat for that adorable toddler in your life. Here's the pattern for this awesome little hat! I'm going to make it available for free, here on this blog.

Without further ado:

Autumn Beanie

by Katherine Larson

Finished size: 16"/40.5cm circumference (unstretched), 6.5"/16.5cm tall

Skills needed: Foundation single crochet, chain, single crochet, double crochet

Materials:

Yarn: Dream In Color Classy (4oz/113g, 250yds/229m, 100% superwash merino wool), 1 skein or

50g, 100yds/92m worsted weight yarn 

Tools: H/5mm crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge

Tapestry needle

Gauge: 14 sts and 8 rows = 4”/10mm in body pattern

Pattern notes: Brim is crocheted in one long strip, then seamed. The body is then worked from the brim up.

Abbreviations:

Fsc – Foundation single crochet

Ch – Chain

Sc – Single crochet

Sc blo – Single crochet through back loop only

Dc – Double crochet
Sl st – slip stitch

V-st – Dc, ch 1, dc in same st.

Brim:

Fsc 9.

Row 1: Ch 1, turn. Sc blo across.

Repeat row 1 (62) more times, for a total of 64 rows. Turn work and fold so last row worked aligns with foundation row. Working through the back loops of the last row worked, and the front loops of the foundation row, sl st together. Do not fasten off.

Body:

Rnd 1: Turn work 90 degrees, ch 3(counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc in same space, sk 3 rows, *V-st in next row, skip 2 rows, *3 dc in next row skip 2 rows, repeat from * around, join with sl st to top of beginning ch3 (9 shells and 9 V-sts)

Rnd 2: Sl st in next st, ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1 here and throughout), dc in same st, skip 2 sts, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, skip 2 sts, *V-st in next st, skip 2 sts, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, repeat from * around, join with sl st in beginning dc.

Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc in same sp, skip 2 sts, V-st in next st, skip 2 sts, *3 dc in ch-1 sp, skip 2 sts, V-st in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st in 3^rd ch of ch4.

Repeat rnds 2 and 3, then repeat rnd 2 once more.

Rnd 7: Sl st in next ch 2 sp, ch3, dc in same sp, skip 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, 2 dc in ch-1 sp, skip 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with sl st in beginning dc. (36 dc)

Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in same sp, skip 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with sl st in beginning dc. (24 dc)

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in same sp, skip 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with sl st in beginning dc. (16 dc)

Rnd 10: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, repeat from * around, dc, join with sl st in beginning dc. (11 dc)

Rnd 11: Sl st in 3^rd, 5^th, and 7^th sts, sl st in beginning st and draw closed.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Have you made this? Did you like it? Let me know! And if you'd like to make a project page on Ravelry, here's the place to do so!

Oenfpp

Meet Oenfpp, the One-Eyed, Non-horned, Flightless Purple People-eater.

My husband hates him. My son likes him. I think he's rather cute.
I might be a little attached to him, since he's the first amigurumi pattern I've improvised. I took Stacey Trock's Craftsy class on designing amigurumi monsters, and this was my first attempt.

And, because it's the new year and I like to share things, I've written out the pattern! So without further ado, here it is!

You will need:

Yarn – worsted weight, MC: approx. 100g/220yards/200m (I used Stitch Nation Washable Ewe in Currant. This yarn has been discontinued, but any worsted weight will do.)

small amount of white yarn for eye, small amount of black yarn for pupils and mouth

Hook – size G/4mm

Polyfil

Notions – stitch marker, scrap yarn for eyes and mouth

Skills needed: Magic circle, single crochet, single crochet 2 together

Abbreviations: sc : single crochet

sc2tog: single crochet 2 together (decrease)

This pattern is worked continuously in-the-round, without joining.

Body:

Round 1: Using MC and magic circle, 6sc and join to work in round. (6)

Round 2: 2sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next stitch] around (18)

Round 4: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 2 stitches] around (24)

Round 5: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 3 stitches] around (30)

Round 6: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 4 stitches] around (36)

Round 7: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 5 stitches] around (42)

Round 8: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 6 stitches] around (48)

Round 9: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 7 stitches] around (54)

Round 10-18: Sc in each stitch (54)

Round 19: [sc2tog, sc in next 7 stitches] around (48)

Round 20: [sc2tog, sc in next 6 stitches] around (42)

Round 21: [sc2tog, sc in next 5 stitches] around (36)

Round 22: [sc2tog, sc in next 4 stitches] around (30)

Round 23: sc in each stitch (30)

Round 24: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 4 stitches] around (36)

Round 25: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 5 stitches] around (42)

Round 26: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 6 stitches] around (48)

Round 27: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 7 stitches] around (54)

Round 28-36: sc in each stitch (54)

Round 37: [sc2tog, sc in next 7 stitches] around (48)

Round 38: [sc2tog, sc in next 6 stitches] around (42)

Round 39: [sc2tog, sc in next 5 stitches] around (36)

Round 40: [sc2tog, sc in next 4 stitches] around (30)

Round 41: sc in each stitch (30)

Round 42: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 4 stitches] around (36)

Round 43: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 5 stitches] around (42)

Round 44: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 6 stitches] around (48)

Round 45: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 7 stitches] around (54)

Round 46-55: sc in each stitch (54)

Round 56: [sc2tog, sc in next 7 stitches] around (48)

Round 57: [sc2tog, sc in next 6 stitches] around (42)

Round 58: [sc2tog, sc in next 5 stitches] around (36)

Round 59: [sc2tog, sc in next 4 stitches] around (30)

Round 60: [sc2tog, sc in next 3 stitches] around (24)

Stuff with polyfil.

Round 61: [sc2tog, sc in next 2 stitches] around (18)

Round 62: [sc2tog, sc in next stitch] around (12)

Round 63: sc2tog around (6)

Break yarn and thread through all 6 stitches, pull tight and fasten off.

Arms:

Round 1: Using MC and magic circle, 6sc and join to work in the round. (6)

Round 2: 2sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next stitch] around (18)

Round 4: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next 2 stitches] around (24)

Round 5-22: sc in each stitch (24)

Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Stuff arms with small amount of polyfil and sew to body.

Eye:

Round 1: Using white yarn and magic circle, 6sc and join to work in the round. (6)

Round 2: 2sc in each stitch (12)

Round 3: [2sc in first stitch, sc in next stitch] around (18)

Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Using black yarn, embroider pupil (or use a safety eye if you prefer)

Sew eye to body.

Mouth: Using scrap yarn, embroider mouth as desired.

And enjoy! Oenfpp makes an awesome bookshelf guardian, couch buddy, or just add to your monster menagerie!

This pattern is also available as a Ravelry download.

"Modern Quilt Patterns" E-book review

Not too long ago, I received an email soliciting a book review for a free modern quilts e-book.

I like when the words "free" and "book" come together in a sentence. Even more so when the book is about quilts...and I certainly trend towards modern styles. So I said "sure thing!"

The e-book is McCall's "Modern Quilt Patterns" and you can find it here. (Really. It is free. You do have to enter your email address...but you can opt out of receiving emails if you wish. That's what I did, and I have not seen a single email from them.)

There are 3 patterns in the book: "Baubles and Beads," "Rainbow Rhythm," and "Lemon Squeezy." As you might expect in one of the McCall's magazines, the patterns list fabric requirements, cutting instructions, piecing directions, and present a color assembly diagram. They also provide ideas on how to quilt, and include a tutorial (with photos!) for a quilt-as-you-go technique for "Lemon Squeezy."

The photographs are nicely done, showing each quilt in a "model" setting (across a couch, table, or chair) and also presenting a laid-flat, full-quilt picture-quite necessary, in my opinion. (How else would you know what it should look like?)

Overall, this is a nicely planned and presented e-book, and the patterns should be no problem to follow.

However, I doubt that I will make any of these patterns myself. Why? I guess they just aren't "modern" enough for me. To my eye, they look like more traditional designs using bright colors. The only quilt that I might concede as being a "modern" quilt is Lemon Squeezy, and that is more because it utilizes quilt-as-you-go construction than from a design standpoint. Maybe I'm being too nit-picky (it wouldn't be the first time), but I just didn't have that "WOW" factor that makes me want to dive into my stash and start quilting.

Fall Cables Lapghan

It feels like too long since I've achieved any notable progress in my crafting endeavors, so I decided this is a good opportunity to finally get a crochet pattern out there, even if it is the wrong season. I've been working on writing out this pattern for a while. It's the first pattern that I've actually written, and one of the first original designs I've done. As such, it may have mistakes. If you are using this pattern and discover an error, or get confused by something, please let me know and I can fix it.



This pattern is for my Fall Cable Lapghan:

This can be done in any colorway, and the instructions are written for the stitches only. On my afghan, I did 12 rows in each color, and the 3rd and 5th orange bands were 6 rows each with a stripe of brown in the middle.

Finished size: 49" x 40"

Materials:
Yarn-I used Loops & Threads Impeccable in Pumpkin and Chocolate, but any worsted weight should do.
        WW Yarn: 21 oz/ 1800 yards
Hook-US H/8 (5 mm)

Directions:
With A, ch 186.

Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (185 sc)

Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc here & throughout), dc in next 4 st, *ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 5 st; repeat from * across. Turn. (149 dc, 36 ch sp)

Row 3: ch 3, dc in next 4 st, [(ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next st, fptc in next 3 st, dc in next st) twice, (ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 5 st) twice] two times, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next st, fptc in next 3 st, dc in next st, [(ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 5 st) twice, (ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next st, fptc in next 3 st, dc in next st) twice] two times, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 5 st. Turn. (122 dc, 27 fptc, 36 ch sp)

Row 4: ch 3, dc in next 4 st, [(ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next st, bptc in next 3 st, dc in next st) twice, (ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 5 st) twice] two times, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next st, bptc in next 3 st, dc in next st, [(ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 5 st) twice, (ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next ch st, dc in next st, bptc in next 3 st, dc in next st) twice] two times, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 3 st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 5 st. Turn. (122 dc, 27 bptc, 36 ch sp)

Repeat Rows 3 & 4 until afghan is approximately 40" long.

Final Row: sc in each st across. Fasten off.