Sandra from Cherry Heart, in conjunction with Black Sheep Wools, is hosting the Spice Of Life Crochet Along and I've decided to take part. Even though I've got a few blankets under my belt, I still consider myself a beginner when it comes to crochet. I don't know many stitches so I thought this would be a great project for me as it will show me lots of new stitches.
The crochet along is running for a number of weeks, the pattern will be released in stages, however, I'm never any good at working to a schedule so I've decided that I'll download each bit of the pattern as it's released but work at my own pace. I like to savour my crochet time, enjoying each stitch I put in to the work. I don't want to be rushing to keep up with everyone else so this is going to be my winter project. I just hope that I can manage the stitches, it's nothing like anything I've ever crocheted before.
There's a choice of two different yarns in two different colourways, Rico Classic Baby DK or Stylecraft Special DK. I prefer the Rico colourway so that made my mind up about the yarn. It's one I've never used before but unfortunately, Black Sheep Wools were out of that yarn pack when I decided to order so I ended up buying mine from Wool Warehouse. I'm thrilled with it, I'm not sure yet what it's like to crochet with but its squishability (is that a word?) is top notch and the colours are gorgeous.
The first part of the pattern was released yesterday but I haven't yet started, I've got the pattern printed off though so I'm good to go. I do have quite a few other things on the go at the moment though so I'm hoping to work on them at the same time too.
Are any more of you other than Jo and Jo taking part? It's a beautiful blanket and I'm looking forward to seeing it take shape, if I can manage the stitches that is.
Don't forget about the swap I'm running. The Twelve Days Of Christmas Swap Sign Up is still open if you fancy joining in, just leave a comment on that post and I'll add you to the list. As well as having lots of fun with the swap, it's a great way of making new bloggy friends so don't be shy. I'd love some more people from outside the UK to join in as we have quite a few bloggers who are interesting in swapping worldwide.
Ha ha I'm glad you've succumbed I'm starting mine Sunday as I have now got flu & I cant concentrate on a blanket yet!! I preferred the Rico colour way too & have the pack - yes squishability must be a proper word! It's lovely yarn isn't it. Thanks for the mention x
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear you've got the flu, you're definitely better waiting to start the blanket when you've got a clear head. I love this Rico yarn, I've never crocheted with it before though so I hope it works up well. Get well soon.
DeleteLove your choice of yarn, I looked at the blanket but am swamped with crochet at the moment, maybe next winter for the pattern that I have lurking in my magazine shelf. My Granny Square blanket is this winters project, along with some more gloves and hats.
ReplyDeleteThere's some really yummy colours in the Rico yarn, I'm really pleased with it. There's always so many things I want to make but not enough hours in the day, added to the fact that I knit and crochet so slowly. It's a case of making the things we really want to, I think.
DeleteNow that looks a great blanket pattern and good colours - only wish I could crochet. I had an Aunt that used to make some super things.
ReplyDeleteI do think it may be a good idea to do it at your own speed and really enjoy the creative task ...
All the best Jan
This blanket really appealed to me, it has lots of different stitches in it so it's quite unique and I'm sure I will learn lots along the way. I love the colours too. I only learnt to crochet a few years ago, I saw so many lovely things on blogs, I was quite envious of those who could crochet. I taught myself with the help of a book and You Tube tutorials but I can only do the basics so I'm hoping I can learn some new stitches from the crochet along. I'm a very slow crocheter but I think you get a lot of enjoyment out of something when you really take you time and enjoy the creative process so I definitely shan't rush it.
DeleteThat should keep you busy through the winter. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteIt definitely will. It's a little daunting actually as I only know a couple of the stitches, but I'm sure it will be fun learning.
DeleteIt is a beautiful blanket and it's nice to see crochet bloggers getting the attention they deserve. I'm not participating, but I've been enjoying seeing the progress on other blogs here and there. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteThere's so many wonderful crochet blogs out there. I must admit that I hadn't come across Cherry Heart before but hosting something like a crochet along does get you attention, as you say, deservedly, it's a wonderful blog. I'm sure it will be lots of fun.
DeleteI decided long ago not to take part in sew-alongs or knit-alongs or crochet-alongs because, like you, I'd rather do things at my own pace. I like watching from the sidelines, though, so I'll cheer you on as you go! :o)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to joining in but I shall definitely go at my own pace. I don't think anyone insists that you go any faster than you want to, it's all just a bit of fun. I know now that my blanket will be finished much later than everyone elses.
Deletelooks like a lovely project and I'm tempted as apart from my next granny square project I haven't got a large blanket to do now . I'll pop over and take a look x
ReplyDeleteI hope you do decide to join in too, it's great to be able to follow the progress of other bloggers. It's a good project for over winter, I do like to have a blanket on the go for the cooler evenings.
DeleteI looked at that crochet along but I am not keen on long rows. Love the blanket and the sound of your yarn choice. Happy crocheting! x
ReplyDeleteI remember you saying that you're not keen on long rows, it's actually my favourite kind of crochet, I can get in to a sort of rhythm with it. I love the yarn, such fabulous colours and so soft too.
DeleteI don't know whether to be offended or delighted at being called naughty.... oh, bugger it. I AM naughty and I so knew you wouldn't be able to resist! I'm doing the Stylecraft colourway and got my first six rows done last night.... if only I could ignore my friends' blogs I'd be done for the week by now..... Can't wait to see how we all get on over the months!
ReplyDeleteAnd if you're wondering, my house will be a filthy stinking mess for a while, THAT's how I got them done!!
You're definitely naughty tempting me like that. You've got six rows done already? I know I'm going to be lagging behind but that's ok, I'll get there in the end. It'll be good seeing how the other colourway turns out, I'm a big fan of Stylecraft so I bet it'll be fabulous. I know your house won't be a filthy stinking mess, you'll just get the kids on the job.
DeleteOoh dear, now I'm feeling tempted, I may just have to pop over to Sandra's and have a proper look... xx
ReplyDeleteThere's always something when reading blogs which tempts us, isn't there? I hope you decide to join in, it will be good if a few of us are taking part.
DeleteJust on catchup Jo, as I've had a terrible cold. Loved your last 2 posts on Northumberland. Thanks for the tours. I've been looking for another crochet project and that one looks smashing. I'm like you with not a lot of crochet time under my belt, but do find it extremely therapeutic, so may have a quick look to see if I want to do it and would probably do the same as you and not put myself on a time line. You certainly know where to find a lot of these things to test us all. I'll email soon and take care.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've been unwell, I hope you're now on the mend. Glad you enjoyed the Northumberland posts, still more to come. I'm sure this will be a lovely crochet along to take part in, the blanket looks lovely.
DeleteIt looks as though it is going to be a beautiful blanket! I hope that you enjoy making yours and savouring each stitch that you put into it! xx
ReplyDeleteI think the blanket looks wonderful, I just hope I can replicate it. It will be fun learning some new stitches along the way too.
DeleteI love the colors in that blanket! But I HAVE to comment on Archie. I have a dog who is a part King Charles Spaniel and I LOVE those dogs now! My dog has the same eyes and nose as Archie...she looks different, but very similar at the same time.
ReplyDeleteArchie is our first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I did a lot of research before getting him, we wanted a dog who would fit in well with out family and he does. He's the most sweet dog, very loving and as soft as a brush, we all love him.
DeleteThose certainly look to be gorgeous colours. I don't think I've used this brand before so I may have to investigate.
ReplyDeleteI love the colours which have been chosen for the blanket. Of course, you dont' have to use the same colours or even the same yarn for the crochet along but I've chosen to do so. I've never used this brand before either but it's really lovely, so soft.
DeleteI think the last time I crocheted was when I was in high school for our project. It's addicting when you start to though.
ReplyDeleteI only learnt to crochet a few years ago. I remember dabbling when I was a child but nothing stuck. You're right though, it's very addictive.
DeleteThe Rico yarn looks gorgeous. I haven't done a CAL before - I don't think I could keep up.
ReplyDeleteThe yarn is gorgeous, such lovely colours and so soft too. I know I won't keep up with the schedule of the crochet along, the good thing about it is that you can go at your own speed, which is just what I intend to do.
DeleteI love the colours of your yarn, and I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. Crochet and I don't get along!!
ReplyDeleteI think they're gorgeous colours. I haven't been crocheting very long but I do enjoy it.
DeleteI like what I see so far. How cosy it'll be for keeping warm and snuggly.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Lisa x
I've only done a few rows but I'm loving it so far. I wouldn't put the same colours together which Sandra has, but that's the beauty of a crochet along, you follow someone elses pattern. I'm sure it will look lovely once it's done.
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