Do you remember when I made this blanket (above) for my new nephew?! Maybe you don't, and that is okay! I finished this back in January, and it was my first foray into messing about with stitches and varying patterns and going a bit wild free-hand style! I am all about this kind of crazy crochet. It's my favourite thing to do and I have spent the whole year refining it. That's how much I love this freehand colourful stitch explosion!
As soon as I finished this I started the Max Blanket... I have been showing lots of this blanket on Instagram and a bit over here, but I realised that I had not shown you the finished (well, ends to be sewn in!) blanket. And I finished it a cuppla months ago, so I am the Queen of Slack Showing Off! Here she is.... drum roll.... ta-dah!
I have noticed some lovely blankets in this style popping up about the place in the last couple of months... so here is my original Pippy Stripe blankie (the one I made for Max) for you to see properly! Just in case you want to make one too! I think everyone is going to be making these in the world of crochet, I do! This is the one that is in the Mollie Make's feature about me too, I think! Kirsty photographed me a while ago trying to get those darn ends finished!
To make this blanket, I started with a basic Granny Stripe pattern for the first couple of rows to get a good foundation and a nice easy to follow stitch count. (Have a look at the pattern by Lucy at Attic24! Or try the pattern by Jan Eaton in this book.. .this will show you how to start off!)
After that I just carefully added rows of different stitches, things like popcorn, larksfoot, basic treble and the like, and payed close attention to the stitch count. You don't want to decrease stitches or add stitches, so you need to follow the row below closely and stitch into the stitches below without adding or minusing! If you DO accidentally add or decrease, you need to make up for it in the next row quick smart by doing the opposite. So keep an eye on your work, laying it flat after each row, and making sure that you are following the row below, count wise.
I will write a proper tute to show you what I mean, if you would like! Would you like that?
Ah yes...there you are...having fun with stuff that so many people get caught up with "doing right".
ReplyDeleteYou know what Pippy - it's when you bend the rules & blend crafts & ideas that amazing things happen...really good things that other people want to have a crack at too.
I was thinking about your stringy window display today & thinking I might have a crack at one of those on my bathroom wall.
xxx
Oh do it Kirst! The string things look so good! Especially on a dark background! DO IT! Go on!
ReplyDeleteI would like a tute! i think it's AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the blanket...but I've been seriously distracted by those cute as floral clogs!
ReplyDeleteNice work! I'm inspired to make my second ever blanket now....thinking of a granny square ripple!
ReplyDeleteReally cool... love the blankets. I have crochet envy as I'm a knitter, but deep down would like to be a crocheter. I've given it a go from time to time, but just don't seem to be able to get the hang of it... possibly because I'm an old chook stuck in knitting ways.
ReplyDeleteAnyway... brilliant stuff always here and love it that you are a sharer. Cheers.
Aw thanks lasses! The clogs are old Cath Kidston ones! They are so comfy and cute! The boots are Swedish Hasbeens (in case anyone was about to ask!) xx
ReplyDeleteNice crocheting. TFS
ReplyDeleteWhere is a good place to learn how to crochet? I am seriously bad sewer, but I love it, I've tried to knit numerous times without any success but maybe, just maybe I could learn how to do this.....do you think I could????
ReplyDeleteI think the blanket is fab Pip, gorgeous colours.
ReplyDeleteLucky Max!
x
ohhhhhhhhhh. it's dreamy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pip. I love this and want to make a stripey colourful thing for my teenage niece! I have been wanting to fudge around with this too ever since I saw this on The Purl Bee: http://www.purlbee.com/granny-stripe-blanket/ which is not quite so flamboyant as yours.
ReplyDeleteLoving the vibrant colours and awesome mix of patterns. If only I could crochet a single square! Another knitter but wannabe crochet-er here! Great boots too btw :)
ReplyDeleteYES!! I would love a tute! I've just started to crochet (always used to knit) - working my way through a book practising all the stitches. I'm aiming for a stripy blanket with lots of granny stitches.
ReplyDeletePip! It looks AMAZEBALLS! I love the larksfoot sections, for some reason it reminds me of Space Invaders, and that makes my little nerdy heart so happy. :P
ReplyDeleteoh, those are so lovely!!! Brings back memories of being cuddled up in crochet blankets at my Nonna's house in italy. She was the queen of crochet!!!
ReplyDeleteAdmire you dedication to all those stitches...
Alex
They are some seriously rad blankets! I only recently learnt to crochet and haven't progressed beyond cushions yet, but I will have to start a blankie, they look so nice! I really like the one on your lap in the last photo. Awesome boots too!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Yes please!!!! A tute would be wonderful so I can make my own random design instead of slavishly following a pattern. Are the Hasbeen boots comfy - can you wear them all day?
ReplyDeleteBronwyn
Wowee Pip! How cool are the bits that look like space invaders?
ReplyDeleteI was just about to ask about your boots, you mind reader you! (I was also going to say that I'm sure you have told us about them before but unless I write things down I forget them instantly so...)
ReplyDeleteLove the boots but also very much love your blankets, I especially like how bright the second one is. It's so great when you master a skill to the point where you can improvise on the fly! Wonderful stuff!
Nice colours,very nice work . Congrats Pip!!
ReplyDeleteOh wow Pip, they are amazing. You've inspired me! I want one. Looks like I'll be crocheting this summer...
ReplyDeleteThose look amazing! Though first of all I have to get past step 1: mastering crochet! I'm sure your tutorials can help me!
ReplyDeletehttp://birdsandbobs.blogspot.com/
Hi Pip,
ReplyDeleteWorking up the courage to start a crochet blanket - been planning one for a long time.
A tute would be very very welcome. Hope to drop in the shop when I come to Melby at Christmas,
Lisa
you. rock. totally.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes so does your clog collection. Amaze-full-ness-osity...
So the lark's foot stitch is the space invader stitch... yes, yes I see. I LOVE CROCHET!!!
PS please excuse the ranting...
I started crocheting 2 weeks ago thanks to your videos, I would love a tutorial as these are gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteA tutorial would be beyond fabulous!!! I loooooove this blankie and I want one of my very own!!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely scarves...
ReplyDeleteIt looks fabo.
ReplyDeleteI love just experimenting too. On a mission to finish a more structured blanket at the moment... and me thinks so free & playful crochet to organically create a blankie is just what I'll need next.
Nice textures in your blanket. I did a little jump for blanket joy when I saw you in Mollies Makes, it's a lovely feature.
ReplyDeleteMartha
Yes please to a tutorial!!! I am feeling very inspired even though I only learnt to crochet 3 days ago!
ReplyDeleteI love the Pippy Stripe (and all the variations)!!! I am new to crochet and this would be such a fun way to practice new stitches! I would love a tutorial when you have the chance to write one up. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a tutorial! Also, my copy of Sew La Tea Do arrived a few days ago and I LOVE it!Thank you for such an inspiring book! x
ReplyDeletePip, this blanket is beautiful! Quite the loveliest I've seen in a long time. All that colour is sooo up my alley! Congratulations. A blanket like this is an amazing achievement in crochet X JH
ReplyDeleteHi friend I love your blog always has beautiful things here, beijokas ...
ReplyDeletehttp://agulhaetricot.blogspot.com
http://agulhaetricot.com
tb http://titacarre.elo7.com.br visit my store and let your opinion about my products.
Gorgeous blankets - love the bright colours you have used!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletewow wow wow : love it! saw your blankie in mollie makes and have the wanties most definitely for one myself! can you suggest any good yarn for blankie making? would love to know what type you use? love the contrast between the bright colours and the cream and grey too. Tutorial would be fab! Claire x x
ReplyDeleteHey Pip, you really inspired me with this blanket. Its beautiful and I love all the different mixes of stitches. I love to crochet and haven't got stuck into a crochet project for ages. I'm off to rummage in my yarn stash to find some nice colours that will go together. Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDelete