Connor Blanket - May CAL Part 4

Good morning all! This is the 4th installment of this months Connor blanket, and the second last set of instructions.

There are only 4 rounds this week, as the blanket is getting larger now, they take longer to complete, so I thought it would be much easier on everyone if the last few installments had less rows to worry about.

I have to say, I've been so excited seeing all the photos pouring in on both Ravelry and Facebook! You guys sure know how to pick some fantastic colour combos!

If you have not already seen the start of  the blanket CAL, you can find it HERE

Let's get on to today's instructions!


Pattern Notes:

Starting chain is counted in the final stitch count, and counts as the first stitch of each round.
Instructions within * * are to be repeated.
slst - slip stitch

With colour A

23: Ch4 (counts as dc and ch1), Skip 1 stitch, *dc in the next stitch, ch1, skip one stitch*, repeat around, there will be no skipped stitch between the last dc and the starting chain, join to the 3rd chain of the starting ch4. End off. -118dc

With colour C

24: Join to any ch1 space, ch8, (counts as sc and ch7), skip the next ch1 space, *sc in the next ch1 space, ch7, skip the next ch1 space*, repeat around, join to the first ch of the starting ch8. End off. -58 ch7 spaces.

With colour A

25: Join to any ch7 space, ch3, 6dc in the same space, sc in the next ch7 space, *7dc in the next ch7 space, sc in the next ch7 space*, repeat around, join to the starting ch3. - 29 sc's and 29 sets of 7dc (203dc)

With colour A

26: Slst in the first 2 stitches, *sc into the next stitch (will be the 4th stitch from the previous rounds 7dc), (3dc, ch3, 3dc) in the next sc, skip 3*, repeat around, join to the first sc. -29 sets of 'shells'

NOTE: This round WILL curl in, don't stress, the next round will pull it back out again.

See you next Wednesday for the last installment! 

Connor Blanket - May CAL Part 3

Good morning all and welcome to the 3rd installment of the Connor blanket, May's crochet-along!

I hope everyone is having fun with this one, and enjoying the pattern! I can't believe we're getting closer to done now, crazy right? May sure has flown. Last week there was some concern about slight rippling/curling. Don't stress, it's totally ok for this blanket at this stage :)

First time here? You can find the start of this months crochet along Part One, here.

Well, that's enough chatter, let's get on with this weeks instructions!


Pattern Notes:
tr - triple crochet
Starting chain is counted in the final stitch count, and counts as the first stitch of each round.
Instructions within * * are to be repeated.
slst - slip stitch

With colour C

16: Ch2, hdc in the next stitch, ch2, sk2, *hdc in the next 2 stitches, ch2, sk2*, repeat around, join to the ch2. -94hdc

 With colour C

17: Slst into the space between the first 2 stitches, ch4, tr 3 times in the same space, ch1, * 4tr in the space between the next 2 hdc's, ch1*, repeat around, join to the ch4, end off. -47 groups of 4tr.

With colour A

18: Join to any ch1 space, *ch4, slst into the next ch1 space*, repeat around, slst to the 1st chain of the ch4 to join. - 47 ch4 spaces.

With colour A

19: Stst into the ch4 space, ch6 (counts as dc and ch3), dc in the same space,  (dc, ch3, dc) in each remaining ch4 space around, join to the 3rd chain of the ch6. - 94dc

With colour A

20: Slst into the first ch3 space, (ch3, dc, ch3, 2dc) in the same space, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in each remaining ch3 space around. Join to the starting ch3. -188dc

With colour B

21: Ch3, dc in the next stitch, ch1, sk1, hdc in the next chain, ch1, sk1, *dc in the next 4 stitches, ch1, sk1, hdc in the next chain, ch1, sk1* Repeat around, dc in each of the last 2 stitches, join to the ch3. - 235 stitches (not counting the chains)

With colour B

22: Ch1, sc in each dc and hdc around (skipping all chains), join to the ch1. - 235sc

That's it for this week lovelies, keep an eye out for the 4th installment on the 22nd.

Connor Blanket - May CAL Part 2

Good morning all and welcome to the second installment of this months CAL, the Connor blanket.

It was lovely to see all the photos you guys shared for the first week, and I am just loving the wide range of colour choices you have all made! I can't wait to see updated photos once you've added this weeks rounds.

Here we go!

Pattern Notes:

Cluster - Yo (yarn over), insert hook into the stitch or space, yo, pull through, yo, insert hook into the same stitch or space, yo, pull through, you should have 5 loops on your hook, yo and pull through all 5 loops.

Starting chain is counted in the final stitch count, and counts as the first stitch of each round.
Instructions within * * are to be repeated.

slst - slip stitch

With colour A

9: Ch2, hdc in the back loops only of each stitch around, join to the ch2. - 100hdc

With colour C

10: Ch4 (counts as dc and ch1), skip the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, ch1, sk1*, repeat around, join to the 3rd chain of the ch4. - 50dc

With colour A

11: Slst into the first ch1 space, (cluster, ch1, cluster) in the ch1 space, (cluster, ch1, cluster) in each remaining ch1 spaces around, join to the top of the first cluster.  - 100 clusters

With colour A

12: Slst into the next ch1 space, ch3, 4dc in the same space, slst in the next ch1 space, * 5dc in the next ch1 space, slst in the next ch1 space*, repeat around, join to the ch3. - 25 dc shells

With colour A

13: Slst to the 3rd dc of the 5dc shell, *ch6, skip 5 (that will be the next 2 dc's, the slst and the next 2 dc's) slst into the next stitch*, repeat around, join to the first ch of the ch6. -25 sets of ch6 loops

With colour B

14: Slst into the ch6 space, ch2, hdc 6 times in the same space, 7hdc in each remaining ch6 space around, join to the ch2. - 175hdc

With colour A

15: Ch3, dc in the next 12 stitches, 2dc in the next stitch, *dc in the next 13 stitches, 2dc in the next stitch*, repeat 11 times, dc in the next 6 stitches, 2dc in the last stitch, join to the ch3. - 188dc

That's it for this weeks instructions.

You might notice some slight rippling in the blanket, that's totally ok :)

Part 3 will be released on the 15th. See you then!

Connor Blanket - May CAL Part 1

Good morning all and welcome to this years blanket CAL. Unlike last year, this year's is a mystery CAL, so you won't see the full blanket until the very end of the month, How exciting!

Instructions will be released weekly, on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th of May with a roundup and full pattern/images being posted on May 31st.

If you would like to share your progress feel free to tag MammaThatMakes on Facebook, share it to the Mamma That Makes Facebook Page or if you use Instagram, use the hashtag #mammathatmakesconnorCAL2019

The May CAL blanket is named in honor of my friends beautiful boy Connor, who was born sleeping recently 💙

For supplies you will need 

• 3 colours of Worsted Weight/Aran/10ply yarn. 
• Stitch Markers
• 5mm (H) hook

I've made this pattern using Prato Collection Stefania, Value Ball Spot Saver USA Style, both available from Spotlight stores, and also Red Heart Super Saver I ordered internationally. The sizes are VERY similar with only a cm difference between all 3 yarns with the finished blanket.
Allow 150g of your main colour (A) and 100g of both colours B and C. Of course you don't have to stick to 3 colours, and this blankets various stitch patterns lends itself well to using up scraps.

The finished blanket will be approx 65cm in diameter, perfect for a full term 40 week baby.

If you want to make it larger, I'll add instructions at the end of the CAL for doing so.

If you want somewhere to donate your finished blanket, I highly recommend Chance's Clothes Project, and you can find them on Facebook.

Ok, enough talk, let's get to this weeks piece of the pattern!!

Pattern Notes:

tr - triple crochet
Starting chain is counted in the final stitch count, and counts as the first stitch of each round.
Instructions within * * are to be repeated.
slst - slip stitch

With colour A

1: Chain 5. Join to the first chain to make a circle.

2: Ch3, dc into the circle 11 times, join to the ch3. -12

With colour B

3: Ch1, sc in the same stitch, 2sc in each remaining stitch around, join to the ch1. - 24

With colour A

4: Ch4, tr in the same stitch, *ch1, skip the next stitch, 2tr in the next stitch*, repeat around, join to the ch4. - 36 (including chains)

5: Slst into the ch1 space, ch1, 3sc in the same space, make 4sc in each remaining ch1 space around, join to the ch1. - 48

With colour C

6: Ch4 (counts as dc and ch1), dc in the same stitch, skip the next stitch, *(Dc, ch1, dc) in the next stitch, skip the next stitch*, repeat around, there will be no space between the last set of  v stitches and the first, join to the 3rd chain of the ch4. - 25 sets of V stitches

With colour B

7: Slst into the first ch1 space, ch5 (counts as dc and ch2), dc in the same space, (dc, ch2, dc) in each remaining ch1 space around, join to the 3rd chain of the ch5. - 25 sets of V stitches

With colour A

8: Ch1, 2sc into the ch2 space, sc into the next stitch, *sc into the next stitch, 2sc into the ch2 space, sc in the next stitch*, repeat around, join to the ch1. - 100sc

That's it for this week, keep an eye out on the 8th for the next set of instructions. 

Peter Preemie Blanket

Good morning all, and hello to July!

It's really starting to cool down now here in Tasmania, which is perfect for making blankets!

Today I have a pattern, that ties in with some others I've released this year. The Peter Gown and the Peter Beanie both feature a sweet cluster stitch, and this blanket does too. All 3 together make for a great coordinating set.

I know you guys have been asking for matching pieces for a long time now, and I am so excited to have this one ready for you all. I have many more to come too!

Just a heads up, when making this blanket, I carried the contrasting yarn on the back as I worked, making sure to stitch over it (instead of droping it and picking it back up). This creates a really neat effect, but you need to be VERY careful that you keep your tension on that strand loose, or the blanket will bunch and pucker.

Of course, you can also complete it with just one colour and avoid that issue entirely, but I love how the clusters stand out with a contrasting yarn.

The size I've given here is to also fit a 24 week bub, so it matches the sizes of the hat and gown, but it's very easy to increase (or decrease if you want it smaller), and once you've done a few rounds you'll see how.

You could also make multiple small ones, and join them together for a much larger cot/bed sized blanket.

If you are confident with chainless dc starts you can use that in place of the starting ch3 throughout.

The Peter Blanket

You Will Need:
5mm Hook
DK/8ply/Light Worsted Weight yarn in a main and contrasting colour.

Cluster Stitch (cl) - yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through (3 on hook), yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2, (3 on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 stitches. Cluster complete. (clusters count as stitches, remember to work into the top of them each following round)

Start with main colour

1: Ch5, join to make a ring (or make a magic ring), ch3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), into the ring do 2dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, join to the starting chain.

2: Ch3, dc in the next 2 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 3 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat around, join to the starting chain.

3: Ch3, dc in the next 4 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 5 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch with main colour, join to the starting chain.

4: Ch3, dc in the next 4 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 7 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 2 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

5: Ch3, dc in the next 5 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 9 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 3 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

6: Ch3, dc in the next 6 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 11 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 4 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

7: Ch3, dc in the next 7 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 13 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 5 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

8: Ch3, dc in the next 8 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 15 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 6 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

9: Ch3, dc in the next 9 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 17 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 7 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

10: Ch3, dc in the next 10 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 19 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 8 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

11: Ch3, dc in the next 11 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 21 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 9 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

12: Ch3, dc in the next 12 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 23 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 10 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

13: Ch3, dc in the next 13 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 25 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 11 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

14: Ch3, dc in the next 14 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 27 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 12 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain (join with contrasting colour).

15: Complete this round using only the contrasting colour. Ch3, dc in the next 15 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space *dc in the next 29 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space *, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 13 stitches, join to the starting chain.

16: Continue with contrasting colour. Ch2, hdc in the first 16 stitches, (3hdc, ch2, 3hdc) in the next ch2, *hdc in the next 31 stitches, (3hdc, ch2, 3hdc) in the next ch2*, repeat twice, hdc in the last 14 stitches, join to the starting chain.

End off and weave in tails.

Alternative edge ideas: You could easily add a second round for a thicker edge, or even reverse sc (ch2 in each corner) after round 16. For a more feminine blanket try a picot edge after round 16.

Blocking: It is best to block this blanket. I use acrylic yarn, so I went block by getting the blanket damp, and pinning it out on some old foam letter mats.

April Preemie Blanket - CAL Day 30 Finale

Welcome lovelies. Today, is the last day for our preemie blanket crochet along. It's been an incredible month, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every photo you have shared with me along the way. I am so happy that so many of you joined in and make these wee little blankets, played with stitches and had fun with colours.

A word about upsizing. This pattern, is made in multiples of 12 (+2 for starting) so if you wanted to make it larger, you could add more chains to the start. All of the solid sc/hdc/dc rows go back to 60 stitches, the entire pattern through. If you were to start with 132 stitches, then all of the sc/hdc/dc rows would also be 132. From here you can easily add length by picking the decorative stitch areas you like and putting them in between the solid rows.

Let's get onto the last row, and then talk about blocking.

You will need:

4.5mm hook

DK/8ply/light worsted weight yarn in minimum of 6 colours.

Yarn Note: I did not start with complete balls. All 6 of my balls were originally 100g balls with a little of each used. They are a mix of Stylecraft Special DK, King Cole Pricewise and Moda Vera Marvel 8ply for my 6 colours. You could choose 6 colours and follow my colour changes, or you could make every line a different colour (excellent way to use scraps) or you could even use some self striping yarn, or a solid colour.

Colour Changes: I change my colours by completing the last yarn over and pull through of the last stitch in the row with the new colour for the next row, so I don't have to join with slip stitches. Of course, this means you'll have to redo that one last stitch each day as you won't know what colour is next, but the finished piece will be much neater this way.

My Colours are

A - Beige

B - Blue

C - Dark Blue

D - Tan

E - Mint/Turquoise

F - Dark Grey

Day 30

With A

45: Ch1, reverse sc (crab stitch) in each stitch around. Join to the first sc with a slst. End off and weave in all tails.

Blocking:

I completely wet blocked my blanket. This is a must, because all the differing stitches pull the blanket in different ways. I blocked my piece to 50x53 cm, however the finished size will shrink back down slightly.

If you need to know how to block your piece, and have used acrylic yarn like I have, you can find some wonderful tutorials on Youtube. The one I first followed can be found here 

Guys, this is it! That is the last step! Once your blanket is dry (mine took 2 days, sitting inside the porch) you can unpin it, and your blanket is finished and ready to be used.

Like I mentioned at the start of this, my blanket is being sent to Chance's Clothes Project to be added to the bereavement packs they post to hospitals Australia wide. Maybe you'd like to send yours there too?

I hope everyone had a blast making their blankets. Do you want to see more crochet along's in the future? What kind? Let me know, because I had a lot of fun putting this one together for everyone, and would love to do some more!

Lastly, don't forget to share photos of your completed blankets on Facebook, Tag them on Instagram as #AprilPreemieCAL or add them to Ravelry Or, you could do all 3!

That's it peeps. Next month, we'll be back to our regular crafting program! Love ya's! 

Complete Pattern:

You will need:

4.5mm hook

DK weight yarn. I've picked 6 colours for my blanket, but you can use any amount of colours you like. For this pattern I'll note my colour changes 'A through to F'

A - Cream

B - Blue

C - Dark Blue

D - Tan

E - Green

F - Grey

With A

1: Ch62, dc in the 3rd chain from hook and each chain across

With B

2: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across

With A

3: Ch3, turn, dc in each stitch across.

With A

4: Ch4, turn, skip 3, sc in the next stitch. *ch3, skip 3, sc in the next stitch*, repeat across.

With C

5: Ch3, turn, 3dc in each ch3 space across, dc in the last stitch (first ch from the ch4)

With A

6: Ch4 (counts as turning ch and ch3), turn, skip 3, sc in the space between the next 2 stitches. *ch3, skip 3, sc in the space between the next 2 stitches*, repeat across. (The last sc will be between the last dc from the previous row and the ch3 at the end of the row)

With C

7: Ch3, turn, 3dc in each ch3 space across, dc in the last stitch (first ch from the ch4)

With F

8: Ch3, turn, dc in the first stitch, dc in the next 3 stitches, *dc in the space between the next 2 stitches, dc in the next 3 stitches* repeat across. -60

9: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. -60 

With D

To make a small puff: yo, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through, yo, insert in same, yo, pull through, yo, insert hook in same stitch, yo, pull through, 7 loops on hook, yo, pull through all loops.

10: Ch2, turn, hdc in the first stitch, ch1, skip 1, small puff in the next, *ch1, skip 1, puff in the next stitch* repeat across, hdc in the last stitch.

With B

11: Ch2, turn, hdc in the first stitch, ch1, skip 1, small puff in the space between the first 2 puffs, *ch1, skip 1, puff in the space between the next 2 puffs* repeat across, hdc in the last stitch.

With D

12: Repeat row 11.

With C

13: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch and chain across. - 60

With C

14: Ch1, turn, sc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch, *sc in the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch* repeat across

With E

15: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. - 60

With A

16: Ch3, turn, dc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch, sc in the next 2 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch, sc in the next 2 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch*, repeat across

With A

17: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across

With A

18: Ch3, turn, dc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch, sc in the next 2 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch, sc in the next 2 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch*, repeat across

With E

19: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. - 60

With C

20: Ch1, turn, sc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch, *sc in the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch* repeat across

With C

21: ch1, turn, sc across

With F

22: Ch2, turn, (dc, ch2, sc) in the first stitch, skip 2 stitches, * (dc, ch2, sc) in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches*, repeat across, sc in the last stitch.

With D

23: Ch3, turn, (dc, ch2, sc) in the next ch2 space, (dc, ch2, sc) in each remaining ch2 space across.

With F

24: Ch3, turn, (dc, ch2, sc) in the next ch2 space, (dc, ch2, sc) in each remaining ch2 space across.

With D

25: Ch3, turn, (dc, ch2, sc) in the next ch2 space, (dc, ch2, sc) in each remaining ch2 space across.

With B

26: Ch1, sc in the first ch2 space, 5dc in the next ch2 space, *sc in the next ch2 space, 5dc in the next ch2 space* repeat across, 

With A

27: Ch1, turn, sc in the next stitch, 5dc in the next sc, sk2, sc in the next stitch, *sk2, 5dc in the next sc, sk2, sc in the next stitch*, repeat across, 5dc in the last stitch.

With B

 28: Ch1, turn, sc in the next stitch, 5dc in the next sc, skip 2, sc in the next stitch, *skip 2, 5dc in the next sc, skip 2, sc in the next stitch*, repeat across, 5dc in the last stitch.

With A

29: Ch1, turn, sc in the next stitch, 5dc in the next sc, skip 2, sc in the next stitch, *skip 2, 5dc in the next sc, skip 2, sc in the next stitch*, repeat across, 5dc in the last stitch.

With C

30: Ch1, turn, sc in each of the first 5 stitches, dc in the next stitch, *sc in the next 5 stitches, dc in the next stitch*, repeat across 

With F

31: Ch2, turn, hdc across

With E

32: Ch2, turn, hdc in the back loop only of each stitch across

With B

33: Ch2, turn, hdc in the 3rd loop (front) only of each stitch across (see notes from day 22)

With D

34: Ch2, turn, hdc in the back loop only of each stitch across

With A

35: Ch2, turn, hdc in the 3rd loop only of each stitch across (see notes from day 22)

With E

36: Ch3, turn, skip the first 4 stitches, * (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in the next stitch, skip the next 3 stitches*, repeat across, dc in the last stitch

With C

37:  Ch4, turn, into the ch2 space (dc, ch1, dc), *ch2, into the next ch2 space (dc, ch1, dc)*,repeat across until you reach the last ch2 space, (dc, ch1, dc) into the last ch2 space, ch1, dc in the last stitch (ch3 from previous row)

With C

38: Ch2, turn, 2hdc in the same stitch, *3hdc in the next ch1 space, hdc in the next ch2 space* repeat across until you reach the ch4 from the previous round, sc around the 4th chain from the previous round, 2sc in the 3rd chain from the previous row. - 60

With D

39: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across

With B

DC Cluster - Keeping the last loop of each dc on the hook, dc 3 times in the same stitch, yarn over, pull through all 4 loops.

40: Ch2, turn, dc cluster in the fist stitch, *ch1, skip the next stitch, dc cluster in the next stitch* repeat across, dc in the last stitch.

With E

41: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch and ch1 space across, including the starting chain from row 40. - 60sc

With B

DC Cluster - Keeping the last loop of each dc on the hook, dc 3 times in the same stitch, yarn over, pull through all 4 loops.

42: Ch2, turn, dc cluster in the fist stitch, *ch1, skip the next stitch, dc cluster in the next stitch* repeat across.  End off.

With C

If you need to remember which are the corners, place a stitch marker into the 2nd sc of each 3sc on all 4 corners.

43: Rejoin your yarn to the start of this row (Into the first dc cluster), so that the border is on the correct side. Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch and chain across, 3sc in the last stitch, turn your blanket clockwise and sc evenly down the side, working into the ends of the rows, when you reach the next corner, turn your work again clockwise and do 3sc into the first ch from the very first round, work a sc into each of the chains until you reach the next corner, make 3sc into the last of the chains and turn again clockwise. Work up the last side of the piece in sc, again in the ends of the rows. When you reach the first sc from this round, do 2 more sc's into that same stitch, then join to the first sc.

With F

44: Ch3, dc in each stitch around, with the exception of the corner stitches (marked from the last round) in which you will place 3dc. Join to the first dc.

With A

45: Ch1, reverse sc (crab stitch) in each stitch around. Join to the first sc with a slst. End off and weave in all tails.

Blocking:

I completely wet blocked my blanket. This is a must, because all the differing stitches pull the blanket in different ways. I blocked my piece to 50x53 cm, however the finished size will shrink back down slightly.

If you need to know how to block your piece, and have used acrylic yarn lime I have, you can find some wonderful tutorials on Youtube. The one I first followed can be found here.

April Preemie Blanket - CAL Day 29

Morning lovely crocheters!
Wow, here we are onto the border! How incredible is that! I can hardly believe that we're almost finished with our blankets. Just a little more to go, and we can call it a done and dusted.

You will need:

4.5mm hook

DK/8ply/light worsted weight yarn in minimum of 6 colours.

Yarn Note: I did not start with complete balls. All 6 of my balls were originally 100g balls with a little of each used. They are a mix of Stylecraft Special DK, King Cole Pricewise and Moda Vera Marvel 8ply for my 6 colours. You could choose 6 colours and follow my colour changes, or you could make every line a different colour (excellent way to use scraps) or you could even use some self striping yarn, or a solid colour.

Colour Changes: I change my colours by completing the last yarn over and pull through of the last stitch in the row with the new colour for the next row, so I don't have to join with slip stitches. Of course, this means you'll have to redo that one last stitch each day as you won't know what colour is next, but the finished piece will be much neater this way.

My Colours are

A - Beige

B - Blue

C - Dark Blue

D - Tan

E - Mint/Turquoise

F - Dark Grey

Day 29

With C

NOTE: If you need to remember which are the corners, place a stitch marker into the 2nd sc of each 3sc on all 4 corners.

43: Rejoin your yarn to the start of this row (Into the first dc cluster), so that the border is on the correct side.

Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch and chain across, 3sc in the last stitch, turn your blanket clockwise and sc evenly down the side, working into the ends of the rows, when you reach the next corner, turn your work again clockwise and do 3sc into the first ch from the very first round, work a sc into each of the chains until you reach the next corner, make 3sc into the last of the chains and turn again clockwise. Work up the last side of the piece in sc, again in the ends of the rows. When you reach the first sc from this round, do 2 more sc's into that same stitch, then join to the first sc.

With F

44: Ch3, dc in each stitch around, with the exception of the corner stitches (marked from the last round) in which you will place 3dc. Join to the first dc.

NOTE: If you want to make your border any larger, this is where you would do it. Tomorrow's row is the finishing edge.
If you want more stripes in your border, change colours, and dc around, always being sure to make 3dc in the corners, so the blanket doesn't curl in there.

New? Keen to join in? Day 1 is here.

April Preemie Blanket - CAL Day 28

Good morning all you amazing people!

Day 28, and the last row of decorative stitches before we begin with the border. Now that's exciting!
I really like clusters. If you've been following for a while, you'll have noticed that I use them quite a lot in hats. I like how they are little even defined shapes, and there is so much you can do with them!

You will need:

4.5mm hook

DK/8ply/light worsted weight yarn in minimum of 6 colours.

Yarn Note: I did not start with complete balls. All 6 of my balls were originally 100g balls with a little of each used. They are a mix of Stylecraft Special DK, King Cole Pricewise and Moda Vera Marvel 8ply for my 6 colours. You could choose 6 colours and follow my colour changes, or you could make every line a different colour (excellent way to use scraps) or you could even use some self striping yarn, or a solid colour.

Colour Changes: I change my colours by completing the last yarn over and pull through of the last stitch in the row with the new colour for the next row, so I don't have to join with slip stitches. Of course, this means you'll have to redo that one last stitch each day as you won't know what colour is next, but the finished piece will be much neater this way.

My Colours are

A - Beige

B - Blue

C - Dark Blue

D - Tan

E - Mint/Turquoise

F - Dark Grey

Day 28

With B

DC Cluster - Keeping the last loop of each dc on the hook, dc 3 times in the same stitch, yarn over, pull through all 4 loops.

42: Ch2, turn, dc cluster in the fist stitch, *ch1, skip the next stitch, dc cluster in the next stitch* repeat across.  End off.

Jump back to Day 1 if you're just starting.

April Preemie Blanket - CAL Day 27

Morning all!

Wow here we are on day 27, and only a handful of rows left to go.

I want to take a moment to apologise for the dismal photography job for row 41! By the time I realised it was out of focus, it was far too late to go back and fix it. Oops! Like everyone else, sometimes I make mistakes. Thankfully it's a pretty simple row, phew!

You will need:

4.5mm hook

DK/8ply/light worsted weight yarn in minimum of 6 colours.

Yarn Note: I did not start with complete balls. All 6 of my balls were originally 100g balls with a little of each used. They are a mix of Stylecraft Special DK, King Cole Pricewise and Moda Vera Marvel 8ply for my 6 colours. You could choose 6 colours and follow my colour changes, or you could make every line a different colour (excellent way to use scraps) or you could even use some self striping yarn, or a solid colour.

Colour Changes: I change my colours by completing the last yarn over and pull through of the last stitch in the row with the new colour for the next row, so I don't have to join with slip stitches. Of course, this means you'll have to redo that one last stitch each day as you won't know what colour is next, but the finished piece will be much neater this way.

My Colours are

A - Beige

B - Blue

C - Dark Blue

D - Tan

E - Mint/Turquoise

F - Dark Grey

Day 27

With B

DC Cluster - Keeping the last loop of each dc on the hook, dc 3 times in the same stitch, yarn over, pull through all 4 loops.

40: Ch2, turn, dc cluster in the fist stitch, *ch1, skip the next stitch, dc cluster in the next stitch* repeat across, dc in the last stitch.

With E

41: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch and ch1 space across, including the starting chain from row 40. - 60sc

Looking for Day 1? It's here!