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Sweetpea Blanket Crochet Along

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Sweetpea Blanket Crochet Along
By Florence Roberts 6 years ago

We are very happy to announce our latest exclusive free crochet along. The Sweetpea Blanket is a glorious design by Sue Rawlinson of Sweetpea family crochet. Read Sue's introduction which we hope will get you in the mood for some spring inspired crochet!

'A little while ago I was commissioned to design a spring crochet along and it was such a pleasure to be asked. I have had a busy few months crocheting samples and finalising my design, and it has accompanied me everywhere. It has been a lovely project to work on during the cold grey, wintery days.

My brief was to design a blanket with a spring-like feel that was suitable for a child. It had to be a pattern that would suit a beginner who can work double and treble crochet stitches.

I also wanted it to be a blanket that could easily be popped in the washing machine (an essential requirement for a child’s blanket). The yarn I chose was Stylecraft Special DK which is a favourite of mine. It is hard wearing and easy to wash. It also comes in a great array of colours and is very economical.

I am hoping my blanket will not only appeal to beginners, but to more experienced crocheters as well. I love an easy project, something I can pick up and work on whilst watching TV.

I hope to have captured all of this in the Sweetpea Blanket CAL pattern and that you enjoy making it as much as I have.'

The CAL will be launching with part one on Thursday 29th March. There are five instalments, with one released every week. Follow our Facebook page for updates>

You can purchase the exclusive yarn pack for £15.99 now >

Download part one here >

Download part two here >

We were eager to ask Sue some questions about her inspiration behind her wonderful blog, Instagram account and her lovely crochet.

How long have you been crocheting for and how did you learn?

I started to crochet when I was young. My mum showed me the basics, she had also been taught by her mother. I didn't progress very far and then neglected crochet during my teenage years. I picked it up again about eight years ago when I became ill and had to give up working, it became my passion. Crochet has been a great companion and inspiration ever since.

What inspired you to start an Instagram account and blog to share your work?

My career had been such an important part of my life that I found it difficult being at home all day, so I started reading lots of creative blogs and then decided to dip my toe in the water and set up my own.

I found Instagram about two years ago which is much more immediate and the beautiful images speak for themselves. I love sharing my crochet projects and designs, and my workshops and collaborations. It’s such an inspirational forum and so easy to engage with like-minded creatives across the world.

Follow Sweetpeafamily blog here >

Follow Sweetpeafamily on Instagram >

Where do you usually work?

I work from my home but occasionally I run larger workshops from a local church hall.

What is your favourite crochet stitch/pattern?

That is such a hard question, but I think it is a traditional granny square. You can sit and watch the world go by without thinking too much and yet produce a beautiful piece of timeless crochet.

Where do you start your creative process and get inspiration from?

I love playing with colour, and the different texture of yarns. I am inspired by the influences of nature and the seasons. During colder months when the nights draw in, I am usually thinking of blankets, snoods and scarves and experimenting with new pattern designs and colourways. I am also inspired by all the wonderful creatives I follow on Instagram, and I can easily lose an hour or more on Pinterest. I also love magazines and often get ideas whilst flicking through them and enjoying some quiet time with a coffee.

What colour palettes do you like to work with?

I like subtle muted shades, grey tones are a favourite but I am drawn to all things pastel.

Who do you usually crochet for?

I often crochet for my daughters, especially my eldest daughter Kate. She sends me images and says 'do you think you could make this?'. The funniest thing I have made for her was a leg warmer for a lamp!

I always have lots of projects on the go at any one time. I especially love blankets and have baskets full of them for my grandchildren to snuggle under. Over the past year, I have also started to design and write my own crochet patterns.

Who is your biggest crochet influence / favourite designer?

Far too many influences to list but since my early days of blogging I have always been inspired by these three amazing, creative women Sarah Shrimpton, Kate Eastwood and Mandy O'Sullivan.

What type of yarn/fibre do you enjoy working with?

My favourite fibre is cotton. I love the stitch definition but it's not great for beginners so I would always advise a good quality acrylic to start with.

Of all of your crochet pieces, which are you most proud of and why?

I think my proudest achievement was taking wonderful woodland creature illustrations by Posy + Petal and turning them into crochet designs for amigurumi figures (pictured). I was so pleased with the little family of four creatures, Posy, Petal, Maple and Clover.

amigurumi creatures

If you could give any advice for anyone new to online blogging or thinking of trying it out, what would it be?

An Instagram account is an easy way to start and it enables you to share your creative journey.

I would say to just give it a go, it doesn’t have to be perfect at the beginning. You can always work on improving your photographs and you have to start somewhere.

Here's a sneak preview of the CAL taken from Sue's Sweetpea Family Crochet Instagram account.

sweetpea

Don't forget to get your exclusive yarn pack ready for the launch which contains all the yarn you need for this blanket.

Purchase your pack now >

For up to date notifications on our free Crochet Alongs please like our Facebook page.

The Knitting Network Facebook page here >

Share your progress with fellow crocheters over on The Knitting Network's Crochet-a-long Facebook page. As well as sharing tips, asking for advice and sharing any queries you may have.

Join The Knitting Network Crochet Along page here >

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