This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and buy something I get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
I’ve received a fair few questions about my version of Arabella that I’m making for the Arabella Crochet Along video tutorials and photos to announce weekly releases. You see… no matter what I do I can’t seem to remember to take process photos (not pretty ones anyway). So when I did the original Arabella (pictured below) I recorded nothing. Therefore, when it came time to do all those things that come along with a crochet along, I had nothing share with you.
To me that just sounds like a fabulous excuse to pick new colors and make a new blanket. So that’s just what I did. But I never seem to anticipate that anyone would want to follow along with me. That meant, of course, I was unprepared for the questions. So, here I am attempting to make up for my lack of planning.
In this post I’ll detail exactly what I’m doing with this version of Arabella that I’m calling Ella Bella (because I’m including some Stylecraft Batik Elements), and I’ll include galleries of the progress photos for your enjoyment. Make sure and check back because I’ll update each week as we go with new pictures and details of which colors I’m using where.
If you don’t have the Arabella pattern, you can get it on Ravelry by clicking here. It will also be available in my Etsy store upon completion of the crochet along.
The Plan
I’m planning on making my blanket the same size as the original (see the layouts part of the intro document in the pattern).
After estimating my yarn usage I have the following Stylecraft Batik DK on hand:
- Silver – 8 balls (1 is extra just in case)
- Old Gold – 1 ball
- Sage – 1 ball
- Coral – 1 ball
- Heather – 3 balls (1 is extra just in case)
- Pistachio – 3 balls
- Stylecraft Batik Elements in Magnesium – 3 balls
I’m planning on making the 12 motifs in 5 different color orders. The join will be done in Magnesium. The main color of the extension will be Heather, and the border will be Pistachio with Magnesium for highlights.
Affliate links: Get Batik DK and Batik Elements from Deramores.
I’m using my Tulip Etimo hook set for this project since we’ll be using 3 different hook sizes. At the time of writing this it’s going for more than I paid, but usually you can pick it up with Prime shipping for around $45-$50. It’s a killer deal and I love my set – the hook glide beautifully and the ergonomic handles are my favorite that I’ve found. There’s even a pink set but it’s harder to find for a good price.
Part 1
I used silver for round 1 on all 12 motifs.
| Round | 3 ea | 3 ea | 2 ea | 2 ea | 2 ea |
| 2 | Gold | Pistachio | Heather | Coral | Sage |
| 3 | Pistachio | Sage | Coral | Heather | Gold |
| 4 | Heather | Gold | Sage | Pistachio | Coral |
| 5 | Coral | Heather | Gold | Sage | Pistachio |
| 6 | Heather | Gold | Sage | Pistachio | Coral |
| 7 | Sage | Coral | Pistachio | Gold | Heather |
Part 2
All rounds in part 2 were done in Silver.
Part 3
All motifs in part 3 were done in Silver.
Part 4
All motifs in part 4 were done in Silver.
{Gallery coming 8/16}
Part 5
Just blocking this week.
Part 6
The join was done in Batik Elements Magnesium.
Part 7
Colors used:
- Row 1: Heather
- Row 2: Silver
- Row 3: Elements Magnesium
- Row 4: Sage on first repeat, Old Gold on second repeat
- Row 5-9: Heather
- Row 10: Silver
- Row 11: Elements Magnesium
- Row 12: Pistachio on first repeat, Coral on second repeat
- Row 13: Heather
Part 8
Colors used:
- Round 1: Pistachio
- Round 2: Magnesium
- Round 3: Pistachio
- Round 4: Pistachio
- Round 5: Magnesium
- Round 6: Pistachio
- Round 7: Pistachio
- Round 8: Magnesium
Part 9
Final blocking
That’s all for now! I hope you’ll consider joining the event and share pictures of your afghan with us. And if you have any questions, the best place to get fast answers is in either of the groups or by messaging me on Ravelry or Facebook.
Please check out the Patterns page here on Every Trick on the Hook or my Ravelry store to see more of my patterns, both free and paid.
The best way to keep up with my goings-on is to follow Every Trick on the Hook on Facebook. You can also message me there, post on the wall, and follow my posts for the latest news.
If you’re looking for a more interactive Facebook experience, join the Polly Plum Pattern Posse Facebook group. We’re a fun and supportive group. Really! There’s so much help there that chances are your question will be answered by someone before I even see it. It’s the best place to go with a question. It’s also a great place to share your Polly Plum makes and see what others are making.
If Facebook isn’t your thing you can also join the Ravelry group – Polly’s Place or follow @polly_plum_crochet on Instagram
I absolutely love this blanket and your colour choice is always a favourite ☺️ Thanks for sharing.
Purchased Arabella today and I did notice you rated this Intermediate to Advanced. I consider myself intermediate and wondered what part of Arabella is advanced? Im a little concerned about that. Im sure your videos will be a big help. It’s so beautiful, can’t wait to start.
Hi Leslie! I rate it that way because skill level depends so much on each person’s perception of what intermediate and advanced mean. I never seem to find a good way to rate skill levels that covers everyone. To answer your question… The most advanced part about this pattern is probably the stitch counts for the extension and the border. It just takes some careful attention to the instructions. Otherwise, personally, I would call all the techniques used intermediate.