Welcome to… Blogstars on the Beach! This year the Stylecraft Blogstars have put together a beautiful selection of patterns all inspired by and useful for a trip to the beach.
So… what is this event exactly? Well, it’s sort of like a blog hop. But instead of following along each day you can see/get ALL the patterns right now. There’s also going to be giveaways of YARN. Yes, you can WIN YARN! To enter the giveaways you’ll need to visit the Stylecraft Yarns Facebook page and Instagram page each day of the event – that’s through June 22, 2023. Yes, visit both because the giveaways will alternate between the two pages.
However, if you don’t happen to win a yarn pack check your local yarn shop that carries Stylecraft to see if they have packs.
We all used either Stylecraft’s Naturals Organic Cotton or Bamboo + Cotton. Both yarns are absolutely luxurious.
I used the Organic Cotton (for the first time) and fell in love. It has a beautifully smooth texture while still being very soft. I don’t expect much, if any, pilling from it. And what I was most impressed with is how much bounce it has. Cotton yarn just isn’t stretchy, but the way this yarn is spun seems to give it a plumpness that, when hooked up into crochet, has some give and a lovely suppleness.
Here’s a little sneak peek of all the amazing projects for you…
What did I design for the beach? A blanket of course! This project doubles as something useful to take to the beach to sit on or under when the breeze picks up OR as the perfect project to work on at the beach since the pattern is very intuitive and the cotton yarn will feel great in your hands if it gets hot.
Introducing: Across the Granny-verse!
Silly name, I know. But I do love silly things. The pattern on the other hand, is anything but silly. Actually, it’s probably one of the most practical things I’ve ever designed. It’s definitely one of the easiest things I’ve ever designed. (I think. Maybe.) Overall, it’s a fantastic all-purpose blanket pattern.
What makes it so great? Well, let me tell you…
- No starting chain! This one is made in the round.
- I know not everyone loves square blankets, so I figured out how to make it a rectangle too! It’s called Across the Expanding Granny-verse. (Rectangle is a separate pattern. Read on to see it.) It does have a starting chain, but it’s only just 50 chains, so not bad at all.
- The intuitive pattern is easy to get the hang of.
- It’s so easy to remember, in fact, I’ve taken special measures in the pattern to help you skip the parts you already know.
- It’s so intuitive, in fact, I call it “mindful crochet,” because it offers just enough change in stitch patterns to keep you present and not let your mind wander.
- You can use this pattern to get just about any look/mood you want by changing the yarn or colors.
- If you use a single colorway of yarn and magic knots to join new balls you’ll only have two ends to weave.
- Each pattern (square and rectangle) includes 3 sizes but you can stop pretty much whenever you want for a custom size.
Here are my own photos of Across the Granny-verse:
And, while my rectangle version of the pattern isn’t part of Blogstars on the Beach, it feels most appropriate to introduce it here since it’s so closely related to my original.
Introducing: Across the Expanding Granny-verse!
This one came out less beachy and more modern farmhouse. I made it in Stylecraft’s new yarn called Savannah which is a 100% cotton yarn that is SOFT. Soft beyond your wildest dreams. Soft like baby skin. Soft like angle wings. Okay, I’m getting silly again.
I really really love this yarn. And I’m keeping this blanket for myself. (Translation: my younger daughter already has her claws in it and we’re going to battle for ownership until I eventually give in.)
Both patterns are available on Ravelry and Etsy now. AND! If you want both the square and the rectangle you can get them at a discounted price when you buy them together with couple code: JUSTBEACHY
The discount is only valid through June 21, 2023 (MDT).
On Ravelry:
On Etsy:
Well, I hope you enjoy your trip to the beach and your trip Across the Granny-verse!
Until next time!
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.
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