NewYear Projects

Hello Friends...As we're well into January, I would like to wish everyone a very belated Happy New Year! I've been quiet, but busy finishing off another big squishy blanket order, and have another in the works.

I've also been playing with some different crochet stitches for some new blankets. I haven't quite decided on the yarn as of yet, but I've been testing things out on my Vanna's Choice stash, with different colour changes. I'm sure I'll go back and forth on ideas and yarn possibilities before I land on something, but it's always fun to play around.

Check out my project progress...

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to all my friends and followers. Wishing you all a safe, peaceful and joyous holiday season.

This year we got a little rescue cat, Maya, "for the kids". But really she's my new little buddy, and is never far.  She loves to pose with all my creations, here she is with one of my Big Squishy Blankets before  delivery.

My talented daughter makes these soaps and bath bombs. They are just so beautiful, I thought I'd share.

Big Squishy Knit Blanket

Hello Friends...I've been working on a few more of these big squishy blankets, in Bernat Blanket yarn by Yarnspirations. They are so much fun to work on and so simple, as it's just the garter stitch. This yarn is so soft and as it works up, you are left with an irresistible squishy and cosy blanket! It's perfect for the colder months.

I'm especially loving this first colour, called Oatmeal. The other is called Silver Steel.

As a crocheter, it's nice to have a change and work with the knitting needles. Below is a winter scarf I recently finished, again in the simple garter stitch. Yarn is Wool Ease, by Lion Brand, in marble.

New Custom Baby Blankets

Hello Friends...I just wanted to share with you these two baby blankets I've been working on lately. The first, with the stripes, is a gorgeous shell stitch pattern.  I'm so happy with the way it worked up with the contrasting gray. I used Lionbrand Yarn, Vanna's Choice, which is such a great yarn to work with, especially for blankets of any kind. It comes in so many colours and it has a lovely squishy feel to it.

The next blanket is done in a simple textured stitch pattern, but I used a super bulky yarn by Yarnspirations, called Bernat Softee Chunky. It is so cosy and chunky, great even to throw down as a play blanket.

Both blankets are available in my Etsy shop as custom blankets, in 2 sizes - one for the car seat/stroller, and the other for the crib.

Cozy Knit Blanket

Hello Friends...so happy to share a recently completed knit project. As most if you know, I am a crocheter, but back in the day I started out knitting. I'd say its been about 30 years since I picked up the needles, except to teach my eldest daughter how to knit.

This project was so simple, just the garter, or knit stitch. I used Bernat Blanket yarn, which made this blanket so soft and squishy. I made this blanket custom for a friend and I've received great feedback. Added some fringe for fun, I'm sure this blanket will get good use over the colder Canadian months.

Granny Square Blanket

Hello Friends...just an update on my back to basics granny square blanket. I'm loving how the grey and cream colours work together. After making a bunch of squares, I've started on weaving in ends. I'm thinking of joining with a sc join, probably in the cream. I'll keep you all posted. As always, thanks for stopping by and Happy Friday!

Ripple Blanket WIP

Hello Friends...Check out this fun chevron blanket I'm working on for my niece.  I just love the colours of this yarn, Charisma by Loops & Threads.

WIP - Crochet Corner Blanket

Hello Friends,

Found this great pattern by Red Heart for making a crochet blanket by starting in the corner:

There's a great tutorial by The Crochet Crowd on YouTube, which has really clear instructions by Mikey.  Keep you posted with the finished results...

Chunky Ribbed Crochet Blanket :: Free Pattern

Hello Friends...Here's another project I've recently finished off, a lovely chunky ribbed crochet blanket:

It's a simple hdc stitch, done through the back loop (BL) to get the ribbed / knit like effect.  I used Loops' n Threads Cozy Wool and the colour is Stone, however any Super Bulky weight yarn can be substituted.

With a large 10 mm hook, this blanket works up super quick.  It's the perfect beginner friendly project! I believe it took roughly 11 skeins to complete.  See below for full pattern info. on this easy blanket:



Pattern Instructions:

Ch, 96 sts.

Row 1 - hdc into 3rd ch from hook in the back loop (BL), 94 sts. Turn.

Row 2 - Ch 2, hdc into 1st st. (last st. of the previous row) in the BL and in each stitch across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 for 37 rows, or until desired width.

My finished blanket measures approx.: 55" x 55".  If you wish to adjust the size, simply measure your starting chain to your desired width and add 3 more chains. Work blanket to desired length.

As always, thanks for looking and your support. 

Pining of images are welcome, otherwise all images are copyright and may not be used without consent.  Thank you -- Alison, Modern Grace Design

Free Pattern :: Easy Striped Blanket

Hello Friends,

Remember this post?  Well, I've finally finished the blanket, it only took me over a year!  It's super easy to make, and if you like a mindless stitch that you can do in front of the TV, this one is perfect.  Take a look at the final product...Free pattern below!





Free Pattern :: Easy Striped Crochet Blanket 

Please kindly use this pattern for personal use only.  Please do not distribute with out my consent.  Pining of images are welcome, otherwise all images are copyright and may not be used without consent.  Thank you -- Alison, Modern Grace Design 

Required Crochet Stitches:  chain (ch), single crochet (sc) Note: All terms are U.S. 

Main Blanket:  You can make this any size you like, all you need to do is chain an even number of stitches to start.  For my blanket I wanted something fairly large, so I started off with: 

ch 164,  

Foundation Row - Sc into the 4th ch from hook.  *Ch 1, skip next ch, sc into next ch*.  Repeat pattern across and turn.  

Row 1 - ch 2, (counts as first sc, ch 1).  Skip first sc, *1 sc in next ch 1 space, ch 1, skip next sc*.  Repeat pattern across, ending with 1 sc in last ch 1 space of turning ch, turn.  

Row 3 and beyond - Repeat row 1.  I used 3 colors for my blanket and changed whenever I felt like it, no rhyme or reason.  I just sort of went with what looked good to me. 

Measurement - approx. 46" x 72", using worsted weight yarn. 

Border - I did a simple sc border evenly around. 

  

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to wish all my readers and friends a very Happy New Year - here's hoping that 2013 brings peace, good health and prosperity and creativity to all our lives. 

It's been a busy yet relaxing holiday with the kids...we've been blessed with snow, so the kids have been enjoying some tobogganing.  Although it's been quiet on the blog front for me of late, I do have one WIP to share.  I must have started this a couple of months back and have been squeezing it in between other projects.  Here's a sneak peak:

 

 

 

Look for a free pattern in the next month or so...

Finished Baby Blanket

Hello Friends...so I'm finally finished making the baby blanket for my sister's new little one on the way...

Special Project....

Hello friends,

I've been working on a special project of late.  Here's a sneak peak...look for finished project and pattern in the near future:



Crochet Withdrawl

Hello friends...I knew it would happen eventually.  All this running around, cleaning out the house, avoiding packing for our up coming move in less than 30 days....that I would begin to go through crochet withdrawal!  I've essentially put all projects on hold until after we move and get somewhat settled in our new home.  Crochet is not a pass time I can really afford right now, I keep telling myself.  However, last week when I was rooting around in my cupboard of yarn stash, I found some of this ribbon yarn that was gifted to me awhile back:

It wouldn't have been something that I would have purchased for myself and when I first got the yarn, I tried a simple square and realized that it was really difficult to work with.  Anyway, I thought I'd have another go at it because my youngest caught sight of the yarn and fell in love with it (it is soooo soft) and she's been on me to make a blanket for her.  So, I decided I'd just make one big old granny square out of it until I run out and that will be it.

Once I got going on it, it's been surprisingly quick.  It took a few rounds to get used to working with the ribbon yarn, but inserting the hook into granny holes is much easier than into a regular stitch.  Here are some pics. so far:

So, a much needed break from moving activities has been a nice change of pace - a simple project to give me my crochet fix...Happy Sunday to you all!

Welcome...What's In A Name?

Hello out there...this being my first ever post, not sure if there is anyone here yet. I am writing with the intention that someone will read this one day...So, welcome to my little slice of the blog world. Here is where I share all that inspires me, my passions, what I hope to accomplish and any useful tidbits that I have gathered along the way, that I deem useful and fun to share.

Speaking of passions, you will find posts about crochet, yoga, home life, family, books, eating, caring for the environment, design, my favourite things, lifestyle, and everything in between.

Modern Grace...the name I've chosen for my blog and my crochet shop, was inspired by my Grandmother, Grace (which is also my middle name), who was a very talented knitter and crocheter. I have some experience knitting, as a girl, but I always wanted to learn to crochet. I just thought it was so cool the way they put those holes in the piece...how did they do that? Long story short, about 6 years ago, I decided I would teach myself, with Debbie Stoller's amazing book, The Happy Hooker...could crochet really be this easy? I've never looked back, I've learned so much since and just keep learning. Crochet is so simple, with really just a few basic stitches and variations on those. Simple is so beautiful...just as my Grandmother was. Take a look at some of my creations over the past few years..