Hello and welcome… 😄 I’m really excited to introduce this one to you all – this is my new blanket design – ‘Down by the Sea‘!
Yarn packs are now available from The Knitting Network – the links are further below but first I’d love to share a little more about this new design which I absolutely adored designing and crocheting. It’s a design that’s been on and off my hooks since 2021, so it certainly feels the right time to finally share it…
This blanket was initially inspired by the song ‘Under The Boardwalk’ by The Drifters which I heard on the radio whilst driving home last summer. 🎶
Inspiration can strike at the most unexpected times and as I listened to that catchy tune, with the window down as I drove home, I found myself thinking about a crocheted blanket!
The lyrics include:
“Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be”
So there, through the lyrics, a seaside scene is set for a blanket. And my mind went into overdrive thinking about how this blanket can be inspired by the human elements of being by the sea, rather than the nature which has featured in many of my previous designs.
From the people we might meet, to the activities enjoyed and some of the manmade structures we may come across when we head down to the sea! From carousels, bandstands, boardwalks and deck chairs to the ice cream sellers and lifeguards who keep us safe…
So much to celebrate and all the good things people do when down by the sea! 🙂
This will be a 6 week crochet-along (CAL) starting with the first instalment on Friday 4th November and the final instalment on Friday 9th December.
The pattern with plenty of step-by-step photos and detailed video tutorials will all be available here on my website in 6 weekly instalments beginning on 4th November.
A paid for PDF pattern will also be available from my Ravelry store during the CAL and then also on Etsy at the end of the CAL.
It’s a blanket with plenty of detail but also many rounds and rows of simpler stitches so I’m hoping for a gentle, coastal inspired CAL in the lead up to Christmas, bringing a little calm and focus – plus those crocheting along will have a gift to give (or keep) just in time for Christmas!
I’ve designed two colour ways; Brighton Beach and Bournemouth Beach. These are both seaside resorts on the south coast of England and I loved choosing colours to reflect what I saw as I visited these vibrant places. Brighton is local to me and was the first colour way I designed. Bournemouth is a little further afield to the west. Both are glorious! Do visit if you get a chance…
Click on these links for the yarn packs:
Brighton Beach: www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk/down-by-the-sea-blanket-colour-pack-brighton-beach
Bournemouth Beach: www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk/down-by-the-sea-blanket-colour-pack-bournemouth-beach
I earn a small amount of commission for each yarn pack sold through these links which is very much appreciated… thank you! 🙂
Brighton Beach celebrates the iconic beachside carousel, beautiful historic bandstand as well as the famous mint green railings, striped deckchairs and lifeguards keeping us safe!
Bournemouth Beach celebrates all the famous colourful beach huts in pinks and blues, the pathways with pretty foliage found along the cliffs, candy floss, ice creams and benches found with the best views of the sandy beach!
Measurements
The finished blanket measures approximately 115cm x 90cm (45in x 35in)
Materials
I used Emu Classic DK (100% acrylic, 282m/308yds) in 7 colours for both my blankets with some colours needing 2 balls. I can certainly recommend the Emu yarn – my blankets feel so soft. I’ve designed the original ‘Brighton Beach’ version and an alternative ‘Bournemouth Beach’ colourway.
You’ll also need three different hook sizes: I used a 4.5mm, 5mm and 5.5mm hooks – if you crochet looser then you may benefit from using a 4mm, 4.5mm and 5mm. Check the tension below. If using a different yarn, choose a hook size to suit your own tension and chosen yarn.
Brighton Beach colours in Emu Classic DK:
Yarn A: 1 ball in Pepper Red (119)
Yarn B: 1 ball in Lemon (149)
Yarn C: 1 ball in Seafoam (144)
Yarn D: 2 balls in Cream (102)
Yarn E: 2 balls in Cadet (140)
Yarn F: 2 balls in Softmint (103)
Yarn G: 1 ball in Biscotti (111)
Bournemouth Beach colours in Emu Classic DK:
Yarn A: 1 ball in Orchid (125)
Yarn B: 1 ball in Cloudy Lilac (131)
Yarn C: 1 ball in Sunburst (148)
Yarn D: 2 balls in Aqua (108)
Yarn E: 2 balls in Ivy (145)
Yarn F: 2 balls in Ballet (110)
Yarn G: 1 ball in Lapis (135)
And I’m very happy to announce that Amanda from ‘Mrs G Makes‘ has once again designed and created a set of stitch markers especially to accompany this CAL… how wonderful they are! The stitch markers are available to purchase in the Mrs G Makes Etsy shop…
And shade cards have been created exclusively for the CAL by Veronica at ‘Simply Shade Cards’ and they’re available here…
It’s always lovely to be able to support fellow makers and small businesses. Amanda and Veronica have created such lovely extras to accompany this CAL which is always so nice to be able to offer.
Tension
Here’s a little more about tension as we start to get ready to cochet-along. 17 standard treble stitches across and 10 rows measures 10cm x 10cm. I recommend a 4.0mm hook as a starting point. If you have less stitches, then your tension is looser and you should go down a hook size. If you have more stitches, then your tension is tighter and you should go up a hook size. I recommend that you crochet a small tension square to really see which hook size will suit you best and give you results you will be happy with.
So thats all you need for now to start getting ready if you’re planning on crocheting along. I’m so looking forward to another crochet journey together with you all… yay!!
Happy Crocheting Everyone… 😄💙
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