I thought 2015 was an incredible year for crochet. The year that brought us the unbelievably beautiful Sophie’s Universe by Dedri Uys (which I adored making myself!) and Jane Crowfoot’s phenomenal Lily Pond CAL was one I didn’t think we could top.
But here we are in April 2016 and already I’m astounded by some of the blankets that I’m seeing around the internet. This year is shaping up to be another amazing one for crocheters – aren’t we spoilt?
Frida’s Flowers CAL

Jane Crowfoot has done it again with this year’s Stylecraft CAL – look at Frida’s Flowers! The Frida Kahlo inspired colour scheme is amazing, with vibrant Mexican tones against a black background.

As with all crochet along projects, pieces of the pattern will be released over the course of a few weeks – so we’re still waiting for the full reveal on this one, but from what I’ve seen so far, this looks amazing! You can buy the yarn pack from Deramores or Wool Warehouse.
The Lydia Blanket

I must confess – this is the yarn pack I’ve invested in already! This pattern is by the incredibly talented Dedri Uys, so I’m really really excited to give it a go.
Would you believe that in all my years of crocheting, I’ve never managed to finish a blanket which required sewing together – I’m a one piece gal! Making a motif blanket was one of my 2016 aims, so I’m excited to be starting with this one (it helps that it’s baby blanket sized, so I won’t get bored!).
I’ve made a start on the Lydia already – I’m tackling 6 squares at a time, and I’m on my 2nd batch. With only 48 to make, I’m sure I’ll be done in no time!
The Lydia blanket pack is available from Wool Warehouse or Deramores.
Mandala Madness CAL
Mandala Madness is the CAL being run by Crystals and Crochet and featured in the CCC Facebook group which was used for Sophie’s Universe last year.

We haven’t seen any sneak peeks of the finished blanket so far, but I’ve already started playing with the first few weeks of the pattern (using some spare Deramores Studio DK), and I’m loving it!

You can buy the yarn packs for Mandala Madness from Deramores or Wool Warehouse. They are available in 3 different colourways (and sizes), all using gorgeous Scheepjes yarn.

Last Dance on the Beach CAL

This stunningly beautiful blanket comes with a bittersweet back story. The concept, and the overall design was the vision of Wink from A Creative Being – an incredible crochet blogger who sadly lost her battle with depression last year.
In Wink’s memory, her friends from the crochet blogging world have collaborated to finish her design and run a CAL project.
The Last Dance on the Beach CAL starts in April 2016, and the packs are available in two different yarns, and three different colour combinations! Every pack sold includes a donation to Mind in Wink’s memory.



I’m thinking to pick up the Dance in the Rain pack in the Colour Crafter (there’s no point having Merino blankets in my pet hair-filled house!).
All the Last Dance on the Beach colour packs are available on Wool Warehouse.
What about you? Are you planning any other fabulous crochet blankets this year?
Until next time,
Elsie Pop
xx
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Wow, so many to choose from! May favorite is the Dance in the Sea. Love the colors!
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party this week! Pinned!
Thanks Teresa, I love the Last Dance blanket too. It’s the kind of thing you’d expect to find in a beach house, which I’d guess was exactly Wink’s vision. I’m amazed at how gorgeous it’s turned out being a collaboration with so many designers – they must’ve all worked super hard! xx
Marvelous blankets Louise. I have made three crochet blankets to date and Frida’s Flowers is calling out to be my fourth! It’s gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Tamara – isn’t Frida’s Flowers incredible? Jane is such an amazingly talented designer, I’m in awe! xx