Macaroon Blossom Afghan Kit | Jimmy Beans Wool

 Joy of Joys!!!
I am pleased to announce that 
Jimmy Beans Wool 
has "kitted" the Macaroon Blossom Afghan!

Clicking here will take you directly to the listing.

There are a couple of colors that are back-ordered but are on their way and will be available soon.
In the mean time you could get started on making the blossoms

 with the colors that are in stock at this time.

The pattern can be found by clicking on any of the following shops:

Etsy

Ravelry

Lovecrafts 

Clicking on the above photo will take you directly to the Etsy listing, as well.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to be associated with this top-notch yarn retailer.
My yarn bowl runneth over...way over!

A great BIG thank you, from the bottom of my heart to all the friendly folks at 

JIMMY BEANS WOOL!!!

and to you, my faithful crochet friends!

Warmly,

Astri Elisabeth

Flower Circle Squares | Comfort at Home with Color

 For the next little while,

 to get through another season of staying home, social distancing and isolation,

working on these happy and bright colored motifs are a welcome and comforting treat:

Now that the days are shorter there seems to be more time

 in the evening for these fun motifs that I call 

the "Flower-Circle-Squares"...

yes, I know...very clever...😉

They start with the Macaroon Blossom circle,

then they are converted into a square:

repeat, repeat, repeat, etc.

Many, many more to come...another stash-buster for the books.

These are crocheted with the 

Stylecraft Special DK and Scheepjes Colour Crafter 

stash of many colors.

The pattern for this motif up to the circle can

be found in the Macaroon Blossom Blanket pattern.

You can find the pattern by clicking on the following

Apple Blossom Dreams Shops:

Etsy

Ravelry

Lovecrafts 

Once I get my motor running, every effort will be made to produce the rest of the pattern 

(turning the circle into a square, joining the squares and a border).

I don't know when this might happen...hours, days, months, years?

There are a few silver linings/good things/qualities that have come out of the challenges of 2020,

but unfortunately, my engine running even at full throttle is not one of them.

So for now, the thought of kicking back and simply enjoying the process of making something

just for the enjoyment of it, whenever the urge is there, sounds like a good plan.

No schedule, no deadline, no commitments...

Please stay well and take care, my friends, and remember as quoted from Jane Austen:

"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."

 I wish you peace, comfort, health,

happy colors

and

Warmly,

Astri Elisabeth

P.S. I do understand that for some of you, staying home is not an option. 

My wish for you is that comfort and safety follow you wherever 2020 takes you.

The best to you and yours!

Apple Pie Towel Topper | Crochet Pattern

When life gives you apples...

make a pie,

  

and

crochet a topped "apple pie recipe" towel for the apple giver.

🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎

Find the pattern by clicking on the following
Apple Blossom Dreams Shops:
Etsy
Ravelry
Lovecrafts

Happy Day,

Happy Baking

and

Warmly,

Astri Elisabeth

Macaroon Blossom Afghan | Crochet Pattern | Colour Pack Supplement Added

The Scheepjes Stone and River Washed Colour Pack Version of the
 The Macaroon Blossom Afghan
has been added to the crochet pattern!

If you previously purchased this pattern via Ravelry then

you have been sent V2 with the Colour Pack version added at the end of the pattern.
If you purchased the pattern via another shop and would like V2,

please email me and I will joyfully send it to you,

astri.bowlin@gmail.com

The below-pictured blanket which includes two rounds of the border,

 utilizes one box of Scheepjes Stone and River Washed Colour Pack:

This is how much yarn was leftover:

In order to complete the last four rounds of the border,

an additional 2-3 50 gram skeins of Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn is needed:

and then you'll have this:

This is how the listing now reads:

Crochet this lusciously delicious and colorful Macaroon Blossom Afghan using 27 skeins of 50 gm Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn or a yarn of your choice. This instantly downloadable pattern will teach you step-by-step how to complete the JAYGO (join-as-you-go) method with blossom circles and leaf squares. The 29-page pattern includes over 100 step-by-step photos and charts, as well as, several links to exclusive videos for extra added assistance. Additionally, you'll a three-page abbreviated version of the pattern, as well as, a five-page instructional guide on how to adjust the pattern to utilize one Scheepjes Stone and River Washed Colourpack and 2-3 50 gm skeins of Scheepjes Stone Wash yarn. 

The pattern is written and verbalized in US crochet terms.

You can find the pattern with the supplement added by clicking on the following

Apple Blossom Dreams Shops:

Etsy

Ravelry

Lovecrafts 

Clicking on the above photo will take you directly to the Etsy listing, as well.

The above photo and the photos below are of the original afghan.

This afghan was crocheted with Scheepjes Stone Washed Yarn.

I love, love, love this yarn and those colors make me swoon!

The common name colors are indicated in the pattern 

so you can substitute your favorite yarn, if desired.

Have a happy day my dear friends and

Warmly,

Astri

Crochet for Billy the Goat or Kid | Ready for Baby Shower

Billy the Goat or Billy the Kid
is ready for a drive-by baby shower this week:

He's getting all wrapped up!

His crocheted items include the following:

This matching sweater and pants set,

 

a hat to accommodate his ears and horns,

a cape,

I don't know what this is...maybe a saddle blanket?

a coordinating hat and scarf set,

and his very own Macaroon Blossom Blanket and Pillow:

Billy is waiting for Billy!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the lasted crochet antics!

Wishing you 

Happy Celebrations

and 

Warmly,

Astri

Duo Bun \ Pigtail Hat | Crochet Pattern | Published

 Just in time to make and wear this fun hat as a gift as the weather cools (in some parts of the world), 
the Duo Bun/Pigtail Hat Crochet Pattern has been published!!!

You can find the pattern by clicking on the following 

🍎🌸🍃 Apple Blossom Dreams 🍎🌸🍃 

shops:

Etsy

Ravelry

Lovecrafts

You can also click on the above photo to take you to the Etsy listing.

This is how the listing reads:

Make this fun and whimsical hat that accommodates two buns, ponytails, or pigtails for all kinds of fun and frolic this season! Can I hear a ''ja ja" ?!?

This instantly downloadable pattern will guide you to make this hat from start to finish with the option of four sizes (infant to teen). The pattern includes thirteen (13) pages of easy to read instructions with colorful instructional photos that will guide you step-by-step.  A 2-page abbreviated version is also included. The pattern calls for a DK weight wool blend yarn but any size 3 or 4 weight yarn that you like should do the trick.

Imagine the smile upon receiving this as a thoughtful gift that is not only functional but fashionable, as well!

The pattern is written in US terms and is suitable for an intermediate crocheter. With the knowledge or experience of a "front-post-half-double-crochet" aka fphdc the pattern may also be suitable for a competent beginner.

Here are some hats by my lovely testers:

Here are a couple of hats in the adjusted infant size:

It was brought to my attention that some infants may have enough hair for this hat. 😉

I hope this inspires you to participate in some

and make that special someone a whimsical and warm hat!

Warmly,

Astri