Apple Blossom Dream Afghan

We've seen more snow in the last few weeks than I have seen accumulated over my lifetime!

It's beautiful and I do love it.

So while inside out of the cold, I couldn't think of anything better to do

than to dream of spring and work on the design and pattern for the

"Apple Blossom Dream"

crocheted afghan.

🌸🌸🌸

It has springtime written all over it.

I have just about wrapped up the pattern in order to send it out for testing.

The goal is to have it tested, edited and published by the end of next week.

I'd like to release it before we head to Norway for three months.

(Then I won't bother you with patterns for a while.)

By the time we return, from our trip, the apple blossoms will be gone and I simply cannot wait until the following apple blossom season next year to release the pattern. 

It's just too exciting!

This project that's been mulling around in my head for nearly eight years and I'm finally doing it,

I wonder if it has anything to do with being newly retired.

🌸🌸🌸

Keep an eye out for it!

Lots of warmth and

to you all!

Warmly,

Astri

Koselig on a Winter's Day

We had a beautiful snow storm last night;
an additional 6 inches on top of the existing four feet.

It really is so magical!

On a snowy day like this I like to stay in,
 light candles and play with the yarn for my next project.

What "koselig" activity do you like during a stay-in day?

I hope it involves some:

Warmly,

Astri

Blush Blossom Baby Blanket Pattern-Published!

It's been a long and joyful journey to get to the point of publishing

"The Blush Blossom Baby Blanket Pattern",

and the day is finally here!

 The final version is hot off the press and ready to share its instructional love.

 This blanket is ideal to welcome a new wee one into the world,

or,

to celebrate that special someone for Mother's Day as a lap blanket

 or perhaps as a full-size afghan.

There's still time!

  The pattern can be purchased in either my Ravelry Store by clicking here.

Or in my Etsy Shop by clicking here.

This is how the listing reads:

Let this pattern guide you in making this lovely blush baby blanket for that special little baby in your life. 

Its fresh and soft design is also ideal for an adult as a lap blanket. The finished size is approximately 33" x 39" (84 cm x 99 cm) which is perfect for a stroller or lap blanket. Cozy on up for cooler days/evenings or wrap baby snuggly for a stroll. Oh and think of the color possibilities!

This instantly downloadable 18-page pattern includes plenty of step-by-step photos, as well as, links to videos for extra added assistance. The pattern is written and verbalized in US crochet terms.

Ideal for an intermediate crocheter. General knowledge of crocheting a granny square is helpful.

Thank you for following me along this journey of crochet love.

And as always, wishing you,

Warmly,

Astri

Blush Blossom Baby Blanket-Tests

The Blush Blossom Baby Blanket pattern

 is almost ready for release!

Update:
 This pattern has now been released and can be found at
My Ravelry Store by clicking here
or
My Etsy Shop by clicking here.

Meanwhile, look at the amazing work of the testers:

Elizabeth:

Elizabeth suggested a popcorn row instead of a bobble row in the border.

Popcorns on the left, former bobbles on the right.
This change will be incorporated into the pattern.
Brillant!
Now, the popcorns don't pop through to the other side.
Thank you, Elizabeth!

Rashmi:

So pretty!

Emma:

I love the antique yet modern look of the colors she chose.

 Judy:

A beautiful afghan for her niece!

I am awaiting permission to use two additional tester's photos.

This post will be updated accordingly.

They all gave generously of their time, talent and energy.

Oh, so many edits; so little time...

I had no idea how many mistakes I could make, geezzzzz!

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for these lovely ladies!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

💝

Warmly,

Astri

Apple Blossom Dreams Afghan-Blog Anniversary

Eight years ago (with a couple of hiatuses)

I started blogging and crocheting under the name of

"Apple Blossom Dreams"

The name came from the street where we lived at that time:

"Apple Blossom Lane"

Dreams were created there for 20 years!!!

We no longer live on Apple Blossom Lane,

but the dreams remain.

🌸🌸🌸

In celebration of those dreams,

I have started a signature namesake afghan.

"The Apple Blossom Dreams Afghan "

I hope to have it finished before the apple trees bloom.

In 2019 or 2020???

It's crocheted with either Stylecraft Special DK or Scheepjes Colour Crafter.

The color inspiration:

from

The beautiful watercolor banner by my artist friend Juli.

I remember my daughter calling it "bucolic" 

and that continues to be my vision for the blog. 

(I did; however, have to look the word up in the dictionary. ;-)

Stay tuned for the updates.

Warmly,

Astri

Blush Blossom Baby Blanket-Testing

While the Blush Blossom Baby Blanket pattern is out for testing

the video production for YouTube tutorials is in full swing.

Update:
 This pattern has now been released and can be found at
My Ravelry Store by clicking here
or
My Etsy Shop by clicking here.

It takes a lot of supplies for step-by-step instruction...

The pattern will be listed next week and I'm so excited because this is the first

pattern I have had out for testing all over the world!

Goodness! 

It is so amazing that in this day and age that testing a pattern

from a different country is possible.

But this is not nearly as amazing as the group of testers that have generously offered their talents!

I am so grateful!

I'll be back soon with the pattern!

In the meantime,

wishing you lots of

Warmly,

Astri

Blush Blossom Crocheted Baby Blanket

Hello and happy 2019!
I'm hoping this year will be filled with a lot of crochet and a lot of love!
🌸

For the first post of 2019, I would like to share this crocheted baby blanket.

The final touches were finished today.


It's for a dear family member who is bringing a bundle of love into this world this year.


Does it look a little like apple blossoms?

The pattern is hot off the press and out for testing.
Stay tuned for the listing.

Update:
 This pattern has now been released and can be found at
My Ravelry Store by clicking here
or
My Etsy Shop by clicking here.

Hoping that 2019 is off to a good start for you!

And as always,

Warmly,

Astri