Sunnyside Up Afghan | Border Added | Pattern Release Fall of 2023

  Hello friends!

This is the

"Sunnyside Up Afghan"

now with a border!

This border is similar (but not exactly like) the

"La Vie en Rose" border that is available by

clicking on the following shops:

Etsy

Ravelry

Lovecrafts

Being the savvy crocheter that you may be, perhaps the La Vie en Rose 

border pattern along with one of the below-listed patterns, 

and the following instructions will assist you in making it

before the pattern is released?

  

We are going to be in Norway and the UK for an extended period of time.

While away from the studio I can crochet and design a bit; however,

since we are basically nomadic backpackers, I am unable to write patterns. 

So...a long story short, this pattern will likely not be ready until late 2023 or early 2024,

but in the meantime, below are directions on how a savvy crocheter like yourself

 might be able to make it before next year.

First, you will need one of the following patterns for the motif:

(These patterns all use the same motif.)

Blush Blossom Baby Blanket (aka Isolation Blossom)

Spring Blossom Cushion

Summer Blossom Bed Runner

Blush Blossom Pom-Pom Pillow

These are the Etsy links, but these patterns can also be found in the 

Apple Blossom Dreams shops on Ravelry and Lovecrafts

 (Blossom Dreams / Astri Elisabeth Designs on Ravelry).

Use Stylecraft Special DK (a DK weight 100% acrylic yarn).

(A similar yarn of the same weight could be used, but please note that a worsted or aran

 weight may be too heavy to fit some of the stitches into some of the small spaces.) 

You'll need one skein of each color and 2 skeins of White or Cream.

Make 20 sets of four motifs randomly mixing up the colors in the below diagram

 for the blossoms and first granny row. 

Primarily use shades of green (Pistachio, Lime, and Sage) for the leaves. 

Each set of four motifs will have the same color for the last two granny rows, 

the SC join, and an extra DC row around each set of four squares as per the following chart:

SC join                                                DC around

Trimmed in DC row of White.

Then join all the finished "Four Squares" with a sc join in White or Cream.

For a simple border, add a row of DC in White or Cream all around the afghan.

In the corners always place (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).

Here are the colors and placement:

The afghan measures: 48" x 59" (120 cm x 150 cm)

It really is a flower explosion!

I like it without the border too...

Whew, I hope this general information is helpful,

and brings you some 

Warmly,

Astri Elisabeth

Granny Chair and a Half | Crocheted Granny Squares Chair Cover | How To Part II

 Here's Part II of the crocheted cover for our chair and a half:

Ever since this chair was in a recent video for the Sunnyside Up Afghan

there have been a few requests on how to make it.

So I will attempt to outline some general directions in a couple of weekly posts.

This is Part II - see last week for Part I.

When I left you last week we finished with this back cushion:

Here are the next steps:

1) Crochet many more granny squares if you haven't already.

Use this pattern from Attic 24.

2) Trim them in white:

3) Join and retrofit them to the seat cushion and join with the

join-as-you-go method:

4) Join and retrofit them to the main chair and join with the

join-as-you-go method:

5) Secure with yarn on the bottom:

Voilà!

The chair is covered!

After all these years this chair is still kicking, and it's been outside all year long

for the last few years enduring many storms and a lot of sun!

This is a photo from today!

It really hasn't weathered much,

in spite of the fact that it has been well-loved and used.

It has been enjoyed over and over again mostly by the creating

many additional crocheted projects and maybe an occasional nap was also enjoyed

 snuggling up and relaxing in this chair.

Until next time 

wishing you many relaxing and

moments, in your favorite chair!

Warmly,

Astri

P.S. Back in the day...there were several posts about this chair with more detail on

how to make it. Search the work "Chair" in the search field at the top of this blog 

and those posts should pop right up. 

Granny Chair and a Half | Crocheted Granny Squares Chair Cover | How To Part I

8 years ago I crocheted a cover for our chair and a half:

Ever since this chair was in a recent video for the Sunnyside Up Afghan

there have been a few requests on how to make it.

So I will attempt to outline some general directions in the next couple of weekly posts.

1) Found a "FREE" chair in a neighbor's yard (in a rain storm) and brought it home.

2) Removed and cleaned the covers.

3) Dried the chair in front of the fireplace.

4) Gathered up a bunch of yarn from the stash in the colors that coordinated

with our decor at that time.

5) Crocheted many granny squares...and I mean many!

Using this pattern from Attic 24.

6) Trimmed them in white:

7) Joined them with the join-as-you-go method:

Leaving an opening:

Secured with three white heart buttons:

And 

Voilà!

The first cushion is made!

Stay tuned next week for

Part II,

and until then

wishing you many 

moments!

Warmly,

Astri

Sunnyside Up Afghan | Porch Crocheting

Just a little porch crocheting... 

This pattern will be released late 2023.

Meanwhile...

Click here for general information on how to make this afghan.

Wishing you some 

on the porch!

Warmly,

Astri

Simply Crochet Magazine Arrival | Macaroon Blossom Afghan Featured

 Yay! My hard copy of the June issue #137 of Simply Crochet magazine 
arrived today and look at this awesome crochet hook holder that was included! 

 I highly recommend this publication. 
I am thrilled and humbled all at the same time, that Simply Crochet would feature 
the Macaroon Blossom Afghan as "Sweets for the Sweet" 

in this issue as a "Fabulous Find." 
Gosh, I feel like THEY are the "Fabulous Find." 

Thank you so much!

There's so much good crochet stuff included, in fact, it's all good. 
Be sure to check out the other maker's "Fab Finds."
Good stuff I tell ya'!

You can find the pattern for the Macaroon Blossom Blanket

with the supplement for a 

Scheepjes Stone Wash Colour Pack version 

included, as well, 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.

This is how the listing reads:

Crochet this lusciously delicious and colorful Macaroon Blossom Afghan using 27 skeins of 50 gm Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn or 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 Colour Pack and 2-3 50 gm skeins of Scheepjes Stone Wash yarn. 

The pattern is written and verbalized in US crochet terms.

The colour pack version with all six rounds of the border measures

 29" x 47" (74 cm x 120 cm)

The original version measures 36" x 54" (91 cm x 138 cm)

You can also find yarn packs for the original version at 

Wool Warehouse (UK), or Jimmy Beans Wool (US.)

Neither one of these is paid a promotion.

Have a happy day, thank you for your interest and

Warmly,

Astri

Norwegian Barbie | Celebrating Movie Release | Yarn for Barbie Clothes

 Okay, so I am jumping on the Barbie bandwagon! 

Well...sort of...with a twist. 😉🤪 A Norwegian Barbie!!! 

The secret is out now...I love and always have loved Barbie. 

 Years ago, Little Bug and I organized Barbie Intelligence Pageants. 

Barbie contestants answered questions in the academic realm...

math, science, history, language, etc.

I asked the questions and the Barbies (represented by Little Bug's voice) answered. 

The prizes of course were things like a pink Corvette, shoes, and gowns.  

I don't remember which Barbie won, but apparently, 

it wasn't Norwegian Barbie as she is still in the box. 

Little Bug went on to become quite academically inclined...

but not much into cars, gowns, or shoes. 

 And on a slightly different subject, crocheting Barbie clothes has always been

 on my crochet project bucket list. Especially Norwegian national costumes called bunads. 

I think Scheepjes Catona yarn is the perfect yarn for this endeavor. 

A Catona yarn pack with over 100 colors (certainly every bunad color could be found here).

so...

you can order a box of these little cuties (109) and use them for Barbie clothes,

 for any project, or just for fun on *Amazon by clicking here.

If you are in the US, you will be receive your yarn quickly.

*Apple Blossom Dreams may receive a small commission

 on purchases made via this Amazon affiliate link, 

however, it is at no additional cost to you.

 Uffda, my crochet bucket list of ideas runneth over. 

Do you ever feel the same way?

Warmly,

Astri Elisabeth

Sunnyside Up Afghan | Crochet Pattern | Directions

 Hello maker friends!

This is the

"Sunnyside Up Afghan"

I have been making every effort to finish up a border and write a pattern for this afghan 

before we head to Norway and the UK for an extended time.

While away from the studio I can crochet and design a bit; however,

since we are basically nomadic backpackers, I am unable to write patterns. 

So...a long story short, this pattern will likely not be ready until early 2024,

but in the meantime, below are directions on how a savvy crocheter like yourself

 might be able to make it before next year.

First, you will need one of the following patterns for the motif:

(These patterns all use the same motif.)

Blush Blossom Baby Blanket (aka Isolation Blossom)

Spring Blossom Cushion

Summer Blossom Bed Runner

Blush Blossom Pom-Pom Pillow

These are the Etsy links, but these patterns can also be found in the 

Apple Blossom Dreams shops on Ravelry and Lovecrafts

 (Blossom Dreams / Astri Elisabeth Designs on Ravelry).

Use Stylecraft Special DK (a DK weight 100% acrylic yarn).

(A similar yarn of the same weight could be used, but please note that a worsted or aran

 weight may be too heavy to fit some of the stitches into some of the small spaces.) 

You'll need one skein of each color and 2 skeins of White or Cream.

Make 20 sets of four motifs randomly mixing up the colors in the below diagram

 for the blossoms and first granny row. 

Primarily use a shade of green (Pistachio, Lime, and Sage) for the leaves. 

Each set of four motifs will have the same color for the last two granny rows, 

the SC join, and an extra DC row around each set of four squares as per the following chart:

SC join                                                DC around

Trimmed in DC row of White.

Then join all the finished "Four Squares" with a sc join in White or Cream.

For a simple border, add a row of DC in White or Cream all around the afghan.

In the corners always place (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).

Here are the colors and placement:

The afghan measures: 48" x 59" (120 cm x 150 cm)

Upon my return, I plan to add more to the border...

I'm thinking something with buds and leaves and then writing a detailed

step-by-step pattern with photos and videos.

Whew, I hope this general information is helpful,

and brings you some 

Warmly,

Astri Elisabeth