Exciting News | Apple Blossom Dreams | Acquired by Helen Smith

A New Chapter for Apple Blossom Dreams

Today, I have some exciting and heartfelt news to share — Apple Blossom Dreams is stepping into a beautiful new chapter!

Over the weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the wonderful Astri, the original creative force behind Apple Blossom Dreams. After 14 inspiring years of sharing her passion for crochet with the world, Astri has decided to retire so she can enjoy more time with her family and set off on new adventures.

From the very first conversation, it was clear we shared a deep love for creativity, colour, and community. We spent a joyful day chatting, laughing, enjoying delicious food, and taking a few photos to remember the occasion. Even our husbands, Graham and Digger, got along brilliantly — a sign that this collaboration was truly meant to be.

I’m incredibly honoured (and beyond excited!) to announce that I am now the proud new owner of Apple Blossom Dreams. I’ll be continuing Astri’s beautiful crochet legacy through the designs you already know and love, while also introducing fresh new creations — many in collaboration with Astri as she goes on some adventures.

The transition is already underway! All of Astri’s patterns are being moved over to a brand-new Etsy shop: APPLE BLOSSOM DREAMZ. While I work on getting everything uploaded, the original Etsy shop will remain open to ensure a smooth handover, shop here. 

A message from Astri:

“To each and every one of you who has supported me over the past 14 years — thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your enthusiasm, kindness, and love for crochet have brought me immeasurable joy. I couldn’t imagine a better person to carry this forward than Helen. She is talented, creative, kind, and full of vision. Apple Blossom Dreams is in the best hands.”

I’m so grateful to Astri for trusting me with something so close to her heart — and for flying all the way from the USA to meet in person. It was a truly special experience.

Please continue to follow @appleblossomdreams and @emkatcrochet for updates, patterns, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of what’s to come. And yes — Astri will still pop in from time to time to say hello!

Here’s to honouring the past and embracing the future.

With love and yarny excitement,

Helen X

Midnight Blossoms Throw | Crochet Pattern | Release!!!

 Midnight Blossoms Throw Pattern Release!!

The pattern can be found by clicking on the following Apple Blossom Dreams Shops:

Etsy

Ravelry

The Yarn Pack can be found at Wool Warehouse by clicking here.

At this writing the Yarn is on sale!!!

The pattern can also be found at Wool Warehouse by clicking here.

Yarn: Pictured with Yarnsmiths Create DK but

Stylecraft Special DK can also be used for a similar look.

I hope you are all 

With warmest regards,

Astri

Puffy Sunset Afghan | Crochet Pattern | Release!!!

Puffy Sunset Pattern Release!!

 

The pattern can be found by clicking on the following Apple Blossom Dreams Shops:

Etsy

Ravelry

Loverafts

The Yarn Pack can be found at Wool Warehouse by clicking here.

At this writing the Yarn is on sale!!!

The pattern can also be found at Wool Warehouse by clicking here.

Yarn: Pictured with Yarnsmiths Create DK (Two strands held together)

Alternative Yarn and Design: Stylecraft Special DK and/or Scheepjes Colour Crafter

(Also with two strands held together)

Special feature: No ends to weave in!!! The ends become the fringe.

I hope you are all 

With warmest regards,

Astri

Midnight Blossoms Throw | Forthcoming Crochet Pattern

 Introducing:

The Midnight Blossoms Throw

🩷♥️💙♥️🩷

Based on:

A smaller and color-rich version of

The Follow the Sun Afghan

The availability of the pattern is very close.

It is currently out with the lovely tech editor Sweet Bird Crochet

🩷♥️💙♥️🩷

The pattern will be about 25 pages, Including an abbreviated version for printing. There are plenty of step-by-step photos and exclusive videos for every step.

🩷♥️💙♥️🩷

Yarn - Yarnsmiths Create DK, Stylecraft Special DK, or Scheepjes Colour Crafter.

🩷♥️💙♥️🩷

Stay tuned for the release, meanwhile

Wishing you lots of

With warmest regards,

Astri

Puffy Sunset Afghan | Crochet Pattern | Pending Remix/Revision

Coming soon...

 Pattern: Puffy Sunset Pattern (Currently with Tech Editor)

A revision and remix of the original Puffy NOLA Afghan

Yarn: Pictured with Yarnsmiths Create DK (Two strands held together)

Alternative Yarn and Design: Stylecraft Special DK and/or Scheepjes Colour Crafter

(Also with two strands held together)

Special feature: No ends to weave in!!! The ends become the fringe.

I hope you are all enjoying the first few days of spring and some

With warmest regards,

Astri

Follow the Sun Afghan | Crochet Pattern | Launched Today!

Today is the day!

The launch of the 

Follow the Sun Afghan 

Crochet Pattern

The pattern can be found by clicking on the following Apple Blossom Dreams shops:

Etsy

Ravelry

Lovecrafts

Wool Warehouse

The afghan can be crocheted with any DK-weight yarn. 

I like 100% acrylic because it is so soft, and the costs are reasonable for a large project.

Wool Warehouse has put together yarn packs for the project

and they can be found by clicking here.

This is how the listing reads:

Whether you're snuggling up on the couch, adding a touch of elegance to your guest room, 

looking for a thoughtful gift, or welcoming a little one into the world, 

this floral afghan is the perfect project. 

Featuring a sunny floral design, this pattern is just right for adding a touch of color 

and sweetness to any home and/or nursery.

With basic crochet stitches and simple techniques, although the pattern is listed as "intermediate," 

it is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels. 

The pattern includes 26 pages of clear and detailed instructions, 

along with over 100 step-by-step photos to guide you through the process. 

Links to exclusive videos for each step are also included. 

Additionally, you'll find a two-page abbreviated version of the pattern that is perfect for printing.

Crafted with soft and cozy yarn, this afghan will keep you, a loved one, or a little one warm and comfortable all year round. 

And with its timeless design, it's sure to become a cherished family heirloom.

With instant download, you can start crocheting right away! 

Simply download the pattern and start working on this beautiful floral afghan today.

The finished afghan including the border measures 37" x 70" (94 cm x 178 cm)

100% acrylic DK weight yarn was used in the featured blanket.

The pattern is written and verbalized in US crochet terms.

Look at that little bit of sunshine coming through in this photo.

Warms my heart!

Thank you all for your interest and for visiting my little crochet space.

I hope you are all

With warmest regards,

Astri

Apple Blossom Dreams may receive a small commission on purchases made via

the Wool Warehouse links,

however, it is at no additional cost to you.

Follow the Sun Afghan | Crochet Pattern | Release Date Friday, March 7, 2025

 

Stay tuned for the release of this pattern on Friday, March 7th, 2025. It will be listed on Etsy, Ravelry, and Lovecrafts,

AND at Wool Warehouse, along with yarn packs! Thank you all for your patience. This has been a long time coming.

I just snapped out of a two-year brain fog, including and ending with writing this pattern.

It started with losing my only sister, Eva, to cancer in 2023.

This pattern is dedicated to her, and the blanket was gifted to our mother, Erna.

Eva had requested the song "I'll Follow the Sun" by the Beatles

to be played at her graveside service.

She loved the sun and she loved flowers more than anyone I have known.

I miss her. 😔 After that, coupled with the lack of exercise and healthy nutritional choices,

I simply could not concentrate like I had been able to in the past.

There were 12 versions of this pattern,

each with a plethora of mistakes until it got to where it is now. Okay, with that said, I am now back on track and ready to "carry on."

A lot of stuff is in the works,

and I am very excited about feeling better

and the prospect of delivering on my intentions/ideas. I appreciate the love and support of each and every one of you!

What an awesome community. ♥️

I am now ready for some

How about you?

With warmest regards,

Astri