UPDATE - Design Collaboration | Soft Bundle of Blooms Baby Blanket

 Hey Everyone!

Collaboration Update - Apple Blossom Dreams in Full Bloom! 🌸

I’m thrilled to share a little update on the very first collaboration between Astri and me — and things are really blooming!

Astri kicked off this project by designing a truly beautiful bloom square, full of charm and delicate floral inspiration. I was so inspired that I picked it up from there, adding a few more bloom squares of my own, and then finishing off the full blanket!

Right now, the pattern is in the tech editing and testing phase — so exciting to see it all coming together!

This is our first collab, and it’s been such a joy to work together on something so creative and meaningful. We’ve poured a lot of love into this blanket, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

🌟 Coming soon:

• Final reveal of the completed blanket

• Pattern release

• Stunning tester photos

Stay tuned — the full Apple Blossom Dreams story is almost ready to bloom!

Happy Crocheting!!

Helen x

🩷🩷🩷

Design Collaboration | Pebble Haze Blossoms | Forthcoming Pattern

 Hello there!

Astri here, just popping in to share what the amazing Helen has been up to lately. 
She’s hitting the ground running with these blossoms!

Last year, I began working on these little beauties, 

and now I’ve passed them along to Helen. 

She’s going to love them even more and help them reach their full potential (hehe). 

Together, they’re blossoming into what will be a beautiful baby blanket!

Aren’t the colours of the Pebble Haze Prints yarn just dreamy? 
They pair so perfectly with the sweet blossom flowers and the variety of green shades
 used for the leaves. It’s such a cheerful and soothing palette.

You can find the solid colours of Pebble Haze yarn at Wool Warehouse by clicking here.

The circles are crocheted in the Pebble Haze Prints shade called Lulworth, 

which you can find here.

🌸 Pattern coming soon! 🌸

Want to see them in action?

Check out the Instagram Video of Helen crocheting these beauties here.

She’s even wearing matching nail polish! 

A woman after my own heart! 🩷🩷🩷

Crocheted Poppies | Remembrance Day 2026 | Free Pattern

Hello! Astri here, popping in (with poppies in hand) 

to say hello and share a little crochet update.

First and foremost, Helen has been doing an absolutely amazing job with 

Apple Blossom Dreams, but more on that later!

While I’ve set aside my designing and writing hook for now, my love for crochet is still going strong.

Lately, I’ve been finding so much joy in making beautiful pieces from other designers’ patterns. 

Right now, because I can't resist crocheting blossoms, I’m crocheting poppies for Helen at EmkatCrochet's (Yes, the same Helen as Apple Blossom Dreamz Helen) **2026 Remembrance Project**, a truly meaningful initiative she’s leading with such heart and purpose.

This project will create a stunning cascade of poppies to honour and remember those who lost their lives in war. Each poppy is a symbol of remembrance and sacrifice, and the installation will be unveiled for Remembrance Sunday 2026.

 

If you’d like to take part and crochet some poppies, 

Helen has graciously shared the pattern: 

Once you’ve finished your poppies, please email appleblossomdreamz@gmail.com for a mailing address.

 Thank you so much for your support and for helping make this tribute extra special.

Warmly,

Astri

Apple Blossom Dreamz | Apple Blossom Dreams | Etsy Shops

 Greetings, friends and makers!

It's Astri here again.

I wanted to pop in with a quick update: Apple Blossom Dreamz (with a z) is the same creative home you’ve come to know as Apple Blossom Dreams.

Since Etsy doesn't allow shop ownership transfers, a new shop under the name 
Apple Blossom Dreamz has been opened by Helen, the new owner.

Helen is currently migrating the patterns to the new shop. 

You can find the new shop by clicking here.

So far, two of the most popular listings have made the move—and they look fantastic!

Take a peek at how they appear on Etsy:

 Helen has done such a lovely job with the presentation, and how about that new logo?

It’s so clean, fresh, and simple.
I’m absolutely delighted with the direction Helen is taking things.

Stay tuned for more from this kind and caring crochet powerhouse.

Helen is just getting started!

Warmly,

Astri

Crochet Illusions Blankets | Crochet Pattern Book | Helen Smith

 **Astri here, checking in with a little update!**

I wanted to share how I first discovered Helen, the talented new owner of

 *Apple Blossom Dreams.* 

I came across her through her amazing book Crochet Illusion Blankets, and wow, 

I was immediately hooked (pun intended)! The designs were so clever and unique that I had to grab a copy.

I was so impressed that I started following her crochet journey, and let me tell you, 

everything she creates is crisp, neat, and beautifully organized. 

It brings a sense of calm to my otherwise chaotic brain! 

Oh, the places she'll go with Apple Blossom Dreams!

And guess what? I think 

I'm finally ready to make one of these stunning illusion blankets! 

This is the one I’ve chosen:

 How COOL is that?

I’m leaning toward using light denim blue, terracotta, cream, brown, and beige.

 Not exactly cool tones, but I think it could work!

What do you think of the color combo?

A signed copy of this book can be purchased here.

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying lots of

Happy Crocheting!

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.