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

Follow the Sun Afghan | Crochet Pattern | Tests are in

 The "Follow the Sun Afghan" tests are in!

Yay!!!

These lovely first-time testers all came from an Instagram call.

Unbelievable, what a fantastic job by all!

@lovemyneedle

@crochetwithclairex

@haekellok_crochet

@maman_makes

A great BIG thank you to these awesome makers!!!

Pattern - Follow the Sun Afghan 

(to be released the first week of March.)
Yarn - Yarnsmiths Create DK, Scheepjes Colour Crafter, or Stylecraft Special DK.
Tech Editor - @krosha_prapancha

Warmly,

Astri Elisabeth

Follow the Sun Afghan | Pattern Testing | Forthcoming Crochet Pattern

These are a couple of tests from the 

"Follow the Sun Afghan"

crochet pattern coming soon. 

❄️🩷🩵💛💚💜🧡❄️

 On this wintry day, I am questioning the naming of this project.

It seems like "Summer in Snow" might have been more appropriate.

  as it may likely be closer to summer once the pattern is all rolled out!  

Well, not really...probably closer to spring.

 

Here's the border.

It really changes the look to change colors.

❄️🩷🩵💛💚💜🧡❄️

The pattern will be about 26 pages!

Including a two-page abbreviated version for printing, 

 Additionally there are plenty of step-by-step photos and exclusive videos for every step.

❄️🩷🩵💛💚💜🧡❄️

A few more tweaks with tech editing and it'll be ready to go out to pattern testers.

❄️🩷🩵💛💚💜🧡❄️

Stay tuned for more on this project and the call for pattern "maker" testers.

Pattern - Follow the Sun Afghan
Yarn - Yarnsmiths Create DK
Tech Editor - @krosha_prapancha

Warmly,

Astri Elisabeth

Granny Heart Bauble | Crochet Pattern | Fun for Valentine's Day

How about crocheting some Valentine's Day decor?

♥️🤍🩷♥️🤍🩷

♥️ Pattern - Granny Heart Bauble
🩷 Designer - Moi 😉
🧶 Yarn - Catona by Scheepjes

♥️🤍🩷🤍🩷

A downloadable pdf version of this pattern is available

for purchase by clicking on the following sites:

Etsy
Ravelry
LoveCrafts

Grab some yarn from your stash or try making them with

Scheepjes Catona, it is my absolute favorite cotton yarn!

*Scheepjes Catona is also available in a color pack of little cuties (109 of them!)

 from *Amazon by clicking here.

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

Warmly, 

Astri Elisabeth

*Apple Blossom Dreams may receive a small commission

 on purchases made via these Amazon affiliate links, 

however, it is at no additional cost to you.

Granny Bunting Triangle by Attic 24 | Carry On Crafting Festival | Summer 2025

Hello! I hope everybody's 2025 is off to a good start

 and that it includes all kinds of yarn and crochet entertainment. 

🧶

I finished up a pattern for Little Box of Crochet for their April 2025 box and it is off to testers, 

so this week I've taken a little break from designing/writing and decided to

 attack my stash with the pictured granny triangles. 

🔺🔺🔺

These are "Granny Bunting Triangles," a free pattern by the lovely Lucy at Attic 24 .

Attic 24 was one of the first crochet blogs I ran across back in late 2010, 

and I've been an avid admirer and follower ever since. 

Attic 24 inspired and motivated me to start crocheting again

 after several decades of a hiatus. 

Once again I'm inspired and motivated after a short hiatus in 2024. 

It's so refreshing to work on somebody else's awesome pattern, 

this was just the ticket I needed. 🎟️

I'm sending these off to Carry On Crafting Festival 
in the UK to add to their Summer Festival 2025 "decor." 

(See below photo for the text from their post referencing the details.) 🌞

It's a great way to have a little fun and contribute to something colorful planned for July. 

🎨

Stay tuned for a lot more love of yarn and crochet and a lot of