Lisa Richardson Crochet Along 2017

Lisa Richardson Crochet Along - The Finished Blanket

Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who joined in with the CAL. It has been truly inspirational to speak to you on social media and in the showroom. I found that being able to share knowledge and ideas invaluable and I am very grateful to those of you who were able to do so.

Unfortunately, I was delayed in finishing the blanket due to other projects at work and with Christmas gifts taking priority.  But, I was determined not to let this project go unfinished and I have to admit that once I had sewn in the last thread, I had so many mixed emotions including a fantastic sense of achievement and pride in myself for completing my first major crochet project.

Shortly after finishing it, I sat with it laid across my lap and checked out each panel and each square, recalling the ups and downs, frustration and elation that each week provided.  Two panels in particular gave me the warmest feeling, the Noughts and Crosses (wk XX) and the Twisted Tunnels (wk xx). The two definitely gave me the most enjoyment.  The Twisted Tunnels was a fun week as I had to find a needle that was 15mm so I could measure and hold my loops and then go back and transfer the loops into the Twisted Tunnel.  It created such a lovely effect when finished.

Two things I did learn from this project is firstly, to sew in all of my thread strands as I finish each square.  I had this enormous task of sewing in all of the loose threads once I have finished piecing the sections together.  Secondly, to keep blocking throughout the project.  I think I was too eager each week to jump straight into the next section and maybe if I had taken an extra day to block each finished section once stitched together would have given me a much nicer finish.  But, lessons learned I will know better for my next project.

I think I have created something that will stay in the family for many years to come.  I have accrued many hours in making this blanket and I don`t think I could ever put a price on that.

Let me know if you have finished your blanket and would like us to post your pictures of the finished project.  Also, did you learn anything from doing a project of this magnitude?

If you are looking for a new challenge or just looking for inspiration, then this is the ideal project to get your hook into.  You can even make it in colours that suit your decor or your personality.   The pattern is available for free online at Knitrowan.com and all you have to do is Register and then sign in and you can then download the weekly patterns.  And don't forget to check out the project pack that I am using here www.knittingwool.com but if you would like to use a different set of colours (some of you have been very creative), please contact us and we can apply the same multi discount to your order.

Yarn and materials:  Rowan Felted Tweed and size 3.5mm (US E4) crochet hook

(A) Bilberry 151   (G) Barn Red 196
(B) Peony 183      (H) Stone 190
(C) Ginger 154     (I) Caron 159
(D) Cumin 193     (J) Avocado 161
(E) Rage 150        (K) Boulder 195
(F) Watery 152    (L) Celadon 184