Apple Blossom Dream Afghan - Published and Listed!

The pattern for the

"Apple Blossom Dream Afghan"

has been published and listed!

Whew, this one was a doozy, the design has been eight years in the making!

Spring is coming!

The "dream" for this design was to create a five petal apple blossom

(with stamen) motif, trying to imitate nature as close as possible. 

A pentagon granny motif worked for the blossom; 

however, pentagons joined together eventually created a round ball.

That was not going to work for the afghan, maybe a pillow, but not an afghan.

Armed with the NVO and his math skills, and a little creativity, the afghan dream came true!

 🌸🌸🌸

And it's finally here!

 You can find the pattern at either my Etsy shop by clicking here

or

at LoveCrafts by clicking here.

Here's how the listing reads:

Let this pattern guide you in making this lovely apple blossom afghan. Its fresh and soft design is also ideal for many applications. The finished size is approximately 47" x 62" (119 cm x 158 cm) which is perfect for napping or displaying. 

Cozy on up for cooler days/evenings or wrap baby snuggly for a stroll. 

Oh, and think of the color possibilities!

This instantly downloadable 20-page pattern includes plenty of step-by-step photos, as well as, links to videos for extra added assistance. The last two pages of the pattern is a condensed "crochet short-hand" version of the pattern. The pattern is written and verbalized in US crochet terms.

Ideal for an intermediate crocheter. General knowledge of crocheting a granny square is helpful.

And here's the yarn I used:

My favorite place to purchase the yarn for this project is at:

LoveCrochet*

(Quick shipping to and from the US and overseas)

Click here for Stylecraft Special DK*

Click here for Scheepjes Color Crafter*

Warmly,

Astri

*This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links does not increase your cost; 

however, I do receive a small commission. Your support allows me to continue creating, designing and writing, and for that I am grateful.

Apple Blossom Dream Afghan-Tests

The 

"Apple Blossom Dream Afghan"

crochet pattern is almost ready to be released!

Meanwhile, here are some of the tests from my lovely helpers:

Judy:

Emma:

Elizabeth:

Rashmi:

Thank you for your awesome help, ladies!

There's been a lot of 

going down in our parts,

and I'm wishing you the same!

Warmly,

Astri

Apple Blossom Dream Afghan - Test Swatch

Here's the first test swatch for the

"Apple Blossom Dream Afghan"

Pattern to be released Friday, February 22, 2019!

Meanwhile, there's a lot of

going down!

Apple Blossom Dream Afghan

We've seen more snow in the last few weeks than I have seen accumulated over my lifetime!

It's beautiful and I do love it.

So while inside out of the cold, I couldn't think of anything better to do

than to dream of spring and work on the design and pattern for the

"Apple Blossom Dream"

crocheted afghan.

🌸🌸🌸

It has springtime written all over it.

I have just about wrapped up the pattern in order to send it out for testing.

The goal is to have it tested, edited and published by the end of next week.

I'd like to release it before we head to Norway for three months.

(Then I won't bother you with patterns for a while.)

By the time we return, from our trip, the apple blossoms will be gone and I simply cannot wait until the following apple blossom season next year to release the pattern. 

It's just too exciting!

This project that's been mulling around in my head for nearly eight years and I'm finally doing it,

I wonder if it has anything to do with being newly retired.

🌸🌸🌸

Keep an eye out for it!

Lots of warmth and

to you all!

Warmly,

Astri

Koselig on a Winter's Day

We had a beautiful snow storm last night;
an additional 6 inches on top of the existing four feet.

It really is so magical!

On a snowy day like this I like to stay in,
 light candles and play with the yarn for my next project.

What "koselig" activity do you like during a stay-in day?

I hope it involves some:

Warmly,

Astri

Blush Blossom Baby Blanket Pattern-Published!

It's been a long and joyful journey to get to the point of publishing

"The Blush Blossom Baby Blanket Pattern",

and the day is finally here!

 The final version is hot off the press and ready to share its instructional love.

 This blanket is ideal to welcome a new wee one into the world,

or,

to celebrate that special someone for Mother's Day as a lap blanket

 or perhaps as a full-size afghan.

There's still time!

  The pattern can be purchased in either at Loave Crafts by clicking here.

Or in my Etsy Shop by clicking here.

This is how the listing reads:

Let this pattern guide you in making this lovely blush baby blanket for that special little baby in your life. 

Its fresh and soft design is also ideal for an adult as a lap blanket. The finished size is approximately 33" x 39" (84 cm x 99 cm) which is perfect for a stroller or lap blanket. Cozy on up for cooler days/evenings or wrap baby snuggly for a stroll. Oh and think of the color possibilities!

This instantly downloadable 18-page pattern includes plenty of step-by-step photos, as well as, links to videos for extra added assistance. The pattern is written and verbalized in US crochet terms.

Ideal for an intermediate crocheter. General knowledge of crocheting a granny square is helpful.

Thank you for following me along this journey of crochet love.

And as always, wishing you,

Warmly,

Astri

Blush Blossom Baby Blanket-Tests

The Blush Blossom Baby Blanket pattern

 is almost ready for release!

Update:
 This pattern has now been released and can be found at
Love Crafts by clicking here
or
My Etsy Shop by clicking here.

Meanwhile, look at the amazing work of the testers:

Elizabeth:

Elizabeth suggested a popcorn row instead of a bobble row in the border.

Popcorns on the left, former bobbles on the right.
This change will be incorporated into the pattern.
Brillant!
Now, the popcorns don't pop through to the other side.
Thank you, Elizabeth!

Rashmi:

So pretty!

Emma:

I love the antique yet modern look of the colors she chose.

 Judy:

A beautiful afghan for her niece!

I am awaiting permission to use two additional tester's photos.

This post will be updated accordingly.

They all gave generously of their time, talent and energy.

Oh, so many edits; so little time...

I had no idea how many mistakes I could make, geezzzzz!

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for these lovely ladies!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

💝

Warmly,

Astri

Apple Blossom Dreams Afghan-Blog Anniversary

Eight years ago (with a couple of hiatuses)

I started blogging and crocheting under the name of

"Apple Blossom Dreams"

The name came from the street where we lived at that time:

"Apple Blossom Lane"

Dreams were created there for 20 years!!!

We no longer live on Apple Blossom Lane,

but the dreams remain.

🌸🌸🌸

In celebration of those dreams,

I have started a signature namesake afghan.

"The Apple Blossom Dreams Afghan "

I hope to have it finished before the apple trees bloom.

In 2019 or 2020???

It's crocheted with either Stylecraft Special DK or Scheepjes Colour Crafter.

The color inspiration:

from

The beautiful watercolor banner by my artist friend Juli.

I remember my daughter calling it "bucolic" 

and that continues to be my vision for the blog. 

(I did; however, have to look the word up in the dictionary. ;-)

Stay tuned for the updates.

Warmly,

Astri