Do you need a new blanket project? One that’s modern and unique, works up quickly and has a variety of stitches to hold your interest? The Modern Sunflower Plaid Blanket checks all those boxes! The Modern Sunflower Plaid Blanket combines crochet textures & colourwork for a unique piece.
We all have that one project (or 20) that we begin and don’t complete. I know I’m totally guilty! I’m notorious for beginning projects and never finishing them. In fact, it is a running joke between my husband and I as to whether or not the new project will ever be completed. I now have ‘time out’ bins in the basement. (Which reminds me, I really should sort through those ;)). Most of the unfinished project are blankets that for one reason or another I lost interest in making, but didn’t have the heart to frog them.
Rewind to March, when COVID-19 began to change our lives (almost overnight). All I wanted to do was curl up and crochet to relieve some of the stress. I’m betting a number of you were in the same boat. Its pretty incredible how much comfort and relief crochet can bring us when faced with challenging situations.
In need of a new Project
As much as I absolutely love making stuffed animals, I needed something different. I needed a new blanket pattern. Something I could work on while my kids played. A project that was modern and unique. One that had a variety of textures and stitches that once learned were easy to work with minimal concentration. But also something that would work up relatively quickly before my interest ran out. This new blanket project needed to check a lot of boxes.
Looking For Inspiration
So I set out to design a new blanket. I searched through my stitch books, Pinterest and Ravelry for inspiration, nothing seemed quite right. Looking up from my chair and saw the arrangement of Sunflowers on my table and had my first ‘ah ha’ moment. That moment took me back to Pinterest to find Sunflower prints and items (I often search for fabric prints to get inspired for my crochet designs). There it was, a pair of rain boots with a Sunflower and Plaid print on them. Immediately, it was like the clouds parted and the sun shone down and everything felt like it was falling into place, the Modern Sunflower Plaid Blanket was born. (lol, well it didn’t happen quite like that, but you get the idea ;)). Honestly though, the sunflower and plaid combination is a match made in heaven (comparable to peanut butter and jelly).
The rest of the blanket came together perfectly. I had so much fun mixing and matching different sizes of squares, and using all the rich textures and colours. And of course, having the sunflowers and gingham plaid at the forefront of the design.
The Modern Sunflower Plaid Blanket is born
The pattern uses Bernat Premium Yarn. It’s one of my favourite blanket yarns. It’s soft, cost effective and has a fantastic range of vibrant colours. The blanket includes a few different stitches and techniques including puff stitch, a variation of the crocodile stitch, colour changes and sewing techniques. Included in the pattern is a video tutorial for each of these stitches and techniques to help you along the way.
Once the framework for the design was laid out, it only took me a couple weeks to complete. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this project. This design has definitely become one of my all time favourites. Completing the blanket was bittersweet (similar to finishing a good book). I was sad to finish working on it, but absolutely love the results. I will definitely make another one soon!
The best thing about finishing the blanket is that I can now share the pattern with you! I believe it’s a pattern you will love and find comfort in making.
<3 Sara
Get your copy of the Modern Sunflower Plaid Blanket Crochet Pattern on Ravelry or Etsy. While you are there take a peek at out some of our other creations. I can’t wait to see your finished work. If you don’t want to miss any future pattern release or Sales sign up for the Darling Maple Designs Newsletter.
