2025 is proving to be a challenging year. I feel fear and worry. I intentionally chose colours to reflect my emotional well-being and to put it blatantly; I am heading directly to the coal colour. Pale grey is a balanced emotional self-reflective moment. Still, I am living in the lead colouring, unsure of what is fundamental to believing things that may or may not be true—being pushed into the coal colour of hopelessness and feeling bleak.
Truthfully, I wanted to put a crochet maple leaf onto this sample to represent my country and who I am. Still, I fear the repercussions of doing so may be triggering and creating more division than I already feel.
This is not a political throw but more self-reflective for me to meditate to understand the time we are living in. This throw is the Crochet Study of Courage pattern.
PS. A friend reminded me that it takes courage to speak up about emotional well-being. So I change the name to the Study of Courage instead of Fear.
Yarn
Bernat Blanket, 300g / 10.5 oz, 201 meters / 220 yards.
- A - Pale Grey - 1 Ball
- B - Lead - 1 Ball
- C - Coal - 1 Ball
HOOK: 10 mm / N/15
Size: 32” x 48”
Gauge: 8 sc and 7 rows = 4” [10 cm]
Abbreviations
- Beg = Begin(ing)
- Ch = Chain(s)
- Rep = Repeat
- RS = Right side
- Sc = Single crochet
- Sl st = Slip stitch
- Sp(s) = Space(s)
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
Instructions
Notes:
- To change the width of the size, chain an odd number. Every 12 sts will add 5” in the width. Changing the size will change the yarn amounts. You will need to figure out how many balls you will need. Larger size blankets are usually between 5 to 9 balls, depending on the size you want. Baby blankets are approximately 3 balls.
- This is designed for palliative care or toddler-size blanket. Use whatever colour is best for you.
With A, ch 79.
Alternative sizing: (ch 91 = 37”) (ch 103 = 42”) (ch 115 = 47” (ch 127 = 52”) (ch 139 = 57”) (ch 151 = 62”) (ch 163 = 67”) (ch 175 = 72”) (ch 187= 77”) (ch 199 = 82”) (ch 211= 87”)
1st row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. *Ch 1. Skip next ch. 1 sc in next ch. Rep from * to the 2nd last ch. 1 sc in last ch. Turn. 78 sts.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.
Rep the last row until you use up the first colour ending at the end of a row. Break A.
New Colour: Attach B, with sl st to beg st. Ch 1, 1 sc in first sc. *1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.
Next row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.
Rep the last row until this colour is used at the end of a row. Break B.
New Colour: Attach C, with sl st to beg st. Ch 1, 1 sc in first sc. *1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.
Next row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.
Rep the last row until this colour is used at the end of a row. Break C. Fasten off.
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Crochet Diagram
Tutorial
Use the stitch count above and the instructions to go across the chain match this tutorial below.
Anne says
I need to add the maple leaf to this, to make it complete courage.
Anne
Peg Thornton says
Mikey,
If you have a maple leaf pattern I would be proud to add it to my blanket in honor of your courage and emotional support you have provided to me .
Blessings
Peg
Maggie 8398
Plano, Texas
Shirley Payne says
Me too! My prayers are for unity on all fronts!
Adrienne Pollich says
Love your colors. I’ve always said crochet “clears the clutter from my mind”. It is very therapeutic, relaxing and rewarding. There is nothing more relaxing than a repeat pattern that does not require constant counting. I’ve used this pattern often and certainly will again. ☮️❤️?
Jan Reisdorf says
Hi Mikey,
I love your patterns and tutorials. I am currently working on the Study of Texture Poncho, and I love how it is turning out. I totally understand your fear and worry. I live in the U.S. and feel the same fear and worry. Luckily, we have our yarn to help generate a sense of peace and calm. By continuing to create new patterns, you are helping all of us.
Tammy Scott says
Being able to express how you feel by creating this blanket is so inspiring. I live in the south and it's not very practical to use blanket yarn to make a baby blanket, so I was wondering if someone could give me some guidance in adapting this pattern using a 4 weight yarn.
Carla says
A Canadian maple leaf would be the perfect addition to the blanket ! You are Canadian and as a fellow proud Canadian I would love to see a maple leaf on this blanket! Never hide who you are!