Christmas 2021 will ring in an unconventional stitch along called The Study of the Journey. It is rare for a paid pattern to be filmed but as a tutorial host and our other Study of Series are filmed, I felt it was important to film this to lend support to our community.
The blanket is a journey of stitches I have learned since 2008. It's a heavy mix of textures that will have you feeling an incredible sense of pride. A tremendous amount of thought when into the execution of the ordering and colours. Designed with only 3 colours.
Errors Located In the Book - SEE ALL ERRORS
This pattern is in our first ever book that launched in September 2021. Simply called The Crochet Crowd, Inspire, Create and Celebrate.
I'm Taking a Chance On You
Usually, when a paid pattern is filmed, it lends itself to people handing over the pattern illegally through doing copies and distributing the pattern without purchase. No, the individual pattern isn't available for purchase as the cost of the book is affordable with 15 patterns with high-quality photography and diagrams that Daniel has done.
The yarn inside the trunk is Patons Inspired.
So, I am directly asking you not to hand over the pattern freely and allow people to purchase the book as literally there are 1000's hours invested into the book. I took a stand with my publisher to trust in us and he agreed it was okay. I told my publisher that I cannot put out a book with no pattern support for at least one project.
The finished sample was done with the following:
Patons® Inspired™ (150 g/5.3 oz, 203 m/222 yds)
- Contrast A - Silver Gray Heather 4 Balls
- Contrast B - Pacific Blue 4 Balls
- Contrast C - Sapphire Teal 3 Balls
Use size 6.5 mm, U.S. K/10.5 hook or hook size to obtain gauge. The project total is 1547 m/1692 yds. You will have some yarn leftover on the last ball of each colour assigned. Measurements approx 60” x 60” [152.5 x 152.5 cm]. Gauge 12 sc and 13 rows = 4” [10 cm].
I did this afghan in chunky format, which is unusual for me, but it grows faster and gets you to the finish line faster.
The design really taxed me in conceptual and thought processes. Our testers did multiple different yarn options that are in the book such as Caron Simply Soft, Caron Cotton Cakes and Scheepjes Colour Crafter. I did the original prototype in Caron Cotton Cakes but I wanted something heavier.
Cotton Cakes Gauge: 13 sc and 14 rows = 4” [10 cm]. Colours I used in prototype shown above as as follows:
Caron® Cotton Cakes™ (250 g/8.8 oz, 485 meters/530 yards)
- Contrast A Silver Cloud, 2 Balls
- Contrast B Cream, 2 Balls
- Contrast C Lilac, 2 Balls
To get this monster to sit down flat from going from the huge circle to the square was my nemesis but I kept trying. I vowed I wasn't going to leave the table until I had the right mathematics and trials. I sat at the dining room table from the morning to sunset during July 2020 to figure it out. Testing, frogging, testing, frogging and so on.
The Crochet Crowd Book
Our book is available for ordering (pre-orders depending on stock levels), available for order at your local book stores and/or online sources.
Book officially launches in September 2021 though pre-orders are now being processed and shipped.
ISBN: 978-1-77276-160-3
This was one of the hardest things I have ever done to create. Your purchase means a lot to me personally. We do almost everything pattern and video support for free. Investing in me keeps the tutorials and free patterns pumping out.
Please consider a purchase and if you want to play along with the free tutorials for this stitch along, the book will be our guide and the pattern won't be shown on camera but just following the book instructions step by step.
Bonus Free Week 1
Here's what you can expect in the book. Here's Rounds 1 to 10. Diagrams are included in the book. For the remainder of the afghan, please refer to the book.
- Join stated at the end of the rounds is assumed to slip stitch to the beginning stitch or top of the beginning chain. Unless otherwise stated.
- For the instructions in rounds, each instruction is followed by a breakdown of stitches.
Where It All Began
1st rnd: (RS) With A, ch 3 (ch 3 doesn’t count as st in this rnd). 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with sl st to top of first dc. 12 dc.
2nd rnd: Ch 1, 2 sc in same sp as sl st. 2 sc in each st around. Join. 24 sc.
3rd rnd: Ch 1, 1 sc in same sp as sl st. 1 sc next st, ch 2, sk next st. *1 sc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk next st. Rep from * around. Join. Break. 16 sc and 8 ch 2 sps.
4th rnd: With C, join with sl st to next ch 2 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc in this round and throughout). 4 dc in same ch 2 sp. *5 dc in next ch 2 sp. Rep from * around. Join. Break. 40 dc.
TIP: In the next round, our testers thought it would be easier for you to put a stitch marker at the top of trfp. It’s easier to find where the 2 sc goes into the top of the trfp in rnd 6.
5th rnd: With B, join with standing sc in the same sl st. 1 sc in next 4 st. 1 trfp around both sc sts in 3rd rnd. The trfp is an extra st that is in front to help the circle grow bigger. Start next st in the next group of 5 sts. *1 sc in next 5 sts, 1 trfp around both sc sts in 3rd rnd. Rep from * around. Join. 40 sc and 8 trfp.
6th rnd: Ch 1, *1 dcfp around the last trfp st that we just passed in rnd 5. 1 sc in next st, ch 2, sk next st, 1 sc in next st, 1 dcfp around next trfp in rnd 5, 2 sc in top of trfp st. Rep from * around. Join to beg dcfp. Break. 8 ch 2 sps, 32 sc and 16 dcfp.
7th rnd: With A, standing sc in same sp as sl st. 1 sc in next st. 2 sc in ch 2 sp. *1 sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next ch 2 sp. Rep from * around to last 4 sts. 1 sc in last 4 sts. Join. 64 sc.
8th rnd: Ch 6 (counts as dc and ch 3 sp). 1 dc in next st. *Sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st, ch 3, 1 dc in next st. - big v-stitch made. Rep from * around. Join to 3rd ch of beg ch 6. Break. 16 big v-sts.
9th rnd: With C, join with sl st to next ch 3 sp. Ch 1, (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, ch 1) in same ch 3 sp. *(1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, ch 1) in next ch 3 sp. Rep from * around. Join. Break. 32 sc, 32 hdc, 32 dc and 16 ch 1 sps.
10th rnd: With A with standing sc in ch 1 sp of the next petal point. Ch 5, *1 sc in next ch 1 on the next petal. Ch 5. Rep from * around. Join. 16 ch 5 sps and 16 sc.
The tutorial will have added hints and tips that really only verbal teaching can do. I used standing single crochet and standing double crochet when I can that is not on this pattern.
Crochet Diagram Week 1
You can click on the picture to save or print it.
Timeline - Launching Wednesdays
I have one ball of every colour on hand and a few that has several balls. My goal is to randomize the blanket to use up what I have. Tutorial Version will be randomized in colouring with Patons Inspired that include the following colours:
I will record if I use more than 1 ball of colour in the tutorial as I go.
- Gray Heather
- Raspberry
- Honey Spice
- Olive - I USED 2 BALLS
- Burgundy
- Cocao
- Ginger
- Rich Teal
- Celery (not shown in the group shot)
- Violet (not shown in the group shot)
- Fucshia (not shown in group shot)
- Purple Gray (not shown in group shot)
- Rich Teal (not shown in group shot)
- Clay (not shown in group shot)
See the bottom of the article for the ordering of the colours done in the tutorial.
Gauge Check
- November 24, 2021 - Rnds 25 - 29
- December 1, 2021 - Rnds 30 - 37
- December 8, 2021 - Rnds 38 - 46
- December 15, 2021 - Rnds 47 - 59
Tutorials
Releasing November 3rd, 2021
All yarn is Patons Inspired.
- Rnds 1 & 2 = Honey Spice
- Rnd 3 & 4 = Silver Gray Heather
- Rnd 5 = Burgundy
- Rnd 6 & 7 = Mineral Teal
- Rnd 8 = Olive
- Rnd 9 = Raspberry
- Rnd 10 = Cocoa
Releasing November 10, 2021
All yarn is Patons Inspired.
- Rnd 11 = Cocoa
- Rnds 12 & 13 = Ginger
- Rnd 14 = Olive
- Rnd 15 = Cocoa
- Rnd 16 = Mineral Teal
- Rnd 17 = Silver Gray Heather
- Rnd 18 = Raspberry
- Rnd 19 = Silver Gray Heather
Releasing November 17, 2021
All yarn is Patons Inspired.
- Rnd 20 = Celery
- Rnd 21 to 23 = Fucshia
- Rnd 24 = Rich Teal
Releasing November 24, 2021
All yarn is Patons Inspired.
- Rnd 25 = Mineral Teal
- Rnd 26 = Purple Gray
- Rnd 27 = Burgundy
- Rnd 28 = Honey Spice
- Rnd 29 = Clay
Releasing Dec 1, 2021
All yarn is Patons Inspired.
- Rnd 30 = Clay
- Rnd 31 = Fuschia
- Rnd 32 = Violet
- Rnd 33 = Olive
- Rnd 34 = Ginger
- Rnd 35 = Celery
- Rnd 36 = Mineral Teal
- Rnd 37 = Silver Gray Heather
Releasing December 8, 2021
All yarn is Patons Inspired.
- Rnd 38 = Honey Spice
- Rnd 39 = Cocoa
- Rnd 40 & 41 = Olive
- Rnd 42 = Cocoa
- Rnd 43 = Rich Teal
- Rnd 44 = Clay
- Rnd 45 = Fucshia
- Rnd 46 = Mineral Teal
Releasing December 15, 2021
All yarn is Patons Inspired.
- Rnd 47 = Raspberry
- Rnd 48 = Celery
- Rnd 49 = Cocoa
- Rnd 50 = Purple Gray
- Rnd 51 = Fucshia
- Rnd 52 = Honey Spice
- Rnd 53 = Burgundy
- Rnd 54 = Silver Gray Heather
- Rnd 55 = Purple Gray
- Rnd 56 = Olive
- Rnd 57 = Raspberry
- Rnd 58 = Orchid
- Rnd 59 = Ginger
Donna Morley says
How does Crochet make me feel? It feels as having a lifelong friend does, happy to see me whenever I show up, puts the kettle on and our acquaintance picks up where it was left off, no matter how long it has been and without asking questions. It is soothing in times of stress and strife, understanding of the ambition to do a new pattern, and forgiving if the pattern is abandoned. It has been over 40 years since I learned to crochet, and what a wonderful friend it has been.
Terri says
Crochet gives me happiness. I love seeing a project come together. I love the smiles and the excitement when someone gets the item. It’s a pride and a joy.
Amy Thompson says
How I feel when I crochet, relaxed. After a tough day, I sit down and grab my hooks and yarn and the worries of the day go away.
My Mother taught me to crochet when I was about 8, I didn’t really keep up with. When my Daddy was in Hospice I took it up again. I love making things for family and hearing them say “you made this?”. ❤️
Tara Anderson says
The crochet hook is my security blanket and anxiety meds. Lol I have a ridiculous amount of energy so if I'm sitting I'm crocheting. My birthday is friday and I have been planning to get your book as my gift to myself but a signed copy would be the greatest gift ever! Love you guys!
Dawn Lewis says
Crochet/crocheting usually makes me feel calm…especially if I am enjoying the pattern…it helps me to busy my mind on the yarn and helps with my anxiety. Sometimes though, I do still experience frustration if a pattern is complicated (to me), as I haven’t tried yet to tackle involved stitches or patterns. But The Crochet Crowd video tutorials have been very helpful, enjoyable, and encouraging!
Shana D. says
Crochet makes me feel powerful. I feel calm, but challenged. I feel creative. I crochet with love. I rarely crochet to make money. Everything I make is for myself or a loved one or for donation to various local charities and shelters. I feel accomplished when I crochet. I feel peace. It keeps my mind sharp and my hands busy. Crochet is my lifesaver, my buoy, and my friend. It gives me purpose and confidence regardless of happenings around me.
Joanne Kay. says
Crocheting relaxes me. I have learned soooo much from this site, Mikey and you tube videos. It keeps my brain engaged and active. It satisfies my creative side.
Christine says
Crochet makes me happy, I was in a bad car accident that left me in a wheel chair for 10 months. I needed to keep myself busy. I taught myself how to crochet by watching your videos on YouTube. My grandmother crochet but she said it was for “old people. So she wouldn’t teach me. 2 years ago she came down with dementia, and I was teaching her how to crochet before she passed away. So yes, crochet makes me happy because I think of the wonderful past times I was able to spend with her.
Victoria Faubert says
How does crocheting make me feel?
It brings back memories of a lost childhood, when we lived in England, a long story and not all good, anyhow we moved in with an old lady and called her Nany McGee and she taught me to knit and crochet.
Crocheting has been a life saver sometimes and sometimes has cuased me frustration, but I always come back to it. I love how it keeps my hands busy and I can take it anywhere and I do mean anywhere. Car, air, ocean travels even to the bar while my hubby watches hockey, it opens up a whole dialog of conversation with complete strangers. Its the feel of the yarn as you work it, its the pattern as it emerges, its even the darn flogging because I did something wrong or I dont like how the item is working up. Yes this is why I love to crochet, I can loose myself in just being with hook and yarn and a nice cuppa tea or glass of vino.
Sara Neir says
Hello Mikey,
You are beyond generous! Thank you for a chance to win your wonderful book! Crochet makes me feel relaxed (usually). Very creative and excited to see how my stitches come together to make something amazing. My kids and friends almost have something they request for Christmas. I love it. Giving gifts is my love language and seeing a baby snuggled in my blanket, or someone wearing one of my hats is amazing! If ai don't win I will be buying your book. I want to support you and all the wonderful things that you do. Thanks again. Your crafty friend, Sara
Cathy Strader says
I absolutely love crocheting n the journey of learning ! When I first started I didn't know much of anything ,what sts were called or how to read n follow a pattern ! I have met so many wonderful friendly people who also love their craft ! I love your shared patterns n watching you follow your journey! Smile n enjoy 🙂
Raks says
How does crochet make me feel?
Accomplished and confident. This is one area I know, one where I can truly be me and whip out something beautiful from a piece of string/yarn. Crochet is also therapeutic to me - both physically and mentally. I had an injury few years back and when I crochet, it takes the pain away...that in turn is also good for my mental health as there are some things I cannot do due to injury but I can crochet ?
Linda says
Crochet makes me feel happy. I love the challenge of the new techniques I learn as I grow with the art and artist. I feel better when I am down, especially when the finished project is given to a stranger who smiles. The year 2019 was a rough time for us all Crochet helped me keep going, by sharing Crochet and learning with fellow Artists Master Crocheters. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
Kim says
How does crochet make me feel?
Well, when I was 16 I was put into a group home. Feeling lost, lonely, and depressed. We had crafting days. This particular day we had two elderly women come in to teach us how to crochet. I'm not sure what took over but I instantly fell in love and needed to know how to do more. I would sit and practice every day what they taught us. When we went to the library I would look at books to learn more. (Before internet) Crocheting was and still brings me to a place of peacefulness. My stress and worries disappear for a time. I always feel relaxed and focused. Which is hard for someone with dyslexia. Crocheting will already be something special to me.
Sharon Long says
How does crocheting make me feel?
I am a single mom of 3, 2 are on the autistic spectrum. I use crochet to calm my mind.. Right now I'm doing a blanket of thick chunky yarn using only single ND double crochet... because I don't have to think about folliwing a pattern
Vonda Strauser says
Crochet to me is like reading a book. It's relaxing and helps take my mind off of unpleasant things. Currently due to having to pay for AC unit, new.dryer, out for Covid, and shoulder surgery I am limited on funds for extras at the moment. Would love your book and an autographed one is even better.
Thanks for this opportunity.