Introducing the Inspired by Color Afghan by Jeanne Steinhilber. It’s our annual stitch-along for Boxing Day (December 26th) that will last for four weeks.
In keeping with this year’s goals of rectangle-shaped blankets, Jeanne and I looked at Christmas wrapping paper to pull inspiration for colours for the rectangle version. Of course, there will be requests for the square version; Jeanne went into her ‘wheelhouse’ of favourite blues and neutral tones that she loves for that version—both versions using Red Heart Super Saver.
In giving Jeanne the Christmas wrapping paper, I challenged her to create texture and make the colours pop. The afghan was then named Inspired by Color. Of course, we know many of you will also substitute colours for our inspiration.
I have provided yarn details below if you find sales or want to start gathering your materials.
The rectangle version is 52″ x 63″ and the square version is 53″ x 53″ square.
Instructions Rectangle
Instructions Square
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Both afghans use a 5.5 mm / I/9 crochet hook size. Gauge is 13 dc and 6 rows. We decided to stay within an affordable yarn to many of using Red Heart Super Saver.
The rectangle uses the following colours:
Color A – Cherry Red – 1 ball
Color B – Light Grey – 2 balls
Color C – White – 2 balls
Color D – Pool – 1 ball
Color E – Light Blue – 1 ball
Color F – Grey Heather – 2 balls
The square uses the following colours:
Color A – Pool – 2 balls
Color B – Light Grey – 2 balls
Color C – White – 2 balls
Color D – Light Blue – 1 ball
Color E – Grey Heather – 2 balls
Abbreviations
Beg = Begin(ning)
BLO = Back loop only
Ch(s) = Chain(s)
Dc = Double crochet
Dc2tog = Double crochet 2 together
Dc3tog = Double crochet 3 together
Dcbp = Double crochet back post
Dcfp = Double crochet front post
Esc = Extended single crochet
Hdc = Half double crochet
Pm = Place (stitch) marker
Rem = Remain
Rep = Repeat
RS = Right side
Sc = Single crochet
Sk = Skip
Sl st = Slip stitch
Sm = Stitch marker
Sp(s) = Space(s)
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side
Yoh = Yarn over hook
Special Stitches
Beg Cluster = Ch 2, dc2tog in same space (counts as dc3tog).
Cluster = Dc3tog in same stitch or space.
Extended single crochet = Insert hook into st or sp, yoh, draw up a loop, yoh, draw through one loop, yoh, draw through both loops.
Hdc Join = Join certain rounds with hdc to first st (sc, top of ch 3). This is equivalent to a ch-2 sp corner. When joining new yarn to a corner space, use the hdc post that is joining as the ch-2 sp.
Puff Stitch = (Yoh, insert hook in st or sp, draw up loop) three times, yoh, draw through all 7 loops on hook, ch 1.
Shell = 5 dc in same stitch or space.
Standing Sc = Form slip knot and insert onto the hook. Insert hook into st, yoh and pull loop through, yoh through 2 loops.
Instructions will be added for Boxing Day, December 26th, for the kick-off. Free downloads will be available.
Healing Stitches Afghan
During the start of Covid, everyone was feeling in a slump. The future was unknown, and with being at home a lot, Jeanne developed the Crochet Healing Stitches Afghan. It has supporting tutorials as well.
Jeanne stitched out with her kitty, Stewy and came up with this afghan fast. If you recall, much yarn was being sucked from the shelves, making it tough to shop. Those were the days that many of us wish to forget.
Omgoodness, thank you for the heads up regarding Inspired by Color yarn quantities. I will be bagging my stash colors this weekend. Jeanne &Michael, you know your craft community so well. You give us the size blanket we wish,colors we didn’t know we wanted or the freedom to be creative with colors & the challenges with your stitches, all this bundled in a well thought out pattern. Thank you dear hearts, you are much appreciated by me,an old 56+ crocheter(& knitter & other crafts)
🥰🧶
Pray for me and wish me luck because I can crochet granny squares all day long, however, that’s about all I know how to do. So, I am joining this crochet along with the plan to do both, the rectangular one and the square one. Going to be Christmas gifts!!
I am really excited about this project! You two always come up with the most beautiful patterns, and they’re always fun to work up. Thank you for continuing to create fun new projects for your many fans.