I’ve been on a fruitless quest to find a coastal themed quilt that isn’t so literal. I don’t want anchors in the corner, or various seashells all over. I don’t want plain strips, but it can’t be too flowery. In no case would I consider one with lighthouses on it. So you can see my dilemma.
While I haven’t completely given up this quest, I decided to check out ravelry for any crochet afghans that might work, and came across one by DROPS. The pattern is unnamed, so I’ve decided to call it Coastal Cool. Click HERE for the link.
While the pattern is throw sized, I want one that is big enough for a queen sized bed. That means instead of making 5 each of 6 different squares, I’m going to make 12 each of 12 different squares for a total of 144 squares, which will be approximately 86 inches by 86 inches.
What I love about this pattern is that in spite of it looking like different patterns for each square, it is actually the EXACT same pattern! The only thing that changes is the color combinations. It took me about six squares before I finally had the pattern memorized, but now that I have, I’m moving pretty quickly. I don’t think it will be done in time for use this winter, but it will be ready and waiting for next winter. Maybe if I’m lucky, we’ll get our usual freezing cold March, so it will get some use this spring.
After working on this for a week or so, I’ve finished 18 squares. Only 126 more to go! This is a great project to take on the go, or to work on when it’s hot outside, because each square is about 7 inches. There’s no giant bundle of blanket on my lap, nor do I have to whip out an 86 inch long ripple while sitting at the doctor’s office. This is actually great to work on while standing in line, like at the DMV or the bank.
The only changes I made to the pattern are to use Simply Soft yarn and an I hook instead of an H. I am a tight stitcher, so I have to use the next size up hook in order to get the right gauge, although gauge isn’t really that important for this pattern. I will need to figure out how to block all 144 of these things before I sew them together, just to make sure they are uniform, but I’ll worry about that later.
I would not usually attempt a granny square ANYTHING, mainly because of all the ends that need to be woven, however my daughter doesn’t mind weaving in the ends, and it gives her something mindless to do while we watch TV. Sewing them all together will be a pain, but it uses a loose zigzag rather than a tight seam.
I think this will be quite pretty when it is done, but I’m not sure I’d ever make a second one! Here are the first two block combinations:
Toil and Treble Crochet 