From Wall Hanging to Blanket - an Echo Special

My new book MAXIMALIST MOSAIC CROCHET has lots of beautiful new patterns in it. But the book fun doesn't end there, because I'm going to be sharing some of my favourite restyles here, to inspire you to try more ways to enjoy the designs! Most of the 16 patterns in the book can be resized, as they follow a simple starting chain multiple. That means we can turn wall hangings into blankets, blankets into bags, bags into table runners... it's all possible with a little imagination!

The book is all about giving yourself permission to go bold with the colour, getting those dopamine hits going, so get creative with your yarn and have some fun experimenting!

So, first up, here's my Echo Wall Hanging from the book - it's a beautiful piece of artwork, framed by these popping acidic yellow dowels. 

I love the balance and simplicity of this design, so I decided to transform it into a blanket. One little post on Instagram later and I realised how much you all loved the blanket version, so here's my Echoes Blanket!

...And here's how to make it:

You will need:

The Echo Wall Hanging pattern from my book MAXIMALIST MOSAIC CROCHET

Yarn:

I used Colour Crafter (a dk/light worsted yarn) by Scheepjes in the following shades:

Yarn A: Hasselt (2010) 3 balls (I've allowed an extra ball here as it was VERY close to 200g! You might want to edge the long sides too.)

Yarn B: Nijmegen (1712) 3 balls

Yarn C: Arnhem (1027) 2 balls

Yarn D: Mechelen (2013) 2 balls

Yarn E: Wolvega (1099) 1 ball

(But you can of course use any yarn as this pattern is SO adaptable. Just remember your quantities might not be the same as mine if you switch yarn type/brand. Also, you can make the blanket larger/smaller to suit you, using the starting chain repeat multiple given below - this will obviously impact yarn quantities too.)

A 5.5mm (I-9) crochet hook

Finished size: Approximately 100 x 145cm (39 x 57in) 

Gauge/Tension: 10 x 10cm measures 16 stitches by 19 rows

Method:

You are going to follow the basic Echo Wall Hanging instructions from the book, using Yarns A-E exactly as listed in the pattern.

The pattern works to a starting chain repeat multiple of (x 9) + 7, so to make this blanket to the approximate size listed above, start with ch160 using Yarn A. You will have 159 stitches at the end of Row 1.

Now follow the pattern as set, up to and including Row 158. Do not fasten off at the end of Row 158, keep Yarn A attached, switch to Yarn B then repeat Rows 13-158 as set once again to make the second 'echo' pattern.

To finish, fasten off and weave in all your ends. The original Echo Wall Hanging has edging and hanging tabs added, so if you wanted to add some edging along the 'raw' long edges of your blanket, I suggest you use Yarn A and follow Rows 1-2 of the Edging instructions. 

OK, hope you enjoy this reworking of the Echo pattern, let me know how you get on, and don't forget to have FUN with your colours!

Esme xx

New book has landed! Maximalist Mosaic Crochet is here!

Well well well, it turns out I simply cannot stop writing crochet books! I'm very excited to announce to you all that my third book has just been published! Published by the brilliant David And Charles Publishing.

                         

 

Pretty, isn't it?? It's called MAXIMALIST MOSAIC CROCHET, and it contains 16 colourful dopamine popping joyful designs for you and your home! Ditch the beige and enter a world of maximalist fun - think neon pops, bold patterns and my usual geometric obsessiveness. 

So, what will you find inside? Well, there's a wide range of gorgeous things to make - everything from throws and lampshades to bags, cushions, shawls, rugs, wall hangings and place mats, all made using the inset mosaic crochet technique. Here's a taster:

 Road to Anywhere Shawl

Blue Lotus Throw

Add It Up Cushions

Leafage Wrap

 Wordy Cushion Trio

Anni Floor Pouffe

There's a full step-by-step tutorial at the start of the book if this is a new technique for you - once you've got that down you'll be able to tackle any project.

In addition, over the next few weeks I'll be showing you how to rework some of some of these patterns, so that you're inspired enough to go your own maximalist way and embrace these designs to make them your own.

As always, thank you so much for joining me in my world of crochet.

Last but not least, many thanks to the people behind the scenes:

David And Charles Publishing for producing such a gorgeous book

Scheepjes and Wool Warehouse for their generous yarn support

My amazing testers Halyna and Nano for all their help

Esme xx