April is a big transitional month here in New England. We’re moving from Winter, through mud season and into Spring!  It can also be be a big transitional time in terms of project choice. Big projects tend to give way to ones that are smaller and more portable.

This is the perfect time of year to start work on a larger project made from smaller parts or to experiment with something small and fun.

Square motifs, like Granny squares, are the perfect vehicle to use up leftover bits of yarn from previous projects or pair them up with other square motifs to practice new stitches and pull them all together into a blanket. Here you can see my Summer Squares Blanket using Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky and 13 different square motifs from Jan Eaton’s wonderful book 200 Crochet Blocks.

For quick easy ways to join granny squares as you go check out Kathy’s favorite join here and mine here.

Motifs are also a great way to spiff up your summer jewelry selection. Choose a few motifs and a finer cotton thread yarn and make earrings or a pendant.

These motifs are from another great book by Edie Eckman: Beyond the Square.

And sometimes you just need a quirky little gift,  motifs can make great picture frames!

What’s your favorite use of motifs?

I think many of us have grand plans for holiday projects every year but often can’t decide what to make for each person on our list. As the weeks tick by, we’ll be featuring a few project ideas based on the amount of time left to create.

This week, we have some super cozy blankets. There’s nothing better than wrapping up in a blanket after a long day, and why not wrap someone you love in a cuddly blanket.

Two of our favorite knit blankets are the new Valley Yarns 498 Field, Forest, and Vine Blanket and Valley Yarns 430 Bas-Relief Blanket.

 

Valley Yarns 430 Bas-Relief Blanket is knit in Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky which makes for a super squishy blanket perfect for wrapping up in. With over 40 colors to choose from in this blend of wool and alpaca, you’re sure to fine one perfect for someone on your list.

Valley Yarns 498 Field, Forest, and Vine Blanket is a self-fringing garter stitch blanket in stripes of Valley Yarns Cold Spring. You’ll want to stay tuned to the blog for an upcoming photo tutorial on this self-fringing warmer. Valley Yarns Cold Spring is a cozy blend wool, baby alpaca, and fine acrylic.

We have two favorite crochet blankets too! Valley Yarns 328 Amethyst Brook Crocheted Afghan and Valley Yarns 494 Berry Bramble Blanket.

 

Crocheted in Valley Yarns Northfield and Valley Yarns Northfield Hand Dyed, the Amethyst Brook Crocheted Afghan is made up of crocheted hexagons that are joined together at the end, so it’s a great take-along project. You can experiment with color with this one. It would look just as great in all neutral colors.

Valley Yarns 494 Berry Bramble Blanket works up fast in Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky. The two, easy-to-memorize pattern rows are made more interesting when worked in three different colors. Your ends become part of the fringe on this one, so there’s no need to weave in ends.

Are you planning on knitting or crocheting any blankets for the holidays?