Realised and Expected



I've been waiting to see this sight for quite some time, but before I get into that, I want to say this.

Thank you kind, darling people for your wonderful response to my new wrap and mitts pattern.  Really, you've been fabulous about it and I'm so thrilled with the response it's had.  Thank you so, so much.

But, that is not all.  A double thank you is required today.  Not only have you been sweet, dear things about my pattern, for which I am so grateful.  You have also come, armed with knitting, crochet and sewing, to chat and be merry with me in my little cozy Ravelry Group!  Really, you've been so friendly, supportive and generally all round super duper about it that I'm quite beside myself with excitement and am positively overflowing with the warm fuzzies inside.

Thank you!

I hope you'll forgive me the gushiness but it just had to be said and now that it has, I'll move on to the matter of blankets and patterns.


For the longest time now I have been searching, in books, on Pinterest, on Ravelry and around and about blogland for a certain pattern.  Have you seen those wonderful clamshell quilts on your travels?  Beautiful aren't they?  Well, that is what I wanted.  Well, a crochet version of it at any rate.  Of course, I couldn't find it anywhere and somewhere along the long search it began to occur to me that maybe I could devise some sort of pattern that would do the job.


So, in that speedy way of mine, after several more months pondering the idea and methods I might use, I sat and had a tinker with hooks and yarn.  Several attempts and a pleasurably spent afternoon later and the image in my head had been realised and I had a pattern I was happy with.  Bingo!

And, better still, I had the perfect project to test rookie idea out on, a blanket for a new bubba to be, expected early this summer.  Last time I made a little blanket for an expected new arrival, I used a lovely cotton yarn and as I enjoyed working with it and the colours so much, I hurried out and brought some more.  So, I had the pattern, I had the yarn, there was no stopping me.


 I kept things nice and simple for the border and just did a variation on the usual shell pattern for a nice wavy edging.  Sometimes simple is as good as anything.

I'm pretty pleased with this baby sized blankie.  The clamshells of the pattern have just the right amount of curviness on top and a nicely sufficient amount of pointiness on the bottom to make my insides sing.  The colours are bright and happy and perfect for a summer time girl, as this new baby will be.  The yarn was a pleasure to work with, as before.  Yes, all in all, this was a very joyful little thing to work on.

I just hope the parents to be will agree.


But, I know you.  You want more don't you?  I know I would.  You want some blanket related facts, I'll bet.  Well, don't worry, here they come!


The devil is in the details...

Yarn 
James Brett Kool Kotton (Now known as Cotton On)
I also used one ball of Sirdar Calico, as below:

Colours
1.  Tomato (KK11)
2.  Sirdar Calico - Panama Pink (730)
3.  Putty (KK9)
4.  Pale Denim (KK3)
5.  Coral (KK7)
6.  Olive (KK12)
7.  Turquoise (KK8)
8.  Soft Purple (KK2)
9.  Pale Pink (KK1)
10.  Mint (KK6)

Border Colour: (Not shown in this picture)
Pale Mauve (KK10)

Size: 70 x 96cm (28 x 38")

Hooks: 4mm (USA G) - 4.5mm of starting chain

Yardage: 1260 yards in total (I had one ball of each colour and had a little left of each when I finished.)

And last but not least the patterns...

UPDATE: 12th July 2019

I'm glad to say that the Clamshell Blanket Pattern is now available!  
You can find out all the details here:




Clamshell Stitch Pattern Only

There is also a free tutorial for the just the stitch pattern, which you can find here:



S x




UPDATE 17th April 2013:  Just to clarify, Kool Kotton and Cotton On is made by James Brett, not King Cole as I originally posted.  I've updated the information in the post now.  (Sorry!)


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Comments

  1. This is so pretty. The colors flow so well....thank you for the details. ;-)

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  2. So toll deine Decke,ich werde sie mir als to do mit nehmen.Danke fĂ¼r die Inspiration.
    Lg Heike

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  3. Wonderful! All that colours, wow!! A lot of work.
    Greetngs, Corine

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  4. Can't wait to see the pattern. I'm making a colorful cotton baby blanket for a new great niece/nephew right now. This clamshell pattern might just be the next blanket I make... :)

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  5. Oh my gosh..I wont be able to sleep until the pattern is released..Its gorgeous!

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  6. Very cute! I'm excited to be a part of your Ravelry group! Blessings!

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  7. It's beautiful such pretty colours, can't wait for the pattern :)

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  8. Love this blanket, gorgeous colours! Can't wait for the pattern so I can have a try at this stitch. Thanks very much, Rowen@Coastal Colours x

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  9. Oh, Sandra it is gorgeous and I have a vintage clam shell afghan from my great-grandmother and have been wondering about a pattern and making one!! So I can't wait for your pattern!! Wishing you a beautiful week! xo Heather

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  10. A perfect blanket that will be much loved. I have been a bit gushy on my blog today, it must be the little bit of sunshine!

    http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/such-joy.html

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  11. Thats gorgeous! I am thinking that I need to stop working so that I can crochet and craft all day long. Real life seems to get in the way of all the lovely projects I could do :)

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  12. Perfect blanket can't wait for a tutorial x

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  13. Hi Sandra, I just love your clam shell pattern, you are such a clever crocheter to come up with that yourself!! Very green over here! :) Gorgeous!! Julie x

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  14. I am so curious!!! Cant wait... I love this blanket!!! Ana BC

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  15. So beautiful, I love it and await the pattern. Many thanks for your talent!!!! : )
    xoRobin

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  16. Oh I'm just in awe at your cleverness! It takes me many attempts (and don't you dare look for my mistakes either! *lol!*) to get patterns right! But I'm being gentle with myself as I never really had proper instruction and gave up crocheting anything for nearly 25 yrs!
    I just love this clam shell design! Like you, I've seen many of my favorite bloggers make these blankets and I wouldn't even begin to try to figure out how!
    Well Done Sandra!

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  17. Your clamshell pattern is wonderful! I've been looking for a pattern to make a throw and this fits the bill perfectly.

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  18. Can't wait to make this!!! This is beautiful!!!

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  19. Love Love its gorgeous cant wait for the pattern

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  20. I love this pattern. And it is so pretty in the colors you chose. I'll have to give it a try when you offer up the pattern. Thanks!

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  21. so so lovely!!! well done Sandra!!!
    xoxo Ale

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  22. So gorgeous, you are very clever!! Wendy xx

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  23. Oh my, what a beautiful blanket! The pattern is lovely and I'm excited to see what you have in store soon.

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  24. Hmm I'm not sure if my previous comment worked, but gist was loved the blanket, love king cole yarn, love the colours and can't wait for the pattern lol. :)

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  25. Of that blanket is BEAUTIFUL! Eagerly anticipating the pattern - it'll be perfect for my new little baby girl :)

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  26. That Clamshell pattern is just lovely and I love the softer colours you have chosen. So beautifully worked up too with a pretty rounded border too!

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  27. This is absolutely beautiful, such a sweet pattern! :-) xxxx

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  28. Your blanket is just soo lovely !!
    I have joined now your Raverly group although I'm only starting to use more Raverly now and still have to figure out a thing or two . . . :-)
    I always love the colors you use and your creations. I wish I could get lovely pictures like yours too . . .
    Looking forward to the clamshell pattern !!
    Take Care,
    xEva

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  29. Beautiful.....just so very beautiful. A burst of colour along with a really pretty design. What more could you ask for in a blanket! Your posts are always so colourful and inspiring and make me leave with a big happy smile on my face......which is fab today as the weather is wet and dark! Have a beautiful day my lovely xxx

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  30. I love this blanchet, is amazing!!!
    www.queliodehilo.wordpress.com

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  31. Wow, this is gorgeous Sandra - I'm sure the expectant parents and the new arrival will be delighted with such a gorgeous present xx

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  32. What a beautiful pattern! Thanks for sharing.

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  33. It's soooo gorgious.

    I love that protject very very match.


    greatings send you Conny

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  34. Oh my god just drooling at this, gorgeous pattern, can't wait. You are so clever!

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  35. Gorgeous Blanket. Congratulations on finishing it. Best wishes, Pj x

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  36. *sigh* This one is soooo beautiful, wish I had a baby to make it for.... You did a wonderful job converting the design into crochet!

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  37. Love it! I'll (impatiently) await you post on the pattern :). What size is it? I have always struggled with making it either a tad too small or simply too bulky for a babe.
    Www.hookyhookycrochet.blogspot.com

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  38. Ok, sorry I see the size up there now... Oops :s

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  39. Sandra I love the clamshell patchwork pattern but this is amazing! Your throw looks wonderful, and I love the restrained palette.

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  40. This is beautiful and love the colors. You are so very talented and inspirational! Thanks for sharing!

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  41. What a lovely design made up in lovely colours.

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  42. Such a lovely blanket! The colours are just perfect!

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  43. Love love love it!! The clamshell pattern is fab-u-lous ... stripy but not stripy ... and beautiful choice of colours as always.


    Can I also just say (in a teeny, tiny little voice) I think the Kool Kotton is James Brett and not King Cole?

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  44. I LOVE this blanket! I hope you will share this pattern as I would love to make one! Beautiful! ~Hugs, Patti

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  45. You clever, clever lady designing a pattern and making such a beautiful blanket.
    Anne xx

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  46. Since coming across your blog I have been inspired to teach myself crochet, there has been rolling of eyes as for a while my teenagers would find me every spare moment glued to youtube tutorials. I am now making a cushion using your rosie posie granny square pattern and loving my new hobby. I have never commented on a blog before but wanted to thank you for sharing the beautiful things you create. Jackie.

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  47. You are such a talented lady, I love your blanket and waiting in anticipation for the pattern. I'm off to check out your Ravelry group now. Deb x

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  48. This is gorgeous. I love it. Beautiful yarn too

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  49. Preciosa la manta, me encanta. Tendré que intentar hacerla. Gracias.

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