Someone asked me what inspires your designs. The answer is simple: textures, colors and eye appeal. When I design crochet blankets many things can spark an idea, but I will admit that quilting has always amazed me. I love all the small pieces, straight seams, and the eye for perfection. Log Cabin quilts are one of my favorites and inspired my latest, Mountain Lodge blanket design.
If you are not familiar with some of the history behind the Log Cabin Quilt designs and the meaning, I would love to share just a small tid bit with you. The design dates back as early 1830 in Egypt, but became popular in the 1860’s in during the Civil War. The following explains the importance of the center color square:
Early Log Cabin blocks were hand-pieced using strips of fabrics around a central square. In traditional Log Cabin blocks, one half is made of dark fabrics and the other half light. A red center symbolized the hearth of home and a yellow center represented a welcoming light in the window.
http://www.aqsblog.com/log-cabin-quilts-a-short-history
Mountain Lodge Designs Modern Twist
While I was designing the Mountain Lodge blanket, I had a few things I wanted to acheive. I’ll explain each of those below and hopefully you will get a good understanding about the design, the construction and the richness in the pattern.
The Stitches create a light fabric
I wanted the blanket to be a lighter weight design and a pattern that wouldn’t eat up a ton of yarn. My hope was to be able to grab this blanket and wrap up for a morning cup of coffee on the front porch in the spring and fall.
To acheive this, I went back and used one of my favorite stitches, the Extended Single Crochet. I have a tutorial on the stitch combination I used that you can watch to help see how easy the pattern is. The tutorial is not specific to this pattern, but shows how to work the combination of stitches. You can view the video by clicking HERE.
Deciding on Colors
Choosing your colors for a design can change the entire look of the blanket. I knew I wanted to stick with the “warmth of the home” for the center of the blanket. I was hoping for a softer look so decided on a light pink. Instead of doing all the squares a different color I stuck with the tradition of a dark and light color side but kept the light side all cream. I went with calming greens to accent the pink and kept the naeutral grey for the outline.
Choosing the square layout
In my designs I typically don’t like to do things in a traditional way. Stacking the squares directly on top of one another is lovely but I was hoping for a more modern twist. Deciding the angle the squares in a diamond shape gives the blanket an whole new look.
But, this creates a challenge with making the blanket a rectangle. I had to put my thinking cap on and design some half and quarter squares (triangles) to fill in those edges and create a nice shape to the blanket. By making these odd shaped edge pieces in a solid color really makes the actual log cabin pieces pop in the design.
A Simple Border
A simple border allows for the eyes to really focus on the design elements of the blanket. I didn’t want to loose the focus on the details in the log cabin squares so a very basic border was crocheted. This is easy to adjust the thickness as well by adding or deleting rows.
Easily adjust the size
The sample blanket was made using a light weight yarn called Mighty Stitch, I loved how this made the blanket so light weight. The final size was 35” wide X 42” high.
You can use a heavier weight yarn. However, that will effect your gauge. Gauge on a blanket does not have to match like it does while crochet garments and such. However, be aware that not meeting the gauge will alter the amount of yarn needed.
You can easily adjust the size of the blanket by adding more squares. I would love to see this design made in a full throw or bed spread size.
My Mimmo Caddy
While making the Mountain Lodge Blanket you make a lot of small pieces. This makes it an ideal project for on the go. But, you need something to tote all the pieces around with. This is why I am in love with my Mimmo Caddy. If you don’t have one your should check it out, I have a full review of why this tote is my favorite.
Where to Get the Mountian Lodge Blanket pattern
- Esty Shop – click HERE
- Ravelry Shop – click HERE
- Love Craft – click HERE
If you like this, you may also like…
- Flower Motif Blanket pattern that can be found HERE.
- Sweet Serendipity Blanket Pattern, you can find by clicking HERE.
- Chasing Arrows Blanket, crochet pattern can be found by clicking this LINK.
More Crochet Fun
Follow Sweet Potato 3 on Facebook to see more pattern releases, sales and crochet fun, just click HERE.
However, if you would enjoy a more interactive group experience, you need to join my Crochet & Conversations facebook group, click HERE. It is a ton of fun and I encourage everyone to share their projects, WIPS (works in progress) and inspirations. Plus you get exclusive deals, are the first to see new releases, give input on designs and have opportunities to win patterns. Join now and get to know others who also enjoy the art of crochet.
