Welcome to Week 2 of my ‘Picnic on the Beach’ Blanket Crochet-Along (CAL)! 🙂 It’s lovely to have you here and what a truly wonderful start to the CAL it’s been… it’s an absolute joy to see soooo many blankets being made all around the world! 🙂
The sharing of progress photos in the Facebook Group and over on Instagram has been just brilliant. And so many of you have been helping each other out and pointing people in the right direction when questions have been asked… thank you all so much! 🙂
I’ve recorded a little introduction video for this week… and you’ll see that I’m back on the beach… enjoy! 🙂
We really did have the loveliest spring like picnic weather here on the south east coast of England to coincide with the start of the CAL last week and the spring flowers are emerging… the daffodils have to be one of my favourites!
Since I recorded the video, spring seems to have left us again for a little while… but of course the coast is beautiful anytime of year and this photo was taken yesterday evening…
This weeks crochet is all about the beach! The place that we choose for our picnics… where is your favourite picnic spot? As we crochet these rows of waves with varying stitch heights, we’re reminded of the beautiful sea. A sea to look at whilst we tuck into our picnic foods, a sea to dip our toes into, or even a sea to go in for a full swim! 🙂
A poplar picnic spot not far from us is by the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. This photo is a classic view of these famous cliffs…
Before we get started, here is a round up of your blankets shared on social media this week! 😍 This ‘Thursday Round-up’ has become a tradition in my annual crochet-alongs. Each week I create two collages – a round-up of 9 photos shared on Instagram using the hashtags #picniconthebeachcal and #picniconthebeachblanket and then a round-up of 9 photos shared in the Facebook group ‘Coastal Crochet’!
It’s always soooo hard to choose the photos… I genuinely love them all! And whilst I can’t comment on every photo shared (I’d never put my phone down if I did!), I regularly scroll through the photos so I do see them all! 😍 Thank you so much for sharing your photos… it’s the sharing that really adds to the CAL atmosphere…
Isn’t it wonderful to see them all together. And I was also very pleasantly surprised to see that I got a mention in the new issue of Crochet Now magazine which came out last week… yay! Usually I’m aware if I’m going to get a mention in a magazine but this was a complete surprise! 🙂
And finally, I just wanted to let you know that I’m doing a giveaway over on Instagram with a chance to win this little bundle… do head on over if you’re on Instagram, or if not, maybe you know someone else who is and they can enter on your behalf…
So here we go with our beach inspired rows. This week you’ll be pleased to hear there are MUCH fewer ends to weave in and the wave rows give us pretty easy and mindful crochet once you get into the swing of them. So a different feel from last week as we settle into our picnics!
I have done video tutorials and the links are below…
For those of you who have purchased the pattern on Ravelry it has now been updated to include Week 2:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/picnic-on-the-beach-blanket
Pattern in UK Crochet Terminology. US Terms are at the end of this blog post. See Week 1 for abbreviations.
Week 2 – The Beach
For a picnic on the beach, we need a beach and of course some beautiful sea views. Calm seas and sparkling waters, perfect for watching and hearing the gentle waves roll in and maybe you’ll even take a dip in the sea!
4 colours are used: Yarns A, D, F and G.
Round 1 With the right side (RS) facing, join Yarn A to any corner ch-sp, 3ch, (1tr, 2ch, 2tr) in same corner ch-sp, 1tr in each st to end of side (pay attention to crochet into the final st which is a htr and not as clear to see), *(2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in corner ch-sp, 1tr in each st to end of side, repeat from * two times, ss to top of first 3 ch, turn. [68 sts on each side with 4 x corner 2-ch-sps]
Round 2 (WS) 3ch, *1tr in each st to end of side, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in corner ch-sp, repeat from * three times, 1tr in final st, ss to top of first 3 ch, fasten off. [72 sts on each side with 4 x corner 2-ch-sps]
The central square of the blanket is now complete. Panels will now be added to this central square starting with side panels to both side edges of the blanket worked in rows.
And I’ve created this video tutorial to accompany the ‘wave’ rows…
Side Panels
On Rows 1 – 16 do not cut the yarn when changing colour, it can be brought up the side and re-joined when next needed.
With RS of blanket facing and the square held sideways ready to crochet along one of the sides, join Yarn D to right corner ch-sp.
Row 1 (RS) 3ch (counts as first tr here and throughout), 1tr in each st across to next corner ch-sp, 1tr in corner ch-sp, turn. [74 sts]
Row 2 (WS) 1ch (does not count as stitch so the first st to crochet into will be the very first st), 1dc in each of next 4 sts, * 1htr in next st, 1tr in each of next 4 sts, 1htr in next st, 1dc in each of next 4 sts, repeat from * 6 times, join with Yarn F at end of final st (the final st is the top of the 3 ch made in Row 1), turn. [74 sts]
Row 3 (RS) 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr in back loop only of each of next 3 sts, * 1htr in back loop only of next st, 1dc in back loop only of each of next 4 sts, 1htr in back loop only of next st, 1tr in back loop only of each of next 4 sts, repeat from * 6 times, turn.
Row 4 (WS) Repeat Row 3 but crochet into sts as normal and not into the back loops, join with Yarn G at end of final st, turn. [74 sts]
Row 5 (RS) 1ch (does not count as stitch so the first st to crochet into will be the very first st ), 1dc in back loop only of each of next 4 sts, * 1htr in back loop only of next st, 1tr in back loop only of each of next 4 sts, 1htr in back loop only of next st, 1dc in back loop only each of next 4 sts, repeat from * 6 times (the very final st of the row is worked into the top of the 3 ch going under 2 strands as normal), turn.
Row 6 (WS) Repeat Row 5 but crochet into sts as normal and not into the back loops, re-join Yarn D at end of final st, turn. [74 sts]
Rows 7 – 8 Repeat Rows 3 – 4 using Yarn D.
Rows 9 – 10 Repeat Rows 5 – 6 using Yarn F.
Rows 11 – 12 Repeat Rows 3 – 4 using Yarn G.
Rows 13 – 14 Repeat Rows 5 – 6 using Yarn D, join with Yarn F at the end of Row 14.
Row 15 (RS) Repeat Row 3 using Yarn F.
Row 16 Continue with Yarn F, 1ch (does not count as stitch), 1dc in each st to end, join with Yarn A at end of final st, turn.
Row 17 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr in each st to end, turn.
Row 18 3ch, 1tr in each st to end, fasten off and weave in ends. [74 sts]
Repeat Rows 1 – 18 on opposite side of blanket.
Top and Bottom Panels
The start of the top and bottom panels will now be crocheted. With RS of blanket facing and held upright (so the wave rows are to the sides of the blanket and you’re ready to crochet along the side edge of the wave rows), join Yarn A to the outer right corner around the post of the first st to side of Row 18 from the wave rows.
And here’s a video tutorial for this part…
The first 25 sts of this next row are worked into the sides of the rows, around the posts of the sts at the end of the rows.
Row 1 (RS) 3ch (counts as first tr here and throughout), 1tr into same place, 2tr into side of next row, 1tr into side of next row, 2tr into side of next row, 1tr into side of each of next 2 rows, (2tr into side of next row 1tr into side of each of next 3 rows) twice, 2tr into side of next row, 1tr into side of each of next 2 rows, 2tr into side of next row, 1tr into corner ch-sp from Round 2 made at start of Week 2, 1tr in each st across to next corner ch-sp, 1tr in corner ch-sp, 2tr into side of next row, 1tr into side of each of next 2 rows, (2tr into side of next row, 1tr into side of each of next 3 rows) twice, 2tr into side of next row, 1tr into side of each of next 2 rows, 2tr into side of next row, 1tr into side of next row, 2tr into side of each of next 2 rows, turn. [124 sts]
Row 2 (WS) 3ch, 1tr in each st to end, join with Yarn F at end of final st ready to carry on in Week 3, turn.
Repeat Rows 1 – 2 on opposite side of blanket.
And that’s it… Next week it’s all about the picnic food so do think about your picnic favourites… I’d love to hear about them!
In the meantime, Happy Crocheting Everyone! 🙂 🙂
Pattern in US Crochet Terminology
See Week 1 for abbreviations.
Round 1 With the right side (RS) facing, join Yarn A to any corner ch-sp, 3ch, (1dc, 2ch, 2dc) in same corner ch-sp, 1dc in each st to end of side (pay attention to crochet into the final st which is a hdc and not as clear to see), *(2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in corner ch-sp, 1dc in each st to end of side, repeat from * two times, sl st to top of first 3 ch, turn. [68 sts on each side with 4 x corner 2-ch-sps]
Round 2 (WS) 3ch, *1dc in each st to end of side, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in corner ch-sp, repeat from * three times, 1dc in final st, sl st to top of first 3 ch, fasten off. [72 sts on each side with 4 x corner 2-ch-sps]
The central square of the blanket is now complete. Panels will now be added to this central square starting with side panels to both side edges of the blanket worked in rows.
Side Panels
On Rows 1 – 16 do not cut the yarn when changing colour, it can be brought up the side and re-joined when next needed.
With RS of blanket facing and the square held sideways ready to crochet along one of the sides, join Yarn D to right corner ch-sp.
Row 1 (RS) 3ch (counts as first dc here and throughout), 1dc in each st across to next corner ch-sp, 1dc in corner ch-sp, turn. [74 sts]
Row 2 (WS) 1ch (does not count as stitch so the first st to crochet into will be the very first st), 1sc in each of next 4 sts, * 1hdc in next st, 1dc in each of next 4 sts, 1hdc in next st, 1sc in each of next 4 sts, repeat from * 6 times, join with Yarn F at end of final st (the final st is the top of the 3 ch made in Row 1), turn. [74 sts]
Row 3 (RS) 3ch (counts as first dc), 1dc in back loop only of each of next 3 sts, * 1hdc in back loop only of next st, 1sc in back loop only of each of next 4 sts, 1hdc in back loop only of next st, 1dc in back loop onlyof each of next 4 sts, repeat from * 6 times, turn.
Row 4 (WS) Repeat Row 3 but crochet into sts as normal and not into the back loops, join with Yarn G at end of final st, turn. [74 sts]
Row 5 (RS) 1ch (does not count as stitch so the first st to crochet into will be the very first st ), 1sc in back loop only of each of next 4 sts, * 1hdc in back loop only of next st, 1dc in back loop only of each of next 4 sts, 1hdc in back loop only of next st, 1sc in back loop only each of next 4 sts, repeat from * 6 times (the very final st of the row is worked into the top of the 3 ch going under 2 strands as normal), turn.
Row 6 (WS) Repeat Row 5 but crochet into sts as normal and not into the back loops, re-join Yarn D at end of final st, turn. [74 sts]
Rows 7 – 8 Repeat Rows 3 – 4 using Yarn D.
Rows 9 – 10 Repeat Rows 5 – 6 using Yarn F.
Rows 11 – 12 Repeat Rows 3 – 4 using Yarn G.
Rows 13 – 14 Repeat Rows 5 – 6 using Yarn D, join with Yarn F at the end of Row 14.
Row 15 (RS) Repeat Row 3 using Yarn F.
Row 16 Continue with Yarn F, 1ch (does not count as stitch), 1sc in each st to end, join with Yarn A at end of final st, turn.
Rows 17 3ch (counts as first dc), 1dc in each st to end, turn.
Row 18 3ch, 1dc in each st to end, fasten off and weave in ends. [74 sts]
Repeat Rows 1 – 18 on opposite side of blanket.
Top and Bottom Panels
The start of the top and bottom panels will now be crocheted. With RS of blanket facing and held upright (so the wave rows are to the sides of the blanket and you’re ready to crochet along the side edge of the wave rows), join Yarn A to the outer right corner around the post of the first st to side of Row 18 from the wave rows.
The first 25 sts of this next row are worked into the sides of the rows, around the posts of the sts at the end of the rows.
Row 1 (RS) 3ch (counts as first dc here and throughout), 1dc into same place, 2dc into side of next row, 1dc into side of next row, 2dc into side of next row, 1dc into side of each of next 2 rows, (2dc into side of next row 1dc into side of each of next 3 rows) twice, 2dc into side of next row, 1dc into side of each of next 2 rows, 2dc into side of next row, 1dc into corner ch-sp from Round 2 made at start of Week 2, 1dc in each st across to next corner ch-sp, 1dc in corner ch-sp, 2dc into side of next row, 1dc into side of each of next 2 rows, (2dc into side of next row, 1dc into side of each of next 3 rows) twice, 2dc into side of next row, 1dc into side of each of next 2 rows, 2dc into side of next row, 1dc into side of next row, 2dc into side of each of next 2 rows, turn. [124 sts]
Row 2 (WS) 3ch, 1dc in each st to end, join with Yarn F at end of final st ready to carry on in Week 3, turn.
Repeat Rows 1 – 2 on opposite side of blanket.
I so appreciate the incredible work you do presenting your CALs and patterns. You are very special and very appreciated. ( even though I am delaying my start iuntil our weather cools enough to cope with blanket making )
Awww… thank you Judy! I appreciate your kind words… that encourages me! 🥰💙💙
Hi. I still have my basket stitch to do before I start this week but am so excited to see what is to come. You are so good at explaining everything and the videos have enabled me to do a project that just ten days ago I wasn’t even going to attempt. Roll on 5.30 when I can get home from work and carry on. Thank you.
That’s wonderful to hear Sarah! So happy you’re enjoying it… 🥰💙💙
Thank you so much. I am loving this project and have learnt so much already. X
That’s great to hear Jo! 😄💙
I am further behind Jo, but am enjoying doing this project. I am glad that I did your tutorial on tunisian crochet at Made and Making virtual crochet day last autumn. Thank you so much for your hard work in designing this blanket. x
Hi Eleonora. I still have three and a half rows of basketweave stitch to do then will post a pic. I lost the first three days and only managed a small amount on the fourth day due to not being very well. I have enjoyed it so far although I did find the Tunisian Entrelac very time consuming but it is so appropriate for a picnic blanket. Thank you so so much for all the hard work you put into everything you do. Yours must be the best CALs in the world!! It is really appreciated, the detail and effort you put into your tutorials and instructions. You make everything possible for everyone. Thank you x
Thank you so much…. I look forward to seeing your progress photo Marilyn! 🙂💙💙
Thank you so much for this latest beautiful blanket which I’m really enjoying making. I haven’t done Tunisian crochet before or the corner to corner technique and found them both quite straightforward with the help of your videos.
Thank you for all the time and effort you have put in, it’s really appreciated.
You’re very welcome! 😄💙
Another fun CAL together, thank you Eleonora!!! The music your son wrote and performed for Coastal Crochet is absolutely brilliant!!! Perfectly done Morgan😉
Hi Eleonora. I finished week 2 a lot quicker but was able to start on Friday this time and this week’s was quicker without the Tunisian Entrelac. I decided it might be a bit much with all my other WsIP for me to attempt two colourways so I will keep the autumn kit for a later date. Something to look forward to another time! Loving it so far. Your blankets are a work of art and with all the different designs, lovely colours and variety of stitches, they are never boring. Time seems to fly by when working on crochet, it is so addictive. I am always thinking “I will just try and reach this point etc etc…….. 🙂
Hiya I am absolutely loving this project thank you.
I have bought and downloaded the pattern however I can’t see where to find the pictures of the step by step
Stitches like is shown above, I’m worried just in case they will disappear off this page. I guess I’m looking for reassurance that these pictures will stay on here. Thanks Karen xx
Hi Karen… so happy you’re enjoying it! I haven’t included all the photos in the PDF pattern because the documents get so large if I do! Rest assured all these photos will remain here on my website… 🥰🥰
Enjoying this one this is my first live CAL so now waiting for the next part rather than just moving on is a new experience. Thank you for setting this one up
You’re very welcome! Happy you’re enjoying it… 🥰💙
Haven’t finished week 2 yet but I’m so happy with what I have done. It is all mostly new to me. I love doing it.
I’m really happy you’re enjoying your crochet Phyllis… 💙💙