10 YEARS of Coastal Crochet! 💙💫

Eleonora from Coastal Crochet

10 months ago

Happy anniversary Coastal Crochet! 🤩 Wow! 💫

Ten years of sharing my crochet with so many of you all around the world and what an amazing crochet adventure it’s been so far…💙

To celebrate this milestone, here’s a full and colourful blog post for you all, looking back over the last 10 years and also looking forwards.

There are a few FREE patterns for you to enjoy (the ones that previously got away and the ones I never got round to releasing after magazine publications 😅) and there are some previously unseen photos too.

It’s a feast of crochet fit for a 10 year birthday! 😃 So why not get yourself a drink, make sure you’re sitting comfortably… and enjoy!

My very first blog post was published on 3rd June, 2015. I was already crocheting and creating, I’ve always been a creative person, but this was my very first time sharing it with others online.

Within that very first blog post I wrote this…

“Who knows where this journey will take me? I’ve set up this Blog to share that journey with anyone who’s interested…”

I really love that… looking back over these last 10 years, I can honestly say it’s been the most wonderful of crochet journey’s that I’m so incredibly grateful for.

When I wrote those words 10 years ago I could never have imagined that so many people would be interested in my crochet and that my crochet designs would be made by many thousands of people from all over the world! I was simply grateful for a handful of fellow Crocheter’s being interested at that time.

So that’s the first thing that really needs celebrating when thinking back over the last 10 years of Coastal Crochet… it’s all of YOU! 🥰 💙

All the wonderful people who have been interested, followed along, been supportive, spread the word, left kind and encouraging comments, come to one of my workshops, said hello at a yarn festival or have simply made one of my crochet designs… It’s these connections that have kept me motivated and kept my passion for crochet fuelled to enable me to keep on doing what I do!

So THANK YOU all… 🥰

The crochet-alongs (CALs) I’ve designed and hosted over the years have been the most incredible way to bring people together from all over the world.

Friendships have formed across the miles during these CALs, which have lasted far beyond the final stitches of a blanket, and they are an absolute highlight of the last 10 years… they are certainly one of my very favourite things to come out of Coastal Crochet!

There have been 15 crochet-alongs (CALs) in total, mostly blankets but I have also hosted CALs for scarves and coasters. Some I’ve hosted myself here on my blog, some have been for magazines and other small businesses and of course I’ve had a wonderful time working with the team at yarn company King Cole to bring 5 of their CALs to life…

The patterns for all these are still available, many free here on my blog or on the King Cole website so do enjoy them!

Seaside Stash Busting, Changing Tides, Beachcombing Blanket, Coastal Crochet Coasters.

Picnic on the Beach, Picnic by the River, Tropical Shores, Winter Walk Scarf.

Postcards with Love, Down by the Sea, Golden Moments, Rooms with a View.

Mushroom Walk Scarf, Woodland Wonders, Pura Vida, Festival Fever.

The next CAL will be ‘Festival Fever’ starting on 20th June!

And looking ahead there will, of course, be more… I have so many ideas for different themes. I just need a few more hours in the day to bring them all to life! But the plan is that they do all eventually emerge…

Of course I can’t possibly not mention our sweet little Salty when looking back over these last 10 years! For those of you who have followed along for a while you will remember our gorgeous four legged friend who featured so often by my side when sharing photos and designs of all things Coastal Crochet from the very beginning… ❤️

Salty was a Miniature Schnauzer who was part of our family for nearly 12 years. We sadly lost her to cancer in 2023.

I honestly don’t believe Coastal Crochet would have been the success it is without her… Salty captured the heart of so many with her cheeky, photogenic face and somehow she got me noticed! Quite often, it was Salty getting recognised and being spotted out and about, long before me…😃

She was our little star…💙

Having Salty model for Simply Crochet Magazine back in 2020 was very special indeed! She even made it to the front cover…

We miss Salty of course, but I am so very happy that we had her and that she was such a big part of Coastal Crochet’s story, touching so many people around the world…

My CALs were often announced with a photo of Salty beside some yarn…

And here’s my first celebratory FREE PATTERN for you to celebrate this 10 year anniversary. It’s a pattern I designed with Salty in mind, way back in 2017…

It was for a dog collar cover, a jam jar cover and a little bracelet all using the same stitch pattern.

It’s a simple double crochet (US single crochet) stitch pattern with use of colours within the bobbles that I named ‘Rosebuds or Golden Studs’. The pattern was basic and I never shared it although the bobbles themselves went on to feature in some of my other designs. My Picnic on the Beach Blanket had the berry bobbles based on those rosebud bobbles and I created a YouTube Tutorial for that too.

But here for the very first time is the original concept pattern… simple but effective and I particularly like the jam jar covers – I use the jars to store my crochet hooks in… enjoy!

CLICK on the Download button for the FREE pattern:

Rosebuds or Golden Studs FREE crochet pattern – click here for the PDF pattern.Download

And here is the YouTube tutorial for the bobbles used in Picnic on the Beach… this is also a great opportunity to showcase the music that my eldest son Morgan composed for me… 🎶

Yes, Coastal Crochet has been very fortunate to get it’s own theme tune thanks to Morgan, which is fabulous!

There have been lots of other blanket designs over the last ten years which weren’t hosted as CALs but as stand alone patterns. I have adored these, especially my Late Summer Sunsets, Causeway Coast, Coastal Calm and Beachside Blooms Blankets…

I’ve also gained experience and confidence in designing garments and a huge highlight was when my Sea Breeze Tee made it to the front cover of Inside Crochet Magazine in 2023…

Crocheting my daughter’s prom dress in 2022 was wonderful too! Especially as it was crocheting a dress for her back in 2014 that kickstarted my passion for crochet and led to me creating Coastal Crochet…

My work with magazines has been a fabulous part of Coastal Crochet’s story. I remember in 2017 getting my first published design in Simply Crochet Magazine and it was such a dream come true for me at the time…

It was a diamond bag which featured in a supplement…

And soon after was my Tunisian crochet and cross stitch cushion…

I’ve gone on to have several designs published in Simply Crochet and Inside Crochet magazines. And having my Pura Vida CAL in Crochet Now magazine last year was wonderful…

Time for another couple of FREE patterns for you! When I have a design published in a magazine, after 4 -6 months the pattern rights return to me, the designer. But I’m not always very good at getting them out there myself. So here are two previous magazine designs I’ve not shared…

My Fringed Scarf and Japandi Jar Covers… enjoy!!

Japandi Jar Covers

Originally published in Simply Crochet Magazine (issue 111) in June 2021, these practical and pretty, simple jar covers bring a touch of elegance and style to your storage needs!

Materials

Rico Essentials Organic Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/90m), Yarn A 1 ball Olive (014), Yarn B 1 ball Cream (002), Yarn C 1 ball Grey (019). Any Aran weight smooth yarn will work well.
A 4.0mm (US G/6) hook or hook size that is appropriate for your tension and chosen yarns.
Three large jars measuring approximately 10cm (4in) in height and 32 cm (12.5in) circumference.
Yarn needle and scissors.

Tension is not critical for this project.

Measurements

Each cover is designed to wrap around a large jar measuring 10cm (4in) in height and 32cm (12.5in) in circumference. The covers are crocheted to smaller dimensions so that they can be gently stretched and eased around the jar for a snug fit.

Pattern Notes

Each jar cover is constructed differently. Jar covers 1 and 2 are crocheted in rows to create a long flat rectangular shape that is joined into a round tube to be slipped over the jar. Jar cover 2 is made with three crocheted motifs joined at the sides to create the round tube to be slipped over the jar.

Abbreviations in UK crochet terminology:
ch: chain, dc: double crochet (US single crochet), dtr: double treble (US treble), dtr2tog: double treble two stitches together, RS: right side, Sl st: slip stitch, st(s): stitch(es), tr: treble (US double crochet), WS: wrong side.

To Work

Jar 1

Using Yarn A make 24ch.

Row 1 1dtr in fifth ch from hook (missed 4 ch counts as first st), 1dtr in next ch, *ch3, skip 3 ch, 1dtr in each of next 3 ch, repeat from * two times, turn. [12 sts with 3 x 3-ch-sps]

Row 2 Ch1 (counts as first dc – you my want to put a stitch marker in this ch making it easier to recognise as a stitch on subsequent row), 1dc in each of next 2 sts, *ch3, skip 3 ch, 1dc in each of next 3 sts, repeat from * two times, turn. [12 sts with 3 x 3-ch-sps]

Row 3 Repeat Row 2.

Row 4 Ch4 (counts as first dtr),1dtr in each of next 2 sts, *ch3, skip 3 ch, 1dtr in each of next 3 sts, repeat from * two times, turn. [12 sts with 3 x 3-ch-sps]

Rows 5 – 28 Repeat rows 2 – 4 eight times.

Row 29 Repeat Row 2.

To Make Up

Fold work in half so first and last rows meet. Join the next row to Row 1 so a tube is formed by working sts through both layers as indicated.

Row 30 (WS) Ch1 (does not count as st), 1dc in each of next 3 sts going through both the next st and the remaining loop from foundation ch, *ch3, skip 3 ch, dc in each of next 3 sts going though both layers, repeat from * two times, fasten off and weave in ends. Turn work inside out so RS is facing outwards and slip over jar.

Jar 2

Make three motifs to be joined

Using Yarn B ch12, sl st to first ch to join into a ring.

Round 1 Ch3 (counts as first tr), 23tr into ring, sl st to top of first 3 ch to join. [24 sts]

Round 2 Ch6 (counts as 1 tr and 3 ch), skip next st, (1tr in next st, ch3, skip next st) 11 times, sl st to third ch of beginning 6 ch. [12 sts and 12 x 3-ch-sps]

Round 3 Sl st into next ch-sp, ch1 (does not count as st), 3dc in same ch-sp, ch1, skip next st, (3dc in next ch-sp, ch1, skip next st) 11 times, sl st to first st. [36 sts and 12 x 1-ch-sps]

Round 4 Ch4, skip 2 sts, dc in next ch-sp, ch4, skip 3 sts, dc in next ch-sp, ch8, skip 3 sts, dc in next ch-sp, *(ch4, skip 3 sts, dc in next ch-sp) two times, ch8, skip 3 sts, dc in next ch-sp, repeat from * two times. [8 x 4 ch-sps and 4 x 8-ch-sps]

Round 5 Ch1 (does not count as st), *(5dc into next ch-sp, skip next st) two times, (5dc, ch2, 5dc) in next ch-sp, repeat from * three times, sl st to first st, fasten off. [8 x 4 ch-sps and 4 x 8-ch-sps]

To Make Up

The motifs are joined along the side edges. With RS together join Yarn B to outer right st and work 1dc though both layers, continue with dc in each st and the corresponding st on motif to be joined to end. When all three motifs have been joined turn the work so the RS is facing outwards and slip over jar.

Top and Bottom Edging

With RS facing join Yarn B to st on right side of any motif, ch1, *sl st in each st across motif, sl st into each of the next 2 corner ch-sps, repeat from * two times, sl st to first ch, fasten off and weave in all ends. [66 sts]

Jar 3

Using Yarn C ch24.

Row 1 (RS) (Dtr, ch3, dtr) in sixth ch from hook, *dtr2tog (insert hook into next ch for first part, skip 3 ch, insert hook into next ch for second part), ch3, dtr in same ch as second part of the dtr2tog, repeat from * two times, dtr2tog (insert hook into next ch for first part, skip 1 ch, insert hook into next ch for second part), turn. [9 sts with 4 x 3-ch-sps]

Row 2 (WS) Ch5 (counts as 1 dtr and 1 ch), dtr into first st at base of 5 ch, *dtr2tog (insert hook into next st for first part, skip 3 ch, insert hook into next st for second part)**, ch3, dtr in same st as second part of the dtr2tog, repeat from * three times ending final repeat at **, ch1, dtr in same st as second part of the dtr2tog, turn.

Row 3 Ch4, skip 1 ch, dtr in next st, ch3, dtr in same st, *dtr2tog (insert hook into next st for first part, skip 3 ch, insert hook into next st for second part), ch3, dtr in same st as second part of the dtr2tog, repeat from * two times, dtr2tog (insert hook into next st for first part, skip 1 ch, insert hook into next ch for second part), turn.

Rows 4 – 15 Repeat rows 2 – 3 six times.

To Make Up

Fold work in half with RS together and first and last rows meet. Join the next row to Row 1 so a tube is formed by working sts through both layers as indicated.

Row 16 (WS) Ch1 (does not count as st), sl st in first st and ch-sp going through both layers, *ch3, sl st in next ch-sp going though both layers, repeat from * to end, fasten off and weave in ends. Turn work inside out so RS is facing outwards and slip over jar.

Fringe Scarf

Originally published in issue 105 of ‘Simply Crochet’ magazine, this fringed long scarf is a simple and quick scarf design with plenty of movement! By choosing a beautiful variegated yarn together with a complementary solid colour for the tassels, it’s the colours that do the talking!

You Will Need

Blue colourway: Yarn A: Stylecraft ‘Batik Elements’ DK (80% Premium Acrylic, 20% Wool, 50g/138m) 3 balls in Krypton (1933), Yarn B: Stylecraft ‘Classique’ Cotton 4 ply (100% Cotton, 50g/182m) 1 ball in Greek Blue (3095).
Pink colourway: Yarn A: Stylecraft ‘Batik Elements’ DK (80% Premium Acrylic, 20% Wool, 50g/138m) 3 balls in Copper (1934), Yarn B: Stylecraft ‘Classique’ Cotton 4 ply (100% Cotton, 50g/182m) 1 ball in Fondant (3094).
I also crocheted a scarf using a thicker yarn by Opal.
6.0mm (US J/10) hook or hook to match tension and chosen yarn. The fabric should be quite loose and fluid so don’t go too tight.
Stitch marker, yarn needle and scissors.

Tension

16 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern using a 6.0mm hook.

Measurements

The scarf measures approx. 14cm in width and 185cm in length excluding the tassels.

Pattern Notes

The turning chains count as the first stitch of the row throughout the pattern, even on the dc rows. It may help to put a stitch marker into the top of the turning chain at the start of each row making it easier to recognise as a stitch when crocheting back into it on subsequent rows.

Abbreviations in UK crochet terminology:
ch: chain, dc: double crochet (US single crochet), trtr: triple treble (US double treble), RS: right side, st(s): stitch(es), WS: wrong side.

To Work

Using Yarn A ch22.

Row 1 (WS) Dc in third ch from hook (counts as first and second st), dc in each ch to end, turn. [21 sts]

Row 2 Ch5 (counts as first trtr here and throughout), trtr in next st and each st to end, turn. [21 sts]

Rows 3 Ch1 (counts as first dc here and throughout), dc in next st and each st to end. [21 sts]

Rows 4 – 5 As Row 3.

Rows 2 – 5 form the pattern repeat. Repeat Rows 2 – 5 forty two times more.

Row 174 As Row 2.

Row 175 – 176 As Row 3, fasten off and weave in ends.

Tassels

Using Yarn B cut 15 x lengths of 40cm for each tassel. Using photo as a guide attach 7 tassels to each end of scarf. Trim the ends as needed.

Now let’s take a look back at some of the crochet adventures… the travels that have happened through my crochet over the last 10 years. I do so love that my crochet can get me around…

There have been yarn shows around the UK, including Yarndale and Spinning Yarns in Northern Ireland, Yarn Bombing Festivals in Italy and Germany and crochet retreats and workshops that I’ve enjoyed teaching at…

Yarn Bombing Festival in Cologne, Germany.

A Yarn Bombing trail I left en route during a cycle ride to Paris!

And of course, looking ahead, I’m off to Australia next week for the annual crochet convention of the Crochet Guild Australia. 🇦🇺

That has to be the icing on the 10 year celebrations birthday cake! The ultimate crochet adventure to be invited to the other side of the world through my crochet. It is such an incredible honour and I’m in awe!

Of course there has also been 10 years of the ‘Coastal’ in Coastal Crochet… so many beautiful coastal sunsets and coastal scenes that have inspired my creativity and crochet… living so close to the sea remains a constant source of inspiration for me and a walk along the beach always gets my creative juices flowing…

And here’s another FREE PATTERN for you all which I designed back in 2017 which I haven’t shared before… it’s a simple coaster which works particularly well with coloured variegated yarns.

Coastal Coasters

The Pattern…

Materials: Any 4 ply yarn (I used a Hand-Dyed 4 ply cotton for the sea green coasters and then Schoppel ‘Zauberball Crazy’ 4ply (75% wool, 25% nylon) in Wolke (2254) for the pink and lilac coloured coasters, a 3.00mm hook, scissors, yarn needle.

Abbreviations in UK crochet terminology: ch: chain, ch-sp(s): chain space(s), dc: double crochet, htr: half treble, mm: millimetres, ss: slip stitch, st(s): stitch(es), tr: treble.

Pattern Notes: UK crochet terminology is used.

To Work:

Make 4ch, ss into first ch to form ring (or make a magic ring).

Round 1 3ch (counts as first tr), 11tr into the ring, ss to top of 3 ch to join. [12 sts]

Round 2 4ch (counts as 1 tr and 1 ch), *1tr in next st, 1ch, repeat from * to end of round, ss to 3^rd ch of beginning 4 ch. [12sts with 12 ch-1-sps]

Round 3 1ss in next ch-sp, *6ch, 1ss in next ch-sp repeat from * around ending back in first ch-sp. [12 x 6-ch-sps]

Round 4 2ss in next ch-sp, 1ch (counts as first st), 3dc in same ch-sp, continue with 4dc in each ch-sp around, ss to first ch.

Round 5 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr in st at base of 3 ch, *1ch, miss 2 sts, 2tr in each of next 2 sts, repeat from * 10 times, 1ch, miss 2 sts, 2tr in final st, ss to top of beginning 3 ch.

Round 6 7ch (counts as 1 tr and 4 ch), *miss (next st, ch-sp and next st), 1 tr in each of next 2 sts, 4ch, repeat from * 10 times finishing with 1 tr in final st, ss to 3^rd ch of beginning 7 ch.

Round 7 1ch (counts as first st), *(1dc, 1htr, 1tr, 1htr, 1dc) in next ch-sp, 1dc in each of next 2 sts, repeat from * 11 times finishing with 1dc in final st, ss to first ch, fasten off and weave in ends.

Enjoy…

There have been so many designs and patterns from me over the last 10 years. Crochet really has been my constant… there are over 133 designs listed on my Ravelry and this doesn’t include them all. So it must be over 150 designs in total… That’s a lot! 😃

My Coastal Wall Hanging and Campfire for Hobbycraft were very memorable – I was just starting out in sharing my patterns online at the time…

There have been collaborations with others and having a designated webpage at The Knitting Network has been brilliant…

The Coastal Crochet Collection

I earn a small amount of commission for each kit sold from The Knitting Network. I’ve learned over the last 10 years that earning money through my crochet can be really great and rewarding but it comes from lots of different sources: pattern sales, commission through affiliate links, paid commission designing for others such as magazines and other businesses, hosting workshops and teaching, as well as doing talks. It all keeps me on my toes!

So there you go…💙

That was a colourful round-up with a few free patterns for you – I hope you enjoyed it.

It’s impossible for me to mention every person and every highlight that has contributed to my Coastal Crochet journey over the last 10 years. I’m grateful to sooo many.