Finally, I can share the finished Orléans crocheted blanket, which was a joy to make, although I did take many long breaks in between sewing the components. The blanket pattern is designed by Priscilla Hewitt and is made to resemble the texture of matelassé.
It’s a pretty big blanket, with 48 octagons and 36 squares, plus a simple single crochet border. A few notes about the pattern – I used about two more skeins than the pattern calls for. Also, the pattern recommends sewing together the components, which I did for about half of the work. However, the first several octagons I pieced together using a slip stitch, which is faster and I think wastes a bit less yarn. The only drawback to a slip stich for this work is that it is not as flexible, and less convenient to hide the tails, as sewing.
PHOTOS: Finished Orléans blanket. The photo on the right seems to have a better color match. The yarn is Caron Simply Soft in colorway Plum Wine. I used a G/4.00mm hook, and a yarn needle to sew components together.
To bridge between projects, I needed something fun, summery, and easy, so I found this gorgeous little cotton market bag pattern on LoveCrafts. You can also find the pattern link on Ravelry. It takes no time at all to work up, and the center motif would be cute all by itself, as a coaster or embellishment. The photo shows two colors of Paintbox cotton DK, in Dusty Rose and Dark Aubergine. However, any cotton DK yarn would do for this bag. It took me a bit more yarn than the pattern stated; I used about 120 grams for the work.
It feels great to have finished a big project and some little ones in between. At this writing, I am still working on several crochet projects, including the dragonfly throw, the big “mystery” crocheted cake, the Maipo stole, and some others that have been on the back burner.
This week, I’m going to get out my sewing machine to make a cushion cover and three basket liners for my hallway bench, with gorgeous embossed cotton I found at the traditional market. Wish me luck! I’m still a baby with my sewing machine, so this will be good practice.
Thanks for stopping by! I’ll try to share a glimpse of mid-summer nature in my next post.
The Frill Seeker 
3 thoughts on “Orléans blanket is finished! Plus, market bag free pattern”