Starburst Crazy

Each weekend I am going to feature

 one of my popular blanket makes . . .

The idea came to me

 when I was reordering my facebook albums .

 I couldn't believe it

 but out of 35 albums

 I have 11 different blanket types!

So I thought this might be of interest to you

and this week will begin with

the starburst or sunburst flower.

I first discovered this sweet little starburst flower

  in Mollie Makes issue 2

and in the book called
The Gentle Art of Knitting
by Jane Brocket
(This book is mostly knitting with 2 crocheted blankets)

I think it is fair to say

 that I have a love affair with this

 delicious indulgent little circle

there are often piles of them

 to be found adorning the surfaces of

 Patchwork House

there is something so sumptuous

 about their soothing symmetry and tantalising textures

from the 3 different stitches used

it has to be said

 that I am very OCD 

and love nothing better than 

some good organised crochet . . .

it is more time efficient to make all the centres first

then plan the second rounds

and finally the thirds

choosing the colours is the best part

and finally that satisfying sight of a basket full

 ready to be joined

my preferred method is join as you go

and you can read my tutorial

HERE

the texture added by join as you go

adds a lovely three dimensional quality

 and makes the blankets feel so rich

they come together really fast

and once you have mastered the technique

you can join the whole blanket in one go

with the added bonus of no ends!!!

Apart from blankets

 they are great for scarves

so soft and snuggly

and pretty cushions

with different sides front and back

This week my love affair continues

as I have the pleasure

 of working with shades of raspberry and plum

to make a large throw for a bed

121 flowers made

and waiting patiently

 to be surrounded

 with rich sumptuous cream!

My favourite yarn for blanket making is

Stylecraft Special DK which comes in over 80 fabulous shades.

 It is machine washable and very affordable.

You can buy it 

HERE

Come back next week for the big reveal!

Till then happy hookin girls

and 

big thanks

 for all your lovely comments and emails

Heather

x x x