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My Interpretation of the Gypsy Rose Blanket

African Flower Hexagon Crochet
Remember this garden-inspired basket of yarn stash? The transformation into a very different kind of flower bed has begun — one that will keep me warm and cozy while snuggling on the sofa with a good book this winter.

African Flower Crochet
The Gypsy Rose Blanket made by British crafter Adaliza is constructed with crocheted squares, but I have been drawn to the flower petals in the African Flower hexagon. Here’s a link to a well-illustrated blog post with American crochet terms — thank goodness! My attempt to wade through google-translated Afrikaans was fruitless.
Stack of African Flower Crochet
Each hexagon uses four colors; the predominant yarn is ” Julia” (50% wool, 25% mohair, 25% alpaca) by Nashua Handknits — recently reissued as “Colors by Kristin” by Classic Elite Yarns. As of this post, every ‘flower’ will have a final border in a natural-hue white. I may change my mind further down the line, and use  red instead.

Three things to love about this project:
• each hexagon works up quickly, providing tremendous satisfaction as the stacks of luscious color grow
• frequent new color decisions! — perfect for those of us whose productivity grinds to a halt when faced with predictable repetition
• the piece-work aspect makes this a wonderful travel companion — rather than tote an entire box of full skeins, as I did for Saturday’s day trip, you could make a rainbow of small yarn balls and fit everything into a handbag

For me, summer is for working on my Secret Garden project (how private can I make my inner-city-postage-stamp-backyard?!), being outdoors for as many hours as possible each day, early morning and late afternoon reading in the garden, visiting long-distance friends, and maybe a bit of sewing. It feels great to have my hands in yarn again! To say I am enthused about my Gypsy Rose would be an understatement. Anyone else have the desire to give this project a go?

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Kristin Nicholas February 17, 2013, 4:17 pm

    Hi Lisa – Wow – this is going to be gorgeous! Love the hexagons. Let me know when you post again about it!
    Kristin

  • Lori September 24, 2012, 7:46 pm

    Love the colors, but the white is a genius foil for the riot of hues! Is this pattern online? May need to round up a garden myself.

    • Lisa September 24, 2012, 8:49 pm

      Thanks, Lori. Follow the link for the tutorial for directions on how to crochet the ‘flowers,’ and take a gander at Adaliza’s Gypsy Rose via the provided in the opening sentence. I’m calling my creation “Winter Garden.”

  • Carol T September 24, 2012, 2:07 pm

    Love how you got the color inspiration. Also how you spend your summer days.

    • Lisa September 24, 2012, 2:15 pm

      Thank you, Carol! We should make plans for you to come to my ‘Secret Garden’ for a bit of tea and knitting or crocheting.

  • Fran September 24, 2012, 10:00 am

    It’s gorgeous, Lisa–like everything you make!

    • Lisa September 24, 2012, 1:51 pm

      Thank you, Fran. Sweet of you to say!

  • Robin September 24, 2012, 8:57 am

    LOVE this so much!

    • Lisa September 24, 2012, 9:00 am

      Oh, thank you Robin! So great to have you here!!! And thanks for leaving a comment, the oxygen for us bloggers.