I feel like right now is the perfect time, while it’s cold and dreary in the northern hemisphere and sun-shiny in the south, for a bright, vibrant, and playful blanket. I know I could use some high-spirited good cheer, and having the Huzzah Cluster Ripple Blanket draped across the chair in my room has been adding tons of good vibes to my days.

As I’m looking at it now, I can’t help but think that this blanket has the energy of a Renaissance fair, an amusement park ride, and a full-blown dance party all rolled into one. It’s a literal celebration of color and texture, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you.

Effortless colorwork: A playful cluster stitch highlights the long, vibrant color changes of self-striping yarn (like Lion Brand Ferris Wheel), so the colors shift beautifully on their own — no cutting yarn, no changing colors.

Comfort crochet: A simple two-row repeat makes this an easy pattern to memorize, perfect for relaxing evenings and steady, soothing stitching.

Easy stitching with plenty of support: Designed for adventurous beginners and beyond, with four short photo tutorials to guide you through each special stitch step by step.

What’s Inside:

• Linked Table of Contents for easy navigation.

• List of materials needed, including yarn details, color, and quantity.

• List of abbreviations used, plus detailed instructions for special stitches.

• Clear written instructions with stitch counts provided for every row to help you stay on track.

• Four short photo tutorials that walk you through each special stitch step by step.

This classic amigurumi bear is a longtime favorite, loved by makers and recipients of all ages. Measuring approximately 11 inches tall, he’s the perfect size for cuddling and gifting. Complete Sleepy Bear’s naptime look with a charming nightcap and cozy blanket.

The Sleepy Bear pattern is suitable for confident beginner crocheters, while the accessory patterns offer a fun opportunity to expand your skills. As you make the nightcap and blanket, you’ll try cluster stitches and picots, explore corner-to-corner construction, and add techniques like the double crochet join and stacked single crochet to your crochet toolbox.

What’s Inside:

• Two premium pattern pdfs with professional full-color photographs. Bear pattern is 10 pages long; accessories pattern is 8 pages.

• Linked Table of Contents for easy navigation.

• List of materials needed, including yarn details, colors, and quantities.

• List of abbreviations used, plus detailed instructions for special stitches and techniques.

• Clear written instructions with stitch counts provided for every row/round to help you stay on track.

• Two step-by-step photo tutorials will guide you through how to embroider the bear’s eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Blanket pattern includes a color chart to guide shaping and color changes throughout the heart design.

Ever wondered how a crochet design comes to life? In this behind-the-scenes video, I’m taking you along as I create the Checkered Rose Blanket—from the very first spark of inspiration all the way to the finished design.

You’ll see my full creative process, including:
🌸 Exploring different motif ideas
🧶 Testing stitch combinations and motif sizes
📝 What worked… and what definitely didn’t
🔍 Why I block acrylic motifs
🔗 Joining techniques
🌹 Designing the border

Whether you’re a crocheter, a fellow designer, or just curious about how a pattern comes to life, I hope you enjoy this peek into my design studio.

Come on in and be part of a friendly, inspiring community! Connect with fellow makers, share your projects, ask questions, discover testing opportunities, and enjoy sneak peeks from Jennifer Olivarez Designs. Settle in and stay awhile. We’re excited to meet you!