JANUARY NEWSLETTER

Hello, my friends! I’m so glad you’re here.

I think New Year’s might be my favorite holiday. Truth be told, I’m not a big celebrator of holidays in general — even my own birthday. I’m very project-oriented, and it’s easy for me to let dates on the calendar pass by when my focus is on the next deadline.

New Year’s, though, feels different. I usually have my sights set on January 1 as early as August. I know there are goals to define and plans to make, and while that might sound a little nerdy, I genuinely find it energizing. This year, especially, has been an exceptional one for planning.

For the first time in recent memory, my goals are focused squarely on my own creative and business development, rather than the priorities of a corporate employer — and that feels worth celebrating. I dove headfirst into planning for 2026, happily spending Friday evenings refining my production schedule instead of hanging out or watching movies. The result is a solid plan to release 19 patterns this year, along with a special long-term project that I’m excited to share with you.

So grab your favorite drink and settle in. I’d love to give you a look at what I’ve been working toward and what’s ahead for 2026.

Looking Ahead: A Long-term Wildflower Project

I wanted to give you a quick preview of a project that will be a major focus for me over the next year and a half. Beginning in 2026, I’ll be releasing a series of free wildflower applique patterns, which will be paired with video tutorials. Each applique is inspired by plants I’ve encountered on mountain trails in the Rocky Mountains.

These designs are all part of a much larger blanket project — one that’s been quietly evolving for years — where the individual appliques will be transformed into square motifs that will come together in a color-blocked wildflower blanket pattern, planned for release in 2027. I’ll be sharing more about this project (and its backstory) later this month.

Want to get involved? Join my Ravelry group and keep an eye out for pattern tests. I’ll mention the tests in the monthly newsletters, but the Ravelry group is where the testing will take place and where all the details will live.

Visit the Crochet Wildflower Field Guide to follow my progress and see behind the scenes as the flowers develop and the blanket takes shape.

Then keep an eye on future newsletters and the Ravelry group to see when the free patterns are available. And be sure to follow me on YouTube so you’ll know when the full tutorial videos drop.

Christmas in July: Four New Patterns Coming This Summer

One of the new ideas I’m most excited to explore this year is Christmas in July. I’ve always admired makers who are able to think ahead and begin their holiday planning in the middle of summer, and this year I finally asked myself: why not me?

In July, I’ll be releasing four new patterns designed with holiday making in mind — pieces to wear, to adorn, and to brighten your home. Several of these designs will also be well suited for art markets and craft fairs, making July a practical (and hopefully enjoyable) time to start preparing for the holiday season.

Of Course, There Will Be Blankets

In fact, I’ve compiled such a wide range of blanket designs for this year that I’m confident at least one of them will feel just right for you.

On the schedule are everything from a multicolored cluster ripple blanket, to a refined, neutral-toned throw with a more luxe feel, to a one-of-a-kind stitch sampler that works just as beautifully in a single color as it does as a scrap blanket. There are seven blanket patterns planned in total, each with its own character — and I can’t wait to start sharing them with you. For now, though, you’ll have to stay tuned to see how they unfold.

Testing in Progress: Any Yarn Neckwarmer

This month, I’m also deep in the testing phase for my Any Yarn Neckwarmer pattern — and it’s my first time running a pattern test through a Ravelry forum. So far, it’s been a genuinely positive experience and, logistically, it’s working better than any test I’ve run before. Sometimes it really is a case of better late than never.

The testers have been doing an excellent job surfacing both big-picture feedback and small details that will help make the pattern clearer, more flexible, and more accessible, no matter what yarn you choose for your scarf or shawl.

Right now, testers are making everything from mini scarves to standard scarves and shawls, using yarns in a wide range of weights, fibers, and colors. I can’t wait to share their projects with you. The pattern is currently slated for release in mid-February, so stay tuned.

A New Ripple Blanket Coming This Month

Later this month, I’ll be releasing the Huzzah Cluster Ripple Blanket, a generously sized throw measuring approximately 50 x 61 inches (127 x 155 cm). Designed to let the yarn do the colorwork, this blanket pairs a playful cluster stitch with self-striping yarn for effortless color changes — no cutting or switching colors required.

Worked from the bottom up in a simple two-row repeat, the pattern creates gentle peaks and valleys with a soft, steady rhythm that’s easy to settle into. It’s the kind of project that’s perfect for relaxed evenings and meditative stitching, with the added reward of watching the colors unfold as you go.

Learn New Crochet Skills in 2026!

Want to expand your crochet toolbox and learn new skills in 2026? I’d love to be part of your skill-building journey.

I already have a number of new patterns and videos lined up that explore techniques ranging from beginner to advanced — including 3-D flowers, ruffles, and a wide variety of new stitch patterns.

But I’m especially interested in hearing what you want to learn. If there’s a technique or skill you’ve been curious about, reply to this email and let me know. I’ll do my best to cover it in a future blog post and/or video tutorial.

And if you’re ready to dive in right away, here are a few projects to kick off your skill building in the new year:

• Curious about interlocking crochet? Try the Save Me a Spot Blanket.

• Want to explore tapestry crochet with double crochet stitches? The Very Merry Blanket is a great place to start.

• Looking to master working in the front and back loops? Check out the Checkered Rose Blanket and Pillow.

Coming Soon: January’s Special Features

• New Video: Sleepy Bear Time Lapse

• Behind the Scenes: Wildflowers, Trails, and a Long-held Project

• New Pattern: Huzzah Cluster Ripple Blanket

• New Tutorial: Want Perfect Drape? Try the Wide Half Double Crochet Stitch

Maker Spotlight

Painter’s Garden Blanket by Dorothy Grasso
When I spotted Dorothy’s Painter’s Garden Blanket pop up in the Etsy reviews, I knew right away it deserved a closer look. The stitching is beautifully precise, and the color play instantly made my heart sing.

Dorothy used James C. Brett Marble Chunky yarn in the color Spice (MC84) — an absolutely inspired choice. The deep, saturated shades of teal, amber, purple, and blue flow effortlessly through the design, making the flowers feel as though they’re truly blooming across the blanket.

Dorothy shared this about her experience:

“I loved making this blanket and will probably make more.”

Thank you, Dorothy, for sharing your stunning work. This one-of-a-kind blanket is a joy to behold.

Interested in making a Painter’s Garden Blanket of your own? You can find the pattern on Etsy and Ravelry.

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter!

Having you in my crochet circle means so much to me. This newsletter is sent on the first Friday of the month. Additional special mailings are sent each Friday after that, featuring new patterns, new stitch tutorials, tips and tricks, hot topics in the yarn industry, book and yarn reviews, and a peek into my design process. But I’ll only send you crochet content that I think you will enjoy. In the meantime, you can contact me by replying to this email or crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com. I would love to hear from you!

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