OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Happy October, friends!

Before we dive in, a quick reminder: today is the very last day to get the Moonlit Petals Blanket pattern for 20% off. If you’ve had your eye on it, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a cozy fall project—this offer ends at midnight MDT. You can grab the pattern at the discount price on Etsy and Ravelry.

Speaking of cozy, the change of seasons always makes me crave big, comfy projects, and this month my hook has been busy with designs that feel both comforting and inspiring. In this issue, I’ll give you a first look at a romantic new blanket design, share a fun YouTube idea I’m bringing to life, celebrate your handmade stories, and dive into why bulky yarn is one of my absolute favorites for fall. Grab a cup of something warm, settle in, and let’s crochet together.

Note that this newsletter contains links to outside products and websites, but they are for informational purposes only. I am not affiliated with these companies, and I do not receive any compensation when you make a purchase.

On My Hook: Checkered Rose Blanket

I’m so excited to share a little sneak peek of my newest design with you! This blanket is unlike anything I’ve ever made before. At first, I wasn’t sure if I loved it or if it was simply too out of the ordinary—but now I can say with confidence: I love it.

The design brings together traditional rose motifs in two colors, arranged in a bold checkerboard pattern, and finished with a delicate lace border. The roses give it a romantic, timeless quality, while the checkerboard layout adds a fresh, modern edge. It’s a combination that feels both familiar and completely unexpected.

This is a pattern for adventurous beginners who are ready to stretch their skills. You’ll explore working in front and back loops, simple cluster stitches, and joining motifs with an invisible mattress stitch. More than that, you’ll get to create something a little daring—something that stands out.

I’m can’t wait to share this pattern with you soon.

Let’s Crochet Together: My Upcoming YouTube Series

Thank you so much to everyone who shared ideas for future YouTube videos! I’m especially excited by the enthusiasm around the “crochet with me” concept, and I can’t wait to give it a try.

The idea is simple: these videos will create a cozy, relaxing space where you can crochet right alongside me, with soothing instrumental, classical, or lo-fi music playing in the background.

When I first heard about these videos, I wasn’t sure how it would feel to crochet while watching someone else do the same on screen. But when I tried it out, I was surprised by how calming it was. Even though I knew the person on screen wasn’t “really there,” it still felt comforting—like I wasn’t crocheting alone. By the end of the session, I was completely convinced that I’d love to create a few of these videos myself and add to the growing library of Crochet with Me content on YouTube.

I’m looking forward to “crocheting with you,” and I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as the first video is ready! In the meantime, if you’re curious, you can check out the video I watched and try this relaxing Crochet with Me experience for yourself. I’d love to hear what you think!

Stitched with Love: Your Blankets, Your Stories

I’m pleased to share that I’ll soon be launching a new page on the website called “Stitched With Love”—a cozy space to celebrate the blankets you’ve made for the people you care about and the stories behind them.

Every blanket carries a little piece of the maker’s heart, and I can’t wait to showcase the love, memories, and hope that your handmade blankets hold. Soon, you’ll be able to submit your own blanket photos and stories, and I’ll feature them for others to enjoy.

I’m really looking forward to seeing your creations and the special stories stitched into them. Keep an eye out—I’ll let you know as soon as the page goes live, and you can be among the first to share your blanket story!

Coming Soon: Vintage Petals Blanket Crochet Pattern

Next week, I’ll be sharing the sister pattern to the Moonlit Petals Blanket that debuted last week—introducing the Vintage Petals Blanket!

This cozy autumn version is perfect for anyone who loves patchwork-style blankets. By keeping the petals in a single color and mixing a variety of colors for the granny stitch background hexagons, a vibrant, motley design emerges. The rich colors and textures make it ideal for adding a warm, seasonal touch to your home. And because the motifs work up quickly in bulky-weight yarn, you’ll have a finished blanket in no time!

Like the Moonlit Petals Blanket, this design is built from hexagon motifs. Each motif starts with a large center ring, where you’ll crochet petals using a mix of single crochet, chains, and treble stitches. Then, switching to a contrasting background color, chains and slip stitches are worked behind each petal to form a classic granny stitch hexagon. The motifs are joined in the final round using a join-as-you-go (JAYGO) technique, making assembly a breeze.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall project or a colorful, quick-to-make blanket, the Vintage Petals Blanket is sure to delight. Get your hooks ready!

There’s So Much to Love About Bulky Weight Yarn

If you’re looking for a project this fall that’s quick and cozy (like one of my Petals Blankets), you’re going to love working with bulky yarn.

Some of the patterns I come back to again and again are made with bulky-weight yarn. Would you believe I’ve crocheted the Basic Newsboy Hat by Simply Made by Erin more than a dozen times? I’ve made it for nearly every family member and more than a few friends. In my favorite versions, I used Spincycle Yarns Knit Fast, Die Young or Plump—the perfect pairings in my book. The one I wear all winter long still gets compliments wherever I go!

That’s the magic of bulky yarn: projects work up so quickly, and the yarn itself feels so soft and satisfying in your hands. Pure heaven.

(Psst… if you’re in the mood to start a blanket right away, today’s the last day to get my Moonlit Petals Blanket pattern for 20% off—perfect timing for a cozy fall project!)

Here’s why I think bulky-weight yarn is such a joy to work with—and why you might want to reach for it when planning your next blanket:

1. It works up fast. When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a quick project that offers almost instant gratification. That’s a big reason crocheters love bulky yarn.

2. It’s incredibly cozy. Few things feel better than snuggling under a chunky handmade blanket. With winter just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to get started on one.

3. It’s beginner friendly. Bulky yarn is often recommended for new crocheters. The larger hook is easier to hold, stitches are easier to see, and the quick finish keeps motivation high.

4. It makes texture shine. Even simple stitch patterns look bold and striking thanks to the natural thickness of the yarn.

Tips for Choosing Bulky Yarn for Your Blanket

• Think about the recipient. A decorative throw for the couch? Natural fibers like wool or alpaca are wonderful. A family blanket that will get lots of love? Go for acrylic or a superwash wool blend so it’s easy to care for.

• Mind the fiber content. Wool is warm and breathable but can be scratchy for some. Cotton is soft and durable but not very insulating (and 100% cotton can stretch out over time). Acrylic is budget-friendly and washable but not as luxurious. I’d skip bulky yarns with bamboo, silk, or all-cotton contents for blankets—they can lose shape after a few washes.

• Set a budget. Blankets require a lot of yarn, so costs add up quickly. Look for sales, mega skeins, or synthetic blends if you want to keep things affordable.

• Check reviews. Other makers’ feedback can give you insights on softness, durability, and washability.

• Swatch first. A quick swatch will show you how the yarn feels, how the stitches look, and whether you’ll enjoy working with it for a whole blanket.

With the right bulky yarn, you’ll have a project that’s cozy, beautiful, and best of all, finished before you know it.

Some Favorite Bulky Weight Yarns for Blankets

Acrylic

• Red Heart Hygge Yarn

• Lion Brand Hue + Me

• Paintbox Simply Chunky

• KnitPicks/We Crochet Brava Bulky

Wool

• Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool

• Brown Sheep Co. Lamb’s Pride Bulky

• KnitPicks/We Crochet Wool of the Andes Bulky

• Paton’s Classic Wool Bulky

• Malabrigo Yarn Chunky

Superwash Wool

• Cascade 128 Superwash

• KnitPicks/We Crochet Wool of the Andes Superwash Bulky Yarn

• KnitPicks/We Crochet Swish Bulky Fine Superwash Merino Wool

• Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Chunky

Blends

• Berroco Vintage Chunky (52% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 8% Nylon)

• Premier Yarns Cotton Fair Bulky (52% Cotton, 48% Acrylic)

• Lion Brand Scarfie (78% Acrylic, 22% Wool)

What are some of your favorite bulky-weight yarns for blanket making? Reply and let me know. I always love learning about new yarns!

Coming Soon: October’s Special Features

• New Pattern: Vintage Petals Blanket

• New Addition: Stitched with Love Webpage Launch

• Stitched Together: Introducing the Crochet with Me Video Series

How to Share Your Projects

I always enjoy seeing what you make with my patterns and I love showing off your work! If you would like for your work to be featured in a future newsletter, email your project photos to Jennifer at crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com.

Or create a project on Ravelry: Share your project photos, yarn used, details, and more!

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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