SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

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

I’ve got a lot to share with you this month. First up, I’ve been busy putting together two new blanket patterns that feature a charming, simple 3-dimensional flower motif. I’ll release the first blanket (the Moonlit Petals Blanket) later this month, but not before I share with you the video tutorial. I’ve really enjoyed making these motifs with bulky-weight yarn. These are so quick to make and the resulting texture is simply delightful. I was able to crochet this blanket in a week, which is just perfect in my book!

Next, I have a bit of a question for you—I’ve been thinking a lot lately about adding a variety of videos to my YouTube library, outside of the typical tutorial videos I’ve been making for a few years now. I’d love to get your thoughts about what type of content you’d like to see from me. Read on for more about what I have in mind.

And last but not least, I’m excited to share not one but two Maker Spotlights with you! This month, I’m featuring a gorgeous Painter’s Garden Cowl by Melissa. You’ve got to see this! It will have you inspired to pick up your self-striping yarn and make a cowl of your own. If you appreciate a more neutral palette, you’ll be excited to see Bonnie’s Painter’s Garden Blanket made in one solid color. It’s an elegant piece that’s absolutely stunning.

As the weather starts to cool, it’s the perfect time to start your first fall or winter project! Don’t forget, you can still grab 20% off the new Butterfly Waltz Scarf pattern with the code BUTTERFLY20 on Etsy and Ravelry. Prefer something cozy and snuggly? The Butterfly Waltz Baby Blanket is also 20% off: find it on Etsy and Ravelry. Hurry—sale ends September 10!

On My Hook: Moonlit Petals and Vintage Petals Blankets

This month, I’m putting the finishing touches on two new blanket patterns: the Moonlit Petals Blanket and the Vintage Petals Blanket. Each of these charming blankets is made with hexagon motifs worked in simple stitches.

I’m just loving the unique 3-dimensional flower motif I created for these blankets. And I hope you’ll love it too! Each motif begins with a large center ring, into which you’ll create petals using a combination of single crochet, chains, and treble crochet stitches. Then, switching to a contrasting background color, you’ll work chains and slip stitches behind each petal, forming the base for a classic granny stitch hexagon. Motifs are joined in the final round using a join-as-you-go (JAYGO) technique.

Because the motifs work up quickly in bulky-weight yarn, you’ll have a finished blanket in no time—perfect for gifting, decorating your home, or simply enjoying as a cozy, relaxing project.

As soon as I have the video tutorial ready to go, I’ll share it on YouTube so you can give this motif a try. Stay tuned! Or follow me on YouTube to catch the video as soon as it drops.

Should I Start a Vlog?

Aren’t we lucky to live in an age where YouTube exists? I love how it connects us as crocheters and lets me share tutorials, learn new techniques, and see what other makers have on their hooks.

Lately, though, I’ve been wondering, could I be doing more with my channel? Tutorials feel second nature at this point, but I sometimes feel like I’m missing a chance to share more of my voice—to invite you into my creative world and add another layer of connection to our crochet community.

Since shifting my focus full-time to this design career, I’ve been putting everything I’ve got into it. I love it, but honestly? It can get a little lonely at times. A vlog feels like a way to open up more, to share the behind-the-scenes, and to make our little corner of the internet even warmer.

But before I dive in, I’d love to hear what you think.

Here are a few ideas I’ve been toying with—kept simple, calm, and relaxing (minimal editing, no flashy graphics, just cozy crochet vibes):

• Behind the Scenes: Start-to-finish look at the design process for an upcoming pattern

• Podcast Style: Chatting about patterns, yarns, tools, and trends I’m excited about

• Q&A: Answering your questions (crochet, yarn, or even life!)

• Crochet with Me: No talking, just peaceful stitching with a lofi or instrumental soundtrack

Would you like to see any of these from me—or something completely different?

I consider you all my dear crochet friends, and I truly care what you think. So please hit reply and let me know your honest thoughts. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Coming Soon: Marled Yarn Experiment Part 4, Experimenting with Fluffy, Fuzzy Yarns

As we head into fall, it seems the mohair trend is still going strong. Everywhere I look, I’m seeing cozy knit and crochet sweaters made with delightfully fuzzy fluff. Don’t you just love the soft and cozy effect that halo yarns create?

This month, I’ll be pairing my Julie Spins marled and variegated, black and white yarn with a fuzzy white boucle yarn to see if it might soften the stripes a bit.

Will this finally create the fabric I’ve been looking for? Stay tuned to find out in next week’s special installment of my ongoing marled yarn experiment!

New Pattern Featured in Festive Christmas Crochet Afghans from Annie’s Attic: It’s a Classic Christmas Blocks Afghan!

I’m so excited to introduce the “Classic Christmas Blocks Afghan,” which has been published in the latest holiday book from Annie’s Attic titled Festive Christmas Crochet Afghans. It was even chosen for the cover! Doing a little happy dance over here!

Grab your hot cocoa and get ready to snuggle up under this cozy blanket decorated with some favorite symbols of Christmas. This intermediate-level project features a variety of techniques to keep your interest piqued from start to finish. Blocks featuring plaid and tree designs are made using tapestry crochet, while the snowflake and poinsettia blocks use post stitches worked in the round to create eye-catching raised designs.

The book includes patterns for four fun and festive blankets that feature holiday motifs and showcase a variety of styles, textures, and techniques.

Look for it wherever you buy books, or hop over to Annie’s Attic to get your copy today. You can purchase a physical copy, or download the pdf version and start crocheting right away.

Coming Soon: September’s Special Features

• Fiber Adventures: Crocheting with Fluffy Yarn

• Video Tutorial: Petals Motif Step-by-Step Video

• New Pattern: Moonlit Petals Blanket

Maker Spotlight

Painter’s Garden Cowl by Melissa

I was so excited to see Melissa’s Painter’s Garden Cowl! I love her combination of pink with blue. It’s like two cowls in one!

Melissa used Red Heart Colorscape in the colors Montreal and Mykonos. You can read more about her project on Ravelry.

Melissa says, “It was a truly wonderful pattern and will not be my last!”

Thanks, Melissa! Your cowl turned out great. It’s a unique and one-of-a-kind gem. I bet it’s fun to wear and turns lots of heads!

You can find the Painter’s Garden Cowl pattern on Etsy and Ravelry.

Painter’s Garden Blanket by Bonnie

Getting to see what crocheters make with my patterns is truly one of the best parts of my job. I especially love when you all put your own creative spin on my designs, as Bonnie has done with her solid-colored Painter’s Garden Blanket.

Bonnie says, “I wanted to make it neutral for a gift so no matter how my granddaughter decorates she can use it. I love how it came out and almost has a Victorian feel to it… This is for my 4th graduating grandchild and all afghans have been different. Four down, three to go!”

Bonnie used Lion Brand Wool Ease in the color Natural Heather, and I think it was a wonderful choice. It’s such a treat to see this blanket worked in a single color.

Bonnie, I simply love how it came out! It looks elegant and classy, and your granddaughter is sure to treasure it. Best wishes for the rest of the blankets for your grandchildren. What a lucky bunch of kids!

You can find the Painter’s Garden Blanket pattern on Etsy and Ravelry.

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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