I am absolutely delighted to be working with Black Sheep Wools to bring you this festive crochet-a-long. As the excitement builds, I thought you might like some of the important details to help you get ready.

There are two colourways to choose from, available as kits from Black Sheep Wools. Retro, in shades that bring back memories of my 1970s Christmases, and Traditional, in timeless colours that never go out of style.

I designed this CAL with beginners very much in mind. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with any of the terms in the pattern. There is a video to accompany each week and I will show you how to make each stitch and guide you through all the techniques you need to know. Think of it as us sitting down together so I can help you with any tricky bits.

If you are new to crochet and would like to practice before we begin, I would recommend looking at making chains and UK terms double and treble crochet (US terms single and double crochet). Most of the blanket is made using just these stitches.

Every part of this CAL is crochet, with no sewing. Even the bows are crocheted as part of the blocks.

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You will need

There are two colour ways to choose from, available as kits from Black Sheep Wools here. Kits are on sale from 10am.

Retro

Wendy Supreme Dk 100g Balls

4 x Cream

1 x Aster

1 x Eucalyptus

1 x Light Aqua

1 x Pistachio

1 x Mustard

1 x Red

1 x Barbie Pink

1 x Raspberry

Traditional

Wendy Supreme Dk 100g Balls

4 x White

1 x Eucalyptus

1 x Spring Meadow

1 x Duck Egg

1 x Aloe

1 x Gold

1 x Red

1 x Blush

1 x Crimson

You will also need a 4mm hook, a stitch marker, yarn needle and some scissors.

The finished size is approximately 100cm x 125cm.

The pattern will be free to download each week from Black Sheep Wools and will also be available on Ravelry. The accompanying videos will be on Madebyanita Youtube channel and will be linked in the pattern so they are easy to find. At the end of the CAL, the pattern will be available to buy as a single pdf, or as a printed booklet.

Here are the dates:

21st September - I will be at Black Sheep Wools in Warrington for the Gift of Christmas launch party. Pop along and enjoy crochet chat, a glass of fizz and lots of fun!

Week One - 1st October

Week Two - 8th October

(Week Two has a special bonus pattern because we all like surprises!)

Week Three - 15th October

Week Four - 22nd October

Week Five - 29th October

Week Six - 5th November

If you would like some company while you are making, or need some help, you can join the Black Sheep Wools Make Along Group. I have a Facebook group too and we will be making along there as well.

As a little extra to help you get ready, here is a shade card for both colour ways. It will help you to keep track of which yarn is which without having to refer back to the beginning of the pattern.

I would suggest cutting out and glueing it to some cardboard to stiffen it. (In true Blue Peter style, cereal boxes are ideal for this). You can attach yarn with tape or punch holes if you prefer.

Click here to download it.

I really hope you will be joining in and look forward to seeing your festive makes!