"Hi everyone! I think it's obvious by now how much I love crocheting animal-themed granny squares, as It has become something of a tradition for me to make one inspired by the Chinese zodiac every year. I have also made other animals before, and will keep on designing as many of these as I can. I will try to keep them as simple and minimal as possible, and I will maintain the same measurements, so that -if wanted- they can be used together in one bigger project, like a blanket, for example."

"For this Anchor Baby Blanket I wanted the anchor motif to be subtle, but you certainly don't have to make it that way. I think this blanket would be gorgeous in white with blue anchors. It would take more work, but I think it would be worth it and it would be more of a nautical baby blanket. Although the raised side of the post stitches are supposed to make the anchor motif the most visible, the back side of the square still has some good texture and that anchor motif isn't lost."

"The granny square is the easiest crochet square out there and should be one of the first things a beginner should learn. It sets the start for more intricate patterns and designs. You can crochet a few rows and stop to form classic granny squares which are joined together, or you can continue with the rounds of clusters to make your granny square as big as you like (and even turn it into a one-piece blanket). How do you crochet a granny square? A granny square is crocheted in the round and it's constructed with clusters of 3 double crochet stitches evenly spaced out to form a square shape. This granny square tutorial was designed for absolute beginners with step by step instructions and a video tutorial for those who learn better from watching how it's done. "

Teal blanket yarn works perfectly with this wave crochet pattern to create a peaceful, ocean vibe for this Teal Waves Crochet Blanket. Wave stitches can be fun to crochet, you just have to develop a rhythm of sorts to keep track of which stitch you're using. The upside is if you use the wrong stitch, it will quickly become very obvious when your waves don't line up! This Teal Waves Crochet Blanket is definitely one of my favorite afghan projects to date!

"This simple rib crochet blanket border is a great addition to any blanket. It is a very traditional looking border and can be worked on any blanket. Plus, it is an easy one-row repeat pattern. For this blanket, you will simply need an even stitch count around the entire blanket. Ideally, you should already have an even stitch count. Your top and bottom row should have matching stitch counts, your sides rows should have matching stitch counts and you will have four corners. Overall the stitch count should be even. But do not worry, I will show you in the video how to correct the stitch count if it is off for some reason."

For the Diagonal Ripple Lapghan, I modified the Diagonal Chevrons Lapghan pattern to create a different chevron or ripple look. Many crocheters love working the classic crochet ripple pattern in BLO to create a neat ridge effect so I gave it a whirl when working on the bias. If you love to work crochet blankets from corner-to-corner (also known as working on-the-bias) and you love crochet chevrons, then you will really enjoy this lapghan pattern.

"This throw was inspired by freshly snowed on fields and different marks that can be found on such blank canvas, be it regular pattern of shoes soles, car tires or strange and wonderful animal marks. The yarn gives off slight sheen reminiscent of freshly snowed on fields reflecting the morning winter sun. Similar bulky weight yarns may be substituted; please check gauge. Beginning ch 2 does NOT count as stitch in Celtic weave st pattern. Beginning ch 2 DOES count as stitch in Waffle st pattern. Pompoms are added in each corner at the end. "

"The Iris stitch is another one of my favorite stitches. It has a flower-like look, it creates a “Holey” fabric and still has more of a modern look. It's a great stitch to use in blankets or as a border. After designing the Iris stitch in a square, many have asked me if there's also a way to make this stitch in a rectangle, so I had to make another tutorial! This pattern enables you to decide the dimensions of the rectangle by changing the number of the initial chains. "

Use up some of that leftover yarn and treat yourself to this Scrap Happy Poncho Crochet pattern. This is a great crochet poncho pattern for both teens and adults. Worsted weight yarn in a variety of fun colors is needed to work up this trendy crochet shawl. The wing span of this homemade poncho measures 44 inches. As you stitch up this poncho, relax and think of this as an art project, rather then a a typical crochet pattern. Relax, have fun, and create a one-of-a-kind, piece of art that you can wear.