Anastasia Square Doily, My New Crochet Design

On the New Year 2018, I made a resolution to design 100 doilies! 

I haven't fulfilled my resolution in one year, but I continue working on it. 

This is my doily design number 18! 

Until now I was designing round doilies, but I wanted to try something different! 

So I made a square doily! 

My challenge was to make it look like a doily, not just a square crochet motif. 

Crochet square motives usually look like they need to be connected to form a bigger piece. A crochet motif has an unfinished look on its own. 

But a square doily should look complete on its own. I think my Anastasia doily does!

There aren't any fancy or complicated stitches in this pattern; however, I wouldn't recommend it to beginners! 

There are lots of repeating instructions within repeating instructions, which make the pattern long and complicated. 

But I did try to make it as detailed as possible, and I included lots of explanatory notes, as well as pictures for visual help. 

The pattern is written using the US crochet terminology.

Skill Level: Intermediate 

Measurements: about 13 inches square

Materials: steel hook 1.5 mm; crochet cotton thread size 10, about 300 yards

My pattern is available in my Etsy and Ravelry shops: 

Also, did you know that I started a YouTube channel? I even made one video in Russian, and plan to make one in Spanish! Isn't that cool? :) 

Simple Beginner's Doily, Crochet Video Tutorial

This small doily was one of my very first attempts at designing doilies and writing patterns. I made it back in 2013. 

Now that I started my youtube channel, I wanted to film a video for it. 

Oh boy, there were quite a lot of mistakes in the pattern! But I fixed them all now! 

It's a very simple doily, measures about 8.5 inches after blocking. 

My original written pattern is here: Small Doily in Cream Color

Caron x Pantone Newborn Dress, Free Crochet Pattern and Video Tutorial

I discovered Caron x Pantone yarn just recently even though it’s been around for a while! 

I must say this yarn is somewhat pricey at $7.99, but there are always options to buy it with a coupon or on sale/clearance. I bought three braids on clearance for $4 each. 

I am fascinated with this yarn! The colors are beautiful and the texture is soft!

I challenged myself to come up with a crochet project idea that would only require one braid of this yarn! 

And this is the result!

This newborn dress requires only one braid! Because it’s a chunky yarn (category 5), it works up quickly and the entire dress can be made in about an hour! 

I made it in two color variations - Bright Orchid and Wistfully!

I filmed a very detailed video tutorial! I only recently started my YouTube channel and I have lot’s of ideas for upcoming videos. 

If you enjoy this pattern and my video, please take a moment to subscribe to my channel and/or leave me a comment! Knowing that my patterns and videos are useful to other crocheters is a huge motivation and encouragement for me!

The free written pattern is available on my website olgapoltava.com

Happy crocheting! 

I'm linking this post to Crafting Sunday at Creative Jewish Mom 

Buttercups Lace Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern

It's almost spring here in Northern California, and wild Bermuda Buttercups are blooming in my back yard again! 

I was inspired by these bright, cheerful flowers to make a baby blanket, which I named Buttercups Baby Blanket!

The blanket measures about 38 by 31 inches, but it can be adjusted to any custom size. 

About 1200 yards of light worsted acrylic yarn and a hook size G/6 (4.25 mm) will be needed to make this blanket. 

The skill level is beginner, and the pattern is written in English, using the US crochet terminology. 

I also included a detailed photo tutorial. 

The pattern is available in my Etsy and Ravelry shops. It is 50% off for the next couple of days.

I'm linking this post to Crafting Sunday at Creative Jewish Mom