The Fruit Garden Crochet Blanket Pattern Book

All of us have different ways of relaxing and unwinding from our daily stressors. And we need those time outs where we can revitalize our body, replenish our energy and restore our sense of humor. For me, hands down it’s crocheting. It’s an easy craft to learn and both women and men have taken the time to grasp it. Like any hobby, you have to start with the basic crochet stitches and work your way up to the more challenging ones. That includes projects as well.

We all started crocheting by making a few easy projects until we were familiar with reading a pattern, the stitches, and the tension. Once we aced the beginner stage, most of us are eager to create more elaborate and detailed projects like hats, baby items, and afghans. Although I’ve been crocheting for decades, I still love challenging myself with more intricate patterns like The Fruit Garden Crochet Blanket.

The Fruit Garden Crochet Blanket is a Victorian-ish elegant afghan made with graceful and whimsical florals and fruit. This intricate blanket, created by textile designer Janie Crow, was inspired by early 19th-century William Morris tapestry designs and an embroidered bedspread made by his daughter May Morris. Released as a CAL – Crochet-a-long, the first set of patterns where published in April 2020. As we were all under lockdown during this time, this was the perfect distraction for many crocheters. I wish I had known about it. However, many could not get out and purchase yarn. I know here in Canada, the yarn stores – deemed non-essential – were completely shut down. It wasn’t March of 2022 that all stores could reopen again. Although we could order online, yarn stocks were low and pricey.

The Fruit Garden crochet patterns were relaunched in the autumn of 2020 with a color palette of red, plum, and blue hues. The world of crafters embraced this beautiful blanket and created their own masterpieces. Several of these crocheters from all over the planet are featured in this book with photos of their remarkable finished projects. I’m in awe of the various color palettes used by these ladies. They’re stunning. And I’m motivated to test drive this pattern and create my own Fruit Garden Blanket.

Upon opening the pattern booklet, the first thing you’re greeted with is a list of the materials you will need. These are yarns the author used, but you can create your own palette with the yarns of your choice as long as you get the same tension. Next, Pattern Notes will give guidance on tension, abbreviations, terminology, order of making, substituting yarn, video tutorials, and the six stages the blanket is created. Working in the Correct Way guides you on getting the right tension and how to achieve that. Then it goes right into the motifs and edging. There are ten patterns that collectively create this gorgeous blanket.

Each of the motifs and edgings is given an introduction and some history of William and May Morris is shared as well. Each pattern is explained in great detail with full-color photos in step-by-step tutorials along with written instructions. Plus, there is a chart to follow for those who prefer to work using them. You’ll have to be diligent as the motifs will require two different hook sizes reflective of the round you are working on.

The back of the book offers the finishing details from the final border to washing, blocking, and pressing. Plus, there are several blank pages where you can make notes. It’s an extraordinary pattern and I hope many will be encouraged, motivated, and inspired to create one for your home. Your finished piece will be an heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation. It’s a must-do for serious crocheters.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary products to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own, yours may differ.