Square-a-Day Crochet Blankets – 3 Options

Square-a-Day Crochet Blankets

A crocheted square-a-day blanket is easy, quick and it almost grows when you are not looking.

You make one square each day of the year to reflect what was happening every day. At the end of twelve months you have a crochet record of how the year was for you.

Skills required

Because the effort you have to expend is only one square a day it can easily be done by beginners and experienced crocheters in a few moments each day.

If you are a beginner this project will help you get better at a simple granny square that will stand you in good stead for all of your crocheting life.

if you are an experienced crocheter you can add this little square to you repertoire of other crochet work that you have on the hook.

The square-a-day blanket is a perfect complement to other crochet work in progress (WIP) which you may have. The square-a-day blanket is a big project and will take you all year to finish. This means that you can also do other crochet work in-between.

Small, medium and large

It is always a good idea to have more than one project on the go, a big one (like this blanket), a medium one like a hat or shawl and a small one like a bookmark.

It is advisable to have large and small pieces and this blanket falls into the small pieces section because you can take it with you.

Basic square

The squares you do are a basic two-row granny square motif. The two rows can be one colour or in some cases (see below) with two different colours in each square.

You can do one, two or three square-a-day blankets and we have three suggestions of blankets that you can make this year.

 


3 Types of Square-a-Day Blankets

Three types of daily square blankets that you can make and are explained here are:

  • A daily rising planet blanket (astrology related)
  • A daily high temperature blanket
  • A daily mood blanket (your feelings)

Your life – your blanket

Clearly you can think up other ways to do the square-a-day blanket depending on interests in your own life.

If you are a gardener you can do one for planting, seedlings, flowers and fruits in your garden. The first rose bloom or the first apple on your trees. This is a good one as the seasons change and the garden lives a dies off over the year.

If you live in a rainy area you could do a square-a-day rainfall blanket.

Let the blanket reflect your life and the things that are important to you.


1) Daily Rising Planet Crochet Blanket.

For this blanket you will make one square for each day of the year.

The colour for each square is chosen depending on which planet rises before the Sun every day for 365 days.

Your blanket can be either 14 x 27 squares and this will make a long oblong blanket or it can be 18 x 21 squares which will make an almost square blanket.

Either way there is no simple way to make a rectangle that is 365 days so there will always be a few squares over and the left over squares can be where you write, or embroider, the date and year for the blanket.

Sunrise and the Pre-dawn Rising Planet

The pre-dawn rising planet (in fact this is also known as the Oriental Plane)t is the planet that rises on the eastern horizon every morning before the Sun at dawn.

This rising planet will change over the course of a year as the Sun and the planets move through the zodiac.

Choosing the Colours

You will use one colour for each planet. In astrology the Moon is considered a planet as well.

Moon – white

Mercury – taupe

Venus – pink

Mars – red

jupiter – blue

Saturn – grey

Uranus – turquoise

Neptune – mint green

Pluto – maroon


The Make-a-Square-a-Day method

Because we do in fact know which planet will rise before the Sun this blanket can be started and you can push forward with the daily squares if you choose.

But the best way to create this type of daily blanket is by making one-square-per-day which is the main idea.

This is a big project and it can be done alongside other smaller or medium sized projects that you have on the hook.

To make one small granny square and crochet it together will take you less than thirty minutes every morning or evening.


2) Temperature Blankets

There are two ways to do the squares in the temperature blankets. You can simply do the daily high temperatures or the high/low temperatures.

Daily high temperatures

In the high temperature blanket you take the daily high for the day where you live and crochet the square in the pre-determined colours you choose.

So for example in Vancouver the highs are about 26C in summer and 4C in winter.

So each degree on the thermometer can be one colour or you can designate one colour to cover two degrees because there are only so many colours of yarn in one make.

Daily high/low temperature blanket

The other option is the high/low temperature blanket.

In this blanket you do a granny square with two rows where the first row is the low temperature and the second row is the high for the day. This makes a more colourful combination of squares in the blanket.

The only thing is that you need a wider range of colours to cover the low temperatures as well.

Example colours for a temperature blanket

Zero and below white

1C to 2C cream

3C to 4C grey/taupe

5Cto 6C light blue

7C to 8C teal

9C to 10C green

11C to 12C lemon

13C to 14C yellow gold

15C to 16C orange

17C to 18C pink

19C to 20C hot pink

21C to 22C red

23C to 24C magenta

25C to 26C violet

27C to 28C purple

29C and above black


3) Daily Mood Blanket

A mood blanket can be done by crocheting a square in the mood you wake up in each morning.

We all like to think we are upbeat and happy each and every day and that is the goal of most people but reality is different. The only problem with this blanket is that you may be in a sad mood for many days and the blanket will bear witness to this.

Also if you get halfway through the year and your cat dies you will be is a sad mood for weeks and this will show in the blanket.

The mood blanket will reflect life as it really is. If you feel comfortable with making a mood blanket here are some suggested colours that you can use for each mood.

Example colours for a mood blanket

Anger – red

Joy – orange

Happiness – yellow

Envious – green

Sadness – blue

Optimistic – indigo

Inspired – violet

Bored – white

Tired – black

You can choose the colours beforehand and hopefully you will have a happy and cheerful year.

 

Author Bio

Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

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Crochet Patterns

Crochet Patterns

Author: Alison Heathcote   -   Published:  January 2024 About Our Original Crochet Patterns Finding a crochet pattern can be quite overwhelming with the multitude of options available. However, the real challenge lies in discovering patterns that not only meet your...

Crochet Patterns

Crochet Patterns

Author: Alison Heathcote   -   Published:  January 2024 About Our Original Crochet Patterns Finding a crochet pattern can be quite overwhelming with the multitude of options available. However, the real challenge lies in discovering patterns that not only meet your...

Crochet Pattern Refresh

by Alison Stapleton

We have a reputation for top quality, technically correct original crochet designs and we will not let you down.

We want you to find our patterns to be as relevant in ten years time as they are today and as such we have set in place many desirable features that we think you will appreciate.

There has been much thinking, planning and talking between myself and Lynn that has gone into our new strategy.

To make it easier for you this year we have streamlined the design of our downloadable patterns.


What We Did

Crochet Pattern Layout and Design

Before this year all of our patterns were in landscape orientation and condensed so all the information was printed on two page,s or on both side of the sheet, with a centerfold. In this way the patterns opened out like a book and they were handy and could be taken with you in your crochet bag.

But you have told us that this is not how you use our patterns.

Today you read the patterns from your smartphones and iPads and so we have formatted our patterns in portrait style. We have increased the color (as previously we were thinking of saving your printer ink), image sizes and we have refreshed the images and layout.

Color is a creative medium and we are happier with the clarity that has come to the patterns simply from better layout practices.

Now there is a clearer image on the cover and we have standardized our branding across the media websites and patterns with a fresh color palette and header fonts.

These details are cosmetic and do not in any way change the actual pattern instructions, but they do add value to your purchase of our patterns and the license you have to produce garments and a items from our patterns.

Your Favorite Crochet Patterns

The actual pattern instructions themselves stay the same. If you bought one of our patterns before the instructions are the same. If you buy a pattern now it will be in the new format and easier to use on mobile devices which is where you use them.

These changes are a process which we are working on and they will all be done eventually as we go through all the patterns.

Crochet Pattern Updates Available

If you bought our patterns from Ravelry you will get a new update of the pattern automatically. If you bought one of our patterns from this website, or from Craftsy or our Etsy shop you can email us for an update.

Please use the contact page at the bottom of the page.

You tell us you enjoy our up-to-date and on-trend patterns and we have responded with a new selection in the sections for the coming year.

Pattern Categories and New Yarns

This year we are tightening our niche and doing what we love and do well. This means we have let go of areas that aren’t working for us and focused on a new batch of high detailed pattern selections.

As we change our living style we seek ways to live a happy life with creativity and family and friends nearby.

This way of living can be supported by a lovely home with modern accessories in the kitchen and bathroom (or as our daughters now call it their “spa-rooms”).

So we are preparing to share with you beautiful and stylish items in our kitchen and dining pattern section, and the bath and spa pattern section.

Building on the need for fresh local cooking and rejuvenating soaks in the tub Lynn and I are focusing on our pattern areas as laid out below for 2016.

We will be Offering more Lifestyle Crochet Patterns for:

  • Women’s casual: Shawls, ponchos and wraps
  • Headwear: Ear warmers and headbands
  • Neckwear: Scarves, cowls and snoods
  • Bath and Spa: Candle covers, washcloths, shower balls, vanity mats and baskets
  • Kitchen: Tea towels, wash-up and floor mats
  • Dining: Table runners, placemats and napkin rings (or as we love to call it napery)

Local Sources for Natural Yarns

We will be bringing in more 100% natural yarns like wool from sheep, alpacas and cashmere, and cotton (raw and mercerized), but probably not silk (as there are challenges in the silk manufacturing process), and also yarns that are natural and manmade blends.

We are going to feature more yarns from our local area in Vancouver and British Columbia and surrounds, and using Canadian wools and crochet products more.

We will redefine what it is to be considered a local yarn, and we will evaluate the benefit of imported yarns when they support rural communities in developing countries. This is an area that needs more understanding.

The idea is to use less acrylic and more natural fiber because natural yarns save the environment and are biodegradable. This is a complex process and I will be telling you more on our yarn choices later.

Change is not easy. We are creatures of habit and like to do things the same way as before, but there is a time for change and if we take it one step (or stitch) at a time you are welcome to come along with us.

Alison and Lynn


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The Meaning of Colour

Colours Have Meaning

You can use colour to boost your mood.

Wear the colour you like or choose a colour whose meaning is how you want your day to go.

imagesPastel, primary, jewel or darks?

Pastels (lemon, lavender, mint green, baby pink and baby blue) are calming, soothing and non-confrontational. Pastels look good on babies and the elderly.

Primaries (red, yellow and blue) all stimulate the brain but in different ways.

Jewel colours (purple, teal, amber and ruby) are grown up and indicate confidence, up beat and positive vibes.

Dark colours suggest control and power. They can imply seriousness and subdued danger.

Red

Red is the colour of challenge, courage and sex. It says “Look at me” and that danger is near.

Red is stimulating and that is why it is the colour favoured in restaurants and good for your dining room because it stimulates conversation.

Orange

Orange is rude. It is a colour that suggests caution and be careful. If you wear orange you are sending the message that you are unpredictable and others should watch out. But that you are fun loving and unique.

Yellow

Yellow is the colour of sunshine and creativity it is a difficult colour to wear near your face as it reflects a yellow glow that is not always flattering.

Yellow’s message is one of inspiration and lateral thinking. Wearing yellow aids creative solutions to problems. It is a good color to wear when you want some fresh ideas to pop into your head.

Green

Green is the colour for peace and tranquility. It should be worn to calm and rejuvenate your psyche.

Mint green is calming but chartreuse suggests some spiky ideas running through your head.

Blue

Blue in its purest sense is what used to be called French blue and it is like a sapphire blue.

This is a strong color and the wearer is confident and fair. The darker the blue the stronger the person.

Pale blue is for young children or men’s formal shirts which are covered by grey or charcoal suits.

Indigo

Indigo is a colour for getting things done it works well for men and women. It is confident and casual at the same time. Think dark denim jeans which are both smart and casual.

Violet

Violet is the colour of originality. If you wear violet you are stating that you are your own man or woman and will do your own thing in life. Violet in home furnishing can be wild flowers and heathery creamy violets work well.

White

White looks good on just about anyone. A sharp white blouse is a wardrobe staple. White next to your face in blouses or shirts is flattering to all complexions.

Black

Black is a serious city color. Most people can wear black and be taken seriously. Black pants are a woman’s wardrobe staple.

Brown

Brown is a color to wear when you are feeling down and want to hide from life. It is a colour for doing nothing in. It indicates you may be forlorn or pining for days gone by. It can be a sign of depression and if you wear brown it will make you feel browned off and life weary.

Grey

Grey is a colour that wants to blend into the background. It is a non confrontational colour and suggests the wearer is passive and will conform to the will of others. It is a colour that wants peace and quiet.


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  • Colour magic
  • Selecting colour for soft home furnishings

Author Bio

Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post and crochet is your thing, you may like some other crochet articles from our blog.

Crochet Pattern Refresh

Crochet Pattern Refresh

by Alison Stapleton We have a reputation for top quality, technically correct original crochet designs and we will not let you down. We want you to find our patterns to be as relevant in ten years time as they are today and as such we have set in place many desirable...

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