Streamwave Throw plus Giveaway Winners Announced

Just as the best writers read often, I believe it is important for crochet pattern designers to follow others' patterns on a regular basis. Not only does taking short breaks from pattern writing allow you to collect and organize your thoughts for your next pattern, it also shows you styles and ideas that are different from your own. While following someones crochet fox hat pattern you might be struck with an awesome idea for a coyote throw pillow. If you follow a poorly written pattern you can make mental notes about what not to do, and if you follow an awesome pattern you can reflect on what makes it so awesome and incorporate that awesomeness into your own designs. Since crochet designers are often trying to make a beloved hobby into a career, it's important not to burn out or lose the joy by focusing on designing to the exclusion of everything else. Plus, let's be honest, following others' patterns every now and then is fun! Finally, working up patterns that others have written helps you stay connected to the crochet community and its trends.

I recently followed Kim Guzman's Streamwave Throw pattern and I'm really proud to show you my finished product.

The blanket was a pleasure to make. It has a great rhythm to it and is a nice size. It must be noted that I rarely follow the recommended number of rows on patterns like this. I like to stop or continue on as I see fit. This throw didn't take me too long to make. I worked on it over a three month span of time, during which I worked on and completed several other objects. If I had dedicated myself to it I think I could have finished it in about two weeks.

I think this throw pattern looks like stained glass. The original calls for variegated yarn, which would probably look very nice if you found the right color. Since I'm not a huge fan of variegated yarn I opted for two solid colors to make it interesting. I used Caron Simply Soft for its glossy finish and reasonable price.

It will be a pleasure to add this project page to my Ravelry account. It's great looking back on all of the hard work I've done, especially when so many of my finished objects are sold or given as gifts. I'm sure you can relate :) As ever, my hook keeps moving. If there's a pattern you really love and you want me to check it out, you're always welcome to drop me a line via illuminatecrochet@gmail.com.

Now, for the giveaway announcement! Using a random number generator, I have selected our winners! Congratulations to Crocheter Carrie R. and Admirer Melissa S.! After I get their details I will arrange their packages and show you what they're receiving. A huge thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway. If you didn't win, stay tuned for more fun giveaways and contests.