Hello, friends! We are back with another instalment of my Colour Journal. Today, I’m thrilled to share some inspiration for your next crochet project. This week, I’ve been working with a soft and subtle colour palette that feels like a breath of fresh air. I’ve created six different squares to showcase these hues, all using yarn shades that are either very similar or completely identical. The result? A collection of squares that blend nicely together, perfect for sparking ideas for your next project.
For this Episode of my Colour Journal, I’ve leaned into lighter hues and gentle pastels, creating two distinct variations to share. The first variation focuses on blue-green tones that evoke a sense of calm and serenity. The second variation highlights soft greens, accented with delicate hints of pink and gold, offering a touch of warmth and charm. What I love most about these palettes is their versatility. They can be mixed and matched in endless combinations, giving you the freedom to play with different arrangements while keeping everything cohesive.
Sticking within a cohesive colour range has always been one of my favourite ways to experiment with granny squares. It opens up so many creative possibilities, especially for projects like blankets. Imagine combining squares from both palettes into one project for a patchwork of subtle, harmonious tones. This mixing-and-matching approach is definitely on my list for future tutorials, so keep an eye out—I can’t wait to share more ideas with you!
After we explore today’s colourways, I want to introduce you to one of my absolute favourite tools for crochet: a basic kitchen scale. Now, you might not think a kitchen scale belongs in your crafting toolkit, but trust me, it’s a game-changer.
But before we get into that let’s delve into the next six squares featured in my Colour Journal. Each square includes detailed information about the yarn colours, brand names, and the exact order in which the colours were used. For those who prefer a more visual and in-depth explanation, I’ve also created a video where I share my thought process behind the colour placement and design choices that you can find here on my YouTube. Additionally, each image below is accompanied by a link to the original free pattern for the square, so you can easily recreate them yourself!
Soft Colours Square Lineup For Colour Journal #3
Each image gives a description of the colour order I used and a link to the square’s original free pattern and tutorial.
1. Warm Hugs & Daisy Squares:
You can find the Free Pattern and Video Tutorial for the Daisy Square Here
2. How to Crochet The Wispy Willow Granny Square Free Pattern
How to Crochet The Wispy Willow Granny Square Free Pattern ~ Original Version
How to Crochet The Wispy Willow with New Border Option ~ New Version
3. Graceful Elegance: The Rosalie Crochet Hexagon
You can find the Free Pattern and Video Tutorial for the Rosalie Hexagon Here
4. Crochet The Easy Blossom Granny Square
You can find the Free Pattern and Video Tutorial for the Blossom Hexagon Here
5. Mandala Crochet Square Easy Tutorial & Pattern
You can find the Free Pattern and Video Tutorial for the Mandala Square Here
6. Mandala Crochet Square Easy Tutorial & Pattern
You can find the Free Pattern and Video Tutorial for the Mandala Square Here
A Tool That Makes Yarn Planning a Breeze
One of the most common questions I get from fellow crafters is: How do you figure out how much yarn you’ll need for a project? Whether it’s a small granny square or a full-sized blanket, estimating yarn quantities can be tricky—but this little tool makes it so much easier.
I purchased my kitchen scale on Amazon which you can find here, and they are very affordable. Most models come with multiple units of measurement, and I like to use grams because it’s precise and easy to work with. However, if you prefer ounces, they have that option as well. Let me share some of the ways I use my scale in my crochet projects:
- Weighing Individual Squares: When I finish a square, I weigh it to calculate how much yarn I’ve used. This is especially helpful if I’m planning a large project and need to estimate the total yarn required. For even more precision, I sometimes rip out a square and weigh each round separately. This helps me break down exactly how much yarn is needed for each stage of the square.
- Measuring Larger Projects: I often will make a project as a sample and then work it backwards for a pattern. So for these bigger pieces, like blankets or sweaters, I use a container to hold the project while weighing. A large bowl works perfectly! I place the empty container on the scale, zero it out, and then add the project. It’s such a simple trick, but it makes estimating yarn quantities for large items so much easier.
- Tracking Yarn Leftovers: If I have partial skeins of yarn left over from previous projects, I weigh them to know exactly how much I have before starting a new project. This helps me make the most of my stash and avoid running out mid-project.
The kitchen scale has become such an essential part of my crochet process that I can’t imagine working without it. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend adding it to your toolkit. It’s an investment that will pay off time and time again, especially for projects where accurate yarn calculations are key.
I’ll be sharing a full tutorial soon on how I use the scale in my projects, complete with tips and tricks to get the most out of it. Whether you’re working on a small piece or planning a large project, this tool is sure to make your crafting life a whole lot easier.
Watch the Video Form of Colour Journal #3 Here, where I explain my Colour Choices
Inspiration for Your Next Project
I hope today’s post inspires you to experiment with your own colour ways and create something beautiful. Whether it’s a blanket made from subtle pastels, a collection of granny squares for home decor, or something entirely unique, the possibilities are endless.
As we head into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to dream up new projects and explore fresh ideas. I’m so excited to see what you create. Until next time, happy crafting, and I’ll see you in the next instalment of my Colour Journal!
Enjoy ~ Jane