How I fell in love with stitch sampler crochet blankets and started my own crochet blog!
The Spark: Discovering the Summer Love Blanket
It all started in 2017 when I scrolled through Facebook and saw a photo of the Summer Love Stitch Sampler Blanket by SpitSpot Crochet. The blanket was a riot of unique stitches – sunflowers, textured ripples, and pops of bright colors that made my heart skip. I’d never seen anything like it. Unlike the repetitive baby blankets I’d lovingly churned out for years, this was a celebration of crochet’s versatility. Each stitch told a story, and I was hooked. I joined my first-ever Crochet Along (CAL), eagerly awaiting each pattern release, checking the website multiple times a day like a kid waiting for Christmas. The anticipation of seeing a new stitch come to life under my hook was exhilarating. I wasn’t crocheting for a gift or a purpose — I was making it for the sheer joy of crochet. That’s when I knew this was different.
The Journey: Learning and Experimenting
What I love about stitch sampler blankets is that they’re like a crochet masterclass in one project. Each row or square introduces a new technique, pushing you to grow as a crocheter. With the Summer Love Blanket, I tackled stitches I’d never tried before, like the intricate Butterfly and Rose Stitches that became the heart of my obsession. The process wasn’t always smooth — but the beauty of a sampler blanket is that imperfections blend into the charm. Every mistake was a lesson, and every new stitch felt like unlocking a new crochet secret.
The Freedom: Making It My Own
Sampler blankets gave me permission to break the rules. Unlike rigid patterns, they invited creativity. I began playing with color palettes, and using up yarn scraps from my stash. For the Summer Love Blanket, I used Mary Maxim DK weight yarn for most of it but threw in a bold red sport-weight yarn for contrast and a random ball of bamboo yarn for the sunflower squares. The result was eclectic, imperfect, and entirely me. I learned that sampler blankets are stash-busters, mood-lifters, and a canvas for self-expression. I could make every blanket unique by choosing stitches and colors that sparked joy.
The Question: Could I Design My Own Patterns?
That question became a quiet obsession. I’d never designed a crochet pattern before — every project in my four decades of crocheting came from someone else’s vision. Baby blankets for my grandkids, Christmas scarves, even the occasional hat — all followed patterns I found in books or online. Designing felt like a leap into uncharted territory. Was I even capable of it? The idea was thrilling but daunting. What if my stitches didn’t align? What if my ideas fell flat? Yet, the sampler blanket had shown me that crochet could be playful, forgiving, and deeply personal. The mix of stitches felt like an invitation to experiment, to break free from the safety of someone else’s instructions.
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The Blog Dream: Sharing the Journey
Around the same time, I’d been toying with the idea of starting a blog. I wanted a space to share my crochet journey, connect with others, and maybe inspire someone the way that sampler blanket pattern had inspired me. The thought of designing my own patterns felt like the perfect catalyst. It could be a place to share tips for other crocheters, especially those like me who’d spent years following patterns and were ready to try something new. I imagined writing about the stitches I loved, the colors that spoke to me, and the stories behind each project—like the baby blankets I made for my grandkids, each one stitched with love.
But starting a blog felt as intimidating as designing a pattern. What if no one read it? What if my designs weren’t good enough? Yet, the sampler blanket had taught me that imperfections are part of the process. Every wonky stitch in my Summer Love Blanket was a step toward mastery. Maybe a blog could be the same—a space to grow, learn, and connect, even if it wasn’t perfect from the start.
The Joy: Why This Matters
Stitch sampler blankets woke something up in me — a hunger to create, to push beyond the familiar. They showed me that crochet isn’t just about following patterns; it’s about telling stories with yarn. The idea of designing my own patterns feels like the next chapter in my 40-year crochet journey, a chance to honor the craft that’s carried me through life’s ups and downs. Starting a blog feels like a way to celebrate that journey, to connect with others who love crochet as much as I do, and to prove to myself that I’m capable of more than I thought.
There’s still a voice in my head that whispers, Can you really do this? But every time I pick up my hook, I’m reminded of the sampler blanket that started it all. It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. Designing patterns and starting a blog might be messy, imperfect, and a little scary, but I was ready to try. Because if crochet has taught me anything, it’s that beauty comes from taking one stitch at a time.
Spurred by a sudden burst of inspiration and confidence, I designed my first crochet pattern with little planning or hesitation. The Retro Duster Vest became my debut creation, and I shared it as a free pattern on my blog in early August 2017 — mere months after finishing the stitch sampler blanket that started it all!
That blanket, the Summer Love Stitch Sampler Blanket, wasn’t even my design, yet it changed everything. It remains a cherished keepsake, a constant reminder of the spark I felt and the truth that even the smallest nudge from an unexpected source can lead to incredible journeys.
Since that first sampler blanket, I’ve hit “publish” on over 270 crochet pattern designs alongside many, many stitch tutorials (some brand new!) Among those posts and tutorials are three stitch sampler blankets of my own creation, each one a testament to the passion ignited by that single, transformative project.
These blankets are far more than mere projects — they’re crochet memories, each one a chapter of my design life. The Summer Love Blanket, sparks memories of the bold leap that launched my blogging adventure. The Autumn Rhapsody Blanket, my very first stitch sampler design, fills me with pride and joy for the milestone it represents.
- Autumn Rhapsody Blanket & Pillow – Both free crochet patterns!
- Spring Rhapsody Blanket & Pillow – Both free crochet patterns!
- A Winter’s Night Rhapsody Blanket free crochet pattern
After the success of the original Autumn Rhapsody Blanket I also turned it into a crochet rectangle shawl – a stunner!
Autumn Rhapsody Rectangle Shawl free crochet pattern
Summer Love Blanket Details
The Summer Love Blanket pattern was originally available as a free pattern on SpitSpot Crochet’s website or as a free Ravelry download. However, currently it is only available as a paid pattern on Ravelry. I am not receiving any commission for any purchases. Since so many of you love this blanket I wanted to share how you can make your own if you desire!
Purchase the Summer Love Blanket on Ravelry
Copyright 2025 Tonya Bush/Nana’s Crafty Home
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Hi! Thank you so much for being here! I am Tonya the designer behind Nana's Crafty Home. As a wife, mother, Nana of 9 & with 2 fur babies, my days are filled with love, laughter, hugs and yarn! Here you will find colorful and creative crochet designs for yourself or loved ones. My hope is that you will be inspired to learn and create along with me!
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