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The EASTERN JEWELS is finally LIVE !

Lucia & Francesca / / Patterns, Stories

 

The September blanket is a bit of an unusual one…because I start making it 7 months ago…it took ages ( but I am going to tell you why) but I finally can share  it  with you and I never been so eager to write about a project as much as I have been for this  blanket.

So here is the story behind this latest collaboration between Jane Crowfoot,  https://janiecrow.co.uk/presta/Stylecraft https://www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk/ and myself.

I will start with a bold statement:

THIS IS THE BEST BLANKET I CROCHETED SO FAR!!!

…and let me tell you I have crocheted quite a few of them!

It has been a real labor of love and,considering that it is not such a big blanket, it has also taken me ages to come up with the final color selection. I have been through several balls of yarn and I have a big basket of failed attempts sitting in my studio!!!!

Look at this “baby”…how lovely is she????

 

 

So grab a coffee or a tea, sit comfortably so I can tell you the story of the latest creation I have been working on, behind the scenes, for the past few months.

It all started back at the beginning of the year with another recoloring project: the Frida Primavera which I am sure many of you have seen it.

I enjoyed the challenge very much, I knew the blanket as I had taken part to the CAL that Jane ran for Stylecraft the previous year.

And, I am taking the opportunity to say that I am so happy that the new colorway was well received by many of you, thank you again for all your lovely messages!!.

On that wave, Annabelle from Stylecraft and Jane asked me, back in March, if I would consider doing the same for the Persian Tiles.

and by now you know me so I said …

YES!!!!

I knew the original pattern as I had bought a copy from Jane when it got released but I never got around making it…

Hence I got quite excited about the prospect of working on something new. The Persian tiles was another chance to unplug, look away from the screens and my day job, let the liminal brain take over and unleash creativity.

Doing that for an already existing pattern is an added bonus as I feel like it is a bit like coloring between the lines, in a way, quite a safe exercise,  as all I have to do is focus on the colors which are my favorite part of the process.

Where did I start from?

I always start, like I do for all my blankets, by making a sample of the motif with some random yarn as long as it is the same composition and gauge. It might seem a waste of time but it is the opposite.   Making a sample helps you to familiarise yourself with the pattern. It helps you to solve some possible “tricky” parts and it gives you an idea of tension and size of the final motive. It also allows you to see if you need to adjust or not the size of your hook and finally it is a record of your work to keep as future reference, especially if you are making the blanket for someone else.

this is a picture of one of the ‘trial’ motifs I made as said, it is random yarn to start with….

 

Once I got the motif right then is when the fun starts as it is COLOUR TIME!

So this is the original Persian Tiles. The picture is from Michelle and Anne’s page  crochetbetweenworlds.net    Michelle and Anne are also  Blogstars for Stylecraft, they are amazing and you should check their page! I believe this blanket was made by Michelle

what catches your eye first?

For me was the geometry of the pattern and how the original colors emphasized this aspect, so my first thought was that in order to make something that looked different and was a real alternative to the original, I needed to do something more than merely changing the original seven colors. I needed to come up with a different way to use colors and keep the geometry but in a more relax and loose manner. I show you what I mean with an example of actual tiles…

Here you have a collage of different way to use the colors in tiles that are very similar in style and all retain the same strong geometry feel. As you can see just changing how the colors are used it changes quite dramatically the overall look.

Using the tiles above as a reference, I thought that Jane’s original color selection was similar to square N.1.  What caught my attention was square N.3

I liked how the geometry aspect was a bit diluted by the apparent randomness of the colors.

So let’s have a close-up look at the Eastern jewels…

Can you see where I am coming from?  By not repeating the same sequence of colors for each motif it makes the blanket looks more ‘random’. In reality, it is not random at all, Every single color and its position have been chosen.

I used just 12 colors to start with including the buttermilk which is my “neutral”.

The buttermilk is actually the most important hue in all blanket. I was so pleased when Annabelle at Stylecraft accepted my proposal and introduced this new color in their range! I was so determined to convince her that it was a must! now you can see why…

 

 

 

these are the “neutrals” on the Stylecraft range…so you have:

white, cream, parchment, and buttermilk.

I apologize as the white is not in the picture but ..I run out of it!

Said that it doesn’t really matter because what I want to show you is not the actual hue but how they work with the other colors.

So now look how these neutrals behave in blankets….

WHITE:

 

 

 

CREAM:

 

 

PARCHMENT:

 

 

and finally the BUTTERMILK:

 

you will agree with me that if we are looking at:

PICTURE 1:

just ONE round of white in a very bright blanket still makes a huge impact.

PICTURE2 :

even if the percentage of the use of cream is much higher than in picture 1  it is still predominant but not as stark.:

PICTURE3:

there is a LOT of parchment…but it blends more with the colors and the impact is quite subdued.

finally PICTURE 4:

 

in the Eastern the buttermilk it is completely blended and helps the other colors to keep the geometry!

I know it might sound a bit too technical and boring but I want to give you the tools to see how colors behave so you can make your own combinations.

Another bit of theory and then I promise  I stop..

the blanket uses as I said 12 colors. I needed to keep the number of colors down to keep the cost of the blanket ‘s kit down and also to avoid to have a lot of left-overs.

 

To create the illusion of LOADS of colors EVERY motif has a DIFFERENT colors combination, BUT even if there are 12 colors and 14 rounds on each of the hexagons, I  used just an average of 7/8 colors for each Hexagon. The result is that each hexagon has a color which is more predominant and that is what creates the effect you see. Ironically if I had used all 12 hues for each hexagon  ( considering that there are 14 rounds you could, in theory, use all the hues for each motif) I would have a much more uniform looking blanket than what you see.

how did I decide what colors to use and when? very, very simple:

I wanted a “HAPPY” blanket, and I started by selecting colors that I identify with that. Colors that remind me of the past, of happy holidays, beautiful landscapes, the Mediterranean sea, but also the colors of food, spices, and even, why not, …smells.

As an example of colors reference how about this picture of the Cinque Terre,  five small villages on the Ligurian Coast of Italy called Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore…beautiful places so worth a visit if you are touring Italy.

Someone once asked me what computer program I use to choose and select the position of my colors…I actually laughed!!!  because if you knew me in person you would know that my relationship with technology certainly is one of “LOVE-HATE”!

I love computers as they allow me to communicate with you, but at the same time, every single task doesn’t seem to come ‘naturally ‘ to me. I always struggle and forget the sequence of steps  I have to take even in simple tasks as transforming an HR picture in a more manageable format so not to take all my allowance of data for the blog…so the idea of me mastering complex technologies and using some amazing gizmo of a color program is totally ludicrous!!

I use a large table crammed with pencils,  balls of yarn, color swatches,  and most of all my eyes…that is all there is to. No magic formulas in operation here!

Same goes to balance the blanket and choose the next round.

I always make one round at a time for each of the main motifs then I place them on the floor, the best place is outside if its not raining… as I get a real feel for the colors in natural light.   Here is a  couple of pictures of the blanket starting taking shape.

 

I wanted to share the creative process with you because it gives you an idea what takes making a blanket .. and that is just one part of it.

After the blanket is done, then the long and a bit tedious, process to record and translate my scribbles on my copybook into something that can be used starts…

I have to say I am not a fan of this particular stage of “blanket making” because you got to be precise and make sure that everything is correct and make sense, and I find all the above quite boring! I like playing with colors and making things..I do not like papers!  but at the end of the day that is of no use if it is not shareable…after all it is like a cooking recipe: you cant say ‘Oh there is a bit of this and a pinch of that..’ if you want someone else to make it!

That is all there is about it, my dear fellow crocheters!!

I want to thank Jane once again for letting me play with her patterns, and Annabelle plus all her team at Stylecraft for their hospitality and making me feel part of the team, for checking and re-checking my notes …. for   the  copious amounts of yarn they send me on a regular basis and the platform they have offered me to share my work with all of you out there!

I leave you with a couple of pictures I took in July at Stylecraft’s HQ…

 

and… I know the Model on the billboard looks much better than me holding the blanket… but please indulge me a little. lol!!.. after all I do love the Eastern very much and

I hope you will love it too!

 

thank you for reading

love lucia xx

143 Comments on The EASTERN JEWELS is finally LIVE !/ Tags: , , , , , , , , /

143 comments

    1. I have just come across this blanket in a Facebook post. I love it and would like to make one. Are the kits still available? If not, is your color chart available?

  3. Wow I love it, I’ve started doing the original colour way but guess what I’m starting again I love your idea, I was getting bored doing them all the same colours, so cusion cover s they will now be a d I will be starting again thankyou, for your brilliant idea now I need more style craft colours x

  5. Beautiful, exquisite, breathtaking are words that come to mind, Lucia! You are a genius! I am learning from you, so much. Well done, you remarkable woman, you!!! You should be extremely proud. XXX

  12. Wow it’s just beautiful. I had seen it a while ago as it was leaked on instagram and I was desperate to get hold of the pattern. I’m a little disappointed it’s only going to be available in a kit as I prefer cotton yarns but maybe this will encourage me to try something new. Love it’s beautiful xx

  16. Happily, my local Stylecraft stockist will be enquiring today about stocking the packs, so I can look forward to starting very soon. Can’t wait! Thank you, Julia, for helping to inspire us.

  17. Lucia, thats just beautiful and I cant wait to make it. I loved your description of the colour theory and how you workd on the colour combinations and placement. . Also liked to see how you use the Mediterranean land/village/seascape as colour reference. Thank you for going into so much detail of the design process.
    Best wishes
    Janet

  19. This is a stunning blanket, love, love, love. Thank you for sharing your creative process with us. It is truly inspiring to see how a project grows from an idea. I hope to be able to make this beautiful blanket.

  21. This is just beautiful. I saw the blanket at a wholesaler’s show while visiting my DIL in The Netherlands. I am so sad that it will only be sold as a kit as I live in South Africa. Thank you for the details on colour that will be kept for future projects. xxx

  24. Your work is stunning! Thank you for the very informative post as well. I’ve hooked Frida blankets in 4 different color combos and 12 using blocks 1 and 2 only for baby blankets. Your explanation on how to go about it was spot on!
    I look forward to other redo’s from you!
    Best
    Sheila Zachariae

  25. Absolutely beautiful I have made the original and won prizes with it I will certainly be making this colourway. Thank you for sharing your process of designing colourways very, very interesting. Look forward to seeing more of your work.
    Kind regards
    Norma

  26. It is beyond stunning!! Quite possibly one of the most beautiful blankets I’ve seen, and I grew up with a master crocheter in the family. Complete work of art.

  27. I am such a fan of your work. I love your explanation of the neutrals!! You really did a remarkable job on the Frieda and now the Eastern, Both are stunning designs but there is something about the colors you picked that make this design sing to me! I guess it is “happy” colors. Thank you for sharing.

  29. Pingback: Stylecraft - Eastern Jewels - Persian Tiles Blanket • Emma Varnam's blog

  32. This is outstanding. Your concentration on locating just the right combinations of colors is very obvious. I’d love to make this because so many of the traditional pieces have such dark colors used. I like bright.

  33. Just wow! My dear mother just taught me to crochet the day before yesterday with yarn shades inspired by my now-home of Split, Croatia. Now you’ve inspired me to capture the colors of my other adopted home, Sarajevo. This work is stunning and innovative!

  35. this is the first time I’ve utterly needed to make a blanket. The fact that no two are the same really inspires me. i am terrible at doing something over and over again. I love looking at them but not doing them. I ADORE what you have done. thank you, and thank you for sharing your process. where do i sign up for the cal?

  36. So beautiful, your colours are amazing! I already have a kit to make persian tiles in the blues but perhaps I will be able to make one in your colours one day. Could you tell me, in your photo from Stylecraft HQ, do you know the origin / pattern of the star blanket on the LHS as I love that too.

    1. Hi Vicki, those are all blankets I made, the one on the LHS is made all out of batik the pattern is from a book called “crocheted gifts the author is Kim Werker. I have the book at home, but if you don’t I would suggest you have a look on Pinterest, there are quite a few squares with a central star available. put star granny square on the search engine and see what they site comes up with. failing that you can have a look at the book’s option.

  38. I love this! My pack arrived this morning and I can’t wait to get started. The colours are so nice. I love to crochet but struggle with colours so this is perfect. Such a happy blanket!
    Thank you Lucia.

  39. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog post Lucia, (I just found you via IG), gorgeous colours in the blanket. I made the Persian Tiles in the dark blue and gifted to my sister who was delighted with it. I may have to make this colour way for me! I loved the colour theory explanations about the neutrals too, I apply this theory to my artwork, you explained it so well for crochet projects. Really looking forward to exploring your blog posts, loving your work, you are so talented! The pictures of the tiles you included are beautiful too, just love the patterns and colours , they give me lots of inspiration too.

  41. I love your choice of colours very much. Currently I am crocheting Jane’s Persian Tiles. But you inspired me to try my own choice of colours, after I finish it.
    Thank you. Looking forward to your next project.

  42. Thank you for sharing your creative process. I have to say as soon as I saw your version it ‘spoke’ to me and I just had to indulge! I bought the original pattern some time ago but never got round to starting it but your colours gave me the push to start. I’ve started it last night and am thoroughly enjoying it! I have recorded my progress on ravelry. Thanks again for a wonderful adaptation to this stunning pattern 🙂

  44. Oh my! What an absolutely gorgeous array of colours!! I was tempted to try crocheting the original colourways but I am so glad I procrastinated. I definately wish to purchase this kit now but I am a little wary about the expertise required. I have made 2 CAL blankets from kits as a novice crocheter but wonder if I would be able to master this beautiful blanket. Can you advise me??? I can do basic stitches. Cheers from Australia.

    1. You definitely will. The instructions on the original pattern are very comprehensive and clear. And all you have to do is to follow the original pattern using the colours that I listed ,round by round, in my brochure. There aren’t fancy stitches just a couple of front posts but there are photos to help you. The rest is just the basic double crochet , trebles, half trebles and double trebles. All the best, lucia xxx

  46. ciao lucia, ti scrivo in italiano, perche’ ovviamente non avrai problemi a leggermi, vorrei chiederti se acquistando lo schema originale, che mi piace moltissimo, si ha la possibilita’ anche di avere le istruzioni per poter realizzare questa tua variante che mi ha colpito l’occhio da farmi rimanere incollata al tuo blog, o se queste istruzioni si acquistano a parte. ti ringrazio moltissimo se potrai rispondermi.
    Francesca

    1. Ciao Francesca, le istruzioni per la mia variante sono solamente disponibili come parte del kit con il filato. Nel kit ci troverai la versione originale, l’allegato con le indicazioni dove e come posizionare i nuovi colori che ho disegnato io ed inoltre il filato necessario per completare la coperta. Non credo che ci siano distributori della stylecraft in Italia ma alcune ditte britanniche come per esempio la woolwarehouse, fanno spedizioni all’estero. Magari da un occhiata e vedi cosa ti sembra. Il prezzo credo che sia 29 sterline o giù di lì , per il trasporto non sono sicura. Ricorda che naturalmente le istruzioni sono in inglese. Ci sono delle foto nello schema originale ma non ci sono diagrammi quindi devi avere una minima conoscenza del l’inglese per poter seguire le istruzioni. Saluti, lucia

  47. Hello Lucia,
    Your colours are beautiful! They make me happy. And your explanation is very clear! Only one thing……you talk about hexagons in your blog but it are octagons.

    1. Hi Janet, nothing of very complicated at all. You have double crochet, trebles,half trebles, double trebles and the only thing there are some front double trebles , but the instructions have some photos so you can see the stitches . Jane’s instructions are always excellent . So if you can master the above you can do the blanket. Also remember all the instructions are in Uk terms.

    1. All the instructions come with the kit that you can buy from all stylecraft ‘s stocklist some of which do international shipping too. Please check the Stylecraft webpage for the list of stocklists.

  50. This is by far, one if the most breathtaking blankets I’ve ever seen!!! And thank you so much for sharing your thought process, because it never would have occurred to me to change a pattern the way you have. Amazing!!

  51. I have just received my kit! Its so beautiful, and the instructions are very clear. Thank you so much – I hope my crochet skills are good enough to do it justice. I can’t wait to get started.

  52. Dear Lucia, what an AMAZING piece of art… you have touched my heart (and my daughters’). I would love to make one myself. But I have close to no crochetting experience. So this might be a bit ambitious :-). Then again, it is always good to have some interesting items on one’s bucket list, right? So my question to you: what should I do in order to be able to learn myself how to make this blanket – someday…? Do you have any starters projects for me to exercise some skills or techniques first? Can you recommend some good tutorials or books? Thanks a lot, Hanne (from Belgium – excuses the language errors)

    1. Hi Hanne, well you have a few alternatives…If you have a shop or someone close by that does crochet lessons I would start joining a beginners class. It is great fun starting crocheting with others. otherwise, if classes are not an option, I think I would opt for some youtube videos. there are many out there that can take you over the basic steps to start crocheting.
      As a project, I think you might want to start with a basic granny square and see how you are getting on with that.That should give you the basic stitches like chain, single-crochet double crochet etc.
      The eastern jewels doesn’t have complicated stitches ( besides a couple of front post trebles) the instructions written by Jane are extremely good but it requires a minimum of knowledge.
      So start with something simple as a granny square or a V stitch blanket or a granny stitch blanket. You can see all the above in a couple of Blogs. I think the best blogs for beginners are my friends Lucy and Heather.
      Lucy’s attic24 http://attic24.typepad.com/ . has beautiful basic blankets with lovely colours combinations and great tutorials really easy to follow. and Heather’s at Patchwork heart http://www.thepatchworkheart.co.uk/ has similar projects again great tutorials. I also would advise you to get some lovely acrylic in DK to start with ( even a small pack ). because you are in Belgium I am not so sure what is available in terms of yarns but if you follow the links on Lucy’s page the wool warehouse does some lovely packs with her colours that are very reasonably priced and they do international shipping.http://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/ . also invest some money on a quality hook , it makes a huge difference , trust me.I love clover amours a size 4 is perfect for a dk yarn.
      hope it helps as a starting point, let me know how you are getting on,
      take care Lucia xxx

  54. Hi
    I purchased the tile pattern earlier this year at Wonder Wool in Wales, although I liked the pattern design itself, unfortunately the original colours did not gel with me, so it has been left untouched and unloved. I have now found your new interpretation of the Persian Tile pattern and it has really made me want to get my hooks into the colours you have used or find the kit if still available.
    What a difference colours make to any project and I’m so glad that you have such a good eye

  58. Stunning colour choices! This is a gorgeous blanket. Like you, I love colour and I prefer to just ‘wing it’. Writing up patterns is not my favourite thing, either, but I’m practising. Thanks for sharing your process as to choosing colours. Your explanation was clear and helpful.
    ~ Linne

  60. *Please excuse swearing*
    Holy fuck this is incredible and I am in awe!! I stumbled across your blankets on another site and they’re so beautiful and more so now that I know the backstory. The detail is astonishing and so are you, just…wow, I gasped when I saw it!
    I don’t know what else to say I’m speechless and now I want to learn how to crochet

  62. Pingback: How do I have nothing to write!? – Crochet, Knitting and Yarn

  64. FANTASTIC! Thank you for explaining your methodology and the lesson on color value. I’m always startled when I see an identical design bordered by black, then white. It changes the impact of the colors so dramatically. Similarly, as you demonstrate, the effect of several values of what I’ll call white creates very different designs. White and black are harsh – stringent when compared to creams and grays. This concept applies to everything – traditional art as well as handcrafts like knitting, crocheting and quilting. Many, many thanks for sharing.

  66. I had purchased the original Persian Tiles pattern from a yarn show, but the colours unfortunately left me cold and uninspired. Then somehow I found your blog and the I saw the Eastern Jewels colourway and I ordered the kit that evening. I finished my blanket before Christmas and it’s stunning and a lovely make. Thank you.

  67. Absolutely totally beautiful Lucia your colourselection is just the most exquisite I have ever seen. The colour selection is just so happy, you have brightened what had been a miserable day. Thank you
    Hugz

  68. Thanks Lucia, this is beautiful, and I found your description and photos wonderful. I made the original blanket and I love that, but I can’t wait to try these colours too and have bought the pack. I was wondering is there a pattern somewhere for the ripple blanket you used to illustrate the use of white as a neutral? Looking forward to seeing more of your work in future.

  70. Is there any chance this will become available as a downloadable pattern? I live in the US so that would be helpful. Also, the pack has been sold out online for a while (when I have checked). Is there a secret I need to know to buy it? 🙂

    1. Hi Catherine,
      The colourways of the Eastern Jewel is just available as part of the pack. that is how Stylecraft has decided to promote it. I just designed the colourways and crochet the blanket, I am not involved in how it is offered to the public, but there are packs in stock at Poppy’s and they do deliver to the US, I know Helen and Pete personally, they are a very reputable company and I highly recommend them.
      https://www.poppys-holmfirth.co.uk/stylecraft-br-persian-tiles-br-eastern-jewels-pack-br-i1892.htm
      lucia xx

    1. Thank you Elaine! That is what I m working on at the moment! Please subscribe to the blog and I will put up some patterns and colorway in the next couple of weeks !!!
      Lucia xx

  72. Lucia, this is so beautiful. I’m going to do this pattern with the Woodland color pack from Lucy at Attic24. So excited to start. Thanks for sharing.

  73. This is an absolutely gorgeous blanket! I love it.! You are very talented at combining colourways. I would love to make a blanket like this and to know if their is a pattern available? I think I will subscribe to your blog. I don’t want to miss what you might do next!

  74. Thank you so much for your thoughtful article. The pictures of the tiles you shared are very enlightening, and how you took what you learned from looking at the tiles and found a “path” to your color selection was pretty inspiring for a fellow yarn “addict” to see, step by step. This is something I always spend a lot of time on, but aren’t always happy with the results. No wonder you love color! When I saw the picture of the villages, I though at first it was a painting! Thank you again, so much for sharing what you know!

  75. ….and by the way, thank you for the beautiful visual image of you, your village and your lovely ladies under the fig tree, and allowing me to sit there with you for a few minutes! I’ve never been to Italy but I hope to go some day.

  76. FEB.24TH 2018. JUST FOUND THIS ARTICLE. THIS BLANKET IS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. THE IDEA OF ONLY 12 COLOURS IS ASTONISHING, IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE THERE ARE FAR MORE. VERY CLEVER THINKING, INDEED.
    I HAVE NEVER TRIED ONE OF THESE BLANKETS, BUT ON SEEING THIS…..I MIGHT GIVE IT A GO.
    DO YOU THINK AGE 73, I WILL HAVE TIME TO FINISH IT????
    HAHAHAHAHA. THNAKYOU FOR A WONDERFULLY INSPIRING ARTICLE.

  77. Pingback: WOW! the eastern Jewels crochet blanket | Knitella - Crochet Knit Patterns
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  79. Oh, I want to make this so very much! It is breathtakingly beautiful! Will it be sold again? Everywhere I’ve looked is sold out. You must have a beautiful spirit to be able to bring such beauty into existence. Thank you.
    Tawana G. [Illinois, USA]

  80. Hi Lucia,
    I adore your work! The Eastern Jewels blanket is just glorious and I’m dying to make it. I’m an Australian crocheted who is trying, without success to get her hands on a kit. I have a copy of the Persian Tiles pattern already but notice that in the original the motifs are joined all in navy, using dc join-as-you-go technique. As the last few of all your motifs are different colours, I’m guessing you used another method. Could you please share it with me? I’m quite happy to work out the colour scheme using the photos and purchase the yarn separately. Thanks, Lucy in Australia.

  81. Dear Lucia,
    How do I obtain a copy of your pattern for the crocheted Eastern tiles afghan. It is so pretty. I would like to try and make it someday. When I get my other projects caught up. Please e-mail me direct. Like you I am mot so computer adept. I can at least get my e-mails tho.
    Thank You,
    Myra Getzel

  82. I’m so glad that I discovered your blog and this story in particular. I’m a new “hooker” and instantly fell in love with this because of the colors. Now I’m happy that I know the inside story. When I finally make it, I will remember our visit to Cinque Terre about 10 years ago.

  83. Could you please give me a link as to where I could purchase this lit online. I am in Pennsylvania, but will pay international shipping.
    Thank you!

  84. Lucia, I am head over heels in love with this! I so badly want to buy the pattern or kit but the kit is out of stock everywhere and I can’t seem to find the pattern+Eastern Jewels Brochure to buy alone ANYWHERE. Are you able to tell me if the kit will be back in stock eventually, or where I can acquire the pattern alone and buy the yarn separately? I cannot express in words how much I want to make this gorgeous afghan!

    1. I know, it has been so popular! ( sometimes I can’t believe myself….) as said before I am not involved with any of the distribution of either the pattern or the kits because I designed the new colourway for Stylecraft and Janie Crow. they own the copyrights of the blanket and they also decide how the kit has been distributed. I do know that if it will come back available Poppy’s of Holmfirth will stock it. so my best advice would be for you to send an email to Peter and Helen at Poppy’s and as soon as it is available they will notify you. they are a fab shop very professional. this is the link.
      thanks again for your kind words!
      all the best,
      lucia x
      https://www.poppys-holmfirth.co.uk/lucia-s-shop/lucia-s-shop

  85. My kit arrived this morning from Black Sheep Wool. Someone posted a pic of their blanket on Facebook – ‘Nothing but Crochet’ and I fell in love with it. It was really interesting to read your blog about how you went about changing the original Persian Tiles, especially about your choice of colours. They remind me of growing up in the 1960s and that idea of ‘love and peace’. can’t wait to get started.

  86. Hi Lucia, I just ordered this kit through Deramores and I am hoping mine is as stunning as your’s is!! Fingers crossed , I am sooo excited to get to make it. Now to patiently wait for it to arrive I love the way that you explained your process because it is absolutely gorgeous!

  87. This is so beautiful. I love all the colors. I see the kit is no longer available. Is your brochure available for purchase somewhere?

  88. Hi, I love this version. I bought the kit but I am struggling to get my pieces the right size. It would be really helpful to know the expected dimensions of the large octagon after every 3-4 rows so that I can figure out which rounds I am doing wrong. Is that posdible please?
    Also, when beginning the border, what stitch should be used to create the row that evens out the uneven edge?
    Thankyou

  89. I LOVE this pattern. And the colours – WOW!
    I’m curious about the size. Is it easy to make this blanket larger? I want to order the kit but would really like to make it a bigger blanket.

    1. Hi Monica, sorry for the late reply I had some issues with the server …you can make the eastern jewels bigger just by making more octagons and squares and adjust the border accordingly. So I would maybe double the quantities of yarn so you have plenty of material to adjust to your preferred size.

      1. Thank you! I just purchased the pattern (Persian Tiles) but don’t see where I can find the colour substitutions that you used. I can see the list of colours, but not the information on which was swapped for the colours in the original pattern. I live in Canada and can’t easily get Stylecraft yarn so I was going to substitute for another brand (especially since I want to make the blanket much larger) and will try to match the colours as best as I can, but it would be so helpful to know your substitutions.

  90. Pingback: Progress on my WIPs - Yarn Tails SA

  91. Hi there Lucia, loved reading your blog I bought the set to make it myself. However I’m really stuggling with the pattern especially the granny squares step 5&6. Do you know of any videos or tutorials to help the less experienced?
    Thank you xx

    1. hi Amelia, I am afraid there is no video available. I just made the colourway for Janie Crow and Stylecraft . It has been their decision on how to promote the blanket nothing to do with me, hence why I couldn’t make a video. there might be a group on facebook about the eastern jewels But I am not so sure, as the blanket is one year old already. Said that I will investigate and come back to you.
      best wishes,
      lucia x

  92. HI,
    I absolutely love your blanket and will be purchasing the kit (or kits) quite soon.My daughter would like one but she would like it for her bed which is a king size bed………..could you please let me know the dimensions of your blanket and then I can work out how many kits I will need…….thanks

  93. This blanket is amazing!!! I love how the colors “play nice” with one another, and now I feel like I have to make one so I can have something very bright thrown over my vintage leather recliner….really I just want something really bright in my living room that I can snuggle under when watching movies!! 😉

  95. I ADORE your Eastern Jewels blanket. I would happily buy the kit but it is not available. I don’t want to buy the pattern without knowing your substitutions – are they available anywhere? It is absolutely amazing. Thank you.
    Susan

    1. thank you, Susan. I designed the eastern jewels colourways for Stylecraft and Janie Crow. I am not involved with the distribution of the packs or the pattern. I am sorry I can’t be of more help . All I can suggest is that you might want to get in touch with either of them for further information.
      all the best,
      Lucia x

  96. Hola Lucia, en mi Instagram sigo varias páginas de crochet y me tope con el azulejo persa o joyas de este, me encantó pues parece un mandala, buscando la pista de cómo hacerlo, llegué a tu web y si bien no está el esquema o patrón, me encantó tu historia y cómo seleccionaste los colores y su secuencia. Definitivamente cuando se hacen las cosas con amor y pasión el resultado es hermoso. Felicidades.
    Un abrazo desde Caracas-Venezuela

  98. I love how you have explained the use of colour. In particular the neutral photos really show how a colour can change the whole look of a design. I only came across your blog because I am thinking of making this blanket, but i so enjoyed reading it I’ll be back.

    1. Sorry Larisa, I just designed the blanket . Iam not involved in any of the distribution of either the packs or the pattern. Please get in touch with either Jane Crowfoot or Stylecraft
      Lucia x

  100. Please could I ask if you have the Persian tiles Eastern Jewels blanket pattern left in stock,I an giving this crochet blanket pattern to my friends as gifts along with the wool.I do hope you can help.

    1. sorry Susan, I just designed the blanket . Iam not involved in any of the distribution of either the packs or the pattern. Please get in touch with either Jane Crowfoot or Stylecraft
      Lucia x

  101. where can i find The colourways of the Eastern Jewel , because im gonna buy them separately as they are sold out from any website that deliver world wide ( saudi arabia)
    thx 😉

    1. Hi Jomanah,,I am so sorry you cannot find the kit available,I just designed the colourway and I am not involved in any of the distribution of the packs or the pattern. I am also bound by copyright with Stylecraft and Jane Crowfoot. You got to get in touch with them. Failed that all I can suggest is that if you put Eastern jewels in your search engine ,on Instagram or Pinterest for example, there are a LOT of really close up of the octagons and it is very easy to guess the colours that way.
      Hope it helps a little.
      all the best,
      Lucia x

  102. Hi Lucia
    I want to make this Eastern Jewels blanket
    But want to use wool and not acrylic. Any ideas
    I think I have ordered the Persian Tiles pattern but would love a colour list chart.
    Many thanks I love your work
    Lesley

  103. Hi Lucia
    I would love to make this rug but want to make it in wool and not acrylic. I have ordered the Persian Tiles pattern. I live in Australia and could get wool here but would need colour lists and chart. Any suggestions?
    Kind regards
    Lesley

    1. Hi Leslley,I am so sorry you cannot find the kit available,I just designed the colourway and I am not involved in any of the distribution of the packs or the pattern. I am also bound by copyright with Stylecraft and Jane Crowfoot. You got to get in touch with them. Failed that all I can suggest is that if you put Eastern jewels in your search engine ,on Instagram or Pinterest for example, there are a LOT of really close up of the octagons and it is very easy to guess the colours that way.
      Hope it helps a little.
      all the best,
      Lucia x

  104. Lucia,
    Hi! Your design is dazzling and breathtaking–you have such an amazing eye for color! I used to be an avid crocheter, 20 years ago, but have somehow stopped over the past two decades. Your pattern/colorway has inspired me to pick up a hook again and make this blanket for my mother. Unfortunately, although I can find the original persian tiles pattern for sale, all of the sources for your colorways/yarn kits are sold out.
    Is there any way I can purchase the colorway information itself from you, so I can buy the yarn myself and tackle this?
    Many thanks,
    Drea

    1. Hi Drea,I am so sorry you cannot find the kit available,I just designed the colourway and I am not involved in any of the distribution of the packs or the pattern. I am also bound by copyright with Stylecraft and Jane Crowfoot. You got to get in touch with them. Failed that all I can suggest is that if you put Eastern jewels in your search engine ,on Instagram or Pinterest for example, there are a LOT of really close up of the octagons and it is very easy to guess the colours that way.
      Hope it helps a little.
      Stay safe,
      Lucia x

  105. Hi,i loved reading your description of how
    you came to create your lovely colours. I am ashamed to say I have no real eye for putting colours together,but with people like you fills me with admiration.
    Thankyou

  106. Pingback: Eastern Jewels: the squares (work in progress) | In this Ordinary Time

  108. Thank you for your interesting and informative post, I’ve just ordered my kit on the strength of it! I’m certainly looking forward to making it. I saw on a different blog review that the writer had quite a bit of leftover yarn so I was wondering whether to add an additional row of octagons and the necessary fill in pieces to make it slightly larger. I’ll make all the pieces in the pattern and decide for definite at the assembly stage. Thanks for your work recolouring this, you’ve done a splendid job, hope I can do it justice!

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