Lullaby Lodge

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of designing a crochet pattern? I thought it might be fun to share my own process — from that very first spark of inspiration to holding a finished design in my hands. Finding Inspiration Like most crocheters, I’m always on the lookout for ideas. You’ll usually find me scrolling Pinterest , YouTube , or Instagram , pinning away anything that catches my eye. Inspiration is everywhere — in colour palettes, textures, or even just seeing how a stitch is used in a different way.  I don’t really do proper sketches (I’m terrible at drawing!) but if I’m planning something like a granny square blanket, I might do a quick scribble just to figure out how many squares I’ll need and how they’ll all fit together. Swatching and Sizing The first proper step in my process is always a swatch. Swatching isn’t just about testing whether I like the stitch pattern — it’s also where I figure out the maths (another thing I'm terrible at). How big are the stitc...

Whether you’ve never tested a crochet pattern before or you’ve already done a few and want to sharpen your skills, this guide is here to help. Pattern testing is a fun, rewarding way to be part of the crochet design process—and it’s more than just making something pretty. You’re helping a designer create the best version of their pattern, catching errors, and making sure instructions are clear for future makers. I’ve created the detailed Pattern Tester’s Guide eBook that I send to my own testers, packed with tips and advice. If you’d like a copy, you can get it here: What Is Crochet Pattern Testing? Pattern testing is when a designer sends out a draft version of their crochet pattern for people to make before it’s officially published. The tester follows the pattern exactly, then provides feedback on things like: Whether the instructions are clear and easy to follow If there are any mistakes or typos Whether the finished size matches the pattern Yarn usage and hook size feedback Overa...

Sherbet Skies Baby Blanket – Free Crochet Pattern I’m so excited to share my latest design with you, the Sherbet Skies Baby Blanket ! This super soft, pastel-hued beauty is made using one beautiful yarn and a lovely, simple stitch that creates a beautifully textured fabric. Keep reading and I will provide you with everything you need including a free pattern and video tutorial, showing you how to crochet a C2C Wattle Stitch baby blanket. If you’re looking for a relaxing make with an easy to remember stitch pattern and a stunning result, you’ll love this one. Whether you're gifting it to a new baby or using it as a cheerful throw, the Sherbet Skies blanket adds a soft, dreamy vibe to any space. Looking for more? The beautifully designed PDF version of this pattern includes extra goodies like blanket size charts , a detailed blocking guide, printable project pages and all the instructions in an easy-to-read printable format. The PDF is available in my online stores... Why...