Category: EDCI 336

Trying to Film My Blanket Progress (It’s Harder Than It Looks)

I finally set up my tripod to start filming my crochet blanket progress, and wow, it’s a lot harder than I thought! I imagined it would be simple: set up the camera, start crocheting, and capture a relaxing little time-lapse. In reality, it took forever to find the right angle. Every time I started filming, the tripod would slip, the lighting would change, or my hands or legs would somehow block the view.

It’s also funny how aware I get of every single movement once the camera is on. Suddenly, I’m thinking about how my hands look, whether the yarn is in frame, or if I’m accidentally making weird faces while concentrating. Not exactly the calm, aesthetic process I had in mind!

Still, I’m glad I’m trying to document everything. It’s cool to see little clips of my progress, even the messy parts, because it shows how much work goes into each row. I think once I get the hang of positioning the tripod and lighting, it’ll get easier. For now, it’s all about trial, error, and lots of readjusting between stitches.

I finally started my crochet blanket, and honestly, I’m beyond excited about it. After weeks of gathering my yarn, checking out patterns, and watching a few how-to videos, it actually felt amazing to begin. The first few rows were a little tricky. My loops kept getting uneven, and I had to redo parts a couple of times. I have only used a hook to crochet, and tension with just your hands is so hard!

Once I thought I had it, I didn’t. I had to recount my stitches and start over yet again.

Finally Finding My Groove

Light It Up

Today I actually got to try the technique of melting the ends of my yarn together, and it honestly felt like a game-changer. Instead of tying big, bulky knots, I used heat to fuse the ends, which makes the blanket look so much smoother and more seamless. It was a little intimidating at first. I was nervous about getting too close to the lighter and accidentally burning the yarn, but after a couple of tries, I got the hang of it.

The trick is to melt just enough to make the wick of the yarn tacky, then quickly press them together before they cool. Once it sets, you can barely tell there was ever a join. It feels so satisfying seeing the yarn stay strong and neat, especially since I want this blanket to look as polished as possible.

It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference. Plus, it’s fun learning these little hacks along the way; every step teaches me something new about the craft.

There’s something really calming about the process. It’s just me, my yarn, and some quiet time to focus. I’m already seeing the blanket take shape, and that’s the best part: watching something grow from just a pile of yarn into something cozy and beautiful.

Three Colours Done!

I’ve officially finished the first three colours of my blanket, and I’m so happy with how it’s coming together. The transitions between the shades look even better than I imagined. Each section has its own little story, from figuring out the right tension in the first colour to finally finding my rhythm by the third.

I’m pausing here for a bit because the next section is going to take a while. It’s a bigger chunk of the pattern, and I want to take my time with it so it stays neat and even. Honestly, I’m kind of glad to have this little checkpoint. It’s nice to look back and see how much progress I’ve made already.

With 43 stitches to each row, 1.5 skeins of green, 1/4 of a skein of each ice green and white, I’m, as the kids these days say, “cooking”, and I can’t wait to keep going! This is definitely the start of something special!

ROAD TRIP!! Sometimes the best part of a project isn’t just making it, it’s the adventure that comes with gathering what you need. This weekend, I took a spontaneous trip down to Montana to pick up the yarn for my blanket project, and honestly, it turned into more than just a supply run.

Crossing the border felt like a mini getaway. The fall colours were incredible, golden trees lining the highway, mountains dusted with the first hint of snow, and that crisp air that makes you want to roll down the windows just to breathe it in. I had my coffee, a good playlist, and that cozy feeling of excitement that comes with starting something new.

The border guard on the way back into Canada made my whole day. He was insanely friendly and funny. We joked around about what I was bringing home, and we both had a good laugh when he mentioned he was also a thirty-something-year-old with an 80-year-old soul.

The Unboxing Moment

When I got home, I could hardly wait to open my parcel. Even though I knew exactly what was inside, it still felt like Christmas morning. I carried the package into my living room, sat on the floor, and ripped through the plastic like a kid who can’t wait another second.

Inside was a mountain of soft, chunky yarn, all perfectly squished together. I had to check each skein, just to make sure everything I ordered had arrived, and of course, to admire every colour up close. The texture was even better than I’d imagined. I couldn’t help but pull one out, give it a little squish, and picture the blanket starting to take shape.

After the drive and all the anticipation, finally seeing (and touching!) the yarn made it feel real. This project wasn’t just an idea anymore; it was sitting right there in front of me, ready to become something beautiful.

Getting Ready to Film the Process

After unpacking all that gorgeous yarn, my mind immediately jumped to the next step—capturing the process. I’ve always loved watching those satisfying crochet and knitting videos where you can actually see something cozy come to life, loop by loop. I want to create my own version of that, sharing the journey from start to finish.

The only problem? I quickly realized I didn’t have the right setup. Balancing my phone on random objects wasn’t going to cut it (trust me, I tried). So, I ended up ordering a tripod from Amazon for my phone. I chose this one because the price was right, and I liked that it came with a remote to start recording. It felt like the official next step, an investment in documenting the creative side of things, not just doing the project itself.

Now I’m picturing my future workspace: yarn laid out, camera steady, and that peaceful rhythm of hand weaving captured on video. It’s exciting to think I’ll be able to look back and actually see the progress, not just the finished blanket.

There’s something really special about starting a creative project, that feeling of excitement before anything has even been made. For me, that project is a chunky hand-made blanket. I haven’t started looping the yarn yet, but the planning and preparation have already been such a fun but stressful part of the process. I’ve been working on gathering materials, watching videos, and imagining what the finished blanket might look and feel like.

Finding the Perfect Pattern

After scrolling through countless patterns online, I found one that instantly stood out to me: the Chunky Knit Pattern – Watermelon on Etsy. It’s sold by an independent creator, DowntimeWithDawn, who specializes in cozy, modern knit and crochet designs.

What I loved most about this pattern was how approachable it looked. It’s designed for chunky yarn and hand-knitting, so no hooks or needles are required, just your hands. Even though the pattern name “Watermelon” suggests bright colors, it can be made in any palette, which gives it a nice creative freedom. I could have taken the easy route and just created a blanket with a single colour of yarn for ease of learning, but I wanted to take on a challenge.

Gathering My Yarn

To make the blanket, I ordered my yarn from BeCozi, a small business from the United States of America that specializes in chunky yarns and hand-knitting supplies. Their chunky chenille yarn is thick, velvety soft, and perfect for the oversized stitches this pattern calls for.

The site made it easy to figure out how much I needed, with sizing guides for different blanket dimensions — lap throw, couch blanket, bed-size, and more. Knowing that the yarn is made specifically for hand-knitting gives me confidence that it will be durable yet cozy. I can already imagine how satisfying it will feel to weave those big loops together and see the blanket slowly take shape.

One thing that is incredibly hard to overcome when making crocheted creations is that yarn isn’t cheap! I knew taking on this project would be expensive, but since we live in such a rural area, finding the exact yarn in all the colors I needed for this specific blanket was not without difficulty. Boy, was it a hard pill to swallow when I found out how limited my options were.

Learning from Video Inspiration

Before I dive in, I’ve also been watching a few helpful videos to build my confidence. One of my favorites is a reel where the creator demonstrates how to start a blanket by forming what she calls a “perfect loop” — or a “nine.” (Instagram reel link) Watching her hand movements helped me understand how to make that first loop feel even and secure, which seems like such an important foundation for the whole blanket.

I also found another short video showing how to close off the blanket cleanly. (Instagram reel link) Even though I’m nowhere near that stage yet, it’s nice to visualize the full process — from the first loop to the last stitch.

I also needed to research how to change the yarn colour, as I know from previous experience that the size and type of yarn I plan to use for my blanket require a much different approach. I found this video on YouTube to show me how, and I’m nervous but excited to try this new technique. I have a feeling I will be taking to YouTube for more videos during my process.

Looking Ahead

Even though I haven’t started crocheting yet, I already feel connected to this project. Every step, choosing the pattern, ordering the yarn, and learning the techniques, has reminded me how much joy there is in slowing down and making something with your hands.

My yarn has arrived at the Montana Shipping Outlet in Eureka, Montana. When I find the time to go and pick up my yarn, I’ll finally roll it out, make that “perfect loop,” and begin. I know it’ll take patience and practice, but I’m excited to see it unfold, one loop at a time.

For my free inquiry project, I decided to explore a different technique in the art of crocheting. I’ve been crocheting for about two years, primarily at a beginner level, following simple patterns and learning basic stitches.

I started using beginner’s kits called The Woobles. These kits come with everything you need to start, including all your yarn, hooks, stitch markers, stuffing, embroidery needles, safety eyes, and online, step-by-step instructional videos.

Once I had mastered my basic skills, I began to discover online patterns that piqued my interest. I discovered an amazing Etsy creator who crafts beautiful floral baskets and intricate plant patterns. You can find her under PHoaCrochet.

I then started following a creator on Instagram who makes hand-crocheted blankets. Instead of using hooks, she uses her hands to make the stitches (Wildly Woven). There are so many interesting techniques she uses to make her blankets, and it got me thinking I would like to attempt to make one myself. This is a new venture for me, as I have only ever used a hook to crochet.

A post shared by Wildly Woven | Chunky Knit Blankets (@wildlywoven_)

This time, I wanted to move beyond what I already knew and challenge myself to understand the craft more intentionally and creatively. Crocheting has always been something I find calming and rewarding, but I was curious to see how far I could develop my skills and what new techniques I could learn with focused time and research.

Over the next couple of months, I will document my journey in hand-crocheting a blanket. Through this project, I aimed to refine my technique, experiment with new patterns, and create a finished piece that demonstrates growth from my initial work. I also wanted to reflect on the process itself—how crocheting encourages patience, creativity, and mindfulness. By taking the time to study this craft more deeply, I hoped not only to enhance my abilities but also to appreciate the artistry and tradition behind crocheting better.