Each winter I generally start a crochet or knitting project to work on in the evenings in front of the TV. This year I am working on a Hexie Love Actually crochet afghan. I can’t resist hexagons so this pattern really caught my eye. I wanted to make a colourful rug with random centres, so I selected 7 colours from the Heirloom Cotton 8 ply range. That gave me 42 combinations to use in the centre of the hexies, which created variety but also gave the rug a cohesive look. I used a round of white yarn to join the hexies. I love how the white gives the rug a fresh look and really helps the colours to pop.
I have been sharing crochet photos on instagram, but wanted to share them here as well so you can see the progress I am making.
I have joined just over 100 hexies so far and estimate that I am about halfway. I am trying to sew in some of the ends as I go so I am not left with that task at the end.
I haven’t had much energy over the past few months as I recover from cancer treatment, but crocheting is something that is very therapeutic and can be easily picked up for short periods. It is the first time I have attempted the join as you go method, and it is coming together so well.
I will be sure to share more photos when the rug is finished. This one has already been claimed by Sarah. The pattern is Hexie Love Actually by Pink Stitches. Yarn is Heirloom 8 ply Cotton from Yummy Yarn and Co – they have a gorgeous selection of yarns and offer great customer service. When I have completed the rug, I will provide details on the number of balls used.
Edit: Head over to this post to see the finished crocheted blanket.
You can see the crochet rug I made last year here.
Melanie C says
It looks beautiful!!! I hope you recover and feel well again soon!
A Spoonful of Sugar says
Thanks so much Melanie!
Fiona says
It’s looking good. Last years looks lovely. I must learn to crochet. 🙂
A Spoonful of Sugar says
Crochet is easier than it looks and is so relaxing!
Susan says
Very pretty – I’m tempted to make one too and love to do handwork while watching tv. Great idea to weave in the ends as you go otherwise, it takes a long time. Keep feeling better and inspiring us!
A Spoonful of Sugar says
Thanks so much Susan!
Susan says
Sorry to reply again, but I wondered with crocheting all the ends, how do you do it so the ends stay put and will not come out? Will the afghan be fragile due to all the little hex shapes? Thank you!
A Spoonful of Sugar says
I thread the ends onto a needle and bury them under a few stitches. A the hexagons are actually crocheted together as you do hte final round, they will not come apart. Hope that helps to clarify.
Lulu says
That’s beautiful, your colour choice is fantastic. It looks so fresh and pretty. Sorry to hear of your illness. Best wishes for your recovery.
Kristin says
I had no idea you were recovering from cancer treatment. I’m a breast cancer survivor myself. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery!
I love the blanket and especially how the white ties it all together.
xo,
Kristin
A Spoonful of Sugar says
Thanks so much Kristin for your kind message.
Louise Buller says
I didnt know you had just undergone cancer treatment either. Sorry to hear that…..Sending you lots of good, healthy vibes over the internet and best wishes for a full recovery.
Louise Buller says
Your blanket is beautiful by the way! I’m going to wait until I get a bit more confident and then tackle this pattern…..I’m having real trouble understanding patterns at the moment! Its like double dutch….
A Spoonful of Sugar says
Thanks Louise – much appreciated!
Nan says
This is so pretty & delicate looking. I’m a knitter & have never crocheted. My mom knitted many things like this that I now have & cherish.
Lois S says
What a beautiful rug!!! I was wondering if you use any non-skid fabric or coating on the back side. I’m making rugs from tshirt yarn and don’t want them to be skidding hazards!
A Spoonful of Sugar says
Hi Lois. In Australia we use the term rug to also mean blanket or afghan. It is not a floor rug so no non skid coating is needed. If you are making a floor rug, you can buy some anti skid rug backings from Ikea.
Lois S says
Just a bit of Aussie101!! Thanks for the clarification!! I like it even better as a blanket! My bad!!