WANT A CUSTOM HANDMADE BLANKET FOR JUST THE COST OF YARN?
Now is the time to get this Liz's Universe Blanket, at a fraction of the cost, in our Liz's Universe Blanket Giveaway. π
Liz's Universe Blanket crochet pattern features celestial moon phases drifting into a sea of stars, surrounding a vibrant sun center that flawlessly transitions from a circle into a gorgeous rectangle. I am obsessed, and I want to make another, but I need your help!
I am running a pseudo giveaway! I am donating 100% of my time, stitching, and labor for FREE. All you have to do is cover the cost of the yarn and shipping, and I will hand make a custom Universe blanket just for you. (We can do this though Etsy if you like via custom order) .....and I will make a custom Universe Blanket. just for you in your dream colors!
Bonus: I have created a custom coloring page, so that you can map out your color choices perfectly before we start! (Coloring page included in pattern!)
Want to claim the slot or be a future pattern tester? Drop a comment below or head over to any number of platforms listed on the drop down/sidebar menu, and pm me to hear more how to enter. First come, first served.
The Story Behind the Blanket
This blanket has been a work in progress for many years. Back in 2023, I dreamed of a blanket I wanted to make my youngest daughter for her birthday. She had started being interested in several things, like drumming, celestial aesthetics, etc, that I too find appealing, and this came to me in a dream.
So I sat down and began making the design just for her. I was a good ways into the blanket and pattern, lots of pieces falling into place, when life threw us a curve ball and our life was uprooted. The girl dealt with the changes, challenges, and life like a trouper. She didn't even mind the delay in the blanket, though she was excited when she saw the pieces, and could see what I was after.
It is now 2026, and she has graduated! π₯³ππ
I can't think of a better graduation gift than to finally finish her blanket for her. She has already threatened to take it everywhere with her (how sweet and great is that!) ππ₯°
Again, if you would like a custom blanket made with this OOAK pattern by Doily Designs, message Cathleen. You and I can work out details, I will send you a 'coloring page' to choose colors, you will purchase yarn {via Hobby Lobby or other} send yarn to me, I will mail you your completed blanket within the month.
Even if you do not subscribe to this giveaway, you can still share your thoughts on either the giveaway or the blanket.
Thank you for stopping by, and for your continued support.
Best wishes and happy crocheting,
Cathleen π§Άπͺ
π¨ Bonus: I’ve created a custom coloring page of the pattern so you can map out your color choices perfectly before we start!
Want to claim the slot or be a future pattern tester? Drop a comment below or head over to the blog [Link] to see how to enter! First come, first served! π
Title: The "Pseudo-Giveaway": Get a Custom Liz's Universe Blanket (You Only Pay for Yarn!)
Hello fiber friends!
I am offering to donate my time, skills, and calloused fingers to crochet a custom Liz's Universe blanket for you. My labor is 100% free.
The Deal: You choose the colors, you pay for the yarn/shipping, and I do all the work to create your custom heirloom blanket.
To make this even more fun, I’ve created a custom coloring page of the Liz's Universe design! If you win the slot, you can print this out, color it in with colored pencils or markers, and visually map out exactly what your dream celestial blanket will look like.
Looking To the Future: Pattern Testers Wanted!
If you love the design but aren't looking to purchase yarn right now, don't worry! Down the road, I will be officially releasing the pattern and will need a crew of dedicated pattern testers.
If you want to be put on the VIP list to test the pattern when it's ready, let me know in the comments below or via my signup form [Link].
How to Claim Your Spot
Because I am only one human with two hands, I can only take on [Insert Number, e.g., one or two] blanket(s) for this specific yarn-only giveaway.
Here is how to apply:
Leave a comment on this post (or my latest YouTube video) telling me what vibe you'd go for (e.g., "Moody Gothic Moons" or "Pastel Rainbow Universe").
Fill out the quick contact form [Link] so I can reach out to you about yarn budgets and shipping.
Thank you all so much for supporting my fiber art journey and helping me keep the creativity flowing, even when the yarn budget is zero. I can't wait to see what colors we pick!
Which color palette are you secretly hoping someone chooses for the next blanket?
Free Mary Jane is a tribute pattern. Free Mary Jane 2.0 is a Leafier tribute pattern :)
If you would like to read more, find the original Free Mary Jane Pattern and post right here on Doily Designs, and thank you for reading. Original Free Mary Jane Pattern
New ~ Leafier Crochet Mary Jane Pattern 2.0 πΏ¨π±π️
Free Mary Jane 2.0
Crochet Cannabis Leaf Pattern Written by Doily Designs
As with all Doily Designs patterns, please feel free to make and sell items, and give credit where due. & Best wishes on sales!
Written in US crochet terms
Measures: Approximately 1.5 - 3 inches, depending on yarn and hook used
Yarn: Medium Worsted Weight, preferably green
Hook: E - H Hooks can be used for this pattern for various sizing, keeping in mind the looser the stitches the flimsier it will be.
For the pictured Mary Jane Leaf designer used an F hook and Hobby Lobby, "I love this yarn!" acrylic in Jelly Bean Green and Forest Green.
Stitch Key
Ch: Chain
Dc: Double Crochet
Hdc: Half Double Crochet
Mr: Magic Ring
Sc: Single Crochet
Slst: Slip Stitch
Option 1; recommended if using 2 strands of yarn;
Rnd 1: Make a Mr, Ch 1, 5 Sc in mr, Slst join in 1st sc, (untwist tail) close mr. (5 Sc)
Rnd 2:Stem ~ Ch 5, Sc in 2nd ch from hook, Slst in same sp. and next 3 sps, Slst in sc, Slst in next sp,
Leaf 1 ~ Ch 5, Slst in 2nd ch from hook, Sc in next 3 sps, Slst in sc, Slst in next sp,
Leaf 2 ~ Ch 6, Slst in 2nd ch, Sc in 3rd, Hdc in next 2, Sc in last, Slst in sc, Slst in next sc.
Leaf 3 ~ Ch 7, Slst in 2nd ch, Sc in 3rd, Hdc in next, Dc in next 2, Hdc in last, Slst in sc, Slst in
next sc,
Leaf 4 ~ Ch 9, Slst in 2nd & 3rd ch sps, Sc in next, Hdc in next, Dc in 3 sps, Hdc in next, Slst in
sc, Slst in next sc.
Repeat Leaf 3,
Repeat Leaf 2,
Repeat Leaf 1, Slst into 'stem', Fasten off, secure ends.
Dry Block, and/or Wet block
For thicker 'leaf' or multicolored leaf as seen with 'Purple Haze', follow the pattern with 2 strands held together.
For Option 2: (may leave a hole in middle if yarn is too thick)
Begin
Make a Mr, Ch 1,
Stem: Ch 5, Sc in 2nd ch from hook, Slst in same sp and next 3 sps, Slst in mr,
Leaf 1: Ch 5, Slst in 2nd ch from hook, Sc in next 3 sps, Slst in mr,
Leaf 2: Ch 6, Slst in 2nd ch, Sc in next, Hdc in 2 sps, Sc in next, Slst in mr,
Leaf 3: Ch 7, Slst in 2nd, Sc in next, Hdc in next, Dc in 2, Hdc in next, Slst in mr,
Leaf 4: Ch 9, Slst in 2nd & 3rd ch sp, Sc in next sp, Hdc in next, Dc in 3 sps, Hdc in next, Slst in mr,
Repeat Leaf 3,
Repeat Leaf 2,
Repeat Leaf 1, Slst in 'stem', Fasten off, Weave and secure ends.
Thank you for stopping by and for your continued support.
If you liked this pattern and want to find out more about freeing Mary Jane, please take a minute to read my post here on Doily Designs. Doily Designs Free Mary Jane
I am dropping a brand new video tutorial and crochet pattern today. We are making a crochet marijuana leaf. π±
I am calling this project 'Free Mary Jane,' and I am putting it out there into the world completely free, as Mary should be. No paywalls, no tiers, just a gift from me to you, because, in the grand scheme of things, that is exactly what this plant was meant to be. Free. πΏ¨π±π️
Back to the Roots of the Craft π§Άπͺ
As makers, we use our hands to create things that bring comfort, heal, and bring joy. For generations, this plant has done the exact same thing for people. But instead of being celebrated, it was locked down. And let's call it what it is, and look at the history of cannabis prohibition is deeply rooted in a history of racist laws and systemic injustice. It was never about the plant itself, it was about control.
To this day, people are still serving time or carrying records for something that grows naturally out of the dirt. Meanwhile, corporations are turning around and making millions off of it legally. It just ain't right. π
So when I eventually sat down to design this leaf pattern, after years of putting it on a back burner, (π€£) and write about my thoughts on the matter, I didn't want to sell it. Keeping this pattern free is my tiny way of honoring the spirit of what is natural, what is right, and what belongs to everyone. It is a nod to liberation, a conversation starter, and a piece of visual solidarity.
The video tutorial walks you through the super simple leaf segments, step by step. It is a great, rhythmic flow once you get the hang of the stitch counts, and you can whip one up in a single sitting using whatever scrap medium weight yarn you have lying around. (hopefully green π¬ I had Blue for my first one π )
Grab your favorite hook, settle into your comfortable spot, and let's make a pot leaf.
Free Mary Jane
Crochet Cannabis Leaf Pattern Written by Doily Designs
As with all Doily Designs patterns, please feel free to make and sell items, and give credit where due. & Best wishes on sales!
Written in US crochet terms
Measures: Approximately 1.5 - 3 inches, depending on yarn and hook used
Yarn: Medium Worsted Weight, preferably green
Hook: E - H Hooks can be used for this pattern for various sizing, keeping in mind the looser the stitches the flimsier it will be.
For the pictured Mary Jane Leaf designer used an F hook and Hobby Lobby, "I love this yarn!" acrylic in Jelly Bean Green and Forest Green.
Stitch Key
Ch: Chain
Dc: Double Crochet
Hdc: Half Double Crochet
Mr: Magic Ring
Sc: Single Crochet
Slst: Slip Stitch
Begin
Make a Mr,
Stem: Ch 5, Sc in 2nd ch from the hook, Slst in same sp and next 3 sps, Slst in mr,
(Leave your Mr (Magic Ring) open here and throughout)
1st Leaf: Ch 5, Slst in 2nd ch sp, Sc in next 3 sps, Slst in mr,
2nd Leaf: Ch 6, Slst in 2nd ch sp, Sc in next 2 sps, Hdc in 2 sps, Slst in mr,
3rd Leaf: Ch 8, slst in 2nd ch sp, Sc in next sp, Hdc in 2 sps, Dc in 2 sps, Hdc in last sp, Slst in mr,
Next: Repeat Leaf 2,
Last: Repeat Leaf 1 to last sc, make a 4th Sc in mr, (not a Slst here),
Untwist tail, (pull closed slightly)
Join in bottom of 'stem', (optional)
Fasten off,
Pull mr firmly, but gently closed, making sure no center hole remains.
Use end to weave and secure.
Enjoy! π₯¬π️
Click below to watch the tutorial π
Tips: If you find that your leaves curl, it is possibly due to your hook size paired with your yarn, and try going smaller on your hook. You could also Top Slst your leaf on to something, apply and secure shape, or wet block, starch, or double up/yarn/leaves. π§Ά
Thank you for stopping by and for your continued support.
Best wishes, happy crocheting and ...
Let US see about freeing Mary, not leashing her like a dog. πΏ¨π±π️
Okay, I must add as well, I have had my doubts and fears for many years where the future could lead us, and here we are on the precipice of my fears, with pharmaceutical companies holding cannabis hostage. Especially given the changes that keep happening. The Department of Justice and the DEA officially moved FDA approved cannabis products and state licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
On paper, people celebrate that as 'progress' because it means it is no longer legally lumped in with heroin. But if you look closer, moving it to Schedule III, instead of completely de-scheduling it (taking it off the controlled substance list entirely), is exactly what opens the door for massive corporate and pharmaceutical control.
The 'Leash': Schedule III means a substance requires a prescription and is heavily regulated by federal agencies. It paves the way for giant pharmaceutical companies to swoop in, patent specific formulations, and dominate the market.
The 'Limbo': Recreational use, regular people growing a plant, or independent crafters and small legacy growers are still technically left in legal limbo under federal law.
It changes the game from "prohibition" to "monopolization." It is no longer about a natural plant that belongs to the earth, it becomes a tightly controlled corporate product. It is substituting a cage for a tight leash. In my opinion.
Thanks for reading.
π±ππ️
~ Cathleen π§Ά
Fyi. There are wild poisonous, medicinal, edible, annoying leaves and plants of all sorts in most Texans backyards! What are you going to negate everyone until it's all neatly packed in a pill? oh, wait - they did that already- π
The Title: 'How to Hook a Pot Leaf' tumbled around for a hot minute.... π€£
You can double the yarn for a sturdier leaf that stands on its own like the one seen below using Green and Purple together for this cute Purple Haze Strain Leaf π π§Άπ±
Celebrating 250 Years American Pride One Stitch at a Time π₯³πΊπΈ
2026, brings us to 250 years AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, and it is with great pride, Doily Designs has rolled out the New Boho Mini American Flag Pattern.
The Boho Mini has all the same great features of the original Boho Granny flag design, on a much smaller, scale for that quick holiday project. Below is the Junior Blanket with the 2025 Mini. The New Boho Mini gives the ability to change the Canton from Horizontal to Vertical positioning for hanging. Along with several other new fun features.
Once you have tried the Mini, you may find the larger sizes even more appealing, as the entire pattern consists of fun, and simple steps, carried out one step at a time.
Junior Blanket seen above with original Mini, 2025 not new Boho Mini
Multile Size American Flag Crochet Patterns. King/Queen (pictured below), large blanket and Junior throw blanket to the New Mini Boho wall hanging patterns, plus more Americana Crochet, like Patriotic Coasters, Doilies and Bunting, and more! A little crochet to honor Old Glory, and America's 250 years of Independence for your holiday celebration this year 2026, 250 years of American Pride πΊπΈ One Stitch at a Time.
Doily Designs, Boho Granny American Flag Blanket, American Flag Heart Pillows, and more can be purchased on Doily Designs Etsy,
More patterns like these Americana Coasters by Doily Designs in the Boho Granny American Flag Collection, can be found, many versatile patterns including ones like the Americana Coaster pattern that can be changed up in a variety of ways for various looks and designs.
A little crochet to honor Old Glory, and America's 250 years of Independence for your holiday celebration this year ππΊπΈ
Tutorials and project shorts can be found my Youtube channel, as well as some Cats & Crochet, and a few silly videos like this Ai hallucination video I made with ai and some photos of my flag ππ€£π€π§Άπ
Last year in May, 2025, came the vision and release of the Mini American Flag Boho Granny Crochet Pattern, this year we are frogging that flag, to make room for the new 2.0 updated DIAGONAL pattern, that like the Original Boho Granny American Flag Blanket Pattern, has the Diverse Stripes, and the Stars crocheted into the Squares, and the Diverse Stitch overall aesthetics.
The 2.0 version will be sold separately, as well as in a reduced 2 pattern bundle with the 1st mini American flag heart plush pattern.
While they are both fun patterns, the new version is truer to the Original Doily Designs Boho Granny American flag design.
New features include the ability to change orientation of the Canton position from Horizontal to Vertical!
While this is a bit of an advanced pattern, beginners are encouraged to give it a try. Find tutorials on Youtube for this pattern, as well as finding help from the designer, Cathleen, on Etsy, Patreon, Kofi, or Substack.
With 4 Trim Patterns included in the Boho Mini crochet pattern, you might have to make several for gifts, and try all the different trims! π
Thank you for stopping by and for your support.
Best wishes, happy crocheting and Happy American Independence 2026 ππΊπΈπ§Ά
I am a bit of a jokester, I hope none are offended by my use of TAPS in this frogging video πΈ π§ΆπΊπΈ
Whether you are celebrating a big milestone or just soaking up the first bits of sunshine, it is officially Star Season at Doily Designs. I have just released a brand new tutorial for an old favorite and a couple of ways for you to reach for the stars!
Use for Endless Occasions!!
For the Graduates: Hook up a few in school colors to top a gift or hang from tassel. A little handmade 'You did it!' goes a long way.
For the Teachers: The perfect quick stitch addition to a 'Thank You' note or a gift card holder as the school year wraps up.
For the Summer: String them together for a patriotic July 4th garland or some hobo porch decor for those long Texas summer nights.
Choose Your Learning Style:
πΊ The Tutorial: follow along with me step by step on Youtube! Perfect if you want to sit back and learn into some crochet therapy while we build this together. Tiniest Star Tutorial on Youtube as well with the Magic Ring tutorial!
π The Freebie: Grab the written instructions for the Small Star Pattern free here on the Blog. Great for a quick reference on the go. Along with the free Tiniest Star Pattern also free here on the Blog.
π The Pro Map (Etsy): For my fellow visual spatial thinkers, the Paid Star Chart is waiting for you in the shop. If you prefer to see the architecture of the stitches in a clean printable photo along with reading the text, this chart is your star friend. Star Chart Pattern on Etsy.
Let's see those stars! Tag me in your finished projects if you would like to share. We would love to see the colors and projects you are making your stars for this fun time of year celebrating graduation and our wonderful teachers.
Find the pattern in the description of the video as well as in the Star Chart Pattern on Etsy, or here on Doily Designs.
The Evolution of the Riffle Edge: From Sketches to Fringe
Sometimes a design needs a bit of time. If you follow Doily Designs, you might recall the Riffle Edge, seen in things like the Americana Star Coaster. It started years ago as a simple riffle stitch that I shared a hand drawn graph for here on the Blog in 2025, to show how those foundation stitches come together.
Lately, I have been pushing the boundaries of what this stitch can do, and am moving away from the standard border and leaning into a longer dramatic fringe style, like seen on this Boho Granny American Flag.
Why is it different?
When I first put the word out into the world around 2012, this elongated version created a new texture today that I hadn't seen then or now anywhere else with my weird loopy stitch seen below on a doily in 2012 with the creation of the Riffle Edge.
The core of my original design is still in the loopy fringe style that makes it's statement.
It has been a slow burn for four plus years of refining this stitch to get it to what ifs to real possibilities and a polished version.
I will admit, finding the focus to get this all down on paper (and screen) has not been easy lately, but seeing how this fringe hangs and moves makes the process worth it. Whether you are a fan of the original shorter version or you are ready for this new longer look, I can't wait to see how you use it!
It has recently come to my attention that not everyone knows how to make fringe, so I will be adding Fringe videos as I am able. For now, more Riffle Edge Fringe π π
This is one of my favorite Crochet Joins. If you are looking for a crochet joining technique, and then you may find one of these joins very useful. You will also see both the Slst Join & Sc Join in a lot of my crochet projects and patterns.
Slst Join:
This quick and easy top slip stitch crochet join comes in handy, for when you want your squares close together, and not spaced too far apart, as well as creating a beautiful, flat look.
Watch the video to see how I crochet the top Slst Join.
So simple and so quick. π
Slst Join:
With yarn in the back of your work, insert hook in Blo of both pieces (make sure work is facing right side up/lined up), YO, pull yarn thru all 3 loops on your hook. Repeat as needed for top Slst Join.
I owe a big shout out and 'Thank you' to crochetpedie for sharing this wonderful and useful crochet join, as well as the always beautiful Celtic Join that you may recall me sharing in the past, as it is my Top Favorite Crochet Join. Click on the links in this paragraph to take you to crochetpedie for more types and tutorials for crochet joining.
Top Sc Join (Single Crochet Join):
Watch the video below to see how to do the Sc Join.
Brief explanation of Sc Join (Single Crochet Join):
With yarn in back, and pieces tog, ins in one side and the other, YO, pull yarn thru 2 ups, YO, pull thru 2 loops on hook. Repeat, (yarn in back) ins in one side and then the other piece, YO, pull thru 2, YO, pull thru 2 lps.
Easter is just around the corner, and if you are anything like me, you are looking for ways to make the holiday a little more sustainable, and a lot more handmade. There is something special about a gift that does not end up in the trash five minutes after the egg hunt is over.
These Reusable Crochet Easter Egg Bags are the perfect solution. They are not just gift wrap, they are a keepsake. Whether you are filling them with treats, tiny toys, or even a special crystal or stone, even 'yarn confetti' will work, and they will add a layer of 'magic' that plastic eggs just cannot match.
Why you will love making these:
They are Eco Friendly: Skip the plastic this year and give a gift that can be used year after year. Quick &
Quick & Satisfying Project: Just like my recent Crochet Cross Pattern, these are designed to be a one sitting project. You can whip up a doze while watching your favorite movie.
Versatile Pattern: They make great party favors, classroom gifts, or even a little pouch necklace for the kiddos. Make with ears for fun Bunny Bags.
With Mr Flowers™ Arrange Your Own Bouquet Flower Crochet Pattern has multiple flowers to choose from to create Bouquet Coasters, Dishcloths & Doilies, or larger if you feel adventurous!
Before learning the Magic Ring .... my crochet projects tended to have large gaping holes. One of the biggest was the one seen in this Giant Crochet Doily Rug
And if you are thinking that maybe it is because it is a large project with lots of large holes, this is not the only reason. Take a closer look at some of my other crochet from 2012 before I learned the Magic Ring, and my one of my first intricate Doily Earring Patterns, again, before I had heard of the Magic Ring....
While it isn't horrible, I much prefer a tighter center, now that I know of the Magic Ring, and its many wonderful uses.
As well as these other Doily Earrings from 2012 as well. Do you not agree they would be a lot better without the center hole? What is that thing in the middle?
Too many times I have heard people complaining about the Magic Ring and asking me if there was an alternative for my patterns. While there is, I still strongly suggest the Magic Ring. In several of my patterns the Magic Ring is a must!
If you are unfamiliar with the Magic Ring, you can take a look at my video tutorial on Doily Designs Youtube.
Magic Oval :) Newly Released Pattern, was a great Father's Day Gift last year ;)
Magic Oval takes place of the Chain Oval, that can sometimes leave holes in the center of your crochet ovals. This new fun pattern is great for all OVAL projects, like Bags, Placemats, Coasters and more.
Poker Placemat Edition ♠️♥️♣️♦️
Thank you for stopping by.
Share in the comments what was one technique that changed your crochet?
#crochet #LizsUniverse #fiberarts #crochetblanket #handmade #crochetpattern #sunmoon #moonphase
