This pattern is free for a limited time. Just add to cart and complete checkout to receive the download. For more info, click here. Use code: focolare20 at checkout to get 20% off our lace-weight and fingering-weight yarns today.

SIZE:

70” L x 40” W (178 cm x 102 cm), blocked

MATERIALS:

Expression Fiber Arts Yak Silk Lace yarn

Shown in Solid Zodiac Hues Kit: Colors used from left to right as shown in yarn kit photo [680 yds/630 m per skein (8,160 yds/7,560 m per 12-skein kit)]

If those colors aren't available, any from this category will work.

HOOK:

US size E-4 (3.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

SKILL LEVEL:

Adventurous Beginner: For crocheters who are ready to learn some new skills or stitch combinations. Stitches include single crochet, double crochet, triple crochet, single crochet 2 together, and double crochet 3 together.

Notes from the Designer:

One of my happiest memories growing up is one of the simplest. I am from Southern California, and we don't get much cold weather here. Very few houses have a fireplace, but I was blessed to grow up in a house that had one. On cold, rainy nights, my dad would light the fireplace, and we would sit around it doing quiet things, like reading under throw blankets. Working on this blanket brought back those happy memories of sitting by the fireplace with a throw and a good book. Focolare means "hearth" in Italian, and I hope it reminds you that the best memories don't have to be huge and extravagant. Sometimes, they can be as simple as enjoying quiet moments with your family.

Focolare is worked on the bias, starting at one corner with increasing stitches on both sides, then increasing on one side and decreasing on the other to create a straight edge, then decreasing on both sides to the end. 

• Click the Videos tab to watch a video tutorial showing how to get started crocheting this pattern.
• This blanket uses approximately 7,650 yds (6,995 m) total with three strands held together throughout: Color A: 650 yds (594 m), Color B: 650 yds (594 m), Color C: 650 yds (594 m), Color D: 650 yds (594 m), Color E: 650 yds (594 m), Color F: 650 yds (594 m), Color G: 650 yds (594 m), Color H: 650 yds (594 m), Color I: 650 yds (594 m), Color J: 650 yds (594 m), Color K: 650 yds (594 m), and Color L: 500 yds (457 m).
• Chains do not count as stitches unless specifically stated in the pattern.
• Center-pull balls/cakes are easier to manage, so you can pull strands from both the inside and the outside.
• When three strands of the same color are needed, pull a long strand from the center, and create a long loop by pulling yarn from a place further down and meeting it with the beginning. When you reach the end of the loop, pull the yarn connected to the ball/cake through the loop to create a new loop. Keep repeating until you have reached the end of the three-strand section.
• Note: The different stitch sections can cause the edges to seem as if they will not be straight. The dc sections will cause the edges to bow out a bit, but the sc sections will help straighten them out. The sc sections are meant to be tighter than the rest of the sections to help hold the shape of the blanket. However, you have to be careful with your gauge in this section, as making the stitches too tight can mess with the shape. Blocking at the end will fix any wavy edges.

Designed by Elisabeth Carr

You’ll receive a digital file only (instantly downloadable as a PDF) and won’t be shipped anything. Please allow a few minutes for the download link to be emailed to you. If the email doesn’t arrive within a few minutes, just log into your account on our site, and you’ll see your Completed Orders. From there, you’ll find the download link.

Enjoy your crocheting!

Chandi

New? Read about our pattern download process here.

"Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.” – Marcus Aurelius