Oh So XOXO

is the new pattern by Ana Morais Soares from One Skein Of Love.

At the end of last month Ana asked me if I could test this pattern. As she wanted to release the pattern in the middle of July the time to make a complete blanket was too short for me. So I just tested one repeat making a small swatch over 45 stitches and 44 rows and started the blanket afterwards. 

Oh So XOXO Pattern

Oh So XOXO is an Inset Mosaic crochet pattern. Two rows (front and backside) are worked with one color. The yarn is not cut off after each row, means no tails to deal with.

The pattern is a repetition of two stripes with two different motifs. One repeat comprises 28 stitches and 44 rows so the size is easily adjustable.

It is Ana’s fist inset pattern and has written instructions with detailed row by row pictures and also a chart. 

My Oh So XOXO journey

For my test swatch I used Stylecraft Special DK in Graphite and Cream.

I mostly use DK yarn for blankets and I absolutely love it for Overlay Mosaic crochet. But thinking about it carefully I never used a DK yarn for Inset Mosaic. For the two Inset patterns I made - Greek Island and Mix and Match - I used Tiramisu from Stenli yarns. Tiramisu is supposed to be DK weight but actually it is thinner.  

So I made a new experience: I think DK yarn is a bit too thick for Inset Mosaic crochet for my taste. My swatch didn‘t have the fluffiness that Overlay has and felt pretty stiff even when working with a bigger hook …

Although I actually wanted to use yarn from my stash I made up my mind and ordered some thinner yarn,  Drops Love You 7. The same quality that Ana used for her design. 

Drops Love You 7 is a 100 % cotton yarn. A sport weight with a yardage of 170 m per 50 g. My colors are Dark Grey and White because I really liked the combination in my swatch. The yarn is smooth and soft and I enjoy working with it. I am using my 3,00 mm Clover Amour hook.

My blanket will have the full size over 185 stitches and 286 rows (6,5 repeats). Without border it measures about 93 cm / 36,5 inch in width. 

I am currently working on the second pattern repeat, so still some way to go. But I love it! The pattern is easy to follow and very relaxing.

Here another one of my progress pics