Spring Forward MAL
The Spring Forward Make-A-Long warmly invites intermediate knitters to grow their skills by crafting a cosy blanket composed of richly textured squares with a variety of patterns, including some with cables. Each motif introduces participants to new techniques, encouraging them to "spring forward" in their craft as they master each square. Participants can choose from a selection of Scheepjes’ Aran weight yarns—Stone Washed XL, Truly Scrumptious, or Chunky Monkey—offering beautiful stitch definition and a rewarding, quicker knit. They can opt for a classic monochrome look, be inspired by featured colourways, or mix favourite shades for a timeless design uniquely their own.
This Spring Forward theme brings optimism and anticipation to winter knitting, as each stitch brings participants closer to spring. Embrace the journey, build new skills, and create a blanket to treasure as we knit toward brighter seasons ahead.
The 5-week MAL will begin on 15 January, Parts 1-4 will be released on Wednesdays, typically around 12 noon CET, with the final Part 5 released on Monday 10th Feb.
Join the vibrant Official Scheepjes Facebook Groups—International or Dutch—and participate in crafting a beautifully knitted blanket featuring rich textures and cable patterns. With the support of Scheepjes’ knowledgeable moderators and administrators, along with a community of fellow yarn crafters, this project offers an inspiring experience for intermediate knitters and beyond. Share progress and connect with others as we embark on this exciting journey together!
Pattern Availability
The pattern includes full written instructions in English and Dutch, with accompanying video tutorials in English. It will be available in weekly parts on Irene’s website. Participants will also have the option to support the designer by purchasing the entire pattern as a PDF for €5 on Ravelry and Etsy at the start of the MAL.
Note: Prices may differ and subject to some variation based on platform charges, local currency, time of purchase and taxes.
Materials
In addition to the yarn and knitting needles, participants will require:
• a tapestry needle
• 4mm crochet hook (for joining squares)
• stitch markers
• blocking equipment.
Stone Washed XL Version 70% Cotton, 30% Acrylic; 50g/75m
The blanket measures 132 x 152cm (52 x 60in) after blocking and is knitted using 5mm needles. For a single colour blanket choose 34 balls of preferred shade. For the featured colourway, a total of 39 balls are required:
Yarn A: 841 Moonstone x 4 balls
Yarn B: 871 Axinite x 9 balls
Yarn C: 860 Rose Quartz x 3 balls
Yarn D: 876 Tourmaline x 3 balls
Yarn E: 856 Coral x 3 balls
Yarn F: 852 lemon Quartz x 3 balls
Yarn G: 853 Amazonite x 4 balls
Yarn H: 855 Green Gate x 2 balls
Yarn I: 845 Blue Apatite x 4 balls
Yarn J: 844 Boulder Opal x 4 balls
*Single colour versions have not been tested for the Chunky Monkey or Truly Scrumptious
Chunky Monkey Version 100% Premium Anti-Pilling Acrylic; 100g/116m
The blanket measures 138 x 159cm (54½ x 62½ in) after blocking and is knitted using 4.5mm needles. For the featured colourway, a total of 28 balls are required*:
Yarn A: 1005 Cream x 3 balls
Yarn B: 1203 Pale Grey x 6 balls
Yarn C: 1240 Baby Pink x 2 balls
Yarn D: 2019 Smoke x 2 balls
Yarn E: 1026 Peach x 2 balls
Yarn F: 2017 Stone x 2 balls
Yarn G: 2010 Parchment x 3 balls
Yarn H: 1218 Jasmine x 2 balls
Yarn I: 1724 Heather x 3 balls
Yarn J: 1710 Camel x 3 balls
Truly Scrumptious Version 50% Recycled Polyester (recycled plastic bottles) x 50% Acrylic; 100g/108m
The blanket measures 138 x 159cm (54½ x 62½ in) after blocking and is knitted using 4.5mm needles. For the featured colourway, a total of 28 balls are required*:
Yarn A: 359 Red Velvet Cake x 3 balls
Yarn B: 380 Black Sesame Muffin x 6 balls
Yarn C: 324 Huckleberry Pie x 2 balls
Yard D: 320 Sweet Potato Mochi x 2 balls
Yarn E: 308 Grapefruit Curd Tart x 2 balls
Yarn F: 341 Custard Pie x 2 balls
Yarn G: 325 Baklava x 3 balls
Yarn H: 328 Ocean Pudding Cup x 2 balls
Yarn I: 303 Green Velvet Cake x 3 balls
Yarn J: 323 Cinnamon Peach Cobbler x 3 balls
About the Designer
Irene, a valued member of the Scheepjes Designer Collective, brings a lifetime of crafting experience to her designs. Splitting her time between the Netherlands and France, Irene finds inspiration in her travels and natural surroundings. She learned knitting and other handmade arts at her mother’s side and has developed a cosy, vintage- inspired style with playful colour. Working from her historic cottage studio, Irene shares her love of yarn and storytelling in every stitch, inviting others to discover the joy of making through her Handmadepast creations.