SPIRIT OF

F LO R A
COLLECTION

Spi r it of Flora
G ett i ng Ready
 Spirit of Flora

“History has remembered the kings and warriors,

because they destroyed; art has remembered
the people, because they created.”
William Morris

I love designing crochet along projects and enjoy turning my inspiration source
into motifs for crocheters to work through. I often design my CALs in the same
way, intending them to be used as a learning tool to guide you through lots of
techniques, so that they start relatively easy and get progressively harder.

The Spirit of Flora project differs from my past CAL projects in that I want to
encourage you to release a little of your own design potential to create a unique
and personal project. I have designed twelve patterned square blocks along
with a couple of simple motifs, all of which are shown in my original colourway
and in alternative colour sequences using a palette of thirteen yarn shades.
Alternatively, you could choose to stash dive and use up some of the special
yarns you have hidden away at home! Either way, the emphasis is on creating
a project that suits your style and purpose. You could choose to make a large
blanket using forty-eight crochet squares or you might want to make a smaller
one using fewer motifs or less repeated blocks. You might want to make a bag, a
cushion, or a shawl for example. There are endless possibilities and I really hope
you will feel inspired to join me on this exciting crochet journey.

The Spirit of Flora Crochet Along project ran over the course of twelve months
in 2023 and was published in Inside Crochet Magazine with one crochet block
featuring in each issue. Now that the rights to the patterns have reverted to me,
they will be released as separate patterns, both in download and paper form.
You can choose whether you fancy making a project using all the motifs or
cherry pick a few to create a truly personal project.

Jane Crowfoot

2
3
 Spirit of Flora

My Design Process
I found an image of a group of William De
Morgan’s tile designs on a postcard in the
V&A Museum in London and was inspired
to put together a mood board on Pinterest
to help me focus on the aspects of William’s
work that I wanted to use for a design. You
can find my mood board here:
[Link]
william-de-morgan/

Once I had the mood board in place, I started

to pick my colour palette. De Morgan tended
to stick to a couple of colour themes; one
based very much on the colours found in
natural florals and the other based on his love
for Persian themed ceramics, where colours
such as deep and aqua blues, orange, red and
yellow dominate. For this project I wanted
to use a palette that combined shades from
both of William’s favoured choices.

The yarns I have chosen for this project are

Stylecraft Life DK and their 100% recycled
yarn ReCreate, which I am totally smitten
by, especially as it has a lovely tweedy effect
and an incredibly long length at 350m per
100g ball. If you want to use shades from
your stash you will need to source those that
work to a DK weight. If you are unsure of
what weight a yarn is (as it may have lost its
label or ball band for example) use the notes
Design Inspiration on tension on page 6 as a guide.

When I designed The Climbing Rose Wrap in 2019, I used the work of
If you want to move away from my colour
William Morris as my inspiration. In 2020 I used the work of his daughter
choices and choose your own palette, why
May as the basis for my Fruit Garden Blanket CAL and so I returned to not look at my mood board on Pinterest and
the incredible legacy of the Arts and Crafts Movement, using the ceramic pick out some alternative shades. Perhaps
designs of William De Morgan as the catalyst for this project. you could think about a favourite painting or
existing textiles you own and build a palette
De Morgan was a trained artist of great skill, but it is his ceramic tiles and
around that, or maybe consider the colours
pottery that he is best remembered for. His wife Evelyn was a
in your own home so that the project will
Pre-Raphaelite artist and together they were highly influential within
match your décor.
the movement. One of Evelyn’s most recognised works is called Flora,
hence the name of the project. Once I had chosen my yarn shades, I started
to draw some ideas on paper. The fact that
William designed tiles, which are square by
nature, was a huge advantage as I was able to
make my crochet designs fit the constraints
of a square in the same way that he did. Once
I had decided on the size of the squares, I
drew out my ideas within them and then
tried to replicate my pencil outlines in my
crochet. My prototype motifs were decided
on relatively quickly (which is unusual

4
 Leaf Trellis Moffat Flower

Moffat Flower Merton Abbey Flower Evelyn’s Flower Sunflower

Leaf Trellis Moffat Flower Gillow Evelyn’s Flower

Leaf Trellis Moffat Flower Merton Abbey FlowerGillow

for me), so then I worked on writing the Motif Set One
patterns and photographing the motifs so Tudor Rose
Merton Abbey Flower Sunflower Pair of Ros
that I could get an idea of how they worked
Leaf Trellis
as a collection. Moffat Flower Gillow
Merton Abbey Flower Evelyn’s Flower Sunflower
I am incredibly pleased with the motifs I
have designed and hope that you like them
too. I am really looking forward to seeing
how you will interpret my blocks and hope
that some of you will embrace the idea of Leaf Trellis
Leaf Trellis Moffat Flower
Moffatt Flower Merton Abbey
Merton Abbey Flower Gillow
Flower
Tudor
Tudor Rose
Rose Evelyn’s F
creating a unique project. However, if you
want to follow my patterns and use my Leaf Trellis
Tudor Rose Marlborough Flower Gillow
Pair of Roses Double Ca
suggested yarns and colours then I also Motif Set Two
ellis Moffat
hope thatFlower Merton
you will also enjoy GillowRose
Tudor
Abbey Flower
yourself! Evelyn’s Flower Sunflower Pair of Roses

Getting Started
The Spirit of Flora blanket is made from Moffat Flower Tudor Rose
Merton Abbey Flower Evelyn’s Flower
Marlborough Flower Sunflowe
twelve crochet motifs, each of which need
to be made four times toLeaf
createTrellis
a project Moffat Flower
Marlborough
Marlborough FlowerChelsea
Flower Flower
Chelsea Flower Gillow
Gillow Evelyn’s
Evelyn’s Flower
DoubleFlower Bedford P–
Carnations (optional
that uses a total of forty-eight pieces. You
Flower Merton
can chooseAbbey Flower
to create Tudor
an exact Rose
copy of my Flower Sunflower
Evelyn’s Flower
Marlborough Pair of Roses Double Carnations (optional – O
original designs, or you can create your Motif Set Three (*Pair of Roses – pattern includes half motif too).
own unique layout. If you want to include
some simpler motifs, you can find the free
downloads patterns for three squares on
the Janie Crow website.
Merton Abbey Flower Marlborough FlowerSunflower
You can find download patterns in Tudor Rose Chelsea Flower Pair of Ro
Moffat Flower
our Etsy shop and on Ravelry. Merton
ChelseaAbbey Flower
Flower Evelyn’s Flower Sunflower
Bedford Park Daisy
Paper patterns are available via the
Tudor
n Abbey Flower Rose
Janie Crow webstore. Marlborough Flower Sunflower
Chelsea Flower
Sunflower Pair ofRoses
Pair of Roses* Double Bedford
Carnations (optional
Double Carnations Park
Bedford Park Daisycolourway)
– Orange
Daisy

Etsy:
[Link]
uk/shop/JanieCrowLtd
Ravelry link:
[Link] Tudor Rose Chelsea Flower Pair of Roses
designers/jane-crowfoot Marlborough Flower Double C
Website link: Merton Abbey Flower
Tudor Rose Sunflower Pair of Roses
[Link]
Rose Marlborough FlowerChelsea Flower Pair of Roses Double Carnations (optional – Orange
Bedford Park Daisycolourway)
The first four patterns will be available
from April 2024. The second set of four will
be available from June 2024 and the final
set of four patterns will be available from
August 2024.
Marlborough Flower Double Carnations (optional –
It is important that you read through the Chelsea Flower Bedford
following information toTudor
ensureRose
that Marlborough Flower Pair of Roses Double Carnations (optional – O
you have all that you need and that you
rough FlowerChelsea
understand Flower
the fundamental techniques Bedford Park
Double Carnations (optional Daisycolourway)
– Orange
needed to complete the project.

Chelsea Flower Bedford Park Daisy

 Spirit of Flora

Project Layout MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT

Rectangular Blanket Blocked ● 3.5mm (US E4), 4mm (US G/6) & 4.5mm
I suggest you do not block the motifs until Measurement: (US 7) hooks – see notes on tension
you have put your project together. approximately 117cm (46in) wide x ● Stitch Markers
You can find guidance on how to wash 152cm (60in) long. ● Large Eye Darning Needle
and block your finished project in the free
download document available via the YARNS
Janie Crow website. Stylecraft Life DK TENSION
75% Premium Acrylic, 25% Wool Crochet is by nature an organic and creative
I made three versions of the blanket. 298m (326yds) per 100g process. It is wonderful to pick up some
Two of my blankets use all forty-eight Aqua (2357) 1 ball yarn and a hook and create motifs and
motif blocks and my third version uses Caramel (2446) 1 ball decorative pieces that eventually make up a
thirty-six to create a slightly smaller Cardinal (2306) 1 ball larger project. Many crocheters are used to
square lap blanket. Cascade (2308) 1 ball doing just this without thinking too much
Copper (2312) 1 ball about how big their pieces come up and
You can use my layouts as a guide for Cranberry (2319) 2 balls whether things are being worked to the correct
your project if you wish. French Blue (2447) 2 balls tension. However, it is important that you
Oatmeal (2303) 2 balls check your tension before starting this project
I created three alternative border patterns Olive (2302) 2 balls and that you do so regularly as you work
for my Spirit of Flora blankets. The patterns Parchment (2445) 2 balls through it. Changes in tension could mean
for these will be available as free download that the size and drape of your shawl differs to
patterns on the Janie Crow website. Stylecraft ReCreate DK mine and that you will use more or less yarn.
40% Wool, 30% Acrylic,
[Link] 30% Polyester (All Recycled) How to achieve the correct tension
350m (382yds) per 100g Many crocheters simply assume that they
Avocado (3189) 2 balls will achieve the correct tension. This is a
Blush (3458) 1 ball totally logical conclusion to make; after all,
Rose (1945) 1 ball the information on the ball band or within

6
the pattern is based on what the ‘standard’ How to make your double crochet crochet) tension. This is because the space
tension is. In practice, however, many (US single crochet) tension sample between stitches grows depending on the
crocheters do not naturally attain the correct Using 4mm hook (US G/6) make 25ch. length of the post of the stitch.
tension and therefore do not achieve a
tension that sits within the ‘standard’. Foundation Row: skip 1ch, 1dc into each ch Using 3.5mm hook (US E4) make 26ch.
to end, turn. (24sts)
Working a tension piece Foundation Row: skip 3ch (counts as 1tr),
When working a tension piece, it is a good Row 1: 1ch (does not count as a st), 1dc into 1tr into each ch to end, turn. (24sts)
idea to work on more stitches and rows than each st to end, turn. (24sts)
the suggested tension. I used 24 stitches Row 1: 3ch (counts as a 1tr), skip st at base of
for both samples. The tension is taken from Repeat Row 1 until a total of 26 rows have 3ch, 1tr into each st to end working final st
pre-blocked swatches. It is important that been worked (including Foundation Row). into 3rd ch of 3ch (tch) made at beginning of
you measure your tension to at least 10cm Lay your sample on a flat surface. last row, turn. (24sts)
when working the test swatches – if in
doubt measure over a larger piece, say 15cm Using a tape measure place pins 10cm (4in) Repeat Row 1 until a total of 12 rows have
or even 20cm just to be sure. Putting the apart along a central row (horizontally) and been worked (including Foundation Row).
groundwork in at this stage can save you a count the stitches between the pins. Lay your sample on a flat surface. Using a
lot of heartache later. Stitch tension should be = 20/21 sts tape measure place pins 10cm (4in) apart
along a central row and count the stitches
I have measured the tension over samples Using a tape measure place pins 10cm (4in) between the pins.
made using Stylecraft Life DK. apart along the central point of the swatch Stitch tension should be = 19/20 sts
vertically and count the rows between
The pre-blocked tension you are the pins. Using a tape measure place pins 10cm (4in)
aiming for is as follows: Row tension should be = 24 rows apart along the central point of the swatch
Double Crochet (US single crochet) vertically and count the rows between
using 4mm hook (US G/6) = 20/21sts & If you have achieved a tension different to the pins.
24 rows to 10cm (4in). this, then take a look at the advice a little Row tension should be = 10 rows
further down.
Treble Crochet (US double crochet) What to when you have achieved a
using 3.5mm hook (US E4) = 19/20sts & 10 How to make your treble crochet different tension to the pattern
rows to 10cm (4in). (US double crochet) tension sample If you have done your tension pieces and
A smaller size hook is used to achieve the achieved more stitches and rows to 10cm
treble crochet (US double crochet) tension (4in) this means you are working too tightly.
compared to the double crochet (US single Rather than trying to change your crochet

7
 Spirit of Flora

method by consciously crocheting looser Once the project is complete, I advise you to Your mood or situation
stitches, simply change up to a larger size wash and block your project before using it. If you are a bit stressed or have had a bit of a
hook. If you still have too many stitches and This process will alter the tension slightly tough day you may find your crochet tension
rows, try a hook another size larger. Make and will make the yarn appear smoother is affected. Equally, having a few glasses of
a note of how many sizes you have had to and the drape will improve. It is advisable to wine or watching a funny or enthralling movie
change by so that you are sure to make the use a colour catching sheet when washing whilst crocheting can also cause your tension
same swap for each of the hook sizes. your project too, especially if using yarns to differ. As a general rule try to crochet in the
from different ranges. same kind of situation whenever possible to
If you have done your tension pieces and ensure that everything stays as it should.
achieved fewer stitches and rows to 10cm
(4in) this means you are working too FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT
loosely. Rather than trying to change your YOUR TENSION HOOK SIZE
crochet method by consciously crocheting
tighter, simply change down to a smaller Many things can make a difference to the Make sure you are using the correct size
size hook. If you still have too many stitches tension you achieve. I have listed five of hook. For most of the project you will be
and rows, try a hook another size smaller. the most common below. asked to use a 4mm (US G/6) hook. Please
As above, make a note of how many sizes check that you have not mistakenly used a
you have had to change by so that you are Your level of expertise UK 4 (imperial size) or a US 4 or 4/E.
sure to make the same swap for each of the If you are a newcomer to the craft of crochet
hook sizes. you may well find that your crochet tension Number of stitches
will change as your ability improves. It is quite common to achieve the correct
Pre-blocked and Blocked tension When launching into a project like this it is tension on a swatch only to find that it
The measurements given in the pattern worth making sure you have put in enough is not correct over a larger piece. This is
are for pre-blocked sizes throughout. groundwork to ensure that you are working because tension can change as we relax into
Measuring to a pre-blocked size rather in the right way and that you have the the rhythm of a repetitive crochet action.
than a blocked size is more accurate as ability to work consistently. Measure your tension at all the places I ask
you could over stretch your work in the you to within the pattern just to be sure you
blocking process. are continuing to work at the correct tension.

8
HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR have a longer post, such as treble crochet Below you will find the yarn amounts I had
TENSION OVER TREBLE CROCHET (US double crochet) the space between the left over once the project was complete.
(US DOUBLE CROCHET)? posts of the stitches gets bigger.
Stylecraft Life DK
Look at the way you work the stitch I recommend the use of a 4mm (US G/6) Shade Quantity Amount
Because of the nature of a treble crochet hook for much of the crochet within this Opened left over

(US double crochet) it is common to find project, but there are places where you will Aqua (2357) 1 71g
variances in stitch length and width even if need to swap down to a 3.5mm (US E/4) or Caramel (2446) 1 15
the correct hook has been used in relation to up to a 4.5mm (US 7). As rule, look out for Cardinal (2306) 1 85g
the one used to achieve the correct tension hook changes when working treble crochet Cascade (2308) 1 31g
over double crochet (US single crochet). (US double crochet) and slip stitches. Cranberry (2319) 2 83g
Hook sizes are marked in bold within the Copper (2312) 1 66g
When we make a treble crochet (US double written patterns. French Blue (2447) 2 68g
crochet) we wrap our yarn around the hook Oatmeal (2303) 2 48g
first and then work three movements, Changing hook sizes can be a bit of a pain, Olive (2302) 2 60g
drawing yarn loops through others to create but it is made easier if you have colour coded Parchment (2445) 2 32g
the stitch. The tension achieved over each hooks – even a dab of different shades of nail
of these movements and the angle at which polish on your crochet hook handles can Stylecraft ReCreate DK
we hold our hook can have an impact on the make the process of identifying hooks easier. Avocado (3189) 2 33g
tension of each step of the stitch. Blush (3458) 1 22g
Rose (1945) 1 23g
Why you need to change hook size YARN USAGE
when you are told to It is my advice that you keep hold of all your Note: In the lists above, the amount of yarn
The reason you will need to change hook yarn until the end of the project – by this recommended is enough to complete the
size is to do with the tension achieved over I mean all the pieces you might undo and blanket project in my original forty-eight
different stitches. When you make a fabric any pieces that look a bit frayed. Don’t be motif layouts. The amounts are based on
using a dense stitch like double crochet tempted to use any of the yarn for any other a series of tests. Please see notes on yarn
(US single crochet) you have very little project until you have completed this one usage and tension to guide you.
room between the posts of your stitches, and make sure you keep everything in a
whereas when you work with stitches that safe place. Substituting yarn
If you are substituting yarn, it is important
that you find one that achieves the correct
tension and has enough metres of yarn on
the ball – don’t assume that every 100g ball
of yarn has the same length!

Most yarns fall into set categories

according to their weight. In the UK we
have the following standard weights: 1, 2, 3
& 4ply, DK (Double Knitting), Aran and
Chunky. The yarns used within this
design are all DK weight. Yarns within
each weight category should conform to
the same standards, one of which is the
suggested knitted or crocheted tension.
Most ball bands will show you the
suggested tension for knitting. For a DK
weight yarn this is 22 stitches and 30 rows
measured over 10cm [4in].

Yarns sit within the categories to make it

easier to ensure that things come up the
right size. This is especially handy when
substituting yarn, as, in theory, a DK weight
yarn should achieve more or less the same
tension regardless of brand or yarn content.

9
 Spirit of Flora

The ball band on the yarn will give you the by 10. Once you have done this, weigh the Understanding Charts
suggested tension and the needle or hook full ball and divide that number by the This pattern includes crochet charts
size that this tension is to be achieved on. weight per metre. The resulting number will alongside the written instructions. The
be the approximate length on the ball. beauty of a chart is that they provide you
Found a yarn in your stash but not with a visual reference of how your crochet
sure what it is? Here is an example: should look.
If you’ve got some yarn you’d like to use, ● The weight of the ball of yarn is 80g.
but it has no label or ball band, you can still ● 10 metres of yarn weighs 4g. Chart symbols are universal and are not
work out whether it is a good substitute for ● 4 divided by 10 = 0.4g governed by the language or terminology
your project. To determine the ply/weight This is the weight of yarn per metre. the pattern is written in. Each symbol on
of the yarn, work a tension piece as detailed the chart represents a stitch or instruction
on page 7. Divide the weight of the ball of yarn (80g) and these are shown on an accompanying
by the weight per metre (0.4g) to determine key chart. Charts are usually created in
If your tension is approximately the same (fairly accurately) that the amount left on black type. Ours also include rounds
as mine and it matches with only a little the ball is 200 metres. shown in other colours to help you note
adjustment (See “what to do when you have specific instructions.
achieved a different tension to the pattern”), Once you have these calculations in place
then the yarn will likely work well as you can refer to the meterage quoted in our Charts in the Spirit of Flora patterns are
a substitute. suggested yarn listings and decide whether drawn for right-handed crocheters so the
it is sufficient for the project. assumption is that the chart is followed
You will also need to determine how counter-clockwise for right side rounds
much yarn you have in terms of length and counter-clockwise for wrong side
to ensure you don’t run out. You can ABBREVIATIONS AND rounds. You may find arrows to indicate the
measure this as follows: TERMINOLOGY direction of the work. The arrows represent
The patterns are written using UK and US the instruction to turn rather than telling
Wind off 10 metres of your chosen yarn and terminology. A flag symbol on the front cover you to work backwards along a round.
weigh it. You can then roughly determine of the pattern will guide you. You will find a
the weight per metre by dividing the weight chart of abbreviations within each pattern.

10
Notes for left-handed crocheters asymmetrical triangle shawls or more the De Morgan Foundation website where
According to statistics, approximately one freeform shapes, which will result as a you’ll be able to read more about their lives
in nine members of the population are left- mirror image to that of a right hander. and careers and see more of their exquisite
handed. The fabric created by crocheting artworks.
left-handed usually shows no difference in If you crochet left-handed and want to work
appearance to that made by a right-handed from a chart, you need to work from one I am so grateful to Sarah Hardy at the
crocheter, although some left handers that is a mirror image of those found in the Foundation for allowing me to use images of
do create a slightly more textural stitch patterns. If you own a smart phone, take some of their fabulous work, including some
by taking the yarn round the hook in the an image of the chart on your phone, then of William’s gorgeous tiles and the painting
opposite direction when crocheting. edit it to save a mirror image. If you are not ‘Flora’ by Evelyn, which inspired many of
able to flip the image on your phone, hold a the floral motifs in the project.
As I have explained, right-handed crocheters mirror against the pattern page and take a [Link]
work in a counter-clockwise direction. shot of the reflection.
Left-handed crocheters work in a clockwise We are very fortunate to have been
direction, with rows working left to right allowed to use the Emery Walker House in
instead of right to left. DEALING WITH YARN ENDS Hammersmith, London as the location for
Sewing yarn ends in as you go makes the our photography shoot. Walker was a friend
The brains of left-handed crocheters finishing process much easier and means of William Morris and played a pivotal role in
appear to manage to fl ip instructions you are less likely to lose stitches or make the Arts and Crafts Movement. He collected
without too much of a challenge, however, errors with tension. some incredible examples of art from his
there are some areas where left-handed contemporaries, including
crocheters might fi nd their work looks De Morgan. This is a wonderfully preserved
different to that of right handers, such FURTHER READING: and lovingly curated museum and well
as when creating shapes that are not If you’d like to learn more about William worth a visit.
equilateral, such as when making De Morgan and his wife Evelyn, you can visit [Link]

11
 [Link]
mail@[Link]

[Link]/shop/JanieCrowLtd
[Link]/people/janiecrow
[Link]/JanieCrowDesign
[Link]/janiecrow

Photography: Leanne Jade • Styling: Claire Montgomerie • Graphic Design: Steph Peat
De Morgan Foundation images ©De Morgan Foundation

With Thanks to Inside Crochet Magazine

© Jane Crowfoot 2024. All rights reserved. This pattern and items created from it are for personal use only.
Commercial use of either the patterns or the items made from them is strictly prohibited. Please respect
the copyright of the design and do not pass it either digitally or otherwise to another person.