What A Bear, the Grizzly in the River Blanket

A few months ago, a friend asked if I could draw this. It stretched my skills but I am pleased to say I met the challenge!

I wanted to keep it a manageable size but also include a lot of details. The chart is 197 x 271 (add 2 stitches to each side for the interlocking method) which means it finishes to about 50″ x 80″ when you use worsted weight yarn. I’ve seen a lot of amazing patterns by other designers that have a chart size of over 300 and I’m just not ready to go that big yet.

When drawing, I started with the general shape of the bear and then had to decide how much fur to give him. It was hard to find a balance between a pencil drawing and a chart that works for interlocking crochet and overlay mosaic crochet.

At first I didn’t include any details around the bear (the water and the mountains). But my helpful critics suggested it needed something.

When I was creating the background for the bear I drew up some mountains and then decided I liked them so much I would make them without a bear!

Maybe you’ve already seen my Rocky Mountain Range Wall Hanging?

If you were watching this bear go fishing in the river you might laugh at his failed attempt. “Oh, what a silly bear!?” But don’t laugh too loud or he won’t be going hungry anymore! “Oh! What a scary bear!” (He will eat you, in case you missed that).

A few weeks ago I encouraged members of my mailing list to hit reply and enter my draw to win a copy of this pattern. I had 53 entries and I chose 2 winners. The winners have been notified and everyone in my email list has been given a code to take 50% off this pattern. I also gave away one free copy of this pattern in my Facebook Group: Ashlee Brotzell Designs.

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Get the Pattern

Whether you prefer Ravelry or Etsy, you will receive 2 files: one for the interlocking crochet technique and one for the overlay mosaic crochet technique.

Both files include a written pattern, a single-page chart, and a multi-page chart. The single-page chart is best for viewing on a screen whereas the multi-page is better for printing. The mosaic version has X’s to show where the dropped double crochets go.

On Ravelry and Etsy, you will get an automatic 30% discount on this pattern until 11:59 pm CST August 23, 2022.

Important Details

For Interlocking Crochet• Chart is 201 x 275• Gauge: 16 DC x 8 rows = 4”• Finished measurements approximately 50” x 79” / 128cm x 175cm• 4.5 mm hook (US7)• Worsted weight yarn (3950 – 4150 yards total)o Main color (MC) (black on chart) – 1975 yards plus 200 for optional bordero Accent color (AC) – 1975 yards

For Mosaic Crochet• Chart is 197 x 271• Gauge: 14 sc blo stitches x 15 rows = 4”• 52” x 83” / 133cm x 211cm• 5 mm hook (H-8)• Worsted weight yarn (4600 – 5300 yards)o Main color (black) – 2250 yardso Contrasting color (blue) – 2350 yardso Plus, optional envelope border – 700 yards