More often than not, a pattern is released that makes you go WOW and there are often times that wow pattern, jumps to the top of your to make this.
When Tinna Thórudóttir Thorvaldsdóttir, Casablanca Afghan pattern was released it did just that.
Watch this little video and you will see why. Just click here.
It was perfect timing, as my Mum, had asked me to make my youngest Son Calum, a blanket, as a gift from her.
I showed him three different different patterns that I am itching to make, the Casablanca Afghan, the Indiana Afghan, both by designer, Tinna Thórudóttir Thorvaldsdóttir and Southwestern Mosaic Cross Throw by Tara Sensenbaugh.

Calum picked the Casablanca Afghan, by the ever so talented designer Tinna Thórudóttir Thorvaldsdóttir.
I couldn’t have been more pleased.

Casablanca Afghan comes in two size, a full size afghan and a baby afghan.
The full-sized afghan is approximately 170 cm (67 inches) long x 130 cm (51 inches) wide, including the border, using the recommended Double Knit yarn weight and cast on given in the pattern.

The baby version is approximately 85 cm (33 inches) long and 63 cm (25 inches) wide, including the border, using the recommended Double Knit yarn weight and cast on given in the pattern.

I adore both but the full size afghan, on this occasion, would have been too large for the Lapghan size, I was planning on making so we decided on the baby version. Isn’t it just the Wow Factor. 😍
Calum picked out his colours, he chose, Paintbox Simply Aran in Paper White, from Love Crochet and Stylecraft Special Aran, in Royal Blue, from Wool Warehouse.

Before I got started, I printed out the pattern charts, then I wrote down the pattern repeats, just to make it easier for myself, as I’ve only worked from charts a few times.
I found this extremely helpful and have already started doing this for Tinna’s Indiana Afghan, which I hope to make for myself some time real soon. (Love, Love Love, this pattern.)

I was now ready to start my Casablanca Afghan, journey.
Casablanca uses mosaic crochet, which is perfect for anyone who struggles working in lines and turning.
The blanket is all worked from the front side, from right to left and at the end of each round you break off the yarn.
Yes, there are lots of ends, but no worries they get hidden in the double border of the afghan, so you don’t have to weave them all in!
That’s what so great about Tinna’s patterns, no pesky ends to weave in.
Tinna’s double border design is second to none.
The first round on the back side of the double border is a little fiddly and time consuming but it’s so very worth it.
Can you imagine weaving in all those 398 ended. 😩
Tinna’s truly a genius for coming up with such a clever way of saving you the pain.
If you don’t fancy the double border, don’t stress, Tinna has two other options available in the pattern, one being a twisted fringe, which looks fab.

I can’t really go into much more detail about the pattern as it’s a paid pattern and I don’t want to risk breaking any copyright laws but I can tell you, every second spent making this awesome pattern was a pleasure.
It’s simple enough to have Netflix’s on in the background but not so simple that you get bored while making the repeats.
In truth, half the fun is watching the pattern appear out of nowhere.
It grows quickly especially if you use aran like I have.
Remember though, if you use any other yarn that is different from Tinna’s recommended Double knit, your afghan will either be larger or smaller and you will use more or less yarn.
Your tension will also alter the size and yarn amounts.

Talking about yarn, I used a total of 16, 100g skeins/balls.
6 Paper White and 10 Royal Blue.
The body used 7 Royals and the the border 3, I only used about half of the 3rd skein.
My total yarn costs were, £31.40.
Casablanca took me about 3 weeks to make but life did get in the way a little.

I’m total smitten with my finished Casablanca, it’s eye catching, thick and snuggly, more importantly Calum loves it.

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So where can you get your hands on a copy of the breathtaking Casablanca pattern?
You can buy your copy at Ravelry, just click here. Trust me you won’t be disappointed. Tinna’s patterns are very well written with loads and loads of information.
And if you are new to mosaic crochet, pop on over the Tinna’s YouTube channel, where she shows you all you need to know about her technique.
You can find all her delicious patterns on Ravelry.
You can also keep up with Tinna’s news and show off your makes, on her new Facebook Group, Tina’s Crochet Club.
You can also show her some luv by following her on Instagram and of course YouTube.

My Casablanca journey has been great fun, relaxing and an absolute joy and I’m a little sad my journey is over.
I can’t wait to see what Tinna pulls out the bag next, I’m sure it will once again be the WOW factor. 😍

Lastly I would like to say a huge thank you to Tinna for allowing me to share her photos with you and for her breathtaking patterns, she truly NEVER disappoints.

Until next time,
Have a hooktastic day.
Too-da-loo for now.