Book excerpt: Create beautiful striped blankets in timeless color combinations Haafner Linssen, author of Crochet Mandalas, reinvents the classic stripe pattern with her collection of vibrant blankets and afghans. Striped patterns are relaxing to create, work up quickly, and—best of all—don’t have too many ends to weave in. With clean, simple designs and subtle color combinations, these beautiful patterns will inspire you to create a modern heirloom. Striped Crochet Blankets includes twenty projects, all of them made using basic crochet techniques and stitches, making the book perfect for beginner crocheters or more experienced crafters looking for a relaxing project. Each afghan includes a written pattern, chart, and advice on selecting colors to guide readers through every step of the process. In addition to the patterns, the book also includes thorough explanations of basic crochet techniques, so even a complete crochet beginner can confidently tackle their first afghan. Nothing can compare to the comfort and warmth of handmade blanket, so grab your yarn and make something beautiful!