🌟 Pattern Review: The Phoenix Blanket by Hooked on Sunshine

🌟The Phoenix Blanket by Hooked on Sunshine

Designer: Vanessa Smith
Available at:
Hooked on Sunshine Website
Ravelry

✨ First Impressions

One of the first big blanket patterns I ever purchased was the Phoenix by Hooked on Sunshine — and it still holds a special place in my yarn-loving heart. I remember scrolling through the photos and feeling both mesmerized and mildly terrified. The textures! The structure! The sheer glory of it!

It was my first real dive into an epic, heirloom-style blanket, and I made it as a gift for my mother-in-law. I didn’t know it at the time, but that project would be the start of a long love affair with complex crochet patterns and thoughtful design.

I even documented the whole process on TikTok — and trust me, it was a journey.

🧶 Materials & Yarn

For my first Phoenix, I used Red Heart Super Saver — not the yarn originally recommended, but a solid, budget-friendly choice that holds up beautifully over time. I picked my own color palette (documented on TikTok, of course!) instead of following the official ones.

The pattern itself comes with two stunning colorway options:
🌈 One using 15 vibrant colors that give a true “phoenix rising” feel
🏜️ Another using 9 desert-toned shades for a more earthy, elegant vibe

For my second Phoenix — a lap-sized version — I went with a bold red-and-black combo that gave the whole piece a dramatic, fiery feel.

The original pattern calls for a DK (3 weight) yarn and a 4mm hook, but I prefer working with worsted (4 weight) yarn, so I bumped the hook size up to 5mm. It gave the blanket more drape and size without sacrificing stitch definition.

📖 Pattern Format & Instructions

Let’s talk about the pattern itself: it’s massive — in the best way possible. At 127 pages long, this is not your average one-pager with a couple of charts. The Phoenix is a full-on crochet adventure, and the pattern reads like a personal guide through every twist and turn.

What makes it surprisingly beginner-friendly (for such an ambitious project) is how clearly it’s laid out:

  • Each round has detailed written instructions with stitch counts
  • Step-by-step photos show what things should look like as you go
  • Helpful notes and tips pop up just when you need them
  • Tricky sections often include stitch-by-stitch visual guidance

Now, here’s the kicker: I didn’t use any support group, video tutorials, or hand-holding of any kind. I tackled this thing with reckless abandon and a 5mm hook, armed with nothing but sheer crochet willpower and stubborn curiosity.

At the time, I didn’t even know how to do a majority of the stitches — but that’s what made it such a memorable experience. I learn best by diving in headfirst and figuring it out as I go. And with how thoughtfully the pattern is written, that approach actually worked.

🧵 The Crochet Experience

Crocheting the Phoenix blanket wasn’t just a project — it was a quest. From the very first round, I knew I was in for something special. The design unfolds like a story, with each round adding depth, texture, and drama. Some rounds felt meditative, others had me frogging more than I care to admit — but I loved every minute of it.

Making that first Phoenix was pure crochet chaos and joy. I learned new stitches on the fly, trusted my instincts, and let the pattern lead the way. It challenged me, inspired me, and gave me a whole new level of confidence in my skills.

Documenting the process on TikTok added another layer of fun — being able to share progress, tiny triumphs, and "what did I just do?" moments made the whole experience even more rewarding.

My second Phoenix — the red and black lap-sized version — was a quicker, more intentional make. I already knew the rhythm, which made it feel like revisiting an old friend. Still dramatic, still satisfying, but with far less frogging involved!

And now? I’m seriously considering starting a third. I can’t seem to settle on a new project, and the Phoenix has this way of calling me back when I need a creative reset.

🖼️ Finished Blanket Reveal

While I no longer have my first Phoenix blanket (it was gifted to my mother-in-law), I did document the entire journey on TikTok — and honestly, it’s fun to look back at all the stitchy chaos and color decisions in real time.

My second Phoenix — the dramatic red-and-black lap version — still lives with me, and I love how bold and moody it turned out. It may be smaller, but it still captures all the magic of the full-size original.

✅ Final Thoughts

The Phoenix isn’t just a blanket — it’s a whole experience. Whether you’re a confident beginner looking to level up or a seasoned crocheter wanting a pattern with substance, the Phoenix delivers.

It’s not a weekend project (unless you’re some kind of time-bending wizard), but it’s one of the most rewarding makes I’ve ever tackled. Twice. Possibly soon to be three times.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely — but with a few caveats:

  • 🧶 Be prepared to learn as you go (or like me, dive in with reckless abandon)
  • 🧶 Keep track of your stitch counts — it’ll save you from future frogging
  • 🧶 Don’t rush the process. This pattern is meant to be savored

It’s bold, textured, dramatic, and so satisfying to watch unfold. And if you’re even thinking about making it… consider this your sign.

💬 Have you made the Phoenix? Are you tempted to start one?
Tell me in the comments — I’d love to hear how your crochet journey is going!

📧 Want to follow along if (okay, when) I start Phoenix #3?
Sign up for my Laughing Yarns email list — I rarely send emails, but when I do, they’re full of cozy yarn goodness and crochet inspiration.

Sue smiling while holding up a large, colorful Phoenix crochet blanket made with Red Heart Super Saver yarn. The intricate design features bold textures and a vibrant custom color palette.
Sue holding her finished Phoenix blanket
— handmade with love, stubbornness,
and a whole lot of yarny determination.
Gifted just in time for Mother’s Day 2021 💖🧶

0 comments