Happiness Throws

I wanted to recommend some throw patterns for anyone looking for a nice project that won't give you headaches. These three throws are the ones I most enjoyed making last year.

The first time I tried Anastacia Zittel's Ocean Tranquility pattern was at the beginning of 2025, when I needed some peace very badly (that month was pretty rough on me in real life.) I wanted to make a throw that made me imagine sitting on the beach and watching the waves roll in, which is why the colors are so odd. This is a pattern that would be a bit challenging for a beginner, but it's worth it once you memorize the repeating rows because it's actually very simple and works up beautifully.

Because of the serenity that came with the making I think I'll be making repeats of this pattern for a long time to come.

When I made this throw I just wanted to work on something mindless that would loosen up my fingers after hand-quilting a Halloween quilt last year, and it was certainly that. It's a half-again larger version of this free pattern; I also made mine with fewer and wider stripes. It worked up super fast and that made me feel less useless. The abalone and white colors were perfect, too, as sea colors are always soothing for me.

I think this is an excellent pattern for crocheters at any stage of their journey, and it turns out looking really pretty.

After finishing the last row of a thrifted baby blanket, I decided to make a throw of my own using the same ripple granny stitch. I'd never done that particular pattern, however, so I went look and found a similar one over on Yarnspirations that worked perfectly, and despite a little trouble the end result was super satisfying.

This was the most challenging throw I made last year because of the trouble I had maintaining proper tension in the dips and arcs of the ripples. At the time I was having a bad arthritis flare up and my hands didn't want to cooperate. Eventually I figured out how to cope with that by using a yarn tension ring. I think this pattern is suitable for makers who don't have the same dexterity issues (but if you do, try wearing a tension ring!)

Finally, my advice is to save patterns for projects like mine that bring you happiness. These become your go-tos for future projects, and you'll always have fun making them.