Learn-To-Crochet Afghan blocks are COMPLETED!!!!!

August 24, 2013

Block 17
Crosses and Bars

In this pattern I was asked to yarn over three times before inserting the hook into the stitch, which gives enough yarn to draw through two loops four different times. This makes a stitch long enough to form the long-legged Xs across the solid bars of this good-looking pattern. Longer stitches may look leggy when they aren't combined with other techniques; however, in this block we've taken advantage of the plus side of long stitches, which allows interesting stitch manipulations.

August 25, 2013

Block 18
Three-Color Interlocking Blocks

This block is one of those clever ideas that looks more difficult than it really is. It is made up of stitches already learned - Chains, Double Crochet and Spikes - but they are combined in unique ways. The challenge in this stitch pattern is to make sure to keep all the chains hidden on the wrong side.

Since the interlocking blocks pattern has such a cushy feel, it is perfect for seat covers or rugs. It would make a great bath rug, floor pad for baby, or a cozy afghan worked loosely with an extra large hood and chunky yarn.

This pattern is most effective when used with three or more colors. To make sure the colors appear to be random, always use an odd number of colors. If you used a constant neutral such as black, white, or even red for every third row, it would be a wonderful way to use leftover colors of matching values. If using up leftovers is your goal, try making small items like hot pads or coasters out of this pattern.

August 26, 2013

Block 19
Three-Color Post Stitch Variations

This block features another intriguing use of multi-colors. In the photo above, you can see the six ways the three colors can be combined. Notice how much subtler the colors appear in the lower-right and upper-left sections of this block when the vertical post stitches are the low contrast A and B colors. The center-left section, where the vertical post stitches are the two highest contrast colors, appears most dramatic of all. This pattern stitch looks quite different on the reverse side where the horizontal stripes have equal merit.

This pattern is a good one to use to experiment with color. Try using five or seven analogous or monochromatic colors for an even more intricate look. Keep a one-row accent color in black and then use all different deep jewel tones for the verticals. Use two or four colors for a checkered effect. Make an interesting shawl collar for a jacket by folding a long strip in half. As the collar extends down the front of your jacket, the opposite side will show.

August 27, 2013

Well the last block is finished. Hip Hip Hooray!!!

Block 20
Lace

There are probably more patterns written for lacework than any other kind of crochet. Lace crochet makes excellent edgings and home accessories. Lace wearables using fine threadlike fibers are always a luxury.

That's it for both the Learn-to-Knit and Learn-to-Crochet Afghans. Now when the "snowbirds" arrive I will be ready for them. I went to the store and purchased my yarns for starting the projects for myself. These blocks are for demo only. I will work my afghans with my students. Of course, I'll keep the postings here.

August 21, 2013

Waves - Block 15 - is complete.

Block 15
Waves

This pattern uses five innovative stitches cataloged by Bill Elmore. Elmore stitches fall in height between the traditional stitches. Like the half tones or black keys on a piano, these stitches give you more control in creating gradual curves, such as when shaping an underarm or anywhere gentle curves are desirable.

Five blocks to go...

Block 16 is now finished, too.

Block 16
Multicolor Crochet

Taking a little bit of time to learn how to work with multicolors in the same row brings a big payoff. I have done this many times before with knitting but not with crocheting. The techniques are the same. There are two main techniques used when working with multicolors in the same row: stranding and intarsia.

Stranding is when both colors are carried across the row, one being used and one being stranded, floated, or carried along at the back of the work. This technique is most often used when two colors are regularly alternated across the whole width of the piece.

Intarsia is Italian for "inlay". This technique is used when many colors are used in one row or when the colors are separated by more stitches than it would be practical to strand across.

These techniques will bring variety and interest to your work, open up a whole new world of patterns, allow you to use up lots of leftovers, and be incredibly satisfying.

I found the block tedious, requiring three days to work because of the intensity of the patterns. It is not difficult, however, and will be useful in certain pattern designs.

Now on to the last four blocks...

August 16, 2013

Today is Steve's son, Alan's, 35th birthday. Happy Birthday Alan! Dad and I love you.

I finished Block 14 today but only after much re-doing and re-doing and re-doing. The Triple Tucks Stitch pattern isn't difficult once it is done correctly, but I just couldn't seem to figure out the pattern. The first time I crocheted the pattern repeat rows I only followed the written directions. I didn't bother reading the beginning paragraphs or look at the chart. As I followed the written directions, I actually did crochet the pattern correctly, but it looked wrong to me. It looked like I did everything backward. I pulled out the yarn and decided to follow the chart. The chart was very confusing because this particular pattern requires a technique I had never seen before, which I obviously didn't understand either. So once again, I pulled out all the stitches. I started again crocheting the same way I had the first time but still didn't quite get it. It wasn't until I read the beginning paragraphs describing the various stitches in this block that I read "folding a row of treble stitches in half and working a row of single crochet to join them. Ah-haa! So I pulled out the stitches again and folded the row in half. Oh no, I was still backwards. So I pulled out the stitches again all the way to the beginning of this section, and this time I got it right. After that, it was not so bad and the rest of the block finished much more quickly.

This pattern gives three more easy variations to add to my crochet tool kit. They will give my projects interest and variety. I basically used Single Crochet Stitches throughout except for the bothersome section, which required Treble Crochet Stitches, to allow for enough length to fold in half.

Block 14
More Single Crochet Variations

 It was the section in the middle with the teal colored yarn that caused me so much difficulty. It is actually quite pretty.

The section displays the Granite Stitch Pattern

 The Granite Stitch pattern is a one-row pattern that alternates Single Crochet and Chains. It is fast and easy and gives an almost woven effect.

This multi-color yarn section displays the Trinity Stitch pattern.

The Trinity Stitch patter is formed by working three Single Crochet Stitches together with the outside legs sharing the same base stitch.

Triple Tucks Stitches

Triple Tucks are formed by folding a row of Treble Crochet Stitches in half and working a row of Single Crochet Stitches to join them. Not a simple process that can be done without some help explaining the process.

This is the top section of the same block. It looks good at first glance, but if you were to study the first photo above you would see that the patterns are reversed. The block starts with a section of Granite Stitch Pattern followed by the Trinity Stitch Pattern with the Triple Tucks Pattern in the center. All the other blocks, thus far, have balanced both sides the same. However, this block continued with another section of Granite Stitches rather than the Trinity Pattern. At first I thought I had, once again, crocheted the patterns incorrectly, but when I checked the pattern directions and the chart, I found that this was by design. Not sure why!

The Granite Pattern gives a slight zigzag effect as you change from one color to another. It is a good choice for a project with gradual color changes since zigzag lines would diffuse the color change even more. This pattern is a neat, tidy little stitch. It is wonderful for trim, collars, and cuffs and also makes a handsome allover pattern stitch.

Experiment with working the Trinity Pattern with a Double Single, Half Double, or Half Elmore for a jacket or sweater. Longer stitches would be effective for an evening wrap or afghan. The Trinity Pattern works well with multicolors.

Triple Tucks has a lot of depth so it would form an excellent edging to complement a pattern with depth or an attractive contrast to a flat stitch pattern. It would also make a soft and cozy throw rug.

Glad this block is finished. I'm ready to rest...Night!

August 15, 2013

I finished this block after two days working on it. It was quite complicated so it took longer than I expected BUT I loved it. This block is stunning. I love the stitches in it. This block also combines several maneuvers used elsewhere to form the highly textured Aran surface. Treble Crochet Front Post Stitches form a Picket Fence Stitch. Pairs of trebles, angled to the right and left then decreased into one, form diamonds in the Dots and Diamonds Stitch. The dots are formed by the versatile three-chain Picot Stitch.

Block 13
Trebles and Aran Stitches

 This was the first time using the Treble Stitch where you yarn over twice before inserting the hook into the stitch. Two yarn overs gives enough yarn to be able to work through two loops three times.

The wine color yarn displays several stitches in this photo. The lower row is Single Crochet Stitches with Picot Stitches inserted every three stitches. The upper row is Treble Stitches.

The bone and wine, then bone color yarns in this section displays the Picket Fence Stitches.

This section is my favorite. It displays the Dots and Diamonds Stitches. It is three dimensional had looks very classy. I could really see an entire garment sectioned with this pattern.

The Dots and Diamonds pattern would make a great cozy afghan. Panels of Dots and Diamonds would be an effective insert in the body of a plain fabric. The Picket Fence Stitch suggests a border, cuff, or bottom band. The vertical appearance of this pattern would also be great combined with a horizontal pattern to break up the space in an interesting fashion. Post Stitches alternately worked into the front and back make a handsome ribbing for any traditional sweater.

Now on to Block 14......

August 14, 2013

Block 12 is finished and this project is 65% complete. I actually finished it yesterday evening but didn't post it until this morning.

Block 12
Filet Crochet

Filet Crochet is worked from a chart. In a nutshell, each square on the chart equals 3 stitches in width. This means that the 15-square chart in this pattern is really 45 stitches wide plus one more for the final edge stitch.

Filet Crochet offers a different kind of design opportunity than other crochet patterns. Designing patterns or pictures for use in Filet Crochet is as easy as shading in squares on a piece of grid paper. You can also adapt counted cross-stitch designs or knitting patterns.

Traditionally, Filet Crochet is worked in fine crochet thread in a light neutral such as white, off=white, beige, or ecru. Don't hesitate to try colored sport, DK, or worsted-weight yarns, however, if it appeals to you.

When using heavier yarns, Filet Crochet patterns with small repeats may work best. Since it takes three stitches  to achieve each filled-in square of your design, a large repeat would make a very large pattern. Curtains, tablecloths, and doilies can handle larger designs because they are usually done in fine-gauge threads.

I crocheted all day hoping to finish the next block, but it didn't happen. I am 2/3 of the way finished. The pattern is very complex and takes more time to complete. But wait until you see this block. It is stunning. Makes me want to crochet a garment with the pattern stitches.

Filet Crocheted Names for the Family

Another block completed. These last few blocks are more complicated and thus are requiring longer time to complete. But completed it is.

Block 11
Picots, Puffs, Popcorns, and Bobbles Stitches

 Gathering stitches together to form bumps of varying size gives interesting surface texture to your work. Although the stitches look complicated, they are quite easy and satisfying to work.

The bone color yarn displays Picot Stitches (lower row) and Puff Stitches (upper two rows showing various sizes).

The wine color yarn displays the Bobble Stitches of varying sizes.

The teal color yarn displays the Popcorn Stitches, again of varying sizes.

Picots were used in the first block that was crocheted - Single Crochet Block. Bobbles, Popcorns, and Puffs are other types of "bumps" made of multi stitches, but they usually have their base in the same stitch, space, or chain.

There are no specifics for the number of stitches that are used to make these interesting stitches. As with so much in crochet, personal preference can make each project unique.

Experiment with adding bumps and bobbles to any existing pattern that looks a little flat. The additional surface interest will change the entire look of the project.

Bobbles and Popcorns can easily be attached to the surface of purchased items or to a finished handmade crocheted or knitted garment. If the gauge is too tight to insert your crochet hook, simply embroider a line of stem stitches where you want your bumps and insert your hook into these stitches.

Experiment with other stitches and the number of legs to see what other variations are possible.

A group of bumps could become balloons with embroidered strings on a child's afghan or sweater.

On an adult project, a group of bumps could become a cluster of grapes or cherries with crocheted or embroidered leaves.

Okay, that's it for today. Now I will start the next block - Block 12 - Filet Crochet. I made several of these when I crocheted each family member's last name for a Christmas gift one year.

My birth family name, which is used by my parents and my two brothers. I crocheted two of these - one for each brother, James and Ron. My parents already had one crocheted for them by a friend, which is where I got the idea.

My married family name, which is used by Steve and I,  Steve's parents, and his one brother. I crocheted two of these - one for my in-laws (Chuck and Jeannine) and one for my brother-in-law (Robert & Shelley).

This is my best friend since sophomores in high school, Donna Probst. I crocheted this for her and her husband Paul.

Steve and I served with a ministry called Equipping The Saints for five years. The directors Keith and Jan Jones were wonderful friends. I crocheted this for them before we left their ministry to join Amazing Grace full-time on the road in our motor coach bus.

This is my sister Rita. I crocheted this for her and her husband Carroll.

This is my sister Sharon. I crocheted this for her and her husband Jerry.

I crocheted this for my sister-in-law Debbie and her husband Randy.

I also crocheted SCHULTZ for my "first set" of in-laws, Eddie and Norma Schultz.

See ya later...

August 9, 2013

I went to The Spinster last Wednesday and started another Mystery Project - Amelia Earhart Aviator Cap. I don't like this style of hat but I had some stash yarn and the time, so I made it. I actually ran out of yarn and used some from another stash skein. So the hat is yellow with a dark blue section. But that's okay. I don't intend to wear the hat. I just gained more experience working with short rows and shaping a hat. That's always good.

Pattern Photo

My project. This shape hat never looks good on me. I need more floppy designs.

BTW - This hat counted as my 100th project posted on Ravelry. That's an accomplishment in itself, too.

Now on to another block...


August 11. 2013

Finally I finished Block 10. I kept redoing several rows because I couldn't get the count right. Finally, I figured it out and finishing went quickly.

Block 10
Fans and Vees

Bone color yarn displays the FanCee Vees Stitch

Wine color yarn displays the Solid Shells Stitch.

Multi and Teal color yarns display the Open Shells Stitch.

In this block only three of the almost infinite variety of stitch patterns that can be formed by using fans and fees. Both fans, often called shells, and vees are formed by working multiple stitches into the same base stitch.

The FanCee Vees in the block are formed by separating each shell with a Chain Stitch. The Solid Shells are made by working sets of five Double Crochet stitches into the same base stitch separated by a Single Crochet, which serves to spread the fan open. In the Open Shells pattern, the fans are given a more open look by working five Double Crochet stitches into a chain-three space.

This versatile stitch technique has been a favorite of crocheters for years. It is handsome as an allover pattern in both home decor and wearables and equally popular as an edging.  The height of the row repeat in fans, shells, and vees patterns may be controlled by the choice of stitch used.

I have completed 50% of the required blocks for the Learn-to-Crochet Afghan pattern. It is all downhill now.

August 7, 2013

I actually started but didn't finish the next block in the Learn-to-Crochet Afghan yesterday. I still need to finish a couple rows and the edging. But Steve left for another bus tour this morning and I needed to do a lot of tasks yesterday to get him ready to go and then this morning I was needed to drive him to the bus terminal. So he is off driving another tour for a group from France and won't return until the 28th of this month.

After returning home, I did crochet a couple more rows on the block before it was time to leave to join with the KnitWits group to drive to The Spinster. We all started the Mystery Project, which is a pattern called the Amelia Earhart Aviators Cap. I have about 1/3 of it done already - an easy knit with short rows that don't require the picking up of the wrapped stitch.

Amelia Earhart Aviator Cap

We stopped at Cracker Barrel for lunch. I order the Chicken Pot Pie because Steve's dad had commented on how good it was. Wrong! It was tasteless. I will not order it again. But now I have tried it and know better.

I met a new friend with the KnitWits group - Marcia. She lives fairly close to me and loves to sew, quilt and knit. She and her husband own their own business where they embroider, sew professionally, and own a long-arm quilting machine. I look forward to becoming good friends with her. She is also a member of the quilting guild, so I will also see her there.

I am going to finish the block I am currently working on and then call it a night.

Block 9
Basketweave

In this block, the front post, or Relief Stitch, a technique that can be applied for a variety of effects was used. In the two-color Basketweave Stitch, the blocks were alternated with Post Stitches, which give a vertical appearance, with rows of Single Crochet, which have a distinct horizontal look. The juxtaposition created by changing color and stitches produces the basket weave effect.

August 5, 2013

I completed the second scarf for the 5th Mystery Project. These scarves are just plain Garter Stitch with a decrease on each end every other row after starting with 100 cast-on stitches and finishing with two stitches left on the needle.

First scarf completed last month.

Second scarf finished today.

Both Scarves

It took all day, dovetailing with other projects, but Block 8 is finished. The wavy or chevron shaping on the body of this block is created by working stitches that gradually ascend and then descend in height. Three stitches are worked into one stitch at the highest peak of the pattern, and three stitches are decreased into one at the lowest point.

Block 8
Chevron Pattern

Close-up View

Isn't this a pretty pattern? I can visualize it made into a vest or sweater. How striking that would be. Hmmmm, maybe a future design?

August 3, 2013

It took me several days to make this block. I didn't like it particularly. It was only one pattern and seemed to take forever to crochet. Also, Steve is home and my time was divided. Anyway, this block is now complete.

Block 7
Twisted Loops

Close up 

This stitch is like a long-haired cat - fat and fluffy on the outside, but lean and lank on the inside. The fluff is made from spiraled chains attached tot he front loop of a mesh of stitches. Double Crochet Stitches are used for the mesh and chain-sevens for the loops, but any variation could be used for a smaller or larger project.

This is a variation of the Astrakhan Stitch. Instead of scallops these chains spiral and they do not require the awkward manipulation of working backward every other row. Also these directions are the same for both a right-hander and left-hander.

This pattern would make a great fake fur collar and cuff for a jacket in a loopy or fuzzy yarn. It is also ideal for making fuzzy cuddly baby toys. Since the twisted loops provide a good insulation layer, try it for a fun, fluffy carriage blanket for your favorite baby. To dress up a ready-made sweater, work one row of the Loop Stitch at the neck and cuffs. In order to have a base in which to insert the hook, first embroider a row of Stem Stitch using a yarn needle or crochet a row of Slip Stitch around the sweater edge.

July 30, 2013

In this block, using just basic stitches - single crochet, double crochet and chain stitches - a mesh base was created and then crocheted chains were threaded vertically through the holes to create a plaid fabric. It is an easy technique that shows how even simple stitches can be used to create unusual and interesting results.

The mesh base 

Closeup of mesh base - double crochets and chain stitches

Chains of various color yarns to be woven into mesh base

Closeup of weaving process

Chains being woven into the mesh base

Block 6
Woven Plaid

July 29, 2013

Block 5 was a quicker crochet today than yesterday's block. In this block, the stitch what is probably the second most popular crochet stitch - the Double Crochet - was used with several variations.

Block 5
Double Crochet and Variations

Jack-o-lantern Teeth uses short chains as a base for the Double Crochet stitches worked on the following row.

This section of teal and bone yarns displays the Jack-o-lantern Teeth Stitch.

Jack-o-lantern Teeth is also a good pattern for multicolor work since it reaches down into the row below.  It s a good pattern to use up leftovers since every two rows form a distinctive pattern. Three repeats of "teeth" worked in contrast color would look well at the bottom edge and cuffs of a cardigan. Choose a neutral color such as black or white then pick out various colored leftovers of equal value. For a fun, small-scale project such as a vest, keep the main color neutral and randomly change the colors of the teeth. Or, if you're feeling ambitious and have lots of leftovers, it would make a fabulous colorful afghan.

Linked Double Crochet is a handy technique for joining stitches together, and it can make long, usually open stitches into a solid fabric.

The wine yarn displays Double Crochet Stitches.

The wine yarn in this section displays Linked Double Crochet Stitches. The stitches in the photo prior to this one shows longer stitches with more open area between each one. The ones in this photo are joined together or linked and this makes a tighter fabric.

Linking stitches is a technique you'll wonder how you got along without. For example, linking the end stitches on rows of tall stitches makes them much easier to seam. Linked Stitches make a smaller stitch gauge, so linking the stitches in the yoke of a garment would automatically narrow a shoulder area. Linked stitches are perfect for edges and bands because they are firm. They are also opaque so you could use them where you want a solid fabric. Linking stitches enables you to use a longer stitch and still maintain a firm fabric. And it's quick to work.

In the Squares Variation, the pattern is formed by working a three-stitch-Double Crochet Cluster alternated with a chain. In the variation in this block, they are lined up in a grid to form a neat little pattern, hence their name: however, they would look equally well offset.

Squares Stitch

The neat gridded version of the easy Squares Stitch makes a wonderful trim. An offset variation would make a nice all-over surface texture for a wearable or for home decor.