July 27, 2013

I really love crocheting this afghan. The colors are so vibrant and the stitches and different variations are such fun to learn and crochet. I actually started this block yesterday but couldn't finish it because I didn't start crocheting until late afternoon. I finished the block but not the edging. So this morning I started the edging while making Crock Pot Cinnamon Almonds, which requires stirring every 20-minutes for 4-hours. So it was simply to sit and crochet while stirring.

This block is called Double Single Crochet and Variations. Double Single Crochet is a vastly underused stitch. It is similar to the single crochet, but with a chain worked before the stitch is completed. It is a handsome stitch, slightly more elongated than single crochet, yet not quite as high or as "bumpy" as the half double. It is the stitch to use when you want a simple, firm fabric with a little more "give" than single crochet.

Block 2
Double Single Crochet and Variations

This section displays the Double Single Crochet Stitch.

Two variations on the Double Single Crochet Stitch are used in this block. The Grit Stitch is one of several patterns formed by skipping a stitch, then working two stitches into one stitch.

The bone color yarn displays the Grit Double Single Crochet Stitch.

The Comma Pattern uses a type of Spike Stitch in which the hook is inserted one or more rows below the current row being worked.

This section displays the Comma Pattern Stitch (Spike Double Single Crochet)

Spike stitches make a wonderful overall fabric when used with multicolors. You can substitute almost any stitch as the base stitch when making spikes. Experiment with lining them up in a grid pattern or offset them for a staggered pattern. The spikes may also be varied in the same row by working a series of stitches, which reach down four, three, two, and then one row below the current row. Try making the spikes closely spaced and then spread out. A few rows of contrasting colored spikes inserted at the cuff, neck, or border maybe just the amount of accent color needed. Spiked stitches are also a good design technique to segue from one color block to another. The zigzag effect is more interesting than a flat, straight color change.

Now on to Block 3 - Half Double Crochet and Variations...and cinnamon almonds :-)

The cinnamon almonds are great. They taste just like the ones I buy at the fair or other portable food-stands. Yummy!!!

Half Double Crochet is the first stitch in which you yarn over before inserting the hook into the stitch. The purpose of this is to give you more yarn or thread loops to use to elongate the stitch. All of the new stitches crocheted from now on in the remaining blocks will have one or more of these beginning yarn overs.

Block 3
Half Double Crochet and Variations

The bone yarn displays the Half Double Crochet Stitch.

The two variations on Half Double Crochet in this block are Chained Crosses and Diagonal Spikes. Both are formed by rotating the hook back in the direction just worked - back to the right for a right-hander and back to the left for a left-hander. These stitches are an example of how different a stitch may look when worked by a right-hander or left-hander.

The wine yarn here displays the Chained Cross Stitch.

The wine yarn here displays the Diagonal Spike Stitch.

The look of the right-and-left-handed Chain Crosses varies only slightly: The only difference is which angled stitch lies on top. The Diagonal Spike is more distinctively different because the diagonal slant is clearly in the opposite direction. The two sides (front of block and back of block) slant in opposite directions. Remember, both variations can be worked with other stitches.

The Chained Cross lends itself to many applications just by changing the length of the stitch used. Longer stitches produce a more airy look suitable for a shawl, stole, or little jacket. Shorter stitches make a firmer fabric.

When working the Diagonal Spike Stitch with a thick yarn or when several strands are held together, try a variation that uses a longer stitch to create a less dense fabric. Diagonal Spike Stitches make "instant" buttonholes that form naturally because of the little holes in the stitch. Try weaving contrast-color yarn through the holes for a woven effect or use for the bands on a sweater for instant buttonholes.

Well, that's it for today. I have been crocheting all day and I want to change directions now that will allow my shoulders to relax. There is a major storm outside, which makes perfect weather for reading or watching a movie. I will eat dinner and then do one or the other.

Good night!