Taraduff's 2015 CAL Sampler Afghan Square #14

July is almost over (sigh).  Back to school time is getting closer.  It always brings mixed emotions for me.  I get more done while my kids are in school, but I always end up missing them and having the typical 'mom' worries while they're there.  And somehow they get bigger and older every year!  My little ones are growing up!

Well, back to business now.  If you're just joining in, WELCOME!  Click on the following links to get caught up: Introduction, Square #1, Square #2, Square #3, Square #4, Square #5, Square #6, Square #7, Square #8, Square #9, and Square #10, #11, #12, #13  You can find links to all of them on pinterest here. And be sure to follow me on facebook and twitter to get updates when a new square pattern is posted.

Our colorwork block for July is a chevron stitch pattern.  There are many chevron stitch pattern variations, if you do a search on pinterest or google images you'll have a lovely assortment of chevron crochet eye candy for your viewing pleasure!  You can see one example in the bag below.  The Chevron Stripes Shoulder Bag uses a self-patterning yarn to highlight the striping pattern without having to switch your yarn.

Chevron Stripes Shoulder Bag

 Here's block #14!

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #14 chevron stripes

Block #14 Chevron Stripes  

Do not cut the yarn when switching colors, just drop it and pick up the next color. 

Pattern 

Foundation ch and row 1:  With C, ch 32.  Sc in second ch from hook and each remaining ch.  (31 sc)  Turn.
Row 2:  Ch 1.  Sc in each stitch.  (31 sc)  Turn.
Row 3:  Ch 4 (counts as first tr).  Skip first stitch. *Dc in next 2 stitches.  Hdc in next 2 stitches.  Sc in next stitch.  Hdc in next 2 stitches.  Dc in next 2 stitches.  Tr in next stitch.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  Turn.
Row 4:  With A, ch 1.  Make 2 sc in first stitch.  *Sc in next 3 stitches.  Sc3tog over next 3 stitches. Sc in next 3 stitches.** Make 3 sc in next stitch.  Repeat from * 2 times ending at ** on last repeat.  Make 2 sc in top of turning ch.  Turn.
Row 5:  Repeat row 4.
Row 6:  With C, ch 3.  (Counts as first dc).  Dc in first stitch.  *Dc in next 3 stitches.  Dc3tog over next 3 stitches.  Dc in next 3 stitches.**  Make 3 dc in next stitch.  Repeat from * 2 times ending at ** on last repeat.  Make 2 dc in top of last stitch.  Turn.
Row 7:  Repeat row 6.
Rows 8-17:  Repeat rows 4-7, ending with row 5.
Row 18:  With C, ch 1.  Sc in first stitch.  *Hdc in next 2 stitches.  Dc in next 2 stitches.  Tr in next stitch.  Dc in next 2 stitches.  Hdc in next 2 stitches.  Sc in next stitch.  Repeat from * 2 times.  Turn.
Row 19, 20:  Ch 1.  Sc in each stitch. (31 sc)  Turn.
Fasten off and weave in ends after row 20.

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #14 chevron stripes close-up

So I've been mulling around ideas for a 2016 crochet-a-long project.  I enjoy doing the squares since we get to do a new stitch each time and we'll have a nice throw at the end.  Shall I do another blanket?  Or something else perhaps?  I'd love to see your suggestions in the comments.  Please, don't be shy crochet friends, tell me all your crochet-a-long dreams ;-) 

Taraduff's 2015 CAL Sampler Afghan Square #13

I hope July finds you healthy and happy!  June went by in a whirlwind for me.  I think I need more crocheting in my life.  It helps keep me grounded amidst the chaos that life brings.  I can sit down in a quiet place with some yarn and a hook and I have endless possibilities!  I think my daughter feels that way about her playdough.  Recently she has been going down to her playroom and making treasures out of her playdough literally all day long.  She is on the autism spectrum, and sometimes life is just too much for her.  Making things out of her playdough in a quiet, peaceful room seems to help her bring herself back into balance and to a place where she can once again come up and interact with us.  I get it.

If you're just joining in, WELCOME!  Click on the following links to get caught up: Introduction, Square #1, Square #2, Square #3, Square #4, Square #5, Square #6, Square #7, Square #8, Square #9, and Square #10, #11, #12.  You can find links to all of them on pinterest here. And be sure to follow me on facebook and twitter to get updates when a new square pattern is posted.

Our first square for July is our solid square.  The stitch pattern for this is a basic cluster stitch pattern.  It produces a fairly solid fabric - although it's not thick and sturdy like the waffle or basketweave stitch patterns done in previous blocks.  It has more drape and flexibility to it without the 'holey' look that is characteristic of some crochet stitch patterns.  I love how it turned out in this Felicity Headwrap.

Felicity Headwrap

Here's block #13.  Did you catch that number?  #13 out of 24.  You're more than halfway there now!

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #13 cluster stitch pattern

Block #13 Clusters

Special Stitch

cluster:  (Yo, insert hook in ch sp and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times.  Yo and pull through all 4 loops.

Pattern

Foundation Ch and Row 1:  Ch 30.  Sc in second ch from hook.  *Ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch.  Repeat from * to end of row.  Turn
Row 2:  Ch 3. Work cluster in next ch-1 sp.  *Ch 1, work cluster in next ch-1 sp.  Repeat from * to end of row.  Dc in last sc.  (14 clusters) Turn.
Row 3:  Ch 1, sc in first dc.  Ch 1, *sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1.  repeat from * to end of row.  Sc in top of turning ch.
Rows 4-21:  Repeat rows 2 & 3.

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #13 cluster stitch pattern close-up

What things do you like to do to bring yourself back into balance?  Share in the comments!

taraduff Felicity Headwrap selfie