Taraduff's 2015 CAL Sampler Afghan Square #16

August hasn't gone at all like I'd planned.  I went on a little educational trip at the beginning of the month - and when I returned home, I ended up so sick!  I literally spent 2 wks of August in bed very ill.  I couldn't even crochet I was that sick :-(  But it has helped me be a little more greatful for the health that I typically enjoy.  I am a more greatful for being able to care for my husband and children each day.  I'm greatful for being able to get up and care for myself.  There are so many things I seem to have taken for granted until I could no longer do them!  I'm reminded of my mother - she often thought I tried to do too much.  She thought I should slow down and enjoy life a bit more with all of it's wonder.  I think she was right.

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, #14, & #15.  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.

The second square for August is our colorwork square.  It's a wave pattern.  There is some similarity to the chevron pattern in that the stripes move up and down and aren't straight, but the stripes actually go thick and thin across the piece.  It's one of my favorite colorwork patterns.  There are lots of ways to do the striping.  My favorite involves changing colors each row - having all the single crochet rows in one color.  That seems to define the waves more how I like it.  Once you become familiar with this stitch - you'll see lots of variations on how it can be done.  I like it in this baby blanket, especially since there are no ends to weave in.  You knot the ends on each side and have a cute finished fringe edging with little effort.

Easy Finish Reversible Baby Blanket by Taraduff

So I have to put in a disclaimer here for this square.  This square has lots and lots of ends to weave in.  If you hate weaving ends in with a passion, then I would recommend changing up the way you do the stripes.  Simply do more than one row in a color and carry the ends up the sides as you go, like we have done on past squares.  I do prefer this one switching colors every row, so I think it's worth weaving in all those ends on this one square.  This is your blanket though - and I highly recommend doing it however you like, and if those ends are going to drive you crazy - change the stripes and don't think another thing about it!

Block #16

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #16 Waves

Block #16 Waves

With A, chain 28
Row 1:  Sc in second ch from hook and each remaining ch.  (27 sc) (Switch to C in last sc)  Ch 1, turn.  (Fasten off A)
Row 2:  Sc in first stitch.  *Hdc in next stitch.  Dc in next 3 stitches.  Hdc in next stitch.  Sc in next 3 stitches.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  Hdc in next stitch.  Dc in last stitch. (Switch to A in last sc.) (Fasten off C.) Ch 1, turn.
Row 3:  Sc in each stitch across. (27 sc) (Switch to B in last sc). (Fasten off) Ch 3, turn.
Row 4:  Skipping first stitch, *hdc in next stitch.  Sc in next 3 stitches.  Hdc in next stitch.  Dc in next 3 stitches.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  Hdc in next stitch.  Sc in last stitch.  (Switch to A in last dc)  (Fasten off)  Ch 1, turn.
Row 5:  Work as for row 3 only switch to C in last sc.
Rows 6-27:  Repeat rows 2-5 ending with row 3.

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #16 Waves 

Remember to take time to enjoy life and all the things you love!

Taraduff's 2015 CAL Sampler Afghan Square #15

August - the month where my counter is filled with zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, onions - and hopefully tomatoes too soon.  My garden, despite the abundance of weeds, is still producing well.  We've had some strange weather though which has my tomatoes lagging behind.  Let's hope they get with the program soon.  Summer would not be summer without fresh garden tomatoes!!!

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, #14.  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.

The first square for August is our solid color block.  It's a simple cluster stitch pattern alternating with rows of half double crochet.  This stitch pattern produces a fabric that is mostly solid - the holes remind me of the size you might see in eyelet lace.  It's not a dramatic pattern, but has some nice texture and interest to it.  The finished project featuring this stitch pattern is the Roxette Wristers.  I made these first in a pink version (there's a pic at the end of the post) and my young daughter put them on and said 'conceal, don't feel'.  While they don't in any way resemble Elsa's gloves, it is fun to put them on with her and pretend we have ice magic!

Roxette Wristers designed by Taraduff 2015

 Here's block #15

 

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #15 simple cluster 

Block #15 Simple Cluster 

Special Stitch
cluster:  YO, insert hook in next sc, YO and pull up a loop, YO and draw through 2 lps on hook, YO, insert hook in next sc, YO and pull up a loop, YO and draw through all 4 lps on hook.

Pattern

Foundation ch and row 1:  Ch 30.  Turn.  Hdc in third ch from hook and in each ch across. (29 hdc)  Turn.
Row 2:  Ch 3 (counts as hdc plus ch 1).  Skip first hdc, *work cluster over next 2 stitches, ch 1.   Repeat from * across until 1 stitch remains.  Hdc in last stitch. (13 clusters) Turn.
Row 3:  Ch 2. (Counts as first hdc)  *Hdc in ch-1 sp, hdc in cluster.  Repeat from * to end of row.  2 hdc in ch-3 space.    (29 hdc)
Rows 4-19:  Repeat rows 2 and 3.

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #15 simple cluster close-up

So friends, I know I have mentioned this before, but crocheting really is great therapy for me.  I so love picking up a hook and some yarn and mulling over the possibilities.  Creating things is good for the soul, whether you crochet for yourself or others, whether you like to make big things or small things, whether you are a beginner or a long-time advanced crocheter.  We all have this in common.  I truly enjoy sharing what I love with people that love to crochet too.  Thanks for stopping by today.  And I hope the sun is shining and loving you wherever you are!

Roxette Wristers designed by Taraduff 2015