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