Taraduff's 2015 CAL Sampler Afghan Square #22

Hi friends!  Did you have a stellar Thanksgiving?  Hopefully you got to have your very favorite kind of pie!  Besides crocheting - cooking is my other love.  So if you didn't, and want to come for a visit, let me know beforehand and I'll gladly whip up your favorite pie!  Mine happens to be apple - and I will readily admit I am a total apple pie snob.  I have yet to try an apple pie that I LOVE as much as my own.    I don't use a fancy recipe - seriously, just the basic apple pie recipe from Betty Crocker or Better Homes and Gardens.  It's about the method.  A traditional well-made pastry crust (nice and flakey), and thinly sliced apples that meld together when cooked.  Yum!  Do you follow me on instagram?  I posted a picture the day before Thanksgiving of my beloved pie.  If only pictures captured divine aromas.......

Alright then.  We are on square # 22 my friends!  So close to being done and ready to assemble!!!  Wahoo!

 If you're just joining me, WELCOME!  Following are links to this crochet-a-long project and all of the previous squares : 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, #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20, and # 21.  Find them all on pinterest here.  And I'd love to have you follow me on facebook and twitter too to get updated when a new square pattern is published.

November's colorwork square is super interesting.  The stitches are very basic, single crochet and chain stitches are all that are used.  The result is fantastic though - lots of texture and interest when using various colors.  I love it in the Happy Homestead Christmas Stocking.

Happy Homestead Christmas Stocking designed by taraduff 2015

 Block #22 Jacob's Ladder

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #22 Jacob's Ladder

Foundation ch & row 1:  With B, ch 29.  Sc in second ch from hook and each remaining ch.  Turn.
Row 2, 3:  With B, Ch 1.  Sc in each sc. (28 sc).  Turn.
Row 4:  With B, ch 1.  Sc in first 4 sc.  **Ch 12.  Sc in next 4 sc.  Repeat from * across until 4 stitches remain.  Ch 12.  Sc in next 4 sc.  Turn.
Rows 5-7:  With B, repeat row 2. (Keep chain loops to the back when working row 4)
Row 8:  With A, repeat row 4.
Rows 9-11:  With A, repeat row 2. 
Rows 12-31:  Repeat rows 4-11 ending with row 7.
Before moving on to row 32, chain loops together by pulling each loop through the one below.
Row 32:  Continuing with B, ch 1.  Sc in first 4 sc.  *Inserting hook in next ch-12 loop, sc in next sc (this secures the cable loop chain in place).  Sc in next 3 sc.  Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain.  Inserting hook in next ch-12 loop, sc in next sc.  Sc in last 3 sc.  Turn.
Rows 33-36:  With B, repeat row 2.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #22 Jacob's Ladder close-up of stitch pattern

If you find the part following row 31 confusing where you chain the loops together, here is a photo from a Christmas stocking with part of the chains looped together that might be helpful.

Above photo shows chain loops being looped together.  Take bottom loop and pull it through the loop just above.  Continue this process until all loops are looped together and only the top loops are loose.  Row32 secures the top loops in place.

Only two more squares to go!  And I've been thinking long and hard about a 2016 CAL (crochet-a-long) project.  I would love to hear from you!  What things would you like to learn?  Please comment below!