Italian Motif Squares #19 & 20

My sweet 9 yr old with autism spectrum disorder had her first piano recital last week!  This was a big deal for me.  She did a great job on her piece, and I think she really enjoyed it.  She just started taking lessons about a month and a half ago - so this is all new for us.

I was out with my husband yesterday, and as we were finishing up dinner, we talked about what it's like to be a special needs parent.  We feel separated from most of society.  That may not make much sense if you don't fall into the special needs parent category, but if you do - I expect you will more than understand.  We have different concerns that we deal with on a daily basis.  We often have different responsibilities than the average parent.  There are extra expenses - and often less ability to earn since we are home caring for our child.   The achievements that make us super excited for our children seem insignificant to the parent of typical child.   

My point being - this piano recital, it really was a big deal!  It was such a happy thing for this mommy to witness.  I had wanted to start her in piano lessons years ago - but  the few teachers that I talked to discouraged it - and I knew I couldn't trust just anyone with this little angel.  I was lucky enough to find a teacher who is a trained music therapist and has taught children with autism before.   A most happy moment for us! 

This month's squares come from what is commonly know as an Italian square motif.  It's in the family of granny squares - although not a traditional granny.  It has a lovely cross formed with a strategic placement of puff stitches.  I used it in my sweet nostalgia poncho along the bottom to add some interest to the chevron pattern.  If you look closely in the leaves - you even get to see our sweet little pug named Waddles.  She blends into the scenery quite well!  

Sweet Nostalgia poncho taraduff 2016

Italian Motif Square #19

Italian Motif Square #19

Italian Motif Square #20

Italian Motif Square #20

Pattern  

Begin with magic loop.  Ch 3 (counts as first dc), make 11 dc in ring.  Sl st to top of ch 3 to join.  (12 dc)

Row 2:  Ch 3.  3 strand puff stitch in same stitch as sl st from previous rnd.  Ch 1.  (4 strand puff stitch in next dc, ch 1) twice.  Ch 4. *(4 strand puff stitch in next dc, ch 1) 3 times.  Ch 4.    Repeat from * 2 times.  Sl st to top of first puff stitch to join.  

Row 3:  Sl st in first ch-1 sp.  Ch 3.  3 strand puff stitch in same ch-1 sp, ch 1.   4 strand puff stitch in next ch-1 sp.  Ch 2.  Make 5 dc in ch-4 sp.  Ch 2.  *(4 strand puff stitch in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) twice.  Ch 2.  Make 5 dc in ch-4 sp. Ch 2.    Repeat from * twice.  sl st to top of puff stitch.

Row 4:  Sl st in first ch-1 sp.  Ch 3.  3 strand puff stitch in same ch-1 sp.  *Ch 3.  Skip puff stitch and ch-2 sp, *(dc in dc, ch 1) 2 times.  Dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc ch 1 in next dc.  (dc in dc, ch 1) 2 times.  Ch 2.  Skip ch-2 sp and puff stitch.  **4 strand puff stitch in ch-1 sp.  Repeat from * 3 times ending last repeat at **.  Sl st to top of puff stitch to join.  

Row 5:  Sl st in first ch-3 sp.  Ch 3 (counts as first dc) Make 2 dc in ch-2 sp.  *Dc in next 6 dc.  Make 3 dc in next dc.  Dc in next 6 dc.**  (Make 3 dc in next ch-2 sp) twice.  Repeat from * 3 times ending last repeat at   Make 3 dc in next ch-2 sp.  Sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join.  

Row 6:  Ch 3.  Dc in each dc, making 3 dc in each corner stitch.  Sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join.  

Rows 7-9:  Repeat row 6.

Variation:  Use color A for row 1, color B for 2-4, and color C for 5-9.

I hope you all had a lovely October!  I'm afraid I overdid it on the sweets - so I may be paying for it tomorrow LOL!

Granny Squares 11 & 12

Well my friends, June is practically over.  This post is well overdue, but I do have some rather good excuses for being late on this one.

Excuse #1: Family trip to Maui.

My awesome kids on the beach in Maui June 2016

My sweet parents-in-law took their whole family (kids, grandkids, etc) to Maui to celebrate their 50th anniversary.  It was a great time with lots of beaches and much needed relaxation.

 Excuse #2: New puppy.

8 week old pug puppy named Waddles

Would you look at that face?  Well, I never in a million years thought I would be getting a house pet (my mother didn't like them, and admittedly I am not the best housekeeper) - but we did.  After some deliberation with an old friend (my daughter's aide from a few years back when she was in kindergarten - who is now a dog trainer), we concluded to get a family dog.  The intent is to train her as a therapy and service dog for my girl.  She wanders occasionally - and although the family cat does sometimes follow her around the neighborhood, we can train the dog to actually alert us when she is going and help us find her.  I have never owned a dog - so I went to the library last week and checked out a whole stack of books on dogs.  I still don't know what I'm doing, but am happy to report that so far she has gone to the bathroom outside only and doesn't bark or whine much at all.  Beyond that, I have no idea what I am doing.  I think our friend will come to visit sometime next week to give us some tips and instruction on what to do.

Ok, moving on to business!

The basic granny square.  This was truly one of the first things I learned to make when I started crocheting as a child.  My sweet step-grandmother that lived next door taught me to crochet.  I would visit her in the evening (my grandfather had passed on years before, so she was alone) and while she watched her evening soaps (Dallas and Dynasty) I would work on my crochet skills.  We made granny squares out of all of her scraps and odds and ends.  I am definitely fond of granny squares - especially the traditional ones.  Square #11 is the most basic granny square.  You can make it all the same color - or change colors on some of the rounds as is often done.  Square #12 is a definite twist on the traditional granny square, I call it a diagonal granny.  It uses two colors, but instead of switching the colors on certain rounds, it's actually worked back and forth turning at the end of each round if that makes sense.  Below is a picture of one pattern that combines these two squares.  The possibilities are absolutely endless - just check out google or pinterest for half-triangle square quilts for some fantastic inspiration.

Granny Star Afghan by taraduff 2016

Square #11

Square #12 Diagonal Granny

Pattern

Ch 4, sl st to beginning ch to make a ring.

Rnd 1:  Ch 3 (counts as dc in this and all other rnds).  Make 2 dc in ring.  *Ch 3.  Make 3 dc in ring.  Repeat from * 2 times. Ch 1.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Rnd 2:  Ch 3.  *Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  *Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Repeat from * 2 times.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Rnd 3:  Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  *Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Repeat from * 2 times.  Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Rnd 4:  Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  *(Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Repeat from * 2 times.  (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Rnd 5:  Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  *(Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 3 times. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Repeat from * 2 times.  (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) three times.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Rnd 6:  Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  *(Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 4 times. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Repeat from * 2 times.  (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 4 times.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Rnd 7:  Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  *(Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 5 times. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Repeat from * 2 times.  (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 5 times.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Rnd 8:  Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  *(Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 6 times. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Repeat from * 2 times.  (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 6 times.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Rnd 9:  Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  *(Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 7 times. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Repeat from * 2 times.  (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 7 times.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Diagonal Two Tone Granny

Note - when changing colors, do not cut previous color, just drop the previous color and pick up the new color.  Turn at the end of each rnd to work the next rnd in the opposite direction.

With A, ch 4, sl st to beginning ch to make a ring.

Rnd 1:  Ch 3 (counts as dc in this and all other rnds).  Make 2 dc in ring.  *Ch 3.  Make 3 dc in ring.  Ch 3.  Switch to color B.  With B, 3 dc in ring, ch 3, 3 dc in ring, ch 1, hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.  Turn to work Rnd 2 in opposite direction.

Rnd 2:  Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3) in next ch-3 sp.  Pick up color A.  With A, make 3 dc in same ch-3 sp. Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch sp, ch 1.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.  Turn to work Rnd 3 in opposite direction.

Rnd 3: Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3) in next ch-3 sp.  Pick up color B.  With B, make 3 dc in same ch-3 sp. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.  Turn to work Rnd 4 in opposite direction.

Rnd 4:  Ch 3.  Make 2 dc around post of hdc from previous rnd.  (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3) in next ch-3 sp.  Pick up color A.  With A, make 3 dc in same ch-3 sp. (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice.  Ch 1.  (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.  (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch sp.  Hdc in top of beginning ch 3 to join.  Turn to work Rnd 5 in opposite direction.

Continue working in this manner until square measures 10 inches.

I'm just getting an email list going - so if you'd like to sign up for a 20% off discount code for my Etsy shop, visit http://eepurl.com/bYEGUz

Have a lovely 4th of July!

XOXO  - Taralee

Padded Clusters Squares 9 & 10

It's now May - we're almost halfway through the year already and I can hardly believe it.  I remember as a child thinking that time passed so slowly - but the older I get, the faster it seems to go by.

May's squares feature a stitch pattern called 'padded clusters'.  This is a fantastic stitch with lots of great texture and thickness.  Post stitches are the key in creating this stitch pattern.  It's a great option for anything where you need a thick and sturdy fabric.  Once you get this stitch pattern down, you could try it out in the Bonnie winter hat and Bonnie neckwarmer.

Bonnie Winter Bonnet and Neckwarmer

 Square #9 Padded Clusters (solid)

Padded Clusters square #9

Square #10 Padded Clusters (self-patterning yarn)

Padded Clusters Square #10

 Pattern

Foundation ch & row 1:  Ch 44.  Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across.  (43 sc)  Turn.
Row 2:  Ch 2 ( counts as hdc now and throughout), skip first stitch, hdc in next stitch.  *Skip next stitch, sc in next stitch.  Skip next stitch,** 3 dc in next stitch.  Repeat from * across, anding last repeat at **.  Hdc in next stitch, hdc in top of turning ch.  Turn.
Row 3:  Ch 2, skip first stitch, hdc in next stitch.  *Make 3 fpdc around the post of next sc,** skip next stitch, sc in next dc.  Skip next stitch.  Repeat from * across, ending last repeat at **.  Hdc in next stitch, hdc in top of turning ch.  Turn.
Row 4:  Ch 2, skip first stitch.  Hdc in next stitch, *skip next stitch, sc in next dc.  Skip next stitch,** make 3 fpdc around the post of next sc.  Repeat from * across, ending last repeat at **.  Hdc in next stitch.  Hdc in top of turning ch.  Turn.
Rows 5-30:  Repeat rows 3 and 4.
Row 31:  Ch 1.  Sc in each stitch across.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Variation:  On block #10, I simply used a self-patterning yarn following the pattern above.

Simple Crochet Cables Squares 7 & 8

It's been so nice to see the sun shining this month!  Spring always seems to bring new hope and energy for me after the long cold winter months.  I especially love seeing the spring bulbs blooming adding that splendid color to the landscape.  My favorite are tulips!  Sadly though, we have many deer that reside in the area that LOVE tulips - so I have none of my own, but when I pass a garden with a sea of tulips - I always stop to admire them.  I have been enjoying our yellow and white daffodils though, luckily the deer leave those alone. 

The April squares feature a basic cable pattern.  While the stitch pattern consists mainly of single crochet stitches, it is the front post double crochet stitches that are used to create the cable pattern.  This stitch pattern produces a sturdy and solid fabric.  You can see it featured in the Duchess Cabled Towel below.

Duchess Cabled crochet towel by taraduff

Square # 7 Basic Cabled Square

basic cabled square #7

Square #8 Basic Cabled Square (graduated colors)

basic cabled square #8 with graduated colors

Pattern

Note:  When a post stitch is worked in to one of the rows below, the corresponding stitch on the previous row is left unworked and will be behind the stitch just completed.

Foundation ch & row 1:  Ch 36.  Sc in second ch from hook and in each remaining ch.  (35 sc) Turn.
Row 2:  Ch 1.  Sc in each stitch across.  Turn.
Row 3:  Sc in next 4 sc.  *Fpdc around the post of the next sc 2 rows below.  Sc in next stitch.  Fpdc around the post of next sc 2 rows below.  Sc in next 3 stitches.  Repeat from * across, ending with sc in last sc.  Turn.
Row 4:  Repeat row 2.
Row 5:  Sc in next 4 sc.  *Fpdc around the post of the next fpdc 2 rows below.  Sc in next stitch.  Fpdc around the post of next fpdc 2 rows below.  Sc in next 3 stitches.  Repeat from * across, ending with sc in last sc.  Turn.
Row 6:  Repeat row 2.
Row 7:  Sc in next 4 sc.  *Skipping the next fpdc from 2 rows below, fpdc around the post of the next fpdc 2 rows below.  Sc in next stitch.  Fpdc around the post of skipped fpdc 2 rows below (cable cross formed) Sc in next 3 stitches.  Repeat from * across, ending with sc in last sc.  Turn.
Row 8:  Repeat row 2.
Row 9:  Repeat row 5.
Repeat rows 4-9 until block measures 10 inches square.






Variation for graduated colors square: This square is worked in the same manner as the solid square, you just change to a lighter or darker shade of the same color you are working with a few times as you go.  I had 3 shades I wanted to use, so I worked the square about 1/3 of the way and then switched, and then after about 2/3 was finished, I switched to the last color.



Thanks for stopping by!  XOXO
-Taralee

Bobble Stitch Squares 3 & 4

Wow, it's been super cold and the smog has settled in over my little town nestled in Cache Valley.    While it is cold and dreary, a lovely blanket of white covers everything outside.  I like spring the most when everything turns green and bunches of tulips and dandelions grace us, but there is something to enjoy in every season. 

I am feeling much better these days.  I felt like I had one foot in the grave for such a long time without really realizing it.  It's funny how you don't realize how awful you feel until you start to feel better.  I still have a ways to go, but that's part of the journey I suppose.  I am still working on learning to bring much needed balance to my life, but I think that is a challenge many can relate to.

For the month of February, we are crocheting a bobble stitch block.  I kind of love bobble stitches!  There are lots of things that make me happy in crochet - and bobble stitches happen to be one of them.  This block is simple, it's a lot of half double crochet stitches with bobble stitches scattered evenly - giving the fabric a polka-dot effect.  I always loved polka-dots.  Unfortunately my husband does not, so I currently have nothing polka-dotted in my wardrobe.  I should probably remedy that situation....

Here is a peek of a project that I made for my nephew's wedding a few years ago.  The entire blanket features the stitch pattern from this month's blocks.  I added the tunisian crocheted heart with the couple's names and wedding date cross-stitched on to hopefully make it something special for them. 

Customizable Keepsake Afghan 

Square # 3 - Bobble Stitch Solid Square

Square #4 - Bobble Stitch Polka-dot Square

Pattern

Special stitches
bobble:  (Yo, insert hook in indicated st or sp, yo, draw yarn through st and up to level of work) 5 times in same st, yo, draw yarn through 11 loops on hook.

Foundation ch and Row 1:  Ch 34.  Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each stitch across. Turn.
Row 2:  Ch 2 (counts as first hdc here and throughout).  Skip first hdc.  Hdc in each stitch across.  Make 1 hdc in top of turning chain. (33 hdc) Turn.
Row 3:  Ch 2.  Skip first hdc.  Hdc in next 3 stitches.  *Ch 1, skip next stitch.  Hdc in next 7 stitches.  Repeat from * until within last 5 stitches.  Ch 1.  Skip next stitch.  Hdc in last 3 stitches.  Hdc in top of turning ch.  Turn.
Row 4: Ch 2.  Skip first hdc.  Hdc in next 3 hdc.  *Bobble (see Special Stitches) in ch-1 sp.  Hdc in next 7 stitches.  Repeat from *to last ch-1 sp.  Bobble in last ch-1 sp.  Hdc in last 3 hdc.  Hdc in top of turning ch.
Rows 5 and 6:  Repeat row 2.
Row 7:  Ch 2.  Skip first hdc.  *Hdc in next 7 stitches.  Ch 1, skip next stitch.  Repeat from * until within last 8 stitches.  Hdc in last 7 stitches.  Hdc in top of turning ch.  Turn.
Row 8:  Ch 2.  Skip first hdc.  *Hdc in next 7 stitches.  Bobble in next ch-1 sp.  Repeat from * until within last 8 stitches.  Hdc in last 7 stitches.  Hdc in top of turning ch.  Turn.
Rows 9 and 10:  Repeat row 2.
Repeat rows 3-10 for pattern.

Variation for polka-dot square: On bobble stitch rows (rows 4 & 8), carry another color along through the row and switch to it for bobble stitches only (then switch back to main color) to make a polka-dot fabric.

I'm sharing one more photo of the stitch pattern in a self-patterning yarn.  It's always interesting for me to see how the same stitch pattern looks when you change up yarn types and colors.

bobble stitch pattern in self-patterning yarn

Remember to share your progress on instagram, twitter, or whatever your preferred social media is!   #taraduff2016cal

Seersucker Crochet Squares #1 & 2

It's an overcast, dreary, cold day today.  Sounds typical for this time of year - at least where I live :-)  If you find yourself somewhere warm and sunny - send some my way!

Ok - so lets get going on these squares, shall we?

We'll start off our afghan with the seersucker squares.  This is a super simple pattern that utilizes basic increases and decreases to create a seersucker effect.  It's a rather unexpected twist for crochet, not something seen too often.  I love unexpected things in crochet - they make life more exciting - in a good way!

Here is the solid version of the square.

seersucker crochet square #1

And here it is striped, using a different color on the increase and decrease rows to accent the ripples created with this stitch pattern.

seersucker crochet square #2

Once you learn the pattern - it's very versatile and makes the fabric super interesting.  I used a self-patterning yarn in the seersucker baby blanket below.  This is an awesome project if you or someone you know has a baby coming in the near future.

seersucker crochet baby blanket

Seersucker Crochet Squares Pattern

Yarn and Gauge Information here

Note:  Turning chains DO NOT count as stitches in this pattern.  Stitch counts at ends of rows do not include the ch 2 or ch 3, only the specified stitches are counted.  

Special stitch:
dc2tog (double crochet 2 together):  Yarn over (YO), insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).  YO hook, pull through 2 loops.  YO hook insert in next st, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).  YO, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook).  YO pull through last 3 loops. 

Foundation Ch & Row 1: Ch 33. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each remaining ch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2. Hdc in each hdc from previous row. (31 hdc) Turn.
Row 3:  Repeat row 2.
Row 4: Ch 3. Dc in first hdc. Make 2 dc in each remaining hdc. (61 dc) Turn.
Row 5: Ch 2. *Dc2tog in next 2 dc. Repeat from * until one dc remains. Dc in last dc. (31 stitches) Turn.
Row 6: Ch 2. Hdc in each stitch across. (31 hdc). Turn.
Row 7, 8: Repeat row 2.
Rows 9-23: Repeat rows 4-8

For 2 color striped variation:
Rows 4 & 5 use color B.  All other rows use A.

Join the conversation and share your progress on social media #taraduff2016cal

2016 Crochet-A-Long Sampler Afghan Introduction

January brings birthdays for us - one is my sweet baby girl (I know she's 9, but she will always be my baby girl), and the other is my 11 yr old (soon to be 12).  My girlie's b-day was on Saturday.  It's a fine line to walk with a child with autism on their birthday.  How to celebrate in a way that is going to work for them is the dilemma.  Making peer friends is challenging for her - plus all of the hullaballoo of a big party would be a bit much for her.  This year she asked to go to the local trampoline park, and was happy with a cake (which she asks for but never touches), some organic gfcf homemade rice crispy treats (that she happily ate) and opening presents.  One January birthday down and one to go.  My 11 yr old really does enjoy a party, lots of friends, a true birthday cake and ice cream.  So that's in store next week.

Well friends, are you ready to see our crochet-a-long project for 2016?  I'm keeping with the theme of 10 inch squares, so these will be totally interchangeable with the squares from our 2015 project.  

Some folks like sampler afghans, some don't.  I happen to fall into the 'love' sampler afghans category.  I have a pretty large stash of yarn - and love putting it to use.  My parents were the type to pick up yarn whenever they would find it at a yard sale and bring it to me.  So - when they brought me yarn, it was typically by the box, and often pretty random colors and types.  So, instead of purchasing yarn to make sure this project was all matchy matchy, I just pulled various yarns from my stash to use.  One thing I have found, is that as a general rule, a border will go a long way in tying randomness together.  So, while I really did use just whatever I had around for the blocks, I picked one yarn to border all of the blocks with, join them together, and put a final border around the entire thing.  In our 2015 project, the blocks were all whipstitched together at the end.  This one is a join-as-you-go (jaygo) project.  This means that as you add the finishing border to the blocks, you'll actually be joining the blocks in the final round.  If you've never done a jaygo project, it's a great technique to learn!

Here is a photo of my finished afghan, but remember yours will look different depending on the yarn you use!

taraduff 2016 CAL

This afghan is essentially made of only 12 different squares - however, each square has a variation so all 24 squares are different.  Some of the variations are simple color changes and others are a little more complex.  For example, the granny square block on the 4th row down, 3rd block from the left and the granny square block on the bottom right hand corner are the same pattern.  One has color changes in rounds, and the other features the color change on the diagonal.  The exact same stitches produce a very different look with a simple change.  So - we'll be doing one block each month and one variation to that block.

Things you will need:

Yarn:  #4 yarns (worsted) from your stash (some yarns featured in mine are caron simply soft, red heart soft and Deborah Norville Everyday Worsted) For the border, I used 3-4 skeins Caron Simply Soft in Dark Grey Heather

Hook size: US H8/5.00mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Gauge:  In double crochet 13 stitches x 10 rows = 4 inches square

This is the only gauge I will give for this project.  Each square is a different stitch pattern, so watch your blocks that they all turn out approximately the same size (10 inches square)

And here's one more pic of the afghan. 

Anywho - the first two blocks are coming soon.  I promise I'll have them posted early next week.

Finishing Your Sampler Afghan

Hello friends, I hope the first week of 2016 has treated you fantastically well!  I have enjoyed having the hustle and bustle of the holidays over and some time to regroup.  I'm typically not one to set New Years Resolutions.  I do however take a look at my life and assess how the previous year went.  What things worked? What things didn't?  Then I look at doing more of what worked and abandon the things that didn't.  I'm still in the assessment of 2015 phase. 

For the last 3 months I've been going to a functional medicine clinic to see about improving my health and uncovering and resolving the underlying issues that led to the health crisis I experienced this last year.  The specialist I see treats autoimmune disease patients in particular.  The first time I went to see him - we went over a lot of things from my labs and history.  He told me a lot of things, but there is one thing that stuck out that I will always remember.  He said that from what he has seen, autoimmune disease seems to be the disease of 'overwhelm'.        -----------------    That hit me like a ton of bricks.  I have a lot on my plate.  And unfortunately, I tend to add more to it quite often.  There are many responsibilities that I have that are mine to bear - and others that I take on voluntarily in an effort to ease the burdens of others - or supposedly enrich mine or someone's life in some way.  Sound familiar to anyone?

As I assess, I have been making an honest effort to look at what is on my plate and decide which things are and are not going to get done.  The hardest part I think is making that decision and then being OK with it.   I feel like I should be able to do everything, right?  I can't.  And if I kept trying, I would end up back in the hospital and significantly decrease my quality and span of life.  It's ironic isn't it?  My efforts to love and serve the people I care for could in the long run shorten my life.  As a special needs parent, there is almost not a day that goes by that don't I wonder about the future of my child.  Will she be alright?  If she outlives me (which she almost certainly will), will she be at a point where she can take care of and provide for herself?  Is it fair to put that responsibility on my other children?  Can we realistically make enough $$ to put away to provide for her forever?  And find someone trustworthy to love and care for her and help her manage things?

So reality check, I don't know what the future holds.  My sweet daughter may very well learn and grow and progress and be able to care for herself and those around her better than I can.  She certainly is able to enjoy life more than I do.  I often look at her in amazement and realize I really need to learn from her.  She lives in the moment.  She enjoys the moment.  I watched the movie 'The Legend of Bagger Vance' a few days ago.  I had seen it before, but it had been a long time and I didn't remember much about it except that there was golf involved.  It was much better than I remembered.  There was a phrase in the movie that really spoke to me.  Bagger Vance is a golf caddy who is caddying for a young man (Mr Junuh) who had been an excellent golfer before he served in the war.  He came home from his service a broken man.  Some years later, he agreed to play in a golf tournament and was performing terribly.  As he begam to confront his demons - his game improved.  As he was struggling with one particular shot - Bagger explained to him that golf is a game to be PLAYED, not won.  It was obvious that he was also talking about life.  Life is here to be lived and enjoyed, not won.  It is an unfortunate habit of many to  focus on what's on the other side of the fence, not allowing room for enjoyment or fulfillment until that unreachable goal is met.    I think I do need a resolution this year - to play and enjoy life more.  That's a bit too general for me to have any success though.  I need to break it down into small things that are specific and more measurable for it to actually work for me.  This will take some thinking on my part....

OK - so back to the subject at hand.  Did you finish your squares?  Are you ready to assemble them into a lovely finished blanket?  First things first now.  Prepare the blocks to be stitched together.  Do you have ends that still need to be woven in?  It's easier to weave in the ends on the individual blocks than after you've stitched it all together - so if it's not already done, put that as #1 on your to do list.  #2 is to check the size of your blocks.  They should all measure close to 10 inches square.  Now don't panic if some of them came out slightly different.  Blocking can solve a lot of problems - so try blocking the squares to the right measurement.  If you have one that is too small, feel free to add a row of sc or hdc around the edge to add extra length and height needed.  After those steps are complete, find a place where there is enough space to lay out all of the squares.  Start by arranging them how I did in the one pictured below.  Feel free to move things around until you have an arrangement that you like,  The main rule to follow is for every other square to be a solid one - like a checkerboard.

taraduff 2015 CAL sampler

My preferred method of joining these is to use a whipstitch.  Use the color you chose for the solid squares.  If you chose to do a scrappy blanket instead - pick a color you plan on using to make the border and use that to stitch your squares together.  Stitching them together is pretty self-explanatory.  The only word of caution is to be sure the ends are all secure after stitching.  The stitching should be permanent - sturdy enough to hold through use and washings, so take your time with this part.

One more thing to note - be sure to catch all of the yarns that were drawn up the side of the blocks from color changes in your stitching.  The whipstitch will hide them perfectly.   One such block is the diagonal stripe block.  You can see the yarns drawn up the sides in the photo below.  Those are the strands that you want to be sure to catch in your stitching.

Notice the yarn strands drawn up the top and right sides of this block.  These strands need to be caught in the whipstitching to be hidden.

OK, so once you have them all stitched together, it's time to add the border.

Border Pattern

Special Stitches:  
2 double crochet cluster (2 dc cluster):  Yarn over, insert hook in designated stitch, yarn over, draw yarn through the stitch, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook, leaving last loop of this dc on the hook.  Yarn over, insert hook in same stitch, yarn over, draw yarn through the stitch, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook, leaving last loop of this dc on the hook (there are now 3 loops on the hook). Yarn over, pull loop through all 3 loops on hook (this completes one cluster).

 Row 1:  With same color used for solid squares, make 1 row of sc around the edge of the blanket.  Begin with one sc in any corner.  *Make 28 more sc in the side of the corner square. Make 27 sc in the side each other square until the next corner square is reached.  Make 28 sc in the side of the corner square**, then 3 sc directly in each corner.  Repeat from * 3 more times ending last repeat at **.  Make 2 more sc in same space as beginning sc.  Sl st to beginning sc to join.  Do not turn.

Row 2:  Ch 5 (counts as hdc, ch 3).  2 dc-cl in 3rd ch from hook.  Skip next 2 sc.  Hdc in next sc.  *Ch 3, 2 dc-cl in 3rd ch from hook, skip 2 sc, hdc in next sc.  Repeat from * across to corner.  Ch 3, 2 dc-cl in 3rd ch from hook.  Skip 1 sc, hdc in next sc.  Repeat from * around.  Sl st to 2nd ch of beginning ch 5.  Do not turn.

Row 3:  Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), dc in next hdc, *ch 2, dc in next hdc. Repeat from * to corner.  Ch 7**, dc in next hdc.  Repeat from * around ending last repeat at **  Sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 5.  Do not turn.

Row 4:  Ch 1.  Make 3 sc in each ch-2 sp.  Make 9 sc in each corner space.  Sl st to beginning sc to join.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Optional row 5:  With contrasting color, working in the back loops only, sc in each sc around the edge working 3 sc in each corner sc.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

close-up of border

taraduff 2015 CAL sampler - alternate color scheme

This version of the blanket with the white squares has the last row made in the darkest color from the colored blocks.  Feel free to modify things any way you wish.  One reason I love to crochet is because it is versatile, easy to change things up to get them just how you like them :-)

I am currently working on finishing the sampler afghan for the 2016 CAL and will continue to post new square patterns each month.  I hope you join me :-)

Please feel free to comment here with any questions you run into when assembling and bordering your afghan.  I'd love to hear from you!  And I'd be over the moon to see photos of your finished blankets!

Much love,

-Taralee

Taraduff's 2015 CAL Sampler Afghan Square #24

Well well, here we are.  It's December 31st, 2015, the last day of the year.  Are you ready to close the book on 2015?  Ready or not, it's coming to a close.  I remember thinking last year how glad I was for the year to be over.  I had lost my mother and a baby that year.  And do you know I thought the same thing the year before after losing another baby.  Trials come, whether we are ready for them or not.  It makes me super sad to think of how glad I have been to say goodbye to the last few years.  Can I hope to make 2016 the best year ever?  Who knows what is coming our way, but does it really matter?  I have certainly learned that there are events that occur in life over which we have little to no control.  I can choose to more fully enjoy the gifts that am blessed with each day.  I can choose to alter my perspective to look for the silver lining in all things - regardless of whether they appear to be good or bad.  I am hoping that 2016 will be filled with sunshine and roses, but more than that I hope that I will be successful in seeing the sunshine and roses that undoubtedly will be there.

So here we are, on our last square of the project.  Do you have the other squares all finished?  No worries whether you do or do not, the patterns are there for whenever you get to them.  Here are the links to all of the other squares for this project : 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, # 21, and #22. and #23.  If you are a pinner, you can find them on pinterest here.  And I'd love for you to join me on facebook,  twitter, and instagram!

I'm calling square #24 my puff stitch combo square.  It doesn't have an official name that I know of, but it does have puff stitches combined with other stitches - so puff stitch combo sounds great to me :-)  Anywho, this is a fairly solid stitch pattern with lots of texture and interest.  I used it in the Harvest Poncho to add some fun color and texture.

Block #24 Puff Stitch Combo

Pattern

Special stitch
Puff Stitch:  (Yo, draw up a loop in designated stitch) 3 times.  Yo, pull through all 7 loops.

Note:
Begin this square with C.  Work 1 row with C, then work 2 rows with B.  Next work 2 rows with C.  Continue by alternating colors every 2 rows for remaining squares.  Do not cut the yarn when switching colors, just drop it and pick up the next color.

Foundation ch and Row 1:  Ch 30.  Sc in second ch from hook and in each remaining ch.  (29 sc) Turn.
Row 2:  Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout).  *Skip 2 stitches.  (Puff stitch, ch 2, puff stitch) in next stitch.  Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain.  Skip one stitch.  Dc in last stitch.  Turn.
Row 3:  Ch 1.  Sc in first stitch.  *(Sc, dc, sc) in next ch-2 sp.  Repeat from * until all ch-2 spaces are worked.  Sc in top of turning ch.  Turn.
Row 4:  Ch 1.  Scblo in each stitch across.  (29 sc)  Turn.
Row 5:  Ch 1.  Sc in each sc.  Turn
Rows 6-24:  Repeat rows 2-5, ending with row 4.

In the next week or so I'll post tips on stitching the squares together and also post the pattern for the lovely border.  And - there will be another crochet-a-long afghan project for 2016.  I'll continue with 10 inch blocks since that's what we've been doing.  I like having a stack of 10 inch blocks around to put together for an whenever I need an afghan for something.

Much love to you crochet friends - enjoy the holiday we'll get to assembling our blocks soon!!!

Taraduff's 2015 CAL Sampler Afghan Square #23

Well, I meant to have this posted a week ago.  So much for that!  I could list all my excuses, but I will spare you the details.  Most of us have pretty busy lives this time of year ;-)

So this square is our last solid square for this project.  Just one more to go and you'll have all 24 squares and we'll be ready to assemble the afghan!   Remember, you can go to the following links for 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, # 21, and #22.  They are on pinterest here.  And how about joining me on facebook and twitter too!

The stitch for this square is a 'cross stitch pattern'.  It is called this because one double crochet actually crosses over another one leaving an 'X' look to the stitch pattern.  This is a super versatile pattern that could be used in all sorts of things from scarves to blankets.  I used it in the placemat below in the pineapple motif since the little x's reminded me of the texture on a pineapple.

Perfect Pineapples Crochet Placemat pattern Taraduff 2015

Block #23 Cross Stitch

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #23 Cross Stitch

Pattern

Foundation ch and row 1:  Ch 27.  Sc in second ch from hook and in each remaining ch.  Turn.
Row 2:  Ch 3.  Skip first stitch.  *Skip next stitch, dc in next st.  Working around dc just made, dc in skipped stitch.  Repeat from * across to last stitch.  Dc in last stitch.  Turn.
Rows 3-14:  Repeat row 2.
Row 15:  Ch 1.  Sc in each stitch across. (26 sc)  Fasten off and weave in ends.  
 

taraduff's 2015 CAL sampler afghan square #23 Cross Stitch pattern close-up

Merry Christmas to you!  Here's wishing you time to relax and enjoy the season with your loved ones!

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!