Double Crochet Squares #21 & 22

November has certainly been eventful!  Saying the election season has been interesting would be an understatement.  Plus, my little girl had her first dance recital!  This was a big deal for me too (like last month's piano recital).  We tried ballet with her a couple of years ago, but it just wasn't the right place/atmosphere for her.  I was delighted to find a creative dance class for special needs kids that has truly more than exceeded my expectations.  Plus - Thanksgiving!  Still working on the leftover turkey here, which I think is going to end up in the freezer for later use.  It sure was yummy though!

With November's squares, we are going back to the basics.  And by basics, I mean very basic.  This is a simple double crochet square.  I did add some flowers as embellishment when they were finished, but this is optional.  You could have plain double crochet squares, double crochet squares with multi-color yarn, or use a few yarns and make them striped!  We often don't give this humble stitch enough credit in the crochet world.  I worked up this Amazing One-Stitch Afghan with only chain and double crochet stitches.  This stitch is truly versatile if you put a little creativity into it!  (Be sure to notice the sweet pug photobombing the pic, she follows me everywhere!)

Amazing One-Stitch Afghan taraduff 2016

Double Crochet Square #21

Double Crochet Square #20

Double Crochet Square #22

Double Crochet Square #21

Pattern

Foundation Chain:  Chain 34

Row 1:  Dc in fourth ch from hook and in each ch across.  Turn.

Row 2:  Ch 3 (counts as first dc).  Skip first dc, dc in each remaining stitch to end of row.  (32 dc)

Rows 3-19:  Repeat row 2.

Flower Embellishment

small flower

Begin with magic loop.  Make 8 sc into magic loop.  Sl st to beginning sc to join.

Row 2:  *Ch 2, sl st in next stitch.  Repeat to end of round.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

large flower

Ch 6.  Sl st to beginning ch to join.

Row 1:  Ch 3 (counts as dc).  Make 15 dc in ring. (16 dc)  Sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Row 3:  *Ch 8.  Skip one stitch, sl st to next stitch.  Repeat from * 7 times.  (8 petals formed)

Row 4:  Ch 1.  Make 12 sc in each ch-8 sp.  Sl st to beginning sc to join.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

To assemble, simply stitch the small flower to the center of the large flower and stitch to your squares.

Enjoy!!!

Triangle Lace Squares #13 & 14

Hi friends!  July has been HOT!  I am grateful for air-conditioning!  I think our sweet little pug is too.   They have a harder time cooling off than most dogs since they have the smushed in noses.  We have to wait until it's later in the evening and has cooled off some to take her out for walks.  It's been a nice addition to our summer though, both Syd and Waddles (the pug) seem to enjoy it.

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July's squares feature a triangle lace stitch pattern.  This is one of the more unique stitch patterns out of all of the blocks this year.  It's not particularly challenging, but pay close attention to the beginnings and endings of rows 5 & 6.  In the picture below, triangle lace is combined with a basic trellis stitch in the Saffron Lace Infinity Scarf.

Saffron Lace Infinity Scarf designed by taraduff 2016

Square #13 Triangle Lace Square

Square #14 Striped Triangle Lace Square

Pattern

Ch 36.

Row 1:  Sc in second ch from hook and in each remaining ch.  (35 sc) Turn.

Row 2:  Ch 1.  Sc in each sc across.

Row 3:  Repeat row 2.

Row 4:  Ch 1.  Sc in first 2 sc.  *Skip next 3 sc, ch 3, sc in next sc.  Repeat from * until 1 sc remains.  Sc in last sc.  Turn.

Row 5: Ch 2.  Skip first 2 sc.  Sl st in next ch-3 sp.  *Ch 3, dc in next sc, ch 1, work 3 sc around the post of dc just made, sl st in next ch-3 loop.  Repeat from * across to last ch-3 loop.  Ch 3, dc in next sc, work 3 sc around the post of dc just made, sl st in last sc, turn.

Row 6: Ch 4.  *Sc in next ch-3 loop, ch 3.  Repeat from * across.  Make 2 dc in ch-2 sp.  Turn. (Beginning ch 4, 8 sc, 8 ch-3 sp, 2 dc)

Row 7:  Ch 1.  Sc in first 2 dc.  *Ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc.  Repeat from * across.  Sc in last ch-4 sp.  Turn.

Row 8:  Ch 1.  Sc in first 2 sc.  *Make 3 sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next sc.  Repeat from * to end of row.  Sc in last sc.  (35 sc) Turn.

Repeat rows 2-8 three times.  

Repeat row 2 two times.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

For striped variation, use color A for rows 1-3.  Use color B for rows 4-7.  Use color A for row 8.

XOXO - Taralee

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.

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Have a lovely 4th of July!

XOXO  - Taralee

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