Here we go……..

On December 5, 2015 By agrarianartisan2 Comments

Welcome to the Winter CAL 2015. Today I’m introducing the CAL, providing information on requirements and the pattern for the first square motif, a ‘solid’ granny which should be pretty familiar and which will help you estimate your own requirements if you aren’t using the same yarn.

This post is rather long, so make a cuppa and settle down for a long read !

YARN

First let’s talk about yarn. I’m using a double knit (DK) yarn and I’m making 2 blankets.

My first is a ‘sample’ blanket using 6 bright colours which cheer up winter and the second is also a bright colour palate but will be structured differently. I’m using the second colour set to crochet along with you.

Sample yarn: John Arbon, Knit by Numbers DK, 100% merino, 100g/250m per skein. 2 skeins each of Blue (039), Pink (063), Yellow (052), Green (071) and Purple (029) and 1 skein of Orange (015). This is sufficient for a blanket 7 motifs square, so a total of 49 motifs and a small border.

CAL yarn: Stylecraft Life DK, 75% acrylic/25% wool, 100g/298m per ball. I’m using 2 balls each of Teal (2416), Mint (2342), Aqua (2357) and Fern (2311) and 1 ball each of Daffodil (2394), Rose (2301), Melon (2359) and Zing (2356). The blanket will be 7 motifs square also, the same as the sample, but I will put a larger border on this.

HOOK

I am using a 4mm crochet hook (US G/6)

MOTIF/TENSION

The motifs are square and each motif is approx. 19cm (just under 8in) square after blocking, using the ‘sample’ yarn.

ADAPTABILITY

You can use any yarn you like, as long as you use a suitable hook size. And you can make it to any size you like. It is a perfect stash buster. Later in this blog I show you how to you estimate your yarn requirements.

COLOUR SCHEME

Some of the motifs in this design work well in just one colour, others work well in up to 5 colours. So whatever you choose, I recommend you have at least 5 colours of yarn. I used 6 colours in my sample blanket and I’m using 8 colours in my CAL blanket.

MOTIF DESIGNS AND TIMINGS

There are 8 motif designs, and you can use as many or as few as you like. The first 2 designs are free and will be published on this blog, so you could use just these 2. The first design is published today, the second design will be published on 26th December.

The other 6 will be published weekly thereafter and will be included in a comprehensive pattern which will be available to buy on Ravelry, it will be published initially on 26th December and updated as each motif is released. Photos of the new motifs will appear on this blog, along with my progress updates.

SIZE

You can make the blanket any size you like. The lap blanket I am making will be 7 motifs square – a total of 49 motifs. It will be just over 1.3m/52in square with a small border.

HOW TO WORK OUT YARN REQUIREMENTS

This is an approximate way to work out your yarn requirement.

First make the motif in this blog. I worked out it uses an average amount of yarn for all the 8 motifs, so is a good guide as to how much each motif will use.

Then measure your motif. Using this measurement work out how big you want your blanket to be – so if the motif is 20cm and you want a blanket 120cm square then it will need to be 6 motifs square – that’s 36 motifs.

I prefer my blankets to have an odd number along each side, as visually I find odd numbers more appealing. So you may prefer to aim for 7 by 7 (49 motifs), or 5 by 5 (25 motifs) or even 9 by 9 (81 motifs).

Whatever you decide, let’s just say the number of motifs you want is N

Now weigh your motif – it doesn’t matter if you weigh in grams or ounces. Let’s just say that weight is W

For the motifs you need yarn with a total weight of N times W, but you need to add a margin for joining, colour matching/changing and a border. I recommend a minimum of 10% (which works for a small border and if you are careful with colour matching) or 20% (which works well with a larger border) or 25% (if you aren’t confident about colour matching and/or don’t really know what you want to do for a border).

So take N by W, add 10%, 20% or 25% and then divide by the size (weight) of skeins/balls for the yarn you are using.

For my bright sample I had 49 motifs, each weighing an average of 20g – so 49 by 20 plus 10% is 1078g and the skeins come in 100g, so I need 10.78 – or 11.

The estimating works if you are using all the same yarn, if you use different brands of yarn then you should look carefully on the ball band to find out how many m or yd are in each brand – they vary quite a lot. If yours vary, then you’ll have to do some more maths to work out your requirements. Essentially you need to work out the meterage or yardage of your motif, rather than just the weight. I’ll provide information on this in my Ravelry group here if you want it – so just join in the discussion and ask!

Now onto the pattern:

This is the first motif. It is similar to one I used last year but this has more rounds in total, it’s a ‘solid’ granny square.

ABBREVIATIONS:

The pattern is written in English crochet terms.
St = stitch
Ch = chain
Tr = treble (US dc)
Ss = slip stitch
Sp = space
Ch-sp =chain space

I made 8 of these in a variety of colours:

Foundation: Make a 4ch foundation ch and join into a ring with a ss

Round 1: 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 2ch) 3 times into the ring, 2tr into the ring, join to 3^rd st of first 5ch with a ss.

Round 2: ss into 2ch-sp, (note for this and each subsequent round: this ss is to position the start of the round in the right place) 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, 1tr into each tr along each side and (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in each 2ch-sp on the corner, finish with 1tr in the first 2ch-sp where you started the round and join to 3^rd ch from start with a ss. You should have 7tr along each side and 2ch in each corner of your motif.

Rounds 3 to 8: Repeat Round 2. Each round the number of tr along each side will increase by 4, so at the end of Round 8 you should have 31tr along each side and 2ch in each corner of your motif.

Break yarn and fasten off leaving a long tail about 3m long for sewing or crocheting together later.

COLOUR

In my sample blanket I made 8 of these motifs in just one colour each. But you can use up to 8 colours, just by changing colour at the start of each round. I will start my CAL blanket later today and I’m planning on using at least 2 colours on each of my 8 motifs. I’ll post progress photos tomorrow.

LAYOUT

The ‘solid’ motifs can be positioned anywhere in the blanket but I thought it would help to give structure to the blanket if I positioned them around the edge of it. So here is where I put them in my blanket (shown as 1):

If you want to chat about this, there is a discussion thread on my Ravelry forum here.

Or you could just comment on this post.

I’m looking forward to seeing what yarns you choose 🙂

Until tomorrow…..

Happy crocheting xxx

Anniversary Mandala Cushion CAL – the reveal!

On August 14, 2015 By agrarianartisan2 Comments

I’ve just published the full and final pattern for the anniversary CAL. So here’s the reveal:

As you can see, the front and back of the cushions I made are different, as I like a little variety. Of course, if you make a cushion you could make the front and back the same…….but which would you choose?

The full pattern is now on Ravelry, Lovecrochet, Etsy and Craftsy and is now full price. But there’s still time to join in the CAL on the Ravelry forum 🙂

Happy crocheting xx

A round up!

On August 9, 2015 By agrarianartisan5 Comments

The last few posts on this blog have been about the Anniversary CAL, but I have been doing a lot more than just finalising the pattern for the CAL. Patterns are generally written well ahead of publication, then tested and refined – the publication hasn’t taken much of my time at all.

So today I will share a round-up of activity from the last few weeks.

First I was happy to have 2 designs published in different magazines both of which were released on the same day! What a very happy co-incidence! Again these were prepared and written months ago, but the excitement of receiving the magazines and seeing the designs in print (and beautifully styled) is immense. And, of course, I give myself plenty of time to read the magazines over a cup or 2 of coffee!

The first item is the Lariat Belt I designed for Inside Crochet, issue 68.

This one is a flexible design – it can be a skinny scarf, a lariat necklace or a belt – the perfect item to pack for holiday. It is made in some of my favourite yarn, WillowKnits handdyed worsted silk, and it is relatively quick to make, so even if you are off on holiday next week I am sure you can make this in time.

The second design is a retro Boho Top for Mollie Makes, issue 56.

I had such fun making this! It comes in 2 sizes and I designed it so it is made in one piece and requires very little sewing up. I know that finishing a crocheted or knitted garment is generally one of the most disliked tasks, and I know of many pieces that languish in cupboards and drawers awaiting sewing up. For the boho top the motifs are joined as you go and the bodice is made upwards from the motif section, the edging is incorporated into the bodice as you make it and there are probably less than a dozen sewing stitches required to join the shoulders. So once you finish hooking it takes minutes to finish the garment!

You may recall I mentioned a while ago that I treated myself on the spur of the moment to a set of Hamanaka crochet hooks from Janie Crow. I had my eye on these for a while, they looked small and neat, and being double ended meant that I could carry a large range of hooks in a small bag. They haven’t disappointed me at all. I haven’t used anything else since I bought them!

I bought a set of 5 regular sizes, a set of 3 small sizes and a small case for them. The hooks are lovely to handle and, for my small hands, a perfect size. I added a small pair of scissors, some tapestry needles and stitch markers to the front pocket in the case and I now have a perfect little crochet kit.

Hamanaka - heaven in a hook! — Hamanaka – heaven in a hook!

I have been working on a simple granny square cushion in lovely handdyed 4 ply silk, and you can tell from this photo that I have used the hook a lot (evidenced by the dye accumulating on the handle near the hook shank – don’t worry, I know from experience that this will wash off easily).

Another thing I like about these hooks is that the 3mm and 4mm sizes are on the same hook, and these are the sizes I use the most – so if I want to travel light with crochet, that is the only hook I need carry.

I’ve also been indulging in some more mandala designing, this is a special mandala which is just in the pattern writing stage:

And I have been making some ‘mini bunting’ from a pattern by Emma Lamb published in Mollie Makes Crochet, another great selection of crochet patterns. This now adorns the headboard of the spare bed. Previously my Anniversary Crochet Flower mini bunting adorned the bedhead but I felt it was in need of a refresh and a narrower colour palette – 2 of Emma’s flowers from the book were perfect for this.

So what has been keeping you busy this last month?

Happy crocheting xx

Part 2…

On August 7, 2015 By agrarianartisan2 Comments

Today part 2 of the Anniversary CAL is published. You can find it on Ravelry and LoveCrochet.

Part 2 has a new motif – a large one! And it is included in this mini cushion I made:

As you can see the 2 motifs work together well, I designed the sizes so that they did! Part 2 of the pattern includes a suggested layout if you’d like to make a blanket or throw with just these 2 styles of motif, but there are plenty of other options available – just use your imagination (and maybe a little maths!).

If you haven’t already joined in the CAL, please do – I love seeing what everyone makes with the motifs.

Happy crocheting xxx

Introduction to the Anniversary CAL

On July 26, 2015July 31, 2015 By agrarianartisanLeave a comment

I am pleased to announce details of the Anniversary CAL 2015.

It is motif based and mandala inspired – so definitely colourful!

The pattern will be released in 3 parts and will be available on Ravelry and on LoveCrochet/LoveKnitting. Part 1 will be published on 31^st July and parts 2 and 3 follow at weekly intervals.

The motifs can be used together in just about any project using whatever yarn you like (stashing busting is very appropriate!). I am making a cushion with mine, but I would love to see other uses – a blanket, a scarf or whatever you like. As it is mandala inspired you may even like to make a set of mandalas!

The pattern costs £3. However, on publication on 31^st July I will release a coupon code for those purchasing on Ravelry – the first 10 people using the coupon code will be able to get the pattern free. Once those coupon codes are used up the pattern will be automatically discounted on Ravelry by £2 for the first week and £1 for the second week. These discounts will also apply on LoveCrochet/LoveKnitting, which will be handy for those of you purchasing yarn.

There will be a prize draw at the end of September, all finished projects published on the FO thread on Ravelry will be eligible for the prize draw – whatever the FO is! Multiple entries will be allowed. Prizes TBA in due course.

If you want to make a cushion then this is the yarn I used (but this isn’t compulsory!):
Drops Alpaca, 100% alpaca, 50g/164m/182yds per ball. 1 ball each of:
Goldenrod (2923), Red (3620), Orange (2915), Lime (7300) and Off White (Main colour) (0100)
3.0mm (US D/3) crochet hook
My cushion had a different front and back, if you want to have them the same you may need 2 balls of the Main Colour.

Any questions? Join my Ravelry group and ask questions here: Agrarian Artisan

Happy crocheting xx

Coming soon…….

On June 15, 2015 By agrarianartisan2 Comments

I have been working on a new design, a stash busting cowl. Or rather an all round stash buster 🙂

I had a lot of double knit in a variety of rainbow colours so I designed a square motif which I put into a lovely colourful cowl. I love the motif and I think it is a little addictive. It would be perfect in a blanket.

The pattern is currently in test but should be published by the end of the week, meanwhile here’s a sneaky peek:

Do you have any ideas to share for stash busting?

Happy crocheting xxx

Supporting the Meadow Farm Wool Project

On April 29, 2015 By agrarianartisanLeave a comment

Towards the end of February this year something interesting popped into my twitter feed – rent a sheep through the Meadow Farm Wool Project. It grabbed my interest straightaway and I popped over to the website. Within minutes I was renting a sheep!

In due course I will receive yarn spun from the fleece of the sheep (well maybe not the exact one I am renting, but from the same flock). I am not an expert on fleece but I know Jacob will be strong and probably good for hardwearing items. This is a great project, with excellent provenance for the wool – grown in Somerset and spun in Yorkshire – British through and through, and by renting a sheep I am also supporting 2 excellent charities – The Teenage Cancer Trust and Headway.

The project will have ideas on patterns for the yarn in due course. But I am impatient! So I decided I should design a crochet motif for the yarn, and not just for me. I think Jane and Annie (who established the project) would appreciate some pattern support, and I think their project is extremely worthwhile – so the design is for them. They will be sending out the motif to all sheep renters.

Here’s a sneaky peek:

I can’t wait to receive my yarn, I think I will be making some lovely cushion covers with my motif.

Happy crocheting xxx

BBC – the square that got away

On April 15, 2015 By agrarianartisanLeave a comment

Whenever I design anything I always swatch various ideas and some of them are changed or discarded altogether before I settle on a design. This is not unusual, I am sure most, if not all, designers do something like this.

When designing the squares for the Blog Blanket CAL, I swatched one square which I decided wouldn’t be appropriate – I needed it to finish on a solid round and the 8 round version would end on a granny round. But it wasn’t discarded, I liked it so I just put it aside waiting for some other use.

This is my original swatch and……………there’s an error in it, but I won’t tell you where!

That other use just came up. I am making a small blanket and I thought a huge granny square using the design would be perfect. It would be quick to make but also have just enough interest to avoid being boring to make.

The blanket was started yesterday, and I have already completed 15 rounds. I decided to swap colour every 2 rounds because the pattern changes then (which is what I did intuitively on my original swatch). But when I got to Round 6 I thought it looked familiar. And then I realised it is similar to Attic24’s cosy stripe blanket. Of course, it wasn’t planned and it does have 2 significant differences – firstly it is a granny-style square not a stripe and second I use some chain sts in this square.

If you wanted to make an Attic24 cosy stripe-style granny blanket then it would be easy to adjust the pattern by removing the chain sts and adjusting the number of trebles along each ‘granny’ round – but I wanted to continue with my own design.

So here’s the pattern for you (with a sneaky peek at a part made blanket that I don’t really want to reveal):

ABBREVIATIONS

The pattern is written in English crochet terms.
St = stitch
Ch = chain
Tr = treble (US dc)
Ss = slip stitch
Sp = space
Ch-sp =chain space
I changed colour every 2 rounds, simply joining the new colour where I started each round with a ss.

Foundation: Make a 4ch foundation ch and join into a ring with a ss
Round 1: 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 2ch) 3 times into the ring, 2tr into the ring, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 2: ss into 2ch-sp, (note for this and each subsequent round: this ss is to position the start of the round in the right place) 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into each of the next three 2ch-sps, 2tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 3: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, 1tr into each st around (working into the 1ch not the 1ch-sp), (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) into each 2ch-sp, and work a final 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 4: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, 1tr into each st around, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) into each 2ch-sp, and work a final 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 5: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, miss 3 sts, [*(3tr, 1ch) in next st, miss 3 sts; repeat from * to next 2ch-sp, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) in 2ch-sp, miss 3sts] 4 times but on the last repeat of this just work 2tr into the 2ch-sp at the start of the round, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 6: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into each 1ch-sp around and (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into each corner 2ch-sp, 2tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5 ch with a ss.

Repeat Rounds 3 to 6 until you have a blanket the size you want. I plan to finish on a Round 4 so I have a nice edge.

If you decide to make a blanket using this design, please share a photo 🙂

Happy crocheting xxx

Blog Blanket CAL, square number 6 and layouts

On April 2, 2015April 4, 2015 By agrarianartisan1 Comment

The long Easter weekend is almost upon us and here in the UK we have some wet and windy weather forecast. So I think crocheters in the UK may well have plenty of hooking time this weekend, much better to be inside with a hook than outside battling the weather! So pull up a chair, get out your hook and your blanket CAL and start on the last square, plan your layout from the 2 options below and start to join your blanket. Yes, this is a bumper post today – with plenty to help keep you occupied 😉

Here is square number 6, it’s a large version of square number 2, so you should be able to complete it with ease.

This photo shows number 6 joined into the blanket, look closely and you will see it has one large square above and below but 2 smaller squares to either side. This gives you a clue to one of the layouts below 🙂

Here’s the pattern:

A reminder of the ABBREVIATIONS
The pattern is written in English crochet terms.
St = stitch
Ch = chain
Tr = treble (US dc)
Ss = slip stitch
Sp = space
Ch-sp =chain space

Foundation: Make a 4ch foundation ch and join into a ring with a ss

Round 1: 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (1tr, 1ch, 1tr, 2ch) 3 times into the ring, (1tr, 1ch) into the ring, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

Round 2: ss into 2ch-sp, (note for this and each subsequent round: this ss is to position the start of the round in the right place) 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (2tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, *(1tr, 1ch) into next 1ch-sp, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr, 1ch) into the next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 2 times, (1tr, 1ch) into next 1ch-sp, 1tr into first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

Round 3: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, *(1tr, 1ch) in next st, (1tr, 1ch) in each of next two 1ch-sps, miss 1 st, 1tr in next st**, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 3 times but on the last repeat finish at **, 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

Round 4: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, *1tr in next st, (1tr, 1ch) in next st, (1tr, 1ch) in each of next three 1ch-sps, miss 1 st, 1tr in each of next 2 sts**, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 3 times but on the last repeat finish at **, 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

Round 5: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, *1tr in each of next 2 sts, (1tr, 1ch) in next st, (1tr, 1ch) in each of next four 1ch-sps, miss 1 st, 1tr in each of next 3 sts**, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 3 times but on the last repeat finish at **, 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

Round 6: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, *1tr in each of next 3 sts, (1tr, 1ch) in next st, (1tr, 1ch) in each of next five 1ch-sps, miss 1 st, 1tr in each of next 4 sts**, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 3 times but on the last repeat finish at **, 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

Round 7: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, *1tr in each of next 4 sts, (1tr, 1ch) in next st, (1tr, 1ch) in each of next six 1ch-sps, miss 1 st, 1tr in each of next 5 sts**, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 3 times but on the last repeat finish at **, 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

Round 8: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, 1tr into each st and 1ch-sp around, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) into each 2ch-sp, and work a final 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

Break yarn and fasten off, leaving a long tail of about 6m for sewing or crocheting together later.

You should have 31tr along each side and a 2ch-sp at each corner.

I made 5 of these in varying colours, but you may make as many as you like. However, for the layouts below you will need a total of 48 small squares and 13 large squares.

Before thinking of joining, you need to see the layouts and decide which you want. So here are the 2 options:

Both these options use the same number of large and small squares.

Option 1 is the layout I used, and it includes the colours I used as well as the square numbers. If you choose this option then the best way to join is by sewing or slip stitching together the way I did in the Christmas CAL here. If you try a different join (such as double crocheting together) the width of the joining seam of 2 small squares makes them too big to join neatly against a large square.

If you choose option 2 then first join 4 small squares by slip stitch or sewing together and then treat them all as large squares. Using this option you can use more fancy joining – from double crochet to braids.

Before you join your squares, have a play with the different colours and patterns until you find a layout/colour scheme you like – it doesn’t have to be the same as mine!

As usual please share progress, either here in the comments or on the Ravelry forum here.

Tune in soon, for the edging and final reveal!

Happy crocheting xxx

Blog Blanket CAL, Square number 5

On March 27, 2015 By agrarianartisan1 Comment

As promised here is the 5th square in the series of 6 for this CAL. This is another large one:

Look closely and you will see the first 4 rounds are a normal granny square, so this should be a quick one for you to make.

ABBREVIATIONS
The pattern is written in English crochet terms.
St = stitch
Ch = chain
Tr = treble (US dc)
Ss = slip stitch
Sp = space
Ch-sp =chain space
I made my squares from one colour throughout, but if you want to change colours then simply join your new colour at the point you do a ss on each new round.
Foundation: Make a 4ch foundation ch and join into a ring with a ss
Round 1: 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 2ch) 3 times into the ring, 2tr into the ring, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 2: ss into 2ch-sp, (note for this and each subsequent round: this ss is to position the start of the round in the right place) 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into each of the next three 2ch-sps, 2tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 3: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, *(3tr, 1 ch) into the next 1ch-sp, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into the next 2ch-sp; repeat from * twice more, (3tr, 1ch) in next 1ch-sp, 2tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5 ch with a ss.
Round 4: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, *(3tr, 1 ch) into each of the next 2 1ch-sps, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into the next 2ch-sp; repeat from * twice more, (3tr, 1ch) into each of the next 2 1ch-sps, 2tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5 ch with a ss.
Round 5: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, 1ch, *(miss 1 st, 1tr in next st, 1ch, miss 1 st, 1tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch) 3 times, miss 1 st, 1tr in next st, miss 1 st, 1ch, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr, 1ch) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * twice more, (miss 1 st, 1tr in next st, 1ch, miss 1 st, 1tr in next 1ch-sp, 1ch) 3 times, miss 1 st, 1tr in next st, miss 1 st, 1tr in first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 6: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, *1tr in next st, 1ch, (1tr, 1ch) in each 1ch-sp up to the 2tr just before the next corner, miss 1 st, 1tr in next st, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * twice more, 1tr in next st, 1ch, (1tr, 1ch) in each 1ch-sp up to the 2tr just before the next corner, miss 1 st, 1tr in next st, 1tr in first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 7: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, *1tr in each of next 2 sts, 1ch, (1tr, 1ch) in each 1ch-sp up to the 3tr just before the next corner, miss 1 st, 1tr in each of next 2 sts, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * twice more, 1tr in each of next 2 sts, 1ch, (1tr, 1ch) in each 1ch-sp up to the 3tr just before the next corner, miss 1 st, 1tr in each of next 2 sts, 1tr in first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 8: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 2tr into the same 2ch-sp, 1tr into each st and 1ch-sp around, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) into each 2ch-sp, and work a final 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3^rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Break yarn and fasten off, leaving a long tail of about 6m for sewing or crocheting together later.

You should have 31tr along each side and a 2ch-sp at each corner.
I made 3 of these in different colours, but you could do 4 or 5 if you prefer.

Please keep sharing progress on my Ravelry forum.

Next weekend is Easter, and many of you will have some spare time. So I will publish the last square and give you 2 layouts, so if you do have the time you can crochet away for the whole weekend! And as it is Easter maybe I will post it a day early 🙂

Happy crocheting xxx

	agrarianartisan on I’m still here!
	61gemini on I’m still here!