Tag: granny square

BBC – the square that got away

On 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!

The one that got away
The one that got away

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):

Sneaky peek
Sneaky peek

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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 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.

Square number 6
Square number 6

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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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:

OPTION 1
OPTION 1

 

OPTION 2
OPTION 2

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 By agrarianartisan1 Comment

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

Square number 5
Square number 5

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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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

Blog Blanket CAL – Square no 3

On By agrarianartisanLeave a comment

Today is Friday and that means a new motif!   So here is square no 3:

Number 3
Number 3

First a quick reminder on the abbreviations:
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

And here’s the pattern:

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 3rd 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 into the same 2ch-sp, *1tr in next st, 1 tr in 1ch-sp, 1 tr in next st, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 2 times, 1tr in next st, 1 tr in 1ch-sp, 1 tr in next st 1tr into first 2ch-sp, join to 3rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

Round 3: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), 1tr into the same 2ch-sp, 1ch, *(1tr in next st, 1ch, miss 1 st) 4 times; (1tr, 2ch, 1tr, 1ch) in next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 2 times, (1tr in next st, 1ch, miss 1 st) 4 times, 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3rd 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 and 1ch-sp around, (2tr, 2ch, 2tr) into each 2ch-sp, and work a final 1tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.

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

You should have 15tr along each side and a 2ch-sp at each corner.

I made 16 of these in various colours.

Please keep sharing progress on my Ravelry forum.

Next week there will be a different sort of square….so stay tuned 🙂

Happy crocheting xxx

PS if you love crochet you will love this new online yarn store.   It’s the same company as LoveKnitting with the same excellent service, just more of a focus on all things crochet.

 

 

Blog Blanket CAL – Square no 2

On By agrarianartisanLeave a comment

A week has passed since I published the first square and I know some of you have already made plenty of them in varying colour schemes.   So I know you are ready for number 2 – here it is:

Number 2
Number 2

This is all one colour, but I have made another in pastel colours so you can see what each round looks like a little more clearly:

Number 2 in pastels
Number 2 in pastels

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

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

You should have 15tr along each side and a 2ch-sp at each corner.

Make as many as you like of these but I made a total of 16, 1 each in Purple Mix and Olive Mix, 2 each in Forget-me-not and Orange Mix, 3 each in Blue and Red and 4 in Goldenrod.

Please join in the discussion and share your progress on my Ravelry forum here.

And tune in next week for square number 3.

Happy crocheting xx

 

Blog Blanket CAL 2015

On By agrarianartisan1 Comment

Last week I posted a few photos from the Christmas Blanket CAL with a hint of a new CAL to come.   Today I am launching that CAL.

This is the Blog Blanket CAL 2015, and I’m launching it now because I know some people have decided to have a ‘stash down’ for Lent, using yarn in their stash for the whole of Lent.   This blanket is a great stash buster, if you join in you will find that your stash diminishes quickly – freeing up space in your yarn cupboard for when you next go shopping!

So what type of blanket is it?

It’s made of square motifs, variations on the granny square.    If you can make a granny square then you can make this blanket and if you are an experienced crocheter you will find it a quick and relaxing make.  (If you want something challenging, then maybe this isn’t for you.)

There are no complicated stitches – it uses chain, treble (US double crochet) and slip stitch, and for the border maybe a few other stitches like double crochet and half treble.

There are 6 styles of square – each will be published at weekly intervals.  You can use as many of the styles as you like.

I am making mine in one colour per square, but you can use lots of colours if you like.

I will publish 2 types of layout towards the end of the CAL, but you can follow any layout you like and make it as big or small as you like.

I am using aran weight yarn but you can use any yarn provided you use a suitable hook size.

The finished size of mine will be about 1.2m (4ft) square but I haven’t decided what I will be doing for the border yet, so it may be a bit bigger.

This is what I am using:

Yummy yarn!
Yummy yarn!

For the main blanket I am using 21 balls of Drops Nepal, 75% wool/25% alpaca, 50g/75m per ball in 7 different colours.  The border will need more yarn – maybe another 3 balls.

And I am using a 4.5mm crochet hook.

Next week I will publish the first square, I hope this gives you enough time to gather your thoughts and your stash!

Happy crocheting xxx

Hooking Up! final feature

On By agrarianartisan1 Comment

This is the sixth and last design in the Hooking Up! ebook.   It is the Starry Night Blanket, another design by special permission of the designer Amanda Perkins.   I think it is the perfect first large blanket for a new crocheter.

Starry Night - smaller version
Starry Night – smaller version

Many people make a granny square blanket as their first major blanket project.  I am no different – my first blanket was a granny square design (in shades of blue).   But I have found so much more enjoyment out of making a more unique blanket.    I first saw this design in 2011 and I fell in love with it; it had been many years (too many to confess!) since I had made a blanket and I knew this was the one that would set me on the path of making them again.

The photo is the Starry Night I made; it is a smaller version of the blanket design. Why?  Well, Amanda’s blanket is a lovely shade of blue and uses variegated yarn to highlight the design but I decided I wanted a midnight blue and a sparkly star highlight for mine.  Unfortunately I had difficulty finding the yarn I wanted in the quantity required – but I improvised with the quantity of yarn in the colours available and that is why mine a smaller version.    I love the final effect I achieved, but I also love the original colours.  So it seemed perfect to fit this in the book because I could show you how to make 2 sizes. Those of you who are less confident may wish to go for the smaller size (approx 110cm square), or maybe you just want something a little smaller. The original large design is approx 140cm by 150cm.   So the choice is yours – large or small.

Another reason this is a perfect fit for the book is that it builds on the techniques you will have learnt as you work through the book.  The motif is hexagonal like the Cassia Cowl and joining is the ‘as you go’ method.   And it really does make up quickly once you have made a few motifs.

Amanda is the queen of crochet blankets, she has some beautiful designs in glorious colours.  Quite coincidentally she is running a mystery blanket club this year for a star themed design – Zodiac.   This club is now closed for those who want the complete package of yarn and design, but she has released the design (in monthly instalments) in her Etsy shop.  I will be blogging about my progress on this in another post – meanwhile if you want to learn more have a look in her Etsy shop.

I hope you have enjoyed following the designs in the Hooking Up! ebook. If  you have just learnt to crochet, then I hope it will help you grow your craft and I would love to see what you make.

Happy crocheting xxx

PS Starry Night is also available as a single pattern here.

 

Hooking Up! feature no 5

On By agrarianartisanLeave a comment

This is the fifth design in the Hooking Up! ebook.

It is included in the book by special permission of the designer Amanda Perkins.  You can read all about Amanda on her blog, she creates the most beautiful crochet designs and has a brilliant eye for colour.  I am proud to call her my friend and I am probably one of her biggest fans!

This design is the Cassia Cowl.

Cassia
Cassia

The photograph is the cowl I made for the ebook.  I used a different yarn to the one Amanda used originally, to show that it is adaptable and because I wanted to!  It is made with motifs that are joined as you go.  If you have followed the ebook through you will understand how to join as you go by the time you reach this pattern.   I love working with motifs, especially those that are hexagonal (six-sided or six-pointed) and this one is straightforward to make yet looks so beautiful.

This is a Mobius Cowl, so it needs careful attention when joining into the cowl shape.  The ebook provides detailed instructions of 2 ways in which you can do this.

This is not exclusive to the ebook, you can buy Amanda’s individual pattern here.

Tomorrow I will share the last design in the ebook, another by Amanda Perkins.

Happy crocheting xxx

 

 

Hooking Up! feature no 4

On By agrarianartisanLeave a comment

The next design in the Hooking Up! ebook is a baby or lap blanket.

Granny Blue Lap Blanket
Granny Blue Lap Blanket

Again this design is exclusive to the ebook.  I love this blanket, it was a joy to make and it is a perfect size for the chair, and is an ideal size for a baby!

It is included because it teaches some important techniques.  The first is how to join motifs as you go (rather than crochet them together or sew them together later); this is a technique which is used in many motif projects.  To help you there are a few photos showing the technique.

The second technique is how to do a ‘granny’ border that lies flat.  Too often I see granny blankets with a ‘granny’ edging that looks wavy rather than flat and it is very easy to avoid this if you know how.

Finally it has a nice final edging which is firm and very practical.

If you haven’t made a granny blanket before then this is a good one to try, provided you want to learn a few new techniques.

 

Happy crocheting xxx

Spring Lifter CAL part 1

On By agrarianartisan2 Comments

I’m going to make this CAL relaxed and slow – so you will get 3 weekly instalments and, hopefully, will have plenty of time each week to complete the instalment.

At the end of 3 weeks you should have a lovely bag like this
At the end of 3 weeks you should have a lovely bag like this

Ok – are you ready to start?

You will need 13 Granny Squares each about 15cm/6″ square.  I used a traditional granny square and the pattern I use is written below – but you may use whatever granny pattern you like.  Using my pattern and 4ply cotton yarn and a 3mm hook I ended up with 7 rounds (just a little smaller than 15cm/6”).

If you are using different weight of yarn you may wish to do fewer or more rounds and, of course, you may choose any colour scheme you want.

A quick reminder of my yarn colours: A is Heath (deep purple), B is Sea Green, C is Canary (yellow) and D is Light Pastel Green.

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

7 round granny square
7 round granny square

Foundation:  Using Yarn A, 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 3rd 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 3rd st of starting 5ch with a ss. Break yarn and fasten off.
Round 3: Using Yarn B, ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, *(3tr, 1ch) into the next 1ch-sp, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into the next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 2 times (3tr, 1ch) into the next 1ch-sp, 2tr into the first 2ch-sp, join to 3rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 4: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, *(3tr, 1ch) into each of the next two 1ch-sps, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into the next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 2 times (3tr, 1ch) into each of the next two 1ch-sps, 2tr in the first 2ch-sp, join to 3rd st of starting 5ch with a ss. Break yarn and fasten off.
Round 5: Using Yarn C, ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, *(3tr, 1ch) into each of the next three 1ch-sps, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into the next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 2 times (3tr, 1ch) into each of the next three 1ch-sps, 2tr into the 1st 2ch-sp, join to 3rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.
Round 6: ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, *(3tr, 1ch) into each of the next four 1ch-sps, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into the next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 2 times (3tr, 1ch) into each of the next four 1ch-sps, 2tr into the 1st 2ch-sp, join to 3rd st of starting 5ch with a ss.  Break yarn and fasten off.
Round 7: Using Yarn D, ss into 2ch-sp, 5ch (counts as 1tr, 2ch), (3tr, 1ch) into the same 2ch-sp, *(3tr, 1ch) into each of the next five 1ch-sps, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch) into the next 2ch-sp; repeat from * another 2 times (3tr, 1ch) into each of the next five 1ch-sps, 2tr into the 1st 2ch-sp, join to 3rd st of starting 5ch with a ss. Break yarn and fasten off, leaving a long tail of about 3m for sewing or crocheting together later.

Tune in for the next stage, which I’ll publish in a week.

I have a discussion thread on my Ravelry Group here.   Please join in and share your progress.

Happy crocheting xx