KCACO-UK Groovyghan CAL 2016 | Part 5

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2016, Free Patterns, Pattern Release, Patterns, Tutorial by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Time for part 5 of the Groovyghan CAL, hope you are enjoying it so far! If this is the first you are hearing about this CAL the full schedule can be found here, to link the groovyghan project on Ravelry click here, or for just this pattern click here. There is a Facebook support group for this CAL which can be found here and you can use the hashtag #kcacoukcal2015 for Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram if you want to link in photos and such like on social media.

For a print friendly version of this page please scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the Print & PDF button.

Edited to add: This page has now been translated to by the lovely Sarit Grinberg: groovyghan-par5-hebrew

Part 5: Lichtenstein Mini Solid Square

I love how little squares look when joined up together but I haven’t got the perseverance to make a whole blanket out of wee blocks so I thought I’d incorporate just a few into this design instead. Named and inspired by the famous 1960’s pop art artist Roy Lichtenstein we are going to use dots and solid bold colours to add interest to our finished Groovyghan.

These little squares are great stash-busters and great little projects to take out and about to then join together later! A simple little design with a subtle pattern which looks great either made in one colour or joined together in multiple colours.

To try to make this CAL easier for everyone I have included both the written pattern, chart and a photo tutorial of how I have made this pattern below.

Written Pattern:

Lichtenstein Mini Solid Square (Make 16):

Notes:

Hook: UK 4 mm / US Size G
Yarn: Double Knit / 8 ply / Weight #3
Yarn Amount required: Each square roughly uses up 16 yds (15 m / 5 g) / Total squares 128 yds (120 m / 80 g)
Gauge in double knit / 8ply / yarn weight #3: 6 tr/dc sts or 2 clusters = 1.5 inches / 3.8 cm

If your gauge is different to mine e.g. because you are using a bigger hook and heavier weight yarn all you will need to do is check your own gauge and stick to it – this should mean that the pattern should fit together at the end.

Finished square size in double knit / 8ply / yarn weight #3: 2.5 x 2.5 inches / 6.4 x 6.4 cm

Pattern uses English (UK) and American (US) crochet terms for a conversion chart click here.

Abbreviations:

st(s) = stitch(es)
sp(s) = space(s)
sl st = slip stitch
ch(s) = chain(s)
tr/dc = UK treble / US double crochet
BLO = Back Loop Only
[ ] = work anything in brackets into one space or stitch as specified

Stitch Guidance:

Working in the back loop: When working in the BLO I like to work through both the back loop and the 3rd loop; it makes the stitch more sturdy and the subtle texture on the square neater.

UK Treble / US Double Crochet (tr/dc): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.

Pattern:

Note 1: Once you have completed each square I would suggest you weave in your ends so that you don’t have a major sewing job to do at the end of the groovyghan!

Rnd 1: Ch 8, sl st to form a ring, sl st into the ring, ch 1 (doesn’t count as a st), then work 16 tr/dc into the ring, sl st to top of the first tr/dc to join (16 sts)

Rnd 2: Note: All stitches on Rnd 2 should be worked in the BLO apart from the first ch 3: Ch 3 (counts as the first tr/dc), then work 1 tr/dc, ch 3, 2 tr/dc in the same st as the beginning ch 3], *1 tr/dc in the next 3 sts, [2 tr/dc, ch 3, 2 tr/dc] in the next * repeat from * to * twice, 1 tr/dc in the last 3 sts, sl st to top of the top of the beginning ch 3 to join, finish off and weave any ends (28 sts = 4 x ch 3 sps)

See below for details on blocking and joining your squares together to complete Part 5 of the CAL and below that a photo tutorial for the pattern.

Chart:

For crochet symbols in English (UK) and American (US) crochet terms click here.

Joining:

I blocked my finished panels once I had joined them together;

Tip 1: Use stitch markers or knit clips to hold your squares steady and lined up whilst you join them together.
Tip 2: Do not pull your yarn too tight when working your joins. Generally you should have the same sort of stretch that the crochet squares have.

Join your squares together into two sets of 2 x 4 panels; eight squares in total on each panel (please refer to the CAL schematic for details) by slip stitching in the front loop only on the wrong side of the work;

line up your blocks so the edges and stitches match,
then start sl st in the front loop only, starting at the last ch of a ch 3 sp, and along each edge, working the stitches through each square and joining on the first ch of the ch 3 sp – 9 sts in total joined.

Using the same joining methods as the rest of the pieces you can now join all of your pieces together ready for Part 6!

Blocking:

Some of the patterns in the CAL may need to be ‘blocked’ so that they are equal on all sides (not curling) and fit the size dimensions of the pattern. If you are unfamiliar with what blocking means / or how to do it then please check out the following links:

What is blocking? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blocking_%28textile_arts%29
How to Wet Block a Square by Moogly: http://www.mooglyblog.com/how-to-wet-block-afghan-squares/
Steam Blocking Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSe949pbkBA

You may already have blocking boards to hand but if not anything you can firmly pin your square to will do e.g. a folded up towel or an ironing board.

The finished panel sizes (2 x eight block panels) in double knit / 8ply / yarn weight #3 should be 5 x 10 inches /12.7 x 25.4 cm cm (your block will be slightly larger if using worsted / aran / 10ply / yarn weight #4).

Photo Tutorial:

Lichtenstein Mini Solid Square (Make 16):

1. Rnd 1: Ch 8, sl st to form a ring

2. ch 1 (doesn’t count as a st),

3. then work 16 tr/dc into the ring, sl st to top of the first tr/dc to join (16 sts)

4. Note: All stitches on Rnd 2 should be worked in the BLO apart from the first ch 3: Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as the first tr/dc),

5. then work 1 tr/dc, ch 3, 2 tr/dc in to the same st as the beginning ch 3],

6. *1 tr/dc in the next 3 sts,

7. [2 tr/dc, ch 3, 2 tr/dc] in the next *

8. repeat from * to * twice, 1 tr/dc in the last 3 sts, sl st to top of the top of the beginning ch 3 to join, finish off and weave any ends (28 sts = 4 x ch 3 sps)

And that’s it! Part 5 completed!

Don’t forget to stay tuned for Part 6 to be released on 23rd March 2016.

16Dec2015

The KCACO-UK Afghan CAL 2015 – BIG REVEAL!!!

Posted in Afghan Square, Blanket, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

It’s here! It’s here! It’s time!!! The END of the 2015 Keep Calm and Crochet On UK Afghan CAL! But don’t worry if this is the first you are hearing about this CAL you can find the full schedule here and I promise to keep all the details on the blog FOREVER x

First I want to say a few thank you’s! Ooo it feels a bit like the Oscars doesn’t it! I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you once again to all the lovely designers that were kind enough to let me use their designs as part of the CAL (see the full list here). I also want to thank the fabulous admins (Kimberlie, Michelle, Jenn & Kat x) of the Facebook group for their support throughout the year. Finally I want to thank YOU all for crocheting along with me! So many more of you joined in this project than I ever imagined! I hope you have enjoyed crocheting a-long with me as much as I’ve enjoyed seeing all the fabulous work that you have shared with me.

And now… the moment we’ve all been waiting for…the BIG REVEAL!

Tah-Dah!!! My finished multi-square Afghan blanket!

It’s unbelievably tricky to try and get a photo of a blanket this large, mine fits most comfortably over a single bed with some overlap but I just about managed it! It’s annoying though how the lovely dark purple that I used comes out as blue on my camera sometimes so these aren’t quite the true colours that I actual chose (see them here).

I’m really pleased with how the finished blanket has turned out. It’s the biggest thing I have made to date…

It’s been great joining it together whilst the weather has been turning colder as it’s been keeping me lovely and warm, and I did joke to my husband that I might have to keep it for myself. But the little person for whom this blanket was intended has been eagerly waiting for me to finish…and she LOVES her new blanket (and yes she is wearing make-up from a pamper birthday party that she went to and yes she then refused to take off!)

The finished blanket was quickly claimed hot of the hook and what followed was lots of gleeful rolling about in finished the blanket…

And that’s, almost literally in the case of Little G, a wrap! But don’t despair…I have some new CAL plans for 2016 so watch this space for details coming soon!

Thank you all again, for crocheting-a-long with me this year! I can’t wait to see your fabulous finished Afghans – some of which, with kind permission, I’ll be sharing this week!

9Dec2015

KCACO-UK Afghan CAL 2015 | FREE Pattern | Beaded Beauty Border

Posted in Blanket, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015, Free Patterns, Pattern Release, Stitches, Tutorial by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Sooo I wanted a nice simple solid edge to bring together and compliment our finished Afghans whilst at the same time be usable to all you lovely crochet-alongers with varying end stitch counts – not an easy task I can tell you! But I finally came up with something that I think you will like!

Introducing the ‘Beaded Beauty Border’ which is our edging for our 2015 Crochet-Along Afghan – though I think it would make an attractive crochet edging on any blanket!

This is an easy pattern suitable for beginners looking to learn some new crochet techniques. Click here to add this pattern to your favourites / queue on Ravelry or scroll down for the pattern.

Beaded Beauty Border:

Use the same yarn and hook that you used to make your blanket. For my border I used up left overs of the colours and yarn that I used for my CAL (which I blogged about here).

Stitch Guidance:

UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
UK Half Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc): Yarn over, insert hook in next st and draw up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
Bead Stitch: Insert hook and pull up a loop, * yarn over and pull through 1 loop on hook, * repeat from * to * twice more, yarn over and pull through two remaining loops on hook, making sure your ‘bead’ is facing the right side work 1 dc/sc in next st (see photo tutorial below).
Crab Stitch / Reverse Single Crochet: A reverse single crochet stitch is worked the same as for a regular single crochet — except in reverse. Instead of working from right to left, you work from left to right. Insert hook, from front to back, in the next st to the right and draw up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook. See my photo tutorial for crab stitch here.
[ ]: work all the sts in brackets into 1 st.

Pattern Guidance:

To set the blanket up for the border you need to be working in a multiple of 2 sts. For my first round I evened up my sides by working a htr/hdc in the 3rd loop (though you could work in the back loop if preferred) and decreased/increased where needed. In the corners I worked [1 htr/hdc, ch 2, 1 htr/hdc].

Pattern:

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (or use a standing htr/hdc) to start, then work 1 htr/hdc in each st around until end; working [1 htr/hdc, ch 2, 1 htr/hdc] in each corner, finish off and weave in ends.

Rnd 2: Starting in any corner ch 1 (or use a standing dc/sc), then work 1 bead stitch, continue working bead st around your blanket working, [1 dc/sc, bead st] in each corner, finish off if changing colour here and weave in ends (see below for photo tutorial).

Note: I used the same colour for rnd 3 and rnd 4 to finish off the border.

Rnd 3: Starting in any corner ch 1 (or use a standing dc/sc), work 1 dc/sc in each st around until end; working [3 dc/sc] in each corner.

Rnd 4: Work crab st in each st around, finish off and weave in ends.

And that’s it!

Bead Stitch Tutorial:

Insert your hook into your first st

2. Yarn over and pull up a loop

3. Yarn over

4. Pull through 1 loop on the hook only

5. Yarn over and pull through 1st loop on hook again

6. Yarn over and pull through 1st loop on hook again

7. Yarn over and pull through both loops on hook

8. Making sure your ‘bead’ is facing the right side, work 1 dc/sc in next st

If this edging is not to your taste have a look at some of these other suggestions here, here and here.

So that’s the border! I’m not going to show you the whole of my blanket yet…I’m saving it for the big tah-dah reveal on 16th December! I seriously can’t wait to see all your finished blankets!!!!

2Dec2015

KCACO-UK Afghan CAL 2015 | Crab Stitch Crochet Join for Afghan Blocks

Posted in Afghan Square, Blanket, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015, Tutorial by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Soooo it’s time to start joining our blocks together for the 2015 CAL! For my joins I really wanted something that would create a ‘frame’ for each of our unique squares. I wanted something that was slightly raised (to compliment the 3-D blocks we’ve used) and something that would add a bit of texture (because you can NEVER have too much texture!).

So I started looking around and there are some really lovely joins out there, (check out Moogly’s round up of joins here and some ideas from Craft Passion here), but they just weren’t right for the idea I’d got in my head about how I wanted my end blanket to look.

Now I’m a big fan of crab stitch (or reverse UK double crochet / US single crochet) it is definitely my go to edging because I just love how it looks! So I wondered about using crab stitch to join my blocks and once I’d tried it I absolutely LOVED it as a joining method!!! The nice thing about a crab stitch join is that, as with single crochet join, it doesn’t matter if you have an odd or even number of stitches on the sides of your blocks – plus it’s really quick to join blocks with too.

See below my tutorial on how to do crab stitch and how to use it to join your afghan blocks together. For anyone who just can’t get along with crocheting backwards you might want to try this tutorial I have seen on My Hobby is Crochet for a Twisted Single Crochet. This stitch is like crab stitch, but moving forward instead of backwards.

Crab Stitch Tutorial

Crab Stitch (or reverse UK double crochet / US single crochet) is made by doing dc/sc crochet stitches backwards! If you are right-handed you will work the crab stitch from left to right, and if you are left-handed you will work from right to left.

Sl st your yarn into your first st,

2. Insert hook into stitch to the right (or left) then yarn over once (just like a dc/sc)

3. Pull the yarn through the st (you should now have two loops on your hook).

4. Yarn over again, and pull through both loops on your hook – and that’s it, your first crab stitch made.

5. Keep working in this manner to make your edge (or in our case in a moment your join). Nice and simple and absolutely yummy in it’s textural glory!

Crab Stitch Join

You will need to have already made your preparations for joining up your blocks which I talked about here.

Tip 1: Use stitch markers or knit clips to hold your squares steady and lined up whilst you join them together.

Tip 2: Do not pull your yarn too tight when working your joins. Generally you should have the same sort of stretch that the crochet squares have.

With the right sides of both your blocks facing outwards, line up your blocks so the edges and stitches match then start your crab stitch along one edge, working the stitches through both squares, to join.

2. When you get to the end of the row hold your next two edges together and continue to work your crab stitch straight across. Continuing working in this way until you have joined eight squares together in a long row. At the end of the row, fasten off and weave in your ends. Do the same for all your horizontal rows.

3. Next work the vertical rows in the same way.

So that’s the join! I’m not going to show you the whole of my blanket yet…I’m saving it for the big reveal! Next week though we’ll look at adding our border – don’t forget to check back on 9th December.

28Oct2015

KCACO-UK Afghan CAL 2015 -Block 22

Posted in Afghan Square, Blanket, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015, Free Patterns, Pattern Release, Stitches by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So it’s time for block 22 and it’s a brand NEW design from me! Born out of my own desire to learn how to do Bavarian crochet our next block ticks that off my to do list and brings, what I hope you will agree, a fun addition to the CAL.

I’m not going to lie, Bavarian crochet is a little tricky to master at first but once you get into the swing of it you should be fine! I have added photos of the first 6 rnds in the pattern as extra guidance but should you find it just not to your taste a list of alternative blocks you could use can be found here. If this is the first you are hearing about this CAL the full schedule can be found here.

Click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue. This square is currently free on Ravelry and will be forever.

Bavarian Beauty by Heather C Gibbs

Notes:

Hook: UK 5.5 mm / US Size I
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: Works best in at least 4-5 different colours
Pattern uses UK and American crochet terms.

Specialist stitches:

UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc): Yarn over, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
UK Double Treble / US Treble (dtr/tr): Yarn over twice, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop (four loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
UK Double Treble 4 together / US Treble 4 together (dtr4tog/tr4tog): * Yarn over hook twice, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over hook, pull yarn through stitch (4 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook (3 loops left), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook (2 loops left) * repeat * to * 3 times, yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on the hook.
UK 4 Back Post Double Treble Decrease / US 4 Back Post US Treble Decrease (4 BPdtr-dec/4 BPtr-dec): When working back post sts you insert hook from back to front to back around post of indicated stitch (your hook should now be positioned horizontally behind of the st that you’re working around). * Yarn over hook twice, insert hook around post of indicated st, yarn over hook, drawn yarn through stitch, (yarn over hook, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook) twice * repeat * to * 3 times around the next 3 st posts, yarn over hook, draw yarn through 5 loops on hook.
UK 8 Back Post Double Treble Decrease / US 8 Back Post US Treble Decrease (8 BPdtr-dec/8 BPtr-dec): Working the same as the 4 BPdtr-dec/4 BPtr-dec but continuing to * hold the last loop of each stitch on hook, bptr/bptr around each of next 4 stitches *, skip sl st between sts and then on next group of dtr/tr’s, repeat * to * once, yarn over, pull through all loops on hook.

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). I did enjoy doing the Bavarian crochet though it can be a bit fiddly if you use a covered hook with the 8 BPdtr-dec/8 BPtr-dec’s. It was also fun to work out the colour placement and I know that you guys are going to come up with some amazing combinations – can’t wait to see!

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on 11th or 12th November.

15Oct2015

KCACO-UK Afghan CAL 2015 -Block 21

Posted in Afghan Square, Blanket, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015 by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Throughout this CAL I have been trying to look for blocks that are all a little different so our resulting Afghan will be a multitude of creativity and fun! That’s why I love this next block; stripes, ruffles, texture, segments…there really is something for everyone!

If this is the first you are hearing about this CAL the full schedule can be found here.

Click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue. This square is currently free on Ravelry and has been since Feburary 2015.

Fan Club by Polly Plum

Notes:

Hook: UK 5.5 mm / US Size I
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: Works best in at least 4-5 different colours
Pattern uses American crochet terms: see the following link for a printable conversion chart: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70437470329344/

Specialist stitches:

Standing sc – to start a round, with slip knot on hook, insert hook into indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through two loops on hook
Standing hdc – to start a round, with slip knot on hook, wrap yarn around hook and hold in place with thumb or fi nger and insert hook in indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, carefully yo and draw through all three loops on hook
Standing dc – to start a round, with slip knot on hook, wrap yarn around hook and hold in place with thumb or finger and insert hook in indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, carefully yo and draw yarn through two loops on hook twice
fpsc/fptr – like normal sc,or tr, but instead of inserting hook at the top of indicated stitch, insert it from front to back around the post of stitch

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my, as yet unblocked, version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). It’s annoying that my camera sometimes seems to insist that the purple yarn I’m using is blue!

I was super excited to see how this unique block would look in my colours and I really love how it’s turned out. I did have to add a row of htr/hdc to mine as I crocheted quite tightly but it was a perfect 12 inches once I’d added those.

01+Text

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on 28th or 29th October.

19Aug2015

KCACO-UK CAL 2015 – Block 17

Posted in Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015 by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So for those of you that were wondering about the voting we usually have on every 8th block as we are getting nearer to the end with only a few blocks left it’s harder to assemble blocks for choice…sooooo voting has now ended and we will just continue to hook our way to the end…only 7 left to do in total squeee!!! If this is the first you are hearing about the CAL the full schedule can be found here.

Our next block is just awesome! I’m a little bit obsessed by spirographs and doodle them everywhere! So when I saw this next block I just knew it had to be included in my blanket!

I think some of you might have had the same idea as me as I know I’ve seen some of you hook this particular block and have shared it in the CAL group – well if you have made it check the CAL list page for loads of alternative blocks you could use instead of this one.

So on to the square; click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue here. This square is currently free on Ravelry and has been since February 2015. The lovely Helen has also recently just finished a photo tutorial to go along with this block for each round also available on Ravelry.

Spiro Star by Helen Shrimpton

Notes:

Hook: 5 mm (US Size H)
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: I would suggest at least two different colours
Pattern uses American crochet terms see conversion chart here

Specialist Stitches:

Fpsc – front post single crochet
Fpdc – front post double crochet, yarn over once
Fptr – front post treble crochet, yarn over twice
Fptr-tr – front post triple treble, yarn over 4 times!
Bphdc – back post half double crochet
Bpdc – back post double crochet

Great guidance from Moogly for standing tr/dc

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). I loooove how this turned out! It’s great how the stitches makes the star so pointy and how there is a star within a star – just a fabulous design!

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on the 2nd or 3rd September.

22Jul2015

KCACO-UK CAL 2015 – Block 15

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015 by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Block 15 time!! I was looking at my list today and I can’t believe that we only have 9 blocks left to make! For those of you that are managing to keep up – yay you! I hope you are beginning to see your Afghan coming to life now…for those not started yet or are catching up – you still have bags of time, remember we don’t finish until the end of November! The full schedule and details about the CAL can be found here.

Our next square is a nice and simple fun design that has some texture and a shape within a shape. There are also lots of ways you could play with colour with this one; I’ve used all five of my colours in each of my blocks but this one would look great in a single colour or many.

Click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue here. This square is currently free on Ravelry and on has been on heartmadeblessings.org since Jan 2002.

Popin by Melissa Green

Notes:

Hook: 5 mm (US Size H)
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: I would suggest at least two different colours
Pattern uses American crochet terms see conversion chart here

Specialist Stitches:

Beginning Popcorn (Beg PC) – Ch 3, 4 tr/dc in same sp, pull hook out of loop, put in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3, pick up dropped loop and pull through.
Popcorn (PC) – Tr/dc in same sp, pull hook out of loop, put in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3, pick up dropped loop and pull through.

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). I’m a big fan of playing with shapes within shapes so I love how the popcorns create a diamond inside of the block. I had fun with my colours with stripes in the centre and at the edge and a big chunk of green in the middle. I think this makes the popcorn diamond more subtle but I like that it makes the centre/edge popcorns more defined – can’t wait to see how you mix up the colours on your blocks!

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on 5th or 6th of August

8Jul2015

KCACO-UK CAL 2015 – Block 14

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015, Free Patterns by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Block 14 is here! Our next square has a beautiful flower motif which is super fun to make and as you know I do so love a popcorn stitch! I also love the way the popcorns make the central flower ‘pop’ out of the centre of the block.

I know some of you might be making more masculine themed blankets so if you are looking for inspiration for alternative blocks check out the Moogly 2014 CAL,Moogly 2015 CAL, Look What I Made Block A Week CAL, Ravelry BAM CAL, Blog Hop Crochet-Along, American Crochet-Along and Designs on A Hook CAL

This square is currently free on Ravelry and will be forever (yay!).

Although we are on block 14 there is still plenty of time to catch up, you can hook up a block in an evening easily – the full schedule and details about the CAL can be found here.

Click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue here.

The Secret Garden by Amber Schaaf

Notes:

Hook: 4 mm (US Size G)
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: I would suggest at least four different colours
Pattern uses American crochet terms.

Specialist Stitches:

POPCORN STITCH: 5 tr/dc into indicated st. Drop stitch from hook and insert it from front to back of the first dc, place your dropped loop back on your hook draw it through. Ch 1 to secure.
US fptr/UK fpdtr – yarn over twice, place hook around the post of the dc/tr from the previous row (front to back and bring to the front), yarn over, pull around post. Slip last yarn over through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops.
US bptr/UK bpdtr – yarn over twice, place hook around the post of the dc/tr from the previous row (back to front and bring to the back), yarn over, pull around post. Slip last yarn over through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops.

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). A very pretty block I think you’ll agree and although the centre looks complicated but it’s actually quite easy and looks great.

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on July 22nd (or 23rd)

7Jun2015

Public Vote for Block No. 12 of the CAL

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015 by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So to make this CAL a little different we hold a public vote on every 4th square we make! Basically you get to choose which square YOU want to make next! Choose one option, A through F – which block you would like to work up as our next pattern! We’ve posted the following photo collage with snippets of 6 different block patterns in the CAL group if you are on Facebook please use the poll and vote on the pinned post there: Poll Vote

Voting will end on Tuesday, June 9th, at Midnight London time (GMT), and the winning design (with the most votes) will be used as the 12th pattern and announced on Wednesday, June 10th.