DanDan Square Pattern

Many moons ago I put The Sunroom’s "Grandad Square" pattern in my Ravelry basket to purchase... at some point. That point came a few weeks ago, but, to my dismay, the pattern is no longer available for purchase.

I decided to try to recreate it as I really liked the effect and was hoping to use it for blankets for our local cat rescue (little 2’x2’ pads to go in the residents' beds, so they have something familiar to take with them to their forever homes).

I didn’t want to appropriate the “Grandad" name but wanted to honour the original intent. Our granddaughter couldn’t say “grandad" when she was little, and even now, at the age of 15, she still calls him DanDan.

As the pattern is no longer available, I’ve had to recreate it from photos. I think the only change I’ve made is to work the first round in hdc rather than dc so it doesn’t “pooch” in the middle.

US crochet terms used 

Special stitches:

fpdc = front post double crochet   How To

fptr = front post treble   Just like the fpdc (see How To above) but work a treble.

Note - The fpdc is only used in the last round

Use whatever yarn+hook combo works for you. For this sample, I used DK and a G hook, and it came out 4¼” (just under 11 cm).

Rnd 1 – Ch4, join with slst in 4th ch from hook to form a ring (if you work over your 'tail' you can use that to pull the loop tight, or start with a magic ring - my preference), ch2 (for 1st hdc), 11 hdc, join.  12 st

Rnd 2 – Ch3 (for 1st dc, here and throughout), fptr around same hdc, *dc in next hdc (NB. hdc lean right, so the top of the next hdc will be almost behind the fptr just made), fptr around same hdc, repeat from * around, join with slst to 3rd ch of beg ch3.  24 st

Rnd 3 – (Ch3, tr, dc) in same st, *fptr around fptr, 2dc in dc, fptr around fptr, 2dc in dc, fptr around fptr, (dc, tr, dc) in dc, repeat from * around, ending on last fptr, join with slst to 3rd ch of beg ch3.  40 st

Rnd 4 – Ch3, (tr, 2ch, tr) in tr, dc, *fptr around fptr, 2dc, dc, fpdc (not tr) around fptr, dc, 2dc, fptr around fptr, dc, (tr, 2ch, tr) in tr, dc, repeat from * around, ending on last fptr, join with slst to 3rd ch of beg ch3, finish off.  52 st

As always, please let me know if I've messed up the pattern anywhere 😊 or if you have any questions.

Show and Tell - Linda's Cut-Glass Snowflake Project

Look what Linda Reid, a retired teacher from Manitoba who enjoys crocheting and knitting, made using the Cut-Glass Snowflake pattern.

This lovely hanging Christmas decoration!

Linda said, "[I] had an old round doily from my mom that I decorated with ribbon and Christmas bits." When she saw this pattern she thought it would be perfect to use in the same way. Now she wants to make two more, for her daughter and daughter-in-law.

I think it looks great, and I'm pleased she allowed me to share it here.

Peace Sign Granny Video Tutorial!!

HOORAY! 
The fabulous Nadia Fuad of YARNutopia has graciously and excellently produced a video tutorial for my Peace Sign Granny Square.

Scroll down to August 2016 on her "365 Days of Granny Squares" page and click on Number 222 to be taken to the video on YouTube.

I'm sure this will be a huge help for all of you who have struggled with the craziness that is Round 2 and/or found the Reverse V-Stitch totally confusing.

Please be sure to check out Nadia's amazing blog, and subscribe to her YouTube channel for many more wonderful tutorials.

Photographic Evidence

There you have it, folks. Proof that I do, on occasion, still crochet. 

[Shouts of "Photoshopped!" from the crowd.]

The fact that I started this particular blanket in 2009 and I'm still only about half-way, should give you some idea of just how "occasional" my crafting is these days. Another interest is taking up most of my time. But I'm hoping to dust off my hooks and do a bit more, and maybe even design a little something for you all again.

Give yourself a little time each day to do something that makes you happy.

♥ ♥ ♥

Lisa's Groovy Granny Shawl

Every so often I'm treated to photos of the works of art that fellow crocheters have created around my Peace Granny Square. Blankets, bags, scarves... All colourful and hippy-happy!

But I was blown away by Lisa Kauma's fantastic shawl and had to share it with you all, with her kind permission, of course.

It's got so much going for it. Beautifully balanced colours. The clever use of granny stitches for the main part. Tassles!! And what about this frog?! ♥

Lisa, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, says:

When I saw the peace sign granny square I knew it was perfect for my friend... I really wanted to make a shawl, since I usually tell people to wrap themselves up and think of it as a big hug from me. I looked around at different shawl patterns and then came up with this shawl. I was happy with how it turned out.

I should think she was! What a lucky friend.

Walled Garden Square (maybe)

Correction update 28 Jun 2022 -

Tiffany D spotted that I'd missed stating "in blo" in parts of rounds 4 and 6. Thank you, Tiffany! 

Correction update 10 Aug 2020 -

"Unknown" (I'm hoping to get their name so I can credit them properly) spotted a problem with round 5. Mega-apologies to all those who've reached out to me in the past saying they were having trouble with that round... Now I can see why! Thank you so much, Unknown! 

Way back before personal computers and easy access to photocopiers and scanners, the only way to get a copy of a pattern was to write it out by hand.

I found one such hand-written pattern in my "old" pattern folder (pre-1986). No name, no picture, obviously, but a quick scan of the instructions showed it to be a granny square of some type.

Curious, I whipped one up. And it turned out quite pretty.

I have no idea if I copied this pattern from a book or made it up myself. It would have been done over 25 years ago and I have troubling remembering yesterday! I searched the Ravelry pattern database without success and made enquiries amongst the members - no one (so far) could come up with a source.

So, I'm sharing the pattern with you all here. If anyone does recognise it - perhaps from an afghan pattern rather than as a single square - do please let me know, so I can attribute it properly!

Walled Garden Square

(amended 10 Jun 12 - thank you Scraplyn!)

• US terms 
• DK + G hook = 6” (bearing in mind I crochet loosely) but you can use what you like
• Beg Cluster = ch 3, *yo, insert hook in ch-1 sp, yo, pull thru, yo, pull thru 2 loops on hook, rpt from * 3 times, yo, pull thru 5 loops on hook
• Cluster = *yo, insert hook in ch-1 sp, yo, pull thru, yo, pull thru 2 loops on hook, rpt from * 4 times, yo, pull thru 6 loops on hook
• blo = back loop only
• Crossed DC = skip one hdc, dc in next hdc, dc in skipped hdc

Ch 5, join w slst to form ring.

1)  ch 4, (dc in ring, ch 1) x 7, join w slst in 3^rd ch of beg ch-4.  = 8 dc, 8 ch-1 sp

2)  slst into ch-1 sp, Beg Cluster (see above), ch 5, Cluster (see above), ch 5, (Cluster, ch 5) x 6, join w slst to top of Beg Cluster.  = 8 Clusters, 8 ch-5 sp

3)  slst into ch-5 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, 4 dc in next ch-5 sp, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-5 sp, 4 dc in next ch-5 sp, rpt from * 2 times, join w slst to 3^rd ch of beg ch-3.  = 40 dc, 4 ch-2 sp

4)  ch 2, 2 hdc in blo, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch-2 sp, *10 hdc in blo, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch-2 sp, rpt from * 2 times, 7 hdc in blo, join w slst to 2^nd ch of beg ch-2.  = 56 hdc, 4 ch-2 sp

5)  slst into next hdc 2 hdc, ch 3, dc back into join at end of prev round prev hdc (= Beg Crossed DC), Crossed DC, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp, *Crossed DC x 7, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp, rpt from * x 2, Crossed DC x 5, join w slst to 3^rd ch of beg ch-3.  = 28 Crossed DC, 8 dc, 4 ch-2 sp

NB. You should have only 2 Crossed DC before turning the first corner.

6)  ch 2, 4 hdc in blo, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch-2 sp, *16 hdc in blo, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch-2 sp, rpt from * 2 times, 11 hdc in blo, join w slst to 2^nd ch of beg ch-2. Finish off. = 80 hdc, 4 ch-2 sp

-- Judy M Kerr ©2012

Please email me if you find a mistake (or two) or have any problems. :-)

Fridgie Butterfly

Back in the early 80's a friend showed me a butterfly fridgie she'd been given. I thought it was really cute so I studied it and wrote out a rough pattern.

I've recently started making squares for SIBOL - Sunshine International Blankets of Love - and their "symbol" is crocheted butterflies. It reminded me that I had this pattern languishing in my collection.

I can't claim it as an original idea but I've never come across another pattern for it (similar but not quite the same), so I'd like to share it. If anyone does know the source please let me know.


Fridgie Butterfly

Yarn and hook of your choice

A small fridgie-type magnet
Craft glue

Pipe cleaner (optional)

Notes:

·    US  terms

·    Ch 3 for the beginning dc of rounds 1 and 2

·    Picot = ch 4, slst in 4^th ch from hook

·    Your work will be very ripply – this is normal and will flatten out when you fold your butterfly in half

Wings:

Ch 6, join w slst to form ring.

1)  (3 dc in ring, ch 1) x 8, join w slst to top of beg dc.

2)  slst to next ch-1 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in each ch-1 sp, join w slst to top of beg dc.

3)  Ch 1, sc over slst just made (i.e. in the gap btw the last and first 3-dc shells), (4 dc, picot, ch 1, 4 dc) in ch-1 sp, sc btw next two 3-dc shells, *(4 dc , ch 1, 4 dc) in ch-1 sp, sc btw next two 3-dc shells*,  repeat btw * x 5, (4 dc, picot, ch 1, 4 dc) in ch-1 sp, join w slst in beg sc, FO leaving a long tail for sewing up.

Antennas:

*Ch 9, slst in hump of 2^nd ch from hook and next 7 ch, repeat from * once, FO leaving both tails for tying off.

Body:

Weave in beginning tail. Fold the butterfly in half, with the two picot “wings” forming the bottom pair of the butterfly with the yarn tail between. Place the antennas at the top of the wings, tucking the tails inside. Stitch up the centre of the butterfly and over the middle of the antennas to secure them, then stitch back down again. Repeat once and FO. Knot the antenna tails together and cut off close. Glue the magnet to the back and voilà! - one butterfly fridgie.

Alternatively, leave a shorter ending tail, weave it in, omit the crocheted antennas and use a pipe cleaner (p.c.) for the “body” and “antennas” –

Fold the p.c. in half and position the fold at the top of the wings (i.e. at the head).

Keeping the two halves parallel, wrap the p.c. down over the middle of the wings and up the underside.

Bring the ends up through the loop formed by the original fold at the top.

Press the p.c. “body” flat, adjust the antennas and give them a little curl.

-- Judy M Kerr ©2012

As always, if you spot any goofs please email me. Thanks!

Peace Granny Square - Reverse V-Stitch deciphered

I've had several people contact me saying they were having trouble understanding the Reverse V-Stitch instructions. I thought it best to post my reply here and put a link in the pattern.

Thanks so much for contacting me. In hindsight, Reverse V-stitch may have been a poor choice of name – Upside-down V-stitch is more accurate. Perhaps if I write that round out “longhand” it will be a little clearer...  

Rnd 7) With B: sc in beginning ch3 of the previous round, ch 2, (skip next stitch, sc in next stitch, ch 2) x 3, *skip next stitch, #yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through two loops on hook (2 loops will remain on hook), yarn over, skip next stitch, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through two loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 3 loops on hook (Reverse V-stitch complete)#, ch 2, (dc in same stitch as last dc, ch 2) x 2, repeat between #s starting in same stitch as last dc, (ch 2, skip next stitch, sc in next stitch) x 6, ch 2, repeat from * around, join with slip stitch to beginning sc. = 40 ch2 spaces

I hope this helps. If it's still as clear as mud please don't hesitate to contact me. Happy hooking!

International Crochet Day 2010

Today is International Crochet Day!*

What better way to celebrate the joy of hooking than to hook for those in need?

Pakistanis devastated by recent floods will soon be struggling through a cold winter. As Wendy in NC said:

As the seasons change millions will be living in tent cities. Help them prepare for the cold winter nights in the mountain regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the North Western part of Pakistan.

Wendy's husband will be travelling to Pakistan in early October and she's started a group on Ravelry to collect crocheted (and kn*t ) hats for him to take.

You don't have to be a member of Ravelry to join in. If you like making hats and you're moved to help please send them - to arrive by October 1, 2010 - to:

Wendy Jan
110 Angle Street
Cherryville, NC 28021
USA

If you're in Europe, like me, or you can't make the October 1 deadline, you can send them directly to Pakistan:

Sajjad Ahmad Jan
S/O Sayar Mohammad
Barzai Dawalt Khel
Tangi Charsada District
Khyber Pakhtun Khwa
Pakistan

I sent 3 off yesterday.


Dontcha just love crochet?

*In case you're wondering why Jimbo in particular gets a link, he's the man who started it all in 2007. :-)

The Original "Snowflake Doily"

If you're new here - hello! - the following relates to my Cut-Glass Snowflake Doily post.

The pattern has been identified! Susan P, a member of Celt's Vintage Crochet Yahoo group, was the first to spot it. She was flipping through her collection, look for something else, when it jumped off the page at her.

The original pattern, called simply "Snowflake Doily", was published in - drum roll, please............
"The Super Lacecrafts Collection - Crochet, Tatting and Knitted Lace", an Anchor/Coats publication (#17552 in the US, I believe; #1324 in the UK).


As soon as I heard from Susan I shot over to eBay and, would you believe it, there was one copy for sale here in the UK. I debated over whether I should buy it for, oh, a good 2 seconds. For one thing, I really wanted to compare my version to the original.

The disappointing news for me is that the pattern was published in 1984 (UK edition) so this lovely little doily isn't "vintage" after all. Congratulations to whoever designed it (the booklet doesn't say) for achieving "the look".


So, how does my pattern stack up? Well, apart from almost every one of my chains being shorter, the rest seems to match. I put my short chains down to two things - 1) the doily I worked from was rather tightly crocheted. As you can see from the picture above, the original was intended to be more open in appearance; and 2) I chain quite loosely, so where the chains were completely hidden by stitches and I had to guess at their number, I guessed low.

For those of you interested in trying a "looser" version, here are the chain length amendments:

To begin: Ch 6 Ch 9
Rnd 1) no change
Rnd 2) ch 8 ch 13
Rnd 3-8) ch 5 ch 7
Rnd 9) in order of appearance: ch 5 ch 7, ch 9 ch 13, ch 2 ch 3, ch 4 ch 5
Rnd 10) ch 12 ch 13
Rnd 11) in order of appearance: ch 10 ch 15, ch 8 ch 9, and the picot should be ch 4 ch 3 - the only time I had more chains!
Rnd 12) in order of appearance: ch 4 ch 5, ch 12 ch 13, and this time the picot should be ch 4 ch 5.

Bear these changes in mind when you are told to work into the ch-whatever space of the previous row.

And look! There's a smaller companion doily:


For this, work the first four rounds as for the large doily, then ch 7, *in ch5 lp (8 dc, ch4-picot, 7 dc) ch 3, (tr, ch 5, tr) in tr, ch 3, rpt from * around, ending omit last tr, slst in 4th ch of beg ch7. FO

Note that I've stuck to my "short chain" style here, in keeping with my pattern. The booklet has ch 7 instead of ch 5, and ch5 picots.

Linked Treble Spiral Square

By popular demand - well, a few people on Ravelry expressed an interest - here is the pattern for my...

Linked Treble Spiral Square
(US terms)
Your choice of yarn – very effective with a self-striping yarn

A hook one size larger than you would normally use for your chosen yarn






Notes:

Beginning chain (beg-ch) – rather than the usual ch 4 for a treble, you will be working a ch 3 for your beginning chain. I count the beginning chain as a stitch.

Work under only 1 thread of your base chain and beginning chains as you will be working back along the other side.

Linked treble crochet (ltr) – rather than re-invent the wheel, Crochet-Mania, aka The Art of Crochet, has the best tutorial for the linked treble stitch that I’ve found.
Linked Crochet Stitch – Tunisian (video)
Linked Crochet Stitch Written Instructions - Tunisian
As the titles suggest, each stitch is essentially a very short Tunisian row.

25 Jun 19 - Sadly, the above links no longer work, but I've found this video:
Linked Treble Crochet (LTR):: Crochet Technique :: Right Handed.
Just don’t do what he says about working into the back loop of the beginning chains. That’s okay if you want a nice, tidy looking edge, but you’re going to be working into that edge, so you’ll want to use one side and then, later, the other side of the chain itself.

Work loosely or you’ll end up with a rather stiff fabric. Go up another hook size if necessary.

1) ch 7, ltr in 5th ch from hook, and next 2 ch (= 4 st)

To clarify, you'll be picking up the 2nd and 3rd loops of the beginning chain, skipping the 4th loop, and working into the 5th loop. Think of the 4th loop as a turning chain so that you get a nice, sharp corner. That chain will be working into when you come back around on the 3rd row.

2) Turn the piece 90° clockwise, ch 3, ltr under 1st bar of last ltr made, ltr under next bar of ltr, ltr in end ch of base-ch (= 4 st)

3) Turn the piece 90° clockwise, ch 3, ltr under 1st bar of last ltr made, ltr under next bar of ltr, ltr in each ch of base-ch (= 7 st)

4) Turn the piece 90° clockwise, ch 3, ltr under 1st bar of last ltr made, ltr under next bar of ltr, ltr in 1st ch of base-ch, ltr in each ch of beg-ch (= 7 st)

5) Turn the piece 90° clockwise, ch 3, ltr under 1st bar of last ltr made, ltr under next bar of ltr, ltr in top ch of beg-ch, ltr in each st (note: 3 in this row, increasing in subsequent rows), ltr in each ch of beg-ch (= 10 st)

At this point you will have completed two “rounds” – your initial 4 stitches count as “round 1” and the four sides as “round 2”.

Repeat row 5 four times for each additional “round” until your square is the size required. Stitch counts for the next 4 rows are 10, 13, 13 and 16.

Copyright © 2010, Judy M Kerr. All Rights Reserved.


If a final round of linked trebles would make your square too large, work linked double crochets instead (same principle as the trebles, just chain 2 to begin and work under the one bar) or just finish off with a round or two of single crochet.

If you have any problems with this pattern please let me know - sofar_sogood at btinternet dot com.

Cut-Glass Snowflake Doily

13 June 10 - Stop the presses! The doily has been identified!
I'm just waiting for a copy of the book to arrive (yes, I found one!) and then I'll post the details. Watch this space. :-) Details here!

Amendment: 27 May 10 - And the prize goes to Ravelry's doilyswan for spotting the first mistake! Round 9 has been amended. Anyone else?

I like to rescue interesting doilies from charity shops, take them home and save them for posterity by "reverse engineering" the pattern. Ok, I've only done two so far, plus I've got one waiting in the wings, but if there were more hours in the day I'd do more.

I found this unusual doily, or it could be a large motif, in a shop in Manningtree, Essex.




The style suggests it's a vintage pattern, though I could be wrong. I've asked all over the place and no one's recognised it yet.

Here's my first draft -


And here's the copy I made using my notes from the first one -


And here... is the pattern!

Cut-Glass Snowflake Doily
American notation

#10 or Bedspread cotton
1.5mm hook
Finished size = 10”

Notes:
2trtog (2 treble together [decrease]) = *yo twice, insert hk in st, yo, pull thru st, (yo, pull thru 2) twice, rpt from *, yo, pull thru 3
Ch4-picot = ch 4, slst in top of last st made

Ch 6, join

Rnd 1) 24 dc in ring

Rnd 2) *3 sc, ch 8, sk 1 dc, rpt from * around

Rnd 3) slst to 2nd sc, ch 4, *in ch8 sp (7 dc, ch 5, 7 dc), tr in 2nd sc, rpt from * around

Rnd 4) ch 7, *in ch5 sp (7 dc, ch 5, 7 dc), ch 3, tr in tr, ch 3, rpt from * around, slst in 4th ch of beg ch7

Rnd 5) ch 7, *in ch5 sp (7 dc, ch 5, 7 dc), ch 3, in tr (tr, ch 3, tr), ch 3, rpt from * around, ending ch 3, tr in same tr as beg ch7, ch 3, slst in 4th ch of beg ch7

Rnd 6) ch 7, *in ch5 sp (7 dc, ch 5, 7 dc), ch 3, tr in tr, ch 3, 2 trtog in same tr and nxt tr, ch 3, tr in same tr, ch 3, rpt from * around, ending omit last tr, slst in 4th ch of beg ch7

Rnd 7) ch 7, *in ch5 sp (7 dc, ch 5, 7 dc), ch 3, tr in nxt tr, ch 3, 2 trtog in same tr and nxt tr, ch 6, 2 trtog in same tr and nxt tr, ch 3, tr in same tr, ch 3, rpt from * around, ending omit last tr, slst in 4th ch of beg ch7

Rnd 8) ch 1, sc in same st, ch 7, *in ch5 sp (7 dc, ch 5, 7 dc), ch 7, sc in tr, 17 tr in ch6 sp, sk tr, sc in nxt tr, ch 7, rpt from * around

Rnd 9) slst over 3 ch, sc in 4th, *ch 5, in ch5 sp (7 dc, ch 9, 7 tr 7 dc), ch 5, sc in 4th ch of ch7, ch 2, sk 3 tr, sc in tr, ch 4, sk 3 tr, in nxt tr (sc, ch 3, sc), sk tr, in nxt tr (sc, ch 3, sc), ch 4, sk 3 tr, sc in nxt tr, ch 2, sc in 4th ch of ch7, rpt from * around, to end: replace last ch 2 w hdc in beg sc

Rnd 10) *13 dc in ch5 sp, sc in 4th dc, 25 dc in ch9 sp, sc in 4th dc, 13 dc in ch5 sp, sc in ch2 sp, 3 sc in ch4 sp, ch 12, 3 sc in ch4 sp, sc in ch2 sp, rpt from * around, ending sc over beg hdc

Rnd 11) slst over 7 st, ch 3, 6 dc, *sc in 3rd dc of 25, (ch 10, sk 3 dc, sc in 3 dc, ch4-picot (see notes), sc in 2 dc) twice, ch 10, sk 3 dc, sc in nxt dc, dc in nxt 7 dc of 13, ch 8, sc in ch12 sp, ch 8, sk 6 dc, dc in nxt 7 dc, rpt from * around

Rnd 12) ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, in ch10 lp (8 dc, ch4-picot, 7 dc), ch 3, (sc, ch 4, sc) in picot, rpt from * once more, ch 3, in ch10 lp (8 dc, ch4-picot, 7 dc), ch 3, sc in 7th dc, 5 sc in ch8 sp, ch 12, 5 sc in ch8 sp, sc in 1st dc, rpt from * around. FO

Copyright © 2010, Judy M Kerr. All Rights Reserved.

The pattern has only been tested by me and it's so easy to gloss over mistakes and "see" what you expect to see, so if you try it and you run into any problems please let me know - sofar_sogood at btinternet dot com.

And if anyone does recognise the pattern, again please let me know so that I can make the appropriate acknowledgements. Thank you.

Granny On Point Square

I "designed" this square especially for Planet Blanket*. I say quote designed endquote because I can't believe no one has come up with this idea before, but I haven't been able to find a pattern like it.

Granny On Point – 12”
(American notation)

Double Knit / Light Worsted Weight yarn

G-4mm hook

Notes: Granny shell = 3 dc in same sp









Step 1 - Start with a 7-round granny square (should be about 7½"). Basic instructions can be found here.

Step 2, Row 1 - With RS facing, join “corner's” colour in any corner, *ch 3, (“granny shell” in next ch1 sp, ch 1) x 6, ch 2 more, slst in corner, rep from * x 3 replacing final (ch 1 + ch 2) w dc, ch 3, turn.

Row 2 - (“Granny shell” in next ch1 sp, ch 1) x 5 omitting final ch 1, dc in ch3 of prev row, ch 3, turn.

Row 3 - (“Granny shell” in next ch1 sp, ch 1) x 4 omitting final ch 1, dc in ch3 of prev row, ch 3, turn.

Row 4 - (“Granny shell” in next ch1 sp, ch 1) x 3 omitting final ch 1, dc in ch3 of prev row, ch 3, turn.

Row 5 - (“Granny shell” in next ch1 sp, ch 1) x 2 omitting final ch 1, dc in ch3 of prev row, ch 3, turn.

Row 6 - “Granny shell” in next ch1 sp, dc in ch3 of prev row, ch 3, turn.

Row 7 - Dc in ch3 of prev row. FO.

For remaining corners, turn (WS), join yarn in top of ch3 of prev row, continue from Row 2.

Step 3, Round 1 – With RS facing, join yarn in any corner dc, *3 sc in dc, 2 sc in corner sp, 3 sc in ea sp across, 2 sc in corner sp, rep from * around, join w slst to beg sc.

Round 2 – Slst to 2nd of beg 3sc (= corner sc), *3 sc in corner sc, sc in ea sc across, rep from * around, join w slst to beg sc.

Variations:
By changing the number of rounds in your starting granny and adjusting the number of rows in step 2 accordingly you can make different sized squares.

For a 10" square try starting with a 6-round granny (approximately 6½") - as below.














Using worsted weight and an H-5mm hook, a 3-round granny (4") with 1 round of sc will yield a 6" square; 7" with 3 rounds of sc.


Want to tackle it more scientifically? Just remember your old a²+b²=c² (there's a handy calculator here).

Example: for finished size 8", the legs of your corner triangle (a and b of the calculation) will be 4" and the base (side c or the hypotenuse) will be roughly 5⅔". That means your starting granny square needs to be 5⅔", or rather 5-5½" so you have "room" for at least one round of sc.

I crochet quite loosely so your mileage may vary even with the basic pattern. Just work an extra round or two of sc or add an extra round to your starting granny to get it up to size. Remember, despite the math, crochet is an art not a science. :-)

Need help? Spotted a goof? Please email me.

*If you are taking part in the Planet Blanket project please note that the required square size is multiples of 5", i.e. 5", 10", 15", etc. Please use the 10" variation or scale it up!

Corner Stripe Square

22 Aug 12 - Corrections to border

I've been making a few squares for Hugs for Haiti, a group on Ravelry. I'd made a couple of "bright" ones and a couple of "cute" ones and decided I needed a distinctly "boy" one. So I came up with this:

Corner Stripe Square
(American Notation)
WW and an H/5mm hook = approximately 6”
Colours A, B, and C

Notes: dc in flo = double crochet in the front loop only (used in the first row of each colour change to emphasise the edge)
FO = finish off.


Row 1 (RS) – With A: ch 4, in 4th ch from hook work (dc, ch 2, 2 dc). Remaining 3-ch at beginning counts as a dc.

Row 2 – ch 3, turn (counts as a dc throughout), dc in nxt dc, (2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in nxt2 dc.

Row 3 – ch 3, turn, dc in nxt 3 dc, (2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in nxt 4 dc. FO. Turn.

Row 4 – With B: ch 3, dc in flo of nxt 5 dc, (2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in flo of nxt 6 dc.

Row 5 – ch 3, turn, dc in nxt 7 dc, (2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in nxt 8 dc. FO. Turn.

Row 6 – With C: ch 3, dc in flo of nxt 9 dc, (2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in flo of nxt 10 dc.

Row 7 – ch 3, turn, dc in nxt 11 dc, (2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in nxt 12 dc. FO. Turn.

Row 8 – With A: ch 3, dc in flo of nxt 13 dc, (2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in flo of nxt 14 dc. FO. Turn.

Border – With any colour (I chose B): work 3 sc in 1st dc of Row 8, sc in nxt 15 dc, 3 dc sc in ch-2 sp, sc in nxt 15 dc, 3 dc sc in last dc, sc in side of last dc, (2 sc in side of dc) x 7, 3 sc in beg ch-1, (2 sc in side of dc) x 7, sc in side of 1st dc of Row 8, slst to 1st sc. FO.

Copyright © 2010, Judy M Kerr. All Rights Reserved.
As ever, if you have any problems with this pattern or spot any goofs, please let me know at sofar_sogood at btinternet dot com.

Happy hooking!

New Year Ripple Finished!

Happy New Year everyone!

Well, I did it. I finally finished my New Year Ripple Afghan. Three years to the day.

Actually, that was deliberate. I could have finished it a few days ago but I decided to leave the final round of the border until today. :-)

It's going to live on the back of my chair, to be snuggled under on cold days. I think Mum would have been pleased.

Little Granny Christmas Stocking

I made this one with WW and an H hook and it's 5" from toe to top.

ch 5, join w slst to form ring.

Rnd 1 - ch 3, 2 dc in ring, ch 2, (3 dc in ring, ch 2) x 4, join w slst to top of beg ch-3.

Rnd 2 - slst to ch-2 sp, slst in ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in nxt ch-2 sp, ch 1] x 4, join w slst to top of beg ch-3.

Rnd 3 - slst to ch-2 sp, slst in ch-2 sp, ch 3, 4 dc in same sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1] x 4, join w slst to top of beg ch-3. Do not FO.

Rnd 4 - slst to 3rd st of "ch 3, 4 dc" shell of prev rnd (= toe), fold work in half, ch 1 , turn, sc in same st, sc halves together thru matching dc or ch-1 sp, 2 sc in "heel" corner, cont up side, 1 sc thru both top ch-2 sp, 1 sc in front ch-2 sp only, sc in ea st/sp around top of stocking to ch-2 sp, for hanging loop: ch 10, slst in base of ch-10. FO.

Copyright © 2009, Judy M Kerr. All Rights Reserved.

Problem (yours or mine)? - email me.

Another long overdue FGX update

Here are some more Crochet Partners Friendship Granny Exchange squares I've received:
Top row: Basic Granny, Pumpkin Square, Basic Granny
Middle row: Solid Granny, unknown, unknown
Bottom row: Angel (Beata Ball), Little Boxes, "Debbie" (so named because I received it from Debbie W, liked it but didn't recognise the pattern and so set about working it out. If you recognise it please let me know where it can be found. Otherwise, I'll post my pattern for it sometime in the not too distant future.)

And the squares I've sent:
Top row: Scrappy Woven Marvel (Definitely Different Afghans by Diana Lynn Sippel, LA #1288), Camellia, Tibetan Prayer Flags (my own design)
Middle row: Willow (200 Crochet Blocks for blankets, throws and afghans by Jan Eaton), Postage Stamp (Artsy Afghans by Kathleen D Garen, LA #4592), Postage Stamp variation
Bottom row: Star Stitch, Puffs & Posts (sadly, this lovely pattern is no longer available online as the pattern has been sold), my design (doesn't even have a name )

I received my 42nd square back in April and started a 6x7 square afghan (with a wide border) in July (it had to wait until I'd finished another afghan!).
I'm using Priscilla Hewitt's Flat Braid join to join the squares and I really like how it's looking so far.

Crocheted Baby Hat Pattern Links

I'm back with those pattern links I promised you in my previous post.

Top row, left to right:
1) Adjustable Ribbed Preemie Cap
2) Teresa's 10 Minute Preemie Hat
3) Bev's Newborn Roundie Hat
4) Stretchy Crocheted Hat
Bottom row:
1) Pattern on Ravelry - Andrew's Charity Hats group
2) Barb's Seamless Crocheted Baby Hat (flower pattern here)
3) Gotcha Covered #2
4) Pattern on Ravelry - xoxoMargot's Baby Hat

As of Saturday, 20 June Andrew had received 719 hats, and there are more on the way!

Update 23/6/09: 849!

Spiral Baby Hat

I've been inspired by a ten-year-old named Andrew to make baby hats for Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC (see his project page at DoSomething.Org and more info here at Ravelry). In the process of trying out the various lovely hat patterns I found online (pics and links to follow) I had an idea for this one:

Spiral Baby Hat
(American notation)

Yarn: Light 3 (Double Knit, Light Worsted)
Hook: G/4mm
Finished size:
H 4½”, W 5½ ”




Base:
Make a Magic Ring (instructions here) or ch 4 and join to form a ring.
1) In ring work sc, hdc, 10 dc – do not join but continue working around
(12 st)
2) Working in the back loop only (blo) 2 dc in ea st (24 st)
3) In blo (2 dc, 1 dc) around (36 st)
4 – 7) In blo 1 dc in ea st (36 st)
8) In blo dc in nxt 32 st, hdc in nxt 2 st, sc in nxt 2 st, slst into both loops of dc at beg of rnd. Finish off.

At this point my hat was 4½” high and 5” wide and looked a little too narrow. But once I worked the contrasting spiral stitches it stretched out to 5½” wide and looked more in proportion.

Contrasting Spiral:
Join the contrasting colour with a slst in the unused front loop of the first sc of rnd 1, ch 1; continue to (slst, ch1) in ea front loop to the edge of hat; continue pattern around edge working into both loops; end with slst into 1st slst at edge. Finish off. Pull the beginning tail thru the centre hole of the hat and weave in.

© Judy M Kerr, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Please email me if you spot any goofs or have any problems with this pattern - sofar_sogood at btinternet dot com

Andrew has been making hats himself on a knitting loom. His original goal was 200 hats by June 20, but he's had such a wonderful response from all the knitters, crocheters and loomers out there that he's topped that already. His new goal is now 500 hats! Piece o' cake.

Squares, glorious squares

Long overdue, here is another CrochetPartners Friendship Granny Exchange (FGX) update:

Received (not all that) recently:

Clockwise: Puff Stitch Heart (similar pattern here), Bride's Square, unknown, interesting Granny Square variant (anyone know the pattern?)

Sent (also not all that) recently:

Clockwise: Granny Square variant (based on the one in the Granny-Along header, Circle of Hope, Heather's Flowers, Spring Breeze

I've since sent and received enough additional squares to do another "2x2" update but I'll give you a bit of breathing space. ;-)

I'm now only 5 squares away from being able to start my FGX afghan!