Sampler Square #9 - (Modified) V-Stitch

Designed by Laurinda Reddig of ReCrochetions

Part 3: Easy As XYZ

Stitches Used: chain (ch), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc).

New Stitches /Techniques:
V-Stitch: Two double crochets worked into the same stitch. The V pattern appears by working the next row of V-stitches into the spaces between these two double crochets. (Video)
Working Between Stitches: Insert your hook into the space between the posts of the 2 stitches indicated rather than into the tops of stitches as usual.


Pattern:This pattern is now exclusively available in the ReCrochetions Presents: Rowan’s Learn to Crochet Sampler Afghan Book. Available in Right and Left-handed Editions (see links -->). The book also contains 4 more simple baby blanket patterns and a newborn hat, and 30 complete step-by-step tutorial.

Notes: Another great stitch for afghans or garments. The more open, lacy stitch allows the finished fabric to have more drape than some of the tighter stitches. Generally the V-stitch is worked as “dc, ch1, dc” in same space. But the extra chain makes the finished fabric much more lacy looking, and the bigger holes are not ideal for a baby afghan. I have tried to avoid any stitches with lacy holes for tiny baby fingers to get stuck in.

We are at the halfway point in our Crochet Along, getting into lots of fun stitches. This is the perfect time to invite someone new to join us, as they can make just two 9" squares per week, and end along with the rest of us! I must admit, I have not been crocheting much at all this week. I have been busy decorating my craft studio to take pictures and submit to Studios Magazine in the next week or two. Very exciting as I have been wanting to do this for about 3 years!

In looking for a good tutorial link for the V-stitch, I got distracted on FreeVintageCrochet.com by all of the nifty vintage patterns. I am planning a costume for a 1950's Housewife Themed Banquet my MOMS Club is having in a couple of weeks, and I may just have to crochet a little lace collar or pillbox hat to complete the outfit. So many wonderful vintage patterns.

Sampler Square #8 - Katherine Wheel

Designed by Laurinda Reddig of ReCrochetions

Special Stitches:
Five Double Crochet Shell (5-dc shell): Work 5 dc in one stitch. For tops of Katherine Wheels, shells will be worked in the 1st ch following each Cluster so that all stitches are worked in the same space, forming a “wheel”.
Five Double Crochet Cluster (dc5tog): (Yo, insert hook in next unused stitch, yo, remove hook from stitch; yo, pull through 2 loops) 5 times; Yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook.
Three Double Crochet Cluster (dc3tog): (Yo, insert hook in next unused stitch, yo, remove hook from stitch; yo, pull through 2 loops) 3 times; Yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook.
Two Double Crochet Cluster (dc2tog): (Yo, insert hook in next unused stitch, yo, remove hook from stitch; yo, pull through 2 loops) 2 times; Yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.


Pattern:This pattern is now exclusively available in the ReCrochetions Presents: Rowan’s Learn to Crochet Sampler Afghan Book. Available in Right and Left-handed Editions (see links -->). The book also contains 4 more simple baby blanket patterns and a newborn hat, and 30 complete step-by-step tutorial.

Notes: Clusters are formed by working the first part of a taller stitch like double crochet or treble in several stitches, leaving 1 loop from each stitch on the hook. Then all the loops are connected into 1 stitch by yarning over once more and pulling through all of the loops on your hook. Clusters can be used to decrease stitches as seen in the Chevrons in Square #6.

I know Katherine Wheels are generally spelled with a “C”, but I decided to name this square after my midwife and friend who helped me deliver both my girls, Rowan and Willow. Every year on Rowan's birthday, Katherine and her family have joined us to hike up the local mountain where we spread Rowan's ashes. Perhaps, after our hike this year, we will head to the local hospitals with loads of finished Sampler Afghans to donate to the families at the two local NICUs and bereavement departments where we have donated in the past.

Square #7 Correction...

Oopsy daisies. It has been brought to my attention that I made a slight error in my original post for Square #7. I was fiddling with the pattern before I posted it last week and accidentally reversed the instructions inside the brackets for Row 3 and the Last Row. I fixed it on the original post, but wanted to admit my error in case anyone printed out the instructions already.

Frankly, I am rather amazed I have made it almost halfway through my first Crochet Along before something major coming out wrong. This is my first time putting my patterns out for public use, so I am still learning. I try to give very careful instructions, as I know a lot of people do not know how to read patterns. I sometimes over explain because I want to help those of you who struggle with patterns learn to read them for any future projects you would like to choose. I welcome any helpful comments or questions so my patterns are as easy to read as possible. Thanks so much!

Sampler Square #7 - Crosshatches

Designed by Laurinda Reddig of ReCrochetions

Stitches Used: single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc)
Special Stitches:
Three Double Crochet Shell (3-dc shell): Work 3 dc in one stitch or space.

New Techniques:
Working in Chain 2 Space (ch-2 sp): Rather than inserting your hook into the top of the next stitch, you will insert your hook inside the space created by each ch 1 in the previous row, where indicated.


Pattern:This pattern is now exclusively available in the ReCrochetions Presents: Rowan’s Learn to Crochet Sampler Afghan Book. Available in Right and Left-handed Editions (see links -->). The book also contains 4 more simple baby blanket patterns and a newborn hat, and 30 complete step-by-step tutorial.

Pattern Reading Tip: All stitches within [squared brackets] should be worked in the same stitch or space.

Notes: I love the look and feel of the Crosshatch stitch. I have made entire baby afghans using this stitch, and it is farely easy for beginners once they understand where the stitches should go. A few of the beginning crocheters who made several afghans for our first donation in 2009 tried this pattern after they got tired of plain double crochets.

This week I am continuing working with the cotton yarn. As a variation of the basic pattern, I am changing the color for the edging after I finish the square. Because the cotton squares come out a bit smaller, I am working 2 rows of edging in a solid color around each square. This is the first blanket where I am using a multicolored yarn for some of the squares, and the colors turn out really neat looking with some of the patterns, including the Crosshatch. Give it a try with a multicolor or "ombre" yarn!

Pictures of Sampler Afghan!

I finally caught a sunny day to snap some pics of the first finished Rowan's Sampler Afghan for our Crochet Along.


I will be adding pictures of individual Squares to each pattern already posted. But here are a few of the upcoming patterns to tempt you to join the Crochet Along, if you have not already...

V-Stitch

Puff Stitch

Basket Weave

Rowan Berry Stitch (especially created for this afghan)

Sampler Square #6 - Chevrons

Designed by Laurinda Reddig of ReCrochetions

Stitches Used: single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), treble crochet (trc).

Special Stitches:
Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog): YO, insert your hook into stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. You should have 3 loops on your hook. YO, pull through 2 loops, do not complete dc. YO, insert your hook into next stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. YO, pull through 2 loops. You should have 3 loops on your hook. YO, pull through all 3 loops.
Double Crochet 3 Together (dc3tog): YO, insert your hook into stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. You should have 3 loops on your hook. YO, pull through 2 loops, do not complete dc. YO, insert your hook into next stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. YO, pull through 2 loops. You should have 3 loops on your hook. Do not complete dc. YO, insert your hook into next stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. YO, pull through 2 loops. You should have 4 loops on your hook. YO, pull through all 4 loops.


Pattern:This pattern is now exclusively available in the ReCrochetions Presents: Rowan’s Learn to Crochet Sampler Afghan Book. Available in Right and Left-handed Editions (see links -->). The book also contains 4 more simple baby blanket patterns and a newborn hat, and 30 complete step-by-step tutorial.

Notes: Alternating increases and decreases at the top and bottom of each Chevron creates a natural zigzag effect. This stitch makes marvelous afghans, generally leaving lovely points on the top and bottom edges of your afghan. In order to create a square using this stitch, I included a 'cheater' row at the beginning and end using varying stitch height to leave the edges straight while still showing off the zigzags in the rest of the square.

Also note that Dc2tog and Dc3tog can also be called “Clusters”. We will learn more about clusters in Square #8.

First this week, I just have to welcome my friend Brandy's newest addition who arrived last Saturday. She sent me a marvelous photo of herself sitting on the birth ball while in early labor, with yarn in hand, working up her Mini Waves Square. The bright yellow square can also be seen, apparently finished, on the table next to her bed as she shows off her beautiful baby boy. Congratulations, and I feel honored to have my Crochet Along square included in the story of his birth!

Today I am hosting another group of MOMS in my Craft Cafe. I will be providing mochas and lattes, and plenty of toys to keep the little ones hands busy so the moms can have their hands free to crochet. I am really enjoying working the squares up in cotton yarns this week, in shades of pink, brown, and white.