63 Squares Crochet Along

[Julie]

I'm about 7/8 of the way through #12 and will have to frog all of it. For some reason I must have forgotten how to use my tape measure. It's only about 3/4 of an inch smaller than the rest of my blocks. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/frown.gif" /> Where was my head! Gah! Luckily I like the block, but gee whiz I don't really want to have to start it over. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/mad.gif" />

[Donna]

I've done a lot of frogging, too. Especially on that darned #5 (front and back loop hdc). LOL, I should have called this The Great Frog Along! :rollin

 

I just finished #7, so I will be starting on #8. We'll see how it goes. I kinda like front post, not sure about back post.

[Tiffany]

Oh my, just wait until #11... My wrist hurt for a few days after that one. It's a row of FPDC followed by a row of BPDC, completely horrific experience. But, I've moved on to the Cluster Square (not sure of the number). I'm not going in any order. It depends on my "color" mood at the time, and I choose a square according to the color that I want to work with.

 

Hmm.. talking about the squares makes me want to go and start working on one.

[Julie]

Did your #11 curl up like a tube when you were finished it? I blocked it but it still wants to argue with me. I'm so glad it's done. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/eyes.gif" />

[Tiffany]

It did! I just hope that when it's joined to others it decides to lay down like a good square should.

[Julie]

I'll take a hammer to it if it doesn't. Maybe back the car over it. Steamroller? <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif" />

[Guest morici]

well all i can say is that you ladies sure are tenacious. sounds like square number 11 is even worse than 4. :evil

[Karen C.]

Hi Ladies,

 

Just dropping a note to let ya know that I've completed 1-7! I don't like that I am constanly changing hooks, but this crochetalong is such fun:clap

 

Karen

 

56 squares to go!

[annette414]

I *hated* #11! My edges look horrible on that one - and yes, it does want to curl up

 

I'm on #24, I think..."Climbing Shells." I'm also being obstinate and *not* changing hooks I may not end up with the same square arrangement as called for as I'll be matching up sizes

[Donna]

I finished 4, 5, 6, and 7 and have posted pics on my blog! :woohoo

[Julie]

They look beautiful Donna! <img border=0 src="http://members.aol.com/dustkittys/hug.gif" />

[JPorter718]

Hi everyone...

I've decided to give this crochet-along a whirl! <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif" />

I'm hoping the squares won't be too difficult for a beginner like me <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/eyes.gif" />

 

I am going tomorrow to buy the book and yarn, so that I can get alot done this weekend... my question is,

what type of yarn did you all buy? Red Heart, Lion Brand, Caron, etc? I'm not sure what kind to buy and I'm not advanced in crochet to know the different kinds and what is best for an afghan like this.

 

Appreciate your opinions <img border=0 src="http://members.aol.com/dustkittys/hug.gif" />

[Julie]

Hi Jayme!

 

I'm using two colors of Red Heart Super Savers and one of TLC Expressions. Donna (yarn tomato) is using Patons Decor. I'm coveting her yarn selection and she knows it. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif" /> Most I think are using acrylics, some are even using more than three colors to reduce their stash. I would personally stick with the four ply worsted weight yarns, like the Red Heart SS. Some of the three plys would be too soft and the squares probably would be difficult to work up.

 

Feel free to shoot out questions, we all love to help! <img border=0 src="http://members.aol.com/dustkittys/hug.gif" />

[Tiffany]

Jayme,

 

I'm so glad you're joining us! I think for a beginner, this might be a perfect project to venture into new stitches. And as Julie says, if you ever need help, ask away.

 

I'm using Red Heart SS because I felt guilty about spending what I wanted on yarn for it (I was originally planning on a wool blend) and I happened upon colors that I thought would make a wonderful combination. Plus, I like using acrylic when I'm learning new stitches. It seems to be more forgiving when I have to rip out mistakes.

 

Good luck, but be careful, this crochetalong is slightly addicting.

[Donna]

Hi, Jayme! So glad you're joining us! :woohoo

 

Julie and Tiff gave you awesome info about yarn. I would only add a couple of things.

 

If you choose Red Heart Super Saver, your squares will probably come out a little bigger than 7 inches. That's fine, as long as all your squares are the same size. If your best shot at the first square is, say, 7 and 3/4 inches, and you like it, then you can just make all your squares that size. If your squares are bigger than 7 inches, you will use more yarn than called for in the pattern. But if you're using yarn with no dye lot (like Red Heart SS) that's no big deal becaue you can just go buy more. If you're using dye lotted yarn you want to be sure to purchase enough and some extra just in case.

 

I haven't had any problems frogging away (ripping out) with my 75% acrylic, 25/% wool Patons Decor.

 

Have fun and keep asking questions! We're here

 

P.S. Thank you, Julie!

[Guest Paula]

Hi Jayme!

 

I'm glad to see another beginner is trying this. I was up to square #10 and realized they were all different sizes. Thanks to help here, I realized I need to use different size hooks for the different squares. I'm up to square #7 again and so far they are all 8 inches with the edging! I do think this particular afghan will be good for me to learn the different stitches and techniques, but I don't know if I will ever get it done! I'm using Caron Simply Soft and sticking to the colors suggested in the pattern.

 

Good luck!

 

Paula

[Guest Paula]

I'm having a terrible time with #8 square, the Chevron Relief Stitch. After row 12, it says repeat row 10 (after sc across), but the Chevron just won't line up right. Does anybody know what I'm doing wrong?

 

Thanks,

 

Paula

[Donna]

That is a tough square, to me. I'm on that one right now. Maybe you could post a pic of what you've done to help us figure out why it's not lining up? Without seeing it, it's hard to say.

[Guest Paula]

Okay, the only way I know how to show the pic is through my Yahoo account:

 

photos.yahoo.com/aluap_1

 

Go the the Crochet/Chevron album.

 

As you can see, the chevron doesn't show up well. The last row on top is sc, the row before that is the last row with the FPdc. They don't match up with the previous FPdc, although I did hdc in the first 5 sc as the patterns states for row #14 (which is a repeat of row #10). The chevron is supposed to start turning back here, but it won't do it!

[Karen C.]

That square gave me fits last night! I had to frog it twice and I still don't think it's right, but I preceeded on and it will be part of my afghan as is! I think this one is going to be one of those I have to block to size. If I have enough time later, I MIGHT do it over.

 

Karen

55 more to go!

[Tiffany]

I'm currently working on this square too around a few rows past. I had a problem with lining up the chevrons until I started counting my stitches. I don't have my book in front of me, so forgive me if I write numbers off - I think at the repeat of row 5, you do 5 hdc, and then the 2 FPDC. If you count, you'll have the turning chain and five hdcs, and then you'll be doing the FPDC around the hdc before the chevron and then you do the next FPDC around the first FPDC.

 

I hope that's a little understandable. I just realized that my chevrons will point in the opposite direction of everyone else's because I'm left handed. I tried to explain it by writing the way you will be coming upon the rows.

 

I hope this helps!

[Donna]

Paula, I can't figure out from the photo why your rows aren't matching up. From what I can see it looks ok. Did Tiff's advice help?

[Guest Paula]

Donna, I'm so annoyed with #8, I'm going to skip it and go on to #9. I thought I was doing what tiff said, but it just won't come out.

 

I'm off to Pennsylvania in the morning. My daughter is going to be induced (a week late) for our first grandchild on Monday! I'm hoping I can check in here from her computer over the next week.

 

I really appreciate everyone's help!

 

Paula

[Donna]

Sounds good to skip it. That square's not pretty enough to fuss over too much. Hope everything goes well on your trip.

[annette414]

I'd skip it if it was causing me that much aggravation. You've got 62 others one to pick from...because I *very* much doubt anyone would notice if there are 2 of a couple in here.

 

I'm on #25. Seriously considering skipping all the popcorn squares...that's by far my least favorite pattern