Crochet Along Clue 10

The crochet along is finished!

I've had a few surprises along the way and I've done several new (to me) techniques so I feel that this was definitely worth doing. There are several techniques that I will likely do again on another project. 

I expected something else to be done or added to the blocks as there are, in addition to the typical holes one has in a granny square, there are those corner chain accents (green).  These are anchored in the corner but each section of  the loose chain laying on top of the base block is about 2" long - big enough for an adult to get a finger or fingers caught in, much less children. Though it's a lovely piece to look at, I don't think it very practical to use as an afghan. 

So. . . I'm glad I didn't make all the blocks needed for an afghan. I've learned from quilt mysteries I've done to do just a small piece rather than the large project.  When the finished product isn't seen until all the parts are completed, sometimes I'm very pleased and sometimes I'm disappointed in the finished result. With this project, it's a little of both. 

What about this piece? It is approximately 25" square. Unlike a quilted piece, it's too flimsy for a wall hanging. I'll likely use it as a table topper. 

Crochet Along Clue 9

For this week's clue I was expecting to add something to the body of this piece. Instead the directions in clue 9 called for 2 additional rows of border. I tried the last row, following the instructions for double crochet 5 together but was not pleased with the results. This row was very ruffly and  curly  and very thick and heavy compared to the afghan body. So I pulled that off and tried something else. This time I substituted popcorn stitches rather than the double crochet 5 together. The edge of the piece still doesn't lay as flat as I'd prefer but it's much better and doesn't feel as heavy and thick. 

On Tuesday, the last clue will be posted. I'm looking forward to seeing and doing the conclusion of this crochet along.  

Crochet Along clue 8

Today clue 8 of the Mystery Afghan Crochet Along came out. This week the directions are for an edging consisting of 2 rows - a sc row and a crossed triple crochet row. What a great way to edge an afghan or piece of crochet!  With crochet thread, it would be great as an edging on a towel or hanky. What about on dish towels? Oh, great use for the balls If size 10 thread I have which ,for me, is too big to tat with.  The options are many. 

I wasn't surprised for the border to be this week. Since this is a mystery, we who are doing the crochet along are still wondering what we'll do on the top with those parts that appear to still need something else. 

Even though I've only done a table mat size using what scrap yarn I had and not an afghan, I'm glad that I did this crochet along. I've learned so much!  Things like adding to the top of a granny square, joining blocks with a braid and this lacy looking (even with yarn) edging. 

Crochet Along clue 7

As previously mentioned, clues 6 & 7 came together and with clue 7 being the connecting of blocks, I decided to make 3 more blocks. That way I had 4 to connect to one another.

Clue 7 gave directions for a braid method of connecting the blocks and it was on this clue that the long corner chains got anchored. My 4 blocks measure approx 18" square. There are 3 more clues, one of which will include a border. This will be a good size to use as a table topper on my coffee table.

I really like this method of connecting blocks. It really looks nice where I used the pink and green. The shades of pink aren't contrasting enough for the braid colors to show up nicely. I'll keep that in mind when I use this technique again.

Now it's time to put this away and await the next clue. 

Crochet Along Week 6

On Tuesday the new crochet along clue came out on the Yarnspirations.com site. Actually, they combined week 6 and 7 so there will be 2 weeks before the next clue. 

This is my block after adding the clue for week 6. The week 7 clue is to do this round on another square while joining to this square and continuing until all the blocks/blocks  are done. 

Oops!  By choice, I was not doing an afghan but following along to learn new techniques and procedures. I'm doing that and want to continue. So, I'm making 3 more blocks so that I'll have a total of 4 blocks to put together. It'll make a nice size sample and I think I'll be able to follow along on all the steps. I'll post another photo when the blocks are assembled following the directions for week 7. 

Crochet Along Week 5

Another clue was posted on Yarnspirations.com for the Afghan Mystery. This was a very quick easy step consisting of 4 shells attached to the center of the block. I have the shells pushed flat against the block but they will also stand up, resembling the petals of a tulip. This has been an interesting project. It's a very intricate crocheted block. 

Crochet Along

Here's what my block looks like after finishing the week 4 additions. There are still those loops in the corners to do something with and I'm thinking there will be more added to the center and the outside. But . . . We'll see.