Over the last several weeks I have been doing a lot of work creating new design blocks for charity. These blocks can be used as you see fit to benefit others.
Materials
Cascade Yarn Pacific medium weight yarn, 60% acrylic/40% superwash merino wool (100g/3.5oz/213 yrd/195 m)
Hook size I/9/5.5mm, unless otherwise specified
Block measures 7″ x7″
Columns Block for Charity
Columns Block
Rnd 1: Ch 4, sl st to first ch to create ring, ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, 2 dc in ring, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-5 to join. –12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps
Rnd 2: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st] 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 8 fpdc, 4 bpdc
Rnds 3-8: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, fpdc around next st, (bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st) across to next ch-2 sp, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, fpdc around next st, (bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st) across to ch-2 sp] 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 56 fpdc, 52 bpdc
Over the last several weeks I have been doing a lot of work creating new design blocks for charity. These blocks can be used as you see fit to benefit others.
Materials
Cascade Yarn Pacific medium weight yarn, 60% acrylic/40% superwash merino wool (100g/3.5oz/213 yrd/195 m)
Hook size I/9/5.5mm, unless otherwise specified
Block measures 7″ x7″
Stacked Squares Block for Charity
Stacked Squares Block
Rnd 1: Ch 4, sl st to first ch to create ring, ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, 2 dc in ring, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-5 to join. –12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps
Rnd 2: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, bpdc around each dc across to ch-2 sp, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, bpdc around each dc across to next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 12 bpdc, 4 ch-2 sps
Rnds 3-7: Rep Row 2. –16 dc, 92 bpdc, 4 ch-2 sps
Fasten off, weave in ends, block.
Shell Corner Block for Charity
Rnd 1: Ch 4, sl st to first ch to create ring, ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, 2 dc in ring, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-5 to join. –12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps
Rnd 2: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –20 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 8 ch-1 sps
Rnds 3-6: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc across to next ch-1 sp, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc across to next ch-1 sp, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –84 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 8 ch-1 sps
Crochet Unspoken Words, the free pattern. Often I find that crochet can speak emotions when I cannot, and it really does speak from the heart. At times when I am overwhelmed emotionally I can easily find my fingers and hands nimbly moving a hook with yarn to work through my feeling and sharing them with others.
I know that I am not alone in this feeling. Many use crochet for charity and gift giving, however I recently found myself crocheting due to natural disaster.
When I learned my friend lost her home during the Northern California Caldor fire this last August I felt at a loss. My heart was heavy for the undertaking she was facing, so I created an afghan to wrap an eternal hug.
Unspoken Words Throw
Just some pattern insight
I know that many find themselves in similar situations, so I thought I would share the pattern. It is a 2 row repeat just changing the straight edge stitches from single to double crochet, while having the same stitches used at the “valleys” and “peaks” of this ripple pattern. The colors are alternated between three colors, there is no need to cut the yarn, just carry it up the side (learn how here).
Unspoken Words Throw
Finished size: approximately 55”x55”
Materials
K/10 1/2 /6.5mm crochet hook
Medium Weight yarn in 3 colors, 600 yrds of each color. (Sample created in Plymouth Encore 75% acrylic, 25% wool (100g/3.5oz/200yd) yarn, 3 skeins each of color #848, 1204, 1232)
Special Stitches
Back Loop 3 double crochet together over center (blodc3togcenter)– yo, insert hook into back loop of next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops, yo insert hook into top of decrease worked 2 rows below, yo pull up a loop, yo pull through 2, yo, insert hook into back loop of next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull up 2 loop, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook.
Step One: yarn over, insert hook into first back loopYarn over, insert hook into top of decrease 2 rows belowYarn over, insert hook in last back loopCompleted Back Loop 3 double crochet together over center stitch
Abbreviations
ch(s)=chain(s)
sc= single crochet
blodc= back loop double crochet
blosc= back loop single crochet
blsc2tog= back loop 2 single crochet together
bpdc= back post double crochet
fpdc= front post double crochet
sk= skip
st(s)= stitch(es)
rep=repeat
Crochet Unspoken Words -the Free Pattern
Row 1: Ch 160, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 6 chs, 3 dc in next ch, sc in next 7 chs, [sk 3 chs, sc in 7 sts, 3 dc in next ch, sc in next 7 sts] rep 8 times, change color, turn.
The (fpdc, bpdc, fpdc) around the next stitch….
The Repeat Begins
Row 2: Ch 2, working back loops, blodc in next st, blodc in next 6 sts, (fpdc, bpdc, fpdc) around next st, blodc in next 7 sts, [blodc3togcenter, blodc in next 7 sts, (fpdc, bpdc, fpdc) around next st, blodc in next 7 sts] rep 8 times, dc2tog, change color, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, blsc2tog, blosc next 6 sts, (fpdc, bpdc, fpdc) around next st, blsc in next 7 sts, [blodc3togcenter, blosc in next 7, (fpdc, bpdc, fpdc) around next st, blsc in next 7 sts] rep 8 times, sc2tog, change color, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3, changing colors every row, alternating between three colors, until desired length.
Crochet Unspoken Words, the free pattern
Edging for Crochet Unspoken Words free pattern
Worked sc evenly around entire afghan. Fasten off, weave in ends.
Do you hear the Music? Happy National Crochet Month! I am part of the annual Crochetville Blog tour to celebrate the event. This year the theme is Crochet Concert and features how music can be an inspiration, as my inspiration I have created a Music Tapestry Block to Celebrate crochet.
I Celebrate Crochet with Music
As my contribution to this tour I have created a Music Block. Use this block for various things including as a contribution to Warm Up America.
Music Block
You can donate to Warm Up America as a nationwide organization. Donating locally is encouraged, however donations can be sent to their office to be assembled. Assembled blankets will be donated through the United States.
Tapestry Crochet to Create Music
The Music Block gives you an opportunity to learn Tapestry Crochet. Tapestry Crochet is a technique of color work that has you crocheting over the unused color. This reduces finish work and creates a solid, somewhat dense, fabric.
Tapestry Crochet is worked entirely in single crochet with color changes.
Worked entirely in Singe Crochet (Double Crochet if you are using UK terms). Worked with a chart, where each block is 1 stitch. Just remember to work back and forth in the chart, meaning read right to left for odd number rows and left to right for even number rows. (Needs tips for changing color…check here).
Crochet over the unused color, and carry it across. This reduces finish work while creating a charted design.
Enjoy this technique, and take some time to celebrate crochet this month.
Music Block
Gauge
Gauge: Square measures 7”x 9”
Materials
Medium weigh yarn, two colors (A), (B)
I/9/5.50 mm crochet hook
With Color B, chain 24, sc in 2nd ch from hook. Follow chart for design.
Help me help local communities by creating blocks for Warm Up America, by making 1 block for yourself and 1 for a community project with this free pattern, so 1 your Me and 1 for You. This block, Solid Crochet Lattice, will help build your skills and looks great. I just ask that make one for donation.
Donations can be made to Warm Up America as a nation wide organization. They encourage local donations, but will also except donations to be sent to their office so that blocks can be assembled and then blankets can be donated through the United States.
Even if you do not want to participate with Warm Up America, please consider creating blocks, or blankets for your local community. There are various places in every community that accept donations.
The Solid Lattice Block
This block uses 2 double crochet stitches worked together, as they are in a decrease, but over a space of stitches and rows below the working row (utilizing a front post stitch). This creates a raised texture to the fabric that has a trellis like effect.
This stitch pattern reminds me of fancy pastry techniques, but maybe that is because I have caught many baking shows as of late.
Gauge
Gauge: Square measures 7”x 9”
Materials
Medium weigh yarn, two colors (A), (B)
I/9/5.50 mm crochet hook
Special Stitches
Front Post Double Crochet 2 Together (fpdc2tog):Yo, insert hook around indicated stitch inserting from the front to back of post, returning hook from back to front of fabric , yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2, yo, insert hook into next indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 3 loops on hook.
Solid Lattice Block
With Color A, ch 24
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. -23 sc
We repeat a simple stitch a bit…
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, change to color B, turn.
Focus on something different…
Row 4: Ch 1, back loop single crochet (blsc) in next 2 sts, [working around posts of stitches in Row 1 fpdc2tog over post 1 stitch behind working loop, skip 1 post and complete stitch around next post, blsc in next 2 sts,] repeat 7 times, change to color A, turn.
Location of the first fpdc2tog stitch in Row 4Completion of Row 4
Row 5: Ch 1, working in the unused loops 2 rows below dc in next 2 sts, [hdc in next st, working in unused loops 2 rows below dc in next 2 sts] repeat 7 times, change to color B, turn.
Working in the unused loops 2 rows below…the stitch locationThe wrong side of the fabric….the end of Row 5
Row 6: Ch 1, blsc in same st, fpdc around fpdc2tog 2 rows below, blsc in next 2 sts, [fpdc2tog around fpdc2tog 2 rows below, blsc in next 2 sts] 6 times, fpdc around fpdc2tog 2 rows below, sl st to last st, change to color A, turn.
The stitch locations of the fpdc2tog in Row 6
Row 7: Ch 2, hdc in same fpdc, working in unused loops 2 rows below dc in next 2 sts, [hdc in next st, working in unused loops 2 rows below dc in next 2 sts] 6 times, hdc in next st, dc in unworked loop 2 rows below, change to color B, turn.
Row 8: Ch 1, blsc in next 2 sts, [fpdc2tog around fpdc2tog 2 rows below, blsc in next 2 sts] repeat 7 times, change to color A, turn.
Have you noticed the bit of pattern…all odd rows worked in color A and making a back ground…
Row 9: Ch 1, working in the unused loops 2 rows below dc in next 2 sts, [hdc in next st, working in unused loops 2 rows below dc in next 2 sts] repeat 7 times, change to color B, turn.
Rows 10-24: Rep Rows 6-9.
Edging
Rnd 1: Join with B to any corner, working around edges of block, sc evenly working 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off. Weave in ends
