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.
There are days I need to get into a rhythm with my crochet and the continuous granny square helps me do that.
It does not require counting. It does not require joining, it just keeps going in a spiral. This is prefect for creating scrap squares, of entire scrap blankets.
What I like most is that I do not have to think about the motion of my hands. Anytime I reach a corner, I put in a corner, any time I find a side, I work a side. It really is that simple.
Where I found this technique
I learned about this square judging a “Fastest Hook” competition at a CGOA conference. The continuous granny square was worked by all participants, as it really does lend itself to speed.
A Continuous Granny Square
To make it all you have to do is start the beginning of a circle just like you always would. The first round of a granny squares as 4 sides made up of 3dc each, and 4 corners. The last corner is worked differently creating the spiral.
Lets get started
Round 1: Ch 4, 2 dc in 4th ch from hook, [ch 3, 3 dc in same ch] 3 times, ch 6. DO NOT JOIN ROUND
The four side of Round 1 Chain 6 and skip the join, work into the next corner
Round 2: Skip over the next 3 dc, and [(3dc, ch 3, 3dc) in next ch-3 sp (corner made), ch 3] rep 3 times, (3dc, ch 3, 3dc) in ch-6 sp, ch 3. DO NOT JOIN ROUND
Worked with scrap yarn…worked a corner into the ch-6 sp, to finish Round 2.
To work all subsequent rounds, work a corner (3dc, ch 3, 3dc) in a corner, work 3 dc a side in ch-3 sp, and make sure that you ch 3 between all blocks. It is that easy.
For a visual chart reference….
To help ensure that you end with an actual square, I mark the ch-6 sp, as this is the same corner of the square that I would end at to have even sides.
At finishing, I will work the beginning tail up the side of a dc at the ch-6 sp and make a connection between the 2 un-joined sides in Round 1. This ties it all together and makes it look like traditional granny squares.
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
Today I am sharing a quick bag, the Chinese Lantern Bag works up in 1 skein, and since the yarn is super bulky it does not take much time to complete. Yet in the end you get a cute bag that any girl, or woman would enjoy. It is that “goldilocks” size, not too big and not too small, it is “just right”.
Manos del Uruguay Franca super bulky weight, 100% superwash merino (114 yrds/105m/5.3 oz/150 g), 1 skein; colorway F9019 Duende
N/9.00mm crochet hook
Notes:
This bag is made by bringing the corners to the center and touching each other. The sides between the adjacent corners are then seamed part way.
Handles as attached at the corners.
Lets crochet the Square for the bag
Rnd 1: Ch 4, 2 dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, [3 dc in same ch as previous, ch 1] 3 times, sl st to top of beg ch.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, bldc in next st, fldc in next, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp (corner made), [fldc in next st, bldc in next st, fldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp] 3 times, sl st to top of beg ch.
And Rnd 3: Ch 3, bldc in next st, fldc in next st, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp} 3 times, bldc in next st, sl st to join.
Still working on crocheting the square bag….
Rnd 4: Ch 3, [bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, fldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp} 3 times, fldc in next st, bldc in next st, sl st to join.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp]} 3 times, bldc in next st, fldc in next st, bldc in next st, sl st to join.
Almost there…
Rnd 6: Ch 3, [bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, fldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp} 3 times, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] twice, sl st to join.
Rnd 7: Ch 3, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp]} 3 times, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] twice, sl st to join.
Almost done crocheting…
Rnd 8: Ch 3, [bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, fldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp} 3 times, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] 3 times, sl st to join.
Rnd 9: Ch 3, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp]} 3 times, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] 3 times, sl st to join.
Joining the sides…
Joining corners Rnd 10: Ch 1, fold corners together that hook is between, insert hook into same stitch as join and the stitch folded next to it, sc in this stitch, inserting hook through both sides of the fabric, sc in next 5 sts, only working through 1 fabric, sc in next 4 sts to corner, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner, sc in next 4 sts, [fold corner just worked to next corner, working through both sides of the fabric sc in next 5 sts, only working through 1 fabric, sc in next 4 sts to corner, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner, sc in next 4 sts] rep 3 times, sl st to join, fasten off.
Making the handles
Handles: Join to any corner, ch 5, sl st to the corner directly opposite, fasten off. Repeat for the other two corners.
I have begun decorating candy canes with lace to help get into the mood for a great holiday season.
Honestly, I am not a fan of the candy cane. It is a candy that I usually pass on, but I have a couple of candy canes that have decorated my tree for decades. A friend created these decorated candy canes and I treasure them.
Candy Cane Lace Solid Shells and Lacy Loops
I want to share my own approach to these decorations to help adorn your tree or even a package or gift. Since it is a simple two row pattern that you can be altered and personalized many ways it is great way to spread cheer.
Materials
#10 Crochet Cotton Thread (or a lace weight yarn)
C/2/2.75mm crochet hook
The First Row- Creates the Woven Strip
Row 1: Ch 55, dc in 6th ch from hook, [ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st] across.
Make a chain as log as the candy cane working an odd number (basic candy cane works at 55 chains)DC in the 6th chain from the hookChain 1, skip 1, dc in next chain, across. This is the ladder bade that the candy cane will weave through
Option 1- Solid Shells
Round 1 Option Solid Shells: Ch 1, working around the last dc st or Row 1, sc around post, ch 1, 5 dc around same post, ch 1, sc around same post, turn to work over beginning ch, [5 dc in next ch-1 sp, sc in next ch-1 sp] across to end, ch 1, working around the end ch-5 loop, 5 dc in same space, ch 1, sc in same sp, turn to work over the top of Row 1, 5 dc in next ch-1 sp, [sc in next ch-1 sp, 5 dc in next ch-1 sp] across, sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
To start the shell lace, sc 5 dc sc in the end of the laddersc in the next ladder rung, 5 dc in the next ladder rung, sc in the next ladder rung, across to the other end and repeat all the way around the other sideSolid Shell Lace
Option 2 Lacy Loops
Round 1 Option Lacy Loops: [(sc, ch 5, sc)] 3 times around last dc, (sc, ch 5, sc) in each ch-1 sp across to other end, [(sc, ch 5, sc)] 3 times around beg ch-5 loop, (sc, ch 5, sc) in each ch-1 sp across, sl st to join. Fasten off.
To start Loops end work sc ch 5 sc, 3 times in end of the laddersc ch 5 sc in each rung aroundLacy Loops
Finishing Up
Weave in ends and weave candy cane through the spaces or Row 1.
