Quilt Ladies Square- Moogly CAL 2021

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I feel really honored to be beginning the year by joining the Moogly CAL and I am sharing my Quilt Ladies Block! This is a great way to learn new skills and make an afghan over the year. Check out all the squares here.

This year my square was inspired by a couple of my students, “The Quilt Ladies”. Kim and Sandy, took up crochet a couple of years ago and have added it to their fiber arts tool box. Both avid quilters, they are active in their local quilt guild. With this background they bring their eye for color and detail to the skill of crochet.

Quilt Ladies Block

The detail of crochet can really shine with these crossed post stitches that are dramatically set off by a rainbow of colors behind really create a quilted effect, and memorable design.

Materials

  • Red Heart With Love medium weight 100% acrylic yarn
    • #1720 Blush(A),
    • #1001 White (B),
    • #1907 Boysenberry (C),
    • #1562 Jadeite (D),
    • #1304 Santorini (E)
  • Hook J/10/6.00mm

Gauge: 12”x 12” square (30.5 x 30.5cm)

Notes

All even number rows have crossed front post stitches.

All front post stitches that are worked in rows below current working row, are worked around other post stitches of the same color.

Slip stitches are worked between all post stitches.

To work over slip stitches in odd number rows, insert hook into same stitch location as slip stitch is worked. To keep even stitch height pull yarn loop up just slightly higher.

Count rows on the wrong side of work to aid in keeping track of location.

Weave in ends as you go.

Lets Get Started

Rnd 1: With A, ch 6, 3 dc in 6th ch from hook, [ch 2, 3 dc in same beg ch] 2 times, ch 2, 2 dc in same beg ch, sl st to join. Fasten off. -4 ch-2 sps (corners) -12dc

Quilt Ladies Block Row 1

Rnd 2: With B, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sk next 2 dc, fpdc around next st, sl st in st just before st worked, fpdc in 1st sk st, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sk next 2 dc, fpdc around next st, sl st in st just before st worked, fpdc in 1st sk st] 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. – 4 crossed fptr/fpdc sts, 4 sl st, 8 sc

Row 2, skipping stitches to create the first leg of the cross
Row 2, working in the first skipped stitch, creating the cross
Finished Row 2

Notice we are back to the first color of the Quilt Ladies Block

Rnd 3: With A, join with standing dc in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, dc in next 2 sts, working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, [(dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts, working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts] 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -28dc

Row 3, working over the slip stitch
Row 3, pulling to the loop of the stitch that is working over the slip stitch
Finished Row 3

Changing to the Main Color…

Rnd 4: With B, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in st just before st worked,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, fpdc around next st, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st,[(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in st just before st worked,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, fpdc around next st, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st] 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. – 8 crossed fptr/fpdc sts, 12 sl st, 8 sc

Row 4 skipping stitches and working post stitch
Row 4, the completion of 1 side of the square
Finished Row 4

We are working on the background

Rnd 5: With C, join with standing dc in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next st,] 3 times, dc in next st , {(dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st] 3 times, dc in next st} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -44dc

Finished Row 5

NOTE…here is a slightly different way to explain how to skip stitches…but with the same concept

Rnd 6: With B, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd dc,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd st,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st,] 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -4 crossed fptr sts, 8 crossed fptr/fpdc sts, 20 sl st, 8 sc

Finished Row 6

Working on the background again

Rnd 7: With C, join with standing dc in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next st,] 5 times, dc in next st , {(dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next st] 5 times, dc in next st} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -60dc

Finished Row 7

Back to the row of crossed stitches

Rnd 8: With B, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd dc,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, [fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts] 2 times, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st, {(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd st,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, [fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts] 2 times, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st,} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -8 crossed fptr sts, 8 crossed fptr/fpdc sts, 28 sl st, 8 sc

Finished Row 8

A New Color

Rnd 9: With D, join with standing dc in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next st,] 7 times, dc in next st , {(dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next st] 7 times, dc in next st} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -76dc

Finished Row 9

We return to the same pattern of crossed stitches

Rnd 10: With B, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd dc,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, [fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts] 3 times, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st, {(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd st,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, [fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts] 3 times, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st,} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -12 crossed fptr sts, 8 crossed fptr/fpdc sts, 36 sl st, 8 sc

Finished Row 10

Setting more background

Rnd 11: With D, join with standing dc in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next st,] 9 times, dc in next st , {(dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next st] 9 times, dc in next st} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -92dc

Finished Row 11

Are you seeing a pattern…

Row 12: With B, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd dc,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, [fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts] 4 times, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st, {(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd st,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, [fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts] 4 times, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st,} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -16 crossed fptr sts, 8 crossed fptr/fpdc sts, 44 sl st, 8 sc

Finished Row 12

Another new color

Row 13: With E, join with standing dc in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next st,] 11 times, dc in next st , {(dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st dc in next st, dc in next st] 11 times, dc in next st} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. –108 dc

Finished Row 13

More main color crossed stitches

Row 14: With B, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd dc,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, [fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts] 5 times, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st, {(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sk next 2 dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below, sl st in 2nd skpd st,  fpdc in 1st sk st, sk 1 dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk next 2 dc, [fptr around next post st 2 rows below, sk 1 dc, sl st in next dc, fptr around post st 2 rows below and behind current st, sk next dc, sl st in next unworked st, sk 2 sts] 5 times, fpdc around last dc, sl st in st just before st worked, fptr around post 2 rows below and behind current st,} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -20 crossed fptr sts, 8 crossed fptr/fpdc sts, 52 sl st, 8 sc

Finished Row 14

We finish up…

Row 15: With E, join with standing hdc in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 2, hdc in same sp, hdc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st hdc in next st, hdc in next st,] 13 times, hdc in next st , {(hdc, ch 2, hdc) in ch-2 sp, hdc in next 2 sts, [working over sl st hdc in next st, hdc in next st] 13 times, hdc in next st} 3 times, sl st to join. Fasten off. -124 hdc

A Continuous Granny Square

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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.

My Head and My Hands are Disconnected

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As we enter a New Year, I always find myself reflecting on the previous 12 months. This time I found some interesting understandings that I had overlooked; disconnect between my head and my hands.

With the constantly changing dynamics of 2020 I needed to keep my hands busy. I needed to keep a rhythm and flow of yarn in my hand, yet I had difficulty designing. My mind did not want to count stitches. It did not want to think of stitch patterns or colorways. My mind did not want to plan, my hands just wanted to move.

What I realized is something that has always been part of me, that I am most creative when I am calm. This was something that was constantly in peril in the last several months. I have been mentally juggling various situations in various days. Handling the changes of focus that have been tossed my way daily has made its effect, as most of the designs that I released in my pattern line have been designs that I had designed earlier.

However, I have been finding a new way to focus artistically. I have been rediscovering things that inspired me as a child. I stumbled across various little trinkets that had held my attention when I was younger. A couple of mismatched barrettes that I always thought were so pretty. A picture on a playing card, just a couple of kittens, but the monochromatic feel always captivated me. Even some fabric that my mom had purchased to make me a sundress. The dress was never made, but I always smiled when seeing the little rows of yellow roses.

This has helped me feel grounded. I still may not feel like my designing muscles are ready to fully flex, but at least I feel like there is a way to calm my mind for an artistic focus…so maybe I can find a happy medium between my head and my hands.

Crochet & Knit Pattern Bundles- JUST FOR ME!

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When the year ends and I look to the next with eager eyes and a clean slate, I want to be inspired with some new crochet and knit projects. I want to make something JUST FOR ME! (and a crochet & knit pattern bundles are fabulous to get me started)

I am not alone in this sentiment. So I joined 40 of my crochet designer colleagues and created the Crochet for Me Bundle. Then I joined joined 15 of my knit designer colleagues and created the Knit for Me Bundle.

The Crochet for Me Bundle is chock full of 56 individual patterns (while the Knit for Me Bundle as 28 individual patterns). Never before offered in a bundle or for free, that will give you a wide range of patterns that will suit you from head to toe.

All sorts of patterns are included from hats and earwarmers, to sweaters and shawls, a skirt, socks and slippers, and even a pillow for your lounging pleasure. There is a ton of selections in these crochet & knit pattern bundles!

The Just for Me- Crochet for Me Bundle

I have 3 designs in this limited edition bundle.

Dragon Scales Beaded Fingerless Gloves are a great project. Use only a bit of yarn, are adorned with beads to feel perfectly special.

Diamond Scales Fingerless Gloves

The Watershed Bruges Top helps take your crochet to another level. Created entirely in a single strip of Bruges lace, worked in a spiral all the way around the bodice.

Watershed Bruges Top

The Summer Rays Drop Stitch Wrap is takes your yarn to a new level. Created with a unique stitch, the Drop Stitch or Mock Hairpin Lace. There is no loom, no special tools, just your hook.

Summer Rays Drop Stitch Wrap

Get all 56 patterns featured in this bundle for only $27. That’s less than 50 cents per pattern! But the offer is only available through December 31, 2020, 11:59 PM Eastern, and it absolutely will not be extended nor repeated.

Get the CROCHET FOR ME BUNDLE!!! -JUST FOR ME!

The Just for me- Knit for Me Bundle

I have 1 design in the Knit for Me Bundle, but it is a favorite. Interlude Shawl is a fabulous piece of lace. It works up with one skein on large needles to create a completely scrumptious design.

Interlude Knit Shawl

You get all 28 patterns featured in this bundle for only $17. That’s less than 61 cents per pattern! But the offer is only available through December 31, 2020, midnight Eastern, and it absolutely will not be extended nor repeated.

Get the KNIT FOR ME BUNDLE!!!– JUST FOR ME!

Want to see what else is included?

If you purchased these patterns individually they would cost you well over $200. Buying from a coalition of designers instead of a huge publisher, you know that your money is going where it’s needed; – into the pockets of your favorite designers so they can keep on creating the patterns you love to make.

Get Both the CROCHET & KNIT FOR ME BUNDLE and SAVE!

If all of that is not enough to convince you you need this bundle here’s one more great thing. Gain access to the patterns you ALSO get a file with extra discount codes. Codes for additional products offered by some of our amazing designer friends. And there’s a 15 day money back guarantee so you have absolutely nothing to lose.

So spend some of that holiday cash, support the community that you love, then put your feet up and crochet something fabulous for yourself as you watch 2020 go out the door! You deserve it!

Don’t miss out! Time is Limited….these bundles are only available until the end of 2020….get Crochet for Me, Knit for Me or Both….

Just to be completely transparent….This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive compensation if you purchase using the above links.

1 For Me, 1 For You- Solid Crochet Lattice Block

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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 4
Completion 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 location
The 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