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
Help me help local communities by creating blocks for Warm Up America,
by making a block for yourself and one for a community project with this free
pattern. I will be creating a new block every few weeks and sharing it with
you, I just ask that make one for donation.
Warm Up America is a nationwide organization that
encourages 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.
Rolling Along Block
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.
Rolling Along Block
Working the Catherine’s Wheel
Catherine’s Wheel is a
classic crochet stitch that works one row of shells over a row of decreases to
create a circle or wheel look. I have made a couple of changes to the classic
pattern. For starters instead of working a single crochet after completing the
shell or decrease, I work a slip stitch. I find that this help prevent
“gapping” that occurs in the chain 3 area.
Working a dc9tog, you will have 10 loops on the hook.Yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook.Slip stitch worked after the chain 3, to secure the decrease.Working a decrease on the corner, dc5tog.
I should also point out
that I work the shells in “the center of the decrease”, this is the biggest
opening. However it is really not the completion of the decrease stitch, but
the third chain. I feel that working here emphasizes the “center”, when working
in the actual point of completion just looks a bit wonky.
Work the Shell in the center of the decrease, it creates a “hole”.Working a shell at the beginning of a row means working in the center of the decrease.
I do have an exception
to this, and that is when finishing a row with a shell it needs to be worked in
the top of the turning chain to keep the edge straight. This will be just over
from the “center”.
The “exception” the last shell is worked in the top of the turning chain, this helps to keep a straight edge.
Gauge
7”x9” rectangle
Materials
Medium weight yarn, in
2 colors MC (main color), CC1
K/10 ½/6.5mm crochet
hook
Special Stitches
Double crochet 4 together
(dc4tog): Working over the
next 4 sts, [yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through
2 loops] six times, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook.
Double crochet 5 together
(dc5tog): Working over the
next 5 sts, [yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through
2 loops] six times, yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook.
Double crochet 9 together
(dc9tog): Working over the
next 9 sts, [yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through
2 loops] six times, yo, pull through all 10 loops on hook.
Note:
Change colors without fastening off the yarn. Instead carry the yarn along the edge, and it will be hidden in the edging round. Here are some tips for do it.
The Pattern
With MC Chain 25
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sk 3 chs,
9 dc in next ch, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch] three times, change to CC1, turn. –(3)
9 dc shells, 5 sc
Row 2: Ch 3, dc4tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3,
dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3,
dc5tog, turn. – (2) dc9tog, (1) dc4tog, (1) dcs5tog
Row 3: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, sl st in next sl
st, 9 dc in center of dc9tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in center of dc9tog, sl
st in next sl st, 5 dc in top of turning ch-3, change to MC, turn. (2) 9 dc
shells, (2) 5 dc shells
Row 4: Ch 1, sl st in same st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch
3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3,
sl st in last st, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sl st in same st, 9 dc in center of
dc9tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in center of dc9tog, sl st in next sl st, 9
dc in center of dc9tog, sl st in last st, change to CC1, turn.
Row 6-13: Rep Rows 2-5 twice.
Row 14: Rep Row 2. Fasten off.
Edging
With color MC, sc in
each st across, 3 sc in corner, work evenly sc around block working 3 sc in
each corner. Finish off.
This is always the time of year that I take stock of what
the last year has brought. Honestly, it helps me realize that I am not just spinning
my wheels, I really am doing things!
Teaching
For example, this year I have taught 53 classes at my local yarn store (not including private lessons), I have taught 16 classes at 5 different national events. Four classes at DFW Fiber Fest in April (find me there this year teaching the CGOA Masters Day), four classes at the Jimmy Beans Wool annual retreat in June, two classes for the Northern Illinois Chapter of CGOA in May, five classes at the Crochet Guild of America annual Chainlink Conference, and a class for a unique on-line conference, Stitch Markers Live.
This is part of the contributing factors of my 10 trips in
26 weeks that really kept me on my toes. Some were business networking, some
were educational, and some were teaching. But all were really enjoyable.
Retreats
I also started day long crochet retreats. Celebrating my first event at a local winery; getting a tour, enjoying learning about wine and crocheting, a grat day was had by all. I have the second event is already on the calendar for the end of January this time at a chocolate shop. Find information to join me here.
Crochet with Linda at the Winery, August 2019
Designs
I didn’t just sit back when it came to designing. I only had 8 designs in freelance publications, but I created 15 designs, 4 for sale in my pattern line, the rest are either free patterns on my website or available for purchase in kits with various retailers.
Charity
I also started an afghan block pattern line to encourage people to learn a crochet stitch and help a national non-profit, Warm Up America. Warm Up America utilizes volunteers to put these blocks together and donate afghans to those in need. I have created 7 blocks this year, and continue to strive to create a new block design every few weeks.
Newsletter
Another large event for me, was actually pulling it together and creating a monthly newsletter. I highlight what has been happening in the month prior and what I am excited about in the month to come. This has really helped me to stay focused and reflective. If you haven’t already, sign up to receive it here.
Volunteering
Then in the midst of all this teaching and creating, I have continued to lead the Crochet Guild of America, as its President. That means monthly Board meetings, and keeping volunteers moving forward with various initiatives and undertakings. Working with 6 other Board members to help spread the word of crochet, preserve its heritage, and encourage more learning.
Home Life
I have juggled this with scheduled power outages to prevent
forest fires. With the busy calendars of my two kids, be it sports, band or 4H
there is never a dull moment. In addition I have juggled all the running of a
household as my husband has had to work increasingly demanding work hours. I know
that this is nothing new for women, but it is worth remembering that it takes
time and has value.
The Decade
I was considering taking a look at where life has taken me
in the last 10 years, but really a decade ago to now, is almost not recognizable.
I made new friends, I lost people I care about. I was working in the field of
Social Work for the older adults. My children were just starting school, my husband
had human being work hours, and I was not in a position to even imagine that I would
be self-employed in working in crochet. It is like a completely different world,
and leaves me really wondering where the next ten years will take me.
Help me help local communities by creating blocks for Warm Up America,
by making a block for yourself and one for a community project with this free
pattern. I will be creating a new block every few weeks and sharing it with
you, I just ask that make one for donation.
Warm Up America is a nationwide organization that
encourages 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.
String of Stars Block
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.
Star Stitches
This block is used working
star stitches. Star stitches are similar to working a decrease over several
stitches, but instead of over several stitches it is over various parts of
adjacent stitches. Pulling up many loops in many places creates this unique
looking stitch, in this block I have you working 2 different types of star
stitches. One star is big and full over yarn overs to create a dynamic
appearance, while the lighter star is does not have yarn over, and few loops,
but creates a great textural effect, and in my opinion looks cute pall stacked
upon one another.
Gauge: 7”x9” rectangle
Materials
Medium weight yarn, in
3 colors MC (main color), CC1, CC2
K/10 ½/ 6.5mm hook
Special Stitches
Beginning Full Star (BFS): Yo, insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yo, pull through loop, yo insert hook through base (post) of last stain next ch, yo, pull through a loop, yo insert hook into same st as chain, yo, pull through a loop, yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into next hook, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through all 11 loops on hook.
Full Star (FS): Yo, insert hook into eye last star made, yo, pull through loop, yo insert hook through base (post) of last star, yo, pull through a loop, yo insert hook into same st as last base (post) of last star, yo, pull through a loop, yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into next hook, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through all 11 loops on hook.
Loop placement for the Full Star Stitch (the placement is the same as the Light Star, but a Yarn over is worked between each inserting of the hook).After pulling through all the loops, you chain 1, this creates an “eye” at the center of the stitch
And the Smaller Star
Beginning Light Star (BLS): Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yo, pull through a loop, insert hook in next ch, yo, pull through a loop, insert hook into same st as chain, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through all 5 loops.
Light Star (LS): Insert hook into eye of last star made, yo, pull through a loop, insert hook through base (post) of last star, yo, pull through a loop, insert hook into same st as last post of last star, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through all 5 loops.
Row 5: Change to MC, ch 1, 2 sc in same st, sc
in each ch-sp across, turn. -27 sc
Only work in the chain space when working the next row on a row of Light Star Stitches
Row 6-13: Rep Rows 2-5 twice.
Edge
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in sc in same st, sc in each st
across until 1 st remains, 3 sc in last st, working over row ends evenly sc
across to beg ch, 3 sc in last st, working in unused loops of beg ch, sc in
each chain across, 3 sc in last st, working over row end evenly sc across, 2 sc
in last st, sl st to beg sc, fasten off.
