RAR Blanket CAL: Part 9

Hello Rainbow CAL-ers and welcome to the 9th and FINAL part of the Over the Rainbow Blanketj-CAL which I am hosting alongside Andrea of Kokopelli (Link to Andrea's Post:  PART 9)

This week we will be crocheting a neat little border around our blankets.

PREVIOUS POSTS:

Introduction

Layout

Part 1
Traditional Granny Squares

Part 2
Wheel of Time Squares

Part 3
Over the Rainbow Squares

Part 4
Bring Me Flowers Squares

Part 5
Some Days are Diamonds Squares

Part 6
Ribbons of Hope Vertical Stripe

Part 7 
Cobbled Pathways Vertical Stripe

Part 8
Horizontal Stripes

NOTE:  Links to all CAL-related posts can be found in the "Files" on the Zooty Owl Crochet-a-long FACEBOOK GROUP

(Please join the Crochet-a-long Facebook Group if you are participating in my CALS.    Share your photos, ask questions, help fellow CAL-ers and make some new crochet friends!)

It is not too late to join in - the patterns will remain on my blog.

Happy hooking!!!

BORDER AND EDGING

PATTERN TERMS:    US

YARN:  Elle Charity Chunky (12 ply).   Stylecraft Special Chunky is an excellent quality / great value alternative yarn.

HOOK SIZE:  5.50mm (I/9 US or 5 CANADIAN)

ZOOTY’S TIP:  I use a hook 1 size smaller (5.00mm;  H/8 US or 6 CANADIAN) to work my border and edging.   Individual tension may affect the “straightness” of the border. 

NOTE:  Gauge is not too important with this project. Yarn thicknesses vary somewhat from brand to brand as do the tensions of individual crocheters.  The most important thing is that your tension remains even throughout the project.

COLOURWAY:   Each crocheter may choose his / her own colour layout - colour changes / breaks are suggestions only.

Border and Edging is worked on the RS of your work.

IMPORTANT:  Read through pattern before starting to crochet. 

SPECIAL STITCHES:

Rsc - reverse single crochet or Crab stitch: with right side facing, insert the hook, from front to back, in the next stitch to the right, grab yarn and draw through under the first loop, yo and draw the yarn through the 2 loops on the hook

Dc Spike – double crochet spike "Explanation and How to"

STITCH COUNTS
To obtain a straight border each corner space counts as 1 stitch.    Each join counts as 1 stitch.
It is essential that you have an even number stitch count at the end of Border Round 1.

Stitch counts must match for the right side and left side.    Stitch counts must match for the top and the bottom.

After you have worked the border along the top of the blanket, lay your work flat. 

If you have any “wave” you will need to reduce your stitch count (remove an even number of stitches by removing evenly spaced stitches worked into joins).     If you find your work is “puckering” you will need to increase your stitch count (increase by an even number of stitches by working an additional stitch into evenly spaced joins).

Make sure you duplicate any increase or decrease of sts when working along the bottom of the blanket, as top and bottom stitch count should be the same.

Repeat the process after you have worked along the left side of the blanket.   Make sure you duplicate any increase or decrease along the right side of the blanket, as stitch count for each side should be the same.

Round 1:  With RS facing, work a standing dc into the top right hand corner 2ch of the blanket, work (1dc, 2ch, 2dc) into same 2ch sp, working along the top of the blanket, first square 1dc into every st, 1dc into corner, vertical stripes, 1dc around post of sc row, *2 dc around next dc post, 1 around next dc post* rep from *to* around posts of all edge stitches ending with 1dc in last row, 1trc into loop of join, second square 1dc into corner, 1dc into every st, 1dc into corner, 1trc into loop of join, center panel, 1dc into each stitch, 1trc into loop of join, third square, 1dc into corner, 1dc into each st, 1dc in corner, 1trc into loop of join;

vertical stripe:  **1dc around post of first row, 2dc around post of next row** repeat from **to** around posts of the rest of the edge stitches, ending with 2dc around post of last dc row, 1 dc around post of sc row, last square, 1dc in corner, 1dc in each st across to the top left hand corner (2dc, 2ch, 2dc).

Continue down left side of the blanket, work 1dc into the top of each st, when you reach a corner on a square 1dc into corner, 1trc into loop of  join, 1dc into corner on next square.   Repeat across all squares.  (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) into bottom left hand corner.

Work along the bottom repeating instructions as for top.

Work up right side repeating instructions as for left side and end with a sl st into standing dc, fasten off.

Round 2:  Work a standing dc into any dc on any side.  1dc into each dc along all four sides;  (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) into each 2ch corner.   Ending with a sl st into standing dc.   Fasten off yarn.

Round 3:  Work a standing dc in top right hand corner 2ch;  (1dc, 2ch, 2dc) into same 2ch,  *skip 1sp, 2dc into next sp (you are skipping 2dc each time)* repeat *to* to next 2ch corner (2dc, 2ch, 2dc).  Repeat along all four sides ending with a sl st into standing dc.  Fasten off yarn.

Note: all 1dc spike in Round 4 are worked into corner 2ch and spaces of Round 2

Round 4:.  Work a standing dc in top right hand corner 2ch sp.  (1dc spike, 2ch, 1dc spike) into corner 2ch of Round 2, 1dc into corner 2ch *skip 2dc, 1dc into space between 2dc group, 1dc spike into sp between dc of Round 2* repeat *to* to next corner, 1dc into 2ch corner, (1dc spike, 2ch, 1dc spike) into corner space of Round 2, 1dc into 2ch corner.   Repeat along all four sides omiting last corner.  Sl st into standing dc.  Fasten off yarn.

Round 5:  Join yarn in any dc, ch 1, work a rsc into each dc.   Into each corner 2ch space work 3rsc.   Sl st into first rsc.   Fasten off yarn.

RAR Blanket CAL: Part 8

Hello Rainbow CAL-ers and welcome to Part 8 of the Rainbows After the Rain Blanket CAL (which I am hosting with Andrea of Kokopelli.

While reorganizing my craft room two weeks ago I pulled out a few odds of  DK blended yarns to make a blanket based on the RAR layout.

Yarns used:   Stylecraft Batik, Stylecraft Life;  Elle Rustica;  Stylecraft Alpaca Tweed and Elle Classic Wool (acrylic / wool blends) and Elle Cotton Fleck (acrylic / cotton blend)

Hook size 4mm.

Colours:   Reds, Browns, Camel, Teals, Black, Grey, and Blues 

I replaced the Some Days Are Diamonds squares with 4 round traditional granny squares;   the Bring Me Flowers Squares with 4 round solid grannies;   and the Over the Rainbow squares with large granny squares.

As long as the replacement squares are the same size and have the same end stitch count it is very easy to fit them into the design.

Part 8 is the penultimate instalment of the Rainbows After the Rain Blanket CAL.   This week we will be completing the centre panel (Over the Rainbow Squares and stripes) and joining all the panels together.  

Link to Andrea's Post:  PART 8

Still to follow:   Part 9 (Final) -  5 September 2017.   Border and edging.

NOTE:  Links to all CAL-related posts can be found in the "Files" on the Zooty Owl Crochet-a-long FACEBOOK GROUP

(Please join the Crochet-a-long Facebook Group if you are participating in the CAL.    Share your photos, ask questions, help fellow CAL-ers and make some new crochet friends!)

It is not too late to join in - the patterns will remain on my blog.

Happy hooking!!!

HORIZONTAL STRIPES & JOINING

PATTERN TERMS:    US

YARN:  Elle Charity Chunky (12 ply).   Stylecraft Special Chunky is an excellent quality / great value alternative yarn.

HOOK SIZE:  5.50mm (I/9 US or 5 CANADIAN)

NOTE:  Gauge is not too important with this project. Yarn thicknesses vary somewhat from brand to brand as do the tensions of individual crocheters.  The most important thing is that your tension remains even throughout the project. 

COLOURWAY:   Each crocheter may choose his / her own colour layout - colour changes / breaks are suggestions only.

STRIPES are worked alternating right side and wrong side of your work.

IMPORTANT:  Read through pattern before starting to crochet. 

Step 1:

Following the Rainbows After the Rain Blanket Layout decide on the placement of your two Over the Rainbow Squares.    We will refer to the two squares as “top square” (TS) and “bottom square” (BS).   This distinction is particularly important where you have a specific colour placement.

2 sets of stripes are crocheted onto each Over the Rainbow Square, giving you two short panels which are then joined together to form the centre panel.

To obtain a straight border each corner space counts as 1 stitch

Stitch Count :  (1ch, 2dc) corner + 33dc (side) + (2dc, 1ch) corner = 39sts

Onto the top and bottom of each square work Rows 1 to 8 in your own colourway

Row 1:  Join yarn in 2ch corner of WS with a standing dc.  1dc into each of next 37sts; 1dc into corner 2ch.  Fasten off.   Turn work

Stitch Count:  39dc

Row 2:  Join yarn in 1st dc on RS with a standing dc.  1dc into each of next 38sts.  Fasten off.  Turn work.

Rows 3 – 8:  Repeat Row 2 (continuing to alternate between RS and WS).

NOTE:  If you are not changing colour do not fasten off but use 3ch to count as 1st dc at beg of next row

Step 2:

JOINING:  We will be using my VISIBLE JOIN METHOD which is explained in more detail HERE.  The VISIBLE JOIN is a very forgiving joining method, which gives you a pretty “stitched” look on the right side of your work.  (This join is especially useful when joining squares with uneven stitch counts or for crocheters with uneven tension).

With RS of panels facing inward and working on WS join Row 8 of top stripe of BS to Row 8 of bottom stripe of TS (i.e join the middle stripes)

Join yarn with a standing sc through the first dc of both panels.  3ch; skip next 2dc, 1sc into next sp between dc, 3ch;  *skip 3dc posts, 1sc into next sp between dc, 3ch* repeat *to* 10 times more;   skip 2dc, working final sc into last dc of both panels of 8th row.

Step 3:

It is important to ensure that your centre panel lines up exactly as follows:

1st 8 horizontal stripes – line up with 1st 10cm square

Over the Rainbow Square (BS) – lines up with 10cm squares 2, 3 and 4

8 top horizontal stripes on BS – line up with 10cm square 5

8 bottom horizontal stripes on TS – line up with 10cm square 6

Over the Rainbow Square (TS) – lines up with 10cm squares 7, 8 and 9

Last 8 horizontal stripes – line up with 10cm square 10.

To obtain a stitch count equal to that of the side panels, we will crochet a single crochet foundation row along both sides of the centre panel.

NOTE:  In the foundation row as well as working into the sts of the “Over the Rainbow Squares” you will also be working along the sides of the horizontal stripes panels.   The sc will be worked around the “dc post” stitches at the end of each row.

Foundation Row:  Join yarn with a standing sc around dc post of 1st horizotal row.   *2sc around next dc post* repeat *to* twice more;  1sc around next dc post;  *2sc around next dc post* repeat *to* twice more (14sts)

1sc into each of next 39 stitches

1sc around dc post of next horizontal row.   *2sc around next dc post* repeat *to* twice more;  1sc around next dc post;  *2sc around next dc post* repeat *to* twice more (14sts)

*2sc around next dc post* repeat *to* twice more;  1sc around next dc post;  *2sc around next dc post* repeat *to* twice more;  1sc around next dc post (14sts)

1 sc into each of next 39 stitches

*2sc around next dc post* repeat *to* twice more;  1sc around next dc post;  *2sc around next dc post* repeat *to* twice more;  1sc around next dc post (14sts)

Stitch count:  14 + 39 + 14 + 14 + 39 + 14 = 134

*Repeat on opposite side

Step 4:

With RS of panels facing inward join the Some Days are Diamonds Panel to the centre panel, Join yarn in 1st sc of foundation row with a standing sc through both panels.  *2ch; skip next sc, 1sc into next sc* repeat *to* to end, working final sc into last sc of foundation row.

Step 5:

With RS of panels facing inward join the Bring Me Flowers Panel to the centre panel, Join yarn in 1st sc of foundation row with a standing sc through both panels.  *2ch; skip next sc, 1sc into next sc* repeat *to* to end, working final sc into last sc of foundation row.

Step 6:

With RS of Panels facing inward join the foundation row of the Vertical Granny Strip to the foundation row of the Some Days Are Diamonds strip.   Join yarn in 1st sc of foundation row with a standing sc through both panels.  *2ch; skip next sc, 1sc into next sc* repeat *to* to end, working final sc into last sc of foundation row.

Step 7:

With RS of Panels facing inward join the foundation row of the Vertical Cobbled Pathways Stripe to the foundation row of the Bring Me Flowers strip.   Join yarn in 1st sc of foundation row with a standing sc through both panels.  *2ch; skip next sc, 1sc into next sc* repeat *to* to end, working final sc into last sc of foundation row.

Mini Granny Square: Wade's Blanket CAL (Part 4)

Hello and welcome to Part 4 of the Wade's Blanket CAL, hosted by Zooty Owl and Kokopelli Design.

It is not too late to join this Crochet-A-Long!     The patterns will remain on our Blogs - so you can crochet along at your own pace.      

Here are the links so far:

INTRODUCTION 

PART 1 - CIRCLE IN SQUARE GRANNY

PART 2 - TRADITIONAL GRANNY SQUARE

PART 3 - TALL STITCH DAISY SQUARE 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Andrea or me via our blogs (in the comments section).   You can also find us on Facebook:   ZOOTY OWL and KOKOPELLI DESIGN

Please feel free to share your progress photos with Andrea and/or me on Facebook so that we can include your photos in our Gallery!!   (The past two weeks have been hectic here in Zootyland - I will attempt a little update post for the Gallery photos!!)

Today's pattern is:

MINI GRANNY SQUARE:  

PATTERN TERMS:    US

YARN WEIGHT:   DK (8PLY / LIGHT WORSTED WEIGHT)
The amount of yarn required depends on the size of the blanket you would like to make. The one pictured in the photo is 110cm x 110cm - I used just over 600g (1800m) of yarn. A 150cm x 150cm would probably take 800g - 900g. 

For the 110cm x 110cm blanket I used 8 squares each of the first three 12cm x 12cm patterns and 16 squares of the 6cm x 6cm pattern (Part 4) 

HOOK SIZE:   5.00mm

SQUARE SIZE:    6cm x 6cm
Gauge is not too important with this blanket. Yarn thicknesses vary somewhat from brand to brand as do the tensions of individual crocheters. 

The most important thing is that your tension remains even throughout the blanket - this will ensure that your squares will always be the correct size, for example if this square measures 14cm x 14cm then the next two patterns will also measure 14cm x 14cm (instead of my 12cm x 12cm) and the fourth one 7cm x 7cm (instead of my 6cm x 6cm).

Zooty Owl's Colourway:   Denim Blue, Blue, Turquoise, Lime, Bright Green, Lemon and White.

Start with a MAGIC RING
(alternatively crochet 3ch, sl st into 3rd chain from hook to form a circle)


Row 1:   3ch (counts as 1dc),  11dc into ring (12dc);   sl st into 3rd of 3ch at start to close round.   Do not turn work

Row 2:   [3ch (counts as 1dc),  (1dc, 2ch, 2dc) into same place as start 3ch (corner formed)];  [1dc into top of next two dc;  (2dc, 2ch, 2dc into next dc)] x3;   1dc into top of next 2dc;  sl st into 3rd of 3ch at start to close round.    Do not turn work

Row 3:   Join yarn in any 2ch corner space;  5ch (counts as 1dc, 2ch),  3dc into same 2ch space;  [skip 2 spaces (3dc posts);   3dc into next space,  [3dc, 2ch, 3dc into corner 2ch);  skip 2 spaces, 3dc into next space] x3;   2dc into same place as start 5ch;   sl st into 3rd of 5ch at start to close round.   Break off yarn

Make twice as many of these squares as you made for Parts 1, 2 and 3.

I hope you are still having fun with this CAL!     Please join us again in two weeks for Part 5, where we will start making the stripes!

Tall Stitch Daisy Square: Wade's Blanket CAL (Part 3)

Hello and welcome to Part 3 of the Wade's Blanket CAL, hosted by Zooty Owl and Kokopelli Design.

It is not too late to join this Crochet-A-Long!     The patterns will remain on our Blogs - so you can crochet along at your own pace.      

Here are the links so far:

INTRODUCTION 

PART 1 - CIRCLE IN SQUARE GRANNY

PART 2 - TRADITIONAL GRANNY SQUARE 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Andrea or me via our blogs (in the comments section).   You can also find us on Facebook:   ZOOTY OWL and KOKOPELLI DESIGN

Please feel free to share your progress photos with Andrea and/or me on Facebook so that we can include your photos in our Gallery!!

Today's pattern is:

TALL STITCH DAISY SQUARE

PATTERN TERMS:    US

YARN WEIGHT:   DK (8PLY / LIGHT WORSTED WEIGHT)
The amount of yarn required depends on the size of the blanket you would like to make. The one pictured in the photo is 110cm x 110cm - I used just over 600g (1800m) of yarn. A 150cm x 150cm would probably take 800g - 900g. 

For the 110cm x 110cm blanket I used 8 squares each of the first three 12cm x 12cm patterns and 16 squares of the 6cm x 6cm pattern (Part 4)

HOOK SIZE:   5.00mm

SQUARE SIZE:    12cm x 12cm
Gauge is not too important with this blanket. Yarn thicknesses vary somewhat from brand to brand as do the tensions of individual crocheters.  The most important thing is that your tension remains even throughout the blanket - this will ensure that your squares will always be the correct size, for example if this square measures 14cm x 14cm then the next two patterns will also measure 14cm x 14cm (instead of my 12cm x 12cm) and the fourth one 7cm x 7cm (instead of my 6cm x 6cm).

Zooty Owl's Colourway:   Denim Blue, Blue, Turquoise, Lime, Bright Green, Lemon and White.

Start with a MAGIC RING
(alternatively crochet 3ch, sl st into 3rd chain from hook to form a circle) 

Row 1:  3ch (counts as 1dc);  11 dc into circle;  sl st into 3rd ch at start to close (12dc)

 
Row 2:  5ch (counts as 1dtrc) 1dtr in same space as join (2dtr grouping), 2ch;  [2dtr into top of dc  (2dtr grouping), 2ch] x11;   sl st into top of 5ch at start to close (24dtr)

Row 3:  Join yarn in 2ch space between any 2dtr grouping;  3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc into same space as join;   3dc into next 2ch space;    (3tr, 3ch, 3tr) into next 2ch space;   [(3dc into next 2ch space) x2;  (3tr, 3ch, 3tr) into next 2ch  space] x3;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close;    turn work

Row 4:  3ch (counts as 1dc) 2dc into space between groupings;  (3dc, 3ch, 3dc) into corner 3ch;   [(3dc into next space) x3;   (3dc, 3ch, 3dc) into corner 3ch)] x3;   (3dc into next space) x2;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close;   turn work

Row 5:  3ch (counts as 1dc) 2dc into space between groupings;  (3dc into next space) x2;  (3dc, 3ch, 3dc) into corner 3ch;   [(3dc into next space) x4;   (3dc, 3ch, 3dc) into corner 3ch)] x3;   3dc into next space;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close;   turn work

There you have it - The Tall Stitch Daisy Square!!    Make as the same number of these as you made for Parts 1 and 2.

Have fun making your squares and see you again in two weeks with Part 4 of Wade's Blanket.

Traditional Granny Square: Wade's Blanket CAL (Part 2)

Hello and welcome to Part 2 of the Wade's Blanket CAL, hosted by Zooty Owl and Kokopelli Design.

Sadly little Wade lost the battle with cancer.    Rest in peach with the Angels lovely golden haired boy!

It is not too late to join this Crochet-A-Long!     The patterns will remain on our Blogs - so you can crochet along at your own pace.

Here are the links so far:

INTRODUCTION 

PART 1 - CIRCLE IN SQUARE GRANNY

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Andrea or me via our blogs (in the comments section).   You can also find us on Facebook:   ZOOTY OWL and KOKOPELLI DESIGN 

I will be compiling a Gallery of YOUR progress for every post - so please feel free to share your photos with Andrea and/or me on Facebook!

Today's pattern is:

TRADITIONAL GRANNY SQUARE
(With a Twist)

PATTERN TERMS:    US

YARN WEIGHT:   DK (8PLY / LIGHT WORSTED WEIGHT)  
The amount of yarn required depends on the size of the blanket you would like to make. The one pictured in the photo is 110cm x 110cm - I used just over 600g (1800m) of yarn. A 150cm x 150cm would probably take 800g - 900g. 

HOOK SIZE:   5.00mm

SQUARE SIZE:    12cm x 12cm
Gauge is not too important with this blanket. Yarn thicknesses vary somewhat from brand to brand as do the tensions of individual crocheters. The most important thing is that your tension remains even throughout the blanket - this will ensure that your squares will always be the correct size, for example if this square measures 14cm x 14cm then the next two patterns will also measure 14cm x 14cm (instead of my 12cm x 12cm) and the fourth one 7cm x 7cm (instead of my 6cm x 6cm).

Zooty Owl's Colourway:   Denim Blue, Blue, Turquoise, Lime, Bright Green, Lemon and White.

Start with a MAGIC RING;
alternatively crochet 3ch;   sl st into 3rd chain from hook to form a circle

Row 1:   5ch (counts as 1dc, 2ch),  (3dc into ring, 2ch) x3;  2dc into ring;   sl st into 3rd of start 5ch to close.    Do not turn work

Row 2:   sl st into 2ch space;    3ch (counts as 1dc);  (2dc, 2ch, 3dc) into 2ch space;   (3dc, 2ch, 3dc into next 2ch space) x3;    sl st into 3rd of start 3ch to close row.    Break off yarn.  Turn work 

(Note: Andrea changed colors a round later, so she has three rounds white and three rounds in color, but do your own squares as you please.)
 
Row 3:   Working on the wrong side, join yarn in space after corner 3dc;   3ch (counts as 1dc ),   2dc into same space;   [(3dc, 2ch, 3dc) into corner 2ch;   3dc into space between 3dc groups] x3;   ( 3dc, 2ch, 3dc) into corner 2ch, sl st into 3rd of start 3ch to close row.     Turn work

Your square should now look like this on the wrong side (the side you worked Round 3 on):

On the right side it should look like this. This is also the side you will be working Row 4 on:

Row 4:  Working on the right side 3ch (counts as 1dc ),   2dc into same space;  3dc into each space between 3dc groups to corner;   [(3dc, 2ch, 3dc) into corner 2ch;   3dc into each space between 3dc groups to corner] x3;   ( 3dc, 2ch, 3dc) into corner 2ch, sl st into 3rd of start 3ch to close row.    Break off yarn. Turn work.

Row 5:   Working on the wrong side, join yarn in space before corner 3dc;   3ch (counts as 1dc ),   2dc into same space;   [(3dc, 2ch, 3dc) into corner 2ch;   3dc into each space between 3dc groups to next corner] x3;   ( 3dc, 2ch, 3dc) into corner 2ch;   3dc into each space between 3dc groups to start 3dc group, sl st into 3rd of start 3ch to close row.     Turn work 

Row 6:  Working on the right side 3ch (counts as 1dc ),   2dc into same space;  3dc into each space between 3dc groups to corner;   [(3dc, 2ch, 3dc) into corner 2ch;   3dc into each space between 3dc groups to corner] x3;   ( 3dc, 2ch, 3dc) into corner 2ch, sl st into 3rd of start 3ch to close row.     Break off yarn.

Granny squares are so much fun to make and are so versatile too.    Turning your work after every round ensures that your work does not "lean" towards one side.    This way you can just keep going and going and your granny square will remain perfectly square no matter how big you make it!

Have fun making your squares!

See you again in two weeks with Part 3 of Wade's Blanket.