New crocheted afghan

That time of year again, and with the "fun" we're having Canty, it's nice having something to do that doesn't require electrity, LOL.

Working on a "to-keep" afghan this time, using Moda Vera Cardellino yarn--got lots of compliments when working on it waiting for hubby's surgery (yes, another attempt at getting his kidney stones and another "fail" /sigh/), but I have to say, when you're working on a blanket that's wide enough to hang down an inch or so past the mattress of a queen-sized bed, the skeins don't go very far! Have about 3 feet of the length done. Legs are toasty while working on it!

Diane

Pic please!

I'm about to start crocheting a bassinette-sized blanket made of lots of different coloured squares. It's for my future (first) grandchild, due in December. I usually knit for hats/cardies etc for babies, but thought that I'd start of with a bassinette-sized blanket, then add extra bits to expand it to a cot-sized blanket, then increase it to a single-bed-sized blanket; that way my grandchild will be reminded of his/her nana whenever he/she sees the blanket.

yes please photo!

I'll try to remember to post pix of the finished product. I learned to crochet yonks ago as a girl, never did anything with it until I was pregnant with my son and 'relearned' the skill. Made a simple pattern baby blanket as well as the squares for another blanket...which finally got sewed together for my daughter, 10 years later. LOL Didn't pick up a hook again until my first (and only so far) granddaughter, made a toddler sized free-form blanket using what we call double-crochet in the US (think it is triple crochet here), and then one for the stepgrandson. Somewhere, I've a pix of the round blanket I made my daughter last year.

The easiest/fastest way of making a blanket is to count out the width you want it, and then just stick to a single stitch, LOL. I use variegated yarn, so that makes the 'pattern'. Using 2 threads can also make a blanket 'cushier'.

Diane

I'm more of a knitter than a crocheter so end up with bits and bobs of yarn left over from projects. I started to crochet a blanket with these bits. Basically a huge granny square. I just keep adding on to it and keep going around. Its kind of fun looking at the colours as I can recall whose jumper that yarn was for or whose baby blanket that pale yellow was for. I guess you would call it a 'memory blanket'! LOL!
Cheers!
Dianne

What's an afghan? (Apart from a dog, a biscuit, or someone from Afghanistan?)

A type of blanket. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_%28blanket%29

Diane

I envy people who can crochet or knit. I was never taught as a child. I haven't got a clue how to start now

Kai...not sure where you live but most places have avid art/craft groups. Usually the spinners and weavers are great knitters & crocheters as well. Something to check out? Also, there are great self teaching books out there. I am still trying to work out my crochet stitches...thats why I keep going around in circles. If you have an Op shop near you they usually sell inexpensive knitting needles and yarn...give it a go! Quite relaxing on these long winter evenings. Cheers! Dianne

Plus if you're near a Spotlight, they have semi-regular "knitting" parties, where people just come in, sit down, work on current projects, etc.

DM, I've realised I've forgotten a lot of my stitches. If you go to youtube, and search whatever crochet stitch you're wanting (i.e, popcorn stitch), you should be able to find one. I drew a blank the other week on the way a decreasing stitch was worded, when I was working on a hat for my daughter, and found a video that confirmed what I thought it was saying

That said, I'm still looking for a decent flower pattern. It needs to be somewhat large (going on a hat) and "airy", as I want showcase the contrast in colour between flower and hat. I'm now on my 6th pattern and still not happy with the amount of hat colour showing (or well, not showing) thru'.

Diane

If you are looking for patterns try here on ravelry (you will have to register first) www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#view=cap...&sort=createdhttp:// and search for flower

Have fun!

Yeah, have trawled thru' there, that's where I've found the majority of the flower patterns I have.

Diane

This website has some nice crochet flowers

I recently made a hat from one of her recipes and I get comments every time I wear it.

i too am envious on the crochet front.. my MIL did the most fantastic fine work with the thinnest thread and hook.. it was like lace..my best effort, like above, i am a knitter.. so had lots of weird and wonderful yarns floating around.. got out the old hook and started making giant granny squares..
i have the warmest queen sized blanket ever.. its also a kalidiscope of scary clashing colors
i chose to do squares and sew together rather than one big piece, so i could take it around with me.. i would sit in on meetings at work crocheting away, on the bus, waiting for the bus.. just everywhere... very theraputic and addictive

I'm slowly working my way down the thread and hook size, LOL. I have ambitions to make a really lacy shawl I just got a pattern for, but that will require a much smaller hook than what I usually use.

The problem with pieces, for me, is that it is soooo boring to sew them together--that's why my son's second blanket became my daughter's first...took me 10 years to get around to putting the pieces together! LOL

I have one of those cloth bags, like they give out at Supre, to carry my crochet work for like the times I'm at hospital waiting on hubby to go thru' whatever kidney stone treatment is in the doc's bag of tricks.

Diane