EA can make a difference!!! - Page 2

MiracleMax · #41 09-13-2006, 12:28 PM

I haven't done any yet.

I keep forgetting about it. Now that it's cooling off though, I should have more time. Hopefully.

**theworm**[$] · #42 09-13-2006, 12:51 PM

Thanks Max!

If anyone objects to changing to squares, let me know.

I can do squares faster than rectangles. Working with some TLC yarn now (a project for Brian's mom) and I love it! Would make beautiful squares.

**lynnzop**[$] · #43 09-22-2006, 07:03 PM

Make up your mind! I bought yarn today and I'm attempting.

**pippadaisy**[$] · #44 09-22-2006, 07:51 PM

What is granny style?

**lynnzop**[$] · #45 09-22-2006, 08:54 PM

Okay, I'm sort of getting the hang of it. I think I'm going to rip out what I've done, what started as 8" has now shrunk to 6".

I think this square is male.

**theworm**[$] · #46 09-22-2006, 10:38 PM

LOL
Granny style is when you work from the center out. I can post directions if anyone likes. You can do a square by going back and forth in rows, or just go around and around.

I think I'm going to declare it for 8" squares because I think its easier - especially for beginners.

I'll give the rectangle I did to Michael's for Warm Up America.

**lynnzop**[$] · #47 09-22-2006, 11:54 PM

Okay, I did another and it went from 8" to 12". DEFINITELY MALE.

So I ripped it out (again) and started over. This one's much more even and it's just slightly over 8". Will that be a problem Wormie or can you work with that???

Hubby came into the house and asked "What are you knitting?" I quickly corrected him that I am crocheting and proceeded to blame it on Delia. He just laughed.

It's about 3" wide so far. It's actually kind of addicting once you get the rhythym going. But not addictive enough that I am going to become a yarn-aholic.

**theworm**[$] · #48 09-23-2006, 05:50 PM

It's fine, Lynn!
I'll make it work - not to worry!
And if anyone makes one that's a little too small or a little too big, it can always be used in another project. There are always charity needs.

I really think the joy is in knowing that it's going to someone who needs it and will appreciate it. I fall in love with some of my projects - most of them are just ok, but when I hear that they went to someone who appreciates them - that's what its all about.

**theworm**[$] · #49 09-23-2006, 06:56 PM

For any of you who would like to participate, here is a whole bunch of links to patterns for 8" squares.

If you would like to be involved, and are new to crochte or a bit intimidated, let me know and I can try to find you a simple pattern. You may choose to do simple basic single crochet back and forth to make a square of simple rows.

I can help you with a basic cluster granny square.

And if you look at the page of patterns that I linked, you'll find tons, below are some that I think are not overly complicated and better for beginners.

Julie's 8 inch Lady Square -- A Free pattern from the JPF Crochet Club

Dayna's Crochet

X-Stitch & DCs Sampler

Dayna's Crochet

Later tonight I will do a very basic square in rows, and I will post the stitch count and instructions for anyone who wants to try but is a bit intimidated by some of these patterns.

Remember - it's about the giving - not about how complicated a pattern is. Simple is magnificent! This is a gift from the heart!

**lynnzop**[$] · #50 09-23-2006, 08:17 PM

Okay, it's done.

It's still attached to the skein...NOW what the heck do I do with it?

It's blue, white, black and grey and actually doesn't look 1/2 bad. I even had someone at karate say it was really good. (They are obviously not experts!)

**theworm**[$] · #51 09-23-2006, 08:35 PM

Lynn, I'm sure its lovely!

to finish it off - cut the yarn a few inches from the square and on your last stitch pull it through and it will knot. Then use a large eyed needle or your hook to weave the tail through the last row of stitches to hide it.

**lynnzop**[$] · #52 09-23-2006, 10:00 PM

'k.

I was just glad I got it done before I ran out of yarn. I was really frightened that I'd have to call you and ask how to add another skein.

How many squares do you need to make one afghan? I have time, and since I did figure out what I was doing, I might just make a couple more.

**theworm**[$] · #53 09-23-2006, 10:24 PM

as many as anyone can make will be used.
I'm working on a simple one that I'll post a photo of for beginners, and I'll do several more. Depending on how many squares we have we can make an afghan or 2 lapghans or whatever.

**theworm**[$] · #54 09-23-2006, 11:02 PM

Ok - some basic instructions.

If you don't know how to crochet, and would like to start, there is a lot of instructional information on the web.

Our own Bridgette gave some good instructions here. It looks like the photos that were in her thread are gone, so you may also want to look at this site for basic instructions to make a chain and single crochet stitch.

A chain is the base row of stitches that you need to start almost any crochet project. Once you can do a simple chain, with just single crochet you can create a pretty square.

Here is one that I made using just single crochet (sc):
sc rows.jpg

To make this square I used Caron Super Soft Yarn and a 6.5mm hook.

I started with a chain of 29 stitches
at the end of the chain, turn your work and do a single crochet (sc) in the first stitch from your hook. Work sc stiches down the entire row - you will have 28 stitches.

At the end of the row: chain 1, turn your work, and crochet 1 sc in each stitch across - 28 sc

Work back and forth until you have an 8" square.

My square is 36 rows long.

The exact number of stitches across and rows that you need may vary based on how tight or loose your stitches are. Use a ruler to check the size of your square.

Note- the length of your original chain is NOT the width of your square. Your chain initially will be slightly shorter. You will need to measure after your first row of sc and you may have to adjust a bit. My chain was 29 stitches and that should be a good starting point, but do not be conerned if you need to add or remove a few stitches from your starting chain.

When I finished my square, I did a row of single crochet all the way around the perimeter of the square to give it a more finished look. If you choose to do this (it is not necessary) do one sc in each stitch across the top and bottom, and on sc in each row along both sides. Be sure to do 3 single crochets in each corner! this will help the piece lay flat.

At the end - finish off by cutting your yarn a few inches from the last stitch and pulling the end through your last stitch. Then use your hook or a large eye needle to weave the tail through the stitches of the last row.

I used peach and pale yellow yarn and chose to do a few random stripes. This is not necessary. In a patchwork afghan, it is nice to have some solid squares and some multi-colored. If you want it to look a bit more fancy, you can use a varigated yarn or a self-striping yarn.

The important thing is to have fun.

Please send me as many 8" squares as you like. I promise you that someone will be thrilled to receive this blanket.

**theworm**[$] · #55 09-23-2006, 11:11 PM

The other basic type of square is called a Granny Square.
It starts from the center and works in rounds outwards to create a square. I struggled to make my first granny square because I didn't get that it was worked out from the center. The key is to put extra stitches in each corner to maintain a square shape.

Some basic instructions are here.
Here is a basic 8" square I made for this project.

By the way - while it looks like it may be more complicated - once you get the idea of how to do a granny square, it is MUCH faster to complete than a square made from basic rows of SC.

MiracleMax · #56 09-27-2006, 09:05 AM

Woo-hoo! Got one and a half squares done last night. Nick may hate you Wormie, I'd forgotten how addicting this can be.

It's funny, but picking it up last night after not doing it for at least a year or more, I was suprised how quickly I remembered how to do it, and it was actually easier for me (especially starting it) than it was before. Plus when I first learned, I learned "wrong," but now I can't figure out what I was doing when I first started, but I know I'm not doing it the same way b/c my square doesn't look like my half-finished blanket. I think I'm doing it "right" now, but I kind of wish I could remember how I was doing it b/c it was actually really neat, plus I'd like to finish the blanket. I'll play around with it some more tonight and see if I can figure it out, b/c I thought of something this morning on my way in to work. I'll see what I can do.

But anyways...I'll have a couple squares to send you. I need to pick up some more yarn though, b/c right now all I have is black, and it's kind of boring.

**theworm**[$] · #57 09-27-2006, 09:33 AM

Yay! Thanks Max!

I did another of those flower squares last night, but I only had dark colors and I don't like it. It's right though. I'm going to send that one to the other lady for her charity (and another prettier color one) and then make some more squares for us.

**lynnzop**[$] · #58 09-27-2006, 07:41 PM

I went to Michael's and got beads today.

And two skeins of yarn.

Damn you, Wormie.

**theworm**[$] · #59 09-27-2006, 08:17 PM

MiracleMax · #60 09-28-2006, 10:48 AM

Finished up the second square yesterday. If we stop at Wally World tonight, I'm going to pick up something more fun than my boring black.

**theworm**[$] · #61 09-28-2006, 11:11 AM

I can't wait to see all the squares! This is going to be wonderful!