This blanket is called “Variations on a Theme” because as I worked on stitch swatches, I found myself wanting to create many variations of one basic stitch pattern just to see how far it could go. It’s a stitch sampler blanket using many of these patterns.
Here are all the CAL posts:
First post: Variations on a Theme CAL
Edging instructions for squares
Edging instructions for rectangles
Variations on a Theme Edging for Squares
Instructions for edging squares we have made so far (we will refer to these as the large squares):
Rnd 1: Join contrasting color with sc in any corner, * ch 3, sc in same st, (ch 2, sc) 10 times evenly across side ending with last sc in next corner; repeat from * 2 times; ch 3, sc in same st, (ch 2, sc) 9 times evenly across side, ch 2, join with sl st in first sc. You should have 10 ch-2 sps along each side plus 4 ch-3 corner sps. Fasten off.
Rnd 2: Join next color with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, * (ch 1, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp) across to corner, ch 1 **, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner; repeat from * around ending last repeat at **, join in top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off.
There will be a final round added to each block after we finish all blocks; the final round will be used to join all blocks together.
A note about color: I’ve gone completely random with all my color placements, but I did toy with the idea of using a single color (I was thinking red) for round 1 of the edging on all blocks. I still think it would be striking but ultimately decided not to do it. I haven’t joined my blocks yet and may use red to for the final joining round. Probably not, though. I’m liking the randomness. I am, however, trying for a even color balance across all blocks–in other words using each color at least for one square, and one each of the two edging rounds.
Will you be posting pictures of your blocks with the edging?
Teresa
o i hope so. i can't wait to see carolyn photo of her blocks and her edgeing.
patricia
Do we block before the edging? Can you provide tips for blocking? Thanks!
I'm edging my two row in Winter White as I want a quilt look.
I have to wonder… am I the only one struggling with these patterns? I have bought a gorgeous yarn in a single colour to make my afgan, but I haven't been able to finish any of the squares. I've never had this much trouble with a pattern before. Urgh!!! I am so disappointed!
Ok, I'm glad I just went around two squares as I'm taking the white off and going random. I really love that look!
Cassid, I have no problems with the blocks, just deciding what colors to use! I think I would like to use one color with the differnt rounds in color, that would be cool.
Thanks for the pictures. Your's look great. I like the random colors too. Although I am sorta using a theme of blue and browns.
Teresa
Wow, I am at a stand still. I can't decide, set my mind on edging colors. So Im stuck at the moment. Thats a weird place to be :/
Hi everyone– sorry to hear you are having trouble cassied. Perhaps the pictures I posted will help. As far as blocking– no need to block these before adding the edging. I'll be blocking before joining the finals together and will post some blocking instructions of my preferred blocking method (steam). Mine look blocked and straight because we tape them down from underneath so the photos look pretty!
Kath, I found a nifty website: http://colorschemedesigner.com/ for coming up with color schemes. Can't wait to play with it more.
Carolyn… How many are there going to be total? Any idea what finished dimensions are?
LOL Carolyn you are such an enabler, I love you *off to play with colors*
I love, love , love this edging! It is so much easier than trying to "smoosh" stitches into sides to make them look even. That always looks so messy, this is a brilliant way to make it nice and neat.