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 Rectangle #2 (make 4)
Note: This stitch pattern is the same as the stitch pattern for square #7.
Row 1: Ch 14, sc in second ch from hook, * skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch–shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch); repeat from *, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (shell in next sc, sc in next dc) 2 times, turn.
Rows 4-16 or same number rows as square #7: Repeat rows 2-3, ending with row 2.
At end of last row, fasten off.
Practically did this one with my eyes closed. It was so easy to complete after doing square 7.
I FINALLY got started! I work for the state & this is a holiday. I had 2 of the Caron One Pound in rose – decided to do all the squares in that, with the complimentary rose ombre & something else for trim. But frustration hit! Using an "I" hook ("J" would be better for this yarn except it would make it even bigger unless I started with a shorted chain), the 1st square turned out OK, tho' more like 7.75". BUT after only a couple of rows, square 2 was only 6"! I ripped it out, started over & got the same thing. I'm going to have to rip out again & add some stitches to the starting chain – or give up! My g'mother taught me to crochet when I was about 6 or 8, & even after I became legally blind 6 yrs. ago, found I can still crochet! But this has got me stumped! Grrr! blindedbyinsight.blogspot.com
Keep going Netagene, you will find the edging has a lot of give and helps with slight discrepencies. Carolyn does give the measurement , multiples at the bottom so you can increase or decrease as needed on each one, too.
This is a nice switch to do the rectangles in between. so much fun!
Thanks, Kath. Like I said, I've been crocheting since I was young (look at me on blindedbyinsight.blogspot.com), but 25% of the whole thing? Whoa! I'm going to try one more time tonight – morning comes too early because I ride paratransit and the driver is at my house a little before 6! I'm a real bag lady when I go to work because I always take crocheting or knitting with me, and a "hug light" to use on the bus. I may be on the bus from 45 minutes to 2+ hours!
Yeah square 2, rows 2 or 3 is only about 2 inches or so not 6 for sure Netagene lol Im sure you'll figure out what was going on! I'd get so sick crocheting on a bus or car! lol
Hi Netagene,
Don't worry about your gauge–just go for it with whatever hook makes your work look nice. I'm going to be offering some more suggestions for ways to join the squares and rectangles for those who want different sizes–just count yourself in that category and use one of the alternative arrangements when it comes down to it, if necessary. In the meantime please, just have fun crocheting the squares and rectangles and edgings–or if you prefer, make only the squares. Or only the rectangles! And it will be equally pretty to make multiples of the squares you like best instead of making them all.
Sometimes I add to a starting chain then cut off the extra when I'm done, leaving enough to weave in. That way you don't have to worry about having exactly the right number or missing one of the chains etc.
I hope this is helpful and I know you will get going.