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Monthly Archives: December 2015
Week 9 – Heart to Heart, Circle Star, and JulieAnny’s Stained Glass Afghan Square
We are at the last week of our Afghan Square CAL. Many of you have already completed gorgeous afghans! This week our free square was planned to be Circle Star, part of the Chain Reaction Afghan Project that I designed for an Interweave crochet contest and which appears in a free online e-book but some of you were having a hard time downloading it so I added another free block, Heart to Heart, which debuts here free on the blog. Heart to Heart is only a 9″ block but you can add a few rounds to bring it up to size. 🙂
Our featured paid pattern is the ever-popular JulieAnny’s Stained Glass Afghan Square, with over 560 project pages on Ravelry.
When I had this as a free download one day, it was downloaded 10,000 times! This block has been around for a while and was my first best-seller. Still fun to do and makes a striking result. Here is a recent project that Beth Stanton and her sister completed for their aunt: 
As you finish your squares, you may be looking for ideas on how to join the blocks. My designer friend Margaret MacInnis has a few great tutorials for joining blocks; here is her No-Hook Out method.
Hope you enjoyed Crocheting Along and stay tuned for our next project!
Week 8 Afghan Block CAL – Viva La Vida and Mum in Treble
This week’s free block is Viva La Vida – a fun design that incorporates yo-yos right into the fabric of the piece. Block makes its free debut right here on the blog.
Paid pattern is Mum In Treble, $3.99 on Ravelry or available as part of the 18-pattern e-book. I designed this block as a companion to In Treble, with its many treble clusters. I find a loose hand with the petals gives the best look.
Viva La Vida Afghan Square Free!
Viva La Vida Afghan Square
by Julie Yeager Designs
Materials: Color A: Duckie Color B: White Color C: Eggplant Color D: Pink Poodle Color E: Kelly Green Color F: Magenta Color G: Black
Suggested hook: Size I (5.5 mm)
Special Stitches:
Corner (over two stitches): (2dc,tr) in first st,(tr, 2dc) in second st
Beg. Corner (over two stitches): ( Ch 3, dc, tr) in first st, (tr, 2 dc) in second st
Yo-Yo: 14 dc in next st. After 14 th dc, with right side facing, rotate work clockwise and join with sl st to first of the 14 dc.
Notes: Ch 3 at the beginning of a round counts as a dc. The first round of the three yo-yo flowers are worked into the block, then at the end we go back and add the additional rounds.
Instructions:
Round 1: With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring. Ch 3, 11 dc in ring, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 3, (corner over next 2 st, dc in next st) three times, corner, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off A. (20 dc, 8 tr)
Round 3: Join B with sl to first tr of any corner, Beg. Corner, (dc in next 5 st, corner) three times, dc in next 5 st, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off B. (36 dc, 8 tr)
Round 4: Join C with sl to next tr. Beg. Corner, dc in next 9 st, (corner, dc in next 9 st) twice, corner, yo-yo in next st, dc in next 8 st, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off C. (51 dc, 8 tr, 1 yo-yo)
Round 5: Join D with sl to next tr. Beg. Corner, dc in next 8 st, yo-yo in next st, dc in next 4 st, corner, dc in next 13 st, corner, yo-yo in next st, dc in next 12 st, corner, dc in next 13 st, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (66 dc, 8 tr, 2 yo-yo)
Round 6: Ch 3, dc in next st, (corner, dc in next 17 st) three times, corner, dc in next 15 st. Sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off D. (84 dc, 8 tr)
Round 7: Join E with sc in first tr of any corner, sc in same st. 2 Sc in next st. (Sc in next 21 st, 2 sc in each of next 2 st.) three times, sc in next 21 st. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off E. (100 sc)
Round 8: (All st worked in BLO.) Join B with sl in BLO of 2 nd sc of any corner. Beg. corner, (dc in next 23 st, corner) three times, dc in next 23 st, sl to top of beg ch- 3. Fasten off B. (108 dc, 8 tr)
Round 9: Join E with sc in first tr of any corner, sc in same st. 2 sc in next st. [Sc in next 2 st, *sk 3 front loops in Rnd 7 and tr in next FL in Rnd 7. Sk 1 st in Rnd 8 and sc in next 3 st in Rnd 8.* Repeat * to * 5 times for a total of 6 tr. Sc in next st on Rnd 8, 2 sc in each of next 2 st] four times, omitting last corner. Fasten off E. (When turning the corner you are skipping 4 loops.) (100 sc, 24 tr)
Round 10: (All st worked in BLO.) Join F with sl in BLO of 2 nd of 4 corner sc, Beg. corner over this and next st. (Dc in next 29 st, corner) three times, dc in next 29 st, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off F. (132 st)
Round 11: Join G with sc in first tr of any corner, sc in same st. 2 Sc in next st. (Sc in next 33 st, 2 sc in each of next 2 st.) three times, sc in next 33 st. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off G. (148 sc)
Adding to the yo-yos
“Round 4” yo-yo
Join F with sc in any st, hdc, ch 2, hdc, sc in same st. [Sk 1 st, (sc, hdc, ch 2, hdc, sc in next st)] 6 times, sk 1 st, sl st to beg st. Fasten off F.
“Round 5” – first yo-yo
1: Join G with sc in any st, sc in same st, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to beg st. Fasten off G. 2: Join B with sc in any st, sc in same st, (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around, sc in last st, sl st to beg sc. Fasten off B.
“Round 5” – second yo-yo
You will work one round through back loops of yo-yo, and one round through front loops.
Using Back Loops – Join E with sc in back loop of any st, (ch 5, sc in next st) 13 times, ch 5, sl st to beg sc, fasten off.
Using Front Loops – Join A with sc in front loop of any st, ch 2, sc in same st,*( sc, ch 2, sc) in next st,* 13 times, sl st to beg st, fasten off.
Copyright 2013 – Julie Yeager Designs. Please do not reproduce or distribute this pattern, even if it was obtained as a “free” pattern. See all my designs at http://www.ravelry.com/stores/julie-yeager-designs. Contact me at [email protected].
Week 7 Afghan Block CAL: Spiral Circle to Square and Firenze
This week features Spiral Circle to Square, free now for a limited time with coupon code SPIRAL on Ravelry. (Coupon good until February 29, 2016.) It is an easy four-color spiral, and you may be familiar with the concept, but I thought the way I squared it up added something new. This is my original and then a lovely version by Marywalkerartist.
Here is what your pieces should look like after a few rounds, thanks to MadStitcher1 for pic:
The paid pattern this week is Firenze Afghan Square. Dedri Uys did a tutorial for this block on her blog last year. Here is my original, a bright version by lieslein, and a blanket version by mariaknits1508.
Please share photos and progress on my Ravelry board and/or our Facebook CAL page.
Coupon Code – All Patterns on Sale for the rest of the year :)
Now until the end of 2015, save 20% off all purchases in my Ravelry Store with Coupon Code 2015. What are you going to make?
Week 6 – Margaret & Margaret; In Treble
Week 6 of our 12″ Afghan Block CAL features Margaret , free here on the blog, a 12″ solid block done in the tapestry crochet technique. I designed this block a while back for a comfortghan for a designer friend, Margaret MacInnis; here is one by SueW28.
Now Margaret is offering one of her new original designs free to the followers of this CAL – here is her block, Mystery Puffed Wheat, now available free on Ravelry with coupon code Saskwheat. Thanks, Margaret!
Our paid pattern this week is the very popular In Treble. Worked almost entirely in treble crochet clusters, this block always makes a statement. Available on Ravelry for $3.99 or as part of the E-book. Here is the original plus a four-square by Vivilion:
Get all the blocks for the CAL in this E-book, and please share your progress on my Rav group and Facebook CAL group.
Margaret Afghan Square
Margaret 12″ Afghan Square
By Julie Yeager Designs
Suggested Yarn: Worsted or Aran weight
Color A: Gray Color B: Blue
Suggested Hook Size: Size J (6.0 mm)
Pattern uses American crochet terms.
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
Sc – single crochet sl – slip ch- chain st – stitch sp – space yo – yarn over
This design uses the Tapestry Crochet technique. Change colors at the last yarn-over of each stitch and crochet over the color not in use.
Round 1: With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring. Ch 1, 8 sc in ring, sl st to first sc. (8 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st, sl st to first sc. (16 sc)
Round 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, (sc in next 3 st, 3 sc in next st for corner) x 3, sc in next 3 st, sc in same st as first 2 sc of round, sl st to first sc of round. (24 sc)
Round 4: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 2 st. (With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 2 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 2 st) x 3. With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 2 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (32 sc)
Round 5: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 2 st. (With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 2 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 2 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 2 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (40 sc)
Round 6: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 2 st. (With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 2 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 2 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 2 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (48 sc)
Round 7: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 2 st. (With B, sc in next 7 st. With A, sc in next 2 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 2 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 7 st. With A, sc in next 2 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (56 sc)
Round 8: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 4 st. (With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 4 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 4 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 4 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (64 sc)
Round 9: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 6 st. (With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 6 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 6 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 6 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (72 sc)
Round 10: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 8 st. (With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 8 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 8 st) x 3. With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 8 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (80 sc)
Round 11: Work even in A, with sc in each sc and 3 sc in corners. (88 sc)
Round 12: Work even in A, with sc in each sc and 3 sc in corners. (96 sc)
Round 13: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 4 st. (With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 13 st. With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 4 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 4 st) x 3. With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 13 st. With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 4 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (104 sc)
Round 14: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 4 st. (With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 11 st. With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 4 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 4 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 11 st. With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 4 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (112 sc)
Round 15: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 4 st. (With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 9 st. With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 4 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 4 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 9 st. With B, sc in next 5st. With A, sc in next 4 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (120 sc)
Round 16: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 4 st. (With B, sc in next 7 st. With A, sc in next 7 st. With B, sc in next 7 st. With A, sc in next 4 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 4 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 7 st. With A, sc in next 7 st. With B, sc in next 7 st. With A, sc in next 4 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (128 sc)
Round 17: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 6 st. (With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 9 st. With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 6 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 6 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 9 st. With B, sc in next 5 st. With A, sc in next 6 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (136 sc)
Round 18: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 8 st. (With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 11 st. With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 8 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 8 st) x 3. With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 11 st. With B, sc in next 3 st. With A, sc in next 8 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (144 sc)
Round 19: With A, ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, sc in next 10 st. (With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 13 st. With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 10 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 10 st) x 3. With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 13 st. With B, sc in next st. With A, sc in next 10 st, sc in same st as beg st, sl st to first sc of round. (152 sc)
Round 20: Work even in A, with sc in each sc and 3 sc in corners. Fasten off. Block lightly. (160 sc)
Copyright 2014 – Julie Yeager Designs. Please do not reproduce or distribute this pattern, even if it was obtained as a “free” pattern. Pattern may be downloaded at Ravelry.com; see all my designs at http://www.ravelry.com/stores/julie-yeager-designs. Contact me at [email protected].