Clue #6
Here’s how the completed Clue 5 square looks. Don’t worry if you didn’t finish all 16 squares before today – you’ll have time to catch up this week and next week. For any of you who had trouble keeping your mitered squares square, several great ideas were brought up in the comments of the blog – the most common fix was to loosen up your sc3tog stitches.
Now let’s get started on Clue #6.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF FILE OF CLUE #6
You only need to make 4 of these and they use 2 different lacy stitch groups. Both groups are formed with dc and chains; the difference is in the number of each stitch used and the spacing between them.
When working your first row be sure to make all 6 dc for the shell in the same ch. Don’t worry – there’ll be enough space for them. In the photo below I’m about to make the 6th dc – you can see the other 5 already made in the same chain.
When you skip the next 3 chains, you’ll have to watch carefully because the chain next to the one holding the shell almost disappears under the last dc. In this photo you can see two chains next to my thumbnail; the third one is a little harder to find because it’s snuggled right in against the shell.
If you miss any of these chains, you’ll be short at the end of the row. It’s not too bad when you have only 31 ch to worry about but if it were 131 ch in the row and you missed a couple of these stitches – well, let’s just say it’s no fun to get to the end of a long row like that and be short a few stitches. That’s why when I do lengthy chains I mark every 25 stitches or so to make the counting easier and I often chain a few extra just in case. They’re easy to remove when you’re sure you don’t need them after all.
Remember your shells should stack alternately like bricks and always to work into the center ch-1 space, not the actual chain itself.
If you needed to work into the chain we’d specify that and the chart would show a little arrow pointing to the chain to indicate that you work into the actual stitch.
This is a pretty square that is fast to work and I think you’ll like making this clue. I’ll be back next week with a photo of it and with Clue #7.
Happy crocheting!
Laura
Cool! This looks like a nice square and an easy one. I should have plenty of time to do this one and get caught up on clue #5.
Happy crocheting!
I only have 4 more #5 to go but I have tried and tried to make #6 and I don’t think I am doing it right. I don’t find this one easy. I hope I can go in the intenet and find what this type looks like . It just isn’t stacking right I guess. I am a self taught crocheter so when things are new, I tend to freak out a bit.
Nancy this is an easy one. You may just be missing a chain or stitch. The 2 dc on the ends stack on top of each other the whole pattern. The shells and v stitch stack on top of each other, alternating every row. You do 5 rows of each and then the final row. Look at the chart, thats what I used. You can do it!!
I thought I was following the pattern right, total of 6 rows of
then the final end. just measured and its 8x 5. so will try to work anouther row or two. thanks for comment.
I was having problems also, then decided to use stitch markers to mark the chain to place my shell stitch. After the first 2 double crochets, I counted over to the first shell placement and put a stitch marker. I continued this for the other 2 & it worked out much better. I was able to finish all 4 squares today. Good luck.
I find that the wording of the pattern for row #3 is incorrect. The way it tells you to crochet the double crochets that stack up over the two after the shell do not tell you to skip the remaining dc in the v and crochet in the two dc after that so it won’t stack right if you follow the pattern exactly. I figured it out from the chart. I’ve been crocheting for 41 years and found these directions confusing!
Funny, but I found the instructions easy to follow without looking at the diagram. Maybe because I only started crocheting 6 mnths ago…
Thank you so much for this helpful suggestion. I used the stitch markers and completed 3 of the 4 last night, Happy crocheting
I’m having the same problem. I have done shell patterns before – but this one really baffles me!
In 3rd row, I can’t figure out which chain I’m supposed to use for the Shell. I end up with too many shells.
HELP!!
Use the chain in the middle of your v-st only so the shell is directly above the one two rows before.
Found it! YEA!
Glad to see my # 5 squares look just like the pic on here…..can’t wait to get home from work and get started on #6…..was a little worried when I got up early this morning and there was no clue…..oh well it’s on here now and that’s all that matters……happy crocheting everyone!
I too was worried where clue #6 was but glad it is there now. This square will go fast so I can finish my 16 squares, have 10 done and they look like the picture. Happy crocheting.
My square looks just like it should, maybe a little too tight with my stitches, so I’ll just loosen those but I reversed the greens. Should I rip them out & start all over? I’ve only had time to do do 2 right now.
My other question is – is it going to cause me headaches later on – like am I going to run out of the wrong colour of green and/or amount of wool for future squares?
I used the wrong colour in Clue # 4 too then too!
I am using the same colours that Bernat suggested.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
I also reversed my greens but I had bought 7 Forest and 2 Fern instead of 7 Fern and 2 Forest by mistake. I don’t think you will have enough unless you made the same error I did.
I did the same thing!
I say it adds to the mystery of the afghans appearance if you leave the colours the way they are and substitute if necessary later on. I suppose it depends on how adventurous you are feeling. =) On the bright side all of the colours go with one another so it won’t be ghastly if you mix them up a bit will it? Who knows you may be pleasently surprised.
I used the wrong green in the last few rows…it should be fern and I used forest. I have only 6 done so I decided to do two more with the forest and then do the next 8 with the fern like it should be that way if they are put together as large squares (4 – 8″ squares) the middle will be the same. Got 2 squares of clue #6 done. They go much faster the Clue #5. I look forward to Wednesdays to get each new clue! All be blessed!!
Yay…no color changes! Can’t wait to get started on this one. I have discovered that I can’t watch football on tv and crochet at the same time….you talk about wonky…lol. Ripit, ripit! Hook ‘em Horns! Have a great week everybody!
Frannie,
My Fiance has learned not to talk to be during football games and I have learned the same as you that I just can’t crochet and watch football, that’s what the commercial breaks are for!!! And sorry but I have to say Go Gators!
Same Problem can’t crochet and watch Football Guess that’s really just a problem on Sundays. Sorry you two-I’m a die hard Steeler Fan!
Way behind on clue #5 squares. Had a Halloween costume emergency that had me making a pink “mod wig” from a recent crochet mag and a yellow hat for my dad (grand dad) so he could be “the man in the yellow hat” to escort my one year old who will be dressed as a monkey. Plus he’ll get to eat all the trick or treat candy since my son is too young for most of it. So happy to see a shell pattern that crochets up fast after those mitered squares!
P.S. Donna, at least your team wins. My choices are the Bengals or the Browns. Being from Cincinnati I feel obligated to cheer for Benglas but Ocho Stinko needs to start catching some passes. =)
My parents live in Cleveland they feel your pain. But then again I am a Jaguar Fan as well so I’m not too far off. lol.
You got that right Kelly!
Go Gators!
Jennifer thanks! What a game this week overtime about killed me!
Have to agree – however for my son-in-law … Roll Tide
Almost had a heart attack when clue #6 was not there when I log on to Bernat.
12 done of clue #5. Going to make square for clue #6 right now.
Have fun
I am right with ya! I woke up early this morning just to get the pattern and wasn’t there…EEK!
I have never been one to hurry up and wait..even while in the military. I can if I had my hands busy with a project. lol Watch, I get these 4 done today and wear a trail in the carpet for next Wed. for Clue 7.
Pup? That you? So cool!
Lycoris
lol Yeppers! Glad you could join us… wish I knew you crochet sooner and we could have started this from Clue 1 together!
LOL I think there were a lot of panicked women this morning wondering where our next clue was
Yup! I couldn’t find it either,felt a twinge of panic and wrote to Bernat. They sent me an email so fast I couldn’t believe it!! But, now I can’t figure the pattern out.
Nancy,
If you make sure your shells and “V”s stack on top of each other (each made in the ch 1 of the other) and the two double crochets between the shells & Vs stack up, you will be okay. Look at the chart and you should be able to figure it out. The wording on row #3 is confusing. Also, are you from Rhode Island? I went to school with a Nancy Campbell. Good luck and let me know if you still have trouble.
Yeah! My #5 square looks just right. Can’t wait to get started on clue #6. Gotta go get groceries first, then it is an afternoon of crocheting.
I’m going to get right to work on these and try to catch up on the unfinished set of clue 5 squares. Glad this one looks fast so I’ll have plenty of time.
Okay, all is good again! I got worried too this a.m. when I checked the blog and the clue had not been posted yet. I hope this doesn’t sound too bad, but I was SO GLAD to have clue 5 done! I liked the technique but I was getting a little tired of making the same one over and over. I think it was because I was trying to get them all done before today, maybe I worked on them too much. Should we go ahead and block these that we have finished? Hope everyone has a good week!
Yes a good idea to block as you go…..
I don’t think you sound too bad in relation to how many of the same block we had to make. After a while I was able to do it half asleep.
I was beginning to worry that there was no clue #6! I’m glad we only make 4 this time–I still have 6 to make of #5. I really had trouble keeping mine square. I used someone’s suggestion to go to a bigger hook size half way through the square. That worked for me. I hope this one will stay true to size!
Judy, when I made my first square for Clue #5, it came out too tight. So, for my second try, when I did the sc3tog, I only used the front loop of the three chains, which loosened them up, and the square turned out perfectly.
Courtney J saved my sanity, I mistakenly tried to tighten the miter corner and after trying the tip from courtney, my squares are perfect. Thank you so much…
No problem Birdieuse. I’m glad I could help. I’ve picked up a lot of useful tips on the blog myself.
I’ve been having the same problem – and it’s about half way through. Wonder what’s up with that? Will try the larger hook too. Thanks.
I just tried to loosen up my tension (especially when we crocheted together the three stitches), and then when I tried it a second time it came out to 8 inches.
The shell stitch is really pretty, and easy to do. I am happy that my one block from clue #5 looks like the one pictured.
I’ll be sooo happy when this quilt is finished so I can crochet again!
Was so glad someone else had only 1 of clue 5 finished. I tried a larger hook, too big, so went back to a 6.0 and just loosened up the tension big time. Finally got one that is square and 8″. I’m not going to stress about getting them all done. Off on a cruise for 2 weeks so I’ll be really behind. No crocheting in the Caribbean!
Wow!!…Have fun
I am making two afghans so I have to make 32 squares for #5 and I only have 3 done! So I figure that I just keep plugging. As long as they are done by Christmas and time to sew these all together! We aren’t getting graded on how fast we finish. I find I get bored having to make so many of the same kind and keep changing colors. But overall, I am having fun! I already got 4 of this week’s done. I have 4 more to make for my second afghan. Happy Crocheting!
I get board also with so many to make of the same (especially when they are so tuff to get Square!). So I am doing it the assembly line way, by doing all the chain row, row 1 and row 2 (natural). Then I go back and do the next 2 rows in them all. I have a 4 complete now… GL to you
yippie!!! I like the look of this one, I’ve never made it though so its new to me and I’m excited to start, gonna finish my last 2.5 squares from clue #5 then get right to these. was hoping to have more of colors B-C-D, not just accents, cause those are my favorite colors. happy crocheting everyone
Dito!! I am now in posession of clue #6. I will get caught up in to time.
Okay, doing better now that the clue is up finally… was almost set to panic stage if I didn’t see it before lunch.
Happy crocheting… see you all again next Wed. I have already got a start on this block…half done already just before posting. Will be done before supper… maybe hubby won’t be so mad at me as I will have plenty of time to catch up on cleaning, cooking, wash, etc. of my normal day.
Just in time to watch the World Series….
GO GIANTS !!!!!
Yes GO GIANTS!!!
i am having so much trouble with the miter square its 8 on the bottom and 9 across help i am new to crochee i love doing them mickie
Go, Rangers!
Go Rangers!!
Rangers are coming home to get the next two games !!
yay! a nice, easy square! now if only my yarn order would arrive so i could get going!! (darn ‘snail mail’!!) (5 more of clue 5 to do, too…plus 16 for my second afghan!! yikes!)
This is a pretty square. I am dissapointed that I am using Contrast A. I had hoped for something in just Contrast B or C. We haven’t used much of these, and I really like them.
Me too! My Contrast A is Linen and would love to use some of my other Contrast Colors (Redwood & Walnut).
Maybe next week’s clue?!………
Ditto! We seem to be using a lot of Contrast A and E… mine is turning out to be a lot of tan and green… not much of my other shades.
I guess that the remaining will use up our B,C, & D with little A and E.
*fingers crossed
I agree about the color – mine is faded denim which is kind of dark. This would look much better in a light color. And by the way, War Eagle!
Mine is also faded denim!! I agree it’s slightly dark but I still like how it looks.
I’m using faded demin also and have to agree that I want to use the other colors. I got a funny feeling I did not put my colors together right, its going to be dark instead of bright … well dang! Having fun with this still so that is okay.
I agree, my favorite is C, aqua. I hope to see more of it *crosses fingers* hoping the next few squares have more of them
to be completely honest, I’m not surprised or disappointed that we’re using a lot of contrast A and E… after all, those are the two colors we had to buy the most of. I don’t mean to com across as snarky, just stating the facts…
Still working on clue 5 — Didn’t like the way the Sc 3 tog looked — looked bumpy and the color change was not smooth on the back, so tried the increase miter and liked it much better! Well, I learned two new techniques from this square, hope I can get the 14 finished by December!
Getting ready to make the first of square #6 (even though I only have 4 done of square #5) hehehe. I just can’t resist. I love the tips on techniques and all the different patterns. Who am I kidding……I just love crocheting and yarn. They go together like ginger and fred, spaghetti and meatballs, bacon and eggs, etc.
Wow, Bernat, you were playing with fire posting Clue 6 so late – you know some of us in this CAL are maniacs!
You can say that again!
haha my mom and friend also called me wondering where the clue was, we are all going to be sooo lost when this is over. I bet some of us will even come back the following wednesday when its done to get another clue LOL
I really like the shell stitch and yes I am glad that I am only working with one color this time. I still have two squares left to make of clue #5. I was worried at first about clue #5 until I looked at the diagram because I didn’t think it would out to be 8 inches. I am truly enjoying this crochet along. I can’t wait until it’s time to put all of our squares together. I feel like I am creating a mysterious masterpiece.
Yippeee! Its Wednesday morning and time for the new CAL clue. WAIT!!!! No Clue?!?!?! What am I doing wrong!! This is worse than chocolate withdrawal…. Run over to Ralvery and check to see if anyone there has seen it. Nope, not there either. Okay, take deep breaths and get a cup of coffee. Relax and check back later.
And all is well in my world. Here is Clue 6! And all one color – shells and v’s, which should be pretty. The dog still thinks I’m nuts. My kids just shake their heads, glad my hubby was already at work. They just don’t get it. What am I going to do when this CAL wraps up? Thanks goodness there’s a whole group of you out there who are doing this project too.
ps to Rosie – Thank you for your wonderful jig! I had been after my husband to make one the past few weeks. Last night he comes up from the basement with a larger base of wood and four squares blocked out with nails, so I could block four squares at once! Maybe he does get it. Either way he’s the best – and so are you for your wonderful idea!
YAY!
Is hubby after something? Is he planning a fishing trip?
Or did he just go with the ‘flipping crochet nutters, better just go along with it’ idea?
If I didn’t make my own jig I’d have been waiting until Christmas (2011!) for hubby to pull his finger out and make one.
Oh Rats! I don’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but now you’ve got me wondering if there is a ‘fishing trip’ in the wings : P I think I’ll just blindly go with that “crochet nutters” option and happily believe that he did it for me!
If yours is anything like mine…? Possible hunting trip. Mine figures I am too busy crocheting to use my hunting license…so he should. lol
Sadly, I had to go the same route as Rosey and make my own. Oh sure, I could have convinced my husband to get around to making it … eventually…
However, I decided I really like my dining room table, and I’d like it to stay in one piece, and it would probably be safer if I just made it myself. Not to mention faster. ^_^ (he’s not very mechanically inclined, even when it comes to just using a hammer and nail) shh.. don’t tell anyone, male ego and all that. hehe
Gotta Love the husbands…..
Do we? Really?
Do we REALLY gotta love em?
Oh yeah, thats in the marriage instructions somewhere aint it
Good job I picked a Rosey tolerant one who’s a bloomin good cook
Men….can’t live with them….can’t shoot them! Really though I’d be lost without my hubby as he does most of the cooking and housework because I can’t, and for 9 months altered most of his work schedule to get the kids to school and me to doctors appointments. We went to the GP today who was laughing at last weeks specialists report . It stated I was a lovely lady who had a very attentive husband! My darling laughed and said he’d been called a lot of things but never attentive before.
It sounds as though you have a wonderful husband. For better or for worse. That is whats its all about…Love
I always say, “Men – Can’t live with them…..can’t live with them.” Ha!
I used to say, “Men – can’t live with them, can’t leave them at the side of the road.” But, another woman told me that I was wrong – you CAN leave them at the side of the road. She had done just that! hehehe
Wow, no Clue until this morning. I am so glad I gave up at 12:15am and went to bed!
Still have 1 square to do for the chunky and 9 more squares for the worsted, so I’m glad only a total of 8 for this week! Past weekend couldn’t crochet at all or on Tuesday either, so I fell behind.
I love those little grandsons, but when they are sick and I have to care for them because their mom and dad are busy – IT PUTS A CRIMP IN MY PLANS!
Hubby will tell you I was REALLY CRANKY too! Yeah, back to crochet as soon as I get back from the Dentist in a couple of hours!!!!
I gave up at midnight too….East Australian time, which was 20 minutes before the clue actually got posted!
Laura From Bernat,
Just want to check b4 beginning Clue 6. Do we ch 31 or is this a typo since all the rest of the blocks are 22?
Awaiting your response b4 starting.
No, 31 is correct. Just did my first Clue 6 block. 31 works perfectly. It will measure a little more that 8 inches but by the time you start the other rows pattern, it will come out right.
Not Laura, but done with all four blocks already. Yes it is 31 chs. Heads up… when it comes to skipping 3 ch and working in the next… it looks more like two whole ones and a rather warped one. When you get to doing all 6 of those dcs in that chain, it eats into the one next to it. Keep your eyes peeled for that.. it is a headache if you count three regular looking chains and end up short on your 31 ch.
I was trying to figure out for adjustments. All the clue have had 22 ch but mine is 25 ch for one and 29 for the other 2. I have been keeping them the same for all after getting these am’ts on my granny square. I figured the consistancy would make for easier sewing together later. Now I am just confused.
I had to drop a hook size with this one, so try one with your regular sized hook and the 31 stitches first, before you work out any changes.
I had to drop the hook size too, but it is a pretty combination of stitches.
I didn’t have to adjust anything. For me I just followed the pattern exactly to a T. Since the written confused me, I only used Rw 1 instructions, then the picture showed me the rest. I am used J hook and a 4 worsted and got a perfect 8×8.
If you work into the “bump” on the back of the chain instead of into the front of the chain, it not only makes a neater edge, but it is easier to see where the next shell goes.
That’s what I do, too. It makes a wonderful edge.
Thank you for this little tip. I finished my first square and was so happy with the pattern, but hated the look of the starting chain. Started my second square after reading your tip and can see the difference immediately. I love it.
It gives alot in both directions.
Just a reminder of useful things from the other clues:
1. To search through the blog, click Ctrl F. That’ll bring up a ‘find’ box. e.g. search for ‘blocking’. You can ‘Highlight all’, so that you can scroll quickly through the blog to see if your query has already been answered.
2. You dont HAVE to block your squares, but it helps keep them nice and straight and square
Instructions for my blocking jig:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roseyalexander/sets
If you dont have rust proof pins, paint them with clear nail varnish so you dont get rust spots on the yarn.
3. Do WHATEVER YOU NEED TO to get an 8″ square, or a square the same size as all your others.
You dont have to use the exact number of stitches or rows as the pattern.
Happy crocheting, dont get crotchety
That is a spiffy little jig. I haven’t even started blocking mine yet… wonder if hubby would get mad if I used the closet door (made of paneling) for this.
I am having problems right now hiding ends and keeping the work intact. Got any other spiffy tips for this? I am a Queen of having blocks/work fall apart in the wash as my ends come undone.
Too funny…the door? lol
Maybe cuz of loose crocheting, so you might have to leave them a little longer and go one direction and then the other. And someone suggested to sew them in with matching thread on the end.
I’ll have to try the additional sewing bit on the ends.
Yes, the closet door. Just about the only place that isn’t covered in some craft notes/supplies, mechanical parts/tools, kids toys or bills.
Do you have an ironing board? You can use that. Someone said that is what they use. I think you can do it with just about anything it seems. I am still lol about the closet door…
On my ends, I pull them up to the row I’m crocheting and crochet right over them so they are held in instead of weaved in. That way if they come untied, they are still held snug because I have crocheted right over them.
Thanks for the reminders again Rosey. I have a husband who is definitely not handy however I have a friend who does our handywork for us so think I will ask him if he can make one for me.
Rosey, your blocking jig is wonderful! Thank you for sharing! Barann
What if you have a Mac? The Control F doesn’t seem to work on my computer. I tried control F, option F, command F, edit find. Still couldn’t search through blog. Any suggestions.
loved your blocking block. not good with wood, neither is hub.
Press Open Apple and F. A search box will show up at the top of the screen!
How do you “Open Apple?” I have an Imac. Tried Command F – doesn’t work. Went to Apple at left corner of menu – but no choice for “Open Apple.”
Rosey… I could hug you!
I lost the fight about the closet door, but won one with using a scrap board I had from one of hubby’s old cheap pressed board cart he had in the shop. Only one side survived so I used it. I am able to block 3 at a time with a clothing steamer and hair dryer set to high heat. In the amount of time it took me to block one or two on the floor I can do 6.
Thank you! This is a wonderful way to block…best part, remove nails to adjust for size or just leave the nails to help secure better.
HUGS!!!
Thanks, I’ll take a hug anytime!
I’m amazed that what I thought was me being lazy (couldn’t be bothered to put pins in the ironing board and measure out to 8in each time) turned out to be so useful to others.
You give the best tips and suggestions Rosey! This was such a big help because I’ve never done blocking before. Thank you!!
Yay! Clue # 6! Glad to see it.. I was nicely surprised to see the shell and v stitch on this one, as I started a baby afghan about three weeks ago which is exactly that from Bernat freebies! I love how it looks, and I agree with your statement about the first chain of the three hiding by the shell. It sure does do that, but once I completed one row of the whole pattern, it was much easier to see how it would look. Thanks Bernat!!
Glad to see clue #6 showed up, I need a break from clue #5.
When I look at Bernats/Laura’s picture of clue #5 it looks nice and square and the stitches all look tight or at least nothing loosened. I used 2 hook sizes and had to loosen the last few rows, which makes it look like the last portion has much thiner yarn because there are bigger holes. Laura, do you have any comments on this? It makes clue #5 a disappointing square although when all sewn together I’m sure it will be fine.
I’m sure it will look fine when finished. It’s difficult to get those last few rows tight enough to look good but loose enough to stay fairly square. Mine pull in a wee bit but blocking and seaming will help with that.
Thanks Laura. What is the best way to block a square, I’ve been pining it down with a damp cloth over top till dry. This method does take all day to block one square, is there something quicker, u mentioned steaming, how would u do this, is steam from an iron enough?
Woohoo!!! Clue #6 is here! Now I have something to break up the remaining Clue #5 squares I have to do! Here’s my status:
Afghan #1 – 4 of Clue #6
Afghan #2 – 14 of Clue #5, 4 of Clue #6
Afghan #3 – 16 of Clue #5, 4 of Clue #6
Now I need to remind myself why I thought making 3 afghans at once was a good idea! Not to mention the other afghan and placemats I started… I think I have Crafting ADD!!!
LOL
LOL! – Sounds perfectly normal to me! Most of us crochet addicts have at least 3 projects going at the same time!
You are right, I usually have 3 or 4 projects going around the same time.
Is there such a syndrome? If so that would explain why the craft store has moved into our house. I have soo many projects going on at once, that I am usually not out of a task to do for “me time”.
On that note, just got a text from hubby asking me if I would mind working on same CAL for him? Should I teach him to crochet now or just give in and start another? lol
Starting another means you get to go to get new yarn! Don’t fight it!
lol good point! hehee
Teach him how!!
I agree, teach him !
Then you get to go yarn shopping together. And you’ll always be doing a CAL in some way, just a two person one.
I worked my 1st block; on the 2nd row there is no mention of skipping (missing) the next dc-ch1-dc-ch1 (then the 2dc) I read the instructions on here to alternate as bricks do; as so: _-_-_-_ correct? However, looking at the chart I’m skipping the dc-ch1-dc-ch1 & croceting into the 2dcs which do not have the “alternating brick” effect with the shell/V-stitch rows. Is anyone else seeing this or am I just crazy? LOL I am not going to go any further until I know…..Help!!!
Fellow Crocheter in distress
I had trouble with the instructions, so gave it up and am using the chart. But it isn’t what I would consider an alternate brick effect either.
I agree. Looks like straight stacked-up shells to me
Oops, didn’t have enough coffe yet when I wrote that LOL, I meant row 3
No alternates that I saw… what I did see is we skip the first two dcs of the 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc. Then what is the third one of the first group of three was a dc, ch 1…working in chain one space we do a V stitch, the in the first dc of second group of three was ch 1, dc. Work the two dc in next two sts. The repeat.
Tanya, I don’t see “alternating bricks” either. The shells and the V’s are stacked on top of each other. It sounds as if you are reading the pattern correctly. Don’t worry about the “alternating bricks” description.
I wondered the same thing as the instructions say the shells should stack alternately like bricks but mine come out all in a row on top of each other???
Yep, mine did too… shell on shell, the top evened out when I did the 11th row of ch3, sc, ch3 instead of the shell.
Sorry for the confusion. What my copy originally said was that you should remember to alternate the rows – one shell row, one V-stitch row, one shell row, etc. Somebody changed it to clarify it (I guess) and instead of referring to rows, it sounded like it was referring to shells. The shells and V-sts are one right above the other not stacked like bricks.
Laura,
Did you mean that the shell row was a row of bricks, then the V stitch row was a row of mortar?
Ah, thank you Laura! I finished my 4 blocks & they are soo pretty :~) They also came out the purrfect size YAY!
I think the reason it says alternately is because 1 row is shells and the other is V’s and you alternate between them for the rows.
I don’t think Laura is a mason. She must not realize that bricks are stacked alternately. Mine are on top of each other. Like the chart.
I do Look forward to doing a solid block again.
I’m not a big fan of changing colors in the middle of a project. I do it on Granny squares and adding a finished edge around panels. I have problems with joining the yarn, dropping , and picking up. Always afraid the afghan will fall a part if everything isn’t tied tight.
I’m glad to see that thelast several rows in clue #5 are not a true right angle. that makes me feel much better about my blocks. I do have problems with making the the last corner look some what square. I will have to take those out and redo the corners. I wish my edges looked as even.
Since I am using yarn from my stash I will be putting a finished edge around them to make them look nicer. It will make piecing the blocks together alot easier.
Wow, glad I wasn’t the only one freakin’ out a little about the absence of clue #6 this morning! I absolutely love shell stitch, and was hoping this clue would be just the one it is. I have to agree with Donna D. I’m also slightly dissappointed with the color choice for this square. Oh well, guess I’ll finish what I have left of clue 5, make my little “guage template” for this clue, and check back later. Happy crocheting everyone!
I’m also having problem with the shells and v’s. There seems to be more dc’s at the end of row 3. I’m also going to put this on hold until I see an answer. Thanks.
I used the chart makes it easier
Row 1 and row 3 both have a total of 26 double crochets (including chains and shell pieces) and row 2 (including chains and pieces of V-stich) only has a total of 20 double crochets. every odd row 1,3,5,7,9.. will have six more dc.
I think its because you are working into the ch spaces in row 2
Don’s try to alternate the shells and V’s. Just work the pattern as it reads and it will come out right. I disagree that this pattern makes “alternating bricks.”
oops Don’t not Don’s :0
one row shells the next row v stitches on top of shells…;-) Pretty !
Im having problem w. row #2. ….* miss next 2 dc. 1 dc. in next dc……. if i do this this last dc fall after the space. I dont get it. please help….
That is right. You did your ch 3 and 1 dc right after it, then you skip (miss) the next 2 dc and dc in the next. Chain 1. Next you do the (1 dc , ch 1, 1 dc) in the ch-1 space of the same shell. That is your V stitch made. Ch 1. Now 1 dc in the next dc. Miss (skip) next 2 dc, 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc. Repeat from star* 2 more times, then work last dc in top of the turning chain. Hope this helps…GL
Row 2 –
the chain 3 counts as your first dc, so you dc in the next dc (the second one on the previous row)
*** skip the next 2 dc (the first two of the shell) and dc in the next dc (the 3rd one of the shell); ch 1.
Now dc, ch1, dc (V stitch) in the ch1 space between the two 3dc clusters of the shell on the previous row. Chain 1.
Dc in the next dc (the 4th dc of the shell), then skip the last two dc of the shell. Dc in the next 2 dc.
Repeat this from *** two more times. Your last dc will be in the top of the turning chain from the previous row.
If this is not clear, please let me know what you don’t understand. GL
I posted this above yesterday, but see if this helps.
No alternates that I saw… what I did see is we skip the first two dcs of the 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc. Then what is the third one of the first group of three was a dc, ch 1…working in chain one space we do a V stitch, the in the first dc of second group of three was ch 1, dc. Work the two dc in next two sts. Then repeat.
After looking at the sketch rather than going by the written directions things are working out fine. So, I’ll continue on with this square.
Phew! This one looks a lot easier than clue #5. I still can’t get #5 to come out square. :/ I’m thinking about frogging the 6 I have finished and starting all over with it. Sigh.
At least this one should go smoothly!
I think i found the trick. once i got to where block was getting smaller i worked with it laying on my lap in at a right angle, work the corner, turn the block so the right angle was the other direction, I’m able to keep the block pretty square.
Because I could see how the stitches were laying and adjust my tension. My last 4 look a lot better than my first 8.
Clue #5 : A frustrating learning experience.
After two attempts with the same hook I realized I just needed to loosen up and Walla! – 8×8.
Once I had four completed and put them together the excitement returned!! And I’m so looking forward to the finished product and seeing the joy on the recipients face unless of course I decide to keep it for myself.
My initial plans were to make two but clue #5 has changed my mind.
Clue #6 is a really nice break from all the color changes and loose ends.
Then it’s back to clue #5 to finish the last eight squares.
I don’t know what a jig is but I made an 8×8 from sturdy cardboard.
I need some catching up time! I am still working on the 14 from last week. I am doing all 14 at one time.
Me too. This was a nice break though…
Aren’t there 16 squares for last week?
Are we going to make single shade squares with all our contrasting colors? I really like the colors I am using and am starting to think there is way to much contrast A in the afgan.
Laura, I see a lot of ppl asking about blocking techniques. Do you think one week you could possibly post a tutorial with pics on how to do this?
Thanks!
GREAT IDEA! I am quite sure I am not good at blocking.
That will be coming up in a few weeks when we get to blocking and seaming.
Rosey posted her blocking jig, its neat and getting my dad, not hubby(I will never get it) to make me 1, there is a link
I was panic stricken to not find it this morning. Everything went through my mind- were we skipping a week ? Is Laura ill? Am I crazy- it is Wednesday (e-mailed husband to make sure)- yeah I know? What is going on ? Am I in the Twilight Zone? I was so relieved to find it pop up. Whew! I need my Wednesday crochet fix. I hurriedly finished my 16th block of Clue #5 last night and stood up and did a happy dance (although I thoroughly enjoyed it) – I was ready for the change. This is the most fun I have had for awhile. I love the look of the new block this week. Thanks so much to Bernat for this CAL.
I had to check it was really Wednesday too !!
So glad there’s no color changes this week! All the colors look great, but changing colors gets tedious. And only 4 squares so I’ll have time to finish up last week’s.
Robin if you want to you can do some of mine for me….lol
Ohmigosh!!! I actually get to make the square exactly as written this time! Yay! No extra stitches or rows needed and I got an 8″ square! I did have to pay pretty close attention to this one though; however, I think it’ll get easier as I make more — good thing I have to make 12 (for 3 afghans)!!! LOL!
Does anyone know why the clue was so late this week? I live in California and usually get my clues on Tuesday night at 9pm PST
I was up early this morning to see the clue still was not posted, then saw the weather forecast regarding bad storms, thought that might be the reason.
Bernat or Laura accidently set the automatic post to 12:01 Wednesday instead of 00:01. So we all could have been waiting an extra 3 hours if they hadn’t realised.
I decided to crochet in bed last night. I thought it was a wonderful idea! I got my “breakfast-in-bed” tray to hold my yarn and stuff, propped up my pillows, and smiled at my husband who was looking at me quizzically. I got in bed, then pushed myself up to a proper sitting position. Unfortunately, I used my fist instead of my palm to push up with, and my wrist popped. Not only does my wrist really hurt, but also my elbow and shoulder. My husband actually told me that I can’t crochet for a while!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I slept in wrist braces, but I woke up still in pain. I don’t know what to do. I have a million Christmas projects lined up! It will drive me crazy to not crochet! I know I should rest my wrist, but . . . . . . . . . . . . . . !
I am already behind on my projects (I am completely out of stretch rings and have 3 places needing them!), and I will be in Fiji for 10 days at the end of next month. I can’t crochet in Fiji as I will be under water as much as possible, and I can’t crochet on the plane – I have been told that the airline won’t allow a crochet hook on the plane! (But you can have a ball-point pen!)
ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!
You can crochet on the plane. I always bring crocheting with me, just don’t bring any scissors I bring a fingernail clipper to cut the yarn, that passes security.
Embroidery scissors are actually allowed on the airplane. I can not recall the exact measurements but the blade has to be less than two inches I believe.
I would check with the airline – when I traveled last December (on Delta) I was able to crochet on the plane (but could not have scissors).
The plane will allow plastic crochet needles…Last time I flew I called oh at least a half dozen different people to find out a concrete answer to that. Finally had both the airline and the government tell me plastic was ok. I didn’t have a problem, but I did bring a “new” project to start and old wool just in case they took it so I wouldn’t lose something important!
Take a plastic crochet hook on the plane.
Also see:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm
Wow! Knitting needles are permitted? Sharp, pointy sticks are permitted? But everyone says that a crochet hook has to be plastic, not metal! (I hate plastic hooks. Maybe I will try the acrylic ones – I hope they are different from the old plastic ones.)
I’ve had knitting needles knocked back but not a crochet hook. Just don’t try scissors!
Acrylic feels yukky like the plastic. I bought some wooden ones at house of white birches, I love those… and my daughter was allowed to fly with them.
The beginning of August i flew Delta to Atlanta and was shocked to see a lady knitting with long metal needles.Surely if they allow that they let crochet hooks on.A knitting needle is much more likely as a weapon.
Assuming your wrist and all are feeling better, I can tell you from personal experience that you CAN take a metal crochet hook on the plane. Been there done that. How on earth could you ever survive a long flight without it. Fiji – wow am I ever jealous. Have a fabulous time.
Thanks. Fiji is great. I think Fijians are the most wonderful people on the planet. I was there during the awful typhoons when the whole country flooded in January, 2009. The only road to the airport was under 6 feet of water, so we couldn’t leave. Many villages lost everything, and the crops were ruined – there were food shortages. The people still smiled, greeted us warmly, and made sure we were safe – even risking their lives for us. They have nothing, but they don’t need anything. We could all learn from them.
That’s when we were there last too! And they just took everything in their stride. I just smiled looking at everything they owned drying on the roofs.
How cool that we were there at the same time! Where were you staying?
So sorry Donna. Ice it if it is swollen and take a motrin. Hope it gets better soon..
Last time I flew I took all of my hooks with, I even got a lot crochetted. Check with your airline. I even asked them about a 10 inch double ended hook, they said it would be fine to take it.
have you tried going to a chiropractor ?? it might help
Where in Fiji are you going? I’ve been twice, once for 10 days and last time for a month (in 6 different places). I love it!
In January, 2009, we were at Beqa Lagoon resort. The people of Rukua and Ravi-Ravi are so wonderful! This time, we are going to Wananavu on the northern point of Viti Levu, near Rakiraki. I was a little disappointed because I really love Beqa, but my dive shop set up a group trip and this is where they want to go. This place looks a little “resorty” to me – I prefer to be more “native” when I travel. Why go to another country if you aren’t going to learn about the culture? (I know, I know – the diving is spectacular, but I like the native Fijians.)
We did a timeshare, a back packers at Suva, a village in the highlands which had no power at all except generators that ran for 2 hours every night, 2 island resorts and a coral coast resort. My kids loved it. The final island resort was Plantation where we had been before and we already knew the staff. Some of them we still keep in contact with! We would go back again in a heartbeat. Because of the flooding we had to fly to the airport in a seaplane because they couldn’t get us the 10km drive from the boatport to the airport in 3 hours!
We were stuck for two extra days (they put us up in a big resort – ick – a couple of hours from the airport on the main island), then we got up early to make low tide at the crossing. We still crossed over water – it made me nervous! I would have felt better wading over the road than being stuck in a very leaky, rickety bus! And, I would have preferred to go back to Beqa to wait!
Our timeshare was at Pacific Harbour, opposite Beqa! We were at the poshest resort we visited when the storm hit – The Warwick – and were quite glad we got there the morning of the storm as the village we were staying at previously went underwater. The day after the roads opened we went out to the islands, Mana and then Plantation.
I have my Fiji scrapbooks (i do digital scrapbooking) on http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=55519&id=581564252&l=55718b69e6 and http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=71970&id=581564252&l=23b1e823c7
It is actually thanks to Airline Security that I really got hooked (?!) on crochet.
Even having been told that I could take knitting needles and crochet hooks, I decided that a crochet hook looked less like a weapon. I needed something to keep me from killing the kids on 9hrs England to Atlanta, wait in Atlanta, and Atlanta to Cincinnati this summer. So I took a hat pattern and ball of yarn and a hook.
LOVED IT. Loved the way I could craft without needing elbow room, could put it down and pick it up mid-row, and less chance of losing a whole row of stitches and having an unravelling nightmare.
I came home with 2.5 hats, a doily and a snowflake!
So thank you airport security for lighting my crochet fire.
I flew from Chicago to Cincy this week with two steel crochet hooks. I was worried they might be confiscated–let’s face it, steel hooks are tiny. But they passed right through with no problem!
I have taken a plastic crochet hook on my flights in Canada. Sometimes they ask me what it is, but I have never had a problem.
My last flight cross country, I took my steel crochet hooks. Had no problems getting through security. Have to do something to pass the time. I checked the TSA website for what was allowed and what wasn’t.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
Go to the chiropractor and have them manipulate your wrist. It is amazing what a chiropractor can do! They can pop it back in for you and you will be crocheting by the time you get home from their office!
I love my chiropractor but she wont touch my neck and shoulder anymore because of my brain injury. However sweet relief for the lower spine!
Actually….you can have a crochet hook….I took some when I flew to UK. No problem…maybe different airlines have different rules! Didn’t use them, but that was a different story
All finished…….now have to return to the cleaning…….dusting……..dishes…….etc etc etc. Is it (next) Wednesday yet???
Such great fun.
Nope, not next Wed. yet… I looked and Hubby informed me staring at the date won’t make it come any faster. So I suppose I should count my stars that I only have 36 completed blocks to tie ends in and block. Will help make time fly in between cooking, cleaning, dishes, wash, etc.
Enjoy! :s
I have found a discrepancy in the #6 instructions, also. It says to repeat rows 2 & 3 three times and then row 2 one more time. Should it not say 4 times for rows 2 & 3 to make it 8″ square , or is my gauge that far off?
If you compare the picture of the pattern it shows, 1,2,3, 10, and final rows. I went by that and my gauge. Came right out to 8×8 after a little tugging to relax the shell stitches.
Three times worked perfect for me.
Did you do the “Final Row” ? I found that after doing each 3 times plus Row 2 again–then Final Row–came out to 8″.
Yep three repeats and the final row made aperfect 8 inch square, Yahhhh!!
I think the pattern says to repeat the rows 3 times MORE for a total of 4 times.
Phewwww, got 1 square done from Clue# 5, they didn’t call me tighty for nothing I guess. Loosen up and it worked out, I am so excited. Now I’ll try Clue #6, then back to #5 to catch up. Happy Crocheting Everyone.
I should be able to finish up clue #5 now.
I followed the gauge and my measurements were perfect, but then I crocheted my square it was 9in.
try using the next smaller hook. I actually had to go 2 hook sizes down to get gauge for this one after I tried like you did.
Oh thank goodness! I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one thinking they were going mad! I’m still playing catch up with Clue 5 and am also looking forward to a break in color-switching. I think if I get done with Clue 6 before next week, I really need to start darning in my ends. There’s so MANY of them >.< I keep staring at them wishing they would darn themselves in, but alas, they are still staring back at me. I have a quilters blocker thingy (I know, technical term, right?) but that will only work for one square at a time. LOVE the jig idea, thanks Rosey! My husband's a carpenter, surely he can score a giant board and mark out squares and swat some nails in for me, right?
Anyway, happy crocheting everyone! See you all next week!
For all squares going forward, you can crochet the ends into the next row so you don’t have to weave them in. If you hold the end over the top of the stitches in the next row, you can crochet right over them. They blend in and they are secured and won’t come unraveled. Try it. I don’t have any ends to weave in on my square. Much more enjoyable!
I looked for “Rosey’s jig” yesterday and couldn’t find it at all (not to mention I didn’t want to keep scrolling and scrolling through 600+ comments more than once). Rosey – perhaps you could post it again for this week’s blog?
Here is the link for Rosey’s jig. It’s posted earlier in this thread.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roseyalexander/sets
Hit “Ctrl” and “F” at the same time. A box will appear. Type in whatever you want to search for in the box and it will highlight. Use the “Next” and “Previous” buttons to move from highlight to highlight until you find what you are looking for.
I use this everyday and type in the date so I can read only the new posts.
Another way to get only new messages is to subscribe to the RSS feed… goes to your email inbox.
I love this square, finished my first one, it’s a beautiful 8″ square, no problems. Almost forgot I still have to go back to finish clue #5, oh well.
Had to step away from this square, take deep breaths and regroup. Something is whack with these instructions and I kept having to rip it out. Then saw Barb’s suggestion to follow the chart–and that was the ticket. Row 3 should really read to skip 2 DC after you make the shell, then DC in next 2. (There are 4 DC after the shell is made. ) This is confusing–but thanks so much Barb. Good we’re getting the chart.
So glad for the chart!! I thought I was going crazy. I had to rip out three times, now I think I got it!!!!
I found that missing “miss 2 dc” on the 3rd row too…but thanks to someone’s comment earlier, figured it out! Everybody’s comments have really helped me.
I’m now at 12 of #5 done (made myself do them or I might lose my momentum) and 2 of #6. I’m running a little behind, but I’m feeling good about my progress, since I’m a beginner!
It’s so nice working on a square that turns out right the first time. Now I have time to go back and fix some of my lopsided squares from last week.
Rosey, your jig is an obvious hit. Maybe Bernat could place it on the this blog somewhere that we can all see it? That way we won’t have to bother you each week. Thanks again Rosey.
I think that looking at the chart the shells are one above the other, maybe the writer of the clue just doesn’t know how to lay bricks? I ‘m going with the one on top of the other unless I hear otherwise.
I agree. Obviously a crocheter with no brick laying experience.
LOL! I was confused by the brick thing too, so I looked at the pattern to make sure I was doing it right. Maybe they meant to say blocks. Blocks are stacked, while bricks are staggered. And now that I look back at it, I can’t find where I read the brick thing. Did they take it off?
Thanks Jan for the reminder about the chart. I was really lost on this one till I looked at chart and then it all came together.
I closed doors the door to my office at work, couldn’t wait to get home to start Clue #6. I too wish it was in one of the contrast colors but ,oh well, maybe clue#7. Anyway I missed something the first time around so after five rows and it didn’t look like anything pretty I started over after checking the chart. The visual really helped at lot and I will be back to clue#6 by tomorrow. Or maybe I will start blocking and darning the others.
BTW, This is my first CAL. It’s nice crocheting with all of you.
I think ill do that Im going w. the chart thanks Jan
Yippy…what relief, I can make something work. Clue 6 is a breeze. I had to go to a K hook to get my 8″. I do crochet a bit tight. Oh and I hold my hook like a pencil. Self taught here with no idea how to crochet about 30 yrs ago. No computer then or book. I didnt even know to chain 1 after my rows of single crochet and my work was going in , I wonder why? lol And I am not sure what stitch I made but everyone thinks it is knit. I promise I used a hook and didnt know how to knit either…lol
I am greatly relieved. I think I can finish all 4 for afghan #1 tonight while I watch the World Series. Finish the 4 for afghan 2 during tomorrow night’s game, and then complete clue 5 during rest of the games this weekend.
As for who I am rooting for, (if anyone cares) alas, I am a Red’s fan. But, my mourning period is over, and since I no longer have a team in it, I am going for the Rangers for the following reasons: 1. They beat the Yankees (reason enough in itself). 2. I love the way their manager actually gets visibly excited when things go well. Looking forward to an evening of baseball and crochet!
Tobie I am not a great baseball fan, but I do keep up enough to know I want the Rangers to win, but I do live me some football
college on Saturday and NFL on Sundays, with my crochet hook of course!
Glad to have you on board! Ranger Stadium is about 10 minutes from my house. My husband was there when the Yankees went down! It sure has been crowded in town lately.
Hurray for an easy week!!! I have a sense of accomplishment – Afghan #1 is all done!!! We won’t mention Afghans #2 and 3… only 38 squares to go… I CAN DO THIS!
You do 5 rows of shells and 5 rows of V’s and then the final row for #6.
Well, well… I think this clue is very pretty. I am once again my “competent” self after last week’s fiasco. I was on the brink of dispair with my unsquare squares; I gave up on getting them squared and when my 14th was finally a square I was displeased because it was different from all the others! Knowing myself I’ll probably undo my 13 previous ones.
If you have a hard time finding what chain to go into next, put stitch markers or a piece of string in each of your chains before starting so you can locate them easier.
I was so happy to come home from work and see that there is a Clue 6- I was not happy this morning when I logged in and there was no clue!!! At least this one is one color- and looks easy- shells and v’s!! Now to finish up on the remaining 8 clue #5 squares I have to do!
I am soo glad Clue 6 is only 4 squares and no changing of colors. I have to still finish Clue 4 and get started on Clue 5. I will probally have Clue 6 done before I finish Clue 5. I am making a goal to get two squares done a night to get caught up. Goood Luck all. Happy Crocheting.
Hi Jan:
You’re doing it the right way. I think it should have read that the rows stack alternately, not the shells.
Wow, my mitered square actually looks right!! I had no idea there were 2 greens and I suspect I have been using them interchangeably until now. Uh oh. The mitered square is cool but bizarre and I had to do it a number of times until I got it right. A nifty spin!
I’ve finished week 6 now back to week 5….7 more to do!!!!
I just started week 6 and I am confused on row 3.After working the shell it says to dc in next 2 dc.s. I t seems to me that these 2 dc,s should be skipped and the next 2dc,worked continuing the vertical line of the pattern. My block seems to look correct according to the stitch graph. Did you find this to be the case also
The sets of 2 dc are stacked on top of each other in each row and the shell is stacked with the 1dc(in last dc of 3), ch,(1dc, ch,1 dc, ch) in ch space of row below shell, and dc in first dc of 3dc after the ch of row below.
You should see the 2 dc stacked on top of each other . That is what starts the row and ends the row.
You are correct – the 2 dc should line up with the 2 dc of the previous row, continuing the vertical line.
i found that to be confusingly mis-worded!!, too…i also used the chart for this one and it worked out fine!
I like this square but unfortunately I crochet shells very loose so I had to change hooks still a J but from my mom’s old metal J that has 25c stamped in it to my wooden J which for some odd reason I crochet tighter with and it makes my square come out the correct size. So if some of you are having problems maybe just changing the hook not the size might work for you.
That worked for me also. Strange how the same size can be so different.
I have 5 more of clue 5 to finish! As tempting as clue 6 is I am determined to get the last one completed before starting this weeks. I just don’t think I could force myself to continue if I didn’t! I am still loving the CAL.
Me too Michelle! I have 3 left and figure I have the weekend to go on to clue # 6. Four squares will go quickly and I’ve done the shell stitch before so shouldn’t have TOO many problems (I hope!)
I have them all to do still. They just keep going in on me.
I couldn’t wait until this morning to get Clue #6. Shells are my favorite stitch. Just finished two of them. I’m going to slow down because Wednesday is a long time off, but I’m working on two baby blankets to keep me busy until. This square is beautiful.
Took me 3 trys to get clue 6 right but finally got it and looks good.
Lovin this square! I’ve already done 2 and they look nice. I’m using my 5.5 mm hook. Comes out nicely at exactly 8 inches.
Thank you Ladies!!
I thought I was loosing my mind. Again!!
I could not make my shells alternate is a “brick laying fashion” . I guess it would also help if I focused a little more on crocheting instead of MMA (mixed martial arts) Ultimate Fighter and Baseball.
Yes you guessed it my husband has control of the remote tonight. LOL.
Again thank you,
You all helped me figure out how I chould be making clue 6. Oh buy the way, I just finished all 16 of clue 5 and they all look like fairly good squares. Yeah!!!
what a lovely lacy square this week. It is making the intrigue of the finished afghan a real mystery. light and lacy yet the last 16 squares were close and firm. Oh what a delight.
It is nice to know there are so many others doing the same thing at the same time, I have never done this kind of thing before. Now that I can’t get out much I really need to create and have done a lot of afghans and clothes, knitting and crocheting but like this mystery thing a lot. Are there any other Calgarian’s out there?
Edmonton!! Glad to see another Canadian!! haha!
Hi
I’m still working on clue @5, having a little trouble getting it but will just keep up. Nice to hear from you, thanks.
Yep!
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too and hope we can keep up and succeed at this challenge. I’ll be watching every Wednesday, hope you are enjoying this adventure.
I guess I misspelled that one.
I really liked this clue. I have had to drop the hook size from 8mm to 7mm but everything else was fine. Oh well, time to go back to clue 5 for 2 and a half afghans (I have done 22 now)
Good job Susanne.. I have got 2 done now and started the assembly line work doing the chain,rows 1 &2. I will get these done somehow.
This has been a hard week for me. I’ve been under alot of stress at work and at home. Yet, somehow, I’ve managed to get half of Clue #5 squares done! Thankfully, I’m not having a problem with keeping my work square for clue #5. Clue #6 is something I’m not going to think about until I’ve finished #5! I hope to finish clue #5 by Sunday. Then, if all goes well, I can complete clue #6 on Monday and Tuesday. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. In the meantime, I’m taking a break. I’m too beat to crochet tonight!
I wish you well and take care of yourself.
Arg ! Just for the last 5 rows of the last square of clue6, I have to change color : the “mix” I use is made of 2 thin brands and I finished the very last centimeter of one … I’m going to un-crochet a few rows of the last square … (maybe it’s better to have 2 and 2 squares instead of 4 identical ?) and finish the 2 with an another mix (natural is the base, and the other is colored …. and I put 5 colors in the whole plaid)
This clue is simple for crochet and annoying for my brand ! I hope I’ll not have such trouble for the very last clues, and I prepare the last balls !
By the way, I’m so glad that they have all the same dimension : the sewing will be easy.
I’m quite sure I’ll crochet a second one soon …. because I’ve a lot of other projects going on together … and I’m happy to see I’m not alone here in this situation !!!
I have to admit that I was 99% ready to admit defeat on Clue #5!! After about 5 attempts at it, I threw the thing down in disgust! But then I discovered the “comments” on this blog yesterday and started reading some of the problems and solutions and came up with a usable answer…larger hook/looser stitches, especially the center sc3tog.! I am now the proud owner of two of the #5′s that are usable!! Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I am going to try to finish all 16 for this clue before I go onto #6.
Well done!
I have to say, I was pretty excited to do this square, its 1 color and I thought it would be nice looking. I’m not a fan of it at all, not the shells I was thinking of. I guess I’m not a big fan of squares with holes, I hope there isn’t going to be many of these to do in the next clues.
I work all my ends in as I go…. by laying the tail of the yarn on the row I crochet and then making the stitch over the tail for at least 4 stitches, I do not need to sew in the tail. Then I cut off any extra yarn left . Sure makes finishing a lot faster.
I too thought I was loosing it when I could not find #6.Then last night power went off and I had to wait til it came on at 2:30 am to find the new clue! But I started crocheting and found I am now too loose a crocheter and will need to get a different hook. Oh well, everything cannot be perfect every time.
Love doing this project.
I too crochet over my tails when it comes to working with color changes or adding additional yarn. The tails that I am having to tuck in are the starting one and the fastening off one. I was going to leave them for use to sew the blocks together, but taking Laura’s can or not method of keeping or tucking tails. So I figured to tuck them all… sounds like she has a trick up her sleeve.
Me too Donna. I can’t imagine weaving them all in at the end, plus it would drive “the perfectionist” in me mad! LOL…..
I normally weave as I go. but I made an assumption on square 5 and so didn’t weave, but left end for sewing.4 together as a 16 inch square. Will wait and see.
had to wait for a virus to go out of my computer before I could download clue 6 I had fun doing clue five. I am falling behind becuase i am trying to do three projects at the same time. I hope to get caught up by next week so that i can keep on track.
I am so excited about all my squares, except 3 & 4 they seem to be way to long for all the others. I guess I will have to tear them out to be 8 inches, not to mention the waste of yarn. My nick name was always loosey I guess I am living up to my name in this project.
Oh! I got clue #5, it worked up wonderfully in my loose mode, have 2 done. Happy Crocheting Everyone…
Did anyone found that their Clue#3 squares look a bit like a rectangle?
If not, could someone kindly provide me with an explanation. I know that my tension guage is correct. Hence the height of the square is correct but width-wise. It seems to be about 1/2-inch short (evenly on both sides of the square). The piece (or square) size does not seem to match up with the Clue #1 & #2 squares. Help?
Yes I had to add 3 chains, for a total of 28. But you should check to see if it will block out square cuz they seem to be stretchy in both ways.
Blocking should take care of that problem and square them up.
How do one block the Clue #3 (the ‘V”stitch) block?
They are rectangle-ish because they pull the sides in. Once I blocked mine they then went from the rectangle shape to sqare like they were supposed to be.
Clue 3 is the V stitch, right? The V stitch draws in width-wise, but it will easily stretch to the right size. When you sew everything together it should be fine. I think we all have had the same problem with #3.
The pattern stitch for Clue #3 pulls in slightly, making your square a little narrow. Your dimensions are fine, as long as you can gentle stretch it to 8″ and have it stay there for a few minutes. After you block it, it will measure 8″ x 8″ and the stitches will show up more clearly.
All of your tips on the blog have really helped me improve my squares. What I don’t understand is that, when starting this project, I found that I needed to use a “K” rather than a “J” hook to get my 8″ squares (for all of the patterns so far). Now, with Clue 6, the K hook produced a 9″ square instead. I had to drop down to an “H” to get the right size! I think this is a pattern problem, not a “me” problem. Did anyone else have to go down two sizes of hook for this square? Also, what the heck is “frogging”? I guess I’m too old to know the hip language!
Frogging is a boo boo, and then you must rip it, rip it, rip it!
Just like a frog says ribbit, ribbit, ribbit!
I too have used a K hook for all the squares but this one where I went down to a J hook. It all depends on how loosely or tightly the person crochets.
Frogging means to take out your crocheting and start again (rip it, rip it, rip it). Going to the frog pond means undoing some or all of the work you’ve already done.
I didn’t have to change hook size for this one; I’ve been using H for all so far except one (can’t remember) and I used I for that one. Frogging, I also learned on here, is the term used for tearing out your crocheting…….ribbit, ribbit, ribbit! LOL
yes I had to drop down a hook too. and frogging means to pull out what you have done. It is the sound that it makes…rip it – ribbit, therefore the frog part.
Frogging is when you “rip it, rip it, rip it “, or tear out your stitches.
I had to use the H hook also.
Catherine,
I’ve been using a K for all the squares and this one was no different. I think it has to do with how loose or tightly you crochet because shells always come out more lacy. Also, frogging is when they have to rip a square out. They call it frogging because it sounds like a frog “Rip it, Rip it”….
I’m using a K hook on this square and it’s working for me, but I know what you mean about changing hook sizes. I can’t even imagine using the size J hook for all of them! I’ve used J, K and N or a combination of these three for my squares so far. As for frogging, it’s ripping out your work. Rip-it, rip-it! Get it?
I also wondered about “frogging” from what I can gather it is ripping out and starting over again. In all my years of crocheting I have never heard of it.
I have been using a J hook for all of the squares but had to use a different hook for clue #6 which is unusual for me. i too usually use the same size hook throughout my projects.
WOW what a game yesterday…Go Giants!!
Got so excited I couldn’t count, but DH would tell you that happens a lot!
I’m a newbie to crochet, so I practiced the pattern a couple of times before I started the square for 6. I didn’t even have to use the directions to get them done. Easy and pretty, wish they had been the purple color though. Now back to may last #5. Then block, block, block and knit some.
I was given a blocking board as a gift, so am able to block 4 at once when 8″. i have been blocking 4 and working 4 while they dry. Has been working great!!
My makeshift board is only for 2 and I have a bit of a backup going. I’m glad I started blocking early though because I couldn’t get them all done in time otherwise.
Good afternoon everyone. I noticed an error on our new square (clue#6). On the final row you skip 2 double crochets in between the chain 3. So it would be :chain 3 sc, skip next 2 doubles 2 dc in each of next 2 doubles. I’m sure someone else has caught this as well, but I just wanted to share. : )
We don’t mention missing (or skipping) those 2 dc because they’re considered part of the V-st pattern.
Actually, for those of us using written instructions, Row 3 is not exactly accurate as it indicates after shell in ch 1 sp of V to dc in each of next 2 dc, when it should be skip next dc, ch1, dc and then dc in next 2 dc. – Which translates to the same situation you are relating.
How wonderful we all got it anyhow looking at the graph
I just finished my first clue #6 block over lunch and it turned out so beautiful! It is the right size too, I love it. It works up quickly so I think I will be able to finish the other 3 tonight. Then I can work on clue #5, I have 6 made, 10 more to go. Having lots of fun with this project!
Congratulations Tammy!
I’m falling behind, I haven’t gotten clue #5 to come out to the right size yet. I’m making pumpkins this week for my daughter’s Halloween party. Gonna finish them up this evening then back to the squares.
I have to use all different size hooks so far, whatever gives me an 8 inche square. I recently learning what frogging is too. Its ripping it out and starting over.
OK ! Where is the next clue ? Thats alright, just finding myself counting days unitl each Wednesday comes. I am doing an afghan for my stepson for the Holiday in between. I always give my projects away, however, no one but me is getthing the Mystery CAL. Just me, me, me. Am I being selfish ?
If you are, then I am too!!!
I have one going for me and the others as gifts. But I have decided to prioritise and get the 3 gift CAL’s done first then mine and my youngest sons done when time allows as we are heading to summer and I won’t need it for a while. We live quite inland at the edge of a desert so imagine very hot summers and usually mild winters. The drought of the last 10 years broke this year so we will be allowed to water our lawns this summer.
Sounds like Texas! (parts of it, at least)
Well I am still not finished all my squares for clue #5 so I have vowed not to look at clue #6 yet…it is very difficult!! Lol. So I cheated and looked on the blog instead and just finished reading all the comments! I am very intrigued.
My husband was more concerned than I was when we didn’t see the clue posted this morning! He’s been very sweet and helpful through this, though I have to say I cannot count on him to make Rosie’s Jig for me either. That kind of thing falls more in the line of “craftiness” which is my area of things. However, ask anything about automobiles and he’s the man.
Anyway, I think I have 25 more squares to do then I can start clue #6. If I work like mad I think I can get them all done before Tuesday and hopefully then I can finish clue #6 in a day! ….Perhaps too ambitious?? ….. Lol
.
I’ve tried beginning Clue 6 and the first row keeps ending up crooked, even when I do the second row. What am I doing wrong?
Try marking out your stitches on the chain row with stitch markers. It helps to make sure you dont loose a chain. If you dont have stitch markers use pieces of different colored yarn and pull them through with a smaller hook. Also turn your chain row over and go into the bump helps too.. GL
well I have finished the # 5 squares and the #6 squares… I like shells and they worked out great. My one problem has been with the wool again I have spinning errors. that is really thin spots and then a big slub and then back to right…. so that section is cut out. It has happened in three balls of wool at this point. It just really bugs me. I know the utmost care is taken to make sure these things do not happen but what do you do when it seems to be happening alot.?
I was also confused by the alternating shells. I finally tried DonnaLynn’s instructions (Oct 27… 9:24) for row 2 and that made it very easy to see what I was doing. I then followed the “chart” for row 3 to see how the stiches were suppose to match up to the row below…. Made everything very clear! Thanks Donna…. My first block looks great and I can see the pattern clearly.
I think it was easy to think to alternate the shells to keep the line straight after two rows… but keep the wave going…. and the last row will make it straight.
You are very welcome!
15 down, ONE MORE TO GO! I will be glad to be done with Clue #5 squares! LOL. They turned out nice though but will definitely be glad to move on to something new. And only 4 will feel like a breeze! I might have time to actually go play some mindless games on FaceBook! LOL……..(well after the laundry, cleaning, etc etc!). Enjoying chatting with all of you and sure enjoying this Crochet Along!
I’ve finished # 6..very fun and very fancy..I like them..now to work on the #5.I have 12 more to do. I could not do the pattern. I understand the concept but could not apply it. They all turned out wonky so I made up my own “square” and just hope they will all fit in with their other mates when we put the afghan together.
Well I had absolutely no problem with my squares in Clue 5. But I’m very unhappy with Clue 6. I’ve done lots of Shells in the past, but I’m having lots of trouble with this one. I’ve finished one square, but it looks terrible.
I’m not sure how to count in this pattern. First row works out fine, but I seem to be guessing where to put stitches on Rows 2 & 3.
What to do???
Are there errors in the instructions?
Try using the chart instead of the written instructions. I had the same trouble and doing that did the trick.
After you have row 1 done try to use the chart, it really helps.
I think so, it doesn’t match the chart. The chart turns out pretty:
you will end up with a row of shells with 2 dc b4 and after each, and a row of V’s with 2 dc b4 and after each. The 2 dc will line up on top of each other.
your shell is in between 2 V’s (dc, ch, dc, CH, dc, ch dc- put your shell into the capitalized CH space of the previous row.
V’s are placed in between shells: (3dc, CH, 3dc) Put the V’s in the CH space. It really is a pretty block
I had the same trouble. I followed the pattern for the first row and then went to the chart for the rest of the square. The instructions seemed confusing to me after the first row but following the chart worked out great.
Finally finished my clue 5 squares last night. My heart goes out to you ladies who are making more than one afghan! Clue 6 is so pretty and quick to crochet. I started clue 1 of the KAL too last week to get a break from CAL clue 5. Oh well, hope all are doing well. Happy crocheting!
Clue 6 is really pretty. I think it is a great pattern for a scarf, so have started one in a lighter weight yarn to make it a bit less wide.
I was thinking it would make a great pattern on a sweater, now I think you ar right, too
Not a great evening. The Rangers are losing and instead of making progress on my squares I have spent almost the entire game untangling a skein of yarn that my daughter’s dog got ahold of. I swear he is part cat. It’s just a darn good think he is adorable. Otherwise I might have to kill him. Now I am even further behind on my afghan. Ugh.
Don’t worry about the Rangers. They will be home tomorrow and turn things around!
All done Clue #6 now. It was fun, quick and I like how it turned out at exactly 8 inches square! Now I will have to keep busy until Wednesday next week with stitching for Christmas!
Are we having fun? – - – - YES, YES, YES
definitely!! lol
I love clue #6 square…it is so pretty and my favorite so far. It worked up very fast and the first square for me to turn out perfectly 8×8 right off the bat! I finished all four…now back to clue #5…9 more to go. GRRRRRRRRRRRR.
Taking a break from clue 5, even though I haven’t made it very far; and decided to do a few of 6, to make sure I have the hang of it, before the next clue is put up and everyone moves on. Good thing I did because I am having issues understanding the pattern.
If I understand it correctly, on row 3 you do a chain 3, then a DC in the next DC from the previous row, then you skip two double crochets and make a shell in the center of the V stitch? Just seems like a lot of space being skipped to me, and I’m not very good with charts, so I want to make sure I’m doing it right before I move on. It’s my first time doing a square like this. (I hope my wording isn’t confusing)
Any help at all will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, everyone.
Sounds like you have it right. I am a self taught person also, so I just followed the wording. It took me a minute on the first one, but then the others worked out faster. I think sometimes we know too much from crocheting for years and then it is harder to follow a pattern.
Good Luck with yours.
Row 3 –
The chain 3 counts as your first dc; the (1 dc in next dc) goes into the 2nd dc of the previous row.
*** Shell (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in the ch1 space of the V-stitch of the previous row -(essentially skipping the next 2 dc). Then you skip the next 2dc because they are part of the V-stitch grouping!
Dc in the next 2 dc – this will form a double vertical line from rows 1 and 2.
Repeat this from *** two more times. The last dc will be in the top chain of your turning chain on the previous row.
Does this make it clear? If not, let me know.
It streches that 1st dc with the other 2 to align them up. I works nicely.
*It
The instructions were a bit strange to me as well, If you look at the chart, it makes more sense. What you asked is correct the ch3 and dc are your first 2 dc, then, you will end up with a row of shells with 2 dc b4 and after each, and a row of V’s with 2 dc b4 and after each. The 2 dc will line up on top of each other.
your shell is in between 2 V’s
dc, ch, dc, CH, dc, ch dc- put your shell into the capitalized CH space of the previous row.
V’s are placed in between shells: (3dc, CH, 3dc) Put the V’s in the CH space. It really is a pretty block.
Thanks, everyone!! I think I got it now. I really appreciate the help. ^_^
Has anyone else noticed the cute patterns on their Softee Chunky yarn labels? When I’m finished with this afghan I think I have 2 or 3 more projects in the works! If I can finish all my clue #5 squares I may even start on a knit hat right away!
I agree! Some cute things. I would like to try a hat. Never done that, or one with a brim anyway.
i am already starting on the striped afghan that was on one of the labels, i always keep these patterns in my scrapbook you never know when you are looking for another project.
You’re brave to start on another afghan before this one is finished, Susan! Good luck!
I have been collecting the patterns for later. I think I really want to try the trble cross crochet afghan but am worried about the intermediate level. The twisted texture one looks easier. LOL
So excited to get this clue and to see that my Clue #5 looked the same! Finding I have to do my first square of each clue about 2-3 times to get the right hook size. Clue #5 used ‘I’ for 1st 8 rows and then ‘J’ for remaining rows…Clue #6 had to go to an ‘H’ hook to keep it 8inches. Oh well!
Having so much fun working on this project with my mom and sister…the three of us were doing clue #6 together yesterday in the waiting room while my dad was having surgery…it was quite a conversation starter, especially when we explained to people about the ‘mystery’ of it all
Krista, I hope Dad’s surgery went well.
same goes from me!
Thanks! It did go very well and he is recovering nicely. He is going a little stir-crazy – we offered to let him learn with us, but he didn’t go for it
Yeah!! I just completed my fourth square for clue #6. Came out beautifully, an exact 8×8. Now I have to patiently wait for No.7.
Love the togetherness of “v” st and shells. Great pattern.
I have 1 1/2 done for clue 6, had to use a G hook to get gage I love the pattern since I slowed down and read the instructions
I am having way too much fun with this CAL!
I used a H crochet hook and mine is a perfect 8X8. Funny how we all crochet differently making the exact same thing. I am loving clue 6. I had fun with 5 also, even though i’m done with my 16. So far the only square I didn’t like is nbr 4 and that’s only because of all the yarn i have to weave in. LOL Loved seeing all my colors together in one square though
Thanks to all of you who mentioned the differences in tension between clues 5 and six.. I have forced myself to complete all the clue 5 squatre for both afghans before beginning clue six. I have 3 more to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a real blast! I love it! So much fun to know so many others are crocheting the same thing! And the blog sure helps with problems (usually for the size!) Thanks, everyone! Clue # 6 sure is beautiful! Thanks, Bernat!
I know, I am going to have clue withdrawls when this is over!
All my squares are done and impatiently waiting for Wednesday to come around. Was thinking about getting the Bernat baby blanket wool in either pink blue ombre or baby green and was going to try the pattern on the label, Corner to Corner Seed St Blanket k.
Has anyone ever worked with this wool? or tried this pattern? it looks so beautiful and very fluffy and I need more to do, besides the KAL, the friendship bracelets and my scrapbooking.
here are the links for the color and pattern
http://www.bernat.com/product.php?LGC=babyblanket
http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=4955
what do you’s think???
It looks really nice. If you don’t know the sex of the baby that you are making it for I would go for the green rather than the pink/blue mix. Some parents of boys wouldn’t appreciate a blanket with pink in it.
Oh! That does look soft and beautiful. I’d like to try that yarn too!
The only yarn I use for baby stuff is the Bernat Baby Coordinates. It is soft and the twist of shimmery in the color makes it just beautiful. I usually only make baby stuff and give it away and I get so many comliments. It really is the yarn that makes it great.
I started clue # 6 yesterday and finished all four in about 2 hours! they turned out just great. The right size with the J hook. Very pretty pattern. I am still working on the clue # 5. I have 7 squares done. They are turning out just fine, it’s just taking me longer, not only because there is so many to do, but it’s all single crochet. I am excited to see how these all come together in the afghan. I didn’t see anything mentioned about all the “tails” to tie in, so I’m going to do that this week, so when they are ready to be put together, I don’t have hundreds of ends to finish! Happy crocheting everyone. And a Happy Halloween!
So, where does everyone think the 16 squares will go on this afghan? In the 4 corners? Straight down the middle? Left top corner rows 1&2, right side rows 3&4, left side rows 5&6, bottom right corner rows 7&8? or somewhere else?
I really love all the squares except one (can you guess?)
My favorite square is clue number 4 – stripey square – because of the way the colors look together. a=Natural, b=Grass, c=Wine, d=Pale Antique Rose.
My least favorite is clue number 5 – mitered square – because of two reasons: the fact it doesn’t really turn out square either way you do it, but most of all, because of the way my colors look together. There seems to be too much fern, which doesn’t appear to look good with my grass and wine.
Since I only have 3 of the #5 squares done, I am thinking of changing the number of rows of each color, to make it more pleasant. Or changing the Grass to another color, since the only other square it was used in is #4..
What do you think?
I think it all is a matter of perspective. I really disliked clue 4 in my MIL’s afghan but loved clue 5, I really loved clue 4 in my mother’s one but don’t really like clue 5. Luckily I have only done 5 as I am considering pulling them out and replacing the smallest natural with one of the accents, possibly D as it isn’t in the square, as my A and E are both quite light shades. Regretfully I used the increase method so it won’t be quite so easy to do.
You can change up the grass for another color that would flow better. Hopefully you have only 4 sqares made using that color.
I am still sorking on #5 also. I have 4 done completely. I changed the hook size up to a L on a few rows, K on the others. Chained 48, with 24 rows. It is turning out with the last rows in fern lacey looking.
Happy crocheting and hopes this helps.
After sleeping on it, I decided to just leave it and see what the outcome will be. Maybe I will like it when it is all finished.
I like the cooler colors and baby colors, more than the browns, greens, oranges, etc.
I am sure I will love this when it is all done!
I just read your blog, after I posted one. You have used different hooks on clue 5. That has been my problem, not having consistency with one hook, so I guess I need to change hooks as I go along to attain the consistency I need.
I think 4 in the 4 corners…;-)
I love this pattern…..it’s turning out quite nicely, and is working up very quickly. My plan was to make one afghan for each of my grandkids for Christmas, I’ve got a lot of # 5 squares to finish!!!
Hi, you all, What a relaxing week compare to last week!!! Clue #6 is done, and blocked and I should have listened to Laura and spread clue #5 over a period of 2 weeks, maybe more. Now I’m back waiting for next clue!!! In the meantime, I should start a new afghan or something else, It is friday. Wednesday seems so far away!!
Hello, I’m also participating in the CAL and have a question about blocking – where do I find “rust-proof” pins? What material are they made of?
You can find pins at a fabric shop or quilting shop – they usually say rust-proof on the package but the clerk will be able to tell you. I have also seen them at Walmart and Michaels – I personally like the T-pins which you can find with the quilting supplies.
I have used normal dress making pins – they haven’t rusted but a suggestion that I have seen is to paint them with clear nailpolish just to be sure.
Mine are stainless steel. Hope that helps.
stainless
I hear you! This square is beautiful. I can’t wait for clue 7 either
oh SUGAR…i got all four of my squares done…but, on the row with the dc and ch i only did ONE dc ch dc…instead of dc ch dc ch dc….they still look pretty….i think i may leave it the way it is instead of redoing all four squares…
You will probably be the only person that will know it is not exactly as the pattern. I think it will look just a pretty.
I did one square of this #6 clue, and found I was still in the LOOSE mode from the #5 clue square – it is larger, so I will finish all my #5 squares while I am in this “Loose” mode.
I did the same thing. The first square of clue #6 came out much bigger than it should have because I was still in loose mode. I just used that square to make the next square and made the adjustment I needed to and now clue 6 is complete. Still have 5 more for clue 5 because I had to take 5 days off from working on them to make halloween costumes for work. I should have no problem catching up since this week was so easy! Happy Crocheting
Thanks goodness for a nice, easy, flowing, single color square…lol. I love last week’s square, don’t get me wrong. It was unique, and easy (for me) and my colors look great together. But 16! Wow. I am taking a break from those and whipping up these ones quick. They look very nice.
Amen to that. I am doing two blankets so I had to make 32 of the mitered squares. Still have to make 12 more for afghan #2. Finished all of clue #6 for both soI’m not too far behind. I figure in the next 4 weeks we only have 12 squares left to make so I’ll have time to catch up. I have loved the project so far. Hope there will be another before spring! Bernat, what do you say?
Just checking, is the starting row supposed to end up scalloped when finished? Looks good, but worried about sewing together with another square that isn’t scalloped. Oh, and when blocking, I use the bottom of a cardboard box and mark it with the 8″ square with a marker. Then I use long dressmaker pins to pin the square to the lines, then put a wet cloth over it and overnight it is blocked. They are all coming out great. I sure am fretting putting all these squares together.
The first row is worked on the starting chain so not scalloped. Do you mean the last row? There is a “Final Row” after you have repeated Rows 2 and 3..this takes away the scalloped appearance so it can be joined to other squares. Hope this makes sense!
The starting chain row comes out scalloped. Should I block it straight?
You are putting 6 dcs in one chain. This causes that scalloped look. Also the final row also creates a scalloped look. If you go to this link http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/bernat-mystery-afghan-crochet-along/topics and look at the clue 6 pics you will see all the others have that. You are doing fine.
I love the Clue 6 square. Even though I have done this pattern a million times and love it, I really struggled with the directions on the first one. After that, I just quit reading the directions and followed the pattern and they went very fast. I think when the CAL is over I will make a whole afhgan in this pattern. Now, back to Clue 5 squares!
thats exactly what I was thinking
I did the same thing Nedra! Once I had the pattern down I just quit reading the clue. It just confused me! LOL. One down, 3 to go, but these go really fast!
How come I have 9 full balls of yarn left and only 8 squares to go? I have used 10 balls for 36 squares.
We will probably be putting a nice border around all the squares!
I believe there are 12 squares left to make. (and don’t forget the joining yarn and probably edging yarn that will be needed.)
There may be a border around the outside edge. That would use up quite a bit. That’s my thought, because I have quite a bit left also.
The border?
I was thinking the same thing Karen. Seems like we have an awful lot of yarn left. Mmmm……oh well guess we’ll find out soon enough! LOL.
They multiplied over night in the bag?…lol I have 7 but I still have 8 of #5 to do. Maybe you bought extra? I am just not sure. Do you crochet loose? That could be part of it…Happy Halloween and Crocheting!!!
I have exactly the same doubt…
Karen – I’m guessing we’ll have to stitch a border – but that is just a guess.
I believe that the yarn is reproducing, but I can’t be sure because there just isn’t any baby yarn in the box
Got home from work last night and the dog had gotten into my project bag. 5 skeins of yarn, plastic bags and labels in various states of chaos throughout my family room. Guess he got bored. He’s worse than my cats ever were. Thankfully all skeins but one were relatively easy to wind up into balls and I have an extra ball of the 5th colour to use — that one is going to take a lot more work to unravel.
The dog is sorry. : (
….but he did have fun!!!
I have blocks 3 & 4 done, but they seem to be too long, what should I do tear them out? All my other blocks are right on. Finally got the hang of 5 and crocheting along smoothly now. I’ll be excited to see #7 next Wednesday. Happy Halloween to all and keep the hooks going…………
Block 3 should turn out ok after you block it as it pulls the sides in. Many (me included) found that block 4 ended up being too long so removed the last row of treble.
finely got sq. 8 done this morning befor going to work, did a lot of frogging, i did change the number of rows for thoes skinny rows ,subtracted them from color c , to much of that color for me. 8 more to go. tonite am going to work on clue #6 then go back to clue5 did apprate the directions for reversing the starting of it i had thought of doing that, then read it the blog T Y i am not giving up on this am going to finnish it. to manny other projects going with working full time i will i will finnish.
Clue #5 is my least favorite too. My colors are not that attractive in the small amounts in this square. But, the more I do, the more it grows on me! I’m using a K hook to get something close to square. Also, I find blocking does wonders!
Good morning ladies; It’s great to read all the comments on our mutual project. This is my 1st time CAL & am interested in the KAL in Feb. I am wondering if our #5 clue will be in each corner also. This means our lines really need to line up. I may be doing a couple over again.
My other favorite part of this blog & CAL is seeing where everyone is, how far spread this project is, how fun.
We had our first snowfall yesterday morn. It is so pretty.
Sorry, I didn’t realize there is a 4 hour time difference with this blog. It really is morning still, for me.
You can find the KAL either by placing “KAL” in the search, or Go to archives for Oct 2009 that is where the first clue is located
I cannot find the instructions for clue #6.
http://bernat.com/CAL2010Intro/6pyorjm/CrochetAlong_Clue6.pdf
So far, my favorite squares are this one and the granny square. I never knew how much I like the lacy look until I did these two stitches. Very nice, and I can’t WAIT to see what this afghan looks like all put together! I am planning on donating it for a non-profit auction early next year, but I might just make two so I can have one!
A quick and easy blocking board
Here is an idea for a frugal blocking board. Find a large piece of cardboard. You can go to Wal Mart and find one when they are stocking shelves. Cases of baby diapers come in these huge boxes when shipping.
Then go over to the fabric department and get whatever amount of checkered fabric you will need. Not more than two yards, it can be the inexpensive fabric, as you are not making anything out of it. Pick up a small package of quilting batting. You don’t need much of this either. Next you will need tape and a large plastic garbage bag, no doubt you have these already.
Cut out a flat piece from your box as large as you want it. Cut your garbage bag open to lie flat and place over the cardboard to protect it from the moisture. Next place a layer of the batting (This helps with quicker drying) and than finally cover all of this with your checkered fabric. Fold edges to the back and tape securely. Now you have your blocking board. You can stash it behind a dresser or chest of drawers when not in use. Pull it out and lay on your bed when needed.
Pins stick easily into the cardboard and the checks give you an accurate guideline to use as you block your item. A penny saved is a penny earned.
the above post was found here:
http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com/knitting-blocking-board.html
This is what I was going to do, and when I got home and started to measure out the squares on the fabric for my guide, I noticed the squares were not exact measurements. It came out to so many squares equals like 8 1/4″.
Upon closer look, I discovered they weren’t even straight lines, so now I need to get more fabric. I only wish I could find what I already have put away somewhere. It was in my closet, and now it is not. I think I’m turning into my mother.. hehe She still finds Christmas gifts in her closet from 2 and 3 years ago. ^_^
Or I may just finish making the blocking Jig. I started on it, but then had to have surgery and haven’t finished it yet. I’m also a clue behind. Finished 6, but only have 3 of clue 5 finished. Plus doing 2 afghans, so really further behind than I want to be. At least this down time will give me a chance to catch up. ^_^
I am so behind! Been down with the flu for the past 3 days, still can’t sit up for long, but I had to read the BLOG! Still have 8 squares of Clue 5 to do for my second afghan, and 8 to do of Clue 6. I don;t like being idle, this being sick business is driving me crazy! It only took my grandsons a day to get over this when I had them on Tuesday.
I also fell behind, but i’m catching up now. I finished clue #4 and I have 6 of clue #5 done. I don’t like falling behind but things happen. I hope you feel better soon Berniece
I wish you a speedy recovery, so you can get back to your squares. Take care…
Thought I would try again to get a post in this week. Tried last night but got error message saying “Service Not Available” when I tried to post.
Great to read everyone’s comments this week. Enjoyed this week’s clue. A thankfully simple, but attractive square. It was a welcome diversion on Thursday night after a crazy week. My 19 year old DD’s friend passed away so it was great to be able to escape for a few hours. Got to love our hobbies. Hopefully I will be able to catch up the other half of clue #5 this weekend and be back on track for Wednesday. Well at least for my main blanket.
Wishing everyone a great weekend and a Happy Halloween!
If I read correctly, there are 48 squares in this project. We have 6 more clues to go. I have a feeling that Clue #5 is going to end up being only 4 squares, with 4 being joined together to make 1 square. Thus 16 squares turn into 4. I thought the same thing you did until I finished Clue #5. So, in this case there are more than 8 squares left to due over 6 clues. Did I make sense?
Whoa! I am on my 4th square trying to get a square mitered square. Did the gauge thing and used a K hook, too loose, so I switched back to the J hook, too tight and bigger on the section where I started and tighter on the far side. So I am back to the K hook trying to be tight all the way through, worked, sort of. I have 4 different size sides. I am starting the 4th square and would like to have better success. HELP!
The center line (sc3tog) needs to be able to give a bit. I noticed that they are stagared as they go up, so watch for that. Also if some yarn is thinner and thicker than others this makes a difference also. You may have to use 2 different hooks. GL ..happpy crocheting
The edging/border will use up some of that leftover yarn.
Just finished clue #5! Just in time for the last strike! What a game!
GO RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Goooooo Giants!!!
I love the new square #6. It worked up easy. I came up a bit short but the pattern is so loose with all of the chains that when I laid it flat and brushed it with my hand it stretched just enough. Have had a hard time with those darn mitre squares. I finally tried the increase instead of the decrease and it looks much better but I didn’t like the look of the top. I finally crocheted a 5 row 5 stitch square and then added the next color on two of the sides of my square. It leaves the top stronger and with a point at the top. I typed up a pattern for it so I wouldn’t forget anything important and if anyone would like it I will be happy to pass it along.
Sure…this has been a tuff one for many of us.
New at this blog stuff. This is my first – can you tell? I use this with the increase pattern. Just ch 6. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and remaining 4 ch. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc and ch 1, turn until you have 5 rows. Attach next color at end of row 5 and sc along 2 sides of the square. Continue with increase pattern. Check your gauge as you go with the square so you don’t end up with a rectangle. Hope this helps.
In the directions for the 3rd row for Clue #6, I believe it should read: *Shell in ch-1 sp of next V-st, MISS NEXT 3 CH, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc. The MISS NEXT 3 CH is missing.
I have not read the blogs but the directions do not show that it has been corrected. Thanks
Well I took a break from clue 5 and did clue 6. Finished the first one and thought it looked a little big. So I took out one of my first squasres to compare sizes (mine are not quite 8″‘s). They were the same size. Discovered that my 10 completed squares from clue 5 are about a 1/2 inch to small. Well life is too short to frog all 10 of those so I am adding 2 rows to the outside mitered corner to make them up to size. Now I just need to decide which color to use. I really like my three accent colors, but the one we have used the least of is the medium rose color (Color C), so I think that is the one I will use. I have all of clue 6 done, so it is now back to clue 5 and I might have them done by the next clue.
They can be blocked to 8″…
I had to add another two rows to all of mine as well.
Avoiding square 5. Hate is too strong a word, but I realy dislike square 5…..
I do understand. I have had tons of problems with it too!
11 done now. Had to changed hooks after 12 and then do some rows different also, but they are getting done slowly….
Welcome to thew club!
Dear Laura and Bernat,
I’ll be packing tomorrow in order to head off early the next morning for the next round of medical tests and doctors appointments. This time it is 400 miles each way and I will be away for a week. Can I get a hint as to any colours to pack as 20 balls for 4 afghans will take a bit of space? Please, pretty please, and with a strawberry on top!
I started this CAL late and now that I’m caught up, I’m not so patiently twiddling my thumbs waiting for the next clue lol…This is sooo fun!
I, too started late (Oct 23rd!) but am now going to start on Clue # 6. This is sooo much fun. I will start blocking as soon as I am done with # 6 as my husband JUST made a blocking board for me. All my squares came out pretty even in size, but I did have too change needle size – now using 4 different sizes. I am glad I was a little behind; the blog has helped in directing me to the needle size to use and hints as to how to approach each stitch!
After reading all the great tips on blocking I went hunting in my shed and found 2 old 5′ x 2′ shelves we stored away, and they make perfect blocking boards. My husband hammered in small nails in 8″ square designs and all I do is moisten and hook over the nails to lay out the squares, next day they’re dry. I used to have a small board for blocking doilies made with the same idea.
My husband made me a ‘jig’ for blocking – I had gone online and read that there is a commercial way of blocking … using stainless steel rods to hold the edges straight and then hold them firmly on something (not sure what they used) and steam or dampen them … so I had him make up a piece of wood with four nails in it at 7 7/8 inches apart in the four corners and I thread the edges of the block onto small long old knitting needles (size 11 or 12 in the pre-metric measures) (my answer to the stainless steel rods … they won’t rust etc) and I put the steam iron over them, not touching, and give them bursts of steam and then let them rest or dry while I threaded the next one … I have two sets of 4 long needles on the go … they seem to be holding the required shape now – not the kite shape that they looked like after crocheting!
Managed to do this clue and all of the Clue 5 for two of the three afghans I am working on. On the third one I am half way done clue 5, and still waiting to do clue 6, but that shouldn’t take me long. Am hoping to be done before Wednesday.
Good job, keep on hookin!!
My patterns are working out fine, but I’m really concerned at this point. All though I am crocheting to gauge, I’m going through a lot more yarn than the pattern calls for. I have already bought an extra skein of Contrast color A (used on clue 3 and 5 extensively, and I have to buy another. I’m also nearly out of a couple of others.
Also, with six and seven skeins of the main colors, this is looking to be a huge afghan. So I’m concerned about that too.
You might want to check your colors, because color A was not used in clue #3, and only a small amount in clue 5. Color A was the Natural. The color used in clue #3 and most of clue 5 was the Fern,
Good luck!
I’ll never ever do mitered squares again in my life!!
I am with you Marion. I only have 4 of the mitered squares done and am dreading finishing the rest.
Although weaving in ends for the color changes is not one of my favorite things, I liked learning the mitered square. I think it would work really well in cotton for dishcloths. You wouldn’t have to worry about it being a true square, and the multicolor and striped yarns would really brighten a kitchen.
I didn’t weave that particular clue in, thinking how the block might go together
It would make an interesting dishcloth for my leftover cotton.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Your welcome. I like your profile pic.
I agree, but if it helps this is how I finished my clue #5 squares. I started by making a 5 single crochet by 5 rows square (chained 6 to begin). Then I began with adding rows (adding single crochets in the corners)around two sides of the square. I would have liked to have done the miter squares, but they just did not work for me. Hope this helps, happy crocheting.
testing my profile pic.
i guess it’s not working….
I see your pic
I can see it-It is working
Profile pic is working just fine!!
How does one add a profile photo?
go to gravatar in search box and create an account
http://en.gravatar.com/site/login
Thanks, Linda. I did it.
Your very welcome
No where can I find instructions for downloading my profile picture – how did you do it? Thanks.
Whewwww! Finished all 16 (for 2 afghans) squares for Clue # 5 and all 8 squares for Clue # 6. Just blocking the last 12 squares for second afghan. Bring on Wednesday. Happy crocheting all!!!
OOPS!! Should have read all 32 squares–just glad they’re all done!!
I’ve just finished all for two of my afghans as well. What a feeling of relief…Now to finish of the other two!
I have 3 more squares to do in clue 5 and 2 more left to do in clue 6. Hopefully I’ll finish tomorrow in the midst of homeschooling my daughter. I just love the way clue 6 works up. I hope clue seven is purple. (my favorite color). Happy crocheting everyone.
I hear you Megan, I homeschool my 3 sons, and I like Math time best for needlework! I always sit at the table so I’m right there if they have any questions or need help.
I LOVED the mitered square! I enjoyed doing it the most of any. Looking forward to the next clue – hurry Wednesday!!!!
It’s funny how one persons hated square is anothers favorite.Once i started increasing instead of decreasing i didn’t mind it.i’ve loved learning each one.this CAL has been so much funand ilove reading all the comments.i will truly miss this when it’s done.
I actually enjoyed it too!! It was the first time working outside in
Whewww, finally got all of clue #5 and clue #6 done!! I had never done a mitered square before. I really like the way they look and I love learning new crochet stuff!! Can’t wait for Wednesday! Bring it on
Finished my clue 6 squares on Saturday. Sooooo pretty!! Looking forward to Wednesday. Hope the clue’s not late this time!
Came home after work all set to start my 4th square in Clue #6 and realized I forgot the “final” row. LOL. Good thing I looked at the pictures on Ravelry of others finished squares. Wasn’t hard to fix, but boy did I feel dumb! Time to get last one done! Happy Crocheting and is it Wed yet???
Could you tell me where in ravelry you were able to find the pictures of completed Clue #6? I’m having a tough time with it, but it looks like it will be beautiful when its made.
Go to Groups on top of page, go to Bernat, then to Crochet alongs down in the middle of page, then go to the right side and see view all projects….GL
Thanks, Linda.
I did sign up and it was great to see all of the samples on ravelry. I had problems figuring out the second row of the pattern. However, with all the samples and the tip on markers, I think I may be able to conquer this tomorrow after work!
What a variety of color choices! I’ll have to post mine sometime.
What subject are the posts under. I’d love to see them.
I posted a concern last night here, but I can’t find it, so I’ll try posting again. I am running out of yarn. For contrast color E, I have used three skeins now. There were 8 squares in clue 3 and much of contrast color used in clue 6. I have completed 8 of the 16 in clue 6 and am out of this color. I am also concerned about contrast color A. I am crocheting to guage, except for clue 3, which was a little small. What is happening? How can I be so off?
If you have used 3 balls of E, you should have 4 left, which will be plenty to finish the afghan. You should have started out with 6 balls of A, 2 each of B, C and D and 7 of E. If you bought the right amounts of each color and did not substitute one color for another (accidentally or on purpose) you should be OK.
Marie,
You might want to check your colors, because the instructions said to purchase 7 balls of contrast color E – Fern, and said to purchase 6 balls of color A – Natural.
You may have mixed up your colors by accident.
Every item I have ever crochet or knitted always take me more yarn than the pattern tells me. It’s in the way you crochet. The way you hold the yarn. If you crochet loose, or looser than the person who made the pattern. I always buy more yarn than the pattern says.
Funny – I always end up with yarn left over.
It’s been a busy weekend but now can finally settle in and work on the last 10 of the mitered squares. Clue 6 actually works up to be a beautiful square! I went ahead and worked those 4 in between working the mitered ones. I’m blocking squares as I go too! Happy Crocheting!!!
As disappointed as I am in the outcome of the World Series, I take comfort in the fact that it took a team the caliber of the Giants to stop the Rangers.
Finished all of my squares for two afghans and the scarf, so have decided to start the KAL using up some of my stash. Needed another project while I wait for the next square.
This has been most enjoyable!!
Just finished the last of clue #5′s 16 mitred squares. Loved this block, I can see doing an afghan with just this square in my future. Have also got 1 of clue #6′s done tonight, so I should be all caught up by Wednesday!
Bernat, I hope you are busy working on creating the next CAL for us! Late winter project or early spring??
Congratulations San Francisco GIANTS, your on top of the world with the great world series win in 2010!!
All caught up now twiddling my thumbs. Maybe I should start blocking………mmmmm……….what to do, what to do???
Well, I am all caught up. I finally mastered the mitred square, but had to do the increase method. Thankfully the squares came out beautifully. I am really enjoying this project and have learned so many new tricks from reading all the posts. Thank-you Bernat!
Finished clue 6! LOVE that it was all one colour this week – now off to finish #5 – I’m thinking I’ll still need another week….at least!
Love the afgan patterns but wish some of the pictures were for us “lefties”. I learn best with pictures. No trouble so far except with square sizes (most coming out about 7″ to 7.5″ so I am leaving it at that size) and the mitred square – not square yet, about to try a third time!
Am I counting correctly that there are only 12 squares left for the next six clues?
i agree! i have a hard time flipping the pictures in my mind to make it work for me!
HI.. Lefties… I saved the pic to my desktop . THen I opened it and went to image, horizontal flip AND voila … there is a pic of stitch by a left handed crocheter! Hope this helps you… it did help me…
I’m confused. Are you talking about the picture of the finished item , or the chart that comes with the written pattern? I crochet left-handed, and my square looks just like the finished item picture.
I believe she means the instruction pictures. That is what I was after for lefties and I actually thought of the same solution! The squares should come out the same regardless of which way you do it – left or right handed.
Oh goody, I’m done with #5, for the 1st one….on ward I go. It is a n interesting square but tuff.
Yipee!! I am finally caught up on my squares! I found Clue #6 the most enjoyable so far. Not sure if it is just because it is really pretty and quick (which it is) or just a relief after Clue # 5 quantity! LOL! Well on to Clue #7!!
I don’t get how there is an extra stitch on one side of the square. When you start off you have 21 single crochets on one side, and 20 on the other. When you decrease three stitches, in my mind it should be 1 less stitch on one side. The pattern calls for the same number on both sides. What am I doing wrong. I have tried about 4 times and can’t get the numbers to match the pattern? Please help.
1st row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each of next 20 ch. Draw
up a loop in each of next 3 ch. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook –
sc3tog made (place marker on last st made as center st). 1 sc in each of
next 21 ch. Turn.
Note: 1 + 20 on first side. Then 21 on second. What is confusing you I think is the word “next” 20. So there really is 21 on each side. Hope that helps.
Start with 46 chains (don’t count the loop on the hook as a chain); sc in 2nd chain from hook, then in the next 20 chs (21 sc); 3ch decrease (1 sc); sc in next 21 chs.
Finally got finished with clue 5 and 6 this morning. It’s raining here in MS so I’ll be working on another afghan that I only have 15 more granny squares to do, then I’ll get to sew them together. Lol. Happy crocheting! until tomorrow hopefully to clue won’t be late getting posted.
Waiting for the next clue …. But it’s too early ! Tomorrow morning (in France), I’ll be up at 6am, and expecting the connexion ! I’m still on holidays, but my husband is working, so I get up with him …
Ready for the new mystery step ?
Call me butter ’cause I’m on a roll! Finished clue #6 squares last night . I have all day today to finish clue #5 and I will be caught up. Yay!
Thats a good one!!! lol….I guess I butter catch up so I can be on a roll with ya!!
I learned A LOT from this square – how to make a decreased miter square, how to make an increased miter square, and how to crochet LOOSER!!! Thanks for a fun time, Bernat!
Sorry… that was Clue #5!!!
I finally finished all of my clue 6 squares. I had a bit of trouble with the tension after having to loosen up for clue 5. I only have 5 more to do of last week’s clue, but I think I finally have the mitre mastered.
Am all caught up and waiting for the next clue. This last square is so pretty! Just love it! Now, on to the next one! This is a great way to spend the weeks, just that I get involved and only once took the whole week to finish my clues. Can’t wait for the next one! Let’s go!!
I’m all caught up! While I was tidying up my squares, I started counting. I already have 46 squares!!! I thought the finished afghan was 48?!
Are you sure you don’t have 36?
My friend saw me changing colors during the mitered square and taught me how to do a Russian join. It works very well. No ends to weave in! Takes some experimenting to get the yarns joined at just the right spot for the color change, but I’ve gotten pretty good at it. There’s an demo at the blog spot link below, or Google search on “crochet Russian join.”
http://twistyarnshop.blogspot.com/2009/05/russian-join.html
I just downloaded Clue 7!! Yippie, living in Alaska has earlier time perks:) Easy, peasy, since I’m making 2 afghans, this is a bittersweet break, yes I have time to get other things done, but, no I don’t want to have to wait another week for the next clue. I just love the crochet angst it brings on. Keep on going, the end is in sight. I’m looking forward to viewing the pix of everyone’s project.
I am thoroughly enjoying doing this CAL. I do find it very easy and not too challenging, but it is relaxing and reading everyone’s comments. I have loved it. I had never done the Mitered square that way. I had started small and went bigger, but I love it. I have loved doing those. This week will be easy, which is good where I have a wedding dress to alter for my oldest granddaughter.
I am self-taught, and so I have a question about all the loose threads. Should I be “waeving them in” as I create each 8″ square?
Could someone tell me the quickest way to block a square. I’m doing the method, pin the square down put a damp cloth over top till dry, but it takes all day for one square. I need something faster…please.
Val, you can make a board out of cardboard to do 4 or 5 at a time. I made mine from a piece of styrafoam (hard type) and material. It called for batting under the material to help with drying didnt have that. Someone said using an ironing board works too.
I get mine wet first, then roll up in a towel to get the excess moisture out and then I pin it and let dry with nothing on it. You can also use a steam iron, ( DO Not let iron touch your work or it can melt ). I seen it on youtube I think. Hope this gives you some ideas…GL
where are the directions for clue #5 – I can’t find them under the Mystery Afghan Crochet-along 2010 section