Clue #9
Here’s a picture of the completed Clue 8 square. This was a fun one wasn’t it?
This is the week you’ve been looking forward to for so long. At last you’ll get to see how all your hard work is going to come together. I know you’re eager to get at it but before we start seaming, let’s block our squares if you haven’t already.
For those of you who don’t need any guidance for blocking or seaming, here’s the download for the assembly diagram. Make sure you come back next week for the Afghan border pattern.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF FILE OF THE ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM (aka Clue 9)
Someone mentioned on the blog that it isn’t necessary to block acrylic yarn; however blocking certainly does improve the look of your squares and makes them more even in size.
Numerous ways to block have been talked about, including steaming. Be careful when steaming acrylic yarn! If you’re using your steam iron don’t let it touch the squares or you may end up with a gooey mess on the bottom of your iron, not to mention a ruined square.
My preferred method for acrylic yarn is to cold block. Pin out the square to the measurements specified and spray with water or cover with a damp cloth and let it dry. If you’re using a cardboard backing or template, you can always cover it with plastic wrap so it won’t get wet.
Once your squares are blocked and dry, you can begin putting them together.
There are lots of ways to seam squares together – way too many to cover here. So we’re going to show you our way. We call it flat seaming and it’s great for this afghan because everything is done with right sides facing – makes it easy to match stripes, etc. and there are no ugly surprises. Just be sure to match your rows/stitches and take fairly small stitches and you’ll be fine. I used to hate seaming until I learned this method; now, seaming is one of my favorite things to do (at least I don’t hate/dread it anymore) and I’m proud of the finished look – so professional! You may need to use different colors to match different sections but using this method most of the stitches disappear into the work so you don’t have little contrast stitch marks showing through your work between the squares.
Bringing yarn up through the left square
Bringing yarn up through the right square
Seam before tightening
Seaming Side Edges - left
Seaming Side Edges - right
Blocking should have taken care of most of your problems with sizing but if the edges of your squares don’t match up perfectly because you had to add stitches or rows, you may need to skip a stitch on one square or work several times through the same stitch to make them match.
Skipping a stitch on the right-hand square
Working twice through the same stitch
Have a wonderful time assembling your new afghan. Next week I’ll be back to show you how to work the edging.
Happy crocheting!
Laura
Wow, This nothing like I imagined! This is going to be beautiful!
I agree. I was very skeptical of the lavender and topaz but as I worked up the varioius patterns I was surprised by the beauty of the combination. I’m so glad that I stayed with the designated colors!
me too !!!!!!!!!!!!Love the combinations
I am almost finished – still have 12 mitered blocks to do -
but have all the other squares done!
Is there a way to enlarge the phots of the seaming instructions?
All I can see on this blog are 1/2 inch square photos which is too
small to see the detail of what you are doing!
I tried clicking on the photo – but that did nothing.
If you can email the photos & instructions perhaps that would help.
Thanks – I am looking forward to finishing this afghan and sending
in a photo – It has been fun and exciting to see what the next block
would be. Thanks for doing this mystery crochet-along!
Jo,
If you copy the photo to a Word or PowerPoint document you can enlarge it.
On the blog page just hold down the control key and press the + (plus) key until the picture gets to the size you want. hold down control and press the – (minus) key until back to normal.
IF you mean the photos portion of the directions, use your computers magnifier feature -found in your start menu. Hope that helps
click on control and the plus key and it will enlarge with every click
I agree as well…this is going to be a beautiful afghan and can’t wait to finish it. This one is for me!!!!
Thanks for all the detailed photos of seaming! I am out of town with my hubby for our anniversary this week. As soon as we get back home, I’ll get to work on seaming my baby blanket together. Can’t wait to see it put together!
I agree, the details really helped me, too.
Overall this has been a very fun and enjoyable experience. Can’t wait for the next CAL or KAL !
Happy Anniversary!!!!
Thank you! We are enjoying a trip to Gatlinburg. Last night, I worked on some knitting projects while sitting on the balcony outside our room. There are Christmas lights all over town. So pretty!
Happy Anniversary! How many years?
I’ve only been to the USA a few times, but I have actually been to Gatlinburg and it was fab fun.
Enjoy xx
Thanks Rosey! This is our 9th anniversary, and we decided to make it special. The last time we went on a trip was for our honeymoon! Ha! Gatlinburg treated us right.
Shandeh
Happy Anniversary, I wish you many more happy years.
Thank you Kelly!
We met on Yahoo Personals 11 years ago, and have been together since! Our wedding was in 2001.
My niece met her new husband on Yahoo personals – they have been married 1 month
Congratulations to your niece!
My husband and I met on Yahoo Personals as well! We were married 3 years in September. Congrats on 9 wonderful years!
Happy Anniversay!! Have fun and enjoy yourself…
Thank you, Linda!
We had a wonderful time in Gatlinburg. Now, we are home, relaxing. Tonight, we got BBQ for dinner, then went to Barnes & Noble to look at magazines and drink hot cocoa. Of course, I looked through a stack of about 15 knitting and crochet magazines! After some consideration, I bought “Crochet World”, “Piecework”, and “Spin-Off”. Happy Anniversary to me!
Good girl !
Oh my, my curiosity paid of. I was very happy to see next clue very early. I will be in bed much early this week lol
Wow! Very early this week. Yeah!
Laura, what is the best way to start and end this stitch so it doesn’t unravel? Do you make some kind of knot and then weave in the end afterward. I haven’t stitched squares together before and worry that they may start to separate at the beginning/end of rows?? OR will the edging keep the ends tight?
The best way to start your seam if you’re not using a tail is to come up through the first stitch on each square (alternating the right and left squares) several times, just as it shows for seaming and then darn the end in later. (We have a tutorial coming up about darning in ends in a few weeks.) This will anchor the end firmly and your beginning stitches won’t pull out or separate.
I think your darning in the ideas would be much handier at this point. As I, darn as I go.
I didn’t want to overwhelm people with too much info/too many photos at one time – it might get confusing or very daunting.
Wow! Not what I expected, but can’t wait to see it assembled!
I still have rows 7, 8, and 9 to do of clue 8 for my second afghan, but I can’t wait to get started putting sections together on the chunky afghan as all clues for it are done..
Thanks Bernat and Laura. You put the squares together the way I have for years, unless I wanted the afghan to have a raised effect, then I usually use reverse single crochet in the front loops.
Have fun everybody!.
Awesome!!! Now, I really need to get going. I’m still on Clue #4
I’m excited to get this done and see what it will look like. 
Wow… all that sewing… daunting.
I agree this is always the part I hate.
It’s the blocking I hate! Sore fingers or what??? I tried just sticking the pins in as shown (standing up) but this just doesn’t seem to keep to the measure. I’ll get some macramé pins as shown, but suspect the same problem.
Well the wait is over!! How pretty this is and I am anxious to begin assembling. Good luck everyone…
Clue 8 was a little bit longer to do than the others, so I have 4 flowers to crochet before this last one : I was pretty near the solution : only 1 variation for the first clues ….
I know what I’ll do this week-end : sewing, and maiting for edging ….
Hi likeubridge,
It may be a little late to suggest this, (should have last week) – but my flowers went much quicker when I made all the center pieces first, then went back with the petal color and crocheted that on and in no time I had all 8 flowers done. Then I went back and finished the rest of the square. I had never made the flowers before this and when I did them in repitition, it was good practice.
thats what I did and seemed to go quickly!
WOW! I can’t wait to put this together! The final reveal is so unexpected, I love it!
After crocheting for 30+ years, I learned to knit three weeks ago. Now I think I am going to try the KAL afghan that was posted last Friday!
Thanks Laura, and Bernat, for putting on such an AWESOME CAL!
I am doing the very same thing too!
I just finished the KAL clue 1. Feel free to email me and we can do this together if you like. mechanicpup@aol.com
Well, back to sewing up blocks!
Shoot I missed the KAL last week…where can I find it ? Didn’t realize one was starting. Guess I better stop crocheting and do more reading !
There’s a new Knit Along?!
My mom would love that – where do I find it?
The KAL is the previous one – you can find it on th blog under Free Friday patterns.
It isn’t a new KAL. They are doing the old one that ran before this CAL. You can find it on Bernat’s blog or site (Mystery KAL).
Hmm…I wondered what we would do with clues 1 & 2. This is going to be a long week with all those squares to seam! Good luck everyone.
Does the order matter? Do you do each row first on the sides and then stitch the rows together?
You may find it easiest to put together a row of squares, and then combine each of those rows together.
I’ve got mine labeled column 1 – 6 and rows 1-8. What I am doing is working column 1: row 1-4, column 2 row 1-4 then putting them two columns together. I find this is easy and quick to where I am not freaking about all these seams. Then after that I would be doing the same to the bottom half of columns 1 & 2.
Kinda like quilting I guess…. least I broke it down into managable chunks/groups that are easy for me to work together.
Best of luck stitching!
When I assemble an afghan with squares, I usually put 4 sqaures together to make a big square, then put together 4 more and then sew those toegther. That way you don’t have to match seams that are 8 blocks long. i find that you don’t have as much trouble with your work stretching as you are assembling with this method,
Sounds good for this project to, since we have the four mitered squares in the corners and the big square in the middle. That is how I decided to do it – put four squares together into a bigger square, put row three and row 6 together as a row, then sew the rows together. Still warm in here in Central Calif, bt getting cold this weekend when I hope to be putting all the larger squares together – keep the legs warm.
This afghan assembly is a first for me and your method sounds very manageable. I will try it. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, I like your way.
Well it is finally revealed. stayed up to get clue 9 and from looking at the diagram i think the afghan will look nice after we put the border on. I wonder what type of border it will be ? i hope i will be caught up by next week. Happy crocheting to those who are like me catching up.
Oh, how nice looking. What fun this will be!!…Enjoy everyone…
OMG! I luv the finished placement of the blocks! I finished my last flower block tonight and have 6 more mitered blocks to finish! I have amazed myself at keeping up at this rate! I never seem to follow thru on commitments but this is one I may actually complete! Thanks Bernat for a wonderful experience…I can’t wait for you next CAL!
thank s a lot it s so nice
YAY! Can hardly wait until tomorrow to start seaming. I think I will do the mitered squares first. Good luck to everyone!
There I was, lying in bed at 7am. The kids got up, I thought its too early, I’ll stay here awhile. Then it occurred to me. ITS WEDNESDAY. ITS REVEAL DAY.
Leapt out of bed like a rocket and dashed down to the computer.
And wow I was so close with my guess. The diagram I drew last week on a notepad was nearly the same layout.
But I’m still gonna lay them all out, see if I like it and then mess about a bit!
lol I did the very same thing this morning. Kid was up before me tearing the house apart… I didn’t want to move to pick things up just to get my coffee. Surprised to say… I cleared the mess making it to my computer to get the clue. I couldn’t sit still while waiting for the thing to download!
Happy Stitching!
Bernat Team you ROCK…. this is a great layout…..hope to finish assembly by Monday…….
HELP !!!
I blocked all my squares as we went along and put them in ziplocs. Now I’ve got them all out I find they have all shrunk back. They are SO different in size, they look crap.
Oh Rosey – I’m so sorry – maybe your stash yarns were quite different to each other? Perhaps you can add a few rows/rounds to some of them to even them up – they’ll all help hold each other in shape when they’re joined.
Hi Laura,
Actually, they are all in one yarn. 70% acrylic, 30% wool.
I might frog the worst ones. I’m just so annoyed, because they came out great when I took them off the blocking jig, but they seem to have ‘forgotten’ they were ever blocked?
Should I block them and then sew them together really quick before they forget?
Use a pot of boiling water and steam them on your jig…
I agree, the ones I damp blocked all went back to their original shape but the ones I steamed blocked remained as I wanted them and the process was quicker. I pinned them out, held them over a stockpot of boiling water for a minute and then put them out to dry. Most of the time I did a batch (4) every 1 and a half hours.
put them together slowly and just watch as you go …. you may have to create and add a little here and there but do it as you go…..
You’ve still got your board of nails… got a steam burst setting on your iron?…. quick fix… then take hair dryer to dry them.
Just don’t get the iron no closer than an inch or you’ll melt the work. I just had to do this quick fix idea, but with my clothes steamer. Works out wonderfully!
I can’t wait to get started! And learning a new way to seam the squares together will definitely be appreciated as I usually use the whipstitch. Thanks Bernat.
This pattern is very nice! I had to substitute two of the colors that were not available at my local store. I think it will still be great. Definitely not my grandmother’s granny square afghan!
I had the same problem. I chose a rouge and teal instead of fawn and the darker green. It looks really good and has a nice pop of color too. My family thinks I’ve done a great job and can’t wait to see it all together!!
Wow! I just love it. It is amazing that you chose colors for this afghan that work perfectly with my living room. I think this is going to be beautiful once it is completed. I haven’t been able to finish my squares yet because for some reason I ran out of Forest yarn and had to order more online. Thanks Bernat for a great mystery CAL and I hope that you do more CAL’s in the future for I would surely enjoy another one!
Happy crocheting everyone and I can’t wait to see all the photos of the completed ones.
P.S. My car is still in the repair shop getting fixed after the bowling ball vandals. Thanks to all of you for your kind words.
Hope you get it back soon, its no fun being without a car. Take care….
I’m glad your car is getting fixed.
Love it!! Thanks Laura and Bernat! Thanks also for all the support from everyone on the blog!
Now that it is confirmed that the mitered squares are put together, I think I will take some “creative license” and make four 16 inch granny squares for my afghan since I am still not liking the mitered ones. And the whole point is to be happy with your afghan! : )
I love the way my color choices came together (Rouge, Fern, Pale Antique Rose, Lavender, Buff). Looking forward to the border, and then seeing the photos of everyone’s afghans!
I was thinking the same thing in regards to the mitered squares! Even contemplated the idea of just putting four grannies together, but alternating the colours so that it would give similar effect as when mitered squares are put together.
I am doing two afghans and have not finished the mitered squares for the second one. i think that I will probably just make them as 16 inch sqaures in DC and follow the color pattern to make them closely resemble the mitered squares. they will go a lot faster and will be easier to assemble. just a suggestion for those still looking at the mitered squares. I did the 16 for the first afghan and they look okay but they were time consuming to put together.
I am so with you! I have been putting of the miter squares. Looks like the solution is four large granny squares. I spent a whole weekend crocheting, frogging, crocheting. I was still doing it during a two hour car ride. I was afraid to get out of the car. My boyfriend is a perfectionist. I could see him roll his eyes and grown every time I frogged. I had yarn every where. Swear he was thinking of leaving me and my yarn on the side of the road.
econd thought. Wouldn’t it use the same amount of yarn just to do a 16″ square in all singe crochets. I would look just like the mitered square just less aggravation.
I found this. Sounds like a good easy candidate.
http://www.crochetspot.com/how-to-crochet-a-square/
Here’s just a thought.. hows about 4 more blocks of clue 7?
make the pattern just like the colors for the miters but in a granny stitch?
*sorry kid clicked on computer when I went to get more coffee.
I was thinking of doing a tight stitch 16 inch granny to “look like” the effect of the mitered squares.
I too need that a.m. coffee!! LOL
I agree with the granny solution. I had only completed 4 of the mitered squares, and doing 8 more PLUS weaving in all of the ends on all of my squares PLUS seaming is just too daunting. 3 or 4 granny squares, though — that’s much more manageable!
I’m very happy for the experience with the mitered squares, and there are several afghan patterns that use them that I can now tackle. Thanks Bernat for the new patterns I’ve learned
A solid granny would more mimick the look of the mitered square – http://crochet-mania-grannysquare.blogspot.com/2009/02/crochet-solid-granny-square-5-rounds.html
Just follow the colors for the mitered square pattern and make it 16 inches. To do it over again, I would do it that way (making four 16″ squares).
loved learning the mitered squares as I have never done them. love the ideas above instead of the mitered square as I do not like to hide so many ends lol.
Thanks Nicole for suggesting using the solid granny square instead of the mitered square because I’m doing the second one for my daughter for Christmas and not looking forward to doing the mitered squares again.I really didn’t enjoy doing them or blocking them. Thanks again!!!
I loved doing the mitered square, I had never done it and loved the experienced but I think if I would do this afghan again I would just do a big granny square in sc following the same colors like the link posted above.
Brilliant Nicole! I only have 3 mitered squares done and I’m not thrilled with them (tension wise). This is an attractive time saving alternative. Thanks!
that is what i am working on right now…i just followed the colour layout of the mitered squares, but am doing them as a solid granny instead…way easier, still the same look…
I’m glad I was helpful everyone! You could even do it with sc instead of dc to look ever more like the mitered squares.
I agree with all of these creative options. I had done all of my mitered squares. They were blocked to a perfect 8″. But when I seamed them together into the larger pattern, I just didn’t like it, and kept fussing with them. After all I had promised myself that I would follow the CAL pattern exactly. My mom stopped by during this process. Her comment was “you know you won’t be happy with the finished afghan if you’re unhappy with those corners.” She was right. I frogged all 16 blocks last night (yikes! ALL 16!!!!) and did a big granny in the same color sequence.
Now I love the way it balances the middle block and am much, much happier with the overall look. Dear hubby even looked at it and said he liked the granny block better.
So on the finishing the other three corners and back to seaming everything together.
*can’t sit still to save own life
It’s finally here! YEA!
Since I cheated and use my clothes steamer to steam all my blocks and a hair dryer on warm setting…. my blocking was done PDQ…. now where in what sewing box did I put my plastic needle? I don’t want to try yarn darner here… liable to mess it up big time.
Happy assembly!
YEAHOO! Just downloaded and looked at the assembly and I got the lay out just about right… clue 1 and 2 were in the wrong order but that was it…. YEAH!!!
(thinking that I have waaaay tooo much time on my hands)
But you had fun trying to solve the mystery didn’t you? Congrats on being so close!
I was pulling hair out trying to figure it out. lol I did have fun though… for me made waiting for today that much more exciting!
Thank you All for this… just about a third the way through for stitching these together.
(thinking glad I learned to hand piece quilt blocks together) It is still confirmed thou… I need a lot more practice or help or both when it comes to stitching crochet or knit work up.
Just got done counting all the “bright ideas” I had for the lay out…. count came out to 194 possibles. I even made sure there wasn’t two layouts that were the same.
Great mystery for sure!
I am really pleased with the look of this afghan…..and the colors match my bedroom perfectly…I am so glad I found this site, and decided to follow along.
So we use a darning needle and just match the yarn? Do you tie knots or what? I still feel in the dark here………..UGH!
I think you assemble, tie off like you did when changing colors leaving a 3 inch tail and weave the tail in to hide it.
You shouldn’t need any knots if you start by running the yarn through the first stitch on each square several times the way I mentioned a few comments back.
Thanks Laura. I think I wrote my comment before most of these were posted. Need to find a plastic darning needle. Block my squares; then start. I like someone’s comment about breaking it down into blocks/strips. Guess I’ll get blocking, lay it all out and then decide! Love the pattern. Can’t wait to see it all put together!
I have been in surgery again,so didn’t see your reply until today. I wrote the comment about tieing off wrong, sorry.. I meant weave in ends, I never tie off either when working, but about 1,000 years ago we referred to weaving in as (tie off). Very confusing.
Glad to see ya …welcome back. Hope the surgery went as planned and wish you a speedy recovery..;-)
Loved the assembly! I think my afghan will turn out very beatiful!Laura, what could happen if I don’t block my squares?
Thanks, have a great day!
You’ll probably be fine if you don’t block your squares because the seaming will hold them in place. It’s just a good habit to get into, especially necessary with natural fibers (wool. etc.)
if you block your squares before assembly, then wash the blanket, what happens to the squares? do they go back to their original size, or do the other squares hold it together at that point? or does the blocking hold even after a wash?
That is what I would like to know myself. It doesn’t make since to me. Thanks for asking.
Once you’ve completed assembly, if you wanted, you could block it as one large piece. Although it would take a lot more space than having blocked individual squares and it isn’t necessary to block for this particular project.
Looks like the finished product will be a nice gift! I’ve got my work cut out for me, because I haven’t blocked anything yet. I just don’t have a lot of room to leave things sitting out. No spare bedroom for my crafts yet; all are still occupied by children. I think I’ll block a strip at a time on my ironing board. Might as well use it for something LOL! Happy assembling everyone!
That’s a great use for your ironiong I think!
The only square I have blocked is one a friend did to show me how! And I really don’t have any place to lay them out – my cat thinks anything on a flat surface is her ‘nest!’ So I might not block them.
Don’t you know that cats own everything! Ancient Egyptians once worshiped cats – cats have never forgotten this!
So True…you can see it in their stride….lol
Be Careful about not blocking you might have issues assembling in the end. I did this once and pulled it all apart blocked and reassembled. It is worth the time and the frustration. I actually used my ironing board as a block and pinned straight to the board.
If your squares are all eight inches, it is not necessary to block.
I never block acrylic yarn and my stuff comes out just fine.
The day is finally here; a little sad really. Can’t wait to see everyone’s work once we are all finished assembling. Have a great week everyone.
There is no mention of any crocheting around the outside of the afghan. Usually there is an edge on the outside for a few rows. I have a lot of left over yarn too.
Stay tuned – the edging is next week!
I love the way this is put together. But where are all the comments?
I had the idea that we would be putting the mitered squares together to make a 16″ block. Beautiful! thank you.
Ya did Great of thinking that for the miters… sounded like a plan so I ran with your idea too… and glad I did!
One more week Y’all can’t believe this is really that close to being over. I hope you enjoy the assembly. Happy Crocheting.
I can’t believe there are no comments! Where is everyone?
I had the same problem this morning. I knew this wasn’t normal! Hit the refresh key on your tool bar. should be a arrow going in a circle.
I think the moderation delays the comments and the reveal was a little earlier than usual.
Totally different than the 3 ways I tried to pre-lay out the squares. The only square that was the same was the big middle, but that was a no-brainer. My colors look great, I used natural, walnut, taupe, grass and aqua. Ended up with a grass flower surrounded by agua and walnut and white border strips. I live in Florida and these colors go well for the tropical decor in the home. Love the design and have completely enjoyed doing the cal.
That sounds like a beautiful combo – can hardly wait to see the photo! We’re so glad you enjoyed the CAL – I’ve had a great time!
If some of the crocheters do not know what to do with the blankets… can you suggest that they donate them to their local shelters. I donate blankets to Project Linus after I am done making something for the kids and this CAL project will be going to the Women’s homeless shelter here is Southern California. thank you for having this CAL… It’s my first time that I made something that isn’t a doiley
WOW! Congratulations on your success with such a big project!
I run 2 crochet groups at my church and we donate a lot of blankets to Project Linus. You only need so many afghans in your house. A great suggestion for others.
This is such a great idea, a lot of people don’t think of it or realize that there are these groups out there. I love project Linus.
I run knitting/crochet groups at work and we donate to Blankets for Canada. Same idea as Project Linus. I love that others do this too!
Beautiful…. and worth the wait. I can’t wait to see what the border will look like. This has been such a great project, and this ‘reveal’ didn’t dissapoint. Loved the mystery and especially all of the new crochet buddies! Enjoy the seaming everyone!
Very nice! I got laid off last Monday so have lots of time on my hands, and this will help the nervousness of wondering if I will be called back to work. This is calming to me! I too ended up with some brown flowers with ‘denim’ around them, but my bedroom is in browns so this will be great! Can’t wait to see the edging, this has all been such a neat surprise. When is the next one?
Sorry to hear about the layoff…. (hugs)
I find it relaxing too and if frogging is in need, I wait till I need to vent some steam… then frog to feel better
Happy Stitching!
Hi Kaye, What a bummer! Here’s praying you are speedily employed again. It’s a good thing that crocheting relieves stress!
I got laid off last year. Turned out to be the best thing that company ever did for me. I started out on my own, and it turns out I love it! Made enough money to keep afloat until another job came along, now I’m doing both.
In the meantime you have time for fun stuff like crochet and knitting and long soaks in the bathtub xxx
What’s a long soak in the bathtub? It’s been so long… I seem to remember that you could even add bubbles (sigh)
Its where you lie around in nice hot water, preferably up to your neck, even better with a glass of wine (well, plastic beaker, lets be sensible).
Unfortunately for optimum enjoyment requires hubby and kids to have fudged off somewhere, but as long as they dont keep wandering in for a wee-wee it works OK.
DId debate whether you could crochet in the tub, but decided the risk of wet-yarn hysteria was too great. Might be an interesting block-as-you-go method, depending on quantity of steam?!
Current bath:years ratio about 2:5 !!
LOL!
BIG SMILE…..your just killing me this a.m. with your humor….:-D
Rosie, you are a very funny lady. I love your sense of humor!
I “retired” two years ago when my coffee shop’s landlord decided to triple the rent! In the ensuing months I cleaned every closet, dumped tons of junk, and started a free-lance bookkeeping service making more money than I ever dreamed of pulling espresso shots. And no landlord. There’s no better time to try something new than when the old way just won’t work anymore. And with the shop, I never would have had time to crochet this lovely afghan!
Hi Marcia! I’m with you! After several years of secretarial work, I finally reached the “pinnacle” of executive assistant. Got tired of the craziness and the long hours, and decided to throw in the towel. A friend of mine was the head of the music dept at a private school and asked me to teach piano lessons there. I’ve been a happy piano teacher now for the past 10 years. Better hours, and a much nicer pace of life for me. And lots of time for hobbies like knitting and crochet.
Kaye,
Hopefully crocheting will help ease some of the stress. I am so sorry to hear about your news. Hopefully you will find employment soon. Good luck to you.
I love the look of it! I think it is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks to Bernat and Laura and all these wonderful friends on the CAL Blog for making this so much fun to do! Better get started in doing it! Got lots to do!
Love the layout, now I just need to catch up! LOL
Laura, what about all these ends? You said you had a way of working them in that would not come loose later. Also should we be sewing the blocks in strips or working two around the center and working out?
I find it much easier to leave a long tail, stitch a few in the same spot to anchor, then stitch up the seam.
I broke my print off into columns and rows: columns 1-6, rows 1-8. I have completed column 1: row 1-4 and did same for column 2. Stitched those two “down the middle”.
Works out fast too piecing like this. After all stitched up, I take the tail left during starting and “sew” them into the stitches of the block to hide them.
I’d probably sew them into blocks of 4 and then join the block to the previous but you can certainly make strips and sew the strips together. Darning in ends will be addressed in the final tutorial on finishing. (2 weeks today)
I used Natural, fern, grass,aqua, and topaz I have beautiful aqua flowers surrounded by fern and grass. It’s really coming along beautifully, what a nice surprise !
I just looked up those colors and can picture the combo…. bet in real form they are just a wonderful sight of “eye candy”.
Well now!!
I got two of the clues right, the center and the corners
Can’t wait to get home and rearrange the other squares. Sure hope mine will look pretty too. It has been a rewarding experience!
Thanks Laura, thanks Bernat. Sure hope you guys are working on the next CAL.
I like the lay out!! I have 4 sets of 4 of the mitered squares, didn’t have enough yarn to do the complete set of 16 the same. The same with the flower 2 sets of 4. Mine will definitely have a different look.
Last night I started putting a black border around all my blocks. Since I’m using colors from my stash. My striped and the miter blocks were my problems and looked a little rough a the edge. My colors are off white, turquoise, orange, yellow, shades of blues, a little bit of variegated blue, green, yellow and a touch of harvest gold.
The colors already pop, the black is really going to make them pop!
When I sew blocks together i always tie a knot at the beginning and at the end and leave enough tail to weave back into the crochet stitches or back through where I had sewn. I usually go one direction and then back track through another part of the stitches. has Worked pretty good for me.
Like reading all of the blogs.
Thanks Bernat and Laura, look forward to next weeks reveal!
I’m sure my afghans will look very pretty. Although I must admit I am slightly disappointed. One reason is I thought the CAL was going to last longer, another is the overall assembly design. Not really my style. But I’m not making them for me, I’m making them for holiday gifts =) and I’m sure their recipients will love them!
Awe! I’m sorry you’re disappointed. I really like the layout. Can you change things up a bit to make it more your taste?
Just got a look at the assembly diagram. Wow! It looks like the finished afghan is going to be fantastic. I can’t wait to get started on assembling it. But wait, I still have 5 of #8 squares left to complete. I like the flat seam. It will look neat and not detract from the beauty of the afghan. Happy seaming everyone. I can’t wait to see pictures of everyones finished afghan. It has truely been a labor of love.
Thanks laura and Bernat, for the fun. The afghan is very nice, when assembled. I still don’t like the stripey squares, but hey… that’s just me. This will be a lovely Christmas present for my son’s teacher.
I don’t like the stripey squares either. I am going to make 2 more of the sc/dc squares and 2 more of the granny square. I just hope I have enough yarn.
I am so happy. I couldn’t wait for the reveal, as everyone else. My plan was, since it was only 8 squares, I crocheted 2 on Wednesday, and one each day after, which made me end up on Tuesday evening. This way, all of my squares were completed and blocked, waiting for today. Such a beautiful afghan. I crochet to donate, but I really think I’m keeping this one for myself. So much work was put into it.
Laura, as you said, I made up my own blocking board with cardboard, staples, plastic and eight inch colored paper squares under the plastic to make sure all squares were 8″. Putting it together today, and will post on my Facebook wall when completed. Hope we have another CAL.
Happy putting-it-together hookers.
WOW!! BEAUTIFUL!! finished my last flower last night & blocking them…i have completed 4 afghans the colors I love them… all different not sure who are going to get them for xmas. This is my first time crochet doing something like this & I hope there is another one coming up, for the winters months can be so long. I knit all the time but I always won’t to learn how to read & crochet from a pattern…Thanks can wait to get started sewing them together.
Had a ball!! good luck to everyone!!
I love it!!!!! It is gorgeous! I have 3 that are going to be put together. Just a few squares left to block. All three are different. I love these. I will probably make another one for my mother in desert tones to match her decor.
Thank you Bernat! And I love this yarn! I have been find other patterns in my stash to use it for!
Well got my blocks all laid out, looked all over the place for my yarn needle, needless to say I could not find it. Uggg!!!
I guess I’ll be going to walmart to buy another. In the meantime I’ll be working on a baby blanket that I’m half way done with.
Happy seaming everyone.
I can’t wait to be able to start assembly. I still have a few blocks to do, but hopefully I can work on them this weekend.
Thank you for the fun crocheting time this has been. I am a beginner at crocheting and have learned so much. Love the assembly. Kept trying to visualize what it was going to look like. This surpassed my expectations! I am going to follow Carol’s idea and do the miters in a 16″ granny. Loved the idea of the miters but could not get them to come out square. Thanks Laura and Bernat!
OK I like this and I like it but I have a suggestion. The 4 corners could be done as granny squares. It would make fopr a much neater look. Also the 2 rnd pieces ( sjell stitch) could be done as an 8 inpiece. the 4 side pieces could be made as one long strip as well. Then we wont have as many seams to make between blocks . Looks neater too. . I will be making this again. Love the comations. I am thinking th next one I will use shades of purple for a person I know who loves purple
this has been fun
I had the same ideas. I would have prefered to make 8×16 inch rectangles instead of sewing 2 squares together, and for all of the trouble people had with the mitered squares…
I’m going to do the same things for the next few I have in mind. I do love the look of the whole afghan though!
Laura,
When we have the squares set up to block, do we spray them until they’re pretty wet or just a light misting will do?
They should be damp only – not dripping wet.
WOW! It’s beautiful. And I finished mine. This one I plan to keep.
This has been such fun. I think I do another crochet along. After I finish some of my 9,000,000 other projects.
Thanks for the fun.
Hugz, to all, D’Ann
I like the layout. I was dreading this part as I cannot stand sewing of any type. I usually do weaving with right sides together. I did that with the first blocks then I went back and read instructions a few times and tried it, and Laura you are right it is much easier and neater and I can keep colors matched up. Can’t believe my stitiches are so well hiddend. Thanks Laura and Bernet.
It makes all the difference to the finished look doesn’t it? Glad we could be of help. Be sure to tune in for the border next week and the finishing tutorial the following week.
The afghan is going to be beautiful when put together! I just need some help with putting it together. This is where I tend to put it away and not finish it. The pictorial is good and I understand it. I need to know how to start the seam, how to tie the end so it will not pull through. Also, where do I begin? Which squares do I do first? I stayed up last night to get the clue and wish I didn’t because I dreamt about it all night. I am so worried that all my hard work and persistance in finishing each square will be wasted with my failure to put it together correctly. Help.
LOL – I thought the same thing, Lue. Watch everything have worked out until now and then the stitching will be the downfall
Start by putting 2 squares together and begin your seam at the bottom right hand corner (the corner closest to you.) Bring your yarn up through the first stitch on the right hand square then up through the first stitch on the left hand square. Repeat this once the start working your way along the edges, alternating right square and left square. YOur end will be anchored tightly enough for now and in 2 weeks I’ll show how to hide those ends and secure them. Take your time and don’t rush it – it will come together beautifully if you follow the pictures in the tutorial.
You can go to youtube and do a Flat Seaming Joining Stitch search. I know I’ve visited youtube A LOT when doing things to get an instructional video. Hope that helps you and everyone else trying to figure out the heck to do this. Well off to wake up my 17 month old toddler from her nap.
WOW! I have never seamed like this before. The technique is virtually invisible!! Thanks for the great pictures and step by step tutorial. It helped tremendously, but will take quite awhile if I keep this pace. I’m hoping to pick up speed as I get used to it. Thanks again for all the help.
I like it, I like it!! Tried laying it out myself but definitely like your way better.
This has been so much fun and enjoy reading all the comments = don’t feel so alone in some of my thoughts when I read others are thinking the same.
Whens the next CAL or KAL? Will do this again, especially if it is a mystery one as I was able to keep up with everyone. Thanks Bernat and Laura!
Way to go Laura! This is just lovely=) I am totally looking forward to seeing all the finished projects! This was my first CAL, and after this I would do it again and again!
I’d love to take credit for the layout but the designers at Bernat did that and I was not involved at all. I’m glad we’ve got you hooked on CAL’s – stay tuned – there’ll be news coming up soon.
How the heck do I tell the ‘right’ side from the ‘wrong’ side?
Part of me says it doesn’t matter, but then I look again and decide it does. Help !
I knew I would come across this problem when it was time to join the sqaures so I either used a marker to mark the (RS), slipped in a piece of yarn as I crocheted to mark the (RS) or I left the first tail from the foundation chain long and un tucked. The untucked foundation chain tail is always on the left and on the bottom. I know this may not help you now but it may in the future.
You can always look back at the symbol charts and you should be able ot tell RS from WS that way because it will show you what order you worked the stitches.
And if you really can’t tell, neither can anyone else!
I always put a little piece of yarn (a different color) through one of the stitches when i start the row that says RS in the directions. This was something my grandma always did when she made a project. I know it is a little late now, but maybe this will help you in the future.
Sorry Rosey.. had to smile about this problem as I put together the four sets of four mitered squares..Looked at it from a distance and realized that I had put one of the four mitered squares in each set the wrong way, with back showing . I had to take out the seaming for that one square and do each again. I only noticed the difference because the outside row was bumpy instead of being indented slightly. Not too easy to explain except that it really did look different. Now I have the top twelve squares together and I like it very much. Can hardly wait to see the whole afghan together!!
Just wondering Laura at Bernat,, could I somehow tag down the ends of the flower petals as they keep standing up instead of laying flat, even after blocking??
I did mine by using the needle and green yarnand went into the center trc in the back, and then ran theyarn through the green right under it. looks good and they stay down..
Thanks Linda! Will do that!
Your very welcome…anytime!!
correction> I went into the center DC not trc
I think that if you can’t tell you must be doing a great job-or I am not
One way to tell if it is the wrong or right side is to look at the remaining chain part and the very last row on the top. If the loops from the chain are bigger that is the right side… or the two loops are “facing” you from the very top row crocheted.
Least one thing you know for sure is the flowered block. That is what I have used to help guide me for right side wrong side. After getting the right sides up… loops match wonderfuly and it is easy to tell back from front loops.
If you crochet right handed your chain tail will be on the left and that is your right side. I sometimes tend to forget so I just mark one and leave the tails out so I can see for sure…
okay, I give… this seaming thing is still not my strong suit. Matters of fact… I suck something feirce. I can see my seams. Tried to hide them best I can and end up still seeing everything.
Went back and re-read, read and followed along….3 pots of coffee later and another stab at read and following the pics when it hit me…. I stitch up toes of holy socks the same way….
Since that, my seams are looking a lot better, but I still stink at it. I also have enough yarn left over to make another one of these, providing I am guessing the amount needed for boarder correctly.
I think I will attempt to make another of the same only sc’s together instead of stitching it. Well back to the ole’ needle again.
WOW It is better than I expected. I cannot wait to put it together with all my colors I have picked. I hope all line up. I still have squares to do but will seam some together that I have already finished and go back to making my squares. Behind but atleast it is not a gift. I am making it for me.
Let me say this looks beautiful and unique. I started doing this CAL as a way to get some more practice in crocheting. I’ve always been a crafter but I had mostly done counted cross-stitch or embrodiery and frankly I’ve gotten bored them at this point (not challenging enough for me anymore). I dont know how I’ve done it but I am completely up to date and as soon as I am done here I will start putting squares together. Wow I really love to crochet now. Unfortunately I live in South Florida so there isn’t a huge need for sweaters (otherwise I would never buy another one again). Well this has been GREAT!!!! Will definately do another thing like this again!!
If you look around you can find great patterns for summer tops, tanks, light weight sweaters, wraps and shawls (for those cool winter evenings). I bet you could make plenty for wearing in Florida, with a light weight yarn. I’m lucky, here in Iowa we swelter in the summer and freeze in the winter, I can make and use anything that catches my fancy!
Laura, I looked at the pictures of assembling but I can;t really tell what loops you work through. Are you drawing a stitch through both loops or the back loop of the left square and both loops of the right square?
I’m drawing the loops from underneath the square up to the right side of the square and just through the loop (one loop only) at the edge (either bottom of stitch or side of stitch at end of row.) Work from one square to the other one loop at a time – don’t try to go through two stitches at once or you’ll end up with stitches showing through much more than they would if you do it one at a time. Also don’t put your needle through more than one loop of the stitch or you’ll have the same problem.
I am not Laura, but I can tell you what I can see from these pics. I believe she is working the back loops on left & back loops on the right. Also it looks like it is the vertical loops, not the horizontal bumps.
Least that is the way I see the needle going any how. Hope this helps.
That is how I am piecing mine. It is not going to be absolutely perfect in your eyes but you know what ? NO ONE else will notice the tiny imperfections.They will see the overall beauty in it and all of the love that was put into every stitch. So a stitch shows here and there ? Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Just wondering….did I miss something? Where is the instruction to “CLUE #9″. I assume that it is going to be the large granny square in the center of the afghan?
Are we to know what to do and I am just slow?? It’s ok, be honest, I can take it really I can!
The large Granny Square for the center was CLUE 7. Clue 9 is the diagram of where each square goes for the assembly of the afghan.
The large granny in the center was clue 7, I believe.
I believe the 16″ x 16″ granny square was clue 7.
Clue 9 is the assembly diagram. Clue 7 was a large granny.
I cannot wait to start joining! I’m giving this to my niece for her wedding gift. I chose browns and greens, I hoped it would be ok…I have a copper flower! It turned out to be my favorite square. where can we post pictures of our finished work when we’re done?
If only I could have been 100% certain that 4 mitered squares would form one large square!!! – they were such a pain to do and they are all crooked anyway – so I’m thinking about doing a 16″ single crochet square using the same stripe pattern and thus saving myself some sewing… what can I say – I hate those mitered squares – otherwise great afghan!
I’m right there with ya on those mitered lopsided things. Not gonna call them squares, because they are not. I sewed four of mine together last night and it looked HORRIBLE! I’m going to make a four16 inch granny
Squares instead
Granny squares….mmm – that will make them go faster – might try it out myself – I haven’t started on my sewing yet though – the task looks so immense I can’t bring myself to begin – but I will try bringing my mitered (well you’re right they’re NOT squares) quadrilaterals together before resorting to re-crocheting them – so much to do…
I too wish I could’ve done 4 big 16″ squares. There are irregularities in the mitreds that means they look a little odd when put together.
I tried putting the mitre squares togeather in the opposite direction (large sides on the inside point) and liked them much better this way.
Plus, don’t feel like I wasted a lot of time and hard working doing it that way. I too, would have rather just made one big square if I had know we were going to sew them togeather to look like one big square.
I wimped out on the mitred “squares” and decided to try a 16″ solid granny square using the same color pattern that the mitred ones would make when joined together. Didn’t like that either. So now I’ve decided the 16″ granny like the center square is the way to go….working on those now. I will finish this project…I will finish this project…I will finish this project!
Darn it! I just realized I am seaming incorrectly! I have 6 1/2 seams to take out and re-do – otherwise they leave a ridge. I have been sick in bed for several days now with an upper respiratory infection. It just seems to be getting worse, although the doctor tells me I should be better soon. Now I have a fever.
I actually had to frog some of my clue 8 squares starting after the flower – I just couldn’t seem to keep my stitches uniform. Somehow, I am having trouble concentrating. I know I should wait until I feel better to crochet, but . . . . . .
Maybe so, if you have a fever. You need to rest and drink lots of fluids to flush it out of your system… Hope your feeling better soon….;-)
Sorry you’re sick…maybe you should wait until you feel better. When I crochet or knit when I’m sick, I have problems like that. It’s best for me to stick to dishcloths or potholders then! I hope you feel better soon.
Get well soon, the crocheting will wait…..
Dont stop yourself crocheting, but maybe do summat like a hat or mittens that dont matter so much, until you feel better.
Sending hot-water-bottle wrapped in chocolate and fudge thoughts your way.
By the way, I’m sure there must be some scientific proof somewhere that triple-choc ice cream is a fever reducer? Gotta be worth a try?
Apparently a 120 gm dose of dark chocolate is a cough and cold cure. (Got this from my doctor – he was sick and trying to justify why he was eating so much chocolate) Take as required.
Hi Donna, Just snuggle under your favorite afghan and watch t.v. until you feel better. You’ll be better able to concentrate on your afghan then. Feel better soon!
Feel better soon! I went through that a couple of weeks ago and couldn’t crochet at all – shaking chills to bad to even hold the hook! Once I got rested up and fever was gone – I could crochet again! I know you miss crocheting because I sure did, but you have to let yourself get better!
sorry to ear you’re sick, take it easy, rest a lot, the afghan will wait a while, after all there is still 3 weeks before this project comes to an end. sorry to say
Hope you feel better soon
oups! I forgot the “H” to the word ear. To fast on the computer, and on the translation.
It happens occasionnally. lol
I just loved doing this CAL. Can’t wait to put it all together. I agree that the mitered square could have been doing in 4 big sqares like the center square. Mine are all out of shape, but I’ll try to block them.
I really like the yarn, but I had a hard time find the beginning in the center, Has to pull out big chuncks of yarn at one time. Did anyone else have this problem. Bernat people – Is it supposed to be that way??
I don’t know whether anyone answered your question or not, but check a YouTube presented by Shandeh and it will show you. It was a couple of clues ago that she had it. I have finally managed to get it to work for me without having the whole middle come out at once.
I hope this will help. Laura had mentioned this in one of the earlier posts.
http://www.youtube.com/user/unkoine#p/u/2/KC3uESjGB8Y
For those of you that followed the posts about my Fiance I think I might have a future crocheter. I am working on a new fine art piece that involves crochet and I told my Fiance that I might have to teach him crochet to help me and he was game!!!!!
Well that is so cool…have fun hookin together!!
WICKED !!
I’m so jealous, I have a computer online-gaming guy, can I trade him in for a crocheter?
Maybe when he said with my knitted jumpers “It’s my turn next” I should have said “Knit your own!” ?
Rosey, he is a computer gamer as well lol. I am worried he will start crocheting wow characters lol.
Laura, my problem is trying to join the squares that have DC or TR posts. I tried to stitch two mitred squares together and it looks just horrid. I can see the seam, it is disjointed and not at all even, I can’t tell which part of the DC/TR post to go through? I tried to look up invisible seams on youtube, but they are all the easy seams with sc edges. HELP!
Yes I second that…..HELP!!!
Maybe we can get a picture of what two mitred squares look like when they are seamed together? And another picture a little pulled apart so we can see where the stitch goes? Also, I am a member of ravelry if anybody wants to friend me! Teva Yount, Shelton WA
Hi Teva:
You can see a bit of the mitered square seam in the tutorial photos where I’m skipping a stitch and working through the same stitch twice. It’s not totally invisible but it will look good when finished.
When working through dc or tr stitches, come up from underneath through one of the loops to the far right of the stitch on the LH square and the far left of the stitch on the RH square. This way you’re just catching the edge of the stitch. If you come up in the center it’s going to look very obvious. If you look at the tutorial photos, you’ll see I never catch any more than that edge stitch.
I was just going to ask for help on this same problem. I have done two of the four mitered corners and they look awful. I have torn them out twice. I hate putting them together! I now am discouraged and don’t even want to do the rest. I really don’t like afghans that have an obvious wrong side. Also it is stiff and not cuddly like one should be. I was thinking of doing four 16 inch granny squares to replace the mitered ones. What do you think?
When you get it all seamed up ( I would used whatever seaming technique you find the easiest), you should throw the whole thing into the wash on a gentle cycle with fabric softener. Once the cycle is finished toss it into the dryer with a dryer sheet. It will soften up alot. I have used this yarn many times and it never fails to soften up.
Please stick with it. I know it can be tricky, but it is almost finished. All that work should be completed and shown proudly.
Glad to see this post. This is exactly what I planned to do!
I have one more Clue 8 to do and then I will start seaming. I am not going to block – I don’t care if the crochet police come! I am worried about seaming without doing a single crochet around most of the blocks first (wouldn’t work for the mitered ones) and then seaming into the single crochet. If I do that, however, I will need to get more yarn. I’m going to look for a flat seaming video on Youtube because I am instructionally impaired!! The only good thing about seaming is that is mindless, you can actually watch TV and talk while you do.
I decided to do a sc border around my squares. I frogged all 16 mitred squares, just plain hated the look. I replaced them with the diagonal box that I had done the other 2 afghans with. I still put a sc border around it, but joined the 4 blocks first and them made a border around the whole thing. It will look great when it is done since the large center square will be one large block as well. I have put the squares so far on ravelry.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ddcarlino/assembly-begun-mine
The afghan is just gorgeous. Never have I made the afghans you have to sew together, this is a first. It was going to be a gift, but I will not be able to part with it. May make another but different colours after Christmas.
It has been fun and I have loved reading all your comments.
Thanks Bernat for making an old lady part of something happy and cheery.
Well, I have two seams completed on the mitered squares and they look crappy to me. Followed the pictures shown, but the threads still show through some. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
Don’t feel so badly…. mine look the same way. I did the same too. Followed and re followed the pics and to me the seam is an eye sore. It is like my eye is drawn to the seam instead of the block.
Hi Dana,
I find when seaming many squares together, I like to work on the wrong side of the work, and sew through the back loops only. When you flip the work over, you can’t see the yarn and it makes the edges “pop” a bit and look really nice….just something I learned while sewing together 150 squares for my brothers afghan last Christmas (of course it took me half the afghan to realize that lol)
Thank you Amanda, that is a good tip.
Pam
Hi Amanda
I just saw your technique for seaming and just tried it, I like the way it pop. It looks really nice.
Nice info…Thank-You!!
Thanks, Amanda! I tried your suggestions and my seams look much better. They’re still not perfect – but then neither am I.
The stitches may show a tiny bit but not as obviously as with many other seaming methods. If you look at the photos in the tutorial you can certainly see the tiny Natural stitches against the Lavender loops but I don’t feel they’re intrusive. At a distance they will disappear.
Just when I thought I couldn’t hate that mitered square anymore, I started to seam them together!!! Yuck, they look horrible!!! I followed the pictures too, but mine look crappy also. If I ever do this one again I would definetly make 16 inch squares. I thought about it with this one, but figured if I did they would be arranged in a log cabin way. Which I also thought about arranging them that way on this one and see if that would look good. Maybe I will lay it out again and see how that would look. If it sounds like I am rambling, it is because I am!!! LOL
Totally agree with you. I have worked so hard on that darn mitered square and thought perhaps it would look better once seamed together. Nope, it looks like crap. And I’m not a novice crocheter either. I’m use to seaming squares together that have had a sc edge added to them first. These raw edge squares don’t look good, in my opinion. I just want to get it done now and give it to charity. Don’t mean to sound bitchy, I’m just frustrated.
I didn’t like mine once seamed together either. Ended up ripping them out and making 4 large grannies in a similar color pattern. Much happier with the end results!
I was going to do that too but my yarn ends were so well hidden I gave up and decided to just go with it. I do have to say though, now that it’s all together, I like it, bad seams and all. But if I did do this pattern again, I’d do one big granny square, like you said, for the corners.
I ripped mine out and started over-used the diagonal box that I used on my other 2 only wish I had done that to begin with.
Be sure that you are giving a firm pull on the yarn you are sewing with every 6 – 8 stitches or so. This is what “buries” the stitches. I didn’t think the this is made too clear in the instructions. When you pull on this yarn, you are tightening the stitches and they sort of disappear.
I have over half put together & the back side looks better than the front. I should have worked from the back like I usually do.
I’ve gone back & ‘sewed’ with yarn over colors that were showing through. I have two rows left to put together & then I’ll post a pic on Ravelry.
Reporting back to those who commented on my making a granny instead of the mitered squares — I spent most of last evening trying various granny squares and finally decided to just make four of the 16″ center granny in the colors sequence of the mitered. Then have to finish the flower squares. I can’t wait to see how my CAL afghan turns out!
Thanks! I am going to do that too, but first I am going to attempt putting some other squares together and if they look bad too I am not going to waste my time and will just accept it as a learning experience and know that I can’t put squares together and not attempt it again. Such a shame, it would have looked really pretty if made by someone else.
I’m still finishing the flower squares – love how they’re coming out, I think a little girl would love an afghan made up only of the flower squares! I’m looking forward to getting them sewn together and see the final result!
I was thinking the same thing. I was thinking of making a blanket for my neice for her birthday in February that is all flower squares in soft pink, white, yellow and green.
Absolutely Beautiful! I knew I would love this mystery afghan! Thank-you Laura & the Bernat Design Team! I’ve really enjoyed this project!
Laura – I just wanted to say thanks for the great seaming technique! I’ve also been crocheting for 40+ years, and have used many other ways of seaming items, but never this one. The blocks are going together great. You said that this method would be almost invisible, and it is. I am so pleased with the results, and this will be my ‘go to’ method for seaming crochet in the future. I’ve learned many things from this CAL, but this is the best!
So glad it’s working well for you Sandy.
OK I have a couple of rows on the last flower block of afghan 1 to finish & I am ready to start putting this baby together. (We won’t even talk about how far behind afghan 2 has gotten – life got in the way. I hate it when that happens!)
Anyway, I have a question since I usually put afghans together either with a slip stitch on back or a single crochet on the front. I want to try the method shown, but I am a little unclear from the pictures. Am I right that I am weaving into the top loop on the right hand square & the back loop on the left?
You can go into whichever loop gives you the better look – I try to use the one that is closest to the other square. That way your stitch isn’t very large.
The sew is going so-so …. needle here hook there…. just going with the flow of each join. I have been using this seaming method for a long time…. so a square at a time together…. I may be done by Christmas ….2010 that is….. LOL
I am thinking mine may be done for Christmas 2011 or maybe 12????
I found an instruction for alternative joining.
Slip stitch on the left square, ch 1 (or two), slip stitch on the right square.
My yarn is so wild, I think that doing this in a plain red might bring it all together.
Not every square, but maybe blocks of 4?
Is that going to be a toe-catcher?
Quicker or slower than sewing?
Any thoughts?
It’s probably quicker than sewing – it won’t give as solid a join between squares. I don’t think it should be too much of a toe-catcher though since the spaces won’t be very large.
That sounds like the flat braid method. I wouldn’t say it’s quicker, just different. I’ve used it on other afghans and it’s very pretty. It looks the best, IMHO, in a contrasting color (red, I believe you mentioned). It wouldn’t catch on toes anymore than the granny square would.
that’s how I put my daughter afghan together, was really quick and had a little raised edge around each square, looks good
I have enjoyed the anticipation of each week’s clue and would definitely join in another CAL. On the otherhand, I have now recalled why I NEVER leave all the joining till the end. It is so tedious and although even my mitred squares are looking good with changing yarn color and using the seaming method shown, I am now being left with more ends to sew in. Because I have a bad habit of bagging and hiding at this stage it is possible I might not finish as I have other projects waiting and yelling to be started. Bad habit meaning just located a 30 year old tablecloth with all the ends to be sewn in and blocking to do. haha
April – I’m agree – I hate leaving all of the sewing together until the end. I hope next time if they do a mystery project, they will include instructions of sewing blocks together (like putting the four mitered squares together or two flower squares and two shell stitch squares or whatever) intermittently throughout – This could be done without giving away the mystery. I think weaving in ends and sewing together is best done on an as you go basis rather than waiting until the end – at least it is for me:)
I agree, I just finished doing a big afghan for m y daughter with squares of all kinds of sizes and colors and I would sew a few together then crochet a few more then sew those and so on, made it a lot easier at the end, only had a few squares, not a big bag full
Laura,
I have loved the mystery of beginning something new each week–I find that I never sleep late on Wednesdays–thank you so much for all the fun.
How about a CAL that is one piece with different stitches each week and that goes on the diagonal so half would be increased and half decreased with no huge long chain in the beginning. It would not bother me in the least to make an afghan that did not have to be pieced together.
Sounds great to me! You have my vote.
I like that idea too, one big afghan with no sewing at the end is my kind of afghan
I am still trying to find a darning needle! AND I’m reading and re-reading the blog and everyone’s issues (or not) with this seaming method. I’m afraid to start. I’m afraid I’m going to mess it up and then it will all fall apart! UGH!
I’m in the same boat as you Lois. I’m just starting to block them, had to wait for my dad to come visit to make one for me, so I’m kind of behind now
and reading everyone’s posts makes a little nervous to start but here I am 2 squares on my lap trying to figure out how to start. I guess my biggest fear is it will all fall apart or once I wash it, it will get all lopsided
I have 9 squares drying on my blocking board and seriously thinking this could take forever. Wish I had done them as I went along. Now I AM behind. Maybe I’m still just afraid to seam! Still afraid to start…..LOL…….
Solved my blocking issue. Tipped my board on it’s side and blowing a floor fan on them. They dry much faster this way! LOL. Doing my last 9 mitered squares and decided they are the only ones I”m going to block so I can start sewing this baby together!
When the next CAL happens, I’ll be just as surprised as you are because I have nothing to do with the planning or designing of the CAL. It’ll be fun for me too to see what happens next!
will we all be notified when the next one comes out ? I hope sooooooo!
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tevalynn/mitered-squares-stitched-together
OK, I put four mitered blocks together, and this is how it looks. I did as Laura and others suggested. I put two blocks together with right sides facing, and I stitched from the right outermost loop to the left outermost loop. I must say it looks 90% better than it did last time. The last 10% is just due to my inexperience, it certainly doesn’t look professional enough yet to me, but it will when I get used to doing it.
Thanks for everybody’s help!
Teva
Shoot, I didn’t see that tip. Mine are finished and I hate the way they look. The original instructions said to seam with right sides facing. Don’t feel like doing them over. If there is another CAL I’m not doing it if it’s granny squares. I have always not liked the look. I’ve been crocheting for over 35 five years!
Sorry but I am VERY glad I bailed on this and went my own way.
I’m glad I stayed with it. I’m glad you’re happy, too.
Has anyone NOT blocked their squares and started sewing it together? Just wondering how that is working……I just started blocking and need more pins, but can do 9 blocks at a time on the board my boyfriend made me, but now not really wanting to do it! Why didn’t I do it as I went?? LOL…………HELP!
I did not block and I have gotten half of the mitered squares sewn togther. I think that mine look just fine. The squares will conform to each other as you go.
I didn’t block mine and it is going together just fine. I got 2/3′s done in one day. I am very happy with it so far!
Maybe I will just start sewing. I figured they would all conform together also. And if it’s not perfect, so what? Right? The blocking just seems like so much work and so time consuming…….
I have not blocked nor do I usually block. This fit together very good. I keep everything relaxed. Pin together with safety pins on key points ( like seams). I looks great.
I didn’t block, I have never blocked acrylic yarn. So, I thought I would start and see how it went. I am loving it-no problems the seaming seems to make it a self blocking block. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ddcarlino/assembly-begun-mine
Since all my squares were within 1/4 inch of being 8 inches, I didn’t block them. I just sewed them together, some had to stretch (which they did just fine and didn’t warp the surrounding squares) and some had to be condensed a little (like the v stitch one, it stretches too easy when sewing). Both of my afghans stitched up just fine and I can’t wait to see the border! Will have to wait on crocheting it though, having Thanksgiving dinner for my family, my sister’s family, my mom, my daughter’s father-in-law – well you get the idea, who isn’t going to be here! Takes days to get ready, an hour to eat and hours to clean up afterward! But I love having all that family around! Happy Thanksgiving everyone in the USA! Hope all those in Canada had a great one last month, too!
I did not block & it’s going together just fine. I just have the bottom two rows to do & then I await the final edging. I hope it is scalloped!!
Started making my 4 16 inch granny squares. Almost done with square one only to run slap out of forest green. Not good!! I must go to michaels in the morning to hunt this color down. I may call first so I don’t wast a trip. If they don’t have it I’ll have to order online and wait for it and hopefully it won’t take too long to come in.
Ugggg.
In the meantime I’ll sew my other squares together and work on another afghan. Hope everyones afghan/blanket is coming together great.
I have a few questions
-I’m blocking right now and I’m trying to figure out what the point to it is, yes it helps to sew it together but once its all sewn together and I wash it won’t it go right back to its original shape? I read that some people had already done there blocking and when they pulled them out it was back to its original size
-when the new CAL comes out (I think I read that there will be one soon) will we be notified by email? can we? that’s how I found out about this CAL
-will the boarder be just a few rows or will it be several rows wide? and will be be given in a few weeks or all in one week, just cause I thought this CAL was going to be done mid December and here we are a month early
The border is several rounds and will all be presented next clue. The following week is finishing and then we’re done. (we’re efficient – what can I tell you?) After that we’ll be posting afghan photos on the blog as we receive them from you.
I need help with navigating the blog. I know that there was a post from Laura saying what yarn we should have left for our border. But I have tried scrolling, using the search bar and can not find it. Please help with the amount and some ideas on how to navigate the blog more perscisely.
thank you
2 of A (natural)and 1 and how ever much you have left of C (topaz)
Laura also said you can use another one if you have more of it and less of A/C
I finally found the info… darned if I could get back there… but I do have the info. I am not keen on the large square in the middle and will be remaking it…. Creating something more personal.
All put together now. Yay! I love it and I can’t wait to do the border stitches as that will bring it all together. Can’t help smling!
Way to GO!! Good Job…..;-)
Seriously!!? You’re done??? Way to go. Wanna come help sew mine together?
Would love to come and help you sew your afghan together! Anything to help, and get out of this frigid cold. It’s -24 with the wind chill today and snowing slightly. brrrr I don’t have to go out, so it’s really okay and I have an almost completed afghan to keep me warm! lol
Can I mail mine to you? Did you block your squares? I am trying to block first and then lay them out and start, but just kind of put off right now, maybe overwhelmed and afraid I’m gonna screw up. HELP!
Hi! I would love to sew yours together too!
I blocked my squares each week after I completed them, as I know myself and would have spent many more days after completing all the crocheting to go back and block them all. My blocking board only holds two at a time and I use the cold blocking which means letting them dry overnight. Only suggestion I have may be to try and do a little each day. Hope you don’t get too overwhelmed and that we get to see a pic once you are done. Good luck and a hug if your like!
Thanks Anne. I am overwhelmed. Should have blocked like you as I went along. Gotta stay positive though. Going to find a darning needle today and attempt to start sewing some of the mitered blocks together. Wish me luck!
Yeah, and mine too?…lol
Hi Linda! Would love to help you too! Maybe just a little seaming each day, as there is still 4 full days before the edging.
Good luck and a hug if you like too!
Awww … Thank-You, its the thought that counts… (AnneF)
I started sewing my squares together last night. Not happy with the way they are turning out. Some are a bit off. Hopefully the border will bring in all in proportion.
Been following along her re:seaming. I haven’t started yet. but am thinking of crocheting the blocks together, all one colour…has anyone tried that?
I did a sc of one color around each block before seaming, am very happy with the look
I have a suggestion for the design team for the next CAL. You could design the squares so that they start from each other. doing square one then from there start square two. It would be fun, less seaming, and the afghan would grow mysteriously. You could change colors too. the squares would not need to all be back and forth, the squares that are done in rounds can be attached in last round to last square.
The other suggestion is to do the material/yarn to include from the least expensive to the most. Using color combos and weights.
Just my two cents worth.
Cheers
Thats a cool idea…
Good idea.
This is the first afghan I’ve pieced together so maybe it’s just me but I think this is very tedious.
It looks very pretty, though
Well, I had the whole thing sewn together and didn’t like the look of the mitered squares. I also felt it was too much of the Fern. So I’m taking the afghan apart, swaping out some of the Fern blocks for Topaz ones and totally removing the mitered squares. I am trying to think what to replace them with. I may make up my own pattern for them! It is a good thing I like to crochet! Or , I’m a perfectionist…
I think it is a requirement to be a perfectionist to be into crochet! I did the same thing, rip rip rip. Mitred square look great replaced with diagonal box stitch blocks, if you’d like to try it.
Teva, Where is your miter squares at on Ravelry? I looked and cannot find them…
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tevalynn/mitered-squares-stitched-together
my nickname on ravelry is tevalynn.
If you block that, you can make all of the squares within the squares – square
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I’m a little confused, I left a 4″ strand at the start and I think I’m going to do this for the end, but I couldn’t find what to do with those ends??? I didn’t tie any off, will this be in the tutorial or do we just tie off?
There will be a tutiorial coming up on how to finish all those ends. Not next Wednesday, but the following one.
They may go into your border or be darned in..
I was out of town last week so I haven’t made my last 8 blocks. I fought temptation but finally had to check out the layout. I am quite pleased with the layout and hope to make my 8 blocks and start assembly this weekend. Thanks so much Laura and Bernat for providing this CAL for us! It has been a blast! I also want to thank everyone who participated in the Blog! You kept me focused and on track!
Okay, I’m not diggin the way my blocks are coming together :-< My seams are very visible! I sewed just as the pics show, 1 block-bottom stch; other block-top stch. I can't even "close it up" by pulling on the 2 ends to create that seamless no-show-color effect. I've stopped for now. Not sure what to do, I also have a "loose tail", no knots, nothing is tied. I Youtubed it but most of their sts have a bulky reverse side.
I am also concerned because with this problem, I am having to use my Natural, the color that we should have 2 of, preferably, for the edging, at this rate I will only have a 1/2 a ball left of the Natural! I was hoping to be able to darn with the colors we aren't going to use anymore but they show threw.
Helllllllp Pleeeeeez (crying alligator tears)
BUMMED
You are weaving. Think of the sewing as putting in a shoe lace. The stitches are your “holes” for the yarn (lace) to come up through. Come up on the right, then come up on the left. ALWAYS bring up your yarn from the bottom, coming up through one of the stitches on the edge. Pull your “lace” tight every 5 – 6 stitches. Look at it from all directions, and if you see that the rows aren’t lining up right or you can really see your stitches, look for why. If you forget and come down from the top, you will see that stitch. It is easy to frog back to where something went wrong and redo.
It’s easiest if you start with sewing 2 of the flowers together, you will see it come together nicely. For those squares, I wanted a flat edge, not raised, so I used only the front loops. Whichever loop you choose, just be consistent, or it will be noticeable. Once you get the hang of it, you will know where to come up at on the squares that don’t have the nice double crochet, half double crochet, or single crochet edges.
Thank you Berniece, I am also from MI
I actually am doing the botton up technique, I’m going to have to do some more blocks to see what I am doing wrong… Ugh (about to break out the sewing machine haha)
Hi Tanya!
I’m near Lake Erie, how about you?
Just keep trying, my daughter walked in last night and saw my 2nd afghan almost all sewn together and she yelled: “You made a second one! It’s beautiful too. It’s MINE!” So I guess I’ll have to make another one for my granddaughter. May make most of it the flower square. The seams don’t show, even when done in the front loops with yarn that’s not a match. This second afghan was done with only 3 colors of worsted from my stash: Forrest Green, Kelly Green, and Rose Garden ombre. Looks good, but nowhere near as good as the Bernat chunky suggested colors and that one is for ME!
I live in Michigan also in the Romeo area.
You should technically do both of the weaving “stitches” through the bottom loops. I believe that in the picture tutorial, she is darning together one piece (the natural) from the starting chain edge, which only has one loop. It looks as though she is using the top, but it should be the bottom ones only. Then your stitches shouldnt be visible from the right side.
I haven’t read through all of the 200 comments for my 1st question, however, if its okay with you Laura
I would like to explain 1 way to darn without your ends unraveling later: Leave a 3in. tail, darn in fabric as you normally would but don’t cut it there! Darn again backwards toward where you started, clip the tail, tug to bury it. Hope I explained that alright.. I am a “Darn as I go” crocheter as well.
Thank You in advance for any help on my seams issue
That’s definitely OK – we all learn from each other and your way is a good one – it’s one I always use actually (so of course it must be good, right???)
I confess… I’m WAY behind now! I was keeping up fairly well with all 3 afghans, then… I got bored and started 3 others with different patterns! I’ve sort of taken the past 2 weeks off and almost completed 2 of the others – the pattern is really simple and works up FAST! I just realized that Thanksgiving is next week and if I plan to give these as Xmas gifts, I better re-focus! So… I’m back to the CAL now. I’ve still got Clue #8 to do and then assemble. Thought I might sort of alternate between the two so I don’t get bored again.
Got a question, though… if I have to sew them together, there’s a strong possibility that I might just give up altogether – which would stink after crocheting all those squares. I REALLY hate to sew (although, I LOVE to cross-stitch!… go figure). My question is — is there a way to crochet them together? Maybe sc or sl st? I have NEVER made an afghan before… I’ve always made small things that don’t have to be put together. THANKS in advance for suggestions…
You could slip stitch them together but the stitches will show more on the right side and you’ll end up with a ridge on the wrong side – however if those things don’t bother you by all means go for it. It’s yours – so do as you please.
I did the slip stich method because that is the way I learned to attach squares in the past and you can’t see the stitching as much as people have commented about the sewing method shown here. And yes there is a small ridge on the backside that looks like a braid. It actually make it easier to see the wrong side when you are laying out the afghan.
I’ve decided to take out the mitered squares as they do not look good at all when sewn togther with the others. Going to change to a Granny square. Hopefully this will work.
my afghan pieces so far
I had some problems with this yarn. I would measure my squares when I finished with them and put them aside – when I pulled them out a few days later they had shrunk! So I went to a larger hook and did not get too excited with the measuring until the next day-that seemed to help BUT then when I started the blocking process they were not all the same size as I had measured a few days before – some were ok and others were a bit on the large size! Oh well it is going to be beautiful and it will be my learning experience. for this year! Thank all of you for the helpful hints. This was fun for me as I am mostly shut in – confined to the main floor of my two story home. When we renovated after I got so ill I opted for a step in tub over a lift chair for the stairs. HAPPY THANKS GIVING LADIES
oops cannot post pic it won’t let me
Well ladies I learned a valuable lesson block as you go. I thought I had my squares the right size then when I went to block them I had to undress two of my squares – the striped one I had to take off the row of triple crochet and my purple granny square I had to take off one row.
I have completed the assembly. Replaced the center square though, I did not like the openness of the granny square. I have another idea for it. I have posted on Ravelry my project. Look for blazonr.
Cheers to all from Maple Ridge BC
Sooo,,, Laura from Bernat, when is the next CAL going to be. These have become my “therapy” and I love doing these. Don’t let it be a year again . Please.
We’ll be announcing the next one soon! watch your email.
WOOHOO!!! I can’t wait!!! I’m checking my email every day
Do you get our email from our posts here, or is/was there a sign up page?
I get emails from them but not for posts, you should get it too because you are registered
Ok the seaming technique works too good. I was trying to watch soap operas while putting my squares together and got one in the wrong place. I tryed to snip the thread to take them back apart and snipped one of the blocks. Now I have to remake that one. (And it was the one that was in the right place). I put it down and haven’t tryed to remove the other yet. They are both the natural color and and I seamed them with natural. I’ll never snip the right thread this time! I thought about just leaving them there but didn’t like the way it would have looked. Any tips on how to find the right thread? I have been crocheting for 40 years and have never done this before. I’m so upset with myself!!
Ouch that is not a good thing to have happen…so sorry
Shirley – you have my sympathies! I’ts really hard to find the right thread to snip when they’re the same color. Try starting at the end of the seam and pulling the squares apart a little – it may pop a thread for you to clip so you get the right one. Good luck!
I have finished assembling mine. Had some challenge in some areas, but I am pleased with the way it turned out. I crochet a lot but not with squares so the seaming together was a challenge. I love the looks of it. Can’t wait for the border.
I am still making squares to replace the mitered squares. I like girly things so anything with flowers is good. I would like the whole afghan to be flowery. I too am having trouble with the squares coming out of the plastic bags different sizes than when they went in. I am re-blocking most of them. The sewing together has totally overwhelmed me. I knew this would happen. I don’t like it at all. The look is so amateur. Not something I would give to someone as a representation of my work. The 16 mitered squares went together to make a blanket for one of my dogs, she loves it, mainly because it smells like me since I worked on it so much! I am positively not making another afghan that has to be pieced together, I knew from the start this was going to be a problem for me but I thought I could finally finish one. I was wrong. The squares are all perfect on their own but being put together ruined them. Glad I live in CA and don’t need this to keep warm! Maybe I should try knitting again, as long as there is no sewing!
So sorry Lue..maybe you can ask for some advice from Laura. If not I guess some one some day could sew them together for you or someone else…so sorry.
I to am having trouble getting the sewing thing down right. This is the first time I have done squares to be sewn together. But I am trying… tc
Hi Linda. You gave me encouragement! Now that I have replaced the mitered squares with four 16inch granny squares it is looking a lot better. There are not as many pieced together squares and is looking semi good. I have holes where the four corners of a block of four join. Can I go back and darn them? I ended up using pink, purple, lavender and white and it looks so feminine, just like I wanted it to. Have a happy Thanksgiving! Wish I were with you!
Hugs.
Oh goody! I’m glad you started back at it. YOu know we all have some problems with projects from time to time. I am just glad to have been able to give you some encouragement to finish it.
)
As for the corners you may be able to just take another piece of yarn and work it around to fill it in and then secure those ends.
Happy Thanksgiving to you also and take care….(
I must have missed the large granny square. How big is it supposed to be? And what week was it introduced?
Is clue # 7, fun to do.
I’ve been to visit an old friend in hosiptal. He seems to have decided to give up on life. So sad.
Trying to stay positive, but its a bit tricky today.
Funny, but it really makes me want to crochet and knit more, to be creative and produce pretty things.
Thank you, everyone, for all the kind words of encouragement. I am feeling some better now, but not entirely well. I am a little worried about my dive trip, but I will try to dive anyway! (Last time I was on the backside of the flu when I left for Fiji. This time it is URI. Does someone not want me to go to Fiji?)
I only have 8 more squares to sew together – hopefully today. I don’t understand all the problems everyone is having with seaming the mitered squares. They are the ones that look best for me – the seam is almost invisible. The hardest to sew invisibly for me are the V-stitch squares – there is a ridge between them.
Bernat – an early clue this week would help a lot – I am leaving Thursday and won’t be back until Dec. 4. When do you stop accepting entries?
We’ll accept entries until Jan 31, 2011.
Wonderful! I have plenty of time. My seaming is done and I am ready for the border.
My husband is thrilled with this afghan – the knitted one from the KAL isn’t big enough for him! He doesn’t even mind that one of my main colors is pale antique rose!
He is just glad it covers and keeps him warm…just what it is suppose to do!
oooops, I assembled some of the squares in the wrong order…ha ha oh well, no one will ever know.
Great attitude!!!
Thanks to whoever mentioned seaming the flowers first!! I was getting bogged down trying to figure out the invisible seaming from the diagrams until you suggested doing those squares first. Now I’m almost finished!!
Really enjoyed the CAL!!!
You are welcome! Weaving them together is not so bad after all is it?
Well, I was really intimidated by the seaming, but finally got to it today. It does go well. I’ve only ever stitched squares together using crochet rounds and adding in the squares. This isn’t too bad. Even the mitered squares are looking ok. I haven’t been blocking either and so far things are going ok!
When I was doing the flower squares, I figured out to add a slip stitch to each petal during round 5, then the petal lay flat and won’t curl up. I’m proud of that innovation!!!!! I also was running out of one of my colours so I did half the flower squares with taupe (should have been topaz) and half with grey (should’ve been forest). Then when I got the layout, I’ve arranged them around the mitered squares, which I also did half and half of the same colours.
Should be good. Looking forward to getting this done. Don’t know what I’ll do with all my time when this is done!!!!!
Why not just make another one….;-)
Now frogging mitered squares and working on 16″ granny squares at the same time. Should be done tomorrow. Then gonna start seaming my afghan together absolutely can not wait till I see the finished product. When I laid it all out on my bed, it was beautiful. When I’m finished I am going to lay it over my bedspread to add color to my bedroom. Until Wednesday. Happy seaming.
I wish the “how to” had included the sewing instructions in the print out, not just the picture.
This is an excellent tutorial on how to seam up granny squares. It is how I learned. Hope it helps.
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa010999.htm
Thank you for this helpful link!
I finished seaming all the squares, not my favorite thing. I am not really happy with results, but then I don’t usually like things I make. I showed it to my husband for the first time, explaining I still had a border to do. I can’t believe that he really liked it, said I should put it in the livingroom. He even liked my green flowers LOL
Happy Thanksgiving Crocheters!
Did anyone seam the mitered squares from the wrong side? Seems to look better to me……….
Yes, I did and liked them much better this way also. I stated earlier that it was a bit disappointed to have worked so hard on the mitre squares just to sew them togeather to make one big square and by putting them togeather in the opposite direction helped me feel that my time and effort wasn’t wasted. Glad to hear I’m not the only one to try this.
oops sorry Lois, didn’t realize that by wrong side you probably meant actual side and not wrong direction. Also, I found that after you sew a few togeather it gets easier.
Please tell me that the mitered squares are the worst to sew together and after that, the rest will be a breeze? Otherwise I’m not sure I can do this! Eek!
The mitered squares ARE the worst to sew together and the rest will be very easy, especially theose crocheted in the round.
To me the miters were the worst to sew together because until you get 4 woven together, you don’t have the single crochet to work with. All the squares with single, double, or half double crochet work up in a snap! So look forward to that!
Thanks Guys. I worked on some other squares last night and they do go much faster. I think NOW I will leave the mitered ones to last! LOL. I am working in groups of 2 right now then figure I will start sewing together and so on. Thanks for the encouragement!
I worked blocks of 16 for rows 1, 3 and 5 and then sewed them together. Worked 2 and 4 as a strip. Then sewed all the strips together. The colors chosen to sew the strips together, will make most of our afghans look different!!
You can do this!! I think I can, I think I can!!
Oh, also, I counted the number of stitches on the side of the large granny and placed a pin at the center point, as the adjacent squares were 16″ blocks of 4 squares. That way the square is properly centered. Good Luck!!
They are and you can do it…really you can because you are going to be soooo happy when you are done with it and can say, “I did that, yes I did!”
The mitered squares took a long time to put together, but well worth the effort. The others were very fast.
WOW what a pain in the bum week, I’m not liking this week at all. I have the 2 top rows sewn so far and still waiting for my squares to be blocked, its taking forever. I think maybe that should have been introduced earlier, when we had that easy catchup week, cause this blocking process is way to long.
Other then that the sewing is going good, the first mitered square I did doesn’t look very good but I caught on to sew over the strand that we didn’t cut when making it.
Now I need to make a new 16″ square because the first one I did doesn’t want to stretch enough, its going to round and just doesn’t look right. At least it will give me something to do while my squares are being blocked and dried.
I’m soooo excited for the next CAL, I really hope its just one big blanket or have just a few blocks to sew.
Put a fan on them, it will help dry them faster.
Finished my last square this morning, laid my squares out on the floor and its so pretty!
Now to start sewing it together.
OK, it’s official…………I LOVE crocheting, and I HATE sewing. So putting these squares together sucks for me and I am not enjoying it. Will never make another one in pieces like this again. Have thoroughly enjoyed the “clue a week” and all the mystery but now I am left with an overwhelming feeling that it’s all going to fall apart once I wash it. I hope not, but I only have 4 squares together and am already feeling like quitting!
Try sewing 4 squares together at a time, then take a break and crochet something-after all you LOVE it! It makes it much more enjoyable
Hang in there my dear – all will work out OK and it won’t fall apart once it’s washed – especially if you follow all the seaming/darning in ends directions. Enjoy and don’t sweat it!
I finished my assembly and am happy with the results. I decided to add two rows of single crochet (one white and one fern) around the outside edge to “firm up” the final shape. I love the results, but cannot figure out how to send in a final photo of my finished product.
It’s not quite finished yet – next week is the edging and the final week is finishing – then we’ll tell you how to send in your photo of your finished afghan.
I will be interested in what you considering finishing. I have weaved in all ends, and will do a light steam on the back of the afghan, once the border is complete. For me, that is finished.
did you forget there is going to be a “border clue” tomorrow?? I think Laura said 3 rounds and I thought the colors were natural and topaz, but don’t quote me on that!
Brrrr, it got awfully cold here in Winnipeg, and whats with all the snow?
I was doing so well till we hit the mitered square, totally through off my progress. Well anyway I’m almost caught up with all the squares, then still have to sew it all together, hopefully that goes smoothly. From what I’ve read in the comments the mitered square is not fun to sew together which I can see, matching all those stripes.
Well I do look forward to the border, I am determined to finish this afghan. I enjoyed seeing the progress of other peoples afghans with pictures at ravelry.
I just finished sewing all my squares together and I just wanted to tell everyone how beautiful it looks. Thank you Bernat and Laura for this crochet-a long. I have learned a lot and I am proud of my self for sticking to it. I really don’t think I would have ever made a afghan like this on my own. I am sure that the border will make me like it even more.
Maybe next year we can make a Christmas one!!!
We’re proud of you too! I think you’ll be very pleased with the border. I guess we’ll know in a few days – how exciting is this???
Hi everyone! I started this CAL about 4 weeks late, but I have been totally enjoying it and am all caught up (except for the mitered squares). Thanks Bernat! This is the 1st CAL that I have actually kept up with and WILL actually FINISH! Yay me! I couldn’t find the Bernat Softee Chunky, had some in my stash, but not enough and in good colors. My local craft store doesn’t carry it at all (really like that yarn though) and doesn’t carry a good selection of the Bernat Satin either – just a few colors. But they do have a good selection of Bernat baby yarns in nice colors, so I decided to use that instead, picked out my colors, and then waited a couple more weeks until it went on sale. I’m using Bernat Softee Baby (love this yarn) in Punch Fun ombre, Warm Rose, White, Mango, and Soft Fern. I love the way the colors look together. I’m using a G hook and am making 6 inch squares. I usually had to add more rows to make the 6 inch square, and I have changed colors around on some of the clues to look better to me. As for the mitred squares – ugh! I had never done them before, so thank you Bernat for making me at least try! After working 3 days on them and frogging them all, I tried the suggestion that one person made to start in the middle instead of the outer edge. That worked much better. Thanks to the person making that suggestion. However, I also am going to now make big granny squares to use instead of the mitred ones as I don’t like the look of them in the finished afghan – too heavy looking for a baby afghan. Besides, I haven’t finished making all 16 yet! LOL! But, I am not going to frog them; I think I will make a pillow using 4 of them sewn together. Since it’s the colors of the afghan, the pillow will look nice with it. Thanks Bernat! I am totally enjoying this CAL and look forward to the next one. Unfortunately, in my obsession with this CAL, my Christmas projects are now woefully behind schedule! Sigh!
just about has the middle of my blanket sewed together. coming along nicely. time consuming, but its all worth every minute I spend on it.
Does anyone know what color the border will be and how many skeins will be needed? I just want to make sure I will have enough left after I join my squares.
Laura said 1-2 balls of A and 1 ball of C
A & C, about 1 and a half of each I believe.
We will use A and C for the border and you need 1 to 2 balls of each. (Or – worst case scenario – change it up and make it your own with whatever colors you have most of!)
After the border, I will have almost 2 full skeins of fern, an almost full lavender, a bit of forest and will probably have natural and a bit of topaz too – so seeing pillows. I think it should have been 6 skeins of fern instead if 7, but it is a pretty color and I will have use for it.
Thanks for a wonderful CAL!!
A -2 skiens C- 1 ( and what ever you have left of the 2nd one)
Thanks for the replies!
I had a tough time with my seaming together too. But, just think, when you have the border on, wash it (in gentle cycle) and soften it both in the washer and dryer (on a very light heat), every seam will fall together and a lot of those bad looking seams that you are looking at right now will disappear. I loved this CAL and the exact color combination as the pattern, I think they did a wonderful job on it and I would not have changed any of the clues to another pattern. That is what it was all about. You rock Bernat. Looking forwad to the next one. Yall have a very nice Turkey Day. And give thanks.
You have a wonderful turkey day too Cheri – and we thank you for your positive attitude and cheerful outlook!
I just finished my assembly, it was overwhelming at first but I did it! I love it too, it is really beautiful. I too cannot wait to add the border. I was making it for my mom but don’t know if I want to give it away. Each square brings back great memories of exciting Wednesday mornings and fun posts to read. I loved it all, can’t wait for the next one. Thanks so much Bernat! Good job! Looking forward to seeing the photos of everyone’s work!
To borrow from Shakespeare – To block or not to block – that is the question. (Poor Will is probably rolling in his grave right now.) This seems to have become a great debate so I thought I’d weigh in with my 2 cents. Blocking is sometimes absolutely essential – natural fibers definitely need it; lacy patterns don’t look lacy without it. With blends – it depends how much natural fiber is involved in the mix. When it comes to 100% acrylic, it becomes a matter of preference (not that it’s a bad habit to get into anyway!) It’s true that you can join your squares without blocking them (but that wouldn’t teach you anything would it?) and they’ll be fine but, since our aim here is to teach you proper techniques, we decided to go for blocking. It’s another skill to add to your repertoire for the future (someday you might even thank us.) If nothing else you now know how to do it when you use that wool/alpaca/silk blend yarn that cost a gazillion dollars a skein to buy! You’ll be fearless knowing that your project will look fantastic.
Happy crocheting everybody and block when you need to for sure!
Thank you, Laura. I totally agree, but I am still not going to block my acrylic!
I blocked mine, for the first time ever with acrylic – and omg what a difference when putting it together. I blocked a second time for 16″ squares. I blocked the 8″ strips in groups of 3 8 x 24 and then sewed them together.
This CAL has rocked!!
Glad you approve! Thanks for your comments throughout – I’ve enjoyed reading them!
I love this CAL. Only two more sleeps until the border pattern. I am definitely looking forward to finishing my afghan!!
Also excited to see everyones finishes once the pics are sent in.
Of bother it is only Monday nite…. ho hum…. when the edging is done I sure hope the next CAL or CAL/KAL starts right away. I have crocheted several angels for Christmas gifties. and puttering with yet another afghan with the Alchemy pattern, and variegated yarn so I do not change yarn and it looks great.
woohooo til wednesday…..
Louise,
What is the Alchemy pattern? It sounds interesting.
I’m about half-way through seaming the squares together. I, too have decided that I much prefer making afghans in one piece! Although I like the look of this afghan, I enjoy crocheting. Sewing, not so much!!
i enjoyed the CAL and the clue-a-week and it was fun doing this alongside so many other people.
Thanks Laura and Bernat for a fun time!
I know it is late in the week for suggestions but…. I have put off the sewing until there was some quiet time in my home–I need to be alone to work on a new technique. As it turns out, I love the sewing method demonstrated this week as long as the square has a stitched and not a rough edge.
I did not like the looks of the mitered squares after they were stitched together so i tried two rows of single croched along just the rough sides. The results make the mitered squares now look like window panes when they are sewn together and they are actually square–I like this look much better. I will be single crocheting around all rough edges as others have suggested because I think it gives the square a more finished look and sets off the uniquiness of the stitches.
Now I am looking forward to finishing the sewing and the border–not much longer to wait.
I”m behind with my seaming but with the long Thanksgiving weekend coming up, figure it will give me something to do and the new clue tomorrow will keep me motivated to keep going!
Hope everyone has a happy Turkey Day!
Happy Thanksgiving to all, am getting on the plane soon to spend it with the grandbabies up North (Burrrrr) will have limited internet access so will see you in December….Happy Hooking
Have a Happy Thanksgivinvg and a safe trip…Keep warm by the fire…
Mine is all assembled waiting for the border … as I read over the comments I smiled each time I read the term ‘frogging’ … a new term to me but then I was reminded of my Grandmother who was a seamstress by trade and had a strong superstition that if something wasn’t riipped (frogged, I guess) sometime in the making the person who owned/used it wouldn’t live to wear it out … I guess each of us can consider all the longevity built into these afghans! Happy Frogging, and Happy Long Life!
That is a lovely thought…I will remember that one and carry it along like your grandmother did…;-)
Wow Joan! What an interesting tidbit of info on that superstition/tradition! It almost makes one feel so much better about having to frog things. Thanks for sharing it. Yes, after much frogging in this CAL, there will be a lot of luck and long lives built into these lovely afghans!
Still working on the #8 squres for the 2nd one. I’m not doing to good on the seaming, but will keep trying at it. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!
Thanks guys
I’m now adjusting any particularly wonky squares as I go, then putting them on the blocking jig and steaming them with the iron, then blasting with a hairdryer.
Its working well. They look SOOOO much better, and seem to be keeping their shape.
Thank you so much for giving me a FIXXIT, and making me believe in my squares again.
And I must have learnt summat as we went along this CAL adventure. I want a double-bed size afgan, so I need extra squares. I’m doing some more of clue 1 & 2 and they came out SO straight and SO neat. Magic.
Fantastic Rosey! Godd for you for hanging in.
Happy and safe holiday everyone. It was fun sharing with all of you. Hope we meet at the next mystery :~)
Peace & Love >>>^..^<<<
I am extremely happy with how this came together and am really looking forward to seeing the choice of border!!
PHEW! managed to get it all sewn together…with just a few hours to spare until the next clue drops!! now for a reward…hot white chocolate or a nice bengal spice tea?? i can’t believe how quickly it came together once i FINALLY buckled down and started it! Laura: i am soo excited for the next CAL!! When should I start checking my inbox?
I hate to be a party pooper but I really don’t like the mitered corners or the layout of this afgan at all. It is just too busy for my liking. I’m thinking of making plain squares instead of the mitered ones. Any suggestions?
I did not like them either which is why I changed them. I debated frogging and doing new squares, but they were such a lot of work and effort, I hated to do that.
Instead, I did 2 rows of sc along the rough sides of each square and them fastened them together. It makes a large + in the center and sets off the individual color rows. I will have to adjust each of the other squares to allow for the size difference, but the overall appearance is worth the effort.
I have also noticed that doing the sc around the pattern squares sets each square off from its neighbor and you get the full effect each pattern. Good luck with yours.
As the only guy [I think] doing this project I don’t like the flower squares. I’m changing that one and may change the arrangement of squares. Otherwise it has been fun and I can replace to 2 old tattered throws that have outlived their time.
I haven’t posted on a blog before…hope this works. I started the crochet along a couple of weeks ago with some yarn I had already, so my colors are different…and I chose not to do the mitered square..instead I worked some afghan stitch squares. My colors are pale yellow, huntergreen, lavendar, pale blue and sage or melon. This has created even a greater mystery for me of what the outcome might be! I have had a lot of fun doing this mystery afghan!!!
I’m in East Texas, and work with a crochet group in a small town named Mineola.
Okay, I know this will almost likely be the most unpopular post for this CAL, but I think only those afghan pictures submitted that actually followed the suggested pattern (okay for extra rows, stitches as long as is same square, or different yarn/color choice) should be considered for the winner. Otherwise, anybody could submit a picture of any afghan to be selected the winner.
After all, it is Crochet-Along, not crochet what I want, or what I may think may look better. Most of us do that already, which makes our projects uniquely our own.,
It is wonderful that so many creative suggestions were made to alter the patterns for squares, which I may use on future afghans; but, in my opinion, this was about doing one afghan, all the same, as a team.
Forgive me Bernat, if that was not the intent.
Hi babs –
Some substitution is allowed, but the afghan has to clearly be based on the CAL afghan in order to be counted for the contest. Any afghan just won’t do.
So if I changed the center square or another square, is it still able to be counted for the contest?
I agree with you! I’m not the greatest crochet-person! But, I followed the pattern as instructed, other than using yarn I had and my own color. I will really be interested in what the afghans all look like!
I have just finished putting my afghan all together. I started sewing it together about 1:00 this afternoon and it is now 2:00 in the morning! lol I just didn’t want to quit because I’d have to lay it all out again and I’m doing it on my kitchen table. I have to say, I think it looks pretty. I will work tomorrow at getting the edging done and then I will try to take a picture and send it here so you can see it. I have never done a project like this before. I had lots of fun doing this, and looked forward every week for the next clue / square. I couldn’t wait and would check the web for the next clue at midnight! lol I hope to do this again. I also loved reading everyone’s thoughts on their work. I really hope everyone will post a photo. I really want to see your work!
I think I may actually get my afghans put together now! I tried sewing a couple of mitered squares together and it looked awful!!! I’m definitely not good at getting hidden or even stitches… I was disheartened — all that work on the squares only for the sewn together product to look terrible! I set is aside for a while and worked on some other projects to boost my confidence… Today, I tried using a smaller hook that would easily fit within the side stitches and slip stitched a couple of squares together… looks pretty good! You can’t see the sewing from the front side and the stitches are all even on the back. I figure it’s not a big deal to see the seams on the back since the afghan has a definite front and back. There is hope yet!!!
Ohmigosh!!! I DID IT!!! I’ve sewn together Afghan #1! In my 40+ years of crocheting, I’m very close to completing my first ever afghan! I can’t believe it! Once I got started slip stitching the squares together, it went pretty fast — kind of developed a rhythm and it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I expected. Thanks to this project, I won’t be so intimidated by afghans in the future. Maybe I’ll even put together the 2 that I have from my mom and hubby’s grandma – just completed pieces – I saved thinking I might hire someone someday to finish them for me…
I am trying to catch back up with this CAL, and can’t find Clue #8 instructions. I find #7 then the next entry says Clue #9.
Am I missing something?
On the right hand side of the Blog is a section labeled: ARCHIEVE.
Click on the November 2010 and start paging down and you will see where clue 7 is.
Good luck with finishing – it is well worth it!
OOPS, I mean Clue 8!
At the very top of this page on the top left it says clue 8, click on that and then scroll down and you will see it….GL and have fun finishing it. You have until the Jan. 31 2011 to get it done for the contest….