Newbie Crochet along?

[Ithinkican]

Just wondered if anyone who really needs basic experience would like to do a cal? Maybe just a single crochet 25 square challenge, or even a 25 granny square CAL? I, for one, really need the practice, and this would help keep me accountable! Anyone care to join me?

[amyquilt]

Veronica,
Sad that no one has replied to your invite for CAL.

I've got several on my plate, but maybe once I'm moved, I'll join ya here.

Sounds fun...for beginners and more experienced, since everyone needs a break for some easy stuff now and then .:yes

Amy

[midnightexpression]

I'll join woot

[Ithinkican]

Thanks, but I don't find it sad at all. I really have so much on my plate with everything in life PLUS this forum that it was just a shot. I'm having fun, and that's what counts.

[countingsts]

YEAH JUST LIKE THE REST, I TOO HAVE WAAAAAAAAY TOO MUCH ON MY PLATE. NOW , IF SOMEONE WOULD DO A CHEVRON ( I CAN'T MASTER THIS PATTERN FOR CRAP) :manyheart I WOULD NOT THE FIRST BUT I DFN8LY WOULD NOT BE THE LAST EITHER TO JOIN.:yay

[xampx]

Im currently making a 6 granny square door mat - if that counts il join in :)

[thecrochetdude]

While I can't join in, I think this is a really fantastic concept!!! I hope lots of newbies will unite with you soon!! :woo

:bounce

[knitted_painting]

well I'm a newbie:) and I've never even done a granny square:think so I'd like to join if I can? When do we start? and do you have a pattern or do I have to find one myself?:D

[tamamah]

I'm a newbie. I'm just having problems having any enthusiasm about granny squares. :D I've done two potholders and I'm about 3/4 through my first baby blanket, but ran out of yarn.... (so my colors will probably be off).

I'll probably next try another baby blanket, or some Christmas ornaments. I'm trying to get enough practice at crocheting and knitting, so I can do some easy Christmas presents.

Tammy

[Fun4me6]

I am new also

Would love to join, where do I start:think

Fun4[quote=Ithinkican]

[Ithinkican]

Hi, and thanks everyone...(especially the awesome Dude :nworthy :) )
I will have more info tonight, possibly tomorrow morning. Let's not worry about colors and such. For me, it is the opportunity to practice the stitches. I'll get a pattern and post that too.

[midnightexpression]

woot yay

[TamiCrochets]

im not all that new to granny squares but i'm still interested in joining ya :)

[fuzzbugjr]

:hook I'm not a new crocheter, but I'd like to join. I need to get started on some children's blankets and right now in the summer heat, I think granny squares would be the way to go.

Barb:cheer

[Ithinkican]

I found this pattern, which I think is nice. Any one have any objections? Let me know. I think the hook it calls for is G hook. Use what ever colors you like on it. As I said, I just really need the practice, and I thought it would be fun to do with others. Anyway, here is the link
http://www.angelfire.com/bc2/crochetaddict/lacy.html

Seems pretty "easy"...Let's do the 6" squares.
We can cheer each other on, and show our work as we go. Try not to laugh toooo hard at mine...:lol

Let me know what you all think and we'll get started. Okay?
Thanks so much all of you.

[fuzzbugjr]

Very pretty choice. I'll print it out in the morning and try to get started.

Barb

[knitted_painting]

yeah I really like that one! :manyheart how many do we have to make? and is there like a certain date we have to be finished? cause I'm kind of busy knitting gloves:) so It'd be nice to know if I can start whenever I want or if I need to be doing em both at the same time:)

[midnightexpression]

Um thats not how I make my granny squares ......can I do my own pattern? and I use an I hook for all granny squares I find it the perfect size not too small not too big....I'm sorry but I have to do it my way just because of a problem I have

[Ithinkican]

Hi. Let's make 25...and no start or stop time, but let's share the work we get done with the others. Veg, use your own pattern, that's fine.

[midnightexpression]

Ok thank you I would explain why I have to do it my way but I don't think you wanna hear it

[Ithinkican]

It's Okay, I understand...I've read your other posts, and I have my own child that is the same way...:)

[midnightexpression]

ok thank you for understanding

[knitted_painting]

I think this CAL deserves a button anyone? if everybody thinks it does then I'dbe happy to make one:manyheart

[midnightexpression]

what do you mean button?

[knitted_painting]

A button is like a link picture to put on your blog and show ppl that your participating in this CAL so that ppl who visit your blog will see the button and if they're interested then they can click on the button and will find themselves on this thread and maybe they'll want to join too! :manyheart

[Ithinkican]

I think that would be great. I'd love to add one to my blog.
Thanks!

[midnightexpression]

awesome

[Mintlipgloss]

Hi everyone. Am I too late to sign up? Also, is everyone doing 25 squares, or are you looking for 25 warm bodies to crochet one square each? (Sorry, I didn't get a lot of sleep last night and I am nooooot with it today!) :)

Jennifer

[kelro]

I'll join too if I can, I tried granny squares a little bit ago and gave up, the pattern was to complicated. This one seems easier for me to understand. I just get so annoyed when my square isn't all that square LOL. This will enable me to practice and that is what I need. So count me in :)

[Yifero]

I'll join. I'm a half newbie, but I find grannie squares fun. I like to make them with the leftover yarn from projects. I'll make as many as I can while working on other projects.

[lee_ann]

count me in too. I've been crocheting for years but i don't have a wide range of abilities and haven't done much with granny squares.

I also have to use an I hook...not for any real reason except that its the only hook i have right now lol. I have another one somewhere but i think it's an H so that doesn't help me anyway.

[Ithinkican]

Okay, well, all I have right now is some purple (called grape, but looks purple) Caron SS, so I'm going to start with that, and hopefully in the next couple of days go and buy some pink. I'll probably do one color for each square.
:hook

[midnightexpression]

I'm going to get more thread tonight

[Ithinkican]

I'm thinking we can do 25 squares each.
Everyone ready? LOL< I say that, and I haven't started. I will though, before the weekend.
:hook

[midnightexpression]

I have orchid and white yarn to use

[Ithinkican]

Sounds very pretty. Can't wait to see it.
:clap

[midnightexpression]

neither can I I'm starting tonight that'll be the 4th thing I've started in the past week lol

[knitted_painting]

Ok I came up with a few buttons so you can pick which one you want to use:manyheart

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/7528/calbuttonja5.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9647/calbutton2qb5.gif

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/4209/calbutton3cf8.jpg

I hope they are ok:) If you need help with how to put it on your blog then I'd be happy to help you with that:yes

[midnightexpression]

I like the second and the third one!

[Ithinkican]

I started tonight on my first square. I was going to take a picture, but discovered my daughter must have taken it with her to her big sister's house. Great. Anyway, it doesn't look right to me, and I've redone it several times, but I'm going to keep trying!

[midnightexpression]

I know mine don't look right till you pull on it alittle

[ankey]

yay, a newbie CAL! count me in! I tried crocheting granny squares when I first learned to crochet but never got the hang of it. Maybe Ill get it this time. And just to check... we're making 25 6" squares right?

[Yifero]

Question before I start... What size hook should I use??? I have plenty, I justneed to know which one.
~Kayla~

[midnightexpression]

I use an I for all granny squares

[fuzzbugjr]

Here is a photo of my 1st square. I used the pattern posted, but I only used 1 color (:blush I hate to weave in ends) and I used a K hook.

I think I'm going to try to tweak the pattern a bit so it doesn't look so crowded.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/fuzzbugjr/newbiecrochetalong1stsquare002.jpg

Barb

[Ithinkican]

Has anyone else gotten started? I started mine, and as soon as my DD (and the first D does not stand for Darling right now) I will snap a picture.
HOpe everyone is having a great weekend.

[Ithinkican]

Wonderful job! I am using one color too, but am going to use a contrasting color to border.
Yes, we are doing 25 (6") squares. I am using a "G" hook, but as you can see, other people use their preference.
I am on pain meds right now....so counting is, well, lets just say, difficult...I start another round and end up with 10 instead of 15...hmmm, oh well, I think I have it right now.

[auntbubbels]

I have been crocheting for a while and have learned some new stitches and can follow a pattern. My advice to you newbie's is to count, count and then count. I should listen to my own advice as I am making a shawl now and when I finally decided to count, I had to frog a number of rows because I was dropping stitches. Also double check and make sure that you didn't miss a stitch or that you are doing two stitches in one. Check every two rows to make sure you have it right, you will be happy you did this!!!

[seaburke]

I hope it's not too late - I'm just finishing a baby jacket and need something to put in my bag for the train journey every morning to work. And I want to practice on some granny squares - I have purchased some cotton type thread to practice with and now I'll use this pattern. Don't know if what I have will make 25 but here goes.

Thanks ithinkican for the idea. :clap

[Ithinkican]

Hi Seaburke...Welcome! Let us know how you're doing. I'm still waiting for my camera to come home with my daughter :D so I can take a picture of my work so far

[Ithinkican]

Well, I got to round 5 and undid the whole thing again. I don't know how I keep mis counting. Tomorrow afternoon, I am going to keep doing it until I get it right.
:think

[knitted_painting]

I saw you managed to get the button on your blog IthinkICan yay!:clap I was thinking I wasn't making any sence and that I was explaining it wrong heehee:blush
btw do you have to use the pattern you're using? because I've found another one I'd really like to use:)

[Ithinkican]

It seems as though people are doing mostly what they are comfortable with. I have been steady trying the pattern I picked out, but come time to make corners from the circle, I mess up. Getting farther every time though. Use whichever pattern you want, I picked this one because it is "easy" yet challenging for a beginner.

[knitted_painting]

Well I changed my mind I'm going to try and do the one from the pattern you picked, because that way if I do something wrong I can come on here and ask for help:)

[Ithinkican]

I got my camera back, so will be posting my work soon. I hope everyone is having fun with this. Personally, I find this pattern a bit challenging, but fun.

[Vickietoria]

Wow! I'm not a beginner, but I'd like to commend all of you who make this square. :) It looks like a tricky but fun one! I don't know about what you all think, but if you can make these, then I think you've risen from the status of newbie! Great going everyone!

[Midds]

This may help some of you with Granny Squares. I teach crochet classes at one of the local colleges and require all my students to purchase a book entitled: Crochet Made Easy. It is a book that is about the size of a pc of paper folded in half and cost generally less than $5. It can be purchased generally at Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby. In this book is a pattern for a baby blanket (which can be adjusted with more squares to accomodate the size you like) made with granny squares using a puff stiff. I use this one for teaching purposes for my classes. This is a great book for beginners with some really good patterns in it.

If you need help I will be happy to help! Good Luck to all. (I would love to join in but can't right now - work full-time, school full-time, kids, family....you get the picture.)

Good Luck!

Have A Great Week!

Midds

[Ithinkican]

Hi. Thanks for the advise. I, for one, already have a book entitled "I taught myself to crochet" even though my grandmother taught me when I was young. I am not having a problem at all with the stitches...it seems to be the counting in this particular pattern. I have redone the same square probably 15 times. I count, recount, and am beginning to think the pattern has a flaw..lol. I have already stated people can do whatever square they like, but the pattern I found I thought was challenging, but fun and pretty.
Others may be interested in the book you mentioned though, and advise is always welcome. I am very frustrated right now because I just can't end up with the number of spaces and stitches I am supposed to according to the pattern.

[ankey]

I finished my first square! It's kinda lopsided though because I miscounted and so one side is missing quite a few stitches. Also, it's more of a 5.5 in. square than a 6 in. one... I need to learn how to join colors so I can make one with 2 colors instead of just one. I'll post a pic later when I have my camera.

Thanks for the book suggestion too, Midds! I'm going to try to find a copy at my local Hobby Lobby.

[Leslie]

hi! I want to join ! I have been crocheting for a few months,but have trouble finishing anything.I started the flower-cal and that took me hours to figure out the pattern,so this sounds more my speed.

Barb, You may want to try a smaller crochet hook.It is amazing the difference it can make.(please,no laughing-I just figured that out.)

After I finish my housework-I will try the pattern. Leslie

[ankey]

I've decided just to use a basic granny square pattern instead of the original one. I was on my 2nd square but it was taking forever to make because I kept on messing up and starting over. I want to be able to finish this CAL before school starts in August because then I won't have any more time to crochet until December and with a more basic pattern, I've already finished 5 squares. I have a question though... How do you join granny squares together once you are done with them?

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, this looks way too fun! Am I too late to join in? It might take me awhile since I have NEVER done a granny square and I have two boys under the age of two, :eek ! But I'd love to try!

Also, Knitted Painting, those buttons are too cool! I can't wait to use one on my site after I get started!

Ok, Just say when!

:hook

[fuzzbugjr]

Hi all,

I love :manyheart the lacy granny square, but right now it takes too much concentration for me to do :no . I think :think , for now, I'm going to go with a basic granny square for this CAL. But, I'll keep plugging away on the other square as well.

Barb

[Ithinkican]

Okay, even I am having problems with this pattern that I posted. Particularly when it comes to the last two rounds. Lets say you (we) all find a pattern that is "do-able" for ourselves, and work on it. Anyone is still welcome to join, and don't worry about time...we are newbies, and it may take us a while. Some of the more advanced may finish first and that is okay...they can tell us if/where they had a problem and show us their work! Still should be lots of fun and Welcome to all those just joining!!

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, since we're not going with the same squares then can everyone post the pattern that their doing? I'd like to do one "with" someone, in case I have questions...I think that will be easier for me.

Thanks

[Ithinkican]

Yep, I'll post another one in case no one else does, and I'll do one with you. Give me until the end of the day to decide on one, unless there is one you would like to do?
Veronica

[Ithinkican]

There are several methods to attach the granny squares. One is simply to whip-stitch them together with your yarn and a needle. I know the crochet Dude ( :nworthy ) has a method that looks cool on his site, but honestly, it looked a bit advanced. I'll get you some links later today for some methods, unless someone else posts some.
Veronica

[OneCraftySAHM]

I'll try just about anything :hook , lol. I just think it will help me if were doing it together, plus it will be more fun that way :yay.

[Ithinkican]

Okay, here is a pattern;
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/01granny/grannysquare.shtml
You can use one color, or two, or three, whichever you prefer. I'll get started tonight.
Veronica

[ankey]

That's the pattern I'm using now too.

[knitted_painting]

Thank you for that pattern it's really nice!:yes I think I'm going to use that instead of the other one:D

[Ithinkican]

:cheer :cheer :cheer
I'm on a roll now! I've finished 2 squares, and plan to finish several more before the end of the evening. It may or may not help you, but if I visualize what the stitch or space will be on the next round, it helps to make sense of it all, and I remember the pattern better.

[Ithinkican]

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g63/Oteaco/0f1dc74b.jpg

[knitted_painting]

Yay! that's looking great!! :yay keep on going!:cheer

[ankey]

that looks great!

[fuzzbugjr]

Veronica: your square looks very nice. Keep up the good work.


Here's a photo of the basic granny I'm doing now. I'm going to use scrap yarn, do 6 rounds for an 8 inch square. I'm going to use these in blankets for underprivileged kids in my town. I'm not sure what color yarn I'll use to connect them yet. Then I'll connect them the way my grandmother taught me to 40 years ago.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/fuzzbugjr/misctesteditems2006.jpg


Barb

[Ithinkican]

That looks really nice Barb. It's very nice of you to donate the finished project. When it comes time, you'll have to share your joining technique with us. Is it hard to do?
Veronica

[fuzzbugjr]

No, the technique is actually very easy to do. I'll have to work on getting photos taken and directions written.

Barb

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, this is my first attempt EVER at a granny square...I think I did something wrong when I did the slip stitch. Can someone please look at where I have the hook laying...I think that's where I goofed but I'm not sure what I did! UGH!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/gliterfaery/100_3133400.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/gliterfaery/100_3136ee.jpg

Thanks girls! I'm gonna get it, I swear I'm gonna get it, lol :hook

[fuzzbugjr]

OK, first of all, are you doing a basic granny square -- like the one in my previous post?

If yes, then you need to put your double crochets ONLY in the chain spaces, not in the double crochets. (I'd post a link to a bigger photo of my square, but my dd logged me out of photo bucket and I don't know the password -- teenagers!:eek )

Here's a repost of a link that IthinkIcan posted to a basic granny. Is this the one you're using?:

http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/01gran...nysquare.shtml

I'd be happy to offer more help, just let me know if any of this made sense to you. I've been crocheting for more years than I care to count and sometimes it's hard to explain what I do from sheer habit.

Barb

[OneCraftySAHM]

Yep, that's the one I'm doing...can't tell though can you, lol?

Ok, explain a chain space to me...I'm pretty sure I understand but I am so new to this, I just want to make sure I completely understand!

Thanks so much!

[fuzzbugjr]

:yes Give me a few minutes to start a new square and take photos while I'm working :hook

That might make it a bit easier for you to understand.

Barb

[fuzzbugjr]

OK. Found the PhotoBucker password. Here goes.

Here is a photo of round 1 of a basic granny where I have started round 2 in the chain space.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/fuzzbugjr/granny.jpg

I've worked in the 1st ch space and I've place pins in the other 3 chain spaces.


Here's a photo of the completed round 2. There are 8 chain spaces around this round -- 1 at each corner and 1 on each side.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/fuzzbugjr/granny2.jpg


The number of chain spaces will increase on the sides each round.

Clear as mud? Or is the mud settling and the water clearing up for you?

If you need more help, let me know.

Barb

[Ithinkican]

Hey, looks pretty good for a first one!!! I think Barb was right, you are dc'ing in the dc's. Don't get frustrated...you just have to keep working at it. I FINALLY found the 'sweet stitch' at some point early this morning..and the hook just seemed to glide along. What a feeling! Anyway, keep trying and keep us posted!
:clap

[OneCraftySAHM]

Thanks for all the help girls, I appreciate it! :hug Ok, I actually think I am doing my sl st's incorrect too....So, I am finishing up RND 1 and the last step is to Ch 2, sl st in top of ch3...ch 3? Ok, can someone show me where ch 3 is? lol, I know, I must sound incredibly dumb here but since I am teaching myself this all seems greek to me! I think that's why I ended up with a big hole on one side of my last square, I think I sl st in the wrong place.

Thanks so much

[fuzzbugjr]

Jeannie,

Here's some photos to help you with the slip stitch.

Photo 1: the first round of a granny square. The safety pin marks the when you join with a slip stitch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/fuzzbugjr/granny3001.jpg


Photo 2: the hook in the chain to start the slip stitch

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/fuzzbugjr/granny3002.jpg

If you need more help, let me know.

Barb


Photo 3: The slip stitch completed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/fuzzbugjr/granny3003.jpg


Hope this helps. If you need more help, let me know.


Barb

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, perfect, I got it! Thanks so much! Let me go work on it and see if I can get it this time.

Thanks so much for your help Barb! I'm gonna get it!

Hugs :yarn

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, this one is looking worse than the first, lol. Is a sp the same thing as an lp? In RND 2, when it says to dc in ch 2 lp and then to dc in ch2 sp is that the same hole? Oh god, this is getting worse not better. I'm so sorry girls. I'm not gonna throw in the towel......YET, lol.

:think :think :think :think :think :think :think :think :think :think :think :think

[fuzzbugjr]

Jeannie,

Breathe, take a deep breathe, and say to yourself: I can do this, I am doing my best, no one is mad at me, I'm not asking too many questions. Take another deep breath.

Better now?

OK. Look at Photo 1 in message #83. That's where the safety pins are in the ch2 space (loop). You crochet around -- not in -- the chains.

The pattern says: RND 2: Sl st in the first 2 dc's and in the first ch 2 lp. Ch3, 2 dc in ch 2 sp, ch2, work 3 dc in same sp. Work the following 3 times (Ch1, work 3 dc, ch2, 3 dc in next ch 2 lp.) Ch1, join with slst to top of ch 3.

What you do is: <Look at photo 1 message #86. Where the safety pin is, is where you'll slip stitch; then you will slip stitch in the next 2 dcs, the next sl st is either in the next st (a chain) or you can sl st around the chain. Rnd 2: sl st in the first 2 dc's and in the first chain (what I do is sl st around the chain), ch 3, and then follow the directions.

Does this help? Let me know if you need photos.

Barb

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, if you go back and look at my pics I am ending up with a bigger hole on the one side...help me out here..,in RND 1 I repeat the 3dc in rg, ch 3, 3 times, then I ch 2, slst in top of ch 3...so what I am basically doing is 3 dc in rg, ch 3 and then chaining another 2 on top of that? Is that wrong? or are the directions incorrect?

I think I am supposed to leave off the ch 3 the 3rd time...AHHHH, does this make any sense?

[Melibean223]

would anyone mind if i joined up with this cal? I just finished one square after seeing the pattern i decided i had to at least try it since it is TOOOO hot to work on my afgan today. It is really a fun pattern to do and was hoping to make the full 25 and then figure out what to do with the squares. If ya want I'll post a pic later of my first finished square, Acutally by time I get to posting it i might have 2 done hehe. It surprised me how quick it worked up I expected it to take a little longer.

[fuzzbugjr]

Jeannie,

Try this link. It's a step by step tutorial for granny squares. I found it posted on another thread from someone looking for help. It looks really good.

http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutoria...nny_square.htm

The pics you have posted don't show what you're doing now. It sounds, however, like you're on the right track. Look at the tutorial and let me know if it makes sense to you.

Barb

[fuzzbugjr]

Melibean223

Feel free to join along. Show us photos and let us know if you need any help.

Barb

[OneCraftySAHM]

Thanks for the link Barb! What a great tut. Ok, I think I understand now. I understand what I am supposed to do but getting it to look right is another story, lol. I just tried again and it's looking more like a square, however, it's kinda turning in..like curving in, maybe I'm doing it too tight, lol. Oh gosh, who knows! I could be doing the whole thing WRONG, lol. The sad part is I LOVE trying, lol...I love crocheting but understanding the patterns is TOUGH, lol. Maybe I think too much! Ok, I'm done rambling...as soon as my boys go to bed, I'm tryin' again, lol.

:hook

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, the link that Barb sent didn't work but I found what she was referring to! This link is excellent for beginners, it, to me, is much easier to read! So, here is the correct link in case anyone else is having trouble! My boys are asleep so I am going to work on the square...I'll post some pics tomorrow.

http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/ltc-granny_square.htm

Thanks so much Barb! :hug

[Ithinkican]

Maybe this will help..when you have a part that says slip stitch, chain 3, then 2 dc, chain 3, 3 dc....that will end up being your corner. It is all done in the same space. sp. and lp are the same thing, I had the same problem with that part. In the second round (your first corner) you will have one space that seem big. It will work itself out, don't worry. Reading a pattern can be daunting, but you'll get it, just relax...grab some tea...you'll do fine
:cheer :cheer :cheer

[Ithinkican]

Sure!!! The more the merrier. I am practicing mine to make my unborn Grand daughter a blanket. Please show us pics as you get things done! it is neat to see the colors and yarns everyone uses.
:hook

[Melibean223]

Once I get the 25 squares done I'm gonna figure out how to put them all together and it will be another blanket i've made for my unborn daughter. I'm working on a round ripple for her too its just been too hot to work on it even wtih the a/c so I'll practice these sinc I've never done them before.
This may be a dumb question but why are they called "Granny Squares"? I understand the square part but not the granny part. Just curious =o)

[knitted_painting]

I started my first square last night with the "Lacy Granny Square (http://www.angelfire.com/bc2/crochetaddict/lacy.html)" pattern, but I got confused when I got to round 6. it says: "RDN 6: with col B, join with sl in same st as joining" ...:think in what joining? I'm confused:blush and when it says "sl" do they mean slip stitch? If somebody could help me I'd really appreciate it because I'm :help lol

[Ithinkican]

Yes, sl is slip stitch, just draw up the loop, yarn over and pull hook through all loops on hook. I PM'd you about the other problem
I'm not sure why they are called granny squares. Intersting question though, maybe someone knows the answer?
:think

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, so I'm sitting here in my computer chair, rocking my 4 mth old in his bouncer with my foot while I practice crocheting my squares...my 2 yr old is running around playing when all the sudden he stops, picks up one of my squares and says "mommy, look, fishy"....lol...guessing it doesn't look much like a square...lol.

[ankey]

Aww, don't give up though! My first couple of squares when I just started looked like crap. Even with my first one for this CAL, I think I started over about 8 times! From the pics you posted earlier, you're not doing bad at all...

[knitted_painting]

I have no idea why they are called granny squares!:think I've decided to use the Basic Granny Square pattern that I found in this thread, instead of the Lacy pattern. I haven't tried it out yet, but I'm hoping it'll work better then the other one hehe:) I just want to get my first ever granny square finished then I can maybe step up the ladder from being a newbie to being a little more advanced:hook

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, here is my 1st correct one, lol...I totally got the pattern down! I've been practicing away! Now I think I just need to tighten up my stitches a bit, whatcha think girls? :cheer

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/gliterfaery/1stgranny.jpg

[Ithinkican]

Wow, those look great! What size hook are you using? You may want to loosen up a bit on the hook, but I think that too comes with practice.
Keep on "Keepin on" :cheer

[fuzzbugjr]

:yay Looks really good. See, we knew you could do it! :woo

Barb

[OneCraftySAHM]

Really? You think I need to loosen up? I was thinking I needed to tighten up, lol? I'm using an H hook, I couldn't find my G, lol.

:knit

[Ithinkican]

When you were finished with the rounds, did the square measure 6"?

[Melibean223]

looking good =o) Once you get the hang of it, it is a pretty easy pattern Hope to see you pump out plenty more beautiful squares

[OneCraftySAHM]

Uhhhh, nope...it measures about 4 1/2! :eek Oh no! LOL! I hear ya loud and clear, hahaha!

Well at least I'm having fun!

Back to the drawing board :hook

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, I'm confused again...I used the pattern from the crochet cabana...

http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/ltc-granny_square.htm

It says that each row should be approx. 1", so then mine is ok? I did 4 RNDS, and it measures 4 1/2...so that' ok, right?

Are you all tired of me yet? :thair

[Ithinkican]

Nah, I'm not tired of you anyway...but hey, I've raised a gaggle of kids!! :)
You are doing ok in that case. Try working 6 rounds and see what you get

[OneCraftySAHM]

How is everyone else doing? Does anyone have any pics to post?

:hook

[knitted_painting]

I've done 3 squares so far after doing 2 squares wrong so in theory I've done 5 hehe :P I forgot that the uk term for the dc is a treble so I was basically doing sc instead of dc! :oops I wish everybody would write their patterns in US anddd European terms :sigh
I have to be honest I'm already bored with making just squares (it's become so easy I don't even need to read the pattern anymore! I'm not bragging or anything I just feel like I need a bit more of a challenge:)) and I don't know what to do with all of them:think I guess I'm just not a newbie anymore:)
anyway here is a picture of them:)
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/6747/dscf2209ok5.th.jpg (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf2209ok5.jpg)http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4077/dscf2210yy2.th.jpg (http://img241.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf2210yy2.jpg)(clickable)

[OneCraftySAHM]

Those are great Petra! Wish mine looked that good...I'll get there I guess!

:nworthy

I'll keep plugging away though!

[Ithinkican]

I think everyone is doing great. Petra, why don't you try joining your squares now to make a blanket, even a baby blanket. Or, try the more difficult lacy square I had posted, as it has some other stitches you may find challenging.
I think everyone's squares look great! Don't give up!
:cheer

[Ithinkican]

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g63/Oteaco/Kittyandcrocheting001.jpg

7 squares...now I have to go buy some Pink and get some white to add some color.

[fuzzbugjr]

Petra and Veronica

your squares look great!

On the joining of squares note: Veronica, I crochet my squares together. Right now, thought, my dd has my digital camera so I can't take any photos of the method my grandmother taught me.

Barb

[Ithinkican]

I'm not quite ready to join yet. I tried whip-stitching on a pet bed I am making for my incredibly spoiled chihuahua, and...well, I am looking forward to learning your method. No hurry though, whenever you get a chance.

[crpstx]

I just learned how to do granny squares (thank you crochetcabana.com) and am making an afghan to match my new wall to wall carpet. Have 7 squares joined together to make a panel. So far have 2 panels joined and ready with 2 more. This is fun!

[crpstx]

I'm working on a granny square afghan. May I join too?

[crpstx]

I single crochet mt squares together through the back loops only. They lay nice and flat, and you can hardly tell where you joined them.

[ankey]

here's a picture of one of the first squares I made (that's why it looks pretty terrible - I don't have my camera with me to take pictures of the other ones I've made):

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m267/ankey1110/misc001-1.jpg

I used scrap yarn until I realized that I didn't have any other yarn to match so now I have 10 squares of red heart super saver baby print yarn.

[fuzzbugjr]

Very pretty. Good work.

Barb

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ankey, if your square looks terrible then mine is off the charts horrible! LOL! I think it's nice! I need some tips here, I'm struggling with this...I mean, I know it should be easy but I just can't seem to get a hold on it. Does anyone have any advice/tips for me?

Thanks girls

[ankey]

Sorry, didn't mean for you or anyone else to feel bad about your own squares, I was just trying to show what I've done...
As for tips, all I can say is count! If you have a granny square that looks great to you, remember how many stitches are on a side per row and after making one side of one row, go back and count to make sure you didn't miss a stitch. This way you only have to undo a little bit if you've found that you've messed up. Also, it helped me a lot when I first started to have a large picture of a completed granny square in the same pattern as the one you are making so you can easily see which stitches go where while you are crocheting. Hopefully that all made sense and helps you... Keep us updated on how you're doing!

[Ithinkican]

Cut yourself some slack. Trust me, at some point, your hook will almost become a part of your hand, and glide through the stitches. It JUST happened to me recently.
You are trying to crochet with little ones around, and so it may take you a little longer....that's okay. This isn't a speed race.
I am assuming it is difficult for you to take pictures of your work? It may be the pattern language that is giving you a problem. It may be visualizing working from the inside of the square, out. You will get it though.

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ankey, NO, you didn't make me feel bad hun! Oh no, I didn't mean it to sound like that, sorry! I am so happy that you got the hang of it, woo hoo! :cheer You should be proud of your squares, there awesome!

I just thought someone may have some tips for me to help me along...my squares look bad when I do the dc in the spaces, like the yarn coming around is all different sizes! Does that make sense? If you look closely at the last picture I posted you can see it! UGH! I try to make it tighter and it rolls in but when I loosen up it looks bad too! LOL! I guess your right, I'll get it eventually! Don't worry, I'm no quitter, LOL!

[fuzzbugjr]

Jeannie

I just looked at your square again (post #104) and from what I can see it looks good.

[knitted_painting]

Everyones squares are looking great!:manyheart I'm thinking of making mine into a cat blanket do you think that'll work?:think
Jeanie, I used to make my stitches too tight aswell, but somehow I found a comfortable way to hold the yarn and the hook so now my stitches are even. I suppose it just takes some time to find your own comfortable way and I'm sure you will soon so don't give up yet you'll get there!:hug

[Ithinkican]

That sounds great! Be sure to show us a pic when it's done.

[fuzzy ferret]

Well I'm not a newbie, but I'm certainly no expert crocheter, but i have to say you girls' squares are looking great for beginners!!! I only wished when I first started out mine looked as neat at nice as y'alls because i'd have been on cloud 9!! I'm self taught and I still get frustrated doing some patterns! As a matter of fact, i'm working on my first afghan now and I've been doing crochet for about 4 years now! Its took me that long to even attempt one!

So hang in there! It will come to you and the little 'light bulb' will pop on!!

Krystal

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, been working hard and it's paying off! I think I got my groove! WOO HOO! I only did 5 rounds, I think that's plenty big enough for me. My 5 rounds are measuring about 6 inches...is that ok? Whatcha think? I'm doing Harry Potter colors, hahaha, not sure what I'm making though...what is everyone else making with their squares?

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/gliterfaery/HPColors.jpg

[fuzzbugjr]

:yay Looking good. I like Harry Potter colors. 6 inch squars are a good size, though you can make them any size / any number of rounds you'd like.

[seaburke]

Hey Ladies -
I've finished my first square - well it was early last week - I decided to continue on with the lacey granny square pattern that was first suggested. It took me a while to get my head around the pattern - I think in my next project I'm going to try to use one of those patterns which are a collection of symbols instead of words and abreviations - at one point in the pattern the author says sk stitch - for the _life_ of me I could not figure out what sk meant - riffled through all of my books and found one which gave me instructions to do a "solomons knot" ----no that's not it - back to the photos of and _DUHhhhhhhh_ Skip a stitch! LOL - Once I got the rythm into my head the pattern was pretty easy. So - end of long story - I'm going to continue on with the lacey square - it is pretty - and I'll post a piccy when I empty my camera. My other goal this weekend is to get my blog up to date and put in the button for this CAL - this is fun! - Sorry for all the blither - It's Sunday morning and I'm avoiding the housecleaning that I have to do before the fun I am anticipating. Good work everyone else - I like seeing what you all are doing.

Cheerio - Catherine

[Ithinkican]

Jeanie, they look great! By Jove, I think you've got it!! :D
5 rounds is fine, and if it measures 6", that's great too. If I remember, you said you were using a larger hook. I started using an "H" for mine, and I need less rows to get the 6".
I got in on the weekend CAL, so I've been pumpin them out. Well, on a newbie scale anyway. Got 21 done total.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g63/Oteaco/Kittyandcrocheting016.jpg

[Ithinkican]

Great idea! Where can you find those patterns? I do pretty well with the word patterns, but after a while, I swear it looks like I'm trying to read chinese! :lol

[OneCraftySAHM]

Those look great Veronica, nice variety of colors! What will you be doing with your squares once your finished?

[knitted_painting]

WOW you've got 21 done?!? I thought I was going fast but that's just:eek I've got 10 done so far and I'm only going to 20 because that's all I need for the cat blanket:) I'm going to felt it after I've joined all the squares aswell I think it'll be better as a cat blanket when the stitches aren't there asmuch to get caught on their claws:yes I'll post a pic of my squares later on:)

[Ithinkican]

I am not sure what I'm going to do. My youngest daughter decided she really liked the Orange and she wants it with Pink. The Pink I had planned on putting with the purple for my unborn grand daughter. I do not know how to "join" the squares yet, but I was thinking I'd like to border them, then border the finished pieces. It looks like I'll be making a run to Wally world or somewhere for more yarn though!

[crochetmimi]

Hi everyone, I am a little new to the Crochetville and love it already.
I would like to get in on the crochet along. I love this pattern. I made one about 2 years ago and it turned out very pretty. Mine will be done in dark plum and sage green. That is the colors of my living room. Will post pictures when I get more done. Again thanks alot for this. I love crochet alongs.
Have a blessed day,
crochetmimi

[OneCraftySAHM]

Hi crochetmimi! Welcome! This is a super fun crochet along! This is my first time doing grannies and it has really helped me to be part of the group, I've learned alot! Great motivation for me too! Glad you jumped on board, can't wait to see your squares!

Hugs :hug

[Ithinkican]

I'm so happy with the response to this thread! I'm anxious to see your work, crochetmimi...everyone here is great, so just let us know how you're doing.

[knitted_painting]

How are everyones squares coming along? I'm finishing up my last square and then later I'll be joining them all together finally:clap I'm still thinking about felting it all but I'll have to find some help with that first because I've never felted a thing in my life :lol :blush

[OneCraftySAHM]

How is everyone joining there squares? I don't have a clue how to do that! :think

[Ithinkican]

Well sounds like everyone is doing well. I found several ways to join the squares on Cabana, under their tutorials. One, the slip stitch method seems super easy.
My squares are going into different projects, and I have to wait for more yarn to finish any one of them..:lol

[knitted_painting]

well I don't know how I'm going to join mine yet but there is a tutorial in my SnB:HH book so I'll be trying that:) I've also seen some methods on this (http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa010999.htm) site maybe that helps a little?:)

[ankey]

I'm trying the crochet cabana techniques to see which one is the easiest and looks the best with my squares using 2 scrap test squares. I haven't decided which technique I'm going to use though.

[knitted_painting]

Well I've joined all my squares but it looks all bent:think I did them all the same size so I don't understand why:( do you think it will be fixed if I try to block it? or felt it? I was going to felt it anyway and it can't possibly look worse then it does now lol:blush my camera batteries are low though so I have to recharge them first and I'll post a pic tomorrow so you can all see "it" :sigh I hope it'll end up looking better:think

[Ithinkican]

Petra, maybe you just joined some of them a little tighter than the rest? I don't know any thing about felting, except it makes things shrink...but I am not sure you can fix anything after it is felted. You may want to ask someone more experienced, but in the end, do what you think is right. Let me know

[knitted_painting]

Well I think I joined them all with the same kind of thightness that doesn't seem to be the problem it's just that mostly the mutli coloured squares I've made are bigger then the other ones..:sigh well I'll ask on the "help" thread and then see what they say:)

[OneCraftySAHM]

Petra, :eek let us know if you get it figured out! How did you join your squares?

I think I will only be making 12 squares instead of 25, I hope that's ok. I've decided to attempt a handbag with the squares! I couldn't find a pattern so I'll be winging it, lol. I think I'm using the slip stitch method of joining, I was going to do the lacy one from crochet cabana but I think it's too girlie for a Harry Potter handbagm lol.

How is everyone else doing?

:manyheart

[knitted_painting]

Well here is my blanket...I washed it but I rememberd that I used 100% acrylic :sigh so it didn't felt and now it's all wonky still...ohwell at least it smells nice now:think

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/1372/dscf2241ce6.th.jpg (http://img81.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf2241ce6.jpg)

Is it as bad as I'm thinking it is?:blush

[dewbaby00]

I don't think your blanket looks bad at all. Very nice work

[Hazlecreek]

I think it look very nice! It might look less wonky with some type of boarder around it. Sometimes that helps to flatten out your work. Your doing great!:hook

[OneCraftySAHM]

I really like your colors! I agree, maybe try a border if your feeling up for it, but I think it looks fine the way it is, very nice, especially for your first one! :cheer woo hoo!

[knitted_painting]

Aww thanks guys! :hug :manyheart yeah that's a good idea I'm thinking of putting a sc edge around it and hopefully it will straighten it out a little:hook there might be hope afterall:yay lol Thank you for the idea HazleCreek:D

[Ithinkican]

Petra...I think that looks fantastic, and especially since it's your first crochet project. Lucky Kitty. I know he'll love it and he won't care if you think it looks "wonky" :lol
Good job!!! :cheer :cheer :clap

[knitted_painting]

Thank you Veronica!:hug it's actually my 3rd project but who's counting:P I'm deffinatly going to put the border on though...I guess I'm just a perfectionist...even though it's for the cats I still want it to be "purrfect":lol

[Hazlecreek]

You will be amazed at how adding a border will finish it off! And I'm happy to help.:hug

[knitted_painting]

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2052/dscf2250ak9.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf2250ak9.jpg)

Look one of the cats already likes it hehe:)

I finished the border last night and it does look better, but still a bit bent. I was thinking...maybe I should add a second border...or maybe I'm just being a perfectionist and I should consider this blanket done and know I'll do better next time?:think

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1246/dscf2252uo7.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf2252uo7.jpg)

[ankey]

cute kitty! the blanket does look better with that border... if you still want to spend time on it, I think it would look better with a thicker border but it's up to you if you want to move on to another project.

[vapeaches]

I would like to be added to the list.

[vapeaches]

I would like to be added to list if it's not too late

[knitted_painting]

Thank you ankey:D what stitch would you use for a thicker border? I just used a treble (dc in US terms):)
and to VAPeaches..I don't think there is a real time limit to you can always join:D you'll just have to read back a little through the thread and you'll see that the main goal is to make 25 granny squares of 6" and there are also several links to patterns that you can use.

[Hazlecreek]

It looks really good with the boarder. I agree, thought, if you want to spend time on it then go ahead and add another border, but if I was you I would just move on to your next project and call that one finished. Anyway you cat doesn't seem to mind one way or another.:lol (what a cutie cat!)

BTW was all your yarn the same brand and size?:think When you use different brands you tend to get different twist in the yarn making some tighter and some looser. I've even seen it in the same brands.

[knitted_painting]

BTW was all your yarn the same brand and size?:think When you use different brands you tend to get different twist in the yarn making some tighter and some looser. I've even seen it in the same brands.

well the pink and the brown were from the same brand and the same size but the grey was a different brand but the same size...that might have been one of the problems aswell:)
I'll see if I'm going to add another border I'm not sure yet...it's a cat blanket and I'm sure they don't really care weather it's wonky or not:think I mean they even lay or plastic carrier bags :lol

[OneCraftySAHM]

Petra,

I think your blanket looks great with the border! I am a perfectionist too...don't you just hate that?!? LOL, I find myself doing things over and over again until "I" think it's perfect, LOL!

Well, I managed to finish my Gryffindor colors and am now on to my Slytherin colors, only 5 more to go and then I can join them! woo hoo! Wish me luck, not sure I have a clue what I am doing :lol .

[knitted_painting]

lol yeah I do hate being a perfectionist :sigh but on the other hand it's a good thing because I always force myself to do the best I can with everything and I like a challenge so that way I always end up learning new things:hook

Jeanie your bag will look great! I love everything Harry Potter aswell:D you should get the Stitch N Bitch: the Happy Hooker book it also has a granny square bag pattern in it! Good luck:manyheart

[OneCraftySAHM]

Thanks for the tip Petra! I have read so many mixed reviews on this book but I haven't checked it out...I checked with my local library and they have a copy of it, so I think I'll run down and grab it. I've read it has some hip patterns in it :lol , I posted a thread in the "patterns" section looking for sites with hip, funky crochet patterns :lol . It would be great to have a pattern to follow for this bag, I'm nervous about winging it, lol.

Thanks again,

:hug

[knitted_painting]

your welcome Jeannie:hook that's really kool that you have a copy of it in yoru library in our library there are only old books and no knitting or crochet things:(

[OneCraftySAHM]

Well, Petra, I lied, my library DIDN'T have it, :lol ...However I did find it at Walmart.com for $8.45, .57 tax and only .97 to ship! Making it only $9.99 total! Just thought if any newbies wanted it, that this is the cheapest place I've seen! Even Amazon is asking $10 something WITHOUT shipping! I did post it in the "sales" forum!

Oh, and I only have 3 more squares to go! Woo hoo! :hook

[knitted_painting]

yay let's just hope that the book arrives fast enough so you can finish your bag!:hook I got my book for £8 (15 dollars) something at www.play.com (http://www.play.com) and I thought it was cheap but if you got it for 10 dollars then I guess not:eek

[knitted_painting]

Is everybody still alive?!?:lol How are everybodies squares coming along?

[ankey]

I finished all my granny squares while crochetville was down today! :D I had to buy 2 more skeins of the variegated red heart yarn I was using to make the squares because the yarn originally wasn't going to be used in this project and so I have 14 squares made with one dye lot and 11 squares made with a different dye lot that has kind of a different variation of colors. :eek They don't look too bad together though so I think I'm going to start joining them together soon... Wish me luck! :lol

[Ithinkican]

I ended up making different sized squares and am now joining them...but my daughter had my digital camera, and it got stolen so no pics...good luck ankey on your project

[seaburke]

Hi everyone!
I'm going _very_ slowly - but enjoying the journey :bounce I have two squares done - the second one looks a little wonky - I think I have an extra stitch in there somewhere - It also could be because I was enjoying a nice glass of Laphroig Scotch whilst finishing it...... I'm glad I chose to do the lacey one though.

Oh darn - I can't remember how to put my pics in. I'll submit this and then edit it when I've reminded myself... :thinking

Ok - Now I'm back - here it is with a link behind to my projects pics:

http://thumnails.seaburke.fastmail.fm/1CALAug06 (http://crochetproj.seaburke.fastmail.fm)


Phew - it worked - now I'm going to spend the rest of Sunday evening with dinner, my sweetie and some more squares.

Bye for now :waving

[knitted_painting]

lol sounds like it was a good thing that the Ville went down for a while...people actually got work done!:lol
Good luck with the joining Anky!:) I can't wait to see everyone's finished project!
I love the way your square looks Seaburke I think I might have another go at the lacy one aswell:)
"It also could be because I was enjoying a nice glass of Laphroig Scotch whilst finishing it" :lol yeah that could be a problem:P

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, my progress...I actually decided on only using 8 squares for my bag, I didn't want it too big, I'm going to make a wallet to match with the extras, lol! I have all 8 joined and have crocheted and attached a golden snitch for the Gryffindor side of my bag. I am working on adding the handle and a snake on the Slytherin side! I should be finished today sometime! I am super excited, I want to post a pic so badly but I want to wait till it's finished, tee hee hee!

Oh and I thought I was going to lose my mind with the Ville down and out yesterday! Anyone else? Hahahaha!

:hook

[knitted_painting]

:lol yeah me too! I was like... huh? what do you mean it's down?!?:eek :lol

I can't wait to see your bag it's sounds great! and you even made a golden snitch aswell!:yay

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ok, I'm sorry I didn't use as many grannies as what everyone else did but please know that this CAL really helped me! I learned to make grannies first and foremost but I also actually finished a project! :lol Ok, with that said here it is...this is the Gryffindor Side...

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/gliterfaery/Gryffindor.jpg

And here is the Slytherin side! Don't laugh at my crazy looking snake, I couldn't find a pattern so I simply winged it!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/gliterfaery/Syltherin.jpg

I'm actually surprised that this turned out so well, I'm proud of myself! Thanks so much for helping me out girls, this was really fun!

:hook

[ankey]

very cute bag Jeanie! how did you attach the two sides together - did you crochet or sew them together? I'm glad we could help!

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ankey,

I crocheted them...I used slip stitch. I tried a few different stitches but liked the slip stitch the best for this particular bag. Why?

:hug

[daisycrochet]

:)hi everyone. I'm alittle lost here at this site, lol. I signed up for the CAL for hat a week, well, I'm not sure if it's still going on or not. Can someone help me out? Sofar I've made up week one and two...and I'm about ready to start week three. Is there anyone else working on these currently? And do I share what I have made anyway? Also, how do I go about that?
Mandilyn

[ankey]

Jeanie, I was just wondering... I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to join all my squares together.

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ankey,

I tried the ones from crochetcabana.com! I REALLY like the lacy one but it's to girly for my bag, LOL! What are you making with your squares?

[knitted_painting]

yay it looks awesome Jeannie!:clap :manyheart and you didn't even need a pattern for it! did you put any lining inside? I'm busy knitting a bag and I'm using the cable knitting for the first time and I've never sewn any lining in so it's double scary for me hehe:) Great job on the Harry Potter bag and you have every right to be proud of yourself!:hook

[OneCraftySAHM]

Petra,

No I didn't add a lining on the inside. I thought about it but I'm kinda nervous about it, I have no clue how to do something like that! I guess I'll never learn if I don't try right? It would be nice to have a lining since I wouldn't really be able to carry anything small in it due to the holes! :lol

Good Luck on your new bag, I love checking out your blog and seeing your new creations! Oh and I LOVE the SnB Book! I can't wait to try some of the patterns! THANKS :hug

[insurechick]

Madilyn,
You should definitely share your completed hats!! I would bet that the hat-a-month CAL is still going on, but it started quite a while ago, if you take a look at the post date (upper left corner), so most of the people are onto other hats by now. I haven't looked at it lately, but I bet in later posts there are other hat patterns to do for other months??

[ankey]

wow, I had to go to the second page of the crochet-alongs section to find this thread to post in it... where have all my fellow newbie crochet-along people gone? anyways, I finally finished joining together my squares! I kept on changing the design of my blanket around and decided to make 9 8" squares into a 24" x 24" blanket - the perfect size for a preemie blanket for my local project linus. Here's a picture of it:

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m267/ankey1110/crochet005.jpg


I joined the squares together using the "invisible weave" that is mostly used by knitters to join garments - it was the easiest joining method for me to understand but I still don't think I did it correctly. It still looks ok right?

I left some loose ends because I'm trying to decide if I should add a border. I might just add a simple one using the pink baby yarn I used to join the squares, probably double stranded since the variegated yarn is worsted weight. What do you all think? Should I add a border?

[sandyjayne]

wow that looks nice!

i was wondering if its not too late could i join this cal?

[seaburke]

I don't think it's too late - I'm still working on mine - as I said a while before I'm slower than the others who have probably moved on.

I'm using the originally suggested lacy square pattern and just got a fancy new hook which is making it easier - my other hook is bamboo and was sticking to the yarn I am using.

Hope you decide to join up - to keep the rest of us slowies company :lol

Cheerio - Catherine

[OneCraftySAHM]

Ankey, your blanket looks wonderful! Great job! Honestly, I don't think I would add a border, I think it looks great the way it is! It's up to you though, let us know what you decide! Wehn you have completed it, you should post it under the show and tell section for everyone to marvel at, lol!

Hugs,

:hug

[Jjenjen]

Hey guys , I have posted a pic of the blanket I made for my grandie in the thread crochet show and tell section , http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=33070.I wasnt officially in the cal to start off with , as I didnt really know what I was doing , but now I do , so I hope to join in more properly tho , ;) .I have started on another but different , for my other grandie , for her birthday . Great stash busters , lol.

[Sennight]

Hi I'm a newbie too!!

I am making my first afghan and it is from 24 granny's so I will join and this will be my project. I still have 13 to make and 2 to complete and then I can join them all together!!!

Hopefully this is okay. If I can't do this let me know.

Good luck to everybody!!!

[Sennight]

Okay I have made 10 granny's and I have 2 almost finished!!!

I plan to join them together into blocks of 6 with one row of dc around the edge of each. I will then join them together and put 4 rows of black around the edge followed by 1 row of shells.

I think it will turn out really well!!!

[ankey]

Sennight, your granny afghan sounds like it'll turn out really great! :hook You're making good progress as well. What colors are you using for your squares? I'd love to see pictures of your current finished granny squares and you should definitely post pictures of your finished project!

[Sennight]

I'm going to hopefully post pictures tomorrow because I got a camera today to start taking photos.

One block I have joined and it is maroon, camel, and yellow. I have 2 dark green squares made, 1 red complete and 1 half complete, 1 verigated(purple yellow,pink,green, blue) and 1 light pink half done one. I want to make one block white, red and verigated, another light blue, dark blue and verigated(purple, pink, blue) and the other dark green with 2 other colours I haven't decided on yet.

It's coming along really nicely and will be my first afghan ever!!!!!(except for a baby one I made on the weekend)

[Sennight]

I have finally got photos up of where I am up to with my afghan!!!! I have posted the photos on my blog as they are way to large to post here.

Sennight's Creations (http://sennightscreations.blogspot.com/2006/09/my-first-afghanthis-is-my-very-first.html)

I am only using my blog to post photos I want people here at Crochetville to see beacuse I only have access to a computer at work and whenever I get a spare chance I am here being all googley-eyed over everyone's amazingly inspirational work.:cheer :cheer :clap :clap : :yay :yay :manyheart :hook :yarn :yes As much as I would love to be able to keep it updated I just can't so don't expect lots of posts to be there. This is my second post only!!

Hope you all like it. My verigated one turned out smaller than all the rest but I'm not sure if I should add another row to it or leave it and hope it stretches to the rest okay? What do you think I should do???:think

[darski]

Personally, I wouldn't use the varigated one.

firstly, you need the stitches to match and they won't if you add another row.

Secondly, the varigated will distract you from the other blocks. Your block is your motif - so to speak and if you add the varigated yarn square, you change the focus .

[Sennight]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will take them into consideration. I thought that just having verigated in one block of 6 and one differnet verigated one in another block would look okay but I am only new to this and this will bw my first completed afghan so I can definently use all the advice I can get!!!

Thank you heaps!!!

[Ayla]

Hello my name is Ayla. I just started to learn how to crochet October 8,2006. I would love to join your cal since I afterall am a newbie. Let me know what I have to do in order to join. Thank you!
~ Ayla

[Ashley's Mom]

I'm a newbie and would love to try this. I like ripples but I ran out of the varigated color that inspired me to try the ripple in the first place:eek So I would love to practice up on the granny squares, I know I sure do need it.:devil
When do we start? What patterns are we using or can we pick our own? I work the next two nights but am off for three days after that!:cheer Plenty of time to get busy on some squares. Oh what size are we making? I definitely need the practice on sizing and gauge.:hook

[Ithinkican]

I originally started this CAL and I'm glad to see people still joining in!
There are two patterns I originally suggested. They are:
http://www.angelfire.com/bc2/crochetaddict/lacy.html

and

http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/01gran...nysquare.shtml

The second one is by far the easiest. You are welcome to do any granny you want and size you want. I started with 6" squares and on my next project did some 12" squares. I like using the "I" or "H" hooks for my squares, but use whichever one you would like for your project.
Again, welcome and I'm happy to help if I can. I am unable to take pictures of my completed work right now because my camera was stolen this past summer (bummer) but I look forward to seeing your work in progress!
Veronica
:hook

[wannabe]

Hey, I am just starting 2 'Good Granny Gracious Baby Afghan's--does that count? Of course, I have only started one so far. :lol They each have 24 squares joined into a 4-square x 6 square section,then are surrounded by 12 rows or so of granny square stitch. So, that's sort of 25 squares, right?:wink I can't commit to anything else before they are done. They are for twins, due in January. This is a good idea, as many of the CALs are too advanced for me.
Margie

[Ithinkican]

That counts. This thread is for people wanting easy stitches (such as the granny square) to learn and practice on. Good luck and keep us posted!

[Sennight]

Okay. Last night I reorganised all my patterns which took me 3 hours!!!:eek After I was done I decided to sort everything else too (I have barely anything and can't afford to buy anymore crochet stuff for a while as I've just got my first house!:yay:cry) I came across the blanket I was making for this and since I can't buy any more yarn for it I am putting it together now.

I had 14 squares done and 1 with 3 rows left. I finished that one and have joined 12 of the squares now. It is going to be my own personal lapghan for in front of the tele and it is a perfect size to have on the bed in winter to cover only me and not make my bf all hot and sweaty from having that 1 extra blanket on the bed.

I am gonna go home and finish it tonight!! Will post pics when I can. Can't wait to finish as this will be my first ever afghan/lapghan (I've only ever made a baby one before)!!!!yay:hook:yarn

[Sennight]

It's done!!!!!:woo

I will post a picture at Lunch!

[Sennight]

Okay here it is:

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9231/afghanyl1.th.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=afghanyl1.jpg)

I love love love it!!:heart

I am sending it to my Nan and Pop this weekend as an early Christmas present because they have helped me out in a very special way this week. I'm sure they're gonna love it!!!