Tunisian Lace Afghan with KIM GUZMAN--JAN 2009

[Crochetville LLC]

Teacher: CrochetKim (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/member.php?u=1925) (Kim Guzman), CrochetKim website (http://www.crochetkim.com/)

Class Cost: $10.00, 1-week class

Registration Dates: Registration is now open. Click here (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61284) to register.

Class Begins: Friday, January 16, 2009.

Skill Level: Beginner--Student should be comfortable with single crochet.

http://www.crochetville.org/forum/onlineclasses/guzman/guzman03.jpg

Description: Learn a special lace stitch pattern in Tunisian crochet to form a beautiful lacy afghan. Students are welcome and encouraged to use the same lace stitch pattern in other projects, such as a scarf or shawl, should they be interested in something other than an afghan.

The stitches and stitch pattern used have been designed to rid you of that annoying curling that is so easily found when learning Tunisian crochet. Like my Tunisian Pillows class, I'll show you yet another way to avoid that curl!

Two separate texts will be posted on the first day of class. The first will be an individual tutorial for the stitches. The second will be the pattern itself. (Yes, a full pattern designed by Kim Guzman will be included in your class fee!)

Supplies Needed:

The pattern uses Patons Decor which is an acrylic/wool blend. Worsted weight is recommended, although I would definitely consider this to be a smaller worsted. Something more the size of Caron Simply Soft. The afghan is made in all one color, although I'm sure stripes would look nice as well.
An afghan hook two or three sizes larger than the recommended size for your yarn. For instance, with Red Heart Super Saver, I usually use an H or I hook. However, when I'm using Red Heart Super Saver for Tunisian work, I will use a J or a K. Since you'll be making an afghan, you'll want one of the 14" afghan hooks (rather than the 10" hook) or you can also get one with an extension nylon to accommodate the Tunisian loops.
A regular crochet hook in the size recommended for your yarn.

Class Policies: Click here (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61285) to read our Online Class Policies for students. Please read these policies prior to registering for a class.

Maximum Number of Students Accepted: Approximately 45

Lesson Posted: Friday, January 16, 2009

Student Policies (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61285) | How to Register (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61284) | Register Now! (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/classes.php)

Last Day Class Material Available: Friday, February 6, 2009

[lizdini]

This looks like a great class! I've wanted to learn tunisian crochet for a long time. Will the class be able to acomidate a lefty?

[crochetkim]

This looks like a great class! I've wanted to learn tunisian crochet for a long time. Will the class be able to acomidate a lefty?

Absolutely! I don't differentiate between a lefty and a righty. All my instructions will apply no matter what. :)

[happy stitcher]

Kim,
The few times I've done tunisian, I've been unhappy with the back of the piece. It's so noticeably different than the front!
Does this pattern have a front and back, or is it one made by turning the piece, so that both sides look similar?
Thanks!
Judy

[crochetkim]

Kim,
The few times I've done tunisian, I've been unhappy with the back of the piece. It's so noticeably different than the front!
Does this pattern have a front and back, or is it one made by turning the piece, so that both sides look similar?
Thanks!
Judy

Tunisian crochet will have an obvious front and back since there is no turning involved. When I'm working on lace pieces, I don't notice a really huge difference. But, there is still a difference.

When working with the double-ended afghan hook as for cro-hook, you will turn the work and it may or may not look exactly the same on the reverse side. But, at least with the cro-hook, it's more likely to look the same.

[happy stitcher]

Thanks for clearing that up, Kim!
:)

[Krakovianka]

I made a scarf rather than a full afghan the last time this class was offered, and I was really happy with the techniques I learned. My 4yo wears the scarf all the time. If only I'd made the matching hat I planned....:blush

Anyway--I'd encourage anyone to do this class--it was terrific.

[crochetkim]

I made a scarf rather than a full afghan the last time this class was offered, and I was really happy with the techniques I learned. My 4yo wears the scarf all the time. If only I'd made the matching hat I planned....:blush

Anyway--I'd encourage anyone to do this class--it was terrific.

Thank you, Karen! :hug

Yes, I want to point out that most of my students in prior classes have practiced the technique in making a scarf. And, a couple of the students liked the scarf so much that they've gone on to make several of the scarves. No one would be obligated to make the entire afghan during the class. My goal is to make sure that you learn the stitches and stitch pattern. You can take that to any other project you would like in the future (and, hopefully, will renew an interest in Tunisian crochet!).

But, if you would like to make the entire afghan, I wanted to make sure to post that I used 12 skeins of Patons Decor for a total of about 2520 yards worsted weight.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in class! :hook

[whispercalm]

What is easier to use? The regular afghan hook or the ones with the nylon extension?

[crochetkim]

What is easier to use? The regular afghan hook or the ones with the nylon extension?

Just like with regular crochet, hook choice is personal and will depend on you. Personally, I don't enjoy working with afghan hooks with the nylon extension. The nylon and its end tab just keep flopping around, just to annoy me, I'm sure. Others have had no problem at all. If I truly must work with an extension, I will use a double-ended hook. The extra weight of the hook on the other end makes it so there is no flopping around.

[cnuland]

I've never done Tunisian crochet before so will need to purchase an afghan hook before I sign up for this. I'm still trying to sort out all the options. You said to get a 14" one in J or K. I'm assuming it should not be a double-ended one, correct?

[crochetkim]

I've never done Tunisian crochet before so will need to purchase an afghan hook before I sign up for this. I'm still trying to sort out all the options. You said to get a 14" one in J or K. I'm assuming it should not be a double-ended one, correct?

One of the long double-ended afghan hooks will certainly work for learning the technique. You can use it for regular Tunisian by placing a rubber band on the end, if necessary. It may not work for the full afghan (unless it's one of the double-ended hooks with the extension nylon in between), but it will easily work for the practice piece in the class.

[lizdini]

Does anyone have any advice on were to find an afghan hook? I can't find one in my local JoAnn's or Micheals?

[CroJulee]

If you look online you should be able to find one. I know that joann.com has them.

Julee

[crochetkim]

For a really nice variety, I like:

http://www.itsalljuststring.com

[CroJulee]

For a really nice variety, I like:

http://www.itsalljuststring.com

Oooohh wow. Thanks for the link. That's great. I'll definantly use that. I buy most of my afghan hooks from our local grocery store (yup, they actually carry a very little yarn and crochet hooks and knitting needles) but it's nice to have some other choices though.

Thanks for sharing and I can't wait for the class to start!!

Julee

[ltarbox]

I just want to double check on the hook issue - sorry if I'm a pest. I am planning on doing the full afghan for this class, and I just want to be sure that I have the right thing. Should I buy a regular 14" afghan hook (one-ended), or should I be getting the kind with the extension? I think I'm interested in trying one with an extension to see how I like it, but I may buy one of each. I just want to make sure that the normal 14" afghan hook would work if I'm planning on making the full afghan.

Thanks for answering all our questions Kim. I'm excited for the class to start!

[CroJulee]

Supplies Needed:
The pattern uses Patons Decor which is an acrylic/wool blend. Worsted weight is recommended, although I would definitely consider this to be a smaller worsted. Something more the size of Caron Simply Soft. The afghan is made in all one color, although I'm sure stripes would look nice as well.
An afghan hook two or three sizes larger than the recommended size for your yarn. For instance, with Red Heart Super Saver, I usually use an H or I hook. However, when I'm using Red Heart Super Saver for Tunisian work, I will use a J or a K. Since you'll be making an afghan, you'll want one of the 14" afghan hooks (rather than the 10" hook) or you can also get one with an extension nylon to accommodate the Tunisian loops.
A regular crochet hook in the size recommended for your yarn.

[crochetkim]

I just want to double check on the hook issue - sorry if I'm a pest. I am planning on doing the full afghan for this class, and I just want to be sure that I have the right thing. Should I buy a regular 14" afghan hook (one-ended), or should I be getting the kind with the extension? I think I'm interested in trying one with an extension to see how I like it, but I may buy one of each. I just want to make sure that the normal 14" afghan hook would work if I'm planning on making the full afghan.

Thanks for answering all our questions Kim. I'm excited for the class to start!

It's really no problem. You're not being a pest. :hug

Almost every one of my Tunisian afghans including this one has been done with a 14" afghan hook. I really don't like the nylon extension. For some reason, it always seems to bother me. However, it works just fine for others. Perhaps it's the way I hold the hook? But, in any case, I prefer the extra bit of discomfort in trying to force all those loops on the hook rather than going with the extension. Although, as I recall, because this is a lacy project, it wasn't difficult at all to get the loops on the hook for me.

[CroJulee]

It's really no problem. You're not being a pest. :hug

Almost every one of my Tunisian afghans including this one has been done with a 14" afghan hook. I really don't like the nylon extension. For some reason, it always seems to bother me. However, it works just fine for others. Perhaps it's the way I hold the hook? But, in any case, I prefer the extra bit of discomfort in trying to force all those loops on the hook rather than going with the extension. Although, as I recall, because this is a lacy project, it wasn't difficult at all to get the loops on the hook for me.
You're not the only one that the nylon extention bothers. It really, really, really annoys me too. I bought one hook with the extention thinking it would be really neat but it kinda turned into a nightmare. Haven't even used it once since. I'm sticking with my basic afghan hooks.

Julee

[ej smithson]

hi kim...i have enough yarn for a scarf but not an afghan so think i will go that route.....i signed up for your class but the first one i have ever taken so where will i find you on class day and do you send a reminder and other info....thanks ej in az

[Appliejuice]

Now this is very interesting and the cost is very nice. :) I'll be thinking about this one.

[whispercalm]

I was looking at the picture of the afghan and was wondering if it would look good in a varigated yarn or if the lacy pattern would be better in a solid. Patons has some pretty soft varigated. Anyone have an opinion?

[Mollyanna]

I tried it in a variegated the last time the class was offered. I wasn't happy with the result because I felt that the intricacy of the stitch was lost in the yarn. Kim thought it looked OK, though. You might want to test it first.

[whispercalm]

That's what I was wondering....

[crochetkim]

hi kim...i have enough yarn for a scarf but not an afghan so think i will go that route.....i signed up for your class but the first one i have ever taken so where will i find you on class day and do you send a reminder and other info....thanks ej in az

Once the classroom opens, I always try to post in this topic to say that the class materials have been posted. So, as long as you are set up to receive notices that something has been posted here, you'll receive the notice. Looking forward to seeing you there!

[crochetkim]

I tried it in a variegated the last time the class was offered. I wasn't happy with the result because I felt that the intricacy of the stitch was lost in the yarn. Kim thought it looked OK, though. You might want to test it first.

Thank you for responding! I knew that someone in class had tried a variegated and I was trying to figure out how to get to the old class threads just as your post came through. :hook

[whispercalm]

I'm also taking your felted bag class. Would the K hook used for that class work okay for Patons Decor in this one, or should I get a smaller one? I think two sizes up for this yarn would be an H or I.

[crochetkim]

I'm also taking your felted bag class. Would the K hook used for that class work okay for Patons Decor in this one, or should I get a smaller one? I think two sizes up for this yarn would be an H or I.

A K hook with Patons Decor works fine. But, it won't felt because of the fiber content. If you would like to make the bag in a non-feltable wool, you would probably be more comfortable with it if you lined it. But, otherwise, it would be fine, especially if your goal is to learn the stitches and get comfortable with Tunisian.

ETA: Okay, did I misunderstand your question? I just came back to it. Are you saying that you want to know whether the K hook and Patons Decor will work for the lace class? And, I completely misunderstood, thinking you wanted to use the Patons Decor for the bag class? If so, please excuse that momentary lapse of understanding. But, yes, the Patons Decor, with the K afghan hook would be fine.

[whispercalm]

Yes, your second reply is what I was looking for:hook

[saraOH]

criminy! I have a 10" hook. it is so hard to find these in stores. so would a 14" j be okay with the caron pounder yarn?

[crochetkim]

criminy! I have a 10" hook. it is so hard to find these in stores. so would a 14" j be okay with the caron pounder yarn?

I'm going to have to say that a J hook will be fine for a lace project because it's already so open that it doesn't curl so much. A 10" hook would be fine if you wanted to make the stitch pattern as a scarf only.

[LoriZubie]

I'm sooooo excited about this class. One more week! :cheer

[130chris]

Hey Kim,
I've just registered for class. I'm really looking forward to it. Ive never taken a class in the ville :) I'll look thru my goodies & stash to be sure I have all the supplies. thanks for the link to itsalljuststring. very cool :yes Looking forward to getting started:cheer:cheer I'm making the afghan - might as well just jump right in!!!!

[Snikki28]

Yarn question. I do not have the Patons Decor and have a TON of RHSS seeing that it is worsted will it work for this class? Or would caron SS work? What would be the yardage difference between Patons and RHSS? I really want to do the afghan. I did a baby blanket once with the tunisian stitch but it rolled too much and I have not experimented with it since. This is a very pretty blanket!

[crochetkim]

Yarn question. I do not have the Patons Decor and have a TON of RHSS seeing that it is worsted will it work for this class? Or would caron SS work? What would be the yardage difference between Patons and RHSS? I really want to do the afghan. I did a baby blanket once with the tunisian stitch but it rolled too much and I have not experimented with it since. This is a very pretty blanket!

Red Heart Super Saver with a K hook would work just fine. I just did a swatch in Simply Soft with a K hook yesterday and it worked beautifully.

You won't have to worry about curling with this one. I've designed it so that there is no curling. :yes

[crochetkim]

I'm sooooo excited about this class. One more week! :cheer

Getting close! :)

[crochetkim]

Hey Kim,
I've just registered for class. I'm really looking forward to it. Ive never taken a class in the ville :) I'll look thru my goodies & stash to be sure I have all the supplies. thanks for the link to itsalljuststring. very cool :yes Looking forward to getting started:cheer:cheer I'm making the afghan - might as well just jump right in!!!!

Looking forward to seeing you there! :hook

[Snikki28]

Thanks Kim! Just registered. I cannot wait to start. The person that used variegated yarn was that for the bag or for the scarf? What would one think of using variegated on the afghan?

[crochetkim]

Thanks Kim! Just registered. I cannot wait to start. The person that used variegated yarn was that for the bag or for the scarf? What would one think of using variegated on the afghan?

The person who used the variegated was making the swatch piece that, when continued, makes a scarf. I felt that it looked just fine, but the multi-colors cause the stitch pattern to be lost. In order to see the stitch pattern better, you'll want to use a solid.

I'm toying with the idea of trying it out with one of those yarns with the long changes in color like Noro. In a scarf, because of the long color changes, it should give a striping effect. The stitch pattern should still show up in something like that (hopefully). Haven't tried it yet, but I believe that I will soon.

[crochetkim]

Everybody ready? Please visit the classroom whenever you like. I've posted the class materials.

And, for anyone interested in taking this class, you still have time to register. Registration closes at the end of the day, January 16.

I'll see you all in the class! :hook