Sweetheart Ripple Afghan CAL

[crochetkim]

This is my first time starting a CAL, so I hope I'm getting this correctly!

Several people mentioned wanting to start a crochet-along for the Sweetheart Ripple Afghan in the February 2009 Crochet World magazine.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...ippleCover.jpg

Here are some helpful posts from other threads on the 'Ville.

Tips about the modified fptc (or, I believe it may be called fptc-sc in the magazine):

Originally Posted by crochetkim

I will let you know that I invented this stitch because I never liked the bumpy texture on the back of afghans when I make a post stitch. I love the post stitches, but I wanted the back to be flat. The back of this afghan is perfectly flat and appears in stripes. Really neat how it's striped on one side and hearts on the other.

So, you will yarn over twice, insert your hook to one side of the stitch indicated* (the right side if you are right-handed), wrap the hook around the back of the single crochet indicated then back out the other side. Now, yarn over and pull the loop through. 4 loops now on hook. (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops) twice. 2 loops now on hook.

Now, here is the modified part. Insert your hook in the next stitch of your current row (not the ones below). Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through 3 loops on hook to close.

The modification here is that you don't skip the stitch on the current row the way you do with a regular post stitch. That's what causes the bumpiness in the back. Since you are incorporating the stitch, it makes it nice and smooth.

*Note: The stitch indicated is in the same color as the current yarn. So, when you get to the part where you are doing the post stitches, it's easy to see because you'll be working into the same color. The secondary color is completely skipped. (I hope that makes sense.) Oh, and another thing, it's pretty easy to determine where the stitches go in the first couple of post stitches (while going up the rise of the ripple). But, when you're going back down, you need to make sure that you're slanting them in the other direction and not straight up and down which is easy to do until you get the hang of where to place your stitch.

Tips for anyone wanting to increase or decrease the size:

Originally Posted by crochetkim

You can increase or decrease in multiples of 13. Just add or subtract 13, 26, 39, etc. from the starting chain.

Where to find the magazine if you don't have a subscription:

http://www.e-patternscentral.com/det...ification_id=M

Yarn type and amounts used in the model. Note that the magazine lists different colors than the one I made for the photo.

Originally Posted by crochetkim

My pattern notes indicate:

• Caron “Simply Soft Heather” medium (worsted) weight yarn (5 oz/250 yds/228m/142g): 6 skeins #9501 Autumn Red (MC)
• Caron “Simply Soft” medium (worsted) weight yarn (6 oz/315 yds/288m/170g): 4 skeins #9730 Autumn Red (CC)

I used almost every single bit of the Heather (MC), so I would recommend 7 skeins to be on the safe side.

Please feel free to post questions, comments and especially photos! I love seeing project photos.

[dilyca2006]

I think I might jump in with you in a couple of weeks or so. I really need to get done with some of my WIPS and try to not buy any more yarn for a while. I will have to purchase yarn for this unless I make it different colors. Hope that you will get someone to come along with you now though.

[Carousel]

This is really pretty. The book isn't here in Australia yet. But I will be buying it when it gets here. Probably about a month away ( we seem to be that far behind in magazines sometimes longer) I will add this to my WIM list. Hopefully I can add it in later in the year.

[Sherilynn]

I'm in and need to get started. I've had the magazine almost 24 hours now....what's wrong with me?! LOL

[hannahkay]

I'm in also. I'm waiting for my yarn order from Joann's to be delivered. Should be here Monday!!! I'm soooo excited!! I will be using Caron Simply Soft in Bone and Dk. Country Blue

[TallGirl]

I'm in. I just ordered my yarn last night online and will be doing it in the same colors and yarn as in the pattern. So as soon as I get my yarn I'm with y'all. Thanks for the helpful tips on the pattern Kim. I copyied them and printed them out and will staple it in my magazine with your pattern.

[kel]

I am SO in on this! Thank you for starting a CAL!

[doxiesr4me]

this is really weird ~ my mag came this week and i told my hubby that i knew what my next project was gonna be (after i get the 2 baby afghans done that i have to make). i am almost done with the first one ~ so as soon as i get done with the second one i will probably join!

Kim

[IamJolyn]

Kim, thanks for starting the cal! I am in, I have about two full rows of hearts done and I am making the full size 'ghan, I will post pictures of it when i get a bit further along. It is so pretty and fun to make

[TallGirl]

Is anyone making this Sweetheart ghan wider?