Mastering The Basics: Join-As-You-Go

As many of you know, I'm a big fan of the Join-As-You-Go method, for joining my granny squares. It's super easy, much faster than sewing or joining finished squares and it looks good too! And on top of all that, it makes finishing off all those loose ends go much faster. If you are convinced by my speech, give it a go! Before you know it, it will be your favorite way of joining all those pretty squares...

Stitches (US Terms):
Chain: Ch
Single Crochet: Sc
Double Crochet: Dc
Slip Stitch: Ss

You start with 1 finished square. You can use any kind of granny square for this method, as long as it's not a solid square. (For the classic granny square above you can find a tutorial here). Than, start the next square and when you come to the final round (make it as big as you like), you crochet your first corner and when you arrive at the next corner space, 3 dc, 1 ch. That's when you start to join with the first square.

Make sure you yarn is right from your hook when you put the hook in a corner space of the first square (hold the squares back to back). Sc in that space, then make 3 dc into the same corner space (of the square you're working on, pic 6-8). 1 sc into the next space (of the first square) between 2 3dc's from the first square (pic 9).

Now just proceed. You are making a 'normal' granny square, just adding a sc where you join your squares. Super easy. Don't forget to keep your yarn on the right side of your hook!

Once you arrive at the second corner, join with a sc and ch 1, 3 dc into the same corner space. Then just finish your square as usual.

Now you will be joining a 3rd square. It's the same process as the first two squares, because you still only join 1 side. Just repeat as you did above.

When you have joined 3 squares, it's time to join the 4th, which is joined on 2 sides. Just repeat the method above, but when you arrive at the second corner (of the second square), 1 sc into that corner space, and after that, 1 sc into the first corner space of the third square. (If this sounds like abracadabra, just look at pic 20 and 21). Don't forget to add 3 dc into the corner space of your square. Just proceed and join your square with a ss in the end.

You have a Join-As-You-Go square now. You can just keep repeating this until your blanket or cushion or whatever you want, is the right size. Keep adding squares until you are finished.

Almost done... Now just finish of your loose ends. I like this pattern so much, 'cause it's so darn easy to finish off the loose ends! Just follow the pics above and you'll have a very pretty piece of art.

Have fun and Crochet Away!!

Monday Chit Chat

Pfff, I had a crazy busy week! I'm glad it's over now. I always think it's weird around easter, having monday off and stuff. But than visitors from Thailand, a school field trip for both my girls, a birthday party for about 30 people and selling our junk at a flee market, all in the short week after easter, is even crazier!!

But now, I'm in my craft room, kids are staying over at grandma, my man is at his office and I can breathe again... And I did get some crochet going, even this week!!

I finished the Color Bomb Baby Blanket. Although I do still need to make the edging (and turn it in to a tutorial..). I love this blanket. I think it might be my best yet! I will make the Join-As-You-Go tutorial this week also, so you can make your own!

Also I need to finish this cushion panel. I love the pastel colors, and I think this one will have an edge around it. Need to figure this out...

Also started something new with my scraps. I'm really not to sure about the colors yet, but I will find a way to use them. I will show you shortly!

Have a sunny monday!

Mastering The Basics: Classic Granny Square Tutorial

Over the last few months I got a lot of questions about the pattern for my Granny Square Color Bomb Blankets. It's a classic granny square, and for those of you that aren't familiar with it yet, I made a small tutorial to show you how simple it is. This is the first pattern I've used ever when I started crochet. Have Fun!!

Stitches (US Terms):

Magic Circle: Mc

Chain: Ch

Double Crochet: Dc

Slip Stitch: Ss

Start with a magic Circle. use the pic's above, or use a Youtube video tutorial (I will have one available soon...) for instructions. I always start my projects with a Magic Circle since it looks so much better when you are finished. If you don't like the Magic Circle, just chain 3 and join with a ss.

Round 1: Chain 2, 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, 3 dc into the ring,*3 dc, ch 2 3dc into the ring*, Repeat *to* 2 more times, Join with a ss.

If you want to proceed in the same color, ss into the next dc from the previous round and ss around the ch 2 from the previous round (see pic's 8-12). Than you can start the next round. (If you change color, skip this part and just start in any ch 2 space).

Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2 3 dc into the ch 2 space of the previous round. *3 Dc, ch 2, 3 dc into the next ch 2 space.* Repeat *to* 2 times. Join with a ss. 

If you proceed in the same color, use the same way as in the round before to go to the next round. (See pic's 14-19).

Round 3: Ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 3dc into the ch 2 space of the previous round. 3 Dc into the next space, *3 dc, ch 2, 3dc into the next ch 2 space. 3 Dc into the next space*. Repeat *to* 2 times. Join with a ss.

You can make the square a big as you like by just repeating the steps. Just make sure you use each space between 2 3dc's from the previous round. Of course, you can also use several colors instead of 1. I really love this pattern, since it's so easy and it always looks so good! 

I will try to finish the Join-as-You-Go Tutorial next week, so you can really get going. 

I hope it's all clear. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know!

Oh, and about the edging... I'm working on some Simple Edging Tutorials for you guys, but again, I need some time.


Have a nice weekend!

Travel Granny Scraps Blanket

I forgot to show you guys the result of my Granny Scraps Blanket. It's become quite the Color Bomb hasn't it? I love it. I fell in love with a new color, Navy Blue... Always saw that as a boring color, but I love the way it makes all the other colors POP, even the grey!

Lots of pink, of course, and yellow. I think it's quite happy, don't you? Made this in 3 days. It's another Travel Blanket. Nice and small... Just the way I like it!

This very simple edging has become my new favorite. Most of you know how I like simple edgings. When I've finally finished a blanket, I don't want to use an edging that's gonna take me hours more... And I think it keeps the focus on the most important thing, THE BLANKET.

I might be using the grey and the navy a bit more... There are still many MANY scraps left, so I have my work cut out for me. But first I'll enjoy my Thai friends for a few days, who I've missed for 2 years. Next week I will talk some Basic Action!

Of course, this blanket is for sale in my Etsy Shop, here.

Have a happy wednesday!! And a nice rest of the week...

Update

So, I've been off the radar for a few days. Been busy styling my craft room. It's not totally finished yet, but I am on my way. I'm still not sure of the color I've chosen for my wall... It's a peachy kind of color, but I think I will go for a beige or something like that, cause this effects my light too much... Hmmm, decisions, decisions.

I went thrifting twice for this room, with lots of success! Nice pots and vases, a vintage tea wagon and a vintage peg and a yellow bin, which I LOVE!! I painted the peg light pink and the tea wagon mint. Quite out of my comfort zone, since I'm used to work with bright colors, but I love it. Just the pink is a bit too light, if you ask me. But I'll probably just redo it in a month or so...

We've put wheels under the table and the big cupboard (or closet or shelves, never know which word is appropriate...) so I can use my room as a photo studio and am able to keep things clean. The only things I still need to paint are my 'new' chairs. And as you might have thought, I can't decide yet which color they will be... Pffff, I'm such a nerd when it comes to color decisions!

My still unfinished Color Bomb fits in nicely in this room, don't you think??

Oh and I went too IKEA on saturday. How I love it there. I did decide I will never buy a piece of furniture there ever again (since everybody seems to have the same these days and I like to be a little original) but I still love there accessories and plants and what not. So my room has plants now too! Hope I will be able to keep them alive... Not my strong point...

I finally decided to get this sweet little IKEA doll house furniture for my mini Blythe dolls. I've always wanted to decorate my own doll house and I've made a small start with it now. I have lots of ideas too. Can't wait 'till I have the time to go on!!

I am planning to start a new series on Color 'n Cream. It's gonna be about mastering the crochet basics. I get lots of questions about stuff like that and was wondering if you had any requests on specific topics. I'm gonna do the join-as-you-go method and maybe the basic granny square. And also the magic circle, since it opens so much doors to be able to use this stitch. Any ideas on what else?? Please feel free to leave a comment below.

I have a busy week ahead of me. Our Thai friends are coming over for a few days (they've already travelled Europe and will end their journey with us in Holland) and we are going on a few day trips. Also will I be attending a flee market with my girls on saturday. We have saved lots of stuff and I must say, I'm quite nervous about it. This will be our first time...

So I hope you'll understand if I don't have enough time to crochet or blog. Need to clean the house and get everything ready.

Well, that's it. Quite a long story...

Have a nice easter ending and enjoy all the sweets and goodies. Tomorrow it will be all over again!

Flower Square Tutorial VII

I'm exited to introduce my new Flower Square VII Tutorial to you. I got lots of nice comments on this square, and took the time to make a very detailed tutorial on how to make these beauties. It is for sale here.

I still love to look at this cushion cover, since it's my prettiest so far, in my opinion. I'm thinking of making a tutorial on how to make a cushion cover like this. Would that be something you're interested in?

And even though I was in need of some bright colored projects now, the pastel still makes me happy and calm and inspires me to do some more!

Well, that's it for wednesday. It's very sunny here in Holland and I think I'll do some furniture painting. I can't wait 'till I'm done, so I can show you guys my craft room, finished!

Have a giggly day!

And The Winner Is...

Thanks everyone, for your nice comments and responds to my April Give-Away and my new craft room. I'm still not sure of the colors I'll choose for my wall, but I'll figure it out. It's already a great pleasure to be in this light and spacious room and I've been sitting here every day since I moved. Much better than the attic, where it's quite dark and all the sloped (is this the right word??) ceilings aren't very practical. Although for sleeping the attic is perfect! And I know, 'cause I've been in bed for the last 2 days (yes, also on my man's b-day...) and will be, in about 15 minutes, again... laryngitis...

But now, the moment you've all been waiting for... AND THE WINNER IS.... Magda from Pigtails! Have fun with it Magda! I especially like the fact that you can share it with your daughter.

Although I've been sick, that doesn't mean I didn't crochet, obviously. I started another scraps project. I kinda like it, but don't at the same time. It's weird for me... What do you think? I did decide my pile of yarn scraps must be gone by the end of this year, or let's say, the end of June. To keep myself busy... Have other ideas too.

Well, it's off to bed for me, now (with a few feel good movies and my scraps of yarn). Have a healthy day!