One Hundred and Twenty!

One hundred and twenty blocks joined, edged

and washed, ready to use.

As it's not quite cold enough to use yet, I have it hanging over the radiator so I can enjoy seeing the fruits of my labour over two and a bit years. 

Over that time, I've learned the different stitches, how to read a pattern, and I've actually made useable items.  I am looking forward to perfecting my skills with other projects in the future.

Scraps

Having finished the top for In Full Bloom, it was time to tidy the sewing table and deal with the leftovers.  I had some pieces big enough to go in my stash, lots of 21/2" squares to go in a future project, and even managed to get a crumb block.

That left the way clear to do something else, but first, the afghan.

The instructions were found, the third quarter made up and joined to the fourth quarter.  That gave me two halves.  These now joined together to form the whole afghan, just an edging needed to finish it.

Fourth ~Quarter

The last quarter of the afghan has been sewn together.

The disappointing thing is, I didn't sew the third quarter, so I need to go through the back issues to find the page with the order of the squares.  Only thirty more to sew!

Last Two

This is the last of the two crochet blanket squares needed for the afghan.

I can't quite believe I've come to the end of this journey, but for now, I need to collect up all the squares and get them sewn up.

It looks like I'll get a full afghan by the time winter comes this year

Up, not down

After catching up with "It's  a little bit French", the level in my work basket was going down, but then the post man came.  The next instalment of the Art of Crochet arrived. 

The parcel was opened, and three blocks later, the level had dropped again, but then I made a big mistake.  I sorted out a magazine rack underneath my sewing table.

Now look at my basket, it's overflowing again.  Looks like I'll have to get busy before I sort out the next one, I hate to think of the hidden gems there might be in there.

Afghan Blocks

I had two packets from the Art of Crochet, so I thought I had a lot of work to do, however, one of the packets only had two magazines so a total of six blocks to do.

We are getting close to the end of the series, so hopefully, it won't be long before I have a completed afghan. 

My basket of things to do is no longer overflowing, just full to the top.  It'll be a lucky dip to see what comes out next to be finished.

Being a Good Girl

The next batch of crochet magazines took a little longer to arrive than I was expecting, plenty of time to play with other projects and get them out of the way. This meant that the magazines only sat two days before I got them out.

One evening, and I got them all done. Now I have almost a month before the next ones arrive.

The Last Four

I am now caught up with the blocks, the last four are done.  Trouble is, I'm sure the next delivery is due in the next week or so.

Three More

The catch up continues, three more blocks completed.   I've decided I don't like doing the bobbles.  They are easier than knitting them, but I still don't like doing them, lol.  Must admit, they do look good in the overall pattern of the afghan.

Just to let you know, the de stash page has been updated

Finally

It's been a hectic few weeks, and last week, busier than most.  Finally, I have a quieter week and don't have to go out until Friday.  That means time to get things sorted at home, and to sit and do something crafty.

Doing the afghan squares fulfilled two things.  I did something crafty, and I could tidy up.  The four magazines could go away, although it won't be too long before the next ones arrive.

I know this week is going to fly by, but hopefully, it can be a productive one as well.

Two Become One

The two quarters of the afghan have been sitting on the side in the front room, waiting for me to sew them together.  If there was to be any chance of putting them away and tidying up, the needle had to come out and the two side put together.

 It didn't take too long to do, compared with the length of time it took to put the row together.  The longest time was taken up with sewing in all the end.

I now have half an afghan.  As it's now too big to put aside on my portfolio that holds my stitching etc, it's now hanging over the end of my bed.  At least I can get to enjoy looking at it from time to time, even if I can't use it yet.

Another crochet project has now been sewn up too.

The purple jacket is finished and just needs a decorative pin to use for fastening.  The next crochet pattern has been picked out, but I think it will be a little time yet before I get the yarn for it and begin.  There is some knitting to be done first.

Afghan Blocks

There were no new patterns in this months set of blocks, and two of the blocks were the same but with different colour embellishments.  Thankfully, these don't take long to do anymore, it's so much easier once you are comfortable with the stitches used.

Next Four Blocks

As the crochet hook was already out, I polished off the next four blocks pretty quickly.  These four won't be hanging around all month.

You may notice that there is a mistake in the raspberry square.  I must have got distracted and repeated the second pattern row when I should have done the first.  As it's a sampler afghan, and for me, I've left it.  I'm just happy to know I can spot the mistake and work out what went wrong, a big improvement from the start of the project.

Now these blocks are off the list, I can do something else, not sure what yet, but there isn't a shortage of things to choose from.

Back to basics

After the success of the little jacket, I thought I'd better catch up with the latest squares for the afghan.  They've been waiting for some time, and I knew the next batch was due to arrive at any time.

I liked how this four turned out, especially the top right.  Not only do you get a wavy line with the colours, but you get a ripple effect in the square.  I really liked it, I might even use it to make a little blanket one day.

Before I'd even had a chance to finish these, the postman arrived, and yes, the next batch have arrived.  Think I'll be doing those sooner rather than later, and it will be something else to cross off the list.

Crochet Blocks

My crochet magazines had been sitting around for quite a long time this month, they waited so long the dog opened them for me.  Fortunately, he was more interested in eating the invoice to do any damage to the wool. 

I was quite pleased with the purple square, this was one of the patterns I couldn't get the first time round.  This time it worked, and it worked for the whole block!

As I didn't do these straight away, I don't think it will be long before the next months installment drops through the door.

Quarter Afghan

Well, this tells the story of my learning to crochet journey, but at least they join together, of a sort, and will keep warm some winter evening in the future.

At the moment, this is one quarter of the total afghan.  I already have about two thirds of the blocks needed for the next section, so hopefully, it won't be too long to see more progress.

Crochet

 I finally made myself leave the sewing and get to doing the next four crochet blocks.  I've decided, I really like the lacy patterns.

Apparently, I now have enough blocks to  put together the first quarter of the afghan.  All I need to do now is find them all, and get them arranged.  I imagine it will take a little time to put them together.