CAL Section One: A Zig and A Zag Afghan

A Zig and A Zag CAL Section One

Welcome to the "A Zig and A Zag" Afghan CAL and thanks for joining me!  This week (June 19-24, 2017) we will be working on the first section of our afghan.  This section is 7 rows and we use the "Zig Zag" crochet stitch.  

If you're just seeing this post and want to join, you can find the details & schedule on the first post found HERE: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-zig-and-zag-afghan-crochet-long.html

(c) 2017 Copyright by Kate Wagstaff of Crafting Friends Designs

Notes:

1. Beginning ch 2 does not count as a hdc
2. Photos showing stitch placement are referenced as P1, P2, P3 etc.
3. When changing colors, do so in the last step of the last stitch of the row before the color change
4. This afghan is set up as a stitch sampler style and sections can be worked in any order to create your own personal style.  If switching up the sections, be sure to start the color sections as noted for Right Side and Wrong sides for best results.  This means you may need to add an extra row of hdc in order to keep the colorwork on the correct side.

Stitches/Abbreviations:
st(s) - stitch(es),    ch - chain,     YO - yarn over,  sc - single crochet, hdc - half double crochet, dc - double crochet,  tr - treble crochet,  dtr - double treble crochet, RS - right side, WS - wrong side   

Foundation Chain: If you’re unfamiliar with how to work foundation chains, this photo tutorial may help http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2014/12/hdc-chainless-foundation.html

Double Treble (dtr): YO 3x, insert hook in indicated st, yo and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), (YO and pull through 2 loops on hook)4x

3-dtr Cluster (uses 1 st): *YO 3x, insert hook in indicated st, YO and pull up a loop, (YO and pull through 2 loops on hook)3x* repeat from *to* 2x (see P1), YO and pull through all 4 loops on hook

P1. 3-dtr Cluster

Double 3-dtr Cluster(uses 6 sts): *[YO 3x, insert hook in same st as last st made, YO and pull up a loop, (YO and pull through 2 loops on hook)3x], repeat from [to] 2 x, (4 loops on hook), YO 3x, skip next 5 sts, insert hook in next st, YO and pull up a loop, (YO and pull through 2 loops on hook)3x (5 loops on hook), repeat from [to] 2x (see P2), YO and pull through all 7 loops on hook (see P3)

P2. double 3-dtr Cluster

P3. double 3-dtr Cluster complete

A Zig and A Zag Afghan Crochet - A - Long

Have you ever wanted to make an afghan that has the chevron look but not the chevron ends?  I thought it would be fun to do a stitch sampler style CAL so you can learn a few new zig zag stitches that are worked back into straight rows allowing you to mix and match patterns and be able to create your own fun blanket.

Beginning June 19th, I will post 1 section each Monday to work on throughout the week.  There are 13 sections plus a border with fringe and each section has 6 to 8 rows.  This will help you to be able to work at your own pace during the week whether it's all at once or 1 row each night.  If you'd like the full pattern now, an ad free version is available for purchase on Ravelry HERE: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-zig-and-a-zag-afghan-cal

The schedule is as follows: 
Tuesday 6/13: Supplies list and basic stitch information (listed below)


Monday 6/19: Section 1  is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/06/cal-section-one-zig-and-zag-afghan.html


Monday 6/26: Section 2 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/06/cal-section-two-zig-and-zag-afghan.html
 
Monday 7/3: Section 3 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/07/cal-section-3-wave-and-chevron-crochet.html

Monday 7/10: Section 4 is available here: https://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/07/cal-section-4-zig-and-zag-afghan.html

Monday 7/17: Section 5 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/07/cal-section-5-zig-and-zag-afghan.html

Monday 7/24: Section 6 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/07/cal-section-6-zig-and-zag-afghan.html

This completes the special stitch instructions. You may choose to finish your afghan in any order you choose to customize it to your preferred style OR continue with the CAL for instructions to complete the afghan as shown in the photos 
Monday 7/31: Section 7 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/07/cal-section-7-zig-and-zag-afghan.html


Monday 8/7: Section 8 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/08/cal-section-8-zig-and-zag-afghan.html


Monday 8/14: Section 9 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/08/cal-section-9-zig-and-zag-afghan.html


Monday 8/21: Section 10 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/08/cal-section-10-zig-and-zag-afghan.html

 
Monday 8/28: Section 11 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/08/cal-section-11-zig-and-zag-afghan.html

 
Monday 9/4: Section 12 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/09/cal-section-12-zig-and-zag-afghan.html


Monday 9/11: Section 13 is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/09/cal-section-13-zig-and-zag-afghan.html


Monday 9/18: Border/Fringe is available here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/09/cal-border-and-fringe-zig-and-zag-afghan.html

Skill Level: Easy

Beautiful New Braided Cable Block Collection for a Wedding Gift

Over the first few weeks of April, I held a Mystery Crochet-A-Long for my new afghan design.  I've really enjoyed seeing all the WIP photos that everyone has posted on Ravelry and in my Facebook group!  It's always fun to see the colors that others choose to use and how they turn out.  

Braided Cable Block crochet pattern collection

I'm thrilled to finally be able to show you the entire Braided Cable Block collection!  My nephew will be getting married next week and I wanted to design something specifically for them.  I wanted clean, classic, elegant and something meaningful that they will both appreciate.  I chose to use Deborah Norville Everyday yarn in an off white for that reason.  I love the way the braids just flow with this color and the yarn itself is soft and is anti-pilling which is great.  

This collection includes 4 different designs and 7 patterns:

Braided Cable Block Throw

The Braided Cable Block Throw will add warmth and texture to any room.  This pattern is written so you can easily work it to your own desired size.  Easy and quick to work up, you could make a small one for Baby Shower gifts, throw size to place on a rocking chair or large enough to cover a king size bed.  

The Braided Cable Block Bolster Pillow cover is open on both ends for easy removal allowing you to switch out colors and styles for any room.  This design is worked around the pillow and closes with ties.  It also includes instructions for making your own pillow base if you don't already have a bolster pillow.

Braided Cable Block Bolster Pillow

Braided Cable Block Square Pillow

The Braided Cable Block Square Pillow cover is worked from the bottom up and closes with a flap and 3 buttons for easy removal.  This pattern includes instructions for making your own pillow base also.













The Braided Cable Block Rectangle Pillow cover is worked from side to side allowing the cables to run the length of the pillow.  Closing along the length with 3 buttons allows for easy removal and cleaning.  This pattern includes instructions for making your own pillow base too.

Whether you're making this set as a gift or spoiling yourself and making it for your own home, it's sure to be enjoyed!

Now through May 2, 2017 you can enjoy 50% off all individual patterns or $5 off the full collection on Ravelry.  No codes needed.  

Come join our Mystery Crochet-A-Long for April!

Are you ready for a Mystery Crochet-A-Long?

I'ts been a while since we've crocheted together!  I am just finishing up another beautiful home decor collection and thought it would be fun to do a crochet along with all of you.  I can't tell you to much about the design or it would take the mystery out of it...BUT...I think you'll love it.  

New Rings of Ribbon Spring Afghan Release and BOS Blog Hop

Battle of the Stitches Round 13

Woot Woot!  I'm so excited to finally be able to show you the design I've been working on for the Battle of the Stitches round 13 crochet challenge.  If you're following along in the blog hop with all of us, you should be joining me from Kaleidoscope Art & Gift's blog and have already seen and voted for your favorites out of these 6 designs.  

If you're seeing this because you follow my blog, you'll want to click HERE to start at the beginning.  There are a bunch of fun new designs using this same stitch, you get to vote for your favorites AND you can enter to win various prizes along the way!  Be sure to follow through all 10 blog posts so you don't miss out on the big prizes at the end.

So, are you ready to see what I designed?

Crochet Style by Jennifer Dougherty Book Review AND Giveaway!

Hey everyone, how are you doing?  I have something fun for you today and hope that you'll be as excited as I am!

I received a copy of Crochet by Jennifer's latest book Crochet Style to review and all opinions in this post are my own.  I'm also thrilled that I get to give away a copy to 1 lucky winner!  
Giveaway open through March 25, 2017 11:59pm MST and is open to US residents only. 

Crochet Style has over 30 designs to help you stay warm and stylish at the same time.  Men, women, children, toddlers and infants...she's got you covered from head to toe!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

Seafoam Tranquility Collection

We have had such a crazy winter here in Utah this year!  With a higher snow total than the past 5+ years and then an abnormal amount of rainfall, we have had quite the flood over the past few weeks.  I am SO ready for some warmer days with a little bit of R&R!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

The Seafoam Tranquility Collection is just what I needed to work on in order to ease my stress.  There is just something calming in the color combination of Admiral, Sage and Snow.  

I chose to use Bernat Satin yarn for this collection because I love how soft it is and it shows the texture of this stitch well.  

This collection includes crochet patterns for the following:

Seafoam Tranquility Throw: My afghan shown ended up at 48"x62" in size and used just over 2400 yards of yarn.  It is so soft and snuggly!  The pattern includes instructions on how to customize to your own desired size also.  

Seafoam Tranquility Bolster Pillow:  The finished size for this is 6"x16".  This pattern includes instructions for making an actual 6"x16" pillow base AND the pillow cover.  It is designed so that you can easily slip the cover on and off the pillow for washing if needed.

Seafoam Tranquility Square Pillow: The finished size for this is 12"x12".  This design is worked from the bottom up with a flap that buttons to close for easy removal.  It also includes instructions for making the pillow base.

Seafoam Tranquility Rectangle Pillow:  The finished size for this is 12"x16".  This design is worked from side to side with a flap opening across the top using buttons to close for easy removal.  It also includes instructions for making the pillow base. 

Doesn't that just make you take in a big breath, let it out and say  Ahhhhhhh?  

This is the first of many home collections to come and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have!  For this weekend only, I'm offering a special discount for my blog readers for this entire collection.  Enjoy 20% off the eBook using code CFDBLOG in my Ravelry shop. (expires 3/13/17  11:59pm MST)

eBook: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/seafoam-tranquility-collection

Crafting Friends Designs on Ravelry:  http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kate-wagstaff

Seafoam Tranquility Pillow eBook Release and Giveaway

I'm excited to finally have all 3 of my Seafoam Tranquility Pillows available! 

Enter to win a copy of the eBook OR you can grab them individually or in the eBook for $1 off using code Tranquility on Ravelry through Sunday 2/19/17.
Click on each photo to be taken to that listing on Ravelry

Seafoam Tranquility Square Pillow

Seafoam Tranquility Rectangle Pillow

Seafoam Tranquility Bolster Pillow

Seafoam Tranquility Pillow eBook

Enter below for your chance to win the Seafoam Tranquility Pillow eBook:

You're Going to LOVE this early Valentines Special!

Winter is in FULL  gloom and doom mode right now in Utah!  While many are cursing the storms, I actually love the snow and appreciate the moisture it brings and the beauty of the white fields and trees around us.  Now is the perfect time to stay inside and  crochet your heart away so be sure to watch for a special code in this post!  

2016 was a good year for Crafting Friends Designs and my LOVE for crochet really showed through in many designs.  The world needs more love and 5 new crochet patterns were released during 2016 to help spread some love and cheer.

Special Offers to help your holiday be filled with handmade love

The holiday season is a wonderful time to curl up on the sofa with your hook and yarn and favorite crochet patterns.  I love to sit and listen to Christmas music with the tree lit and just crochet the night away (well, until I doze off 5 times and finally decide I should concede and go to bed  lol).

There is nothing better than working on an afghan and being able to keep warm while the snow is coming down outside my window.  I love that I can give what I make as gifts to family and friends and know that they appreciate my work and will use what I give.  

I also love the opportunities to give my things as a service to others in need in my community.  In years past, I've worked on many afghans for shelters and last year I was able to donate a lot of  hats.  This year, I've been working on scarves to donate.



If you're like me, you like a good deal and like to make a variety of things. I get bored making the same thing over and over.
Now is a great time to stock up on the crochet patterns you've been wanting!

I've teamed up with a LOT of crochet designers to bring you some fantastic deals on a large range of crochet patterns this year beginning Friday 11/25/2016.  This weekend, I'll be sharing all the deals I know of with you while I finish up my design for the CAL I will host in my Facebook group next week (Yay for crochet time!). 

In my shop, I've set it up so the more you buy, the more you save.  All orders will receive a minimum of 25% off and if you order more, the discount is larger.
Be sure to follow me on Facebook or Twitter to see all the deals from your favorite designers!