Crafting Friends Designs

Monday, September 25, 2017

CAL Border and Fringe: A Zig and A Zag Afghan

A Zig and A Zag CAL

Border & Fringe

We made it! We have finally hit the border section and we'll soon be able to enjoy our afghan just in time for fall to set in. I wanted to keep the border on this simple to show off the stitches so I chose to keep it simple. I thought the fringe would be fun to add to the length of this afghan. If fringe is not for you, simply skip the ch-2's on round 2 of the border and work a solid hdc round.

Let's get started and finish this baby!

If you're just finding this CAL and would like to join, you can find all the details HERE in the very first post: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-zig-and-zag-afghan-crochet-long.html

Stitches/Abbreviations:
st(s) - stitch(es), sl st - slip stitch, ch - chain, sc - single crochet, hdc - half double crochet

**This post contains affiliate links**
Diamond Christmas Tree Skirt Crochet Kit

Diamond Christmas Tree Skirt crochet kit

Border Section

Continue with White

Round 1: Ch 1, rotate to work down first side of afghan, work 2 sc around first st, sc evenly down side of afghan to bottom corner, work 3 sc around corner st, rotate to work across bottom of afghan, sc between each of the foundation sts across to next corner, work 2 sc around corner st, rotate to work up next side of afghan, sc evenly up to top corner, work 3 sc around corner st, rotate to work across top of afghan, sc in each st across ending with 1 more sc in the same st as beginning 2 sc, sl st to beginning sc to connect

New Champagne Blush Chevron Afghan Crochet Pattern Release

Champagne Blush Chevron Afghan Release

It's time for a new afghan release, don't you think? I have always loved the combination of Pink, Gray and White. There is just something calming and comforting about those 3 colors together and I've wanted to create a design with them for quite a while.

**This post contains Affiliate Links**

Champagne Blush Chevron Afghan with Sprightly yarn

Sprightly Acrylic Worsted Yarn - $2.57

from: Craftsy

This past summer, I was able to work with Craftsy on creating a few Christmas tree skirt and afghan crochet pattern kits using their Sprightly yarn line. I had never worked with it before and was excited to try it out. When it comes to yarn shopping, I like being hands on. I like to see it in person and touch it and squeeze it and run my fingers through it to see what it's going to feel like as an afghan. I don't want to order a bunch of yarn only to have it be scratchy and stiff. I'm here to tell you - Sprightly Acrylic is wonderful! It has a good thickness to it but it's soft and flexible to work with. If you haven't tried it yet, you really should!

I've been designing a bunch of afghans with texture lately and really wanted this color combo to be light and have a good drape to it. You all know how I love chevrons so that was my first instinct. However, sometimes it's nice to have the chevron look but have a solid, squared off border so you don't have all those ups and downs on the ends. With the Champagne Blush Chevron Afghan crochet pattern, you get the best of both worlds!
I loved how this turned out and my daughter instantly asked if she could give this one to her teacher for Christmas. I hope she likes it!

I hope you love it too. I've set up a special offer just for my blog and email subscribers. Use code CFDBLUSH at checkout on Ravelry to receive 60% off this pattern through Sunday 9/17/17. While you're there, be sure to add it to your favorites!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/773902

You can also find this pattern in my other shops

Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/listing/557749835/crochet-pattern-champagne-blush-chevron

Craftsy
https://www.craftsy.com/crocheting/patterns/champagne-blush-chevron-afghan/511166

Website
http://www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com/store/p295/Champagne_Blush_Chevron_Afghan_crochet_pattern.html

Thanks to Amber and Krista for testing the pattern and to Ash & Co for some amazing photos!

Pattern test by Amber Bunker

Pattern test by Krista Sibert

Monday, September 11, 2017

CAL Section 13: A Zig and A Zag Afghan

A Zig and A Zag CAL

Section 13: Zig Zag stitch

Hooray!!! This is our LAST section before we start the border of your amazing projects. I seriously am so excited to see photos of all your hard work! This week, we are working the fun Zig Zag stitch and you'll be done in a jiffy. This stitch would be pretty leaves when working in fall colors or fairy wings in pastels. I can even picture them in green and adding an apple applique underneath them for a fun accent. Imagine the possibilities!

A Zig and A Zag Afghan by Crafting Friends Designs

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

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, YO and pull through all 4 loops on hook

Felici Self Striping Yarn from Knit Picks

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, YO and pull through all 7 loops on hook

CAL Section 12: A Zig and A Zag Afghan

A Zig and A Zag CAL

Section 12: Brick Stitch

Can you believe we only have 1 more section to go before the border? I hope you are loving your project so far!

This week, we are back to the Brick Stitch. This is one of my favorite stitches and so fast to work up. Enjoy your crochet time this week!

Stitches/Abbreviations
st(s) - stitch(es)
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
dc - double crochet
Brick Stitch (Br St) - (sc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same st
RS - Right Side of work

CAL Section 11: A Zig and A Zag Afghan

A Zig and A Zag CAL

Section 11: Wave & Chevron Stitch

Good morning everyone. I hope you are all having a wonderful week! I have to apologize for being late with this section. It was fair week last week and school started this week and my mind was so busy with everything that this slipped by me.

This week, we're working the Wave & Chevron stitch again and I think this is a fun way to create chevrons! It would be really cool to make an afghan in just this section using rainbow colors, don't you think?

Ok, so let's get going. If you're just joining us, you can find the details for the CAL in the very first post HERE: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-zig-and-zag-afghan-crochet-long.html

Stitches/Abbreviations
sk - skip
st(s) - stitch(es)
ch - chain
yo - yarn over
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
dc - double crochet
tr - treble crochet
RS - Right Side of work
WS - Wrong Side of work

Special Stitches:

Single Crochet 2 together (sc2tog): [Insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop]2x, yo and pull through all 3 loops on hook

Single Crochet 3 together (sc3tog): [Insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop]3x, yo and pull through all 4 loops on hook

Treble Crochet 2 together (tr2tog): *yo twice, insert hook in next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook,* repeat from *to* 1x, yo and pull through all 3 loops on hook

Treble Crochet 3 together (tr3tog): *yo twice, insert hook in next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook,* repeat from *to* 2x, yo and pull through all 4 loops on hook

CAL Section 10: A Zig and A Zag Afghan

A Zig and A Zag CAL

Section 10: Triangle Mesh

It's county fair time along with back to school time here in Northern Utah and life seems to be crazy with everyone right now. It's a fun crazy though! I've enjoyed seeing many of your projects that you've entered into your local or state fairs. Congratulations on all the ribbons that have been won! It's been so cool to see some of my patterns worked and entered 💖

We only have 3 more weeks of our CAL. Can you believe it? What do you plan on doing with your finished afghan? Mine has been used nightly by one of my daughters. She loves it!

Lowest prices on the best yarn - guaranteed at knitpicks.com

Let's get going with section 10.
If you're just joining us, you'll find the first post in this CAL series HERE: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-zig-and-zag-afghan-crochet-long.html

Stitches/Abbreviations:

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

Triangle Mesh crochet stitch with Crafting Friends Designs

Continue with White
Rows 80-81: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (205 hdc)
(If working in the row order given, you can carry the white up the side here instead of fastening off)

Jump into your Holiday Projects NOW and finish them in time!

Crochet for the Holidays

Take advantage of this Awesome

Makers' Black Friday sale from Craftsy!

This weekend only 8/18 - 8/20 2017

Affiliate

**This post contains Affiliate links**

Diamond Christmas Tree Skirt

I know, I know...you aren't ready to think about the holidays just yet. It does seem early and for some small projects, you have plenty of time. What about the larger projects? Every year, it happens! Every year people start to crochet their own personal Christmas tree skirt late in the season and then get frustrated because they don't get them finished in time to use around their tree. It's happened to me! Has it happened to you?

Let's kick it in gear and get ahead of the game this year by starting now!
I've recently had the pleasure of working with Craftsy on a couple of crochet kits and I think you'll love working with their Sprightly yarn. The kits include the pattern and the materials needed to make it which is fantastic! They have a beautiful selection of colors and the Acrylic is nice and soft. You can find my Diamond Christmas Tree Skirt and my Classic Cable Star Christmas Tree Skirt patterns in their kit section now.

Diamond Christmas Tree Skirt crochet pattern by Crafting Friends Designs

If you're ready for a great deal, be sure to take advantage of their Makers' Black Friday Lowest Prices of the Year this weekend only. They have so many amazing classes and beautiful products that you're sure to find several you like.

Classic Cable Star Christmas Tree Skirt by Crafting Friends Designs

I crochet at a pretty decent speed and on average, I can make a tree skirt in about 16 hours. If you have time to sit down and whip one up in a weekend then you have no need to worry. If you only have a little bit of time each day/week to crochet, don't stress - start now and pace yourself to even working 1 row each day until the tree skirt is complete. You'll be so happy and relieved that you did.

If you like Christmas tree skirts, you may also like:

TriSquare Swirl Christmas Tree Skirt

Christmas Pine Tree Skirt

Peppermint Swirl Christmas Tree Skirt

Beautifully Textured Christmas Tree Skirt

Monday, August 14, 2017

CAL Section 9: A Zig and A Zag Afghan

A Zig and A Zag CAL

Section 9: Pebbles

Hello everyone. For those who are following this CAL through email, I apologize for being a little late with this weeks section. We were camping for a family reunion and I didn't have any type of service. I hope you were able to enjoy your weekend too and get through section 8!

This week, we're working the pebbles section again to add a little more texture. Your afghan should be a pretty decent size by now and it's sure coming in handy as I like to crochet at night and the nights are getting cooler here in northern Utah.

Let's get going on Section 9!

CAL Section 8: A Zig and A Zag Afghan

A Zig and A Zag CAL

Section 8: Zig Zag Double String

Welcome to section 8! This week, we're going to work the Zig Zag Double String stitch again so you should be able to complete this in a jiffy.

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

Stitches:

ch - chain
st(s) - stitch(es)

sc - single crochet

hdc - half double crochet

dc - double crochet

Continue with White

Rows 57-58: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (205 hdc)

With Color (Shocking Pink)

Row 59: (RS) Ch 1, turn, sc in very first st, *ch 5, skip next 5 sts, sc in next st,* repeat from *to* across (34 ch-5, 35 sc)

Row 60: Ch 1, turn, sc in very first st, *ch 5, skip next ch-5, sc in next sc,* repeat from *to* across (34 ch-5, 35 sc)

Row 61: Ch 1, turn, sc in very first st, *ch 7, skip next ch-5, sc in next sc,* repeat from *to* across (34 ch-7, 35 sc)

CAL Section 7: A Zig and A Zag Afghan

A Zig and A Zag CAL

Section 7: Zig Zag stitch

If you're working this afghan in the size that I did, this section is your 1/2 way point. It is always a great feeling to bet here and know that you're so much closer to completing your project!

We are just working the Zig Zag stitch again though I chose to keep this center section my neutral color to keep the blanket equal. I know you're a pro at this stitch so let's jump right into it!

Stitches:

ch - chain

st(s) - stitch(es)

sc - single crochet

hdc - half double crochet

dtr - double treble crochet

Special Stitches: 3-dtr Cluster & Double 3-dtr Cluster

(If you need a refresher on how to work the stitches, you can find the photo tutorial here: http://craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/06/cal-section-one-zig-and-zag-afghan.html)

Continue with White

Rows 53-54: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (205 hdc)

Rows 55: Ch 5 (counts as dtr so you will skip the very first st), turn, skip next 2 sts, work 3-dtr Cluster in next st, ch 4, *work double 3-dtr Cluster, ch 4,* repeat from *to* across to last 3 sts, work 3-dtr Cluster in same st as last st made, skip next 2 sts, dtr in end st

Row 56: Ch 1, turn, sc in first dtr, 5 sc around next ch-4, *sc in next double 3-dtr Cluster, 5 sc around next ch-4,* repeat from *to* across to last 2 sts, skip next 3-dtr Cluster, sc in last dtr (205 sc)

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

If you'd like to work at your own pace, the ad free pdf of this afghan is available to purchase HERE on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-zig-and-a-zag-afghan-cal