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Jan’s Joy-Full Jamboree Block- Moogly CAL 2023

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Wow! I am so excited to join you for another year of the Moogly CAL (check out all the squares here). This year my block has a few ends to weave in, and it uses more back post stitches than some may be accustom to. However I am happy with the results and I hope you like it too.

This block features texture work more than actual color work. Meaning if you want to work this block in only one color it will still be just as dramatic. Back Post Stitches are utilized as it really helps to add a great amount of textural and visual interest. The result of the stitch creates an raised affect that can be reminiscent of surface crochet. Tops of the stitches below become highlighted, adding the “chain” look on the surface of the fabric.

Jan’s Joy-Full Jamboree Block

Much of the remaining texture comes form working cluster stitches in places below the actual working round. I really love how this breaks up the visual rounds of the fabric and help add a continuous lines of texture. They almost act as “links” helping the eye dance along various “features”.

The block is named for two of my long time students, Jan and Joy. Both have had a trying year, yet crochet has continued to be an outlet. As many of us already realize crochet can be our therapy, just the movement of our hands help our mind. Fortunately it can do even more, by bringing people together. I look forward to seeing them at our weekly jamboree and helping them on their crochet journeys.

If you want to follow my journey in crochet, join my monthly newsletter, or join me in a class at various places around the United States.

Jan’s Joy-Full Jamboree Block

Materials

  • Red Heart With Love medium weight 100% acrylic yarn colors: (A) #1907 Boy
  • senberry, (B) #1702 Blush, (C) #1623 Mallard, (D) #1207 Cornsilk
  • J/10/6.00mm

Special Stitches

Treble Crochet 3 Cluster (tr3CL): Yo twice, insert hook into indicated st, yo, pull up a loop, (yo, pull through 2 loops) 2 times, yo twice, insert hook into same st, yo, pull up a loop, (yo, pull through 2 loops) 2 times, yo twice, insert hook into same st, yo pull up a loop, (yo, pull through 2 loops) 2 times, yo, pull through all 4 loops.

Treble Crochet 2 Together (tr2tog): Yo twice, insert hook into the first indicated stitch, yo pull up a loop, (yo, pull through 2 loops) 2 times, yo twice, insert hook into the next stitch indicated, yo, pull up a loop, (yo, pull through 2 loops) 2 times, yo, pull through all 3 loops.

Abbreviations

If you do not feel comfortable with standing stitches, they can be substituted by simply slip stitching to the indicated stitch, and creating a chain equivalent to the turning chain for the indicated stitch type. But if you want to learn about them, I offer a photo tutorial here. And Moogly offers a video here.

Pattern for this block of the Moogly CAL

Rnd 1: With A, Ch 5, dc in 5th ch from hook, ch 1 (dc in same st, ch 1) 6 times, sl st to join, fasten off. – 8 dc, 8 ch-1 sps

Rnd 2: With B, join to any dc with a ssc, 3fpdc in same dc, (sc, 3 fpdc in each dc around, sl st to join, fasten off. –8 sc, 24 fpdc

Rnd 2, work 3 front post double crochets around the same stitch

Rnd 3: With C, join to any sc with a shdc, ch 2, hdc in same st, ch 1, [(hdc, ch 2, hdc) in next sc, ch 1] around, sl st to join. – 8 (hdc, ch 2, hdc), 8 ch-1 sps

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same sp, 5 dc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next hdc, ch 1, [sc in next hdc, 5 dc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next hdc, ch 1] rep around, sl st to join, fasten off. – 8 (5 dc shells), 8 ch-1 sps

Finished Round 3, and beginning of Round 4

We work our first Clusters in this Moogly CAL

Rnd 5: With D, join with a sbpdc to the first dc of any 5-dc shell, bpdc in the next 4 dc sts, ch 1, tr3CL in the ch-1 sp 3 rows below (in Rnd 3), ch 1, [bpdc in each dc on next shell, ch 1, tr3CL in the ch-1 sp 3 rnds below (in Rnd 3), ch 1,] around, sl st to join, fasten off. – 8 tr3CL, 40 bpdc, 16 ch-1 sps

Working Rnd 5, the tr3CL works around the ch-1 sp in Rnd 3
Finished the tr3CL and started the next bpdc

Rnd 6: With A, join with a ssc to a bpdc just before a tr3Cl, [tr2tog in the next sc 2 rows below (Rnd 4) and in the next sc 2 rnds below (on the other side of the tr3CL), sc in each bpdc] around, sl st to join. –8 tr2tod, 40 sc, 

First insertion point for the tr2tog worked in rnd 4
Second insertion point for the tr2tog
The tr2tog

Rnd 7:  Sl st in tr2tog st, ch 5, (tr, ch 1) 3 times in same st, tr in same st, ch 1, sk 2 sc, blsc in next sc, [ch, 1 (tr, ch 1) 4 times in next tr2tog, tr in same st, sk 2 sc, ch 1, blsc in next sc] around, ch 1, sl st to 4th ch of ch 5 to join, fasten off. –8 (tr, ch 1) fans, 8 sc

Finished Rnd 7

Back Post stitches create an interesting checker of color

Rnd 8: With B, join with a sbpdc to the 1st tr of any fan, dc in ch-1 sp, bpdc in next tr, dc in next ch-1 sp, 2 bpdc in next tr, dc in next ch- 1 sp, bpdc in next tr, dc in next ch-1 sp, bpdc in next tr, tr3Cl in unused front loop of sc 3 rnds below (Rnd 6), [bpdc in next tr, dc in next ch-1 sp, bpdc innext tr, dc in next ch-1 sp, 2 bpdc in next tr, dc in next ch- 1 sp, bpdc in next tr, dc in next ch-1 sp, bpdc in next tr, tr3Cl in unused front loop of sc 3 rnds below (Rnd 6)] around, sl st to join, fasten off. –8 tr3cl, 48 bpdc, 32 dc

Rnd 8, location of tr3CL in front loop of Rnd 6
Rnd 8 after working the tr3Cl…don’t forget the 2 bpdc at the top of the fan

Lets Start Squaring Things Up

Rnd 9: With C, join with a sdc to any of the 1st bpdc of the center of fan (the 2 bpdc worked in the same st), ch 2, dc in next bpsc (corner made), bpdc in next 4 sts, tr2tog in the ch-1 sp 3 rows below (Rnd 7) and in the next ch-1 sp 3 rnds below (on the other side of the tr3CL), bpdc in next 2 sts, bphdc in the next 2 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, bphdc in the next 2 sts, bpdc in the next 2 sts,tr2tog in the ch-1 sp 3 rows below (Rnd 7) and in the next ch-1 sp 3 rnds below (on the other side of the tr3CL), bpdc in next 4 sts, [dc in next bpdc, ch 2, dc in next bpdc (corner made), bpdc in next 4 sts, tr2tog in the ch-1 sp 3 rows below (Rnd 7) and in the next ch-1 sp 3 rnds below (on the other side of the tr3CL), bpdc in next 2 sts, bphdc in the next 2 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, bphdc in the next 2 sts, bpdc in the next 2 sts,tr2tog in the ch-1 sp 3 rows below (Rnd 7) and in the next ch-1 sp 3 rnds below (on the other side of the tr3CL), bpdc in next 4 sts] 3 times, sl st to join, fasten off. –8 tr2tog, 8 sc

One side of the block! Working rnd 9

Watch the stitch changes, we are flattening out the sides

Rnd 10: With D, join with sdc in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, [bpdc in next 6 sts, bphdc in next 2 sts, bpsc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, bpsc in next 2 sts, bphdc in next 2 sts, bpdc in next 6 sts, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp of corner] 3 times,  bpdc in next 6 sts, bphdc in next 2 sts, bpsc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, bpsc in next 2 sts, bphdc in next 2 sts, bpdc in next 6 sts, sl st to join.

Rnd 11: Ch 3, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 corner, dc in each st across to corner, [(dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 corner sp, dc in each st across] around, sl st to join, fasten off. –104 dc (26 dc each side)

On the Home Stretch, the Moogly CAL block is almost done…

Rnd 12: With C, join with shdc in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, hdc in same st, [blhdc in next 7 sts, tr3Cl in the top of the tr2tog 4 rnds below (Rnd 9) (note: skip the stitch directly behind the cluster, here and throughout), blhdc in next 10 sts, tr3Cl in top of the tr2tog 4 rnds below (Rnd 9), blhdc in next 7 sts, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in ch-2 corner sp] 3 times, blhdc in next 7 sts, tr3Cl in the top of the tr2tog 4 rnds below (Rnd 9), blhdc in next 10 sts, tr3Cl in top of the tr2tog 4 rnds below (Rnd 9), blhdc in next 7 sts, sl st to join, fasten off. –8 tr3Cl

Rnd 13: With A, join with ssc in any ch-2 corner, ch 2, sc in same sp, blsc in each st across, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 corner sp, blsc in each st across] around, sl st to join, fasten off. –116 sc (29 sc each side)

Check out all the blocks for this year’s Moogly CAL! This is going to be fun!

Mélange Blanket CAL- Yesteryear Rose

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I am so excited to start the year featuring my square design, Yesteryear Rose, for the Mélange Blanket and Underground Crafter Mystery Crochet-A-Long! It is always fun to join a Blanket CAL!

The Mélange Blanket Mystery Crochet Along is a great project to learn new skills and check out the work of 48 different designers…while being able to win prizes. There is a new 6″ block releases every week, and our host, Underground Crafter keeps everything flowing smoothly. Check out all the details here: Underground Crafter

My contributing 6″ block came along this year due to a textured project I was working on this fall. I was to create a textured design in the round. This led to playing with post stitches, and marrying in some techniques from overlay crochet. By working in the back loops, and leaving the front loops unworked gave new ways to explore playing with colors. So some clusters and tall stitches help me to make up this floral design.

Honestly, I love how this block came out. It reminds me of older wallpaper or fabric prints. I have been playing with putting different colors in the A, B, C positions, and any working a small throw up for myself. Something I don’t do all that often.

I hope you enjoy it!

Yesteryear Rose Block

Yesteryear Rose Block

Materials

  • King Cole Aran Fashion medium weight 70% acrylic, 30% wool yarn (219 yrds/200m/3.6oz/100g) 1 skien each color: (A) #3509 Rose Gold, (B) #3508 Navy Blue, (C) #3510 Olive
  • J/10/6mm crochet hook

Abbreviations/Special Stitches

  • Bldc– Back Loop Double Crochet
  • Bpdc– Back Post Double Crochet
  • Dc3Cluster: [Yo, insert hook in indicated st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2] 3 times, yo, pull through all 4 loops.
  • TrLeaf: Yo 2 times, insert hook as if front post st around bpdc stitch 3 rnds below (Row 2) that is immediately below working st, yo, pull through, [yo, pull through 2] twice, yo 2 times, insert hook into unused front loop of next stitch in Rnd 1, yo, pull through, [yo, pull through 2] twice, yo 2 times, insert hook as if front post around next bpdc stitch 3 rnds below (Rnd2), yo, pull throu, [yo, pull through 2] twice, yo pull through 4
  • Gauge – 6″x6″ block
TrLeaf -The first hook insertion point
TrLeaf- The second insertion point
TrLeaf- The third insertion point

Pattern

Rnd 1: Start with A, ch 4, 15 dc in 4th ch from hook, sl st to join, fasten off. -16 sts

Rnd 2: With B join to back loop of any st, ch 3, bpdc around same st, (bldc, bpdc) in each st around. Sl st to join, fasten off. -16 dc, 16 bpdc

Yesteryear Rose- Round 2

Making Petals

Rnd 3: Join with A, to any bldc, ch 1, sc in same st, ch 1, sk 1 st, working in the front loop of Rnd 1,dc3Cluster in front loop 2 rnds below, ch 1, sk 1 sts, [sc in next bldc , ch 1, sk 1 st, working in the front loop of Rnd 1,dc3Cluster in front loop 2 rnds below, ch 1, sk 1 sts} round, sl st to join, fasten off. -8 Dc3Clusters

Working in the Front Loop of Round 1 (2 Rounds Below)
Yesteryear Rose Block- Round 3

Rnd 4: With B, join to any Dc3Cluster, ch 1, sc in same st, 2 dc in ch-1 sp, fpdc around next st 2 rows below (Row 2), 2 dc in ch-1 sp,[ sc in next Dc3Cluster, 2 dc in ch-1 sp, fpdc around next st 3 rows below, 2 dc in ch-1 sp] around, sl st to join, fasten off. 8 fpdc 2 rows below

Working Round 4

Making Leaves

Round 5: With C, join to the back loop of any sc, ch 1, sc in same st, blsc in next 2 sts, [TrLeaf, blsc in next 11 sts] 3 times, TrLeaf, blsc in next 8 sts, sl st to join, fasten off.

Working Round 5 -Yesteryear Rose

Rnd 6: Join with B to any TrLeaf, ch 1, sc in same st, hdc in the next 2 unused front loops of sts 2 rnds below, blsc in next st, dc in next 2 unused loops of sts 2 rnd below, (2sc, ch 2, 2sc) in next st corner made, [dc in next 2 unused loops of sts 2 rnds below, blsc in sc, hdc in the next 2 unused front loops of sts 2 rnds below, sc in TrLeaf, hdc in next 2 unused front loops of sts 2 rnds belwo, blsc in next st, dc in next 2 unused loops of sts 2 rnd below, (2sc, ch 2, 2sc) in next st corner made] 3 times, dc in next 2 unused loops of sts 2 rnd below, blsc, hdc in the next 2 unused front loops of sts 2 rnds below, sl st to join.

Round 7: Ch 1, sc in same st, [sc in each st across to ch-2 sp, (2sc, ch2, 2sc) in ch-2 sp] rep 4 times, sc in each st across, sl st to join.

Crochet Quilt Blocks- the Half Square Triangle

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Crochet quilt blocks lend themselves to unlimited creativity. These can be great for scrap projects or planned out artistic works.

Below I describe how to create your own simple geographic block, as well as some idea suggestions.

Ohio Star Crochet Quilt Block

In the world of quilting the half square triangle, even using just this block, the possibilities are endless. Essentially it is simply a square that is worked with two colors. It is divided on the diagonal, creating a look of two triangles with the long ends together.

Sizes for crochet quilt blocks

Create your own design, just ensure that these blocks are the same size, or equal fractions of each other. Meaning make big and little blocks. The big block might be 10” then the little squares should be 5” so that they can all be put together equally.

Getting started with your crochet quilt blocks

To begin, create a chain the desired length of the diagonal of the square. This chain should be an odd number. Work a single crochet decrease over the 2nd and 3rd chain (need to know how to work a single decrease, check it out here), single crochet in each chain across until 2 chains are left.   Single crochet decrease over the last 2 chains, then chain 1 and turn.

All subsequent rows of this half of the square are worked the same. Work a single crochet decrease over the first two stitches, single crochet in each stitch across until 2 stitches remain, then work a single crochet decrease over the last two stitches. Repeat this until only 2 stitches remain, and then single crochet decrease these tow stitches together.

Half Square Triangle Crochet Quilt Block

The next side

Using another color and the unused loops of the beginning chain. Work the same stitch technique of decreases on each side of the row.

The block is really just that simple. Now for some ideas. I have found plugging the term “half square triangle quilt” into a search engine, and then selecting the images option, that there is a great abundance of uses.

Ideas for Crochet Quit Block -Half Square Triangles

Some of my favorites are the Ohio Star block, Flock of Geese block, and Pinwheel blocks. The half square triangles that are created can be put together to form these larger blocks, then these blocks can be put together to create pillows, blankets, ponchos, the possibilities are only limited by imagination.

Music Tapestry Block for Crochet Celebration

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Do you hear the Music? Happy National Crochet Month! I am part of the annual Crochetville Blog tour to celebrate the event. This year the theme is Crochet Concert and features how music can be an inspiration, as my inspiration I have created a Music Tapestry Block to Celebrate crochet.

I Celebrate Crochet with Music

As my contribution to this tour I have created a Music Block. Use this block for various things including as a contribution to Warm Up America.

Music Block

You can donate to Warm Up America as a nationwide organization. Donating locally is encouraged, however donations can be sent to their office to be assembled. Assembled blankets will be donated through the United States.

Tapestry Crochet to Create Music

The Music Block gives you an opportunity to learn Tapestry Crochet. Tapestry Crochet is a technique of color work that has you crocheting over the unused color. This reduces finish work and creates a solid, somewhat dense, fabric.

Tapestry Crochet is worked entirely in single crochet with color changes.

Worked entirely in Singe Crochet (Double Crochet if you are using UK terms). Worked with a chart, where each block is 1 stitch. Just remember to work back and forth in the chart, meaning read right to left for odd number rows and left to right for even number rows. (Needs tips for changing color…check here).

Crochet over the unused color, and carry it across. This reduces finish work while creating a charted design.

Enjoy this technique, and take some time to celebrate crochet this month.

Music Block

Gauge

Gauge: Square measures 7”x 9”

Materials

  • Medium weigh yarn, two colors (A), (B)
  • I/9/5.50 mm crochet hook

With Color B, chain 24, sc in 2nd ch from hook. Follow chart for design.

1 for Me, 1 for You- Rolling Along Block

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Help me help local communities by creating blocks for Warm Up America, by making a block for yourself and one for a community project with this free pattern. I will be creating a new block every few weeks and sharing it with you, I just ask that make one for donation.

Warm Up America is a nationwide organization that encourages local donations, but will also except donations to be sent to their office so that blocks can be assembled and then blankets can be donated through the United States.

Rolling Along Block

Even if you do not want to participate with Warm Up America, please consider creating blocks, or blankets for your local community. There are various places in every community that accept donations.

Rolling Along Block

Working the Catherine’s Wheel

Catherine’s Wheel is a classic crochet stitch that works one row of shells over a row of decreases to create a circle or wheel look. I have made a couple of changes to the classic pattern. For starters instead of working a single crochet after completing the shell or decrease, I work a slip stitch. I find that this help prevent “gapping” that occurs in the chain 3 area.

Working a dc9tog, you will have 10 loops on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook.
Slip stitch worked after the chain 3, to secure the decrease.
Working a decrease on the corner, dc5tog.

I should also point out that I work the shells in “the center of the decrease”, this is the biggest opening. However it is really not the completion of the decrease stitch, but the third chain. I feel that working here emphasizes the “center”, when working in the actual point of completion just looks a bit wonky.

Work the Shell in the center of the decrease, it creates a “hole”.
Working a shell at the beginning of a row means working in the center of the decrease.

I do have an exception to this, and that is when finishing a row with a shell it needs to be worked in the top of the turning chain to keep the edge straight. This will be just over from the “center”.

The “exception” the last shell is worked in the top of the turning chain, this helps to keep a straight edge.

Gauge

7”x9” rectangle

Materials

Medium weight yarn, in 2 colors MC (main color), CC1

K/10 ½/6.5mm crochet hook

Special Stitches

Double crochet 4 together (dc4tog): Working over the next 4 sts, [yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] six times, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook.

Double crochet 5 together (dc5tog): Working over the next 5 sts, [yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] six times, yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook.

Double crochet 9 together (dc9tog): Working over the next 9 sts, [yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] six times, yo, pull through all 10 loops on hook.

Note:

Change colors without fastening off the yarn. Instead carry the yarn along the edge, and it will be hidden in the edging round. Here are some tips for do it.

The Pattern

With MC Chain 25

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sk 3 chs, 9 dc in next ch, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch] three times, change to CC1, turn. –(3) 9 dc shells, 5 sc

Row 2: Ch 3, dc4tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn. – (2) dc9tog, (1) dc4tog, (1) dcs5tog

Row 3: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in center of dc9tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in center of dc9tog, sl st in next sl st, 5 dc in top of turning ch-3, change to MC, turn. (2) 9 dc shells, (2) 5 dc shells

Row 4: Ch 1, sl st in same st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in last st, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, sl st in same st, 9 dc in center of dc9tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in center of dc9tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in center of dc9tog, sl st in last st, change to CC1, turn.

Row 6-13: Rep Rows 2-5 twice.

Row 14: Rep Row 2. Fasten off.

Edging

With color MC, sc in each st across, 3 sc in corner, work evenly sc around block working 3 sc in each corner. Finish off.