The Crochet Corner

**dcompton** · 05-26-2010, 05:55 PM

I got out my pattern to look at it - mind, I haven't done this yet. It look like row 8 is chain 3, sc, chain 3, sc, etc. So on row nine, you would put 3 sc around the chain 3, then a sc into the sc on the row below.

What you want to come out with is the same number of stitches (or equivalent) on each row. So on row 8, the chain 3 + sc = 4 stitches. In row 9, you will also have 4 stitches (sc's) over that same space.

By the way, I'm getting a package of the spongy things to try first.

**jantana** · 05-26-2010, 09:35 PM

Thanks for all the links and advice. I decided to make an afghan for my little girl. Well she claimed it. It's just a one stitch and then I'll see if I can do something around the edges. I looked at all the sites and I just need complete quiet when I am TRYING to crochet. We have a foster home and there are always kids around. Plus school is about to be out, so my time alone is going to be very limited. Again thanks to everyone. I am determined to learn.

**dcompton** · 05-26-2010, 09:44 PM

It does take concentration when you're learning, but once you get the hang of it and some practice, you'll be able to do it almost on auto pilot, unless the pattern is really complicated.

I prefer easy patterns that keep my hands busy and my mind more or less free.

**frugalfranny** · 05-26-2010, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by dcompton

I got out my pattern to look at it - mind, I haven't done this yet. It look like row 8 is chain 3, sc, chain 3, sc, etc. So on row nine, you would put 3 sc around the chain 3, then a sc into the sc on the row below.

What you want to come out with is the same number of stitches (or equivalent) on each row. So on row 8, the chain 3 + sc = 4 stitches. In row 9, you will also have 4 stitches (sc's) over that same space.

By the way, I'm getting a package of the spongy things to try first.

OH CRAP! Think this could mean trouble.........

**dcompton** · 05-27-2010, 12:52 AM

Well, maybe not. It depends on how you interpreted "space." If you are putting a sc in each chain stitch (though a loop of it) so that you still have 3 sc over that "chain 3 space", you'll be ok, so long as you do it consistently all the way through. But you definitely need three stitches, however you do them, across that "chain stitch bridge" - if you know what I mean.

If you just have one sc per chain 3 space, it's really going to draw up on you and probably won't work at all, and when you begin the repeat with row 2, you won't have enough stitches to work into.

**mauimagic** · 05-27-2010, 02:16 AM

Simple is always good!! Hand work should be relaxing!! IMHO!! okay - perhaps I am a little lazy!!

**Luckybustert** · 05-27-2010, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by dcompton

jantana, you should also be able to find information on how to read patterns on line. Surfing around one day, I saw some, but, of course fon't remember where. You might google "how to read crochet patterns" or something like that.

I posted some links on learning to read crochet patterns in the Pineapple crochet-a-long thread here in the FV forums. See Crochet-a-Long: Pineapple Pillow-ghan and

And here's a link that will get you to illustrated how to crochet instructions/videos: Learn to Crochet: Lion Brand Yarn I think this one is laid out particularly well - take a look and see what you think.

**Luckybustert** · 05-27-2010, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by dcompton

Question about hooks --

I use the Susan Bates aluminum hooks. I've thought of trying the newer fatter, theoretically more ergonomic hooks. However, I can't find them here and would have to order them. Have any of you used them?

If you mean the Clover ones, I have an entire set and love them - very comfortable to work with! (And the set came with a nice cloth carrying case so I manage to keep them all together and have the one I need when I need it

)

**Luckybustert** · 05-27-2010, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

Okay.....here we go LB............or anyone...........

On the diamond trellis pattern........Row 9.......I want to verify something.

at the *....where you will be repeating all across....it says * 3 sc in ch-3 sp....plus--it says more..........does this 'clause' mean to put one sc in EACH of the chain 3 spaces.........or to put 3 sc AROUND the area where you put the prior chain 3 ???????????

Hope this was clear and hope you can answer...........I could be frogging.......and not sure I will.........I am on my second repeat and don't want to go that far back!!

To crochet into the chain 3 space, you would be crocheting around the previous chain 3. Your hook goes into the space and picks up the yarn - you are not crocheting into a stitch here, just around the chain....does that make sense?

**mauimagic** · 05-27-2010, 12:42 PM

New, ergonomically correct crochet hooks? Where have I been? Am almost afraid to try them, since I am perfectly happy with the old regular ones!! Wonder who thought the new ones up and how their thought processes went. Always marvel at what others think about and create!!

**frugalfranny** · 05-27-2010, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Luckybustert

To crochet into the chain 3 space, you would be crocheting around the previous chain 3. Your hook goes into the space and picks up the yarn - you are not crocheting into a stitch here, just around the chain....does that make sense?

Yep, makes sense, and that is how I interpreted dc's explanation and will also have to go with 'the consistency' thing throughout. THANKS FOR THE HELP!!

Originally Posted by dcompton

Well, maybe not. It depends on how you interpreted "space." If you are putting a sc in each chain stitch (though a loop of it) so that you still have 3 sc over that "chain 3 space", you'll be ok, so long as you do it consistently all the way through. But you definitely need three stitches, however you do them, across that "chain stitch bridge" - if you know what I mean.

Yep, know what you mean and will have to do this.....I have three stitches 'per area'..........I don't think I am in the frogging mood!! THANKS!!

If you just have one sc per chain 3 space, it's really going to draw up on you and probably won't work at all, and when you begin the repeat with row 2, you won't have enough stitches to work into.

well............it is rainy and yukky here today so I should get some time to test the waters here...........am beyond that and don't see problems..........YET..........we shall see.

**dcompton** · 05-27-2010, 02:16 PM

FF - if it turns out a little different from the original pattern, that's ok. Then it's YOUR pattern!

I finally got the strips of the last hospice afghan together. I tried crocheting them again rather than sewing. I started using the next size smaller hook and it became much easier and somewhat faster, and the size didn't matter since I was just pulling up a loop. Maybe this will become my standard joining method.

I'm working on the border so will soon be finished. I don't know why I've become so resistent to working on this one since I like it well enough. I'll be glad when it's finished.

**dcompton** · 05-27-2010, 02:24 PM

I've been reluctant to buy the Clover hooks. They are much more expensive - clearly taking advantage of the niche market - and since I often have more than one project going, I like the keep the hook I'm using with each one, easy with my collection of the old fashioned cheap charleys. I almost always use H hooks, sometimes an I. But I may get one to try.

Another gadget I found looking around I have become to covet. There are also, in our techno-crazy world, lighted hooks. Apparently the shaft part of it lights up. So you can crochet in the dark, the blurb says. Well, I don't plan to be doing that, but I'm thinking my old eyes would like it when I'm working black or navy. It would probably make the stitched easier to see.

I did order a few more yarn skeins (picture Donna with her head in a bag) of colors I can't get here, and tried to add one, but it was out of stock. Probably just as well. But some day I may try one just for fun.

**mauimagic** · 05-27-2010, 09:28 PM

Oh good Donna, you can try the new hooks out and let me know!! Since I'm not at all unhappy with my old hooks, I'm probably not goint to change!!

**frugalfranny** · 05-28-2010, 01:45 AM

Originally Posted by dcompton

. Apparently the shaft part of it lights up. So you can crochet in the dark, the blurb says.

I think this was one that I was referring to. The handle is wider but flat...........I think JA's had some. I didn't think I would like the flat handle.

The Clover stuff is usually more expensive with quilting stuff too..........think it is just 'their thing'........