The Big Book of Granny Squares

The Big Book of Granny Squares

365 Crochet Motifs

by Tracey Lord

Yes, that's right – there are 365 crochet motifs in this book – not all Granny Squares – but motifs just the same. Some start in the middle like a real Granny Square, some start along one edge, some start in a corner, some are lacy, some are solid, some are one color, some are multiple colors. There are enough variations in this book that you could make a different square each day for a year, and have a big pile of squares at the end. Just think of the patchwork afghans you could create! Or, you could choose one or two or three squares, and just keep repeating them, in the same colors, or in different colors, and you would have another afghan. Or you could make lots of other things – patchwork sweaters, totes, pillows, rugs, scarves, etc., etc., etc. You can use any yarn – it just would depend on the project you want to make. And depending on the square(s) you choose to crochet, you may want to use a bigger hook than you usually use with that yarn, or a smaller hook – it just depends on the kind of fabric you want. If you are not great at picking colors, you can follow the color guidelines for each square. And you can use only the squares in one color-coordinated section, (there are plenty of squares in each color section). All the squares in each color section will all go together.

Tracey seems to have thought of everything to help you choose what to make. She has a Color Wheel, and explains how to choose colors. She explains the basic crochet stitches and techniques, and provides a list of decorative stitches with directions on how to crochet them. She tells you how to finish off the squares – darning in ends, blocking, and then how to join the squares. She even has a list of crochet hook sizes, and the range of the weight of yarn that is appropriate for each hook size.

Best of all, the squares, if worked in the same yarn with the same hook, should work up to be about the same size, so that there would be no problem in joining them. 

When I looked through the book at all the 365 crochet motifs, I couldn't decide which to try first. I wanted to make a scarf, so I thought I would try some motifs that started along the bottom. But instead of making them separate, I wanted to see if I could make them in one strip. Less ends to weave in! So, I made a list of which motifs I would like to try. Because I wanted only the ones that started at the bottom edge, my choice was a little limited, but I still had quite a few to pick from. I know I listed at least a dozen, and that was just at the beginning of the book, but then I lost my list!  So, I decided to just start with one pattern, and look for another, and crochet that, and then look for another, and crochet that, etc., etc., etc.  I found my first pattern, #36, Filet Dot, 

 and then my second one, #38, Hearth Rug.

And it was then that I decided that some of the patterns didn't have to have as many rows in them as they showed in the book. I could use one or more as dividers between lacy, or filet, or fancy patterns. So I only crocheted 5 rows in the Hearth Rug pattern. 
Then I picked another pattern, #87 Granny Stripes,  

and decided to work only 5 rows of that one, and then did another 5 rows of #38, Hearth Rug. Now I'm on my next pattern #172, Lime Juice, 

which is not the usual Puff pattern – and I don't know how many rows I'll do of that one. Some of the patterns, you see, lend themselves to as many rows as you want to do. So you can do just a few, and get more patterns in one scarf (or afghan, or what-have-you), or you can do an entire scarf, or afghan, or what-have-you in one pattern.

That's what makes this book so much fun – you get 365 different stitch patterns, and you can use them in so many ways. Like one pattern? Make an entire afghan, or shawl, or scarf, or sweater with that pattern. Think two or more patterns look good together? Make a patchwork afghan, or shawl, or scarf, or sweater with those patterns. Want to use just one color? Want to use a lot of colors? Want to use bulky weight yarn? Want to use lace weight yarn? It's your choice! (This is a great stash buster book of stitch patterns. And, if you use up your stash, that just means you can buy more!!!)

Here's a picture of my scarf in progress. 

There are 4 patterns so far, and the start of the 5th pattern, the Puff pattern variation. I'm just using one color yarn - a big skein, too - so I'll only have 2 ends to weave in.

Want to see more?

Check out this link:

Interweave/F+W; $29.99

http://bit.ly/1o9qgYg

to see more squares and to order the book from Interweave/F+W. I know you'll like it!

DIY Holiday

Do you remember, years ago, the magazines that were filled with all sorts of crafty projects to make for the holidays? You could buy one magazine, and get crochet, knitting, sewing, jewelry – including beading, weaving, and lots of other projects. All in one magazine. With instructions that were clear, and easy to follow for those who hadn't tried that craft before. But also good for those who had tried the craft. I remember many women's magazines, and more – would have special issues like these with various projects. Oh, there were also magazines that concentrated on only one craft. But lots that had a lot of crafts. So if you wanted to learn a new craft, or get more skill and knowledge about a craft you already knew how to do, you could get the special issue magazine with multiple crafts.  It was a win-win situation. I know I acquired some of these magazines, and I learned how to do or improve cross-stitch, needlepoint, weaving, beading, and more, with the help of the magazines. I also used them for patterns for my crochet and knitting projects.
Then, in the late 90s, maybe early 2000s, the magazines became more specialized. There were separate magazines for knitting, crochet, (and knitting AND crochet together), beading, quilting, sewing. If you wanted to learn how to make beaded jewelry, AND how to weave, AND maybe find an easy crochet pattern to make, you would have to purchase 3 separate magazines. This situation has lasted until now – now when there is one magazine that has it all - DIY Holiday – the Crafting Life, a special issue of Interweave STITCH, published by Interweave/F+W Media.

Let me just quote from the introduction:

"This issue offers something for everyone – whether you want to explore crafting for the first time, or add a new skill to your repertoire."

This is true. And the magazine is filled with lots of projects to make for the holidays to give as gifts or to keep for your home. If you want to make something quick and cute with a technique you already know, this magazine has what you need. If you want to learn a new technique, this magazine has what you need. Look at some of the projects in the magazine:

You can see some of the beaded earring projects in the first picture, and a great necklace. I could try making those. But there is so much more inside the magazine! Much, much more!

Now look again at the cover projects:

I love the holiday garland and ornament on the cover. I think the ornament would be a cool gift tag. And, if after reading the directions for the project you want to make, you want more information, you can also check out crafting basics, guides, and glossaries at the Interweave Store. Also a bonus project. And helpful hints.

And - in the magazine, there are projects that are marked *Cool crafts on the cheap! Good to know!

You can order the magazine on-line here:
Interweave Store

If you want a free copy, write a comment below, about what craft(s) you can do, and which ones you would like to learn. Enter by Friday, November 28, 2014, and I will pick 3 winners (yes, I have 3 copies of the magazine, provided by Interweave/F+W Media) by a random number generator. Please include contact information – your email address is fine (I won't publish that) and I will notify the winners. Only US addresses are eligible.

Good luck to all my readers.

Reversible Color Crochet - A New Technique, by Laurinda Reddig

How do you learn new crochet techniques? Or any kind of new technique? There are a few different ways to learn – by seeing or watching, by listening, by reading, by doing. Of course, you can combine those methods – read and watch and do all at the same time, for instance. When I want to learn a new technique, whether it's a crochet technique, a knitting technique, a calligraphy technique, or what have you, I know that the easiest way for me to learn is to read, see or watch, and then do! So, I like word descriptions that are clear. I like pictures or videos that explain what the words say. And then, I have to do it. Sometimes, I have to do it a few times before I get it. But that's to be expected. It takes practice to learn a new technique, and to become better at it. Practice, practice, practice. You can't be an expert immediately when you just start to learn something. When you learned to walk, you didn't just get out of the stroller and start walking. You practiced before you let go of the hand that was leading you, or the rail that was holding you up. The same goes for new crochet techniques. You have to practice.

When I met Laurinda Reddig at one of the CGOA Chain Link Conferences, and saw her prize-winning entry in the crochet contest, I was intrigued with her new technique for Reversible Color Crochet. Usually, when you work color crochet, especially intarsia crochet (where you don't carry the different colors, you have little balls of different colors that you pick up when you need them), your work is not reversible. Especially if you use stitches larger than a single crochet. I like to do color work, and like to work in stitches larger than a sc, so of course I wanted to learn this technique that lets you do both. I was really happy when she came out with her new book – Reversible Color Crochet, a New Technique, because I figured I would be able to sit down, read it, look at pictures, and practice the technique. It would be a reference I could look at over and over, and not have to worry about forgetting how to accomplish this technique if I didn't use it often.

When I received Laurinda's book from Interweave/F+W to review, I looked through it to see just how she explained her technique.

There is the usual "how to get started section" which tells about the yarns and hooks that you can use, and where to find hints that tell you – among other things – how to use your yarn to avoid weaving in so many ends. (I especially liked that!) Then, comes the section on Special Stitches. This is the section with all the great pictures (drawings, not photographs, so they're clear!) that show how to make the Reversible Intarsia Special Stitches – like the basic Color Change (used with a hdc), the other basic Color Change (used with a dc), the Late Color Change, the Hdc-sc decrease Color Change, and more, including the Double Crochet Decrease and Double Crochet Increase Color Changes, the Half-Color Double Crochet, and the Reverse Half-Color Double Crochet. (It may sound confusing as you read this, but when you work the stitches, it's not confusing at all.) At the back of the book, there's a comprehensive section on Yarn Management and other Hints. And, then there are the 12 "learning squares" to practice all the techniques. The directions for these squares also include many tips, to help you learn these techniques. You can use these squares for practice, and then put them to use making a scarf, afghan, or even dishcloths, depending, of course, on the yarn you practice with. Here are three of the learning squares that I like:

The Four Square

Waves

Arrows

Once you practice the 12 learning squares, you'll be ready to work the squares that are in the 10 afghans. The first section covers squares that look like quilt blocks. 

This is the Double Friendship Star.

Then there are the pictures squares – garden-themed squares: Daisy, 

and space-themed squares: the sun,

the moon,

a ringed planet,

a UFO,

and an alien.

There are also all the instructions on how to put the 28 squares together to form the afghans. 10 of them. 

In other words, just about everything you need to know to make the 10 great afghans, and more, using this new technique, is in this book. Laurinda also offers lots of information and hints on blocking the squares, so that they'll look their best!

One word of advice – make sure you practice the technique! Practice, practice, practice. When I finally had some time to sit down and practice the technique, with the book in front of me, I decided to make a smaller swatch than the first suggested square. I worked first with hdc for a few rows, and then, instead of starting another swatch, I worked with dc for a few rows. Here are pictures of my swatch with the two different techniques:

This is the half double crochet part of the swatch.

And here is the double crochet part of the swatch.

I enlarged the pictures to give you an idea of how the color changes work. It's not just your usual color change, where you work the last yarn over in the new color. You have to learn the "yarn flip"! That's thoroughly explained in the book! And it's fun to do! (I have to confess - I didn't take a picture of the beginning of the swatch, where I was just learning. I had to practice to get these color changes looking like they should.)

Now, I know I'm ready to start working the 12 practice squares. I know how to work the basic color-changing technique.

Also, Laurinda gives a great idea for starting the beginning chain with two colors, and I practiced that a couple of times before I was pleased enough to work into that chain for my first row.

I know, after working with Laurinda's technique, that I'll be using it in my Intarsia crochet work when I want the stitches to be reversible. And I'll be recommending the book to my crochet students at my local yarn shop, and other crocheters I know who use colorwork. It's not often that someone comes up with a new crochet techniue like this, so we should rejoice that we now have a great technique for making Reversible Color Crochet!
Thanks, Laurinda!

If you want to try this great new technique, here's more info about the book:

Reversible Color Crochet

By Laurinda Reddig

Interweave/F+W; $24.99

bit.ly/1ok8bSG

IT GIRL CROCHET by Sharon Zientara

This past summer has been a busy one for me! I had to prepare for my classes at the Crochet Guild of America's 20th Anniversary Crochet Chain Link Conference in July. As a Past President of CGOA, I was also responsible for one aspect of the celebration – CGOA sponsored a "Make and Take" on the Marketplace floor during the conference, and it was my "job" to get crochet designers and teachers to teach an hour session or two of some crochet technique that would be interesting, but also able to learn in an hour. The teachers had to provide the yarn, the pattern, some hooks (just in case), and their time. I volunteered to tech edit the patterns that needed tech editing – and with my tech editing Mentee (thanks, Edith), we were able to do that, with no trouble.  And then, of course, I taught a Make and Take session on Finger Crochet – and really had fun with that – preparing for the session and teaching it! Here's a picture of the scarf that I taught how to make with Finger Crochet. 

And here's a picture of some of the crocheters who learned how to Finger Crochet, and the scarves they made.

I wish I had the time to teach more sessions on Finger Crochet during the conference, but I had 4 other classes to teach, and a book/pattern signing to do, so I had no more time to spare. My 4 classes that I taught were so much fun! There was a lot of prep work that I did – making samples, swatches, editing my handouts, etc. But it was all worth it! Especially when one of my students, who was thrilled that I was going to be her Tech Editing Mentor, sent me a bottle of an adult beverage, on my last night at the conference!

While I was preparing for this conference, in the spring, I was contacted by Craftsy, and asked to film a class on Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches. I love that topic, and love the techniques – the basic Foundation techniques, and the ones I've figured out for myself – so of course, I agreed! I had never filmed a video class before, so I didn't know just what was involved. I learned soon enough! Many, many conference calls and emails with my producer and the acquisition editor. Much crocheting of "step outs", swatches, projects, more projects, more "step outs", more swatches, etc. I probably made more than I would need, but I figured it would be better to have more than enough, than not enough. And still, when I got to the filming location, my producer asked me to crochet something else, for one of the title cards. Luckily, I had excess yarn with me, so I spent one evening crocheting. Not a bad way to fill my time!
Check out my class here: Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches.

After I got home from filming, I had to fly to the CGOA conference after just a few days for R&R at home. After a week, it was home again. And then, I still had a big project to work on – sorry, I can't tell you about it just yet! But I had just about 2 1/2 weeks to start and finish it. Whew! When I was finished with that, I thought I could rest a bit, and do some blogging, but, there was still work to be done on that big project, and follow-up work on my video class.

Finally, my class launched, my secret project was finished, and I could relax – but not for long. I had promised a friend of mine, Jane Schwartz, that I would help her at Stitches East this year, in Hartford, Connecticut. She had a booth where she sold her knitting book The Next Step Knitting book, and some of her separate knit and crochet patterns. (Check out the book and her patterns here - Emerald Isle Designs. She suggested that I could also sell some of my individual crochet patterns. So I had to get ready for that! That was a fun, fun conference, and we both were successful. But we came home exhausted!

So now, I'm home, and catching up with other promises. One thing I said I would do is review a few new crochet books that have been sent to me by Interweave/F+W.  So this is a long, long introduction to the first book that I'm going to review: It Girl Crochet by Sharon Zientara.

IT GIRL CROCHET is a compilation of 16 designers and their 23 "IT GIRL" visions. Hats, capelets, shawls, fingerless mitts, scarves, purses, and belts (I may have left out something) are shown in fashion pictures and close ups, so you can really see the stitches.

You should know I have some guidelines for whether or not I want a book in my vast book collection. Here are some of them:

1. Does the book have designs that I want to crochet?  Even if I don't actually crochet them, they often inspire me in my design work.

2. Are the patterns written in "regular" crochet language? By "regular", I mean language that is standard to crochet patterns.

3. Do the patterns include stitch diagrams?

4. Do the patterns have schematics? And is there comprehensive information on how to join pieces, if there are any pieces to join? And how to finish the project?

5. Is there a section that explains how to make each stitch – with pictures and words?

6. Does it have some interesting stitch patterns?

So, I looked through this book, with #1 in mind. Would I want to crochet any of these designs? Yes, indeed! 

                                      The Rocksteady Cowl, by Sharon Zientara,

                                                 the Sienna Top, by Mimi Alelis, 

      the Psychedelia Mitts on the cover, by Brenda K. B. Anderson,

   the Op Art Reversible Scarf, by Robyn Chachula, 

      and the Greenwich Village Tote, by Yoko Hatta,

are only some of the designs that caught my eye and made me say: mmmmmm!

As for #2 – when I get a book, I look at who did the tech editing. That helps me know if the book will be written in "regular" crochet language. This book passes the test with the tech editor, Karen Manthey.

#3 – Karen, the tech editor, also did the technical illustrations (stitch diagrams and schematics) so I know that they are good!

#4 – there are schematics when needed, and comprehensive info is given on how to join the pieces. And how to finish the projects.

#5 – there is a section on how to make each stitch – with clear pictures and words. And in the pattern pages there are guides and tips and hints for the patterns. Everything you need to be successful!

#6 – Yes – it has some very interesting stitch patterns (see my list of some designs I liked in #1). So, in other words, this book can be used as a stitch dictionary!

So do I recommend this book? Yes – definitely! I think it will be a great addition to your crochet book collection, as it is to mine!

Here's info about the book, and where you can purchase it on-line:

It Girl Crochet

By Sharon Zientara

Interweave/F+W; $22.99

bit.ly/1nlUPI7

Tunisian Crochet for Baby - by Sharon Hernes Silverman

 I have been crocheting since I was 5 years old. Many of you have heard this before from me. I don't know when I discovered Tunisian crochet (called Afghan Crochet when I discovered it) but I do know that when my son was a baby, I made a Tunisian/Afghan stitch stuffed animal for him. I just used Tunisian Simple Stitch (Afghan Stitch) then. And that was a long time ago. I also know that I loved the technique of Afghan Stitch Crochet, but didn't want to do the cross-stitch embroidery on it to make an afghan, which is what the pattern booklets and magazines were showing for this technique. So I didn't do much with Afghan Stitch Crochet, even though I loved to do it. Then, years later when I started teaching in the local yarn shop (about 14 years ago), one of my students had an old Afghan Stitch pattern, for an afghan that she wanted to try. I remembered how to do this technique, so I taught her the stitch. But by then, I knew a lot more. And I started playing with the stitch, and working with larger hooks than we used to work with, and I found that Afghan Stitch Crochet could be drapey, and didn't necessarily have to stand up by itself. And it could also be used for garments. By then, it was beginning to be called Tunisian Crochet. And there were other basic stitches to learn – the Tunisian Knit Stitch, and the Tunisian Purl Stitch were two. Also, the Afghan stitch itself was now called Tunisian Simple Stitch. When I started going to conferences, I took some classes in Tunisian Crochet, and fell in love with it all over again. And, as designers often do, I started playing with the technique – what could I do with it? I tried various stitches, stitch patterns, yarns, and hooks, and decided that Tunisian Crochet was so much fun! I was finding that when I was between projects, I would pick up a Tunisian hook, find some yarn, and crochet something in Tunisian.

And now, I have a new book that I can use to make more things! Tunisian Crochet for Baby, by Sharon Hernes Silverman.

Now you may be saying to yourself "Why does Marty need another book?" Those who know me know that I'm a book junkie! I love books. I collect books. And I have a lot of them. But when I look through a book that I'm thinking about adding to my collection, and talking about  and recommending to my class at the local yarn shop, I do have some criteria that I look for:

1: Does the book have designs that I want to crochet?  Even if I don't actually crochet them, they often inspire me in my design work.

2: Are the patterns written in "regular" crochet language? By "regular", I mean language that is standard to crochet patterns.

3: If the book is centered around a technique, such as Tunisian Crochet, does the book have beginning patterns, intermediate patterns, and experienced patterns? 

4: Are the stitch patterns that are used in the designs Easy, Intermediate and Advanced? And, whatever level they are, are they easy to follow?

5: Do the patterns include stitch diagrams?

6: Do the patterns have schematics? And is there comprehensive information on how to join pieces, if there are any pieces to join? And how to finish the project?

7: Is there a section that explains how to make each stitch – with pictures and words?

8: Does it have some interesting stitch patterns?

Well, guess what? Tunisian Crochet for Baby has all of that! And more! It has really cute patterns; lots of varied stitches and stitch patterns; good directions for the stitches and the patterns. And it's written in "regular" crochet language. And, there are many levels of patterns that are included.

One thing I really like about this book – the patterns are varied. They are different! I would have never thought to crochet a basket and some washcloths for a baby present, (my usual present is an afghan), but when you are short of time, the washcloths and basket are a great idea! They don't take as long as an afghan would, and they are definitely portable! And the basket is worked in Tunisian Simple Stitch, but teaches you a new technique, the Crochet Cast-On. You can use this technique when you want to add stitches at the end of the forward pass.

Here's a picture of the basket:

And here's a picture of the basket with the washcloths:

So, I decided to see how it would be if I were new to Tunisian Crochet, trying to learn it from this book. Sharon has included 4 different patterns for washcloths. One uses the basic Tunisian Simple Stitch. Another one uses the Tunisian Knit Stitch. These are recommended as Easy patterns, great for Tunisian Crochet newbies. I have many skeins of Sugar 'n Cream yarn in my stash, and I picked a self striping one to try. This is what I did with the Tunisian Simple Stitch. I really liked it!

Then, I worked another washcloth with a variegated Sugar 'n Cream yarn. It looks completely different. I then did a Tunisian Knit Stitch version with another variegated yarn. I like that one too! I looked at other patterns, and found a stitch that I wanted to try by itself – the Tunisian Full Stitch – so I made 2 washcloths using that the Full Stitch. Here they all are:

Tunisian Simple Stitch - variegated yarn:

Tunisian Knit Stitch - variegated yarn:

Tunisian Full Stitch with self-striping yarn:

And another Tunisian Full Stitch, this one with variegated yarn:

Sharon even included some baby afghans in this book – and she made one with Tunisian Post Stitches – a stitch that I was intrigued by. This is an Intermediate Pattern. She used two colors of yarn, and explained how to work the stitch around the post of the stitch below! This is my swatch I made to practice this before I do an afghan with this stitch. I really like the way it looks! 

Here's a picture of the afghan and matching hat that use Tunisian Post stitches - The Checkerboard Blanket and Hat Set:

Oh, Sharon even has an afghan made with the Tunisian Simple Stitch, so if you want an easy project, but want to make an afghan for the baby, you can follow this pattern, learn how to change colors, and get a terrific baby afghan for your Baby Presents Closet. (You do have a Baby Presents closet, don't you?)

This is the afghan - The Sherbet Stripes Blanket:

Sharon has a few more cute patterns in the book – ones that just use the Tunisian Simple Stitch – the basket I mentioned before, and easy care pants with suspenders. So you can do a stitch that you're comfortable with, make these patterns, and still learn some new techniques. And when you're ready to tackle some more stitches, other than the Tunisian Simple, you can crochet the hat that goes with the Sherbet Stripes Blanket (see above) – that uses the Tunisian Knit Stitch, and Tunisian Purl Stitch. You can learn how to start a project with regular crochet stitches, and add Tunisian stitches to it. You can learn how to do Tunisian versions of regular crochet stitches, like the Full stitch, the Marguerite Stitch, and the Post stitch. One of my favorite patterns in the book is the Harlequin Blanket, rated Intermediate because of the Entrelac technique. The stitches are all Tunisian Simple Stitch, though. Here's a picture of the Harlequin Blanket:

 Sharon even shows you how to increase and decrease with Tunisian stitches. There is a traditional crochet refresher section, with pictures and directions. There also is a refresher for basic Tunisian Crochet skills. And then a Beyond the Basics section, where she shows pictures of the techniques used to make the "more than basic" Tunisian stitches. And all through the book, Sharon includes hints and tips, apropos for the piece you are working on.

In other words, there's something for everyone to crochet – all levels of crocheters. And you can build your skills with this book. And there are lots of stitches you can use, so you can use this book as a stitch dictionary! It's the best of both – a pattern book and a stitch dictionary! And, also, don't forget, a "Crochet Tips" book!

You can see all the patterns in the "Look Book"  at this site:

http://media.stackpolebooks.com/promotions/12873/tunisianbabylookbook.pdf

And then you can order the book from Stackpole Books (stackpolebooks.com), or Amazon.com.

I know you'll enjoy it!

Oh, one more thing – if you were to ask me what pattern I liked best in this book, I would have to say the Sunny Bow Headband! It is really adorable. And, best of all, Sharon used a stitch that I haven't seen before – you pull yarn over your stitches, and it makes a great effect! Here is a picture of my sample swatches:

And here is a picture of the Sunny Bow Headband! It's even rated Easy!

I think I have a new "go to" baby present!!!

Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches

In case you don't read my other blog: TheCrochetDoctor.blogspot.com, I'm copying my latest post from there - because it offers a chance to win a free class from Craftsy - Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches. Read on! 

This past July, I had the pleasure/honor of video taping a class for Craftsy. Craftsy is a wonderful platform for teachers of various crafts (crocheting, knitting, cooking, photography, etc.), and I have always wanted to be one of their instructors. Well, now I can say it: I am a Craftsy instructor!

I teach a lot of crochet classes at various venues - the Crochet Guild of America's Chain Link conferences, the National NeedleArts Association trade shows, some Stitches conferences, my local yarn shop, and various other yarn shops in other states - just to name a few. I had never taught an on-line class before, though, so it was quite an experience. An extremely great experience! I taught one of my favorite classes, and one of my most favorite techniques to use - Foundation Stitches! How to work a foundation chain, and the stitch that goes into it, at the same time! Some people call it a "chainless foundation". But it isn't "chainless". There is a chain for each stitch, you just don't work all the chains at once, and then crochet the stitches that go into the chains. You chain one, then you work the stitch that goes into that chain. Then you chain another, then you work the stitch that goes into that chain. Etc., etc., etc. It's an amazing technique. And then, after you learn the basic technique, there are  ways you can work Foundation Stitches to start stitch patterns. And color work. And how to add stitches on to a row or round with Foundation Stitches. Lots of information in this class!

Now, I know you probably hate to crochet a long foundation chain, then work your first row of stitches into that chain, only to come up short at the end - you don't have enough chains. Or you have too many chains. Everyone hates that! Well, if you learn how to do Foundation Stitches, you'll never have to worry about that again! You won't waste precious time or energy ripping out that chain and starting all over again. No, no, no! My class is called "Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches", and by the end of the 7 lessons, you will indeed have mastered this technique! But not only will you have mastered the technique. You will have a pattern for a tote bag, a basket, and a dishcloth (that you can easily crochet longer to make a scarf). Plus other stitch patterns that you can use in your crochet!

My class is launching on September 23, 2014. And, Craftsy and I are having a give-away. Yes, that's right! All you have to do is click this link:

http://www.craftsy.com/ext/MartyMiller_Giveaway

and you might win a free class! Yes, I said it right. Click the clink and register at Craftsy (if you're already registered, that's okay - you'll still be entered in the drawing - just click on the link above!) and do it before Midnight, Eastern Time Zone on Monday, September 22, 2014.

I'll let you know on Tuesday, September 23, if you have won!

Good luck to all of you!!!

(Added after September 23, 2014.)

The Give-away class has been given away. But you can still check out the class, and order it from Craftsy. And it even might be on sale! Click this link:

www.craftsy.com/ext/MartyMiller_4809_F

to check  it out!

By the way, if you've never taken a Craftsy class, you might like to know that once you're enrolled in the class, you can access it at any time! You can ask the instructor questions (and they will be answered!), you can show your projects that you crochet for the class, you can enter in discussions, etc., etc., etc. It's a great platform for teaching AND for taking classes. You can even press a 30 second replay button while you're watching a section, if you want to see that part again. 

Hope to see you soon in my Craftsy class - Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches!