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I just want to sit at home and play with my yarn

Tropighana Crochet Blanket with Triple Crab Stitch Border

2/10/2021

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Clear simple, one page directions with chart. Scroll to bottom for free download link.
​I chose this pattern for a relaxing binge and crochet #wip and this textural afghan didn't disappoint. It's amazing what one one simple stitch and five colors can do! 
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The long edges on this piece are so even and uniform, I suppressed my usual urge for border finishing to show these edges off. A triple crab stitch border anchored each end of the afghan with a simple twist (see notes below). This one's a winner... relax and crochet away.
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My Finishing Variation
Triple Crab Stitch Border
All stash yarn; (4) medium weight worsted (see pattern for new yarn specifics).
Finished dimensions: 40" (101.6 cm) width x 66" (172.72 cm) length 
​Border (finish ends only)
  • Row 1: 1 row hdc in start/finish color.  I skipped every 3rd stitch of every (3) dc cluster to work a flat even border foundation.
  • Rows 2-4: Crab stitch 3 rows changing colors each row. Check reverse side on row 2, when you start. Place crab stitch between the previous row stitches (not center of the "v") -when this is done, the border is pretty on both sides.
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Grab and print the FREE Pattern here:

https://www.allfreecrochetafghanpatterns.com/Striped-Afghans/Tropighana-Crochet-Blanket-Pattern-Yarnspirations
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8 Crochet Cat Couch Tips!

2/9/2021

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Want to make a Kitty Couch for your cat? Read this first!
​Pattern link end of post.
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When I stumbled on a free pattern for this cat couch, I knew it was a must make...

1. DOWNLOAD THE MOST RECENT PATTERN UPDATE.

I downloaded the pattern, added it to “next list”, then started it 3 months later. First, I read the entire pattern and had lots of questions. I checked online and discovered the pattern had been revised with an update after I downloaded the first version, answering most of my questions. This is the correct pattern (download link, end of post):
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Yarnspirations.com Free "CROCHET KITTY COUCH" #RHC0720-029832M • Revised 9/7/21
The 2nd version of this pattern shown here is well written. The actual crochet is beginner level, relaxing and fun. If you’re good at following step-by-step instructions, constructing assembling the foam couch foundation is easy too, but, read on... 

​2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH YARN.

This may be obvious, but it's key. I used stash-yarn because I had lots of navy yarn that went with my living room decor. It always begins that way, right?

It didn't take long to realize I had miscalculated the yarn and needed several more skeins and could only get it on-line (two orders!). So much for stash busting. This pattern requires a LOT of yarn.


After that experience I'd recommend using a value yarn like the Red Heart Supersaver® yarn designated on the pattern. At least for the main portion of the couch (and, I'm not a RH ambassador) but after all, it IS their pattern! It's affordable, washable, durable and easy to find for most. Choose a color similar to your cats dominant color so shedded fur doesn’t show as much. 

After completion I had used approximately 35 ozs. of #4 worsted; just under five 7oz. Red Heart Super-Saver® skeins for the base color (gray alone). The picture doesn't look like it takes a lot of yarn, but there is a lot of relaxing crochet that's invisable until you start making the individual pieces!

3. UPHOLSTERY FOAM IS PRICEY,  RE-PURPOSE IF YOU CAN.

I realized the “foam foundation” (couch form) should be made before any crochet begins. That way, you can hold each piece up against the corresponding part of the couch to confirm it fits correctly as you go, saving time and frogging. The foam foundation instructions are on page 5 of the pattern –skip to that part first.

On-line, the upholstery foam would cost  $60+/- which I expected. After trips to Joanne and Hobby Lobby coupons in-hand, I found upholstery foam to be costly there too, so I resorted to some old cushion foam stashed at home.

I'd had two pieces of high-density foam in the attic. Not the precise measurements, in two different colors, but perfefct for this foam foundation considering the savings. High density upholstery foam is firmer and more expensive, but it's not really necessary for this project because most cats are light, right? If you have something that works, use it.

Following the foam foundation instructions (pgs. 5, 4), mark the exact measurements on craft paper (or newsprint, etc), and cut out pattern pieces. This step makes it easy to lay the pattern out on the foam to see the best cutting layout.

Place the largest pattern pieces on your foam first, then the smaller pieces, moving the pattern parts like a jigsaw puzzle to fit every piece before cutting the foam.
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Cut the foam with a serrated bread or steak knife, cutting the sides with the straightest right angles possible trying not to slope those sides.
Then, take a sharpie pen and mark each pattern piece directly onto foam. If you have a key piece that’s a bit too small, consider piecing it with a leftover piece of foam, it won’t show even if the seaming is a bit uneven after gluing. As you can see below, I reallly got piece-happy and saved $60. Remember to cut 2 pieces of foam for armrest.

Cut the foam with a serrated knife, cutting the sides with the straightest right angles possible, trying not to slope those sides as you cut. Relax! With a nice big serrated bread or steak knife, it’s easier than you think. Your crocheted slip cover will be forgiving and cover little irregularities as these photos attest.

The older pattern (that I started with) specified foam glue for assembly. I purchased the upholstery foam glue which looked like Elmers® or tacky glue. It didn’t  fuse well, taking over 2 days to dry completely.

The updated pattern (shown above) specified a hot glue gun👍🏻, so I reinforced the weak spots with my hot glue and it bonded firmly, immediately. Don’t use foam glue, it’s inferior to hot glue.
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If you have a key piece that’s a bit too small, consider piecing it with a leftover piece of foam.
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I painted the form with (water based) latex paint so the (lighter) foam wouldn't show through the stitching.
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In the end, it wasn't a necessary step. For other yarn over foam scenarios, it's an option (water based paints ONLY).
Concerned the navy (stash-buster) yarn I chose for my cover would show the (lighter) foam underneath through my stitching, I painted the foam foundation with navy (water based, LATEX) paint. It dried in approx 24 hrs. while I happily crocheted.

In the end, I discovered that the foam didn't show through my stitches, but  my sad looking patchwork foundation looked  a lot nicer, and I stopped worrying about show through! An easy option if you’re concerned about that.

Final foam note: I used 1/2” foam for the cushions as specified in the first pattern. The revised pattern calls for six pieces of quilt batting, stacking 3 layers in each cushion.  Because I had neither on hand, I chose foam for a spongy, firmer cushion –more like an actual couch cushion.

4. TIME TO CROCHET –AFTER A TEST SWATCH!

Depending on the yarn you use and how tight or loose your stitches are, your measurements may not match up to the pattern if you don’t do a gauge test-swatch first.

After choosing my yarn, I made a 4” x 4” [10 cm] swatch as noted on the pattern. My yarn/tension/gauge fit perfectly. If your swatch isn’t 4” x 4”, adjust your hook size to achieve gauge before starting. Take 10 minutes now to avoid an hours of frogging/redo! 

Keep checking your work laying it on the foam structure to confirm the fit of each piece as you crochet. After confirming that I was crocheting with correct gauge for my yarn, hook and tension, every piece I made fit perfectly (except when I wasn't paying attention and made mistakes 😳).
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Keep checking your work against the foam structure to confirm the fit as you crochet.

5. MAKE THE COUCH FIRST, THEN THE LITTLE BLANKET.

This sweet granny square blanket is the icing on the cake. Instructions for the blanket are on page 2, save it for last. Who wants to make a blanket for a couch that isn't made yet?
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The sweet granny square blanket is the icing on the cake.
Instead, skip to Couch Seat and Back Cushion on pg. 3; moving on to Back of Couch and Top  on pg. 4. As you complete each of these pieces, place it on the couch form to make sure they fit.Checking your work/fit as you go, helps to detect problems (in my case silly mistakes) as you go. Next move on to all the other pieces.

6. A BIT ABOUT COUCH COVER ASSEMBLY.

The assembly diagram on the pattern is all you need to put your couch together, just follow  it step-by-step. The instructions say “sew the couch together.” Instead, I used a slip stitch join because I personally find joining easier using a bit smaller hook for most of the seams.
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Sewing the bottom to the lower egde of the perimeter strip. And, NO FOAM SHOW-THROUGH!
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A slip stitch join on the dust ruffle adds a cording-like look to finish the Dust ruffle seam.
Once the base perimeter strip was attached to the couch, be sure turn the cover right side out, then fit it over the foam foundation permanently. I found it better to skip adding the dust ruffle at this stage, and “sewed the bottom to lower edge of base” first.

Next pin fit the dust ruffle attaching it last. This way, you can be sure the ruffle just barely and evenly meets the floor. Using my slip stitch join on the dust ruffle join made a cording-like finished look, much like a real couch dust ruffle seam. These last 2 joins were made with the lightweight couch sitting easily in my lap.

​7. WARNING: REPETITIVE CROCHET CAN CAUSE TENNIS ELBOW!

I loved crocheting this project. Countless hours of easy, relaxing crochet is my jam and this was the ultimate. That said, I couldn’t put this #wip down; which resulted in a searing pain shooting down my right arm elbow to wrist and sending me to the net to confirm my suspicions. Yup. My first bout of tennis (or crochet) elbow –something many of us yarn addicts develop at some point. Fortunately, I had to wait for snail mail to deliver more yarn curtailing my crochet frenzy for a few days as the pain faded...

I also ordered an affordable Arm Compression Sleeve which helped reduce the pain for a few days. Now that the project is over and I’m back to variety in my stitching, my tennis elbow hasn’t reoccurred. But, if I ever start a “relaxing crochet project” like this again, I’ll put the compression sleeve on to avoid tendon/muscle pain.

​8. CONSIDER SEWING THE COVER FOR A QUICKER PROJECT!?

Odd to end on this final note, right? I just can’t help thinking this couch would have been just as cute and much quicker to make if I’d simply cut the couch out of denim fabric. Or, better still  home dec fabric that  complements my living room furniture fabric. I’m saving the pattern pieces in case I want to update the look with a slipcover in the future 🤭

UPDATE 10/22: The couch is adorable, but a crocheted cover is not great for lounging kitties catching claws and shedding fur! Can't wait to cut this pattern out using a pair of old jeans, for a durable washable update here soon!

Hope this helps you complete a couch for your cat. It’s so much fun to see my kitty lounging where I want her to be –on her own couch!
Download the free pattern HERE.
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Granny Wave Border Blanket

2/8/2021

1 Comment

 
There’s a plethora of free Granny Ripple blanket patterns online. I made my variations using Oombawka Designs "Healing Granny Ripple Blanket", a free 13 page pdf with everything you need to make this in multiple sizes with clear detailed instructions, edging details and charts for the blanket AND the edging. Find out more about Rhonda; the designer and download links at the end of this post.

Just remember... these are rough notes targeted to those who know the basics of crochet. None of it is difficult, but if you don't understand my directions, "google" the term in question for clarification:) 
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You'll Need:
Lion  Mandala Ombré Yarn (for throw size)
    4 Cakes Mantra (Aquas/Blues)
    2 Cakes Harmony (Lt - Dark Denim Blues)
Hook: 6 mm (J), or size required for gauge
Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker
Substitutions: Acrylic Yarns with a Weight of 4 (Medium)
(My) Finished Size 44" 68" +/-(Throw).
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​How I did it!

​Mandala Ombré’s color changes are more subtle than the original: each color gradually blends into the other in both tonal and multi-colored versions. The printing technique allows for some of the cream yarn base to show through, creating a hand-dyed, artisanal effect. Mandala Ombré is slightly thicker than some worsteds, spun with multiple plies of premium acrylic, which give it the look and feel of merino at a fraction of the cost. Soft, springy, yummy!
​I started the Healing Granny Ripple Blanket with the darkest* of the "Harmony" yarn for first 6 rows, then switched to the "Mantra" until I got to 6 rows short of my desired length switching back to 6 rows of darkest Harmony to anchor my waves. 

*Lion Brand Ombré Cakes have several color bands. Mantra cakes have 6 shades of color while the Harmony cakes had 3 varied tones of the same shade of light to dark blue denim. To create the beginning and end rows, Granny Points and foundation for the blanket edging I wound a ball of each color from the cakes, joining with an invisible knot as necessary, unwinding a cake in each color (larger blankets my require more border yarn). 
Now this is "relaxing crochet"!
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Used the (darker) Harmony yarn for first and last rows and granny points making a deep contrast to frame the blanket.
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​Making balls of each color for the border from remaining cakes.

​Of course, this wouldn't be complete without a kitty assist...

​After the blanket is complete make your Granny Points

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Begin with a magic loop. 
• Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc on all rounds), 3 dc in ring, ch 1, 4 dc in ring. Fasten off. (8 dc) 
• Row 2: Join yarn in top of ch-3, ch 3, 3 dc in same stitch, skip next 3 dc, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 space, skip 3 dc, 4 dc in last dc. Fasten off. 
• Row 3: Join yarn in top of ch-3, ch 3, 3 dc in same stitch, skip next 3 dc, 3 dc in space before next 3-dc group, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 space, skip next 3 dc, 3 dc in space before next 3-dc group, skip 3 dc, 4 dc in last dc. Fasten off.
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​Make points, lay them along each long edge making sure the tonal variations in the yarn (my points were made from the darkest of the ombré yarn, but some were lighter). Then stack in order (I use a couple chop sticks) and do an Invisible Join (Google it!?)  up the side. Leave 1 - 2 stitches (no more!) between adjacent points where they connect to the blanket, these little spaces will close up and snug the neighboring points together when you add the border.
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Edging:
Oombawka Designs "Healing Granny Ripple Blanket" has pretty edging instructions with a nice chart for reference. I used this pattern, with sc for first few rows, decreasing in the valleys (pulling the little space between the points together), and increasing on the peaks as outlined. I did a slight variation on my final 2 rows of border. Have fun like I did and make this pattern your own!

Download the pattern HERE!

"Healing Ripple Blanket"
Thanks to the pattern designer:

Rhondda is a freelance Crochet Designer and full-time Blogger at Oombawka Design Crochet: oombawkadesigncrochet.com
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Here she shares her love of crochet with the online crochet community through her beginner friendly free patterns and tutorials.  She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two young children. You can also find her patterns on Ravelry as RhonddaM
1 Comment

    Paula Heckathorn

    Sharing some yarn fun.

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