Special Squares- January

This series of swaps will be open to ALL group members. So please be aware that this is international.
You will have 2 partners, and will be making each partner 1 square.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!

I found a bunch of patterns on-line, that I thought we could try, they are for squares feature different stitches, techniques, or variations of a traditional granny square. This is to get us out of our comfort zone, to try something new, or brush up on something we may have tried. I believe all the patterns are in US crochet terms, if you are not familiar with them, you may have to look up a conversion chart.

I am going to be picky about this series as well- gauge will be very important, each square will measure 8 inches, or as close to that as possible (within a ¼ inch)! ( I have received, and I’m sure you all have too, squares that don’t meet the size requirement) Measuring as you go is key, if you find the square is coming out to large, try a smaller hook, or if to small, try a bigger hook.
I have tried to find patterns that are 8 inch finished squares, but a few may not be, you may have to add an extra row, or leave off a row, to get the desired finished size.

For each square you will use at least 2 colors, you can use solids, or multicolored yarns, your choice. Since this is your choice on colors, you can start the squares right away. If using multicolored yarn that will count as 1 color. Some of the patterns will show more than 2 colors, and some may only show 1 color, if the pattern only shows one color, it is up to you, how, or where you add the second color. If it shows more that 2 colors, you can add the extra colors if you wish, or just stick to the 2.

Please use a worsted weight yarn, such as Red Heart Brands, Vanna’s Choice, I Love This Yarn, from Hobby Lobby, Lion Brand, Bernat, or similar. For our international friends, I have received lovely squares from you, but the yarns you have, are a bit thinner than what we have here in the states, so you will have to “play” with the patterns to get the right size.

Please finish off squares neatly, all ends woven in, and then clipped, please do not, knot the yarn for any reason, this tutorial shows how to join yarn colors if you are unfamiliar on how to do it. tutorial

For January we will be using Linda’s Snowflake Potholder Pattern found

here

This pattern features, double crochets in different variations to form the snowflake. Since this is a potholder pattern, you will not need to crochet the 2 squares together, this way you will have 1 square for each partner. The sample I made, came out to 7 1/2 inches through Rnd. 7, so you may need to add the single crochet border, to each square to get the 8 inches required.

For February we will be using The African Flower Square Tutorial, found

here

This pattern features a spike single crochet, or long sc, as well as shells. This pattern calls for cotton yarn, you will use worsted weight. The sample I made I used a G or H hook, can’t remember which, the square came out to 7 inches, so I repeated round 7 to get an 8 inch square.

March- December-- to come.

This is a group swap so there shouldn’t be any problems, but if something unforeseen does happen, please let your partners and myself know. Communication is a good thing! If joining each months swap, the squares from the previous month will need to be sent before joining the next month. As always I will angel if needed.