2021 Indiana State Fair Winner!

 

This runner, called the Briar Rose Table Runner Pattern #7605, took a second place ribbon at the 2021 Indiana State Fair.  The pattern can be found here:  Click here for free pattern.  

Popcorn Points

I love larger doilies so decided to try my hand at designing one.  The mid section points seem to give it a 3-D, textured look, even from a distance.  If you find any errors, please alert me so I can make corrections.  

I think this will be my next year's State Fair entry!

Please share your photos on Ravelry!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hook Size: 6 (1.80mm) metal hook

Thread: Size 10 crochet thread. Approx 700 yards (2 balls at 350 yds each).

Color used in photo was Aqua.                                  Size after blocking: 25”

 

Popcorn Stitch (pc): 

Popcorn are made in the ch1 next to the prior row’s pc unless otherwise specified.

Row 1: 4dc into same st.  (For Beginning PC, do ch2, 3 dc in same st)

Row 2: remove hook from the loop that you were just working with.

Row 3: put the hook into the beg of the 4dc, right through the st and right through the loop.

Row 4: yo and draw through both loops on the hook like a sl st.

 

DIRECTIONS:

Row 1: Ch5; join.

Row 2: Ch2; 9dc in circle (10dc)

Row 3: Ch2; dc in same stitch as join; 2dc in each stitch around (20dc)

Row 4: Ch1; sc in same stitch as join; ch3, skip dc; *sc in next dc; ch3.  Repeat from (*) around.  Join last ch3 to starting ch1. (10 loops)

Row 5: Sl st into next loop.  Ch1; sc in loop; ch4; *sc in next loop; ch4.  Repeat from (*) around.  Join last ch4 to starting ch1 (10 loops)

Row 6: 2sl st into next loop. Ch1; sc in loop; ch5 *sc in next loop; ch5.  Repeat from (*) around.  Join last ch5 to starting ch1. (10 loops)

Row 7: Sl st into next loop. Ch2; 6dc in loop; ch1; *7dc in next loop; ch1. Repeat from (*) around.  Join last ch1 to top of starting ch2. (10 ch1 loops: 10 sets of 7dc)

Row 8: Ch2; dc in next 2 dc; sk dc; dc in next 3 dc; ch1; pc stitch in ch1 sp; ch1; *dc in next 3 dc; sk dc; dc in next 3 dc; ch1; pc stitch in ch1 sp; ch1. Repeat from (*) around.  Join last ch1 to top of starting ch2. (10 pcs; 10 sets of 6dc)

Row 9: Ch2; dc in next dc; 2dc-dec; dc in next 2dc; ch1; (pc in ch1; ch1) twice; *dc in next 2 dc; 2dc-dec; dc in next 2dc; ch1; (pc in ch1; ch1) twice. Repeat from (*) around. Join to top of starting ch2.  (20 pcs; 10 sets of 5dc).

Row 10: Ch2; dc in next dc; 2dc-dec; dc in next 2 dc; ch1; (pc; ch1) 3 times; *dc in next dc; 2dc-dec; dc in next 2 dc; ch1; (pc, ch1) 3 times. Repeat from (*) around.  Join to stop of starting ch2. (10 sets of 3 pcs; 10 sets of 4dc)

Row 11: Ch2; 2dc-dec; dc; ch1; (pc; ch1) 4 times; *dc; 2dc-dec; dc; ch1; (pc; ch1) 4 times.  Repeat from (*) around. Join to stop of starting ch2. (10 sets of 4pcs; 10 sets of 3dc)

 Row 12: Ch2; 2dc-dec; ch1; (pc, ch1) 5 times; *3dc-dec; ch1; (pc, ch1) 5 times. Repeat from (*) around.  Join to top of 2dc-dec with sl st. (10 sets of 5 pcs; 10 sets of 1dc).

Row 13: Ch5; sk 1^st pc; (pc ch1) 3 times; pc; ch3; sk last pc; *dc in dc; ch3; sk 1^st pc; (pc, ch1) 3 times; pc; ch3.  Repeat from (*) around.  Join with sl st in 2^nd ch of the starting ch5. (10 sets of 4 pcs; 10 dc; 20 ch3 sp).

Row 14: Sl st in first 2 chains of next loop. Ch5; sk pc; (pc, ch1) twice; pc; *(ch3, dc in space) twice; ch3; sk pc; (pc, ch1) twice; pc; ch3; dc in space; ch3; join with sl st in 2^nd stitch on starting ch5.(10 set of 3dc; 10 sets of 3 spaces).

Row 15: Sl st into next sp; ch5; sk pc; pc; ch1; pc; *(ch3, dc in sp) 3 times; ch3; sk pc; pc; ch1; pc. Repeat from (*) around.  (ch3; dc in sp) twice; ch3. Join with sl st to 2^nd ch in starting ch5. (10 sets of 2 pc; 10 sets of 4 spaces.)

Row 16: Sl st into first 2 ch of next loop; ch5; *sk pc; pc; *(ch3, dc in sp)4 times; ch3; Repeat from (*) around. Sk pc; pc; (ch3, dc in sp) 3 times; ch3. Join with sl st to 2^nd chain in beginning ch5. (10 pc; 10 sets of 5 spaces).

Row 17: Ch5; dc in top of pc; *(ch3, dc in sp) 5 times; ch3; dc in top of pc. Repeat from (*) around. (ch3, dc in sp) 4 times; ch3. Join in 2^nd ch in starting ch5. (60 spaces)

Row 18: Sl st in first 2 ch of next loop.  Ch6; *dc in next sp; ch4. Repeat around. Join with a ch1, dc in 2^nd ch of starting ch6. (60 spaces)

Row 19: Ch6, *dc in next sp; ch4.  Repeat around. Join with sl st in 2^nd chain of starting ch6. (60 spaces)

Row 20: Sl st into next loop. Ch1, sc in same loop, ch3, sc in same loop; (in next loop, ch3, sc, ch3, sc) around.  Join with ch1, dc in starting ch1. (120 spaces)

Row 21: Ch1, sc in same sp. ( Ch3, sc in next sp) around. (120spaces)

Row 22: Repeat row 21.

Row 23: Repeat row 21.

Row 24: Repeat row 21.

Row 25: Ch1, sc in same sp; (ch3, sc in next sp) 9 times; ch1; pc in next sp; ch1; sc in next sp; *(ch3, sc in next sp) 10 times; ch1 pc in next sp; ch 1; sc in next sp.  Repeat from (*) around. Join with ch1, dc in starting ch1. (10 pcs, 100 spaces).

Row 26: Ch1, sc in same sp; *(ch3, sc in next sp) 9 times; (ch1; pc in next ch1 sp) twice; ** sc in next sp; repeat from (*) to (**).  Join final ch1 with sl st to starting ch1.

Row 27: Sl st in first 2 ch of next loop; ch1, sc in same loop. *(ch3, sc in next sp) 8 times; ch1; (pc in ch1 sp; ch1) 3 times. Repeat from (*) around. Join final ch1 with sl st to starting ch1. (10 sets of 3pc’s; 10 sets of 8 spaces).

Row 28: Sl st in first 2 ch of next loop; ch1, sc in same loop. *(ch3, sc in next sp) twice;  ch3; sc in same loop; (ch3, sc in next sp) 3 times; ch3; sc in same loop; (ch3, sc in next sp) twice; ch1; (pc, ch1 4 times); ch1; sc in next sp.  …..Repeat from (*) around.  Join final ch1 with sl st to starting ch1. (10 sets of 4pc’s; 10 sets of 9 spaces.)

Row 29:Sl st in first 2 ch of next loop; ch1, sc in same loop. *(ch3, sc in next sp) 8 times; ch1; (pc in ch1 sp; ch1) 5 times. Repeat from (*) around. Join final ch1 with sl st to starting ch1. (10 sets of 5pc’s; 10 sets of 8 spaces).

Row 30: Sl st into next loop. Beg PC in same loop; (ch2; pc in next sp) 7 times; (ch2, pc in next ch1 sp) 6 times; *(ch2; pc in next sp) 8 times; (ch2, pc in next ch1 sp) 6 times. Repeat from (*) around.  Ch2 and join in to top of first pc. (140 pc’s and 140 ch2 sp’s).

Row 31: Sl st to next sp; Beg PC; ch2; (pc in next sp; ch2) around. Join with sl st to top of first pc. (140 pcs’s and 140 ch2 sp’s).

Row 32: Repeat row 31.  (140 pcs’s and 140 ch2 sp’s).

Row 33: Sl st into next sp. Ch5; *(dc in next sp; ch3) around.  Join last ch3 with sl st into second ch of beginning ch5. (140 sp)

Row 34: Repeat row 33. (140 sp)

Row 35: Repeat row 33. (140 sp)

Row 36: Repeat row 33. (140 sp)

Row 37: Sl st into next sp. Ch6; *(dc in next sp; ch4) around.  Join last ch4 with sl st into second ch of beginning ch5. (140 sp)

Row 38: Repeat row 38.

Row 39: Repeat row 38.

Row 40: Repeat row 38.

Row 41: Repeat row 38.

Row 42: Ch4; dc in same stitch as join. Ch2; *(in next dc, make dc, ch2, dc – V-stitch made; ch2). Repeat from (*) around.  Join last ch2 to second ch in starting ch4. (140 V-stitches; 140 ch2 spaces).

Row 43: Sl st into next V-stitch sp; beg pc; ch1; V-stitch in next ch2 space; ch1; *(pc in next V-stitch sp; ch1; V-stitch in next ch2 sp; ch1). Repeat from (*) around. Join last ch1 with sl st to top of beg pc. (140 pc’s; 140 ch2 spaces)

Row 44: Sl st in next space, in next dc, into the ch2 sp of the V-stitch. Beg pc in V-stitch space; ch2; dc in next dc; skip pc; dc in next dc; ch2; *(pc in ch2-space of V-stitch; ch2; dc in next dc; skip pc; dc in next dc; ch2).  Repeat from (*) around.  Join last ch2 with sl st to top of beg pc. Cut off and weave in ends.  Block to size.

1

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUND

Diamonds in the Round                            *(updated 3-3-21)

I love the popcorn stitch.  I love the pillowy look it lends to projects.  

I love the bpdc (Back Post Double Crochet) because of the tiny wall it makes, as if to frame the section of work.  I also incorporated a bpsc (back post single crochet) on the outer trim.

I put four popcorn stitches together to form a diamond "round". Before I started adding the ch3 loops, I thought it looked like a medallion.

This is a fairly simple design, but can be made bigger just by adding more loops.  

Pattern is also published on Ravelry.com

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamonds-in-the-round-3

Crochet thread: Size 10, approx 250 yards.

Hook: Size 7 (1.65mm) metal crochet hook

Size: Approximately 10” across

 

Special Stitches:

 

Popcorn Stitch: (PC)

Work 5 double crochet (dc) stitches in the same stitch.  Drop the loop from your hook. Insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first double crochet of the group. Grab the dropped loop with your hook and pull it through the stitch.

 

Bpdc – Back Post Double Crochet:  Yarn over the hook, inwert hook from back of stitch to front (around the post) to back of stitch; yarn over and pull up 1 loop (3 loops on hook); YO and pull through 2 loops; YO and pull through remaining 2 loops on hook.

Bpsc – Back Post Single Crochet: Same as bpdc except make sc instead of dc.

1.    Ch4; join with sl st

2.    Ch2; 11dc in ring (12 total dc)

3.    Ch2; 2dc in each dc around (24)

4.    sc in join; *(Ch3, sk dc, sc in next dc) around.  To join last loop, ch1, dc in orig sc. (12 loops)

5. sc in loop; *(ch4; sc in next loop) around.  To join last loop, ch1, dc in orig sc. (12 loops)

6.  sc in loop; Ch4; *(sc in next loop; ch4) around.  To join, sl st in base of first ch4. (12 loops)

7.    Sl st in next loop; ch2; 4dc in loop; dc in sc; *(5dc in next loop; dc in sc) around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch2. (72dc)

8.    Ch1; bpdc around same post as join; bpdc in next 5 dc; ch1; *(bpdc in next 6dc; ch1); repeat around; join with sl  st  to top of beg bpdc. (72dc; 6 ch1 sp)

9.    Sl st in next dc; ch2; dc in next 3dc; ch1; *(sk dc; PC in ch1 sp; ch1; sk dc; dc in next 4dc; ch1; PC in ch1 sp; ch1); repeat around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch2.

10. Sl st into next dc; Ch2; dc in next dc; [ch1; PC in ch1 sp;] twice; ch1; *(sk dc; dc in next 2dc; [ch1; PC in ch1 sp;] twice; ch1). Repeat around; join with sl st to top of beg ch2.

11. Ch2; dc in next dc; 2dc in ch1 sp; ch1; PC in ch1 sp; ch1; 2dc in ch1 sp; *(dc in next  2dc; 2dc in ch1 sp; ch1; PC in ch1 sp; ch1; 2dc in ch1 [sp).  Repeat around.  Join with sl st to top of beg ch2.

12. Ch2; dc in next 3dc; *(dc in ch1 sp; 2dc in top of PC; dc in ch1 sp;(**) dc in next 6dc). Repeat around to (**). dc in next 2 dc; join with sl st to stop of beg ch2.

13. Ch1; bpdc around same post as join; bpdc in each dc around.  Join with sl st to top of beg bpdc.

14. Ch2; dc in next 5dc; *(2dc in dc; dc in next 8dc); 2dc in dc; join with sl st to beg ch2.

15. Sc in join. *(Ch3, sk dc; dc in next dc) around.  Join with sl st in beg sc.

16. Sl st into next loop. Sc in loop.  *(ch3; sc in next loop) around. Join with sl st in beg sc.

17. Repeat row 16.

18. Repeat row 16.

19. Repeat row 16.

20. Sl st into next loop. Sc in loop.  *(ch4; sc in next loop) around. Join with sl st in beg sc.

21. Repeat row 20.

22. Repeat row 20

23. Repeat row 20.

24. Repeat row 20.

25. Repeat row 20.

26. Ch2; *(4dc in next loop; dc in sc); Repeat around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch2.

27. Ch1; bpsc in join, bpsc in next 2dc; ch2; *(bpsc in next 5sc; ch2); bpsc in next 2sc; join with sl st to beg bpsc.  Cut off and weave in ends.

######################

For Coaster Size Doily: 

Do rows 1-13.

Row 14: ch1; sc in join; *(ch3; sk dc; sc in next sc); repeat around. Join with sl st to beg sc. Tie off.

C

 "TUESDAY"

The free pattern is located at the bottom of this blog and can be found on Ravelry.

After making the pattern "Monday Monday", I could  see the star shape in the center but it seemed hidden amongst the many loops and spaces.  So "Tuesday is basically the "Monday Monday" center with changes to fill in around the star so the shape is more accented.

Here are "Monday" and "Tuesday" side by side so you can see the similarities and the differences:

PATTERN:

 Below is the pattern.  I only ask that you share your finished works on my Ravelry page, under "projects".  I would love to see your work, especially if done in  different colors!  Pattern has been multi-tested, but stuff happens.  If you find any errors, please let me know so I can make corrections.

“Tuesday” is the same as “Monday Monday” thru row 13.  It starts changing at row 14 to accent the star shape.

Made with size 10 thread and size 7 (1.65mm) hook.  Approx 8” diameter.

Special Stitches:

V-stitch-1:  dc, ch3, dc

V-stitch-2: 2dc, ch1, 2dc

Base V stitch: dc in dc, in loop make 2dc-ch2-2dc; dc in dc (you will have a “V” with 3 dc on each side and a ch2 in between)

Notes:  most patterns start a dc row with a “ch3”.  I don’t like that look, so my rows start with “ch2”.  If you prefer the “ch3, dc……”, feel free to substitute your preference except where noted the beginning ch2 is required in rows 14.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.    Ch6, join with slip stitch (6) 

2.    Ch2, 15dc in ring. Join with sl st to top of ch2. (16)

3.    Ch2, dc in same space as join; 2dc in each dc around. Join. (32)

4.    Ch2, 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next dc; ch3, sk next dc, *(dc in next dc; 2dc in next dc; 1 dc in next dc, ch3, sk next dc); repeat from (*) around. Join with sl st to top of ch3. (8 sp; 8 4dc clusters) 

5.    Ch2, 2dcdec over negxt 2 dc, dc in next dc; ch2, dc in ch3 space, ch2, *(dc in next dc, 2dcdec over next 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch2, dc in ch3 space, ch2), repeat from (*) around, join with sl st to top of ch2. (8 clusters; 16 sp) 

6.    Ch2, 2dcdec over next 2 dc, *( [ch3, dc in next ch2 sp] twice, ch3, 3dc-dec over next 3 dc,) repeat from (*) around, ch3,  join to top of beginning cluster. (24 sp, 8 clusters) 

7.    Sl st in first 2 ch of next loop, ch5, dc in same stitch, *V-stitch-1 in center stitch of next loop; repeat from (*) around. Join with sl st to 2^nd ch of the beginning ch5. (24 loops) 

8.    Sl st to middle stitch of next loop; ch5, dc in same stitch, sk dc, Base-V, *(V-stitch-1 in center stitch of next 2 loops, make Base-V in next loop), repeat from (*) around; V-stitch-1 in next loop; join with sl st in 2^nd stitch of the ch5.  (8 Base-V’s; 16 spaces). 

9.    Sl st to center ch of next loop; ch1, sc in same loop, [ch3, dc in next 3 dc] twice; *([ch3, sc in next sp], twice, [ch3, dc in next 3 dc] twice ), repeat from (*) around. Ch 3, sc in next sp, ch 3, sc in original ch1 at base of beginning loop. (16 sets of 3dc; 32 sp) 

10. Sl st to top of 1^st dc. Ch2, dc in next 2 dc, ch 3, sc in sp, ch 3 dc in next 3 dc, ch 3, sk next sp, sc in next sp, ch3, *(dc in next 3 dc, ch 3, sc in sp, ch 3 dc in next 3 dc, ch 3, sk next sp, sc in next sp, ch3), join with sl st to top of beginning ch2. (28 loops; 16 sets of 3dc) 

11. Ch2, dc in next 2 dc, [ch3, sc in next sc] twice, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch2, sc in next sc, ch2, *(dc in next 3dc, , [ch3, sc in next sc] twice, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch2, sc in next sc, ch2 ). Repeat around. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch2. (40 loops, 16 sets of 3dc). 

12. Ch2, dc in next 2 dc; [ch3, sc in loop] 3 times; ch3, dc in next 3 dc; ch2, *(dc in next 3 dc; [ch3, sc in loop] 3 times; ch3, dc in next 3 dc; ch2). Repeat around. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch2.  (40 loops, 16 sets of 3dc). 

13. Ch2, dc in next 2 dc; [ch3, sc in next loop] 4 times; ch3, dc in next 3 dc; ch1, *(dc in next 3 dc; [ch3, sc in next loop] 4 times; ch3, dc in next 3 dc, ch1). Repeat around. Join with st st to top of beginning ch2. (40 loops, 8 ch1 spaces; 16 sets of 3dc). 

14. Sl st to next dc; Ch2 (required), dc in next dc. ch3; [sc in next loop, ch3] twice; 3 dc in next loop; sc in next sp; ch3, sc in next loop; ch3; *([dc2tog over next 2 dc] 3 times; [ch3, sc in next loop] twice;35 dc in next sp; sc in next sp; ch3, sc in next loop; ch3). Repeat from (*) around.  [Dc2tog over next 2 dc] twice. Join with sl st to top of beginning 2dctog.   

15. Sl st to center of next loop; sc in same stitch; ch 3, sc in next loop, *(dc in sc stitch; dc in next 3 dc; dc in next sc; [sc in next sp; ch3] twice, 3dctog over next 3 dc; ** [ch3; sc in next sp] twice; ). Repeat from (*) around, stop at (**) at the end of the round.  Ch3, join with sl st to beginning ch1. (32 sp, 8 3dctog clusters, 8 groups of 5dc’s) 

16. Sl st to center of next loop;  sc in same loop; *(2dc in next sc; 2dc in next dc; dc in next 3 dc; 2 dc in next dc; 2 dc in next sc; [sc in next sp; ch3]  3 times; ** Sc in next sp.) Repeat from * around, ending at **.  Join with sl st in original ch1. (24 sp; 8 sets of 11 dc’s) 

17. Ch2; dc in same sp; *(dc in next dc; 2dc in next dc; dc in next 7 dc; 2 dc in next dc; dc in next dc; 2dc in next sc; sc in sp; [ch3, sc in next sp] twice). **; 2dc in next sc,  Repeat from * around, stopping at ** at end of round; Join with sl st to top of original ch2. (16 sp, 8 sets of 17dc)

18. Ch2, *([2dc in next dc; dc in next 6 dc] twice; 2 dc in next dc; dc in next dc; 2dc in next sc; sc in next sp; ch3; sc in next space; 2 dc in sc.) Repeat from (*) around; Join with sl st to top of original ch2.  (8 sp; 8 sets of 24dc) 

19. Ch2; dc in next 21 dc; dc in sc; sc in sp; *(dc in sc; dc in 24dc; dc in sc; sc in sp). Repeat from (*) around.  dc in sc; dc in next 2 dc; join with sl st to top of original ch2.  (8 sc; 8 sets of 26 dc’s).                                             

20. Ch2, dc in every stitch around.  join with sl st to top of original ch2. (216 dc) 

21. (Ch3, sk dc; sc in next dc) around. for last loop, ch1, hdc in base of starting ch3. (107 sp) 

22. (ch3, sc in next loop) around.  For last loop, ch1, hdc in base of started ch3. (107 sp) 

23.  (ch3, sc in next loop) around. For last loop, ch3, sl st into base or original ch3. (107 sp) 

24. Sl st into next sp; ch2; 2hdc in sp; 3hc in each sp around. Join with sl st; weave in ends; block.

 

Monday Monday

The written pattern is found at the very end of this narrative. It can also be found on "Ravelry".

"MONDAY MONDAY" DOILY

 I have been working on smaller projects to use up my stash of leftover yarns and threads. The other day, I just picked up my size 7 hook and size 10 thread and just started crocheting.  When I first learned to crochet, at the age of 7, we couldn't afford many pattern books (and it was "back in the day" before internet....WAY before internet!), making a doily under the "make it up as you go" tactic was pretty common.

My first version turned out ok, but I saw some things I wanted to change.  I also had not written down any of my steps while making the first one,  so making the second one gave me a chance to do that.

Here is a side by side comparison of the prototype ad the final version.  The first one (left) was done in a color called "Deep Ocean".  The second was done in a seafoam green.The changes are subtle. Basically there were two changes...

First one: I grabbed only one chain-row for this effect.  On the second one, I held off on this wrap until  the next row, then grabbed TWO chain-rows from below.  The difference, again, is subtle, but I'll explain further as we go along.

I also changed the border.  The original was just a ch3 loop, which I thought would give it shape when blocked, but it looked too messy to me. Putting a ch3 between the dc's in the border gave it a crisp point after blocking.

As shown below, the "grab one" vs "grab two" difference is in the line that runs along the top of the "V".  In the original, the line looks like just a straight thread running around the design.

In the final version, the "grab two" version gives this row a little boucne and curve .... more shape.

Below is the pattern.  I only ask that you share your finished works on my Ravelry page, under "projects".  I would love to see your work, especially if done in  different colors!  Pattern has been multi-tested, but stuff happens.  If you find any errors, please let me know so I can make corrections.

PATTERN:

NOTE:  Corrections have been made to rows 11 and 22.  -----July 30, 2021

Made with size 10 thread and size 7 (1.65mm) hook.  Approx 8” diameter.

Special Stitches:

V-stitch-1:  dc, ch3, dc

V-stitch-2: 2dc, ch1, 2dc

Base V stitch: dc in dc, in loop make 2dc-ch2-2dc; dc in dc (you will have a “V” with 3 dc on each side and a ch2 in between)

Notes:  most patterns start a dc row with a “ch3”.  I don’t like that look, so my rows start with “ch2”.  If you prefer the “ch3, dc……”, feel free to substitute your preference except where noted the beginning ch2 is required in row 14.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.    Ch6, join with slip stitch (6)

2.    Ch2, 15dc in ring. Join with sl st to top of ch2. (16) 

3.    Ch2, dc in same space as join; 2dc in each dc around. Join. (32) 

4.    Ch2, 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next dc; ch3, sk next dc, *(dc in next dc; 2dc in next dc; 1 dc in next dc, ch3, sk next dc); repeat from (*) around. Join with sl st to top of ch3. (8 sp; 8 4dc clusters) 

5.    Ch2, 2dcdec over next 2 dc, dc in next dc; ch2, dc in ch3 space, ch2, *(dc in next dc, 2dcdec over next 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch2, dc in ch3 space, ch2), repeat from (*) around, join with sl st to top of ch2. (8 clusters; 16 sp) 

6.    Ch2, 2dcdec over next 2 dc, *( [ch3, dc in next ch2 sp] twice, ch3, 3dc-dec over next 3 dc,) repeat from (*) around, ch3,  join to top of beginning cluster. (24 sp, 8 clusters) 

7.    Sl st in first 2 ch of next loop, ch5, dc in same stitch, *V-stitch-1 in center stitch of next loop; repeat from (*) around. Join with sl st to 2^nd ch of the beginning ch5. (24 loops) 

8.    Sl st to middle stitch of next loop; ch5, dc in same stitch, sk dc, Base-V, *(V-stitch-1 in center stitch of next 2 loops, make Base-V in next loop), repeat from (*) around; V-stitch-1 in next loop; join with sl st in 2^nd stitch of the ch5.  (8 Base-V’s; 16 spaces). 

9.    Sl st to center ch of next loop; ch1, sc in same loop, [ch3, dc in next 3 dc] twice; *([ch3, sc in next sp], twice, [ch3, dc in next 3 dc] twice ), repeat from (*) around. Ch 3, sc in next sp, ch 3, sc in original ch1 at base of beginning loop. (16 sets of 3dc; 32 sp) 

10. Sl st to top of 1^st dc. Ch2, dc in next 2 dc, ch 3, sc in sp, ch 3 dc in next 3 dc, ch 3, sk next sp, sc in next sp, ch3, *(dc in next 3 dc, ch 3, sc in sp, ch 3 dc in next 3 dc, ch 3, sk next sp, sc in next sp, ch3), join with sl st to top of beginning ch2. (28 loops; 16 sets of 3dc) 

11. Ch2, dc in next 2 dc, [ch3, sc in next sp] twice, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch2, sc in next sp, ch2, *(dc in next 3dc, , [ch3, sc in next sp] twice, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch2, sc in next sp, ch2 ). Repeat around. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch2. (40 loops, 16 sets of 3dc). 

12. Ch2, dc in next 2 dc; [ch3, sc in loop] 3 times; ch3, dc in next 3 dc; ch2, *(dc in next 3 dc; [ch3, sc in loop] 3 times; ch3, dc in next 3 dc; ch2). Repeat around. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch2.  (40 loops, 16 sets of 3dc). 

13. Ch2, dc in next 2 dc; [ch3, sc in next loop] 4 times; ch3, dc in next 3 dc; ch1, *(dc in next 3 dc; [ch3, sc in next loop] 4 times; ch3, dc in next 3 dc, ch1). Repeat around. Join with st st to top of beginning ch2. (40 loops, 8 ch1 spaces; 16 sets of 3dc). 

14. Sl st to next dc; Ch2 (required), dc in next dc. ch3; [sc in next loop, ch3] twice; V-stitch-2 in center ch of next loop; [ch3, sc in next loop] twice; ch3; *([dc2tog over next 2 dc] 3 times; ch3, [sc in next loop, ch3] twice; V-stitch-2 in center ch of next loop; [ch3, sc in next loop] twice, ch3). Repeat around.  [Dc2tog over next 2 dc] twice. Join with sl st to top of beginning 2dctog.  

15. Sl st to center of next loop; sc in same stitch; ch 3, sc in next loop, ch 3, 2dc in next dc; dc in next dc; ch2; dc in next dc; 2dc in next dc; ch3, skip next sp [sc in next loop, ch3] twice; 3dctog over next 3 dc; ch3, [sc in next sp; ch3] twice; 2dc in next dc; dc in next dc; ch2; dc in next dc; 2dc in next dc; ch3, sk next loop; [sc in next loop; ch3] twice; 3dctog over next 3 dc; ch3). Repeat around. Join with sl st to starting ch1. 

16. Sl st to center of next loop;  sc in loop; *(ch4; skip next sp; dc in next 3 dc; ch3; dc in next 3 dc; ch4; skip next sp; sc in next sp; ⁂ [ch3, sc in next sp] 3 times;** Repeat from (*) to (**) around, stopping at ⁂ at the very end.  Then  [ch3, sc in next sp] twice; dc in beginning ch1. (48 sp; 16 sets of 3dc) 

17. Sc in joining loop; [ch5; dc in next  3 dc] twice; ch5; skip sp; sc in next sp;*( [ch3, sc in next sp] twice; [ch5; dc in next 3 dc] twice; ch5; skip sp; sc in next sp) Repeat around. Ch3, sc in next sp; ch1, dc in beginning sc. (40 spaces;  16 sets of 3 dc) 

18. Sc in same sp; [ch6; dc in next 3 dc] twice; ch6; skip next space; sc in next space; *(ch3; sc in next sp; [ch6; dc in next 3 dc] twice; ch6; skip next space; sc in next space). Repeat around. Ch1; dc in beginning ch1.  (32 loops; 16 sets of 3dc). 

19. Ch7 (dc + ch5); *([sc around chains from rows 17 & 18; ch5; 3dctog over next 3 dc; ch5] twice; sc in next loop, picking up chains from prev two rows; ch5;  dc in next sp; ch5). Repeat around.  Join with sl st in 2^nd chain of ch7.  (48 loops; 16 sets of dctog) 

20. Ch8 (dc + ch6); *(dc in next sc; ch6; dc in top of 3dctog; ch6 dc in sc; ch6; dc in top of 3dctog; ch6; dc in sc; ch6;** dc in dc; ch6); repeat around ending at (**). Then ch6; sl st in 2^nd ch on the ch8. (48 loops). 

21. Ch9 (dc + ch7); *(dc in next dc; ch7). Repeat. Join with sl st in 2^nd ch in the ch9. (48 loops) 

22. Sl st in first 4 chains of next loop. Ch1, sc in sp, going under chain made in row 20; ch8 (dc + ch6);  *(dc in next space, going under chain made in row 20; ch6). Repeat. Ch6, join with sl st in 2^nd ch in the original ch8. 

23. Ch2; *(in next loop make 4dc-ch3-4dc; dc in dc). Repeat around. Join with sl st to top of ch2.  Break off, weave in ends, block.

Background Matters

We all want to share our work with our friends and taking a photo of a finished project is a big part of  sharing.  Good lighting, good angles .... all important.  But the background is often overlooked. This article talks about how the background can change the whole look of a project.  I have included a doily of the same pattern, made in 2 different colors.  One is shot on three different backgrounds.




Photo #1: This was the original, shades of yellow with a white center, photographed on a black background (as most of my project are).  The black background shows the colors and detail of the design well.










Photo #2: The same design with different colors.  Brown center and edging with orange accents (for that sunflower look), and a seafoam green center.  The black background does not showcase the brown colors very well.










Photo #3: Same design and colors as photo #2, but on a corkboard background.  The brown colors show up much better in this lighter background.






Photo #4: Same design and colors as photo #2 but on a white background.  The brown colors really pop on this background and the seafoam green shows up with a bit more color here. (I don't have a super high grade camera on my phone so getting a good color is always a challenge for me!)



Normally, I shy away from white backgrounds.  And logically so, since a lot of doilies are ecru or white (or at least predominantly white).  But I think for this one, the white turned out to be the better choice as it really allowed the brown edging to pop and the central color showed up a bit.  I will confess it to be a close call between the the and the corkboard but am going with the white because of how it makes the border pop.

Design: "Sunny Morning"  South Maid Book 364, Article J.12

State Fair Winners

I entered my very first Indiana State Fair competition in 2017, at the age of 58 years old.  I had been crocheting for 51 years at this point, and it seems odd that this was my first year entering. 

It was my sister-in-law who suggested I enter the bedspread that had taken me 600 hours and close to 10 months to make.  My first entry in my first year at the fair and it won not only a First Place Ribbon but also won Best of Show!  Yes, I was in tears when I saw those ribbons on my blanket!

The State Fair Bug had bitten me, so I entered the next year (2018) and walked away with two more ribbons. Not first place, but that didn't matter to me.  I was just as excited that I won something!

In 2019, I entered three thread doilies and walked away with three more ribbons.

This one is not a doily but is a small tablecloth.
It measures approximately 45-50" across.

I'm pretty sure I'm addicted to this annual competition now.  I've already picked out next year's project.  Sometimes I wonder why I picked a pattern that starts out with "Chain 485" .... in thread!

I will keep you posted!!