Crochet Masters Class: Lesson One – Double Ended Hook

My first post of April, I cannot believe we are already into our fourth month of the year. This year has seemed to fly by.

The first project completed in the “Crochet Master Class” is the “Lilacs and Roses Baby Afghan”. (pictured above) This afghan is crochet using the double ended crochet hook technique. (hook picture below), I decided to use a mint green and white and give it to my third grand daughter as a gift.

I actually finished this project before I stated blogging in January 2013. It was completed on November 27, 2012. When I first made the commitment to complete every project in the “Crochet Master Class” book and I planned on redoing this afghan but have now decided against it. Time just does not allow it. There is just so many projects I would love do and so little time! So here is my first project completed in the book, but I will be telling you about it from memory.

This is not an afghan that I would pick as a last minute gift, it was a very time consuming project. When crocheting with the double ended hook you must crochet across and back to complete one row; which makes it a time consuming afghan to crochet even for a baby. But when you are finished and you look at the results it is well worth the time in the end. I was really pleased with the way it turned out, it is beautiful. It has quickly became one of my favorite pieces that I have crocheted, and because it is crocheted using the Cro-hook it is reversible; making each side stylishly different from the other. (pictured below) It’s finished measurement were approximately 38″ x 38″.

 

The pattern itself is an “Easy” skill level and is a variation of the basic stitch. (both sides are pictured below) Once the pattern was mastered it repeats itself through out the afghan. This technique also makes it a thicker cloth, making it perfect for bundling up in warmth during chilly days.

If you are already familiar with the Cro-hook basic stitch, this would actually be a great pattern for you to try. It is just challenging enough to push you into the level using this technique. The pattern itself was easy to follow, but I had to pay careful attention to where I was. I suggest taking the instructions one step at a time and slowly progress to the next step to prevent mistakes and unenjoyable experience.

It took me so long to make the Afghan that I was running low on time, so instead of crocheting the edging in the pattern I chose to crochet sc’s around the edging twice. My daughter loved the end results.

All and all I would enjoy crocheting this project again. I would just allow myself a few months next time around.

So this was the end of the first lesson in the personal journey to complete the Crochet Master Class book. Only seventeen left to go!!!!

Until next time, keep those hooks flying.