It took longer than I had anticipated, but I finished the Plaid Winner Afghan (pictured above) in time to put under the Christmas tree. It was the largest of my gift projects to complete, and although I had not planned it this way, the red and white colors made a stunning afghan for the Christmas season. I have had this pattern for years and am disappointed with myself that I had not crocheted this pattern before.
The pattern was included in the 1993 Leisure Arts pattern book “Afghans for all Seasons”. (pictured above) I have crocheted seven other afghans in this particular book, but for some reason – not this one. I do not think I will ever have the time to crochet everything I desire. If you are like me the list just keeps growing with every book or pattern you come across. Although the afghan has a Christmas appeal in appearance, the whole time I was crocheting it I was reminded of summer picnics by a gentle stream. I guess I have watched to many old movies. Doesn’t it seem the man and the woman in these scenes aways seem to be sitting on a plaid blanket?
I know I am getting side tracked again. It was an easy pattern to crochet although a little monotonous with all the weaving, and in my case the sewing in of ends. The pattern includes the chain stitch (The Chain Stitch ) and double crochet (Double Crochet). Stitches that most new crocheter’s would know. I want to warn you though, it is a time consuming afghan to crochet. First you must crochet the filet mesh and then weave them into each open filet.
I made a few adjustments to the original pattern. It called for one to weave in two strands of yarn through the filet, but I chose to weave in crochet strands of chains instead. My daughter has three children under five and I thought this would withstand their little fingers better.
Secondly, my daughter is not fond of fringe and never has been since she was a child. So instead of leaving the fringe hanging off the bottom and top, I sew them into the afghan and finished it off by crocheting two rows of single crochet (Single Crochet) around the edge. (pictured above) As a result of this change there was a total of 256 ends to sew in all. There is nothing about crocheting that I dislike, but sewing in ends ranks down on the bottom of things I enjoy. When all was accomplished, the end effect was worth all the time that was involved in crocheting it.
When I was done I told my hubby I would love to crochet another one for our house one day. This is definitely an afghan I would crochet again only next time without a dead line to meet.
Until next time, keep those hooks flying.
This is so impressive! And, you’re right–it looks so perfect for this time year. Congrats on finishing!
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Looks Great
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Thank you for all the kind words.
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I just found your site and I’m very excited. One reason is because I lost my book like this in moving and have been looking for this particular pattern for several years. Is there any way you can provide to me the directions? I made several of these but I cannot remember how many starting stitches, etc. I want to make one as a surprise gift for a very special man in my daughters life. You have my e-mail and I would really appreciate your help. I am looking forward to following your site. Thank you.
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I have this book but my husband put a sticker over pay and im trying to find out what it says. It’s in the stripe sequence. i can read 8 rows of MC but can’t read how many of cc. Cam you hemp??
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8 rows of the MC, (4 rows of the CC, 8 rows of MC) 9 times. Hope that helps.
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