I will have to admit I am getting excited!!!!! After finishing this kit I have only three blocks left.   In this post I will be reviewing blocks number 25, 26, and 27.   I do not know about you, but this is the stage in the project where I start visioning the completed afghan and how beautiful it is going to look upon completion.  

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I often feel like I am repeating myself as I describe the kits because they all basically come with the same things;  They  include a DVD tutorial, a pattern book and two skeins of  Premier Everyday yarn. This month’s included yarn in color called cappuccino.  

I do not know what it was about the patterns in this kit, for in crocheting all three blocks, I had to use an H hook instead of the I hook to get my gauge to match around 9 inches so that they matched the size of the other blocks. 

d290d626ba2729cf8da1b11d6789f6a5Block 25

In this block you will be learning the star stitch combined with a few others.  I am glad they decided to include this stitch since a lot of crocheter’s commonly have trouble mastering it.  It is very clearly demonstrated.  

ad2e7ae95cd93f90ea35d6c752c7821dBlock 26

In block 26 you will be working cross stitches that form a texture on one side.  The stitches will be on the front leaving the back flat.  This will be useful to remember when assembling your afghan so that you can easily check to make sure it is facing on the front side.  

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Block 27

In this block which is a more open lace pattern of the previous 2.  Once mastered it will work up quickly.  The pattern also includes post stitches and shells.

I am reposting my earlier tips and am trying to add one more to the list each month.

1. Make sure you keep all unused yarn, as it will be needed to finish afghan.

2. I like to keep my squares in 1 gallon zip lock bags. A year is a long time and I do not want to lose one of the blocks, or get them dirty. You can fit 6 in each bag with plenty of room to spare. Also this way I can keep them in order.

3. If you are someone who is trying to learn to read crochet patterns. This is a good club. In the DVD they take you through the pattern, row by row. First they explain what to do, and then they demonstrate what the instructions are saying.

4. When you are ready to work the edging always remember, that no matter what hook you use to work your block, always work the edging in a H hook.

5. If you had to use a different hook to obtain the desired gauge or size, make sure you write it down next to the instructions. This way if you want to crochet it again, you will already know which hook to use.

6. Take the time to gauge your works. There are not words to describe the disappointment you will feel at the end of the 24 blocks when your blocks lay before you in all different sizes. It is important to remember that gauging a project takes far less time than reworking one.

7. Annie’s seems to being using this club for building steps, since each block and its stitches build upon the previous. I would suggest that you work these blocks in order for best results.

8. The DVD tutorial is helping in developing good habits, make sure you take advantage of them.  For example, counting at the end of each row and using stitch holders.

9. In one of the comments concerning this kit,  a lady shared that with her own yarn she has been crocheting additional blocks.  If you have the time and yarn I think this is a great idea.  Not only does this reinforce what she has been learning, when she is done she will have an extra matching afghan to give to her son. You might have time and yarn enough to do the same.

I am so eager to start kit #10 because when finished I would have completed 30 blocks and will be preparing to join my afghan blocks.  I can never make up my mind what is more fun -beginning a project or finishing one.

Be sure to watch tomorrow for a new post as I will be sharing directions for a lap afghan that I recently crocheted.

Until next time, keep those hooks flying.