Jan 3, 2010

Variations on a theme mystery afghan crochet-along

I’m ready to start off the new year with a pretty afghan project! How about you? I've had many requests to do a mystery afghan crochet-along, so I thought we'd try this. This afghan is called “Variations on a Theme” because as I worked on stitch swatches, I found myself wanting to create many variations of one basic stitch pattern just to see how far it could go. We'll be doing a stitch sampler afghan using many of these patterns.

How this crochet-along will work
I'll post instructions for the first square Tuesday, January 5, 2010 with one new square appearing each day until the project is complete.
We'll be adding photos of progress each day to the Flickr group, Facebook discussion and Ravelry page for this project. You’re also welcome (and encouraged) to post about this project on your favorite online communities and groups, inviting your friends to join you.
Each person who participates will receive an e-pattern of the finished project instructions at the end of the crochet-along.

Join the conversation
If you are on Facebook, friend me and become a fan of Gourmet Crochet.
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Join the Gourmet Crochet email list at www.gourmetcrochet.com

Variations on a Theme Afghan
SIZE
This project is made with squares, and can be made any size.
MATERIALS
I like patchworky things, so I’m doing mine in lots of colors with scrap yarn, but this would be stunning in just a few colors, or even all in one color. So pick your favorite color or color combination, or dig into your scraps. I used size H hook. You can use any size yarn with appropriate hook size and just make enough blocks to create the size you desire.
Each of my squares required about 50 yards, more or less, depending on the laciness or density of the stitch pattern.
GAUGE
Each of my squares is about 7 1/2 inches across. Gauge is not critical.

GET READY, GET SET…
So ladies and gentlemen, gather yarns and hooks! Off we go on Tuesday!
on

38 comments:

  1. JoBugJanuary 3, 2010 at 10:05 PM

    Yippie, I was thrilled to see this, I LOVE your blog! And have a FEW of the pattern booklettes!

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  2. cigarboxbeadsJanuary 3, 2010 at 10:12 PM

    okay---i'm ready! ;>)

    thanks for this- it should be fun.

    marilyn g

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  3. MaryJanuary 4, 2010 at 12:19 AM

    Thanks, Carolyn, this should be fun because you do not do "Crafty" crochet, but quality, so I'm sure the end result will be worth the time invested!

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  4. NoelineJanuary 4, 2010 at 2:51 AM

    Thank you Caroline, I am looking forward to joining in .
    Sincerely ,
    Noeline in Australia.

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  5. candisrrtJanuary 4, 2010 at 5:43 AM

    I have several ofyour patterns. This looks like fun. I was just looking for some stash busting ideas!

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  6. OshVayJanuary 4, 2010 at 5:52 AM

    I'm really looking forward to working on the mystery afghan. What a great idea Carolyn. Thank you!

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  7. UnknownJanuary 4, 2010 at 6:53 AM

    Count me in, this should be fun.
    Teresa

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  8. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2010 at 6:57 AM

    I have several of your patterns so I know this will be fun!

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  9. Bunny LarsonJanuary 4, 2010 at 7:14 AM

    Oh I can't wait!

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  10. Aunt DebbieJanuary 4, 2010 at 7:48 AM

    Can't wait to start this one! I have never participated in anything like this before and am pretty excited about giving it a go!

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  11. Mary BethJanuary 4, 2010 at 8:14 AM

    Love your work! As another poster said, your patterns are so artistic! Not the usual "tacky" stuff. Can't wait! Thanks for your patterns and inspiration!

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  12. HugbuggalJanuary 4, 2010 at 8:59 AM

    LOVE this idea - can't wait to try my hand at this - thank you for the opportunity and challenge! :D

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  13. HJanuary 4, 2010 at 9:49 AM

    This will be great fun. I love your patterns and own a number of your booklets.

    Hilly

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  14. Mary HuntJanuary 4, 2010 at 10:24 AM

    I've never done anything like this before. I'm excited to join in the mystery crochet.

    Mary H
    Iowa

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  15. eezelifeinbcJanuary 4, 2010 at 10:30 AM

    This sounds like fun. Count me in...

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  16. IvyJanuary 4, 2010 at 11:30 AM

    I'm in! I have been wanting to do a crochet along and I love that this is a square per day...so easy to fit in to my day.

    I'm going to link your blog to mine and post about the crochet along!

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  17. mtheadsJanuary 4, 2010 at 11:58 AM

    I love the idea (I, too, have several of Carolyn's patterns already), and I'm just hoping I can keep up, since I've got several projects in the works! Thanks for doing this, Carolyn! peace, meg

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  18. UnknownJanuary 4, 2010 at 1:37 PM

    I'll do my best to keep up!!

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  19. enidghJanuary 4, 2010 at 3:14 PM

    This is a wonderful idea. Can't wait for tomorrow.
    enid

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  20. analeaJanuary 4, 2010 at 5:13 PM

    Really looking forward to this! I really need to get rid of the scraps I have lying around and this project seems to be perfect to do just that!

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  21. pat irishJanuary 4, 2010 at 5:30 PM

    Sounds like a neat project. Thanks for doing this!

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  22. AnnJanuary 5, 2010 at 7:50 AM

    What a cool idea! You are so creative, I know the finished afghan is going to be gorgeous!

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  23. UnknownJanuary 5, 2010 at 8:39 AM

    It's Tuesday! I'm so excited! I love your patterns! I've been gathering yarn all morning! Thanks Carolyn!

    Sherry

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  24. KarenJanuary 5, 2010 at 9:55 AM

    What fun. I can hardly wait. I'm going to use my stash. Thank you Carolyn.

    Karen J.

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  25. Mary BethJanuary 5, 2010 at 10:37 AM

    Hurry! Hurry! I can hardly wait to see it!

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  26. ShannaJanuary 5, 2010 at 11:31 AM

    Can't wait to get started!!

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  27. HJanuary 5, 2010 at 11:43 AM

    Waiting with "bated" hook so to speak. lolol :)

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  28. HJanuary 5, 2010 at 11:43 AM

    Waiting with "bated" hook so to speak. lolol :)

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  29. LindaJanuary 5, 2010 at 4:03 PM

    This should be fun - I love crochet.

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  30. Your Cheeky MonkeyJanuary 5, 2010 at 10:23 PM

    I am going to join in, thank you! :)

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  31. UnknownJanuary 6, 2010 at 7:57 AM

    I love doing mystery patterns this should be a blast

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  32. GhostJanuary 7, 2010 at 4:39 AM

    Please include me in this CAL.

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  33. Bethel of BethaniaJanuary 9, 2010 at 6:27 AM

    G'day Carolyn
    I hope I'm not too late to join in the fun... just found you tonight... I'm off now to see where you are all up to...
    OOroo... Bethel

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  34. Mary HuntJanuary 9, 2010 at 1:22 PM

    I have the first 3 squares done, Squares 4 and 5 will be done today. I don't want to fall behind!

    Mary H

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  35. SonyaJanuary 9, 2010 at 9:13 PM

    Yay! I'm almost caught up! I posted pics of the first 3 squares on the flickr group, square 4 is almost done and I will do 5 & 6 tomorrow to be completely caught up. I hate getting too far behind because then I usually just throw in the towel. I love how these squares are turning out! Very nice and detailed pattern. This is so fun!

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  36. mrsngJanuary 10, 2010 at 6:50 PM

    I need to pull out my yarn stash and start. All the blocks look great that everyone's posted! Definitely inspiring me to get in on the fun.

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  37. UnknownJanuary 19, 2010 at 4:34 PM

    I just found this, not sure how I missed it as I'm such a fan of your patterns! And this idea is wonderful. Thank you!

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  38. UnknownJanuary 19, 2010 at 4:35 PM

    I just found this, not sure how I missed it as I'm such a fan of your patterns! And this idea is wonderful. Thank you!

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