The Weekly Yarn - March 3rd

 

Meeting Notes:  The Prayer Shawl meeting was busy as usual with the chairs full, and the needles and hooks going, as well as stories, requests for prayers, and laughter. 

 

Our youngest (9 weeks old), newest member, Leah Kae, was in attendance – although she really ate and slept most of the time!  She hasn’t decided whether she’ll knit or crochet yet.

 

Three Prayer Shawls, three scarves, and many Prayer Cloths were prayed over.  God already had individuals selected for the three Prayer Shawls, as well as for several of the ten remaining Prayer Shawls in the cabinet.  Needless to say, the cabinet is looking pretty empty.

 

Many of the Prayer Shawls were given away during Communion Sunday on the 28^th when they were on the altar rail.  God has selected so many individuals lately to receive the items we make, and He has a list of several more individuals ready for upcoming items.

He blesses us and loves us so much.  He shows it by allowing us to be His hands and feet with this task He has given us.  Thank you for all you do for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. 

 

Patterns:  Here is the pattern for the Granny Square afghan. 

Free Crochet Pattern from Lion Brand Yarn
Lion Brand® Vanna's Choice®
4-Square Granny Afghan
Pattern Number: 90352AD
SKILL LEVEL: Easy
SIZE: One Size
About 48 x 48 in. (122 x 122 cm)
CORRECTIONS: None as of Feb 23, 2010. To check for later updates, click here.
MATERIALS
• 860-174 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Olive
3 Balls (A)
• 860-099 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Linen
2 Balls (B)
• 860-135 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Rust
2 Balls (C)
• 860-140 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Dusty Rose
3 Balls (D)
• 860-125 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Taupe
2 Balls (E)
• Lion Brand Crochet Hook - Size J-10
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6)

GAUGE:
Small Square = 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. (24 x 24 cm).

BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE.

When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.
NOTES:
1. Four identical Small Squares are crocheted, then sewed together to make center square of Afghan. Outer portion of Afghan is worked around the center square.
2. To keep the Afghan square, join new color in a different corner on each rnd.
3. Beginning ch 3 counts as a dc.
4. Beginning ch 4 counts as dc, ch-1.

AFGHAN Small Square (make 4)

With A, ch 4. Join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, (3 dc in ring, ch 2) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch. Fasten off.

Rnd 2: Join B with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-2 sp (beg corner made), ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp (corner made), ch 1; rep from * around; join with sl st in top of beg ch.

Rnd 3: With B, ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1 here and throughout), * (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, 2 dc in next sp; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4. Fasten off.

Rnd 4: Join C with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-sp, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next corner ch-2 sp, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next corner ch-2 sp; rep from * around; join with sl st in top of beg ch.

Rnd 5: With C, ch 4, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next corner ch-2 sp; rep from * 2 more times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1,(3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to last ch-1 sp, 2 dc in next ch-1 sp. join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4.Fasten off.

Rnds 6 and 7: With D, rep Rnds 4 and 5. Fasten off. Sew squares together in pairs, sew pairs together to make
Center Square.

Outer Portion of Afghan Color Sequence For Outer Portion of Afghan
Work 2 rnds each with E, A, B, C, D.

Rnd 1: Join E with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp of Center Square. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-sp, ch 1, *(3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to joined ch-2 sps between Small Squares, (3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 2 times, (3 dc in next ch-1, ch 1) to next corner ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * twice more, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to joined ch-2 sps between Small Squares, (3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 2 times, (3 dc in next ch-1, ch 1) to last ch-1 sp, 2 dc in ch-1 sp; join with sl st in top of beg ch.

Rnd 2: With E, ch 4, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next corner ch-2 sp; rep from * 2 more times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to last ch-1 sp, 2 dc in ch-1
sp; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4. Fasten off.

Rnd 3: Join A with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-sp, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next corner ch-2 sp, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next corner ch-2 sp; rep from * around; join with sl st in top of beg ch.

Rnds 4-20: Changing color following Color Sequence as established, rep Rnds 2 and 3 until entire Color Sequence has been worked twice.

Rnds 21 and 22: With E, rep Rnds 2 and 3.
Rnds 23 and 24: With A, rep Rnds 2 and 3.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES
Click for explanation and illustration
beg = begin(s)(ning) ch(s) = chain(s)
ch-space = space previously made dc = double crochet
rnd(s) = round(s) sl st = slip stitch
sp(s) = space(s) st(s) = stitch(es)
tog = together

 

We have many granny squares already crocheted that are in our yarn closet which can be used for the base of this afghan, if anyone wants to start that way, as well as quite a bit of new worsted yarn to work around the squares.  It would allow us to make lap robes or afghans and have a base with which to begin to fill our cabinet.

Jane has also donated many pattern books with simple knit and crochet patterns that work up quickly.  If you need ideas, you can check our storage closet and go through the Red Heart pattern books.  We appreciate the books, Jane. 

 

 

Just a note:  I and several members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry are in a Women’s Bible Study by Beth Moore called “Breaking Free”.  In a recent week’s lesson, the message Beth gave was so appropriate I wanted to share a portion of it.

Beth talked about the “captivity of activity” which leads to being overstressed and overtired.  I think we can all relate to that.  She also made the point that we become servants of those whose approval we are trying to win.  This led to her saying that if we don’t have a plan for our lives or our time, someone else always does.  When we feel overwhelmed and out of control, it’s possibly because we confuse activity with accomplishment.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 13-14

Love and blessings,

Beverly