Sunday, July 20, 2014

Starting on Christmas

Only 157 days till Christmas....don't shoot the messenger...LOL!

VERY early this morning, I completed my first gift...this toddler afghan....

Country Star Afghan

I have had this pattern for many years in its original form of the Rainbow Afghan from the cover of the Leisure Arts booklet #191....



As you can see, the original pattern was for a baby afghan using pastel colors. Nice but a bit tame. When I saw a similar afghan to mine on Pinterest, I was intrigued. And when I found out it was the same pattern updated, I was excited. I pulled out that old booklet, went yarn shopping and got started.

I used the new United yarn from Caron for all the colors except the green....that I had to use the Caron One Pound. I used the Caron One Pound in white, too. The colors are great....but the yarn? Not so much. I have vowed, after having sore fingers, that I will NEVER make this afghan with cheap acrylic again. Its not as soft as I would like. And, just as bad, I had a devil of a time weaving in the ends...the darn tapestry needle did NOT want to go into the strands. And having to use a size F hook for the corner motifs made that job even worse! So if you have a desire to try this afghan and you want to use acrylic, do yourself a favor and buy a better brand...you'll be glad you did.

You don't have to search for the booklet...the pattern itself is available for sale on Ravelry or HERE on the Leisure Arts site. Since I wanted a toddler sized afghan, I used an H hook for the body of the ghan and an F hook for the motifs. You could even use a larger hook if you want. This is a striking afghan in person and despite the sore fingers, I am glad I finished it. It is, or course, for Lillith.

Crochet, Away!

5 comments:

Charlotte said...

I like this pattern also. I thought I had the pattern in my stash but couldn't find it, so I had to buy it! :-( Nothing I hate worse than having to buy a pattern! Merry almost Christmas! :-)

The Bookworm said...

Christmas in July! nice work on the afghan Sandy! I know what you mean about the yarn quality with a project like this one especially. And I hate weaving in ends.
http://yarnchick.blogspot.com/

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Sherry said...

I love this pattern...in fact I made that very same blanket for my son who is now 34. Seeing it brought back a lot of memories. I think it would be nice in the updated colors version.

CrochetMeeMaw said...

I also made this afghan at least 30 years ago or more I love it. I misplaced my pattern a few years ago but just recently found it. I my have to try with the color change ups always did mine in the baby colors. Love it!

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