Ridge Stitch Block

Note: This is not part of the 12 Block Series, but one I hope you like anyways!

Chain 31, turn.

Row 1: Work sc in second chain from hook and in teach chain across.  Ch 1, turn. (30 sc) 

Rows 2:  Sc in back-loop only (BLO) of each stitch across.  Ch 1, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until desired length. At the end of the last row, do not ch 1, do not turn.

Border/Edging: Work three sl st into the corner (and in each of the other three corners).  Work sl st evenly around the block.

As always, feel free to post any question or comment here, and I'll do all I can to assist!

How NOT to crochet!

Okay, this title deserves a much better post to follow, but this is all you're getting! It's a continuation of the granny square post of a few weeks ago.
 
As I was perusing Ravelry.com today, I ran across a couple of different patterns with a ridge design and was reminded of my first attempt of teaching myself how not to do another granny square. Unfortunately, I did not understand the importance of picking up both loops of the stitch, and everything would be a ridged.  Frustrating to say the least. Eventually I would get it right!

Seeing the patterns inspired me to repeat the mistakes of old, so to speak. I've been wanting to use some of the Lily's Sugar'n Cream Stripes in Violet Stripes, and thought the combination of the self-striping yarn,, and the striping effect of the ridge stitch would work well together.  I believe they do!

The pattern is super simple and I'll post above.

12 Block Series: Block 6: Sidebar Single Crochet

Side Bar Single Crochet Block
Made using 100% Worsted Weight Cotton

When a simple stitch is created in a less than usual way, you get a more than usual fabric!  This variation of a single crochet creates the look of a knit stitch across the rows and is two-sided.  Simple in technique, it just takes a moment to figure out.  However, it does not work up as quick as the previous blocks.

Side Bar, Bottom Bar, Bottom Loop, all would be appropriate names for this stitch, and all these names may very well be used somewhere. What the stitch is exactly, is the stitch is anchored (made) by placing your hook into the bar (or loop if you so desire) beneath the front loop of the stitch of the prior row.  Don't worry, I put a pictorial instruction at the bottom of the page!

Keep your stitches loose, and as always, be patient.

Finished size: Approximately 9" x 9" (Using a medium worsted weight (#4) yarn and size H (mm) hook.)

Stitches used:

chain (ch)

slip stitch (sl st)

single crochet (sc)

Special Stitch Instructions: Side bar single crochet:  See Pictorial Instructions at the bottom of this page!! Insert the hook in the bottom side bar of the stitch of the previous row and complete a single crochet in the usual manner. For the last stitch of the row, insert hook in bottom side bar AND into the back bar of the turning chain of the prior row, YO, pull through two loops on hook (the back bar of the turning chain and the bottom side bar of the sc), YO and complete the sc. Picking up the back bar of the turning chain (which I recommend for all stitches and all patterns) will create a smoother side edge.  Without this step, the sides of your work will have a very noticeable zig-zag edge.  

Instructions:


Chain 31


Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.  Ch 1, turn.


Row 2: Sc in side bar (see Special Stitch above) of 1st sc of row below, sc in side bar of each sc across. Ch 1, Turn.


Repeat Row 2 until length desired, ending with a single crochet row.

Close-up

Pictorial Instructions:

Yes, lots of pics, and for such an easy stitch!!

For the first stitch of every row . . .

For the first stitch of every row, your side bar is lower down than on all the other stitches of the row.
This is due to the nature of the turning chain that followed it.
You want to insert your hook into this bar (as pointed out by the light blue needle) . . .

In the picture above, you can see the second and third stitch of the row(above the needle).
.  Note how the side bar is closer up the stitch to the front loop.

. . . then just complete a single crochet.  First stitch of row complete!

For the second and all other stitches until the last stitch of the row . . .

For all stitches located between the first and last stitch, insert your hook where indicated in the picture.
 This is the bar UNDER the front loop.
Complete the single crochet as normal.

For the last stitch of every row . . .

For the last stitch, insert hook through side bar loop, then . . .

. . . insert hook through the loop of the turning chain (as pointed out by the light blue needle) . . .

. . .  you will now have 3 loops on your hook.

YO, draw though two loops on hook.  You will then have 2 loops left on your hook.
YO, and draw through these 2 loops . . .

. . .  completing your stitch!

Day Four . . .

Continuing the procrastination theme, this is on Day 6!

The question posed is: Whatever happened to your __________?

Write about the fate of a past knitting (GASP!  They forgot crocheting!!) project. Whether it be something that you crocheted or knitted for yourself or to give to another person. An item that lives with you or something which you sent off to charity. 

The most recent projects that I have made have all been gifts.  I'm talking completed items, not the 2 dozen on-going, sitting in the bag, waiting for me to say, "Oh, I should finish that", projects!  Most were for family at Christmas, and others for Molly, my favorite little neighbor.

Joanie, my son's paternal aunt, took over the duties of the holidays (voluntarily I should add) after her parents became unable to.  Christmas is her favorite, and at least one of her trees are up and decorated when we arrive for Thanksgiving dinner!  I love this as I'm not allowed my tree until the week before Christmas, and only because I put my foot down and demand it to be in place at least by my birthday. This year, I made a Christmas themed (colored) afghan that I gave to her around Thanksgiving so that she could have it for use, decoration, whatever she wanted, during the holidays.  She loved it, of course.  Being a crafter and former crocheter (I'm working on fixing that!) herself, she's always opened to homemade items.

Come about Valentine's Day she mentioned that the afghan was still out and being used every night as she curled up on the couch!  This made me very happy as I believe all afghans should be used.  It also made me realize that I need to make her another one to match her decor - red, green and white do not!! 

On my Ravelry page I have two smaller afghans listed that I made for Molly.  I know that these are getting used as they are the ones that she uses in her playpen, which is parked in the family's kitchen!  

For me, knowing that an item I made and enjoyed making,is being used is one of the best compliments! It also inspires me to make the next one even better!!  

Happy hooking everyone!