Native American Afghan - version 2

So, at the beginning of the year I happened to stumble across this pattern that I absolutely fell in love with. It was a pattern that was to push me to new limits and develop my crochet skill and take it to another level. When I found the mandala madness blanket pattern a couple of years ago I loved the pattern so much that I ended up making 4 different versions of it including using a different type of wool to the one that the others were made in. I have done the same again with this pattern. I am currently making 2 different versions with a third and possibly a fourth in the pipeline.

The first version I have completed 2 out of the 5 sections of the Native American Afghan CAL and have just started the 3rd section. This one is done in black and teal and am using dk yarn with a 4mm hook. This version I am using caron cakes in the shade of bumbleberry for the accent colour with black again being my main colour. I am really pleased with how this looks so totally different to the other version. It has taken a bit of getting used to swapping between the 2 of them and trying to get my tension correct for each especially where the yarn differs in thickness along with the size hook.

The butterflies and the rivers sections have been completed on the second Native American Afghan. Onto the eagles ....................

Native American Afghan - a new type of crochet

So, I haven't been writing on my blog for ages. Life got in the way and as a result I seemed to lose my crojo for far too long and so hadn't nothing new to write about. I really enjoy making things, especially creating patterns for my little crochet accessories and learning new stitches and styles of crochet. I find it is good therapy, especially at the end of a hard working week!

At the beginning of January whilst looking through the various pages/groups on Facebook someone had posted a picture of a blanket that I fell in love with the design of. This blanket was the Native American Afghan by Lissa Conley. It is a CAL as well as being a pattern that could be purchased for those that cant wait.

It is definitely a challenge as although the stitches are exactly the same each row, you are either going in front of the little window made by the previous row to crochet your stitch or you are going in the back of the work. You work with two colours, your main one and your accent one. These rows are done in pairs, you complete one row from left to right in one colour and then the other colour from left to right before turning. They also overlap each other so you are able to work the stiches through the windows which create the interlocking part of the design.

I love this pattern so decided to give it a go using double knit for my first attempt in black and teal. I have to say I did end up frogging the first few rows more than once but once I had got the hang of it I found it much easier. It is definitely a  break away from the usual style of crochet and has taken a bit of getting used to. You have to remember to count and double check when you get to the end of the row. Once the pattern starts to emerge it is easier to see if there are any mistakes, which I have found more than once!

I have to admit to starting a second Native American Afghan but this one is using aran weight yarn which will be really cosy in the cold days of winter. I am also planning a third and possibly a fourth!

But for now, progress on the first one ...........................