Interlocking filet - Early American inspired afghan

So, I have finally finished the first of the three blankets that I am doing in this style. I had to weave the ends in and it had to be on a gloriously hot and sunny day to do it as well! I am so pleased with how this Early American inspired Afghan has turned out as it is the first time I have had a go at doing this particular style of crochet and I can definitely say that I am hooked.

There was a practice sample that the designer did do to ease you into this way of crochet which also had a video that I followed for the first few rows until I was happy with the technique. She also has pictures in her written instructions for this Early American inspired afghan which I found really useful as I learn better through visual aids until I am confident with the written instructions.

The technique does look a bit daunting at first I must admit but it really is a case of doing the same stitch into the same colour as they overlap slightly. It is written in American crochet terms for double crochet followed by a chain which is repeated all along the row with the double crochets being done stacked as opposed to in the gap. You just have to remember whether you are going into th front of the work when you stack or the back. A bit like back post double crochet and front post double crochet but in the top of the stich instead of around the post itself.

I do like the colour choices I have done this blanket in and I am hoping that the recipient of it does too. I chose to do this one using double knit yarn and stylecraft in both black and teal colours. The other 2 that I am working on I am doing in Aran weight yarn and with black being the main colour and a variegated yarn for the accent colour. One in shades of purple and the other blanket in shades of yellow, oranges and red to give hopefully a sunset feel.

I added a border around the outside which was not part of the pattern from the designer for the Early American Inspire afghan. I am really pleased with how it has come out as I completely made it up as I went with a bit of informed knowledge on how to do it having completed the blanket.

So, onto completing the next one. Now will it be the sunset one or the purple one that gets done first ................................