Crochet-Along Clue 2: Spoilers and Photos

[shadesofred]

Clue #2

Clue #2 resized.jpg

[dcrozier]

Love your colors!!!!!

[Shandeh]

Sweet!

[mommom]

Well clue #2 is done! I had to go to a larger hook for this one to get the correct size.

CAL2012_2.JPG

[Shandeh]

Well clue #2 is done! I had to go to a larger hook for this one to get the correct size.

Love those colors!

[Tiffanna]

Clue 2 is finished, but I didn't feel like getting all 6 out for the picture...

[loveyoumummy]

I have abandoned the kal in favour of the cal, as a new crocheter I am learning lots and enjoying it. These large octagons, though, are driving me crazy! After many attempts have a block I am really happy with but...it measures 11 inches exactly, maybe a touch over. Are these supposed to exactly measure stated size or should they block/stretch to that size? My initial octagons were 9 inches, way off! So I restarted, playing with the colour a little and adding a couple of rows. Tried with a 6mm hook as an easy fix but really didn't like the look of it, so I prefer to just add to the 5mm block.
My only worry is, its now too big?! Would really appreciate some advice please. Smaller square blocks have worked out just under reqd size. Obviously if I take a row off I am ending with the space-y row rather than the more solid row and I am not sure how that will look or seam up next to other blocks. Have tried treble, hdc, sc in various combinations but now I have 11 inches as I say, am concerned it's too big. Who knew crochet was so complex?!

[EddySquiggle]

I see some other people opted for sl. stitching around to the corner rather than fo and then rejoin
I did this too - you can't see the difference

[EddySquiggle]

I have abandoned the kal in favour of the cal, as a new crocheter I am learning lots and enjoying it.

I have to agree I'm enjoying the challenge too
I adore your colours - who knew it would look so different in multi-colours?
So cool - I think I may make another after this one is done (if the other motifs don't drive me nutso)

[Shandeh]

..........After many attempts have a block I am really happy with but...it measures 11 inches exactly, maybe a touch over. Are these supposed to exactly measure stated size or should they block/stretch to that size?.............My only worry is, its now too big?!

If your smaller blocks are the same width as one of the octagon sides, you will be fine.