Crochet-Along Week 7

[Laina]

For those who haven't blocked yet, I'd like to recommend using quilting pins instead of the t- pins. I started with the T's and thanks to one of the members (PICTURE AVATAR IS A DOG) I began using my quilt pins. Much less painful and they go in easier.

Also, if you find a pin that won't go in easily, I'd recommend throwing it away. There's something wrong with the head. It's not you not pushing hard enough.

Also next time I'm blocking after each clue instead of waiting till the end.If you have OA or FM, it's really too much all at one time.

Also, I assumed all my clue 1 motifs were the right size because I checked one, and it was right on. But, it's that yarn color thing and I had to redo all but three. One is still a little too small but I think I'll add a single crochet row and that should help.

Hope everyone's caught up. I'm really glad we had an off week!

Laina

Glad you found the quilting pins helpful--I know they are easier on my fingers and sooo much cheaper which is why I tried them in the first place. I have added a row of single crochet around the outside of all my motifs because joining is easier for me when I have the same nice two little threads to watch for when joining. I tried this with the last CAL and found it especially helpful with the mitred squares--no raw sides and an interesting + in the middle. Adding a row or two sure beats frogging and redoing. I also like the stability ithe SC row gives to some motifs that might be a little too floppy. Good luck with yours--know your CAL will be beautiful when it is finished!!!

Yes, thanks again for the suggestion. Made it so much quicker and easier. Wish I had thought about the single crochet before I redid all those motifs.

Laina

[Wingbug]

I have never blocked anything before, and I wasn't really planning on blocking for this project either. But, since we have the time, I figured I'll give it a try. Wow, am I ever convinced now. I just need to decide if I want to block everything now or just clue #6 which was my original plan.

I started blocking only clue 6 and then went on to block the rest of the octogons. After trying my layout I decided I needed to blcok the squares too. Can't believe the difference it makes.

[dcrozier]

Quilting pins? What is the differnence in these from regular pins that I use for sewing? Several of you say that you like to use them for blocking. Are the heads going to be OK if I used my steam iron in blocking? I have seen packages at Michael's for quilting; some have round heads and others have a 'flower' looking head. Any reason to choose one over the other? Are there different lengths...any suggestions? I appreciate the input.

I use the quilting pins with the round plastic heads that are longer than regular pins--I think they come in several lengths. I have blocked with the steam iron and the plastic-head pins and have not had any problems. Occasionally you will find that the odd pin plastic head will come off or that there is no point on one but they are cheap enough that tossing a couple is not a problem.

On another note, my hand and arm got so tired holding the steam iron that I tried putting warm water in a sprtiz bottle and spritzed my motifs. That worked just as well but it did take them longer to dry. Since I was using my dress cutting board covered with plastic wrap, I could do an entire set of motifs at one time. I do them as we finish each clue so it is not such a huge chore at the end.

[generationsue]

I have never blocked anything before, and I wasn't really planning on blocking for this project either. But, since we have the time, I figured I'll give it a try. Wow, am I ever convinced now. I just need to decide if I want to block everything now or just clue #6 which was my original plan.

Really love how block #6 opened up! Beautiful

[SDRVer]

I changed a color for one of the octagon clues, so I have to redo a square from Clue 1. Hope to get that finished and blocked today so I will be ready for tomorrows clue .

[karenarp]

under 15 hours left to go!
Hopefully we will get the layout so we can piece it together finally!
dying of anticipation here
What will it look like!!

[paula123]

You both will definitely need more of the MC yarn. Just one skein should do it.

crap I am notoriously a tight crocheter and usually have tons left over when I am done a project. I am struggling to get enuf MC colour to finish the last motif of Clue 6.

However......another trip to the store is not necessarily a bad thing.......

I wonder if maybe you made an extra motif in the MC color? Maybe you could lay out your squares, and double check the quantities for each clue.

nope, been blocking as I went....all accounted for and no extras. I was going to hit the store tonight and get another MC skein but I have decided to see what will be revealed tomorrow regarding the layout. My MC is light and Im thinking that if the border is mainly the MC, I might change my mind and do it one of the other colours instead. If I have to buy another skein anyway, I might as well see what is coming first.

[Leejoyce62]

I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve! It's a good thing I don't have to worry about the naughty or nice thing.
Is it Wednesday yet???

[meglb]

I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve! It's a good thing I don't have to worry about the naughty or nice thing.
Is it Wednesday yet???

I agree!! Can't wait to see what it is going to look like!!! Is it tomorrow NOW??

[crochetqueen]

Go to a store like Home Depot or Lowes and get packages of the cushion flooring squares to put together to make a surface to block the large...

jaz

I looked everywhere for these mats. The store didn't even know what I was talking about. Had to order them on-line. They are a great idea to block. Never blocked before but a couple octagons need it.

You can also get them at walmart...they are in the childrens section and come in either princess or cars...if you just flip them upside down you wouldn't have to know they were kiddo designed!