Tag: afghan

  • Granny Square

    I tried to get creative with the title, but as you can see, I just stuck to the basic Granny Square.

    Speaking of basics, do you know how to make a granny square?  If you can chain and make a double crochet, you can make a granny square.

    The ladies in my local Knit and Crochet Bible Study have decided they want to make granny squares using miscellaneous yarn from their stash (or as an excuse to go to a yarn shop for more yarn. Me? Would I do that? My favorite verse is she shops for the best yarns)

    But before they could make the granny squares they had to learn how. So in an effort to help them I have created a how-to video to help.

    I am still having trouble with the volume, once I finish the encoding it drops so you may have to turn your speakers up a bit.  I also added some pop-up instructions on the screen for further assistance.

    The thing I like best about granny squares is that you can make them any size you desire.  I have a number of afghans made full size and baby size in one big piece.  Others I have made are several squares seamed together.  You can make square of various sizes and incorporate them into one piece.

    Overall it is a fun stitch, easily transportable, and versatile. I’d love to see pictures of your completed projects from granny squares. Here are a couple of mine.

     

    This was a Christmas gift I made last year. Using some Peaches’n’Cream cotton yarn the granny square became a dishcloth.

    This granny square grew to be 45 inches square and finishes off this baby ensemble.

    There are other ways of making the granny square, check out other patterns and find the one that is your favorite.

  • Seaming It All Up

    Theologians tell us there are 400 years between Malachi 4:6 and Matthew 1:1. What was happening during that time? Was God trying to come up with a Plan B, C or even D?

    No, Gods plan of salvation was already in the works in Genesis 1. There is no Plan B.

    From Genesis to Malachi we find evidence of a sacrifice to be offered up to bring reconciliation between God and man. In the Gospels we find testimony of the manifestation of the sacrifice made. Acts to Revelation offers us testimony and encouragement to accept that sacrifice and a pattern to live for Him eternally.

    In the Old Testament people were looking toward to the cross. In the New Testament they looked back to the cross. God’s sacrifice on the cross knitted the two together seamlessly.

    The Salvation Colors afghan project brings together several panels which can be used to describe the story. Now it is time to seam the pieces together.

    As you bring together your knitted or crocheted panels remember the sacrifice that was made so that you may be a part of this story. Each panel is stitched together in black, referencing the sin which separates us from God. But don’t fear that sin, we will complete the picture with the ultimate gift from God, the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, so that we may live forever with Him. This is represented by the red edging around the entire project. A cross stitch is included to offer an additional reminder of God’s love. You will note that each panel is touched by this final edging; just as the blood of Christ touches each and every life.

    Recite John 3:16 before continuing: For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.

    Whosoever means you.

    For the seaming and edging click here.  A PDF reader is required.

  • Salvation Colors – Green

    I sit here looking at the snow, dreaming of spring. I am cuddled up in my snuggie and working on some knit and crochet projects to add to Book 2 so I can make it available for purchase soon.

    In the meantime, I am looking over the instructions for the last panel of the Salvation Colors Afghan/Lapghan.  Green in this ensemble represents our growing and maturing in Christ.

    Unlike our physical bodies, spiritual maturity comes at many ages; depending on when Christ is accepted into your life.  Many people then remain as babies, satisfied with milk and don’t grow. But Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:11. When I was a child, I talked like a child. I thought like a child. I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I put childish ways behind me.  We must mature, grow beyond our comfort zones and step out for Christ.  The names of these patterns seemed so appropriate for the green maturity panel; Wheatear and Sweet Pea.

    How are you maturing in Christ today?

     

    To download the stitch patterns for this panel, click here

    Next month I will post the edging and seaming to complete the project.  Whether you chose to use the stitch patterns of your own or you chose to use other patterns, it is the colors and the story that matters. Are you prepared to tell your own story of accepting Jesus Christ in your life?

  • Salvation Colors: update

    I have received several comments and emails from people just joining in on the Knit-along/Crochet-along. Welcome to all of you

    How are the rest of you coming along? Are your panels completed for the posted colors? 

    Next month I will post the last panel color, Green. Then shortly after that the black and red edgings to complete the project by Easter if you desire.

    If you need to download the previously posted colors, here they are:

    INTRODUCTION 1

    INTRODUCTION 2

    ORANGE

    GOLD

    PURPLE

    WHITE

    BLUE

    If you are not already receiving the monthly newsletter via email, you can sign up at Knitting Bible Study dot com.  You will receive a FREE sample lesson from Knitting Bible Study Book 1. (I am editing a 2nd book now and will include more patterns and also crochet lingo)

    Also, if you are on facebook, be sure to join the Knit and Crochet Bible Study fan club and post pictures of your completed work.

    By the way, a couple of the patterns are very intricate and may require more concentration than other stitch patterns.  My local group got a little frustrated when they looked at my completed project and then at their attempt. Remember, you are seeing my final results, You didn’t see how many times I frogged an entire panel or tinked back a few rows.

    May your hearts be encouraged, being knit together in His love. Col 2:2

  • Salvation Colors Afghan – PURPLE

    Purple in the Salvation Colors represents royalty.

    Christ was born to be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The disciples expected him to set up a kingdom here on earth and were bewildered at the events that led to his death.  But God had a plan that they could not understand.

    Jesus did not wear the robes of royalty here on earth, He did not adorn his hands with diamonds and other jewels. But He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and preparing a place for us in his heavenly kingdom.

    The stitch pattern for knit and for crochet is called diamonds. I thought it appropriate for this color.  Diamonds are used to represent commitment in a marriage vow. Jesus has committed His life life for ours.

    The patterns chosen here are a bit more difficult than the others. At least for me, they required more concentration than the previous ones. Take your time and watch the diamonds appear in the panel.

    Download the pattern for knit and crochet here. (A PDF reader is required)

     

  • Orange: video demo of stitches

    I have hesitated posting the videos on the patterns.  I have edited, re-edited; deleted and started over a number of times.

    My husband finally grabbed both hands in his and told me to stop, get it edited and post. Quit trying to make it perfect.  So I am going to offer what I have and hopefully improve as I go along.

    For the knitted project, the Vertical Weave is a 2 row pattern repeat.  Here I take you through each step. I hope this helps you understand and become more comfortable with the pattern.

    For the crochet project, the pattern is called Alternate Stitch. At first it looks difficult and deceiving, but once you work a few rows you will easily slip right into it.

    How is your project coming along?  Did the video help?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts with others.

  • A RedHeart Christmas

    As the end of September approaches I notice many of the local stores are already gearing up with Christmas sections, adding lights, trees and other assorted gadgets to ring in the holidays.

    While my personal opinion is that it is waaay to early to be putting these items on display, it is not to early to have several Christmas knitting and crochet items in progress.

    Celebrating these projects and adding more ideas to my ever growing list is the Twelve Weeks of Christmas offered up by RedHeart.

    Each week a new and ambitious project is published for your holiday craft list.

    Week one: Grannys Noel Throw made with Holiday Yarn.

  • Salvation Colors Afghan – Part 2

    Want to know more about the Salvation Colors Afghan in knit and in crochet?  Find out what each color represents. Get ideas on using it as a witnessing tool.

    Check out the video to learn more about the Salvation Colors project. 

    Collect your supplies. Gather a group of friends to work on this project together. It can be a great time to share your knitting and/or crochet skills; to learn new stitch patterns; and to enjoy each other’s company.

    May your heart be encouraged, being knit (crocheted) together in love. Colossians 2:2