Expert: Bea Harrell - 9/9/2008

Question
Hi Bea,
I'm making a ripple pattern for a baby blanket.  I'm ok on row 1. dc ch1, skip
next ch , (dc in next ch,ch1,skip next ch)twice,(dc,ch 1)4 times in next
ch,skip next ch, dcin next ch, (ch1, skip next ch,dc in next ch)twice. Skip next
3 chains, dc ch 1.   Then of course it repeats.  My problem is on the 2nd row.   
I don't know where to crochet when I get to the increase (the 4 dc in one
space)  .  Directions say  - ch 3 turn, skip first ch-1 sp, dc in next ch-1 sp(I
know how to do this), (ch1, dc in next ch 1 sp)twice - This gives me the 3 dc
going up to the increase.  (ch1,dc)4 times in next ch-1 sp.  WHERE is this ch 1
space.  I'm in the middle of row 1's 4dc.  Now it is dc,ch1 4 times in 1 space
so do I do the 4dc in row two in that first ch1 of the 4.  I would think it goes
in the middle.  BUT if I put it in the middle, I skip a ch 1 space and then as I
start down, I don't have enough ch1 spaces to have the 3 dc to get to the
decrease.  Do I increase in the same place each time?  and do I put it in the
middle of the 4?   I sure hope this makes sense.  If I follow these directions, I
increase the number of dc by 20 on the second row, and it will go up each
time.  So I know I have to skip. Help!!  Thanks

Answer
Hey, Barbara! I messed up and clicked the wrong button, and sent you an "already answered" reply!! Just ignore that! What I wanted to say, was that I can usually visualize a pattern as I read it, but I'm having trouble "seeing" your problem, so if you would give me a day, I want to make a short sample, and see what I come up with! You can contact me again through this site or E me at firekeeper2@sbcglobal.net  in 24 hours and I should have your answer.

Best, Bea