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Crochet/Michael's craft store crochet pattern

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Expert: Marilyn Jane Rimmer - 1/20/2009


Question
I have started making pattern no. 25280a, called Crocheted Hooded "Bear" Baby Blanket. I have tried to get advice from Michael's craft store itself, and at local stores over the phone, all unsuccessfully.  I am only about 16 rows into the main blanket itself, and the sides are flaring pretty badly.  The representative from Michael's that I talked to said mistakes in their patterns were fairly common, but she could not correct it for me.  Can you offer me advice--the materials for two blankets (for charity) are already purchased!  One other odd thing, the pattern states at the outset that "Ch 2 at beg of row does not count as hdc"--I'm wondering if this is a part of the problem.  The Michael's rep said that in itself was an error.  I would love if you could help me.  Thanks.

Answer

swatch of Crocheted Ho
"...the pattern states at the outset that "Ch 2 at beg of row does not count as hdc"--I'm wondering if this is a part of the problem.  The Michael's rep said that in itself was an error."

There's a funny thing about turning chains, if you are using a double crochet or larger the turning chain almost always counts as a stitch.  When using a single crochet, the turning chains almost never counts as a stitch.  With the half-double it can go either way, and is up to the designer.  This pattern states that it does not count as a stitch.

I read through the pattern and it looked correct.  So I grabbed a hook and some yarn and worked up a small swatch.  The pattern is correct as written, so let's look at where you're possibly mis-interpreting something in the pattern.

"2nd row: Ch 2. 1 hdc first sc. *Ch 1. Miss next sc. 1 hdc in next ch-1 sp. Rep from * to last sc. 1 hdc in last sc. Turn."

Notice that your repeat starts with the ch 1; then skip i stitch and hdc in the next space.  So you repeat that pattern up to the last stitch.  Remember that you ended with an hdc, not a chain 1.  Then you put a half double in the last stitch.  So at the very end you have two hdcs together without a chain 1.  I'm assuming you go going with that repeat and got to the end and have a chain 1 before your very last stitch.  Also, your ch 2 does not count as a stitch, so do not work the last stitch into that turning chain, just ignore it.  I'm attaching a photo of my swatch.

Marilyn Jane Rimmer

Expertise

I can answer general crochet, stitches, reading patterns, Tunisian. I have limited knowledge of filet.

Experience

Over 45 years of crocheting, yarn & thread; pattern editing & contract stitching, some designing, & teaching (private & at Michaels).

Organizations
CGOA Professional Member

Publications
2007 Crochet Pattern-a-Day Calendar

Education/Credentials
CGOA Master of Basic Stitches, over 50 hours of workshops at CGOA conferences & online courses at Needlecraft University I also teach math (elementary & middle school) creating the courses, writing lessons & homework assignments, grading papers & tests, and writing evaluations. I am alert to details, and good at interpreting what people are trying to say.

Awards and Honors
Dozens of placements (1st, 3nd, 3rd) at county & state fairs, 1 Best of Show.

Past/Present Clients
Creative Partners ARNie Grabowski, Encyclopedia of Tunisian Crochet

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