Expert: Patricia - 6/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am a beginner at crochet and I am trying to make a very easy ripple afghan which I am enclosing a copy of the pattern for you to read, I have tried 6 times to get through times and I continue to run short of stitches at the end where I am supposed to make the final ripple and make 2 dc at the end. I never have enough stitches at the end. I have even made extra stitches in the foundation row and still run short. Any suggestions???
Here is the pattern with the stitch explanation for the dc3tog first.
dc3tog (dc decrease 2 sts) Yarn over, insert hook into st and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops. (Yarn over, insert hook into next st and draw up a loop. Yarn over, draw through 2 loops) twice, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook.
AFGHAN
With A, ch 159.
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, *dc in next 4 ch, dc3tog, dc in next 4 ch, 3 dc in next ch; rep from * 11 more times, dc in next 4 ch, dc3tog, dc in next 4 ch, 2 dc in last ch - 13 ripples.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn, dc in first dc, *dc in next 4 dc, dc3tog, dc in next 4 dc, 3 dc in next dc; rep from * 11 more times, dc in next 4 dc, dc3tog, dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in top of turning ch.
Continuing in Color Sequence, rep Row 2 until Afghan measures 60 in. (152.5 cm) from beginning. Fasten off.

ANSWER: Hi Carla,

I'm going out of town in the morning and won't be back until Sunday night.  In a case like this, I usually crochet to where you're having problems.  I promise to do this as soon as I am able to after returning home.

If you can't wait until then, you can e-mail another expert.  In that case would you please let me know so I don't work it up.

One way or another, one of us will help you with your ripple pattern.

-Patricia



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help, now over the weekend I tried once again and was able to get through the first row missing stitches and all (I plan to take it out and do it right when I hear from you and know what I may be doing wrong) but I wanted to try row 2 and since this will be the row worked throughout the afgahan I wanted to be sure I could get through it and I am having a problem with hook placement on the dc3tog of row 2. When I get to that part am I supposed to be doing the dc3tog into the 3dctog from the previous row? If that is the case where am I placing the hook. I don't have the sc stitches to place my hook into to be able to follow through with the dc3tog stitch. I am so confused and determind to get this ripple stitch. It is such a easy pattern to follow and I want to get the ripple sitich so much I looked all over for a simple to follow ripple pattern and just when I think I found one......
If you can get me through this part as well I will be so greatful.

Thanks again for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Carla,
I just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten about you. We were in New Orleans (my home town) over the weekend, playing tour guide to our friends from California. They'll be visiting us at our home for a couple of days this week.  I work full time so I've been busier than a cat covering up (as my husband says.)

However, I've printed out your two messages in AllExperts and I will work the pattern as soon as possible.  I know you're probably antsy wanting to get back to your project and I promise to get to as soon as I can.

-Patricia

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That's fine you take your time and enjoy your friends, I am anxious to understand this pattern but I do have a few other "projects" going on myself. I will wait to hear back from you. No worries......its summer enjoy friends, family and fun!!!!

Answer
Thursday, June 24th
Hi Carla,
Thanks for patiently waiting for me to answer your question.

Tonight I worked the two rows of your pattern.  The (3 dc in a stitch) make the hill and the dc3tog makes the valley.  You'll have 6 doubles on each end of the rows. Of course one dc is the turning chain.  So, at the beginning of row 2, after you've made the turning chain and the 5 dc's, put your hook into the top of the dc3tog from the previous row.  It's sort of a big loop because it's where you drew through all the loops to make the dc3tog.
Now you make 4 more dc's.  You'll know you did it right when you get to the (3 dc in a stitch) (the hill) and you're in line to make the 3 dc's in the middle stitch.  This will keep your ripple uniform from row to row.  The hills will line up, and the valleys will line up.

Once you get the hang of doing 4 dc's, a valley, 4 dc's, a hill,  4 dc's a valley, 4 dc's a hill, you'll have it.

I hope this isn't confusing.  Please let me know if this works or if you have more questions.

-Patricia