I'd Rather Be Crocheting: 2012

I finished this Aran Hearts Throw from Red Heart Wednesday night while watching the Republic National Convention. I enjoyed making it. Rows of special stitches were alternated with single crochet. The special stitches were Front Post Treble Crochet, Popcorn and Woven stitch.

The patterns were Front Ridge, sl st worked into the front lopes only from the right side. The next row was single crochet worked in the free loops of the sts in the previous row.

In the Arrow Pattern, Treble Crochets were worked in every fourth stitch with double crochets worked in the three skipped stitches behind the treble crochets.

The Popcorn Stitch was made by working 4 sc in the indicated stitch or space, dropping look from hook, inserting hook into first sc of the 4-sc group just made, returning the dropped loop to the hook and drawing it through. This stitch was also used in the middle heart panel.

I am sorry to say there are a number of flaws in the project. The biggest mistake I made was to buy the yarn at three different times and the difference in color between the batches is glaringly evident. The yarn was Everyday by Premier. It was worsted weight. I got it through Amazon at a good price and free shipping. I just ordered some cream colored Simply Soft to use for another Aran project. I'm hoping I ordered enough to avoid the unmatched dye lots.

One unusual feature of the pattern was that it called for three different size hooks, I, J, and K. I've never run into that before.

I did not like the Woven stitch. It was used only in the border on the short sides. It was awkward to work. Also, I reviewed the diamond pattern when I started the second panel of it. The first panel I was working the working the front post treble crochets into the wrong place and the diamonds were more like hexagons. I re-read the pattern and the diamonds were much better shaped in the second section.

It was also unusual that the throw is worked from one long side edge across to the other long side edge.