Offset Stitch

This is a very easy stitch I came up with by combining simple dc rows with a technique called "Offset", hope you like it! Multiple of 6 + 3 chs For a Block, ch 27 with worsted weight yarn and G hook, loosely.

Row 1- 1 dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 3, turn. (Counts as 1s dc of each row)

Row 2- 1 dc in each of first 4 dc, make Offset Cluster as follows: yo, insert hook around last dc made and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook around dc and pull up look, yo, insert hook around dc and pull up look, yo and pull yarn through all loops on hook, sl st to secure cluster, *1 dc in each of next 4 dc, make Offset Cluster, rep from * across. Ch 3, turn. Row 3- 1 dc in each dc and in top of each Offset Cluster. Ch 3, turn. For pattern, repeat rows 2 and 3 till you reach desired size.

Variation: You can change the pattern a bit by changing the placement of the Offset Clusters every 3rd row. This is a simple and fun pattern you can use for afghan blocks.

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Sea Foam Sonnet Lacy Block

If you like to make shawls, this block will make a really fast one! It can also be used for a lot of different projects. If you want something dainty and airy and yet fast and easy to make, use this block for it!

7 1/2" x 7 1/2" lace square
With worsted weight yarn of your choice (I used Sea Foam)and crochet size H hook, ch 10. Sl st to join ring.Rnd 1- Ch 8, wrap yarn 4 times around hook, push the working yarn behind the hook and insert the hook in the ring, yo, and begin to create a treble, yo and pull through the loops until you have completed all loops, Ch 3. Repeat 11 times (12 DTrs, counting the starting chain). Rnd 2- Ch 4, wrap yarn in hook 3 times, insert in first ring of ch-3 space, yo, pull though loop, yo, pull through loop,yo, but leave last loop on hook, repeat with next 2 chs of ch-3 space and repeat in top of next DTr post, yo and pull though all loops on hook, ch 5 (petal cluster made). Repeat twice more.Ch 8 (corner), repeat 3 more cluster petals, ch 8 (another corner), repeat 3 more cluster petals, ch 8, (another corner made), repeat twice more. In the last cluster petal, insert the hook for hte last treble inat the base of beginning chain, complete your cluster petal, ch 8, slip st at beginning chain to end round. Rnd 3- Ch 3, 1 dc in top of of next petal cluster, ch 3, skip 2 ch and make 1 dc in next chain (the chain right before hte next petal cluster), *1 dc in top of petal cluster, ch 3, skip next 2 chains and make 1 dc in nextchain and 1 dc in top of next cluster petal, ch 3, skip 3 chain of corner ch-8, make 2 dc in next chain, ch 3, 2 dc in next chain, ch 3, skip until you reach the chain that is just before the next petal cluster, make1 dc in that chain and 1 dc in top of petal cluster, ch 3, rep from * all around until end of rnd.Rnd 4- Ch 3, 1 dc in next dc, 3 dc in ch-3 space, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, *3 dc in ch-3 space, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 3 dc in ch-3 space, 1 dc in each of first 2 dc of corner shell, 2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc in center of cornershell, 1 dc in each of last 2 dc of corner shell, 3 dc in next ch-3 space, 2 dc in next 2 dc, 3 dc in next ch-3 space, 1 dc in eac of next 2 dc, rep from * around.

As Thy Days, So Shall Thy Strength Be

Peek a Bit Shell Stitch or Afghan Block

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
Size "H" crochet hook

Ch 29.
Row 1- 1 dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 3, turn. (Ch 3 counts as first dc in every row throughout.)
Row 2- Skip next 2 dc, make 6 dc in next dc (shell made), skip 4 dc, make shell in next dc, skip 4 dc, make 1 shell in next dc, skip 4 dc, make shell in next dc, rep across, untilyo have 5 shells. When you hve reached the last 5 dc, skip 4 of those dc and make 1 last dc at end of row. Ch 3,turn.
Row 3- Work 1 dc in each of next 5 dc over shell in previous row, skip last dc of shell, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc across shell of prev. row, skip last dc of shell, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc of shell , skip last dc of shell, 1 dc in each of next 6 dc of shell (do not skip last dc of shell), 1 dc in each dc across next shell and in top of starting ch-3. Ch 3, turn.
Row 4- Make 1 dc in each dc across.
Row 5- Rep. row 2. Row 6- Rep row 3. Row 7- Rep row 4. Continue repeating these rows in this sequence for pattern, if you wish to use it for a scarf or something like that. For an afghan block or strip: If you would like to use this pattern for a sampler afghan, to combine it with other blocks, make a swatch with the hook you will be using for the other blocks and make sure you will be getting the exact gauge so that the block will fit perfectly with the size of your other blocks and simply make the pattern repetions until you reach the size of your other blocks. If you will be doing a mile-a-minute type of strip lapghan, just keep on going up until you reach the size you want.
You can also use this stitch for a stole. I have started a scarf with it and I like the feel. Not too heavy, and yet warm

Enjoy!

If you would like these FREE, terrific-looking and easy scarf patterns, click on the links below!

Shell-Adorned Lacy Neck Warmer

http://craftybegonia.blogspot.com/2008/11/shell-adorned-lacy-neck-warmer.html



FREE Pattern Easy Multicolored Scarf

http://craftybegonia.blogspot.com/2008/10/free-pattern-easy-multicolored-scarf.html


Stay tuned for next week, we have a New pattern coming with the stitch you just learned this week! The Peek a Bit Shell Stitch Scarflette.


If you enjoy this blog, don't keep it to yourself! Let your friends know about it! To keep up with all of my patterns and crocheting related articles, join my wonderful subscribers!

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http://www.stepstochrist.us/

Another site where you will find important answers to soul questions.

http://www.bibleuniverse.com/home.aspxhttp://www.bibleinfo.com/http://www.amazingfacts.org/Default.aspx
Need encouragement, comfort or cheer? Look in here!
http://www.frontiernet.net/~rexfam/kingfam1_001.htm

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A Delicious Vegan Recipe and A Free Crochet Pattern

Hearts in a String
I love to make up stitches to make new patterns look new.This time I created a chain of puff stitch hearts which, if made long enough, will look like a puff cableforming hearts. it would look wonderful on a purse, tote bag or a top for that matter.I used a worsted weight acrylic yarn and a size h hook, but it could be easily made using worsted weight cotton as well.I am going to try to include a picture of a swatch of the pattern plus a graphed version of the pattern, in the graph the "Xs" are the puff sts and the white spaces are the dc sts. The graph is just to give you an idea of how a string of these hearts would look.


Here is the pattern:
Special st: Puff Stitch: Yarn over, insert hook in next st and draw up a loop, (yo, insert hook in same stitch and draw up a loop again) do this twice; thread over and draw through all 7 loops on hook - puff st made.
With worsted weight yarn and crochet hook size H (I used Red Heart Cherry Red)

Note: Ch 3 counts as 1s dc throughout.
Ch 20.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch across. (18 dc made). Ch 3, turn.
Row 2: 1 dc in each of next 7 dc, 1 puff st in each of next 2 sc, 1 dc in each of last 8 dc. Ch 3, turn.
Row 3: 1 dc in each of first 6 dc, 1 puff st in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 puff st in next dc, 1 dc in each of last 7. Ch 3, turn.
Row 4: 1 dc in each of first 5 dc, puff st in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 1 puff st in next dc, 1 dc in each of last 6 dc, ch 3, turn.
Row 5: 1 dc in each of next 4 sts, 1 puff st, 1 dc in each of next 6 dc, 1 puff st, 1 dc in each of last 5 dc. Ch 3, turn.
Row 6: 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 1 puff st, 1 dc in each of next 8 dc, 1 puff st, 1 dc in each of last 4 dc. Ch 3, turn.
Row 7: Rep row 6 one more time. Ch 3, turn.
Row 8: 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 1 puff st, 2 dc, 1 puff st, 2 dc, 1 puff st, 2 dc, 1 puff st, 1 dc in each of last 4 dc. Ch 3, turn.
Row 9: 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 1 puff st in each of next 3 stitches, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 puff st in each of next 3 sts, 1 dc in each of last 5 dc. Ch 3, Turn.
Rows 10 to 19: Rep rows 1 to 9 to produce a "chain" of hearts. If you only want to make a block, then stop with row 9.
Let me know if you used this pattern and what you made with it. Please don not post in your webite or blog without my permission.

Pattern checked and clarified, March 2011.






Eggplant Patties
Even if you don't like eggplants, these are so tasty, you'll love them!
1 medium eggplant, peeled, seeded and cubed1 Tsp. sweet paprika powder1/c up onion, chopped1/2 tsp. garlic powder1 Roma tomato, chopped4 strips of Anaheim or any sweet green pepper174 tsp. Italian Seasoning1 cup breadcrumbs (you could make your own by toasting and then pulverizing whole grains pread slices in your belnder or food processor, measure them in pulverized form not in bread cubes)2 tsp. wheat germ3 tsp. flour
Put in a blender the eggplant cubes, the onion, pepper and tomato with a little water and process till smooth. Pour into a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients.Form into patties. In a skillet, cook them till golden brown on each side. Serve with sauce or gravy or use for sandwiches or as a substitute for burgers or cumble them into pasta sauce. You can change the shape and make them into meat balls. You canalso use them in wappers and tortillas.Amount the recipe yields depends on size of patties.
Variation:Substitute the strips of green pepper for 1/4 cup diced celeryadd 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely minced- Add these to the tomato and eggplant when you blend till smooth, proceed as before.
This recipe comes from our kitchen and was first posted online at a vegan/vegetarian group I used to have.
If yoiu're a vegan, you can get many other scrumptious recipes that are good for your body and you for tastebuds at my blog Delicioso, Another Name for Delicious (English language).
Years ago we had a neighbor who wasn't a vegan nor a vegetarian, but she wanted to save on groceriesand she took up eating like this after she learned in our kitchen how to prepare some of these recipes,and was able to save money for a nice long vacation in Europe (and she ate ever day. . .)


"Love is power." RH

Other sites I like:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/vietteruby1/

http://www.bibleuniverse.com/

http://www.frontiernet.net/~rexfam/kingfam1_001.htm


Amazing Wonders of Creation