Country Coverlet

Country Coverlet

 "A Pineapple?" Yes, a pineapple.

This Country Coverlet is my full-sized version of my 
"Heirloom Coverlet for Baby" 
(Seen below)

My "Country Coverlet" needed a special touch for its beginnings. Because the center needed to be rather large, and I could not duplicate the center of the baby blanket to the extent and size needed for this blanket, I thought on what else to put in the center. I thought back to a pineapple sketch I had designed a while back and decided it finally found it's calling. 

So, again, why the pineapple? Well, at one time, in the Caribbean, Europe, and North America, the pineapple came to be associated with the return of ships from extended voyages. Consequently, it became an emblem of welcome and warmth and hospitality that made its way into contemporary art and has stayed there. 

When I thought of this blanket completed, I easily imagined one of its uses as a warm, welcoming center piece to be displayed upon guest beds in people's homes as well as at Bed and Breakfast's. 

This afghan is only partially complete right now. Presently it sits atop a queen sized bed, and when completed, the cabled edges will reach the edges of the bed, followed by 6-8" of draping shells that will fall along three sides of the bed. 

What can you envision in the center of your blanket?!

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Have a LOVEly day!

Love all you do, and those you have, with all your heart!

The Linked Stitch

   

 Originally from an article from Crochet Me, I decided I really had to try this new stitch I had never seen before. And as always, I just had to share it on my Facebook page. 

   Well, the link would not work once I put it on my Facebook, but I really needed to save the information for a clear reminder about it, as well as a later time when I had time to sit and work it and think about it and all its wonderful possibilities. So, here it is. The info from the article, all the way down to the last bit of advertisement info for purchasing the magazine, Interweave Crochet, where it was first introduced.

I am always on the lookout for a quick and easy stitch. In last winter's issue of Interweave Crochet I was reintroduced to the linked crochet stitch. This is easily one of my favorite stitches. Fast and simple, the linked crochet stitch combines the speed and height of taller stitches, such as the double or triple crochet, with the solid fabric generally associated with single crochet.

With each issue of Interweave Crochet, I look forward to the in-depth how-to technique articles, the innovative crochet patterns, the quick and easy accessories, and so much more. Sometimes the stitches or techniques are brand new to me, and sometimes they are a pleasant reminder of what can be accomplished with crochet.

Here is great introduction to linked crochet:

		Work the beginning chain as normal. Work the first row of stitches by inserting your hook in the second chain from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. The loop you have just pulled up takes the place of the yarnover in a regular double crochet but does not create the "space" normally associated with a yarnover.
		Insert your hook in the next foundation chain, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have three loops on your hook, just as you would for a normal double crochet.
		To finish the stitch, simply work as you would a normal double crochet, yarn over and draw through two loops twice. Notice the horizontal bar created on the post of the stitch.
		To work subsequent linked double crochets, insert your hook from top to bottom behind the horizontal bar on the post of the stitch you just worked. This horizontal bar runs parallel to the front loop at the top of the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop through the bar. Insert your hook in the next chain; yarn over and pull up a loop. Work these loops off as before. Repeat this stitch to the end of the row.
		For successive rows, chain two to equal the height of the double crochet row, insert your hook in the second chain and pull up a loop. Insert your hook in the next stitch as usual, and work the loops off of the hook as before. Work the remainder of the row as above.

See, it's easy! Notice how the fabric is solid, without the tiny gaps between stitches, making it perfect for quick projects. As your piece gets bigger, you will really begin to notice the gorgeous drape as well. You can experiment with inserting a row of lacier stitches between the linked stitches rows. Subscribe to Interweave Crochet (or any one of our other wonderful magazines!) today at a fabulous limited time sale price and begin exploring a variety of helpful techniques and stitches as well as other valuable articles and extraordinary patterns in Tunisian crochet, lace, linked crochet, and more to expand your skills.    Have a LOVEly day!  Love all you do, and those you have, with all your heart!