Graduation Afghan

Two Christmas present making journeys ago I created mostly scrap afghans for all of one of my niece's four children. They were fun to make. At Thanksgiving I was working on sewing the ends in for the oldest girl's afghan when another family member noticed the afghan and wondered if she too could have one. After having just finished four large afghans I was a bit burned out and I knew even delaying until this Christmas wouldn't happen. It was a good choice as with weddings and babies it would never have gotten completed in time for Christmas. However delaying until graduation made it possible to complete it as promised.

This is a granny ripple pattern. The one I used for this is Rustic Retreat and it comes from Herrrschner's Worsted 8 Throws Volume 3. Mine is made with a variety of acrylic worsted weight yarns some I had on hand and the crazier colors I bought to liven up the afghan as with the first one it is designed to be bright. This one will be clearly identifiable in a college laundry room.

Patriotic Granny Ripple

I posted about making this afghan, but never got around to posting the finished picture. I made this for my Mom's new house. I liked it enough that I'm working on one in fall colors for my house. I may actually make a Christmas one to use up some Christmas yarn I was given in a swap, too.

This pattern comes from an out of print leaflet I picked up from American School of Needlework, Booklet 14, called Afghan Favorites Grannies and Ripples. I find once I establish the original granny ripple, the pattern is pretty easy to follow.

The fall one I am working on now is helping me use up a stash of fall colors that I have had around way too long. It makes a great stash busting project.

Most of my time I spend making toys. I don't make lots of afghans. Part of my challenge is I love the beauty of the square patterns, but I lack the patience to ensure the squares will fit and to sew them all together. I prefer patterns like this that allow me to crochet in one piece, even if I do have to weave in all the ends when I finish.