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The 2015 Moogly Afghan Crochet-Along: Block #4!

By: 76 Comments

On to Block 4- we’re well and truly into it now, but it’s not to late to start either! If this is the first you’ve heard of the 2015 Moogly Afghan CAL, please CLICK HERE to read how it works! In summary, every 2 weeks I’ll share a new free 12″ crochet block pattern, and we’ll all make them together. All the patterns will be free all year long, and we’ll get to visit a variety of fantastic crochet blogs along the way!

2015 Moogly Afghan Crochet -Along - FREE #crochet patterns all year!

Once again, I’d like to thank Elke Wellens who is providing Dutch translations to all the designers – she’s even got a Dutch speaking Moogly CAL Facebook group going! And a big thank you to allatti2d, Angela2011, HelenJE, and Patricia-R-S, who are moderating the Ravelry group for the 2015 Moogly CAL! Click either of those links to check the groups out! I can’t speak Dutch, but I know the Ravelry group is a BIG source of help if you need it!

The post for each of the blocks will go live here on Moogly at 10am Central time on their specified date. Click the links in the schedule to catch up on past blocks!

The 2015 Moogly CAL Schedule
January 8 – Tamara’s Kismet Square
January 22 – Starburst Square
February 5 – Windmill Square
February 19 – THIS POST
March 5 & 19
April 2 & 16 & 30
May 14 & 28
June 11 & 25
July 9 & 23
August 6 & 20
September 3 & 17
October 1 & 15 & 29
November 12 & 25

*****

Introducing Block #4:  Family Square by Stacey Williams of Busting Stitches! CLICK HERE to go to the pattern page but first, read my notes below!
Block #4 for the Moogly Afghan 2015 CAL! Family Square!

Above is the original, made with 1 color and again with 4 colors. This square had a bunch of novel moves to hold your interest, and an amazing edge! Here’s the one I made, using all 6 of my colors:

Block #4 for the Moogly Afghan 2015 CAL! Family Square!

Now for my notes!

  • Video tutorials that might help with this pattern are (click to watch): Magic Circle and Increasing with Post Stitches.
  • My square ended up being 12″ blocked, but it seems like it want to shrink up a bit, so I’ll re-measure before joining and may end up adding a row of sc. Be sure to measure as you go, as everyone’s gauge is different! Because the edging of this square is so unusual, you’ll want to measure after Round 10, at which point the square should be about 10″ on each side, maybe a touch bigger. Learn more about adjusting for size HERE. Remember that the 12″ is measured across and up and down – not diagonally corner to corner.
  • I really want to emphasize that blocking this square is SUPER important. I did a simple wet block for now, I will probably steam block it after it’s joined in the final blanket.
  • In Rnd 2, it’s easy to miss stitches – make sure you have 24 sts total at the end of this round! The edging might seem intimidating, but there are lots of photos to help and it’s easier than you’d think.
  • I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, and my color order was as follows: Rnds 1-2 White; Rnd 3 Eggplant; Rnd 4 Aqua; Rnd 5 White; Rnd 6 Kelly Green; Rnd 7 Mustard; Rnd 8 White; Rnd 9 Raspberry; Rnd 10 Eggplant; Remaining Rows/Edging White.
  • If this one isn’t to your taste, you can find a list of alternatives HERE.

Thanks so much for crocheting-along with me!

Craftsy

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Comments

  1. 1

    Just out of curiosity, what’s the point in wet blocking. If you wash the blanket, doesn’t all that work to block it go down the drain? I’ve never blocked before and was curious. Thanks!

    Reply
    • 2

      Hi Angela! There are a few good reasons to wet block. Some of it may indeed come out in the wash, but 1. it helps you make sure your block is the correct size; 2. it makes joining the squares easier and more accurate; and 3. it preps it for any steam blocking you may want to do once the squares are all joined together. 🙂

      Reply
      • 3

        I’ve been crocheting for decades and I’ve never blocked anything I crochet. Am I going to have issues if I don’t block these squares for this afghan?

        Reply
  4. 14

    I saw this block when the designer posted a picture of it. I liked it enough that I went ahead and printed it to be used as one of my extras since I need a number of extra squares. I’m looking forward to working on it! 🙂

    Reply
      • 16

        Just finished! But I could NOT make the last section work out looking nice like yours and the designers. It was frustrating me to much, so I pulled out the Tarmara Kismet Square and used the last jacob’s ladder round and the following rounds. Still looks nice, but not quite the same. I’ll post a picture after it’s blocked.

        Reply
  5. 17

    my favorite square thus far. Any chance you can make it easier for the crocheter by giving stitch counts at the end of each round? I would be so appreciative!!!

    Reply
    • 18

      I’m not the designer, but if you comment directly on the pattern post she’ll see it! 😀 I agree, stitch counts are always nice!

      Reply
  6. 19

    Gee, I finally figured out this pattern and I am so anxious to start. I was baffled by the numbering of each step, ’till I figured out that steps 1 thriugh10 were the first 10 rows and the rest of the numbers were all row 11! I cant wait to get started. Thanks so much for this interesting and beautiful pattern!.

    Reply
  7. 23

    I am posting this correction for Round 10 in the Rav group… please let me know if this is not correct! I’m pretty sure it was just a repeated typo. I re-read it several times and checked against my work. Here’s the correction I posted:

    **CORRECTION ROUND 10: There is a “skip 2
    stitches” instruction missing
    after the HDCs following each corner.
    The group of 5 DC’s in one stitch
    should be in the SC from the previous
    round. This will make sense when you
    get to Round 10.

    Reply
  8. 24

    Any chance you could explain her instructions from #46 on? Even with the pictures, I don’t understand what I’m supposed to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  9. 26

    Why don’t you fix the patterns instead of posting instructions that are unclear or just wrong; then you go back and post a bunch of corrections …. most of the patterns in this CAL have been irritating. Most 9f the time what you show as the finished product has clearly been made with multiple corrections to the pattern given.
    I’m not new to crochet or to reading complex instructions.
    So far I have not enjoyed this CAL at all.

    Reply
    • 27

      I’m sorry you’re not enjoying it Dee. I didn’t write any of these patterns, but I did make them without any trouble, I’m sorry you’ve had a different experience.

      Reply
      • 28

        I am a confident beginer in crochet. and I do pretty good with instructions, pictures, and possibly video. I have ripped out several times in the last blocks but eventually figured it out.
        This bock #4 has made me pull my hair out.
        I made the block as written giving the professional the benefit of the doubt. ripped it out. found the problem. I think… I find corrections in different spots. I get down to the final round. I GIVE UP! Each side has different amount of shells. Makes it really hard when each round doesnt start where the last one ended. So I have a couple options. measure what I have and make up my own edge until I get to 12 inches. and leave the different amount of shells . or completly replace the block.
        This is my very first CAL and it has been 15 years since I have crocheted anything . This pattern I was very dissapointed in. More disapointed in the written instructions I guesss. the block is cutel. I certainly d ont have the brain cell capacity for the last round.

        Reply
        • 29

          Hi Terese! I’m sorry the border gave you so much trouble. The group on Ravelry has been able to help many, and I’ve been told the designer is there answering questions as well. Of course, you can always add a border of your choice.

          Reply
    • 30

      My friend Helen wrote this in the Ravelry group, and it’s very well said:

      I do agree that this pattern is not the easiest to read [and many patterns have errors or typos], but that’s partly why this group is here – to help each other work it out.
      Please remember:
      – The designers are giving us a free pattern.
      – They are not all professionals and don’t all have a team of people testing their patterns and sorting out the glitches – we’re the guinea pigs.
      – It’s not easy to write down the instructions clearly so that everyone can understand, some of the designers are still learning how to do it!
      – Learning how to interpret each pattern is as much of a skill as learning a new stitch.
      – Yes it’s frustrating when we just want to get on with the square but at least we can come on here and find someone who has managed to interpret the bit we’re struggling with.

      Not getting at anyone, just think it must be disheartening for the designers if we’re too negative. I couldn’t put a patterns like these together so I’m grateful to those who can. I’m sure they take our comments on board and use them to improve their skills – another good reason for this group.

      Reply
  10. 31

    Thank you I love all the very special squares up to now!

    I found a small possible irritation: In the last round Stacy writes to repeat rounds 20 and 21 9 times on each side This only works if in the instruction “Sl st 4 up the side of the piece” the first sl st is made in the same as the last had been made. Otherwise the repetition will only be 7 times and the round ed s up a little tight.

    Reply
  11. 33

    Finished rounds 1-10! Unfortunately I am already at 11 inches, since the border looks like it will add an inch per side I will have to do just a plain border. Don’t need a 13 inch square! For anyone who had issues with the patterns mistakes go to the Raverly group site… http://www.ravelry.com/groups/moogly-cal-2015 There are many posts on this pattern alone, and many tips and corrections. I personally had to do a few rounds twice before I got them right. Yes frustrating, but I still am enjoying this CAL and am looking forward to block #5!

    Reply
  12. 34

    Is there any chance of a video tutorial of this fascinating border? what a blessing that would be. this is a very beautiful square. So much sutle texture. Thank you again.

    Reply
    • 35

      Hi Judi! I can’t make a video tutorial for someone else’s pattern, but you could ask the designer! There’s also lots of help to be found at the Ravelry group. 🙂

      Reply
  14. 37

    this has been the most awkward one so far….stitch counts would be helpful, also I had to do a lot of working out and rejigging the pattern to keep it even, seemed to be a few “unbalanced” pattern repeats.

    also I did not do the border row, very faffy and would have taken the block well oversize. ….not a problem so far on any of the other CAL squares so not my tension.

    Reply
  15. 38

    First off I thought before the CAL started you said all patterns this year would be free all year and this is the second one in a row that you have to pay to get. The last one I was able to get using printfriendly.com, but try as I may I can not get this one to print either using print friendly or by making it a pdf. Is anyone else having the same problem?, I guess I’ll just use one of the alternatives or maybe one I have from last year’s CAL.

    Reply
    • 39

      I’m sorry you’re having trouble Judy! I was able to print this one out by copying and pasting it into a word processor document. Have you tried that option?

      Reply
    • 40

      Hi Judy, I used PrintFriendly to save a .pdf of this pattern, and had no trouble. I made two, actually; one with photos (8 pages) and one without photos (a little over 3 pages). Perhaps you can go back and try again? Do you have the PrintFriendly Bookmarklet thing downloaded into your browser so you don’t have to access the website each time you use it?

      Someone in our group has recommended another free web page printing & .pdf generating site called Clean Print, at http://www.formatdynamics.com/cleanprint-4-0/ … I have downloaded the Bookmarklet for that site too, and have used both of them.

      Don’t give up! This is a BEAUTIFUL square, and well worth the challenge. 🙂

      Reply
      • 41

        Thank you for your help and comments Heidi! ♥ I really appreciate all the hard work you and the other Ravelry mods are doing!

        Reply
  17. 43

    Hi Tamara,

    I loved this design but unfortunately, the written instructions are way too lengthy to follow. I was able to manage till Row 10, but the final 11th row is not working for me….Is it possible to put up a video for this block ? I think I had seen this block even before you had posted Block 4, and I had already put it in my wishlist….I actually wanted to give up half way through but then I just pulled along until I came to Row 11. Although there are pictures to explain, it still doesnt help me much…I so much want to finish this block rather than going to an alternative at this stage….I am sure many others have also faced the same with this block…..

    Reply
      • 45

        Thanks a lot LInda !
        I just had a look and lots of them are providing tips to finish it…..I will definitely make use of it now
        Hope you too finish yours soon…!!!

        Reply
    • 46

      Hi Niko! Row 11 to the end is all the border, mostly a two row repeat. I can’t do videos for other people’s patterns, but it sounds like the Ravelry group is all over it! 🙂

      Reply
      • 47

        Hi Tamara, oh boy ! I guess I can manage with tons of tips and tricks provided in Ravelry …
        I really liked this square and it was too good to ignore it..
        If I get some time, I am even thinking to rewrite the pattern in a little more readable way…and give it to the designer….I also miss the stitch counts at the end of each row, but I am sure this would be a big hit had the pattern been written shorter…Although the reading is intimidating, I must really admire the way the designer went on to take time to write every stitch in detail……If I finish this one, will put up a photo in my Ravelry album !!!
        Thanks..!

        Reply
        • 48

          I hear ya – every designer has their own style, and I’m sure there are people who prefer each style out there too! 🙂

          Reply
  18. 49

    Why is the dutch pattern so much more clear? I’m really upset that the english pattern doesn’t have the same pictures or stitch counts like the other pattern. It would be nice to have the same set up!

    Reply
    • 50

      The Dutch Translation is done by a native Dutch speaker, not the designer, both of whom are providing their talents with this free pattern to the CAL.

      Reply
  19. 52

    This may be a crazy question, but is there anyway to substitute a different border/row 11? I like a challenge and love the square to this point, but am way too frustrated and don’t want to undo the complete square after coming this far. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • 53

      Hi Carmen! Absolutely! A simple row of dc (or hdc, or sc, or two rows… depending on what size you need to get to 12″) would work great! 🙂

      Reply
      • 54

        Thank you . . . Thank you . . . I did a combination of singe, half-double and double crochets to even it out; and then a round of your shallow post stitches. I LOVE IT!

        Reply
  21. 58

    This is my first CAL, and I am loving it! I have learned new techniques with each of the blocks. Block 4 has been a challenge, especially Row 6. After looking at the sample picture, I realized I needed to balance the corners by skipping the two stitches. I am about to tackle the last row.

    Reply
  22. 60

    Hi. Loved all the squares so far – this one I’m struggling with, but still not bad.

    However, I really just wanted to say that the designers charging for the printable pattern does not seem in the spirit of the free pattern CAL, and they do themselves no service, as actually I will no longer visit their sites due to this.

    Anyhow, I do appreciate Tamara getting the CAL going in the first place!

    Reply
    • 61

      Hi Tracy! Every professional designer has to figure out the best way to put food on the table, and we’re all going to have a slightly different business model. You can always go to PrintFriendly.com to print out a copy, this is just a charge for those who want the *ultimate* in convenience, and it helps support the designer’s family. 🙂 I’m glad you’re enjoying the CAL!

      Reply
  23. 62

    I will say that this is probably my least favourite block of the CAL so far. The others were relatively easy, but this one has been a lot of trouble. I’m pretty advanced in crochet, but this one left me very frustrated with the designer. My husband will be doing this CAL at some point this year and I am DREADING having to help him with this one. The Ravelry group posted a trick to getting the border to lay flat that saved me. Other than that, I woudl have been frogging this one right to zero.

    Reply
  24. 64

    I am loving this square! A big thanks to the designer. I’m just in the middle of the final round, and I love how it looks.

    Reply
  26. 71

    Hi Tamara, sorry to bother you but i need some help with the final join. I’ve gone to the raverly group and looked through all the posts there but still having trouble. Essentially, i’m at the final group of fptr’s and when i slip stitch to the first set of cables, which were done in dc’s. ok, so i slip stitch to dc then do my 1 fptr, slip stitch to next dc from first set of cables again. do another fptr, slip stich to third dc and do my crossed fptr, slip stitch to last dc on first set of cables and do a final dc on current row. here’s my problem – i end up with a vertical row between the first set of cables and the last set. doesn’t look right. i can’t seem to find answer on reverly. i’m going to post this question to designer’s blog as well, and i’m hoping between the two to of you i can figure this out. Loving the square, just stuck on the join
    Thanks

    Reply
    • 72

      Hi Odalys! I got a vertical line too, but to avoid it, you can actually whip stitch the ends together instead. It’s not “perfect” but I think it might be less noticeable.

      Reply
      • 73

        Thank you Tamara, I was finally able to enlarge the pics that you and the designer posted and that allowed me to scan the squares and see if you gals had the same lIne. It took awhile but when I finally did find the vertical line i went ahead and finished it late night. This was defiantly a challenging squate, but I am so proud of my fished product and would like to say “Kudos” to the designer at Busting Stitches- “I love this square!” ☺

        Reply
  27. 75

    All the block patterns have been pretty. The first two were a little frustrating, but at least each step wasnt ridiculously long. This one had way too many steps. That should be one of the rules when designing or submitting a block, that the steps should be like 5 lines long.

    Reply
    • 76

      Everyone likes different levels of difficulty, so we’ve got a good variety going so far. If any particular pattern isn’t to your taste, and you’ve gone through the list of alternates, you can CLICK HERE for a newer list of alternates too! 🙂

      Reply

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