Repair a Crocheted Granny Square, Part 2

Did you see the photos yesterday? The unblemished square? The attack of the scissors? Here's part 2 on how I fixed it. So, I've crocheted the new stitches, in this case, 3 dc and a ch-1.

Again, drop the loop and use a smaller hook to pull the ch back through the next set of sts. This photo is a little wrong because that pink working yarn should still be threaded through thos lifeline stitches. If you accidentally pulled it out and it looks like this photo, just get your tapestry needle and thread it through the lifeline stitches again.

Again, the pink working yarn should be in where the lifeline is and where the little hook just pulled the ch through.

This is me putting the pink back where it belongs.

I had cut out one of the dc in the next group, so I need to re-create that, then I attached it to the existing st with a slip st. You should attach it anyway you can creating the least amount of obvious join.

This is what it looks like. Then weave in all the ends and remove the lifeline.

Viola'! Not too shabby. I think, theoretically, you could use this plan for any stitch pattern. Hmm, I hope I never have to try it.

Repair a Crocheted Granny Square, Part 1

Well, I was preparing this post when I realized just how huge it is going to be, so I broke it up into 2 parts, the second part will come tomorrow. Here we go!

Above, is the tear that I created in the square...

With a tapestry needle, I threaded a "lifeline" in the row above the broken stitch.

With my fingers, I carefully pulled apart the broken stitch and the whole dc-3 cluster, leaving about 4" tail. I unraveled the stitches to where you would normally join new yarn. On the other side I also left a tail. Basically I cut out the smallest amount that I could while allowing an end on each side of the gap for weaving in later.

With a tapestry needle, I threaded the new yarn through all the spaces that the new stitches will have to go. It's the same spaces as the lifeline. I used a cut length of yarn, not a working yarn that is attached to a ball. About a yard.

I pulled through the new yarn through the stitch as if joining any new yarn, leaving a tail for weaving later.

Sorry for the fuzzy photo here. I chained 1 st, just like you would for the granny pattern.

I removed the working hook and got the smallest hook I could find that would grab the yarn (I think this is a D). I threaded the hook through the underside of the dc in the row above, I pulled the working loop of the last chain through those stitches (just where it belongs in the pattern).

Pulled the working loop through.

Put the working hook back in. Pull lots of new yarn out so you can work with it, crochet the new stitches. In this case, 3 dc and a ch-1.

And, you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the rest!

The low-down on SFTDonline.com and catch-up

The new issue of the Crochet Insider is out! Congratulations Dora on another terrific issue. In this issue are some great interviews including one with Designer, author, teacher, Nancy Nehring. Go Check it out!

Also, there is a review of the Strapped for Bags vol 1 from the Straight From Today's Designer's Group in the new issue of the Crochet Insider. Thanks Dora for the great review. I love crocheted bags, they always fit! Bags/totes are what my friends request most often. Missy and Sue requested the Spa Bag (click at right). and Missy and Shelley both have requested a new bag that should be out NOW in Crafts N' Things magazine, Jan/Feb 2009 issue. Have you seen it? I haven't seen it yet. Does anyone get this magazine and can help me determine if I do in fact have a pattern in it? I couldn't find it on their website. As soon as I find out, I'll be able to reveal it.

What else is new? I was on Getting Loopy last night with Mary Beth Temple. Did you miss it? You can hear it here on archives. We just had a short conversation about the CGOA Mentor program. I took on the Mentor program back in October and have been working hard on developing the philosophy of the program and helping everyone utilize the program better. So far, the feedback has been good. Mentors are for members of CGOA who want a career in crochet and have made strides in achieving their goals but need a "consultant" to help further their efforts.

Lastly, for today's round up. I have formatted all the photographs for the "Repair a Granny Square" Tutorial. Now I just need to add all the text and descriptions, but here are a couple of starting photos:

Above is the basic granny square...

And the arch nemesis of yarn arrives and CUTS (ugh) a stitch. Imagine a toddler with scissors, or just a tear from wear, or some crafty critter gets a hold of your heirloom granny blanket...

And you're left with a HOLE in your granny square! Oh what to do?! Never fear, the Tutorial is here.... well, not here exactly, but coming the Tutorial is coming! Keep tuned as the week goes on and I will show you how I repaired this granny square.