Crocheted Diagonal Striped Scrap Yarn Blanket 2

In the past 6 years, I have been donating crocheted blankets and shawls to my local chapter of Threads of Love.  This organization provides pieces of comfort and love to adults and children who suffer from severe and terminal illnesses.  The major portion of our recipients are patients of Yale New Haven Hospital at both the main and at the St. Raphael Campuses.  However, we also send our shawls and blankets to men, women,and children in the community and to friends and relatives in other states.

---

The blanket pictured above represents our 1002nd piece that we have created since our chapter's inception in 2009.  To celebrate our milestone1000 pieces that we have donated, our members gathered together for a wonderful tea lunch at Open Table in Stratford, Connecticut.  Pictures of our group were taken to be sent to local newspapers. I am proud to begin our new journey with my new second Crocheted Diagonal Scrap Yarn Blanket.  My original was published in February 2017 (http://www.lilcreates.com/lillian's-blog/crocheted-diagonal-striped-baby-blanket) Both blankets start at th ecorner with granny cluster stitches and increase on both sides until the desired width is reached.  At that point decreases are made to work down to the opposite corner, A simple scallop border finished off the blankets.  Both blankets were made from scrap yarn from my stash.  The first blanket featured bright pink, turquoise, and purple.  To crochet my second blanket, I used a wide variety of muted colors in a random series of rows that alternated with 2 row sof white crocheted clusters.

Pattern:
Row 1: Start with magic circle and crchet 4 chains into the center.  The chain equals 1 DC and 1 ch.  Then make 3 DC into the center, followed by 1 ch and1 DC. (1 cluster)
Row 2:  Ch 4 and make 3 DC in the ch1 space.  Skip the 3 DC cluster to make 3 DC in the ch 1 space.Ch1 and make 1 DC in same space. Ch4 and turn. (2 clusters)

Row3;  Crochet 3 DC in the ch1 space.  Skip cluster and crochet 3 DC in next space. Skip cluster and crochet 3DC in the final space.  Ch1 and make 1 DC in the same space. (3 clusters) Ch3 and turn.
Row 4; Ch4 and make 3 DC in the ch1 space.  *Skip 3 DC clusters and make 3 DC in the next space.* Continue * to final ch1 space and make 3 DC, ch1,  1DC.  Ch4 and turn  This procedure continues until the blanket reaches desired size. 
If you want to change colors, leave 2 loops on hook when you make the last DC. Slip the new yarn through and chain 4.
​​

When you have reached the desired length, begin decreases. Skip ch1 and first cluster to make 3 DC in next space.  Continue making 3 DC in each space through next to last.  Make 1 DC in last space. Ch 4 and turn. Continue procedure decrease on both sides until you have last cluster and finish off.

Please note that some times I use 2 or3 or 4 or 5 rows of color before alternating with 2 rows of white clusters throughout the blanket.

To crochet scallop edge. make a foundation chain around the edge with single crochet (SC) or half double0crochet (HDC).Start near corner with a single crochet.  Skip 2 stitches to make 5 DC in the next space.  Skip 2 stitches and make a SC in the next stitch.When I reached the 2 stitches before the corner, I made sure to make5 DC in that space.  I crocheted 1 SC at the corner and 5 DC after I skipped 2 stitches.  I made sure to make each corner in the same way.  
Sometimes I had to skip an extra stitch or skip only 1 stitch to make this happen.

The finished blanket is a delightful, cuddly, piece for a young girl. Since I only make Ch1 on the outer sides of the blanket for the increases, the center part of the blanket dense and squishy.
​
I hope that you have fun making the Crocheted Diagonal Striped Scrap Blanket 2. I look  forward to donating it to my group as we make our way toward our second 1000 pieces.

As always, I welcome your reflections and feedback.  Please join my on my explorations and stitching journey.