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United Kingdom
Hi there & welcome to Annie's Place. A place inspired by and named after my late Grandmother Annie. Somewhere I can be creative, and share my love for all things handmade. I like nothing better than sitting with hook & yarn, crafting something home spun & completely unique, or rustling up some yummy baked goodies. I live in a town with a beautiful embankment, situated on the River Great Ouse. You may know me as CosyKitty on Ravelry. Why not stop a while.....?!!

Thursday 6 June 2013

Solid 'Willow' Crochet Block How-To

Hello lovely people, thank you for being so generous with your comments on my last post. I know the Jan Eaton 'Willow' Block is a firm favourite for a lot of the seasoned crocheters amongst you, so it's lovely to hear that my simple adaptation of this pattern into a solid block version has proved popular. I'm sure many of you would find it super easy to interpret what I've done just by looking at the pictures I posted, but for those who've asked I've put together a very basic tutorial. 

The main body of the pattern can be found on page 106 of the block directory, in the book 200 crochet blocks for blankets, throws and afghans. Jan's pattern has the centre motif openly framed by four rounds of crochet, but I've chosen to encase the centre motif in just 2 rounds, with no visible gaps.
You can choose any number of colour combinations, but I've decided to use one colour for the whole centre motif and another for the border. I think it works really well. So here goes; I'm working on a 3.5mm hook with 100% cotton yarn. Once you've followed the first 5 rounds of Jan's pattern from the book you can choose to either fasten off and join a new colour (like I have), or carry on with the same colour to completion.

It really is a very simple concept, so I hope you find these instructions easy to follow. As with my Happy Flower Tutorial, I must point out I'm by no means an authority on writing up crochet patterns, so forgive any mistakes you may find, but by all means let me know about them should you spot any. 

Just click on the pics for a more detailed view

UK Terms




There you have it, 
see I told you it was easy!!!


Happy Hooking
x x x 

63 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for this tutorial :) I look forward to putting it to very good use soon!!

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  2. This is a nice tutorial, thank you. The blocks look beautiful.

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  3. Thanks for sharing! This is beautiful.

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  4. Oh my goodness me your finished squares are brilliant and I just LOVE them, all the colours are gorgeous.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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  5. Those finished Willow pattern squares look just lovely on your table in their different colour combinations! How kind of you to give the tutorial if we would like to try out the same!

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  6. How beautiful and how generous of you to share your amazing talent with us!

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  7. Super! I'm going to try tonight, I've found the right wool for it and was just waiting for that bit of inspiration to get me going. Thanks!!! (lovely blog by the way, you're on my blogrol for such a long time now and I really enjoy reading your posts!!) I'll take my crochet with me to the Gezi Park protests in Istanbul tonight :-)

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  8. Hi Sharron,Thank you,Thank you!!Can't wait to start with them!!!!Have a happy week!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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  9. Thanks for this nice tutorial. Love your stuff!

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  10. Hi Sharron, your blocks look brilliant - both in colour choice and pattern adaptation. Thanks for the tutorial - I have the book and would like to give it a try someday (when i can dig myself out of my huge pile of WIP, lol)

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  11. Oh wow... that is so pretty! Certainly one to remember.....

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  12. Thank-you! You have squared this motif off perfectly!

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  13. I like the hues of colour in your blocks. It makes them look less 'granny' and more sophisticated. Jo x

    http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk/

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  14. looks amazing! might have to get that book, Heather x

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  15. Lovely tutorial! I really do like your improved squares so much better than the original ones :-)

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  16. Thanks for a great turorial. I made this block last night exactly from the book but I'm now going to try your version of it. Love your colour choices x

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  17. Thanks so much. Love your colors. Have a great weekend.

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  18. Super:)Thanks for this nice tutorial: )

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  19. Hello fro Texas! Thank you so much for your tutorial on the "Willow" block you did an excellent job. Can't wait to make this for my next project. It would be great if you would post a tutorial for your adaptation of the "Edwardian Fancy" block. I think it is beautiful and would love to make it also. You crochet beautifully. Thanks again.

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  20. Hello, have just come across your site, love the work and colour co-ordination. Very inspiring. Thank you Jackie x

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  21. Those colours are fabulous - do you have a list of what they are? I would never have out then together, but they are lovely.

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  22. They look amazing - thank you for the tutorial x

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  23. Such a pretty block and very easy to follow tutorial...thank you for sharing! Love all the different colours together in the last pic too!
    Happy Sunday,
    Susan x

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  24. Oh what a wonderful blog,so many nice crochet.I come back,soon ;0).
    Thanks for sharing this granny♥
    Hapy greetings from germany,
    Ulli

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  25. thanks for sharing your beautiful work, full of love!!!
    greetings from Chile, south America!
    Long live to knitters!!!

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  26. Sharron!
    Thank you so much for not only sharing your WIP and finished works of art...but for being so kind as to provide a tutorial. I love coming here for inspiration. I have been following you since you last November and have never been disappointed. Thank you for introducing me to cotton yarn and for always replying to any questions I have. Enjoy the wonderful sunshine that promises a glorious summer (we hope). xxx

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  27. Love this. I must put it on my to do list

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  28. Hi Sharron, I have just come across your site and love it. Thanks for the tutorial ... beautiful work work and colour co-ordination. I am a beginner and do not have Jan Eaton's book. Do you by any chance know where else I can get the pattern for this solid willow? Love Nelma from South Africa

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  29. I Love Your pattern and the colors are just fabulous !! I finished 2 squares last night. I had an issue with the pattern in Jan Eatons book. When I did round 4 it didn't match up with round 5. It took me an hour to figure it out. In round 4 it kept saying to chain 2 skip 2 spaces then round 5 was saying to chain into the 5 chain space which there was no chain 5 spaces. I finally figured it out by studying the picture of the finished pattern. Did you have this issue in your book also ?? I have come across several of the patterns in this book that are incorrect patterns and for an experienced beginner as myself can be extremely confusing. Thanks so much for sharing your pattern I like yours much better.
    Best Wishes from Virginia, USA
    Lynn

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    1. Lynn, any chance you can help me out? I too am stuck at round 4. My pattern says, Ch 1, sc in sl st, *ch 5, sl st in 5th ch from hook, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch3, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, sk 2 dc**, sc in next dc*; rep from * to * 2 times, then rep from * to ** 1 time, sl st in beg sc to join.

      But this doesn't makes sense as I think I should have 4 chains of 5 to make the pattern work.

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  30. Hi,

    I just found your blog this afternoon and have had a wonderful time looking at all your beautiful colourful crochet. I will definitely be coming back!

    Best wishes!
    Anna

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  31. this is beautiful! i have to make some! thanks for sharing

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  32. Your work is simply beautiful, The reason I was asking if you have pinterest is So I can follow your work.

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  33. Do you have it in English terms Hon? I adore it! Thank you so much for posting.:-)

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  34. I saw the photo that Lion Brand Yarn featured on Facebook, and decided it was so beautiful that I need to learn how to crochet. My mother taught me the most basic things when I was a little girl, but knitting appealed more over the years. But I've been seeing pictures of things lately that I just can't do knitting, so I'm going to have to learn more than the basics. Lovely stuff you have here, well done!

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  35. I LOVE how crisp and clean all your squares look! I'm working on finishing up some WIPs before DH will let me start anything new. Have you done/will you do any tutorials about how you join your squares? I'm still figuring out what method I like best and love the look of yours!

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  36. You have very good color combinations. I gave up crocheting and went back to knitting. Now, I am very much wanting to make some crochet items for summertime.

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  37. This pattern is gorgeous. I love all the different colors you made, and hope to try your tutorial soon!

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  38. Where can I find the pattern for the Willow block?

    Thank you so much for sharing your tutorial.

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  39. I love this pattern and I love even more what you've done with it! Your squares are stunning. Thank you for sharing your tutorial with us. I am new to crochet so it may be sometime before I attempt this but I would really like to have a go. x

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  40. Your crochet work is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this, and thank you to Lion Brand who put this on facebook for me to see. Truly your work in amazing and the colors are brillant,

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  41. Muito bonito o ponto e as cores escolhidas!!! Abraço

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  42. not only are they gorgeous,but they are made beautifully-you are so talented and generous for sharing,thanks so much!!!

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  43. I just found your site this morning and I like what I see. I've been looking for a new project to take on a trip in a couple of weeks and I think I have found it! I love how you've finished off this willow block and the fact that it's a good stash buster. I don't know what I'll make with them yet, but maybe a new throw for the couch is in order? Thanks again for the pattern and I'll be back often!

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  44. I found your blog today and I love it. Your tutorials are so clear and easy to follow! Thank you for sharing

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  45. Your work is so beautiful, just beautiful colors thank you for your inspiration- I would love to make one

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  46. Me gustó mucho, es hermoso y gracias por compartir.

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  47. Estou apaixonada pelo teu trabalho, fantastico! Dá vontade de sair fazendo croche.
    XX

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  48. J'ai découvert votre blog aujourd'hui et je l'adore, merci pour toutes ces belles choses et pour ce partage...je reviendrai vous rendre visite très souvent...donc je vous dis à bientôt!

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  49. Tudo lindo.Muito lindo.Parabéns!!!!

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  50. Muito lindo seus trabalhos.Parabéns.

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  51. I just found your blog today. I have been looking for beautiful medallions and I have found them. I love your work and can't wait to get started. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  52. Thank you so much for this beautiful tutorial, i wud also love to see d tutorial for willow too for my future project pls. xoxoxo

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  53. Thank you from Malta. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent. This blog is a treasure , My hands are itching to get started.

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  54. Yesterday I had finished a classic willow blanket, but now I need to make another blanket using your idea! it's so so brilliant!

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  55. Pretty things make me happy :)

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  56. Thank you for a world of colour such beautiful pieces

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  57. I'm really glad to have stumbled upon your page. These are all lovely! Just exactly what I need. Thank you so much!

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  58. thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas I look forward to more

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  59. In case you don't have the book, there's an excellent authorised video on YouTube showing how to make the actual centre part https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sbAHfyeLXo. The edging you've done sets it off perfectly.

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