Scrapbuster Project -- Free Crochet Afghan Pattern

It seems just lately that everyone's working on scrapbuster projects. I'm not sure if we feel the need to justify our next yarn purchase or make room for it. As much as I love looking at those small balls of colorful yarn, the organized, fastidious person in me likes to use things up and move on.

As I searched for a good scrapbuster project, I came across several multi-stitch afghans that people are working on. But I'd just completed something similar as an infinity scarf for my upcoming pattern eBook. I didn't want to make another scarf, although the Granny Square Scarf I blogged about here would be an ideal scrapbuster project.

Finally, I decided to make a baby afghan for my daughter R's newborn baby girl. R has tons of blankets from when her son was born almost two years ago, but consented to me crocheting this one because baby S loves a good heavy blanket and this one has a flowery motif.

Here's the yarn I started with.

The baby afghan I'm crocheting for my scrapbuster project will measure about 40 inches wide (100 cm) by about 36 inches high (90 cm). The pattern below is for this size. Adjust accordingly to make a larger afghan.

My scraps come from various brands and weighs of yarn...remember, I'm a rule breaker. To follow this pattern, you need to know how to chain, HDC and DC. I'll explain how to do the Cluster stitch within the pattern. I'm using a J Hook (6.00 mm).

**Feel free to use this pattern for personal use or for profit. I only ask that you remember to give credit to me, Mary at Go Crochet Crazy, and link back to my blog page.**

"Flowers in Bloom" Scrapbuster Afghan

**This pattern would also make a lovely scarf if adjusted accordingly**

Ch 93 (crochet a wider chain for a larger blanket, but make sure your final chain number is divisible by 3)

Rows 1 - 3: Chain 2,, counts as first HDC. HDC in each stitch to the end of the row.

Row 4: Change colors. Chain 3. Skip 1 stitch. *DC, Ch 1, DC all in the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches*. Repeat from * to * until the last 2 stitches. DC, Ch 1, DC in second-to-last stitch. DC in last stitch.

**You'll use the Cluster stitch for the next row. To do this: YO, insert into the stitch, YO and draw through 2 loops. YO, insert into same stitch, YO, draw through, YO and draw through 3 loops. YO, insert again into the same stitch, YO, draw through, YO and draw through all 4 loops. 

Row 5: Switch colors. Ch 3. Skip first DC. *CL into next Ch 1 space to make a flower, Ch 2*. Repeat from * to * until last Ch 1 space. CL in Ch 1 space, then DC into last stitch.

Your work will look something like this.

Row 6: Switch back to same yarn used in Rows 1-3. Ch 2 (counts as first HDC). *HDC in top of CL. 2 HDC in Chain 2 space*. Repeat from * to * until last two stitches. HDC in CL, HDC into last stitch.

Row 7: Chain 2, counts as first HDC. HDC in each stitch all the way across.

Repeat Rows 4-7 until you crochet to the desired length. Add an additional row of HDC to make both ends of the afghan even. Finish off the edges with your favorite edging. I'll be using a scalloped edge.

Here's where I'm at so far with my scrapbuster project:

Since I'm also working on another project at this time, I anticipate needing a week or two to finish this afghan. I'll pop in and update with photos as I go along. Let me know if you decide to give this a try! Or tell me what scrapbuster projects you've enjoyed crocheting.

Project Update #1

I promised I'd return to update you on the progress of "Flowers in Bloom", my scrapbuster baby afghan project. I actually took a break from it one day to make Scrapbuster Cat Toys, which you can see here.

Since taking this picture two days ago, I've actually gotten another set of cream, green and flowers added. But this will give you a good idea of how it's turning out. Expect to see color variation in some places. As tempted as I was to go out and buy what I ran out of, I have continually reminded myself that this is a "scrapbuster project". So far, I'm loving how it's coming along.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite scrapbuster project?

Project Update #2

With great joy, I've taken this project off-the-hook today and will be able to present it to three-week-old Baby S later this afternoon (read more about it in this blog post). So, without further adieu, allow me to show you the finished product. What do you think?

Crocheting the last few scallops for the edge.

"Flowers in Bloom" is ready for its new home

**I'm excited to be participating in Oombawka Design's Link & Share Wednesday!**