337-344::365 popcorn & cluster flower squares

Pattern: experiment in using different numbers of popcorn & cluster stitches.

This is sort of a continuation of my circle-to-square series. I began with a two round circle made with centers of 4, 5, 6, or 7 popcorn or cluster stitches separated by 3 chain stitches. The second round of each was made with two stitches in each chain space also separated by 3 chain stitches. The ones with an even number of center stitches were pretty easy to transform into squares, but the odd numbered ones were kind of tricky. With a little math and trail and error, it wasn't impossible. For the odd ones I worked a round of single crochet in white, making sure that the number of stitches all the way around was divisible by four so the corners could be evenly spaced. Then I used the next round to square it up.

280-283::365 japanese squares

Patterns: These two Japanese patterns from Pierrot Yarn (the PDFs are here; you don't have to read Japanese, just crochet charts!).

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I wish every crochet pattern had a chart. Simple repeat patterns like this barely require more than a glance once you figure out what the symbols mean. The flower square in the lower left was made as shown in the chart with the addition of the final 3dc "granny" round to give it some structure.

The other three squares started out as the circle (and kinda hexagon-ish in the case of the green one) shapes you see below. I'm really enjoying the challenge of crocheting these into squares! I wish I could explain a simple formula for doing this, but it is different every time. I am so ready to experiment with some freeform crochet next year. I feel like I am really starting to understand how to get the shape I want!

274-275::365 circles from butterfly wings

Pattern: Adapted from "Butterfly Apron" by Linda Permann in Crochet Adorned.

I have been searching for my Beyond the Square book for a week now with no luck because it has some great circle patterns in it. Until then, I'm resorting to using circle components in other patterns. The butterfly wings in this one use two different circle motifs. I squared each up in a different way. This is a total trial & error process. The wavy look in the last two rounds of the first block was not intentional. I made that first round and realized I had decreased too severely in the middle, so I worked taller stitches in the middle on the last round. It worked out pretty well! :)

I'm about to hit the road to go back to McGee Creek State Park with Junior, Gerty, and our friends for Junior's 31st birthday! We went there last year and had a lot of fun. I'll be back and posting the rest of my squares for this week on Sunday. Have a great weekend!

Almost forgot my new mosaic!