This is a series of 12 small, quick blocks, which can be put together with plain blocks, to make an afghan. Or if you don't want to make an afghan, they are just the perfect size for putting under a coffee cup. There is a single chart for both knitters and crocheters to follow. The same chart works for both, with just slightly different instructions.  Machine knitters can make a gauge swatch and using the intarsia carriage on a bulky machine, make the same blocks.

These blocks will all be approximately 5-1/2" square, so the gauge is really important. I have included some ideas for putting them together, with you making either one each of these blocks, in the series, or five of each. Now obviously, twelve 5-1/2" blocks won't make an afghan big enough for a "real" person, so you will need to make matching ones in the colors of your choice, but with no design in them. Once I had the pattern written out and the gauge checked, it only took me about an hour to make a block, including fastening off the ends, so this is one of those "do it while watching TV, when you don't have something else to do" type projects.

Another possibility is to make each block, double the width and double the height to get eleven inch blocks, then there aren't so many to put together. You do it your way, this is just a suggestion.

To make a full sized afghan, you will need either one design block and eight plain blocks, or five design blocks and four plain blocks to do either of the afghan designs.  I plan to have all of the backgrounds in white, of course, you are free to choose your own colors.

The crochet blocks are all done in Basic Afghan Stitch.

Have fun, and post on the Message Board to let everyone else know that you are working on this, and also, what you think of the idea. If you have any questions, either post them, or feel free to email me.

Please Note:  January will be the last block, because I started this project in February.