Spinning Wheel Afghan - Update

 In making up the first set of diamonds to measure sizes, the finished dimensions turned out to be 7 1/2 inches square. Michele calculated the final size of the afghan to be very close to the final size shown on the pattern.

Michele crocheted a row of single crochets around every single block. She crocheted a specific number of stitches on each side of the diamond. The row of single crochets gave her a way to line up each side of the diamond with the corresponding side of the next diamond.

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Finished size of afghan from pattern: 68 x 46 inches.

Finished size of afghan using Simply Soft yarn: approximately 67 1/2 x 48 inches.

Each row is made up of either 8 or 9 blocks. (Michele created a layout guide to make life easier for herself.)

Paper template for diamond blocking.

Michele spent quite a bit of time laying out the blocks, and sewing blocks and rows together, and found that the diamonds needed to be blocked prior to being sewn together. The diamonds are bubbly and bunched before blocking. After blocking they lay flat and are easily sewn together. (pic of blocked & unblocked diamonds)

Each of the diamonds was finished, then steam blocked to an exact size. We didn’t have any template material that would not melt under the hot steam, so Michele used a piece of paper with the exact measurements of the diamond marked on it. (pic) Be careful with the steam blocking—the iron should not touch the block—doing so can melt the acrylic yarn.

Unblocked vs blocked diamonds.

Once the diamonds were blocked, Michele sewed the diamonds into three-diamond blocks. The blocks were then sewn into strips and the strips were then sewn together.

Michele put her heart and soul into this project. The math on this project would have completely overwhelmed me. 

2 strips of blocks sewn together. We are well on our way to finishing the afghan.