I just bought "Afghan Mesh at is 21/2 yds. x 45" . 2.28m x 114.30cm 100% Polyester. 8 holes/inch made by James Thompson & Co. I had seen an afghan made of this stuff years ago (20-25) and lost the magazine it was in. I have now found the mash but can't find a pattern and was wondering if any of you would be willing to help me in getting started in making an afghan. I have plenty of yarn and if this isn't enough mesh maybe someone could even help me in telling me where I could order some more. I have always wanted to make an afghan and am no good at knitting or crocheting so I hope maybe I can make some this way. Very excited about learn this new craft I hope someone out there is willing to help me in my venture.

A while ago I read this entire thread. Then I switched to looking at some antique patterns on line and I couldn't resist posting this leaf shawl which unfortunately is knitted but has the effect of staggered leaves on the diagonal. Its about 2/3 the way through the pdf of the old book. http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/pub/PDF/BeehiveShawls.pdf I just thought it was very pretty and also interesting because the quest of this thread has been to find a pattern for a motif (fans) staggered and made on the diagonal. I'm not much of a knitter, but I wonder if they are more common in knitting? I would love to crocet leaves on the diagonal! Kathy

I am a crocheter - did some knitting but never took the time to perfect it. Crocheting seems to go faster but uses more yarn. I rather spend money on the yarn and finish sooner! You could use a very simple stitch I am currently using the Sweet Stripes for a baby blanket so I guess it depends on the colors you selected if it is too babyish. If you bought the Splash - blue/green combo I think you are fine. I think the blue/white should be OK but the others signal "baby" to me (maybe others think differently). Another option is using Homespun from LionBrand since it is very soft yarn and a mixture of colors to add some richness to the scarf. They have some patterns for "short" scarves using only one skien and a few others also. Check their site and they also have instructions posted on how to knit/crochet. There is one major drawback for a new knitter/crocheter in using either sweet stripes or homespun - they are a curly/wavy type of yarn and it is harder to distinguish where the stitch actually is. I think a smooth yarn is easier for a beginner and would suggest using a sport weight if you want a light, softer scarf. A solid color is easier to work with for a beginner but the Bernat Softee Baby in Baby Denim Marls has just a hint of color so it is easy enough to work with. I like the His Jeans Ombre but even ombres are harder for beginners. Guess it really depends on whether you have a live resource to help you if you get stuck. Keep the first one simple and then build up your skills.

Wow...how long did that take you? It would probably be a bit longer for me since I'm still learning and I have two kids that interupt me often! LOL I like the green you used..pretty nice, too. I think I'm going to try mine in the cream or tanish color first though. If I like the look and it is as easy as you say, I may do more. Something about a solid colored blanket with a pretty pattern. Thanks for sharing! Leslie