A younger sister is someone to use as a guinea-pig in trying sledges and experimental go-carts.
Someone to send on messages to Mum.
But someone who needs you- who comes to you with bumped heads, grazed knees, tales of persecution.
Someone who trusts you to defend her.
Someone who thinks you know the answers to almost everything.

Being the youngest of three, I know this to be true.
To have two amazing sisters is like winning the lotto, every day for the rest of my life.
They are your twin (yep one of mine is for real) and your polar opposite. They are your constant companion and also your competition. They’re your best friend and occasionally a pain in your butt. They are everything you wish you could be. They are your heart and soul and you wouldn’t change them for the world, even when you have the rare squabble.
No matter what, you wouldn’t be without them.

And that why I wanted to make the perfect present for my Sister Kerry’s birthday.
I’ve been totally smitten with Tinna Thórudóttir Thorvaldsdóttir “Indiana Afghan” pattern, ever since I first saw it and knew it was the one, the perfect pattern for her birthday pressie. 🎁
Kerry picked her colours, White, Black and Grey, the pattern and charts were already printed.
Lucky enough I had the yarn in my stash, Stylecraft Special  Aran in White, Paintbox Simply Aran in, Slate Grey and Pure Black, I was all set to go.
I was pretty excited to start. I’ve been wanting to make this for so long now.
I decided on a starting chain of 144 + 4 (148) as I wanted it to be a lap blanket but after finishing I wish I had stayed with the original chain size.
I’ll know for next time not to change it.
I also decided to change the pattern order just a little and went with the below order

Pattern 1, 2, 4, 7, 3, 5, 6, 2 and 1

 

The only modifications I had to make was to pattern 3
On row 2 after the border stitch, I started with 9 doubles and then started the repeat pattern of 6dc, 3sc, 7dc.
I repeated the pattern repeat, 8 times and double crocheted in the last 8 stitches and then works the border stitch.
For the rest of pattern 3 rows, I always started with the border stitch and 9 Sc/dc and finished with 8sc/dc and the border stitch.

I was always against the clock as Kerry’s Birthday was heading towards me at full speed so for the border I unfortunately ran out of time and had to go with a simple border of double crochet.
I think it looked ok and didn’t take anything away from Tinna’s striking designs.
I joined the double border with single crochet making 3 single crochets in the corner stitch using Slate grey, just to give it a little extra something.
All in all I think it turned out ok, Kerry was really pleased and that’s the main thing.

I loved making this Indiana and I can’t wait to make the next one, this time though I hopefully won’t be against a ticking clock and I can actually enjoy the process.

I forgot to measure the finished Lapghan but I can tell you I used 10 skeins of pure black, 4 of White and 1.5 Skein of Slate Grey, costing £34.80.

So where can you get your hands on a copy of Tinna’s Indiana Afghan pattern?
You can buy your copy at Ravelry, just click here.
Trust me you won’t be disappointed.

Tinna’s patterns are very well written with loads and loads of information.
And if you are new to mosaic crochet, pop on over the Tina’s YouTube channel, were she shows you all you need to know about her technique.

You can find all her delicious patterns, here on Ravelry.
and you can show off you makes on her Facebook Group, Tina’s Crochet Club.
You can also follow her on Instagram.
and of course, YouTube. Tinna’s also has a shiny new website, tinnacrochet.com, were you can find all her designs and so much more.

Tinna also has a new crochet along coming up. She gave us a little preview over on her Instagram and it’s gorgeous. Pop on over and have a gander.
I’m sure as sure can be, that it will be my crochet crush when she reveals the finished blanket, and I for one can’t wait to share it with you, with her permission of course.

I think that about wraps it up so until next time, happy hooking.
Too-da-loo.

🧶🧶🧶