The Illustrated Afghan

Now you don't have to decide whether your next craft project will be to crochet an afghan or to cross-stitch a sampler. The Illustrated Afghan makes it possible for you to do both with the same project. Once you have chosen from among the 26 country, floral, and nursery designs, crochet the background "canvas" using the simple afghan stitch. The grid formed by the afghan stitches makes it easy to lay in the cross-stitch design, following the clearly drawn charts and color keys. And because the stitches are large, you see your design evolve very quickly. Do you like quilts? try one of the quilt adaptations, such as Home Is Where The Heart is or Country Tulips. Want to honor a very special occasion? Personalize The Wedding Tree or Baby Toyland with names and dates, for a future heirloom. Like to work on carry-along projects? There are many. Crochet the granny squares that compose An Apple a Day and Perky Posies, for example, or the portable panels of Summer Memories and Hearts and Flowers. If you're partial to lacy borders, Flower Garden might be your choice. Do fringes appeal to you? They're abundant on Blue Mum Tapestry. Adore ribbons and roses? A Bouqet of Roses will delight you. Every project is accompanies by a color photo of the completed afghan and, in some instances, color photos of specific details. The instructions are simple, clear, and easy-to-follow. the cross-stitch charts are large and readable, with all color represented by symbols. So collect your palette of yarns, choose a design, and begin illustrating your own afghans!