Roses in Bloom Afghan Pattern #6144

Starting at narrow end with Gold, ch 40 to measure 8½ inches. Work in afghan stitch (see patternbook page)—40 loops on hook— until piece measures 62 inches.

With Leaf Green, ch 9 and work 3 rows of afghan stitch.

Work in afghan stitch until there are 4 loops on hook; yarn over hook 3 times, insert hook in 2nd vertical bar 3 rows down and draw a loop through, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops) 3 times; yarn over hook 3 times, skip 5 bars 3 rows down and draw a loop through the next vertical bar, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops) 4 times—a herringbone stitch made —skip the st directly behind the herringbone st and draw a loop in each of next 4 vertical bars (9 loops on hook). Complete as for afghan stitch row.

Work in afghan stitch.

Repeat 4th and 5th rows alternately until strip measures 62 inches. Break off.

Examine the diagram for making cross stitches over afghan stitch (see patternbook page). Embroider two complete designs according to chart on a Wide Strip, spacing them evenly apart. Embroider 2 more Wide Strips in the same way.

Sew strips neatly together, alternating Narrow and Wide Strips, having an embroidered strip at each side and in center. Starting at one corner with Leaf Green, make a row of slip stitches around all sides. Join. Now work along short side as follows: Sc in next 2 sl sts, * ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * across narrow end only. Break off. Work other end to correspond.

Cut 6 strands of Leaf Green, each 12 inches long. Double these strands to form a loop, insert hook in ch-2 sp and draw loop through, draw loose ends through loop and pull up tightly. Make a fringe in each ch-2 sp across each short side. Trim evenly.