Dc trinity, 3st decr, ch

k hook
4 ply yarn

Hdc Trinity; 3st decr, ch

k hook
4 ply yarn
(Very thick and stiff fabric)

Sc Trinity; 3stDecr, ch...

k hook
4 ply yarn

SC Trinity

Wide Checker; 5sc, 5dc, offset rows

k hook
4 ply

Pike, Extended Sc + Ch + ExSc...

4 ply yarn
k hook

Double Crochet Twin V

k hook
4 ply yarn

Double Crochet 3 and 2

k hook
4 ply yarn

Double Crochet V

K hook
4 ply yarn

Hdc V

k hook, 4 ply pink yarn

Dc Front/Back Post Leg warmers

K hook
Caron Simply Soft Traditions 100% acrylic worsted weight yarn (a thin, soft, 4-ply yarn)

These were worked in a round tube using rows and not a spiral with increases and decreases made in the back. Started working in little spaces of time on 9/14 and finished 9/15. Worked up very quick with K hook.

Directions:
K hook
Chain 24 and slip stitch join into ring.

Row 1: Chain 3 (counts as 1 Dc), then 23 Dc into "spine" of foundation row

Rows 2-13: (worked to point where calf starts to widen)
Chain 3 (counts as BpDc), *2FpDc, 2BpDc* (repeat) BpDc, sl st to join

Row 14: ch 3, *2FpDc, 2BpDc* (repeat) FpDc, BpDc(incr)

Rows 15-24: ch 3, *2FpDc, 2BpDc* (repeat) FpDc, BpDc, FpDc, sl st. (until reach 26 st in row)

Row 25: ch 3, *FpDc, BpDc* (repeat) FpDc Decr, BpDc, sl st
(Change rib pattern & start decrease where calf starts to narrow)

Rows 26-27: ch 3, *FpDc, BpDc* (repeat) FpDc Decr, sl st

Rows 28-30: ch 3, *FpDc, BpDc* (repeat) FpDc, sl st

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
st - stitch(es)
sl st = slip stitch
FpDc = Front post Dc (See 7/13/14 post)
BpDc = Back post Dc
Incr = increase
FpDc Dec = Front Post Decrease (you end up with 3 loops on hook, then draw through all 3 to finish)

Here are my pattern notes and a picture of the yarn label I used.

I will probably put an elastic through the BpDc to keep the leg warmers up when I walk. Sitting around they probably won't fall down but I rarely sit. A lot of times I crochet standing up.

Sc Spike

4 ply yarn, K hook

2 Color Wave; 2sc-hdc-3dc-hdc-3sc...

4 ply yarn, k hook

Crochet-opedia by Julie Oparka

The only crochet reference you'll ever need
St. Martin's Griffin, New York www. stmartins.com
isbn 978-1-250-02033-8
copyright 2013 Quintet Publishing Ltd.

I like the spiral binding because it helps the book to lay flat. Nice color pictures. Project patterns are just given in American abbreviations. However the stitch directory gives very clear instructions and shows European symbol charts. I enjoyed this book.
-----
(my notes)
table of contents

Introduction; "Historians, however, have proposed that either naalbinding or tambour embroidery are the ancient needlework origins from which crochet sprang."

Materials: Yarns & Fibers; "animal, plant, and synthetic." yarn weights, crochet hooks and equipment, parts of hook: tip, throat, shaft, grip, handle, other equipment, yarn labels, substituting yarns, washing and care essentials, blocking,

Techniques:

• how to read a pattern, abbreviations, symbol crochet charts- read circular charts counterclockwise, measuring gauge, holding yarn & hook, slipknot, foundation and turning chains, working into chain-top loop-top loop+ back ridge- back ridge
• basic stitches, sc, hdc, dc, tc, sl st, fl dc, bl dc; cobble st (confusing directions)
•  incr, decr, joining in new yarn or color, weaving in ends (I don't understand why you can't just carry the ends under the next set of crochet stitches.)
• seams, mattress(invisible), top, back st, whip st, 
• edgings; sl st, sc, reverse sc (crab st), shell, ruffle, picot, 
• button holes, loops, 
• working in rounds, joined round of chains, working into one chain, Yarn ring (magic loop), tubular, flat
• textured st; cluster, bobble, puff, popcorn, post st & f/bl st,
• lace & openwork st; fans, mesh, trellis, shells
• chevrons, waves & spikes
• loop, astrakhan
• colorwork; stripes, jacquard (stranding method), intarsia-larger blocks of color
• motifs, joining
• bead and surface crochet, thread and filet crochet, tunisian crochet, broomstick & hairpin lace,
• trims; tassels, fringe, pom-poms
• felted crochet
• garment construction

project selector

• simple; sq pot holder, beanie hat, bow headband, fingerless gloves, phone cozy, bobble scarf, baby shoes, motif decroation, arm warmers, flower brooch, amigurumi russian dolls, 
• intermediate; sampler baby blanket, chevron rug, intarsia pillow, lacy beret, lace scarf, starry night place mat, slippers, felted tote bag, honey cat, little hen
• advanced; broomstick lace clutch, beaded earings, hairpin lace mobius wrap, lacy cardigan, shell top, toe up lacy socks, swirl thread bowl, filet thread runner, tunisian neck warmer, childs unisex sweater

Stitch directory

• basic; sc, hdc, dc, tr, 
• basic st combos; 
• textured st; sc rib by working in back loop, DC vertical rib by alternating Fp & Bp, basketweave, clusters, bobbles, popcorns, puffs, cable (crossed st), Dc "crunch" st, etc.
• loop st; astrakhan, fur, woven ch, etc.
• lace & open work; v, shell, mesh, trellis
• chevron, wave, & spike; 
• advances technique st; tunisian, hair pin & broomstick lace, 
• motifs
• edgings

Charts for some patterns
Understanding chart symbols
resources
index

Crocheting in Plain English by Maggie Righetti

Thomas Dunne Books, St. Martin's Griffin, NY
www.thomasdunnebooks.com www.stmartins.com
copyright 1988, 2008 by Maggie Righetti
isbn 13: 978-0-312-35354-4
second edition:
December 2008

I really enjoyed her anecdotes. Very entertaining. This is written in a very accessible manner and is very informative and complete. She has a way with words that puts pictures in your mind. She mentions fine tuning details that I never even thought of like matching the hook to the thread so you can crochet easier and faster. I love the way she gives you the techniques you need to design your own patterns. Very clear drawings with written instructions.
-----
table of contents
acknowledgments
preface "making lace in the air" ...."old French name..."
Introduction, A crochet teacher tells all

part one; before you begin

• A living history
• A short, incomplete, and possibly inaccurate history of crocheting
• Dreams are the stuff that reality is made of; boredom vs too challenging, unfinished projects, fooled by photos
• Of spiderwebs and Halyard lines, "thread or yarn we choose will.... determine the kind of crocheted fabric we get and .... type of project we can make...", sizing systems for threads & yarns, quality, yarn finishes, color & dye lot, "How the owner ... will be able to care for it will determine what kind of yarn you will purchase." "How long do you want the thing to last?" "Your efforts deserve the best yarn that you can afford."
• Hooks can Harpoon you. point-throat-shank-thumb rest, "the slope from the tip to the shank will affect the size and length of your chain stitches" [long & narrow= tiny chains, no slope or fat & wide hook = fat & wide chains.] "center of gravity.... determine how the hook feels in your fingers.", hook sizing systems, the right hook for the project "... try until you find a good marriage between hook and thread...", today's hooks for today's crocheter.
• Don't be gouged by gauge (tension), things that affect gauge, how to make and measure a gauge swatch
• Patterns and Instructions, why patterns are abbreviated, patterns do make sense, have someone else read the pattern aloud (my note: I usually rewrite the pattern in a lined notebook with symbols and I use a bookmark when I'm reading a pattern to stay on the right line.) Make yourself a pattern booklet (my note: That's what this blog is.), errors creep in, leaping over problems.
• Supply and Demand, choosing a container, supplies to carry in your bag, "as soon as you select a pattern...make a copy for yourself... keep original in the box with the remainder of the yarn at home." [However] "Do not copy instructions for your friends and neighbors.... Publishers print instructions as a business.....Designers usually earn their living from the small royalties, that they receive when you buy their patterns." "nail file, Band-aids"

part two: Details, Details, Details

• Making music with your hands
• supplies for beginners, reminder
• slip loop, how to hold left & right hand
• ch st
• first real st, sc, turning chains, definition post = st and/or upright st in previous row, end post = beginning turning ch and/or final st; when you want to stop, some special words about charts
• making it softer and longer, hdc
• and longer, dc, things don't always stack up straight, edges of double crochet
• and longer stil, tc
• sl st; attaching, joining, traveling, fastening
• adding new yarn, in the middle, at the end of a row, plan ahead - [leave 6" long tail.], hiding in ends securely
• your cup runneth over, incr, to incr is to make more, 2 ways to incr, 
• gathering in the flock; decr, sc, dc, puff, tc & dtc decr
• fishing with your hook in other waters, don't have to work through both loops, can skip stitches, can put hook in a space or another row, can work around stitches, can make circle, can work backwards (L to R), crossed stitches, picots, can remove hook and insert elsewhere, popcorn st, make picot by removing hook form loop
• improvise and invent, test self by making tumbler holder/coaster, making it work, using a paper pattern to fit clothes, change pattern if not working right
• oops! "stop frequently to inspect and admire your work to find mistakes. lots of different ways to handle mistakes from perfectionist to enjoying the process as much as the finished project. Leave mistakes in if no difference in finished project, make a pattern of your mistakes, make a compensating incr for omitted st or decr for extra st. cut it open & undo it until threads long enough to crochet in more yarn. rip back and start over. try to avoid errors by checking, counting, measuring as you go"
• fancy that! some terms defined. some pattern stitches written in American symbols and sometimes European symbol diagrams along with good black and white photos of finished st. Also patterns for finished items included. Stitches: Mesh, filet, V, shells, ripple, fishnet, arch, herringbone, popcorns, lovers' knots. Spiderweb shawl. up and down st, queen anne's lace.
• Making medallions and motifs; black-eyed susans, granny squares, spiral pinwheel hexagon, irish rose sq, pineapple in sq, marguerite
• lavishing laces on linens
• precious little jewels to add, flowers
• multicolor jacquard crochet

part 3 - after the last stitch is finished

• putting it all together; seams decorative? bulk, weight, work from inside or out, right tools, use yarn item was made with, yarn wears out as you make seams with it so use short pieces less than 20" long. Common ways of joining; invisible weaving, vertical, horizontal, horiz to vert, diagonal, stair steps, sc, sl st, whip st, back st, getting rid of tail ends, edgings
• finishing touches; fringe, tassels, pom-poms, twisted monk's cord, crocheted cord, yarn buttons; ball, covered rings
• care and feeding of crocheted articles, cleaning, drying, blocking, never hang, 

Part 4 - learning lessons

• sampler scarf - pretty cool way to review stitches
• the easiest sweater, table/tray mat, tc striped afghan, raglan baby sweater, bonnet

Maggie's premise in writing this book
glossary
common symbols
resources
index

Crocheting School, A Complete Course translated by Mary Beth Benbenek

Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. New York, NY
copyright 2001
isbn 1-4027-0831-9

Nice pictures & instructions. Pictures show stitches step by step. However doesn't use European symbols for st patterns. No patterns for making projects.
-----
table of contents
What you need, holding hook and yarn
How to follow direction, how to begin simple ch & dbl ch
Basic St; sc, rib; sl st, rib, edging; hdc, dc, tc; turning work, Sc-1 ch to Tr-Tr 6ch
Rounds, center ring, no name indicated but I call this magic ring; hdc, dc, tc, dc-ch-dc, tr-ch-tr
Squares
incr, decr,
afghan (tunisian) st & variations
net st, incr & variations
geometric shapes, circle, "spiral", triangle, square by increasing, sq by round, pentagon, hexagon
edgings, reverse sc, picot, cluster, twisted, scalloped
lace border, festoons, ribbed post dc, ribbed post sc, sc rib, mock dc rib w post st
hairpin lace
filet crochet corners
working in rounds beyond center ring
hairpin lace designs
lace patterns, clover, Belgian,
incr in afghan (Tunisian) st
edgings worked on fabric
Irish lace motifs, 3 layered flower, Lancelot leaf
2 color Jacquard pattern in sc, dc
broomstick lace
woven pattern on net st
Irish lace; star flower,
working sq in rounds
fur st, fur st w chains
buttonholes, horiz, vert
wrapped st; column
joining sq
Irish lace; 8 petal flower,
braided st
cords, simple, round,
seams; back st, sl st, sewn ch st, sc, sc & ch, needle weave, alt sl st, sewing upper edges, filet crochet
rickrack trim; simple border, fringed
crocheted inserts
sunburst pattern in 2 colors
pattern made with (peg) loom
circular patterns
3d st, sc, dc, popcorn, horiz pineaple
geometric shapes in 2 colors, triangle, granny sq, flower, tile hexagon
embroidering over crochet, cross st, back st, stem, ch
loops, ball, flat buttons
working with beads
borders; simple & fast, clover, picot, arched
trims, ribbons, center piece
background patterns for Irish lace, diamonds w picots, shamrocks, bobbles
lacy sq
dainty edgings
crocheted trimming
raised st; cables, tricolor raised
flower motif applique
circle transformed to sq, sq rose
circular insert
rounded borders
interlocking rings
patchwork from scraps, 3 color, 4 color sq
index

Crochet! Techniques, Stitches, Patterns by Marie-Noelle Bayard

Photography by Jean-Charles Vaillant
sixth&spring books, New York, NY
isbn 978-1936096-14-5

I like this book. Very nice pictures, clear patterns. Well written and organized. Patterns are written in American and more complicated patterns also show European symbols. Clothing patterns are drawn with measurements. I also like the picture indexes at the back of the book.
----
Table of contents
Preface

Techniques;
yarns, hooks, instructions, abbreviations& symbols,

getting started;

• how to hold yarn & hook, working 1st stitch, chain st, changing yarn, incr, decr,
• armholes; square, classic raglan
• necklines; square, round or crew, v
• button holes, horizontal, vertical, loop
• putting it all together, hiding loose ends, joining with crochet hook, needle, back stitch seam overcasting

basic st: sc, sl st, hdc, dc, tc, dtc, crab st, working in rows

• pattern stitches; sc, ribbed, eyelet, tight granite, dc, ribbed, sc+dc, toleware, riddle, granite, sand, starry, tc, trail, chevrons, sc, dc, ribbed
• bucket bag, carryall, baby pullover, cuddly toy (bear), baby booties, jacket

Textured st; ribbing, horiz, vert, clusters, puff, crossed dc,

• pattern st; vert rib, granular, basket weave, honeycomb, raised petal, triangular leaves, raised chevrons, chevrons & puff, corncob, rosetts, puff st over crossed dc, staggered cluster, raised cables, mary quite contrary, raised scales
• square pillow, carrier bag, Irish sweater,  Japanese pillow

Lace

• Simple st; shells, 3 ch picot, bundles
• Composite st; staggered picots, Japanese fans, closed garlands, arcade, shell stripes, daisy, ears of wheat, hexagons, harlequine, garland, daisy chain, staggered double loops, crowned, lace fans, eyelet pyramids, 
• shade trim, crib blanket, lacy scarf, slippers, tank top

Composites

• working in rounds
• st; pine cones, Moorish medallion, snow flake, traditional hexagon, raised hexagon, curlicue, Hawaiian sq, starry square, Baltic square, daisy, windmill, whirlpool, wheel, crystal sq, dc sq, old America sq, rosy sq
• accent pillow, lamp shade, afghan, brooches, belt, 

Indexes

• pictures of st & pages
• pictures of pattern st + European symbol pattern & pages
• pictures of techniques & pages
• pictures of patterns & pages
• traditional word index