Beginning a crochet Ohio Star

As I started crocheting the Ohio Star yesterday afternoon, I gave some thought about how I want to put all these (not yet designed) sampler blocks together. I’ve decided I’ll be making 4 or 5 panels of 4 blocks with sashing strips (similar to a quilt) between. So as I complete each block, I’ll add sashing rows (number depends on how it looks…more to follow on that one) and then start on to the next one. I’ve done the panel method on quite a few afghans and like the overall effect as well as the ease of putting it together. I’m not a fan of whip stitching a bunch of blocks together but this sampler afghan can be assembled using your preferred method. This description will make more sense once I’m further along and can provide illustrations.

I started the first square using the basic Tunisian stitch and quickly decided to make some changes. First, I’m eliminating the one stitch border from the square and replacing it with the cream background for my sampler afghan. This the result of my sashing strip decision. I’ve left it on the pattern though because it should make a nice effect if you are planing to whip stitch individual blocks together.

Second, I decided to switch to the Tunisian knit stitch. This results in a more dense block and, in my case, a more square one.  I’ll post illustration as soon as I finish the square.