You’ll need: US Size 7 needles or size needed to achieve gauge of 5 sts = 1 inch; Worsted weight acrylic yarn. Finished size should be 7” x 9”.

This pattern was written for my Charity Knit-a-Long making afghan blocks for blankets for the Carolina Youth Development Center, formerly Charleston Orphan House, which is celebrating 225 years of helping children this year.

Knitters from all over the country are making blocks to be sewn together into blankets that will be given to children who find themselves at CYDC, usually with no personal items of their own, as they await a foster care assignment.

As part of my own 10 year knitting anniversary, I have partnered with the CYDC to get knitters involved in helping this very worthy organization. For more on how you can help, visit cydc.org or http://www.knitoasis.com/charity-knit-a-long/

There will be at least one new block published every month on KnitOasis.com, with a grand sewing up party at the end of 2015 or beginning of 2016.

Use any acrylic yarn for afghan blocks, or substitute cotton for a spa cloth (makes a great gift!).

For more free patterns, knitting tutorials and lots of fun, come hang out with us in our Ravelry group and on the website at KnitOasis.com