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I finished pulling all the yarn I wanted for my next crochet project from my stash. I then went to the free pattern I intended to make, but after studying it a little closer I realized it was more complicated than I wanted. I also couldn't print it out on paper, and working from a pattern on a screen is uncomfortable for me. So I went back to the internet to find another one. I can do advanced patterns, but the whole point of me crocheting is to exercise my fingers and work out the pain and stiffness. I prefer the simple and easy patterns I can memorize and work without a lot of thought.

I found five that that I could print out from the free afghan pattern collection on Mary Maxim's website. I ended up printing out five that I liked so I could read them over, try a few stitches and see how they worked for me.

I settled on this Lion Bran Worth Street pattern, which was intended for their Mandala ombre yarn (the worsted I pulled is all #4 like the Mandala so it'll work fine.) I like the color blocking, and the shell stitch variation (aka the drunken granny stitch) is interesting and easy. I've done shell stitches before but not this one, which is a little tilted. It's also the only stitch I have to use beside the foundation chain, so again I don't have to count or switch around stitches while I'm working the rows. I'd say this is twice as easy as the Ocean Tranquility pattern, and should make a nice mindless hand therapy project for me.

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