Let’s Crochet Along!
By Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 164 CommentsI wanted to write this week’s ramble about a recent experience I had with a crochet along. In case you are not familiar with the concept, a “crochet along,” abbreviated CAL, is an event where a group of people decide to crochet the same item, similar items, or an item of their choice at the same time. There are also “knit alongs” (KALs) which are -you guessed it- the same thing, but with knitting. Finally there are CAL/KALs, where people crochet and knit along.
That’s a lot of group solidarity, isn’t it? Personally, I enjoy these group events, because they are usually a lot of fun and they motivate me to try new techniques and/or yarns. Recently I was in a CAL/KAL that did both. With my local crafting group, I committed to crocheting a shawl all in single crochet. What’s more, the shawl was also in lace weight yarn.
Now, I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this to all of you, but I am incredibly drawn to projects that are small and complete quickly. A single crochet + lace weight shawl is not small and does not complete quickly. Still, I decided, through encouragement commonly referred to as peer pressure, to give it a go.
To make a long story short (too late), I gave it a go and, while I can not say that I enjoyed crocheting it, I did enjoy preparing for the event and also the camaraderie I felt amongst my peers. I finished one section, took a look at it, and, before I forged forward over my next hurdle, my more experienced crafting pals advised me to rip the whole thing back and go at it with a larger hook. May I reiterate that this was all single crochet and lace weight yarn? Hm. I appreciated the advice, because although I had already worked well over 3600 SINGLE CROCHETS, I didn’t want to end up with a dud project at the end that would leave me traumatized! Rip all that back? Guh.
Well, I decided to drop out of the KAL/CAL. And one of my dear pals did the lion’s share of the work with ripping back my one million single crochets. (Probably about 3000 or so. It took her approximately 2 hours because of the tight stitches and the halo on the yarn.)
Sigh. The upswing? Well, I did learn to love working with lace weight yarn, and I would have finished if I had thought my finished product would have been worth it. Therefore, it wasn’t a total wash. I just have to pick the perfect pattern for my laceweight yarn!
That brings me to the point of this whole article- let’s do our own crochet along right here on Crochet Spot! We have to make this a quick and painless CAL because I can’t take another challenge like my last one. Are you in?
If you think you’d like to do a fun, quick, and painless crochet along using one of Rachel’s patterns, please let me know in the comments! We’ll have fun working on the same project and maybe we can even share photos in the Ravelry thread! 🙂
UPDATE: You can find the list of crochet patterns for the CAL here: The Quick and Easy Holiday Crochet Along!
I’m ready when you are.
I’m excited to try it. I have been crocheting for many years and this will be my first CAL
I’d love to try it!!! Just getting back into crochet (never really did much of it – so still a newby), and I’d love the community as well.
I would love to do one.
I would love to try one.
Could a little something that would go between these ghans I have going.
I would love to be in the crochet along!
Would love to try!
I’ve always been interested in participating in a CAL but never have. So, yeah, I’m in. (:
I would love to try one!
I’m in!!!
I will try to keep up! Thanks!
let’s give it a go!
I just finished my first CAL! I’m happy to say I finished the project and enjoyed it. I am ready for another one and I’m glad you are too. Ready when you are!
Hi Rachel
Yes I would like to crochet along, please add me to the group!!!
Thank you! Jan
Hi again Rachel
I am submitting my fav pattern for the crochet along hoping others would luv to try it too because Patrick the Penguin is absolutely adorable and would luv to try it! Hope its a go! Jan
How are you going to get all of us on the same page?
Keep checking in on the blog. The next ramble will have the pattern choices. 🙂
sounds great will keep an eye on the next ramble!!Anxious to get started Jan
would love to
Can’t wait to get started.
That would be alot of fun I am in
I’m very interested in something that works up quickly. I don’t have a lot of crochet time available these days. And this would be my first CAL.
I have never done a CAL, but I am currently crocheting the How-To-Crochet-Blanket-Stitch pattern. I would suggest this.
hi It is already Sept 9 and have not seen any list of patterns to crochet Am I looking in the wrong place for patterns to choose from for the Crochet Along Quick and Easy Patterns ?? Thanks Jan
I am wondering the same Jan.
Jan & Brenda, Rachel will be posting the patterns this week! Sorry for the delay, but soon, soon!!!
🙂 thank you much!
Thanks for the message still checking and anxious to choose a pattern !
I would love to try this. Will be my first time.
Hi everyone!!!
Here’s the link to the patterns for the CAL: http://www.crochetspot.com/the-quick-and-easy-holiday-crochet-along/
Have fun crocheting and sharing your work!
I would love doing a project, just let me know, EXCITED!!!!
Here’s the link to the patterns for the CAL: http://www.crochetspot.com/the-quick-and-easy-holiday-crochet-along/
I think I will give this a try if its not too late
It is not too late! Visit our pattern post!! (look up a few comments)
I would like to join also! If we finish one can we do another??
Yes, absolutely!!
Looks like everyone is on a roll I am not the fastest of crocheters so need some input I have decided to do the cell phone cozy as I am not able to buy the penquin pattern until I get more info on my pay pal account, shipping charges etc. Also have not signed in to the store yet!
That is great, Jan. If tou need help with the store, just ask Rachel!
Thanks Cami
I am busy working on the cell phone cozy and the ripple rug I am trying to finish the rug by the deadline as I really want some feedback on all my mistakes lol!!
I am quite excited about it as it was an original ripple rug pattern that I got creative with lol! Have fun all!!Jan
CAN I GET THE PATTERN FOR THE SWEATER. WOULD LIKE TO MAKE FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER AT COLLEGE.
Contact Rachel if you need help downloading patterns.:). I agree, the pattern is PERFECT for a college student.
Yes I would like the sweater pattern also!
Contact Rachel if you need help buying the pattern.
I would like the penguin, do you have to buy the patterns on the list? it is on the list for the CAL
The penguin is on the list for the CAL , and yes, that is a premium pattern you need to buy. Contact Rachel if you need help using the store! I can’t wait to see your penguin!!
Also working on the card holder, beings I don’t have anything set up as yet to make payments for anything else.
There are 6 free patterns in the CAL! The card holder is one of many, but what a great one, right?
Thanks for letting me know. I will check back in later to see what else was listed that way.