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 just recently found your blog. I love crocheting. Its my peace. 🙂 and i love meeting new crochet buddies. I haven’t been able to find any crochet groups around where I live and not many of my friends think crocheting is fun. Lol glad to find your blog! 🙂
Hooray for crocheting and peace! So glad you’re here! 🙂
I would also like to join in on a CAL, have not tried this before but would enjoy doing it
I would love to do a CAL that is quick. I usually stay away from them because the ones I’ve seen are to involved and I don’t always have the time.
I would love to do a quick and easy project as a CAL.
Hi,
Count me in, this will be my very first CAL, can’t wait.
I am willing to give it a try.
I love quick and easy. I’m in!
I hit the button to get notified every time someone leaves a comment. How can I turn it off? Can anyone help me!? Please. I’m gett tons of email everyday. Thank you, Brenda
There should be an unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email. If you don’t see it, send me an email at [email protected] and I can help you further!
I’ve only recently come across the term CAL, and only found out yesterday what it meant so, if you are doing something quick and easy, I’d live to be a part of my very first one 🙂
Me too! How do we find out the what and when etc?
Like you I prefer quick and easy but also a bit quirky. Do like to be different!!
yes sounds good!!
I would love to do a CAL!
Ooo, I love hearing all these affirmative answers! I’ll get to planning! Stay tuned to the blog for more info in the weeks to come! 🙂
I’d like to do a CAL! I will have to see if I can manage it when the time comes, though. I’ve done CALs before and they’re really fun, but your laceweight shawl catastrophe sounds awful, I’m sorry about that. 🙂
I’d join too. I’ve got a large knitted project going (an afghan for my daughter) that’s meant to be a Christmas present and I can use a crochet break from that.
I’d like to do a CAL too. I’m pretty new to crochet and I lot it.
Count me in!
I’m in!!
I would be willing as long as you definitely keep it short and not too hard lol
I would! As long as it’s quick and painless!
i’ll give it a try! 🙂
Will you post a pattern? Posting times for 2 nights may be helpful. If I have a meeting or paperwork I may need an alternate night. Time? After 6:00 P.M.?
I hear you about the laceweight CALs. I’ve just dropped out of a shawl CAL that was very beautiful but very repetitive – and it wasn’t even all sc.
So, a nice quick and easy CAL is just what I need! (Although once September is here and the new school term I’m not going to have much time for crocheting I think.)
I would love to attend a CAL. I’ve never participated before but would love an easy project!
My schedule is very unpredictable, but for the moment I’m going to say count me in anyway! I did my first crochet-along this summer and enjoyed every minute.
P.S. Cami–I’ve been working on Rachel’s v-lace shrug lately (the one here: http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-v-lace-shrug/). It’s coming out beautifully! It’s not a shawl, and it’s a little heavier than you might expect for lace-weight, but still. You could totally improvise on this pattern to make it into something that fits the bill. 🙂
Sounds cool! I will check out the pattern! 🙂
I would LOVE to do A CAL. I’m in.
Count me in!
I like reading your blog! I prefer crochet over knitting because I, too, like the quick & dirty project that gives an outstanding result. I love the top-down sweater/dress projects because you can see progress right away. (That’s also why I prefer crochet over knit, although I know how to do both.) I think a CAL would be fun to try to do! As long as it’s quick & dirty, of course…
I am interested, depends on yarn and project. I am ok with quick and ready but can’t afford expensive yarn.
Yes, let do it. I love quick and easy
I would love to try a quick and easy crochet along.
Have always been intriqued, but never found a current CAL/KAL! Would love to join your group! I love to read your blog!
I’m in. As long as it’s easy. Don’t have to be too quick .but I can’t do the intricate stitches. Just let us know when you are ready. Might be a good idea to pick 2 different patterns and let us pick the one we like best.
I’m with you on the quick and painless. I’m working on my first commissioned afghan it seems like it is taking foreverrrrrrrrrrrrrr……..and, now I don’t think I priced it right…lol I do love those quick projects that look awesome!
I am a beginner but really enjoy what I have done so yes I would be interested.
Sounds like a fun idea. Make it simple, though!!
I think your idea is spot on! I agree, the concept of CAL’S is nice, but sometimes overwhelming. Recently I wanted to make a beautiful throw with lots of different stitches and colors. Well, the latest post, they’re on row 87! Somewhere I lost track. I’m sorry, I do go on. Count me in.
Sure! Sounds like fun 🙂
I look forward to seeing the choices. I am interested if they are not too hard.
Would love to try. Thanks, Barb
I have always wanted to join a crochet a long. count me in
i would love to participate in a CAL. I always wanted to.
Count me in!
Count me in
Love reading your blog every week. Also love quick crochet projects. Would really enjoy joining along with you and everyone here on a CAL! What do you have in mind?
I would be interested.
I would be very interested. I can only make so many hat-scarf sets for family and friends. I’m interested in other quick, easy, and practical items.
Yes please, I would love to do a cal. Bless you for thinking of it. Count me in
Hi,
I’d love to follow a CAL in real time. Again like many others love the idea of a smaller project.
Can’t wait to start if you do set one up.
Love your site and blog
Misha
I would love to do a CAL. I just tried to join one that I could not afford the yarn at $90.00 I would love to do something small and affordable! Cannot wait to hear more!
CAL sounds fun. Especially the “Quick & Painless” CALs. =)