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!
CAL here we come. Quick and easy is just my speed.
Count me in. I am a whiz at quick projects, aka, dish cloths and toys. I am working on dish cloths of the 26 nautical flags. Each flag is different and represents the letters of the alphabet. Looking good so far.
Forgot to say all 26 dishcloths are single crochet and not all square.
Mine don’t come out square either, but I don’t think that is what you meant! ; )
my dish cloths are more for the sake of experience. I have a terrible time turning.
I am working on a tapestry afghan for my son in law for Christmas. I would love to join you all with something easy for another Christmas present or any other simple pattern.
But please not single crochet. I couldn”t handle that right now.
Anyhow count me in. Thanks
Count me in! I have only been in one CAL and that was to make an ear flap hat. That was fun!! Plus I was able to complete it, (its hard to complete big projects when you have rheumatoid arthritis on the hands), I was so proud of myelf!.
I’ve got RA, too, Barb, so I’m always looking for quickie projects, or something that will take only a few breaks from. It’s a booger, for sure.
Count me in on the CAL, too ~ :>)
I will be willing to try a cal…sounds like fun!
I would love to join in your CAL!
if it’s WW or thread yea-but that’s the yarn stuff I have and I am trying to use some of my stash-would be especially nice if it would make a gift item
I love to crochet and I am presently crocheting a cowl……so if it is something really simple for the CAL, I am in…..let me know the date and time…..
Hi, Sounds good to me. I certainly have enough yarn to start another project!
Love your patterns.
Hello there. I think a quick and easy CAL would be fun. I’m interested in joining.
This sounds very interesting! I have been intrigued by CALs but am not sure if it would be too difficult or too expensive for the yarn. Plus, I live in Canada and cannot always get the same yarns here. If it is simple and quick and I can get the supplies here, I am in! 🙂
I am interested. Never done a CAL…always look at it, and think about it….
Maybe this is my time to do one!
A cowl CAL sounds perfect!
I’d be willing to try, as long as it’s really simple and quick (by just about anyone’s standards..lol). I’m also making Christmas presents and a bobble blanket (that sure did look quick..oy!) for my granddaughter due in December. 🙂
Keep me posted.
If I wasn’t already in the middle of a CAL with another pattern in line for a second one I would love it,
But my reason for writing is to tell you what I do when I have a large amount to pull out (Frog) Rather then pulling it all out at the time when I am most upset about needing to frog it in the first place, I take a new skein of yarn and begin to make the corrected pattern with it. For some reason for me it isn’t as upsetting when I am using nice fresh yarn. Then after the first skein when I am happy with my work I will pull out a little as I go along and stitch it back up. Just a head game that works for me.
Judi G
That is a great idea! Thanks for the tip! 🙂
I’ve done the same thing too Judi! It’s a great tip, thanks for sharing it!
A cal sounds like fun. I should be able to keep up if it’s easy.
If it’s worsted weight yarn, I would be interested.
I’ve never done a CAL but I am interested. Quick and easy using worsted weight or heavier yarn works for me. Count me in.
I would love to try a CAL, too.
I,m game…..when do we start?
Sounds like fun…,.would love to give it a whirl!!
Ok sounds fun count me in !
Looking forward to it! 😀
I have been looking to do a CAL. I can’t wait to get started, lets hope it’s a good one 😉
Yay! We’re going to have an awesome CAL! I am planning something that will appeal to everyone! 🙂
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I like following different ones. Might find note you can’t live without.
Looking forward to joining in.
I’ve never done a CAL project before…I’d like to give it a go. Small and quick suits me too 🙂
Sounds like fun!
Have always wanted to be part of a group. I am a shut in most of the time so this CAL is right up my alley. Would love to join in.
I am glad you will be joining us!
I would like to join. I do need a col for my daughter in law for Christmas. Maybe in a double stitch. 🙂
I’m in. just let me know when
I’ve tried the crochet swap, so I’m up for the CAL!
yes! I like my rewards quick too! I would like to join your CAL
Yes! I’m would love to join the CAL!
Count me in, would love to do this.
I would totally be interested in a CAL! 🙂
On a side note, I’ve never worked with lace, but I feel your pain/frustration of trying something new and it being a flop! My cousin-in-law was teaching me to knit YEARS ago. I picked out the yarn and she picked out a circular needle for me to knit a baby blanket (I was pregnant at the time). Well, instead of starting me on larger needles, she put me on tiny ones!! I had so many stitches to do and my hands ached from trying to hold the small needles. I only got 1 inch of the blanket done and never touched it since. Still sitting on the tiny needles 😛
Small is awesome…I’m in!
Me too!
Count me in, thank you.
Quickand easy is just my speed. count me in.
I’m interested! Count me in!
I’d like to join you. I’ve been super busy starting up my crochet jewelry business, but have hit a “snag.” I fell and broke my ankle – just got out of the hospital and have started physical therapy with a walker. I haven’t figured out (yet) how to work with beads (and cats) in the middle of my bed, so a new and different project would be just the thing to tide me over and keep my hand in. I love all kinds of crochet and miss having a project going.
Yes, I definitely would like to do a Crochet A Long!
I’d like to try as long as it’s easy!
There will be a lot of help for newbies??
I’m with you! As we say “quick and dirty!” I am in 2 now and I love the patterns but tiny sc is too much like work! I haven’t dropped yet but I’m tempted. : )
Sounds like fun but no fancy yarns that aren’t easily found please.
i’m interested
I would like to do a quick crochet along also.
CAL nice and easy 🙂
This would be my first. I’m in!
I’m in.