Keep Calm--And--Crochet

will start on 13 January 2016. The tutorials for each part will be released every two weeks on a Wednesday on  blog where they will remain available forever.

This is a mystery crochet-along for a rectangular mixed motif blanket where either blocks or rows will be introduced every two weeks. Lots of different shapes and stitches will be incorporated so it won’t get boring and there will be plenty of opportunity to play with colour!

As well as posting information on this blog I’ll also be linking the information in my KCACO-UK Community Facebook Group year, is a great source for support and helpful tips from fellow Crochet-Alongers: Facebook page.

So on to the fine details of the CAL…this is a bit of a long post so bear with me!

DETAILS OF THE CAL:

1. There is no charge to join the CAL; anyone can join in as long as they have some yarn and a hook.
2. All featured pattern elements in the CAL will be FREE of charge patterns if released separately from the CAL.
3. For those that like a deadline I will be adding new details about each square every two weeks on a Wednesday at 7 pm-ish (GMT time) – see below for full schedule. For those that want to hook when they have the time then that’s fine too; no pressure to this CAL it’s all about having fun!
4. For this blanket I will be using double knit/8 ply/yarn weight #3 and a 4mm (US size G); though you could use worsted /aran/ yarn weight #4 with a larger hook (US size H) for a larger blanket if you wish to.
5. I will be using both UK and US crochet terminology in the pattern (UK/US) so you can pick your preference. I will also always link a conversion chart and any helpful information about each element including links about special stitches with the release of each new section.

YARN:

I’ve designed this CAL to be a stash-buster to use up bits of yarn you might have lying around (in my case lots) or you can buy new.  I estimate that you will need at least:

• 12 skeins of  Double Knit (1200g / 3600m / 3936 yards)
• 14 skeins of Aran / Worsted (1400g / 2744m / 2996 yards)

Please note that these amounts are approximated – actual finished blankets may vary depending on yarn and hook used and own personal tension when crocheting.  I would always round up a bit as some stitches take more yarn that others.  

As for colours; well this giant bag of multi-toned blues from my stash is going to be the colours I use this time.

New Year--New Beginnings!

Happy New Year to you!

There is a saying that what you do on the first of January

will follow you through to the end of December!

So, I'm going to KNIT today!

Last January 1st we were traveling and it seemed

all we did all year was travel and not much knitting was done.

I'm beginning with 2016 year of lace scarf designed by

Elizabeth Ravenwood on Ravelry, of course!

I did finish 2015 Lace scarf!!!! 

I used handspun wool/silk blend

The scarf has not been blocked yet.

I'm happy with this method of knitting.

Each month you have a section to complete;

easy to do--if you stick to it!!

Oh No Another Mystery KAL!

Sherwood Knits designed by Miriam Pike.

Shawl featuring lace knit from the top down. Pattern recommends Fria laceweight yarn (gradient yarn). 

I have the yarn! And this is a free knit until the pattern is released.

Release Dates
The pattern will be released in 4 increments starting January 1st.
1st pattern clue: January 1st
2nd pattern clue: January 8th
3rd pattern clue: January 15th
4th pattern clue: January 22nd

(Final pattern out sometime in February, once I have enough daylight to photograph the final shawl)

The pattern is a combination of written and charted instructions, but the lace is only charted (with written instructions for the chart, but the lace is not written out).

Want to Learn Something New?

Pattern Writing Series--Wow!  What fun!  An educational blog that will give you pointers on how to design your own quilt pattern!  The series will begin in January 2016.

The series will take you step by step from a quilt design in a sketchbook all the way through to a fully developed quilt pattern.  To make the series less abstract and more practical, I will be demonstrating each step by working through an actual quilt pattern (that will be available as a free pattern at the end of the series).

There is no right way or wrong way to write a quilt pattern, so a number of wonderful pattern designers will be joining me for round table discussions and additional posts to give different perspectives and opinions on the design and writing processes.  With me will be (in alphabetic order) Amy of 13 Spools, Anne of Springleaf Studios, Christa of Christa Quilts, Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts, Soma of Whims and Fancies, and Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl. 

Some topics that will be included are:
Design
Pattern basics
Text
Math
Illustrations
Testing
Finishing

Easy Peasy?

An earlier post on slow stitching shouldn't be discussed here, because

I Heart these two patterns!

What a super way to show off handspun yarn, which I have so much of (well, it is perfectly aged folks!)

These two patterns are in my recipe file

oh, okay, I might be slowly knitting away for some time!

Panorama Shawl designed by Kate Lore for Emerald Lotus Fiberarts

Designed by Caitlin ffrench--Simply Brilliance

Colors of the Season!

Whenever we travel or visit interesting places, I like to look for the most colorful

spot in the place.

I like how the light glows through all the colorful pinatas 

Nothing like the brightly painted buildings--look at all the angles

and the tones of the night accent the slowly sinking sun

what can be better than a setting sun over a city?

Nothing compares to the colors that surround you.

Planning!

Already!  I'm planning for January 1, 2016 NOW!

Here are a couple of interesting Knit Alongs that might be fun.

This one is designed by Elizabeth Ravenwood 

These mitts are the January Mystery Mitt KAL for the Fingerless Glove Fanatics Group on Ravelry. The pattern will be free through the month of January, and will be updated weekly with new clues on January 1, 8, 15, and 22. FGF welcomes all who want to participate! Just please don’t post any pictures of a clue in the thread until the next clue has been released.

This pattern combines lace and texture and works best in a solid, tonal, or gradient yarn. It is perfect for that one special skein of fingering weight yarn in your stash.

Beads (optional) add an extra bit of sparkle! You will need only 120 beads for the small/medium size and 136 beads for the medium/large size making it a great way to use up leftover beads from other projects.

Here we have a crochet and knit along!   This is designed by DeviousRose aka Krystalle Diaz

Pattern suitable for beginner knitters wanting to combine the very basics into something more, all intermediate knitters, and advanced knitters as a relatively mindless knit. Crochet version is suitable for comfortable beginners as well as more advanced crocheters looking for a mindless project. You will need to be comfortable either carrying two yarns along the sides of a work or weaving in the ends from the stripes. If you are not, it’s okay. A photo tutorial on carrying the yarn invisibly for stripes is part of the Prologue and will be available on Clue 1 as well.

Sounds like a learning experience to me! 

Happy stitching everyone!