Ever since I began to crochet just over a year ago, I have looked to the crochet along (CAL) as a way to learn new skills and take me out of my comfort zone. I have lost count of how many CALs I have started, and each one has taught me something different.
My first CAL was designed by Heather at Keep Calm And Crochet On and was called “Stitch Story”. This CAL comprised 12 different squares showing different stitch patterns and was definitely an ideal beginner project as it was accompanied by video tutorials by the lovely Esther of It’s All In a Nutshell. I completed a single square of each of the 12 designs using cheap yarn, that I already had in the cupboard from my knitting projects, and got a very mixed result! As a beginner, I struggled with the crochet hold that gives good tension so my squares were all different sizes; I was also unfamiliar with the option to change up or down a hook size to achieve the correct size and tension for any pattern that I follow. However, while the squares are not really usable to make a throw (and I do intend to go back to this project and start again) they were a good opportunity for me to make swatches of different stitches and practice.
Fast forward a couple of months and I am inspired by the work that I have seen on various Facebook groups to try the gorgeous Mandala Madness throw. This was released as a CAL in 2016 by one of my favourite designers, Helen Shrimpton of Crystals and Crochet, and was very ambitious for someone with only a few months experience in crochet. My inexperience wasn’t a huge problem as this pattern was again supported with video tutorials by Esther. A little while after starting this project I decided to make the Cosmic CAL for my mother in law’s birthday. As I only had a couple of months until her birthday, I had to put down other projects in favour of working on this project. I got it finished in time and felt almost sad to see it go.
Towards the end of 2018, I decided to subscribe to the Crochet Now magazine with the intention of working on the CAL and timed it right to receive the free yarn pack. This CAL is also designed by Helen Shrimpton, and is called “A life Inspired”. I’ve just completed part 8 of this CAL and have enjoyed the challenge of each square. The latest part has been the most challenging so far, involving a few rounds of structural stitches to frame the decorative elements in the central motif. I am looking forward to discovering who is the designer of the next CAL from this magazine and definitely plan on taking part, so watch this space!
The latest CAL I have started is the Geek Alphabet Make-a-long (GABMAL) designed by Alex of Yarn Geek Makes. I have decided to do this, not only because I like a few of the fandoms featured in the alphabet, but also because I am keen to improve my skills at crocheting graphs. This particular project is to be done in double crochet (single crochet in US) and I hope to try projects using the corner-to-corner method, the block stitch and any other methods I come across.
I plan on updating my readers with how I am getting along with my various CALs on a monthly basis to hopefully provide inspiration for anyone looking to try new things, so watch this space. For now, my Crochet Society box 4 has just arrived and I am going to go open it, ready for my next review.
Much Love
Helen