So, I had heard of Crochet-A-Longs (CAL) before, but just never tried them. Not sure if I was afraid or lazy, but I let them go by on my Facebook feed without a thought.
Then, one caught my eye. At the end, I'd have *24* 12" blocks if I stayed true to the program! Now that's a nice, big blanket! I like the idea of something that's more than eye-candy. I like things that serve purpose too. To make matters even better, I already had some yarn I could use for my mom (see the Mandala). The website promised that the blocks wouldn't take long, so I decided to make two of these afghans.
The CAL I bravely chose is conducted by the Moogly website. They are on block #9 now, so I am starting my sharing a bit late. But, like tea, waiting a little just makes it that much better!
P.S. Sweet tea is wonderful stuff!
So, the Moogly CAL began with a rather neat first block call Anticipation. If you visit the Ravelry website using the link in the block name, you will see lots of examples of this block in tons of lovely color combinations. It's also a free download, another great bonus!
The sample block is very pretty. So, I set out to make the block for my mom using the sunflower colors I chose long ago. I very carefully planned out colors so that it'd not be the strangest block ever seen, and started the block. I got lost on the surface crochet (which is white in the above picture), but the author graciously provided a picture tutorial which got me past my brain freeze.
After I made one block in my sunflower colors, I made a second block in a different color pathway. This one, I decided to not plan in advance and just kinda did what "felt good". It still turned out okay! I think I made it 2 or 3 weeks later, when I finally decided I really could do two of these afghans. Originally, this block was trying enough that I thought maybe that would be too much. But I gained some confidence and mushed on with two different color pathways.
So, I introduce the Anticipation block as Sunflower Parade (left below) and Go Team! (right below)
Hrm, still not sure why my block are so far apart, haha. I really like how different they are. You can tell they are the same block, but one looks almost like a negative of the other. It's awesome.
I do have to admit that I'm not a big fan of the surface crochet. It made the squares tricky to block to the full 12 inches, but now that I'm looking back I'm okay with them.
Just for reference, the Sunflower Parade color pathway is made using Caron One Pound yarn in Soft Sage, Sunflower, Expresso, and another green whose sleeve I've lost. ._. The Go Team color pathway uses Caron One Pound in Midnight Blue and White. The orange is actually Carrot by Red Heart Super Saver.
I bravely bought two more color pathways, but I've since decided to do something else with them. One is a clearance buy from Joann's Fabrics that I didn't realize was cotton instead of acrylic! I want to do something really special with that yarn, but no idea what yet. The other color pathway is busy in a work-in-progress that may be with me until I die! LOL Maybe I can finish it just to have something to post. :D
Anyway, I think this CAL is turning out to be really fun. It may not be ideal for a brand new crocheter as some of the blocks do have some challenging stitches, but who knows?! You may rock it anyway.
I hope this inspires you! God bless you and enjoy! :)
Many blessings,
Kimberly
Proverbs 31:13 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
13 She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
And works with her hands in delight.
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