Stitch Story Crochet Along | Design 4 – Pilgrim’s Pathway

SSCAL-Block4

It’s time for part 4 of the Stitch Story CAL and if you’ve been crocheting along with us this block means you are a quarter of the way done already! And if you love texture as much as me you are going to love this next block! However if this is the first you are hearing about this CAL you can find the full schedule and Scheepjes yarn amounts here and a link to the crochet along page here. Would you like to see photos and specification all at once? Then click here for the Pinterest Board!

So let’s just quickly run through some of the pattern particulars…

Pattern:

This pattern will be free here on the blog but it’s also available in an e-book on Ravelry.  There is a small charge for the downloadable 46 page PDF e-book (payable once). The booklet will be released in instalments, along with the CAL, so as not to spoil anyone’s fun. This PDF has the full pattern descriptions, charts and information all in one place without adverts (as requested).

Through the course of this crochet-along I will provide you with patterns to make twelve different blocks, each in two different sizes. Which one you make is totally up to you! Make all one size or mix and match, whatever takes your fancy!  However to give you a helping hand I have included some schematics which you can see on this post here.

Support:

  • The KCACO-UK Community Facebook Group  is a great source of support and helpful tips from fellow Crochet-a-longers.
  • A Dutch translation will be available by Iris from Een Mooi Gebaar (and a Dutch e-book will be coming soon to Ravelry). Link to Part 4 here.
  • For support with the Stitch Story CAL on  Ravelry there is a thread facilitated by Reimy.
  • Accompanying CAL videos are being created by Esther from It’s All in a Nutshell. Link to Part 4 is below:

Stitch-Story-Part4

Social Media Links:

The hashtag for this years CAL is #SSCAL18 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: RavelryFacebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.

Stitch Story…

Block 4 of the Stitch Story CAL represents the Pilgrim’s Path. The straight lines with ups and downs represent a meaningful journey to a place of spiritual significance.

Design 4: Pilgrim’s Path

Hook: 4 mm / US size G or size needed to obtain 15cm /6” or 30cm / 12” square 

Abbreviations (same for both blocks):

  • Chain (Ch)
  • UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc)
  • UK Treble / US Double Crochet (tr/dc)
  • UK Front Post Treble / US Front Post Double Crochet (fptr/fpdc)
  • W3L – Working in the 3rd loop
  • WS = Wrong Side

Stitch Guidance (same for both blocks):

  • UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc): Yarn over, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
  • UK Treble / US Double Crochet (tr/dc): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
  • UK Front Post Treble / US Front Post Double Crochet (fptr/fpdc): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around post of indicated stitch below (your hook should now be positioned horizontally in front of the st that you’re working around), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over pull through two loops on hook (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through remaining loops on hook.
  • Working in the 3rd Loop (W3L): Working in the 3rd Loop means that you should work into the loop  directly behind the usual top 2 sts, this pushes the top sts forward (see photo below).

    W3L-only

15cm / 6 inch block:

Block4SML-SSCAL

Note: This block does have a slight tendency to curl in on itself, blocking may help but joining it to other blocks at the end (when you make up your full blanket) will stop any curling.

Row 1: (WS) Ch27, 1tr/dc in 4th ch from the hook and in each st along (25sts)

Row 2: Ch2 (counts as 1st htr/hdc) then W3L; 1htr/hdc in each st along until last st, htr/hdc in last st

Row 3: Ch2 (counts as 1st htr/hdc), FPtr/FPdc in each st along until last st, htr/hdc in last st

Row 4-18:  Repeat row 2 & 3 for pattern until end, finish off and weave in ends.

Block4SML-SSCAL-CHART

30cm / 12 inch block:

Block4_LRG-SSCAL18

Note: This block does have a slight tendency to curl in on itself, blocking may help but joining it to other blocks at the end (when you make up your full blanket) will stop any curling.

Row 1: (WS) Ch 52, 1tr/dc in 4th ch from the hook and in each st along (50sts)

Row 2: Ch2 (counts as 1st htr/hdc) then W3L; 1htr/hdc in each st along until last st, htr/hdc in last st

Row 3: Ch2 (counts as 1st htr/hdc) FPtr/FPdc in each st along until last st, htr/hdc in last st

Row 4-36:  repeat row 2 & 3 for pattern until end, finish off and weave in ends.

Block4LRG-SSCAL-CHART

Edging for all blocks: 

On the right side of your work evenly work dc/sc along each side of your block working 3 dc/sc in each corner (25sts for smaller block / 50sts for larger block).  Fasten off and weave in ends.

You do not need to use the same number of stitches I have for each square, you just need to evenly spread the single crochet border along the rows and edges.  Whatever number edging you use just keep the same number of stitches for ALL of your blocks – with the same count of single crochet border on each edge then they will line-up when its time to turn them into a finished blanket.

And that’s it!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Stitch Story Crochet Along | Design 3 – Diamond Pop

SSCAL18-Blanket-in-the-meadow

Hi crochet-along-ers you all ready for block 3 of the Stitch Story CAL? If this is the first you are hearing about this CAL you can find the full schedule and Scheepjes yarn amounts here and a link to the crochet along page here. Would you like to see photos and specification all at once? Then click here for the Pinterest Board!

So let’s just quickly run through some of the pattern particulars…

Pattern:

This pattern will be free here on the blog but it’s also available in an e-book on Ravelry.  There is a small charge for the downloadable 46 page PDF e-book (payable once). The booklet will be released in instalments, along with the CAL, so as not to spoil anyone’s fun. This PDF has the full pattern descriptions, charts and information all in one place without adverts (as requested).

Through the course of this crochet-along I will provide you with patterns to make twelve different blocks, each in two different sizes. Which one you make is totally up to you! Make all one size or mix and match, whatever takes your fancy!  However to give you a helping hand I have included some schematics which you can see on this post here.

Support:

  • The KCACO-UK Community Facebook Group  is a great source of support and helpful tips from fellow Crochet-a-longers.
  • A Dutch translation will be available by Iris from Een Mooi Gebaar (and a Dutch e-book will be coming soon to Ravelry). Link to Part 3 here.
  • For support with the Stitch Story CAL on  Ravelry there is a thread facilitated by Reimy.
  • Accompanying CAL videos are being created by Esther from It’s All in a Nutshell. Link to Part 3 is below:

Stitch-Story-Part3

Social Media Links:

The hashtag for this years CAL is #SSCAL18 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: RavelryFacebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.

Stitch Story…

Block 3 of the Stitch Story CAL represents the diamond and a blessing for wealth and
plentiful success in life.

Design 3: Diamond Pop

Hook: 4 mm / US size G or size needed to obtain 15cm /6” or 30cm / 12” square 

Abbreviations (same for both blocks):

  • Chain (Ch)
  • Slip Stitch (Sl St)
  • UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc)
  • UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc)
  • UK Treble / US Double Crochet (tr/dc)
  • Popcorn (PC)
  • Bobble (BO)
  • RS = Right Side
  • WS = Wrong Side

Stitch Guidance (same for both blocks):

  • Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and pull through all loops.
  • UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
  • UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc): Yarn over, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
  • UK Treble / US Double Crochet (tr/dc): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
  • Popcorn Stitch (PC): Work 5 tr/dc in indicated st, remove hook completely, insert hook in 1st tr/dc (1st tr/dc of the 5), insert hook in loop that you just removed your hook from (5th tr/dc of the 5), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.
  • Bobble (bo): Yarn over (as you would a tr/dc) and pull up a loop 3 times in next st. Yarn over and pull through 6 loops. Yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on hook – bobble made.

15cm / 6 inch block:

Block3SML-SSCAL

  • Note: Ch1 doesn’t count as a st

Row 1: (WS) Ch26, 1htr/hdc in 2nd ch from the hook and in each st along (25sts)

Row 2: (RS) Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end, turn.

Note: If using DK yarn on the next row instead of dc/sc work htr/hdc until end.

Row 3: Ch 1, 1 dc/sc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in the next 11 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the remaining 12 sts, turn.

Row 5: repeat row 2

Row 6: Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in the next 8 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 5 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the remaining 9 sts, turn.

Row 7: repeat row 2

Row 8: Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in the next 6 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 9 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the remaining 7 sts, turn.

Row 9: repeat row 2

Row 10: Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in the next 4 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 6 sts, 1 BO in next, 1htr/hdc in the next 6 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the remaining 5 sts, turn.

Row 11: repeat row 2

Row 12: repeat row 8

Row 13: repeat row 2

Row 14: repeat row 6

Row 15: repeat row 2

Row 16: repeat row 4

Row 17: repeat row 3

Row 18-19: repeat row 2 ending by working a wrong side row, turn your work over to edge on the right side, finish off and weave in ends.

Block3SML-SSCAL-CHART

30cm / 12 inch block:

Block3_LRG-SSCAL18.jpg

  • Note: Ch1 doesn’t count as a st

Row 1: (WS) Ch51, 1htr/hdc in 2nd ch from the hook and in each st along (50sts)

Row 2: (RS) Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end, turn.

Note: If using DK yarn on the next row instead of dc/sc work htr/hdc until end.

Row 3: Ch 1, 1 dc/sc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in the next 11 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc

in the next 24st, 1 PC in the next st, 1 htr/hdc in the remaining 12sts, turn

Row 5: repeat row 2

Row 6: Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in the next 8 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 5 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 18st, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 5 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the remaining 9 sts, turn.

Row 7: repeat row 2

Row 8: Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in the next 6 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 9 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 14st, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 9 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the remaining 7 sts, turn.

Row 9: repeat row 2

Row 10: Ch 1, 1 htr/hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in the next 4 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 6 sts, 1 BO in next, 1htr/hdc in the next 6 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 10st,1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the next 6 sts, 1 bo in next, 1htr/hdc in the next 6 sts, 1 PC in the next st, 1htr/hdc in the remaining 5 sts, turn.

Row 11: repeat row 2

Row 12: repeat row 8

Row 13: repeat row 2

Row 14: repeat row 6

Row 15: repeat row 2

Row 16: repeat row 4

Row 17: repeat row 3

Rows 18-20: repeat row 2

Row 21: repeat row 3

Rows 22-34: repeat rows 4–16

Rows 35: repeat row 3

Rows 36-37: repeat row 2, finish off and weave in ends.

Block3LRG-SSCAL-CHART

Edging for all blocks: 

On the right side of your work evenly work dc/sc along each side of your block working 3 dc/sc in each corner (25sts for smaller block / 50sts for larger block).  Fasten off and weave in ends.

You do not need to use the same number of stitches I have for each square, you just need to evenly spread the single crochet border along the rows and edges.  Whatever number edging you use just keep the same number of stitches for ALL of your blocks – with the same count of single crochet border on each edge then they will line-up when its time to turn them into a finished blanket.

And that’s it!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Stitch Story Crochet Along | Design 2 – Moss Stitch

SSCAL18-Jacki-Blanket-01+Text

Are you all ready and waiting for block 2? I’ve really enjoyed being tagged to see all the wonderful first blocks you’ve made! However don’t worry if this is the first you are hearing about this CAL you can find the full schedule and Scheepjes yarn amounts here and a link to the crochet along page here. Would you like to see photos and specification all at once? Then click here for the Pinterest Board!

So let’s just quickly run through some of the pattern particulars…

Pattern:

This pattern will be free here on the blog but it’s also available in an e-book on Ravelry.  There is a small charge for the downloadable 46 page PDF e-book (payable once). The booklet will be released in instalments, along with the CAL, so as not to spoil anyone’s fun. This PDF has the full pattern descriptions, charts and information all in one place without adverts (as requested).

Through the course of this crochet-along I will provide you with patterns to make twelve different blocks, each in two different sizes. Which one you make is totally up to you! Make all one size or mix and match, whatever takes your fancy!  However to give you a helping hand I have included some schematics which you can see on this post here.

Support:

  • The KCACO-UK Community Facebook Group  is a great source of support and helpful tips from fellow Crochet-a-longers.
  • NEW! There is now a Ravelry thread for support with the Stitch Story CAL facilitated by the lovely Reimy.
  • A Dutch translation will be available by Iris from Een Mooi Gebaar (and a Dutch e-book will be coming soon to Ravelry). Link to Part 2 here.
  • Accompanying CAL videos are being created by Esther from It’s All in a Nutshell. Link to Part 2 is below:

Stitch-Story-Part2

Social Media Links:

The hashtag for this years CAL is #SSCAL18 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: RavelryFacebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.

Stitch Story…

Block 2 of the Stitch Story CAL represents carrageen moss which is a type of seaweed found on the Irish Coast. The stitch symbolises abundance, growth and nature.

Design 2: Irish Moss

Hook: 4 mm / US size G or size needed to obtain 15cm /6” or 30cm / 12” square 

Abbreviations (same for both blocks):

  • Chain (Ch)
  • Slip Stitch (Sl St)
  • UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc)

Stitch Guidance (same for both blocks):

  • Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and pull through all loops.
  • UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
  • UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc): Yarn over, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.

15cm / 6 inch block:

Block2-01-SML

  • Note: Ch1 doesn’t count as a st
  • Note2: Don’t pull your sl st’s too tight

Row 1: Ch26, htr/hdc in 2nd ch from hook * sl st in the next, htr/hdc in the next st * turn (25sts)

Row 2: Ch1, sl st on top of the htr/hdc, * htr/hdc on top of the sl st, sl st on the htr/hdc of the previous row* repeat from * to * until end, turn.

Row 3: Ch1, htr/hdc in the same st as the ch1 * sl st in the next st, htr/hdc in the next st * repeat from * to * until end, turn.

Row 4-30:  repeat row 2 & 3 for pattern until end, finish off and weave in ends.

Block2SML-SSCAL-CHART

30cm / 12 inch block:

Block2_LRG-SSCAL18

  • Note: Ch1 doesn’t count as a st
  • Note2: Don’t pull your sl st’s too tight

Row 1: Ch51, sl st in 2nd ch from hook *htr/hdc in the next st, sl st in the next * repeat from * to *ending with a htr/hdc on the last st, turn (50sts)

Row 2: Ch1 * sl st in the next st, htr/hdc in the next st, * repeat from * to * until end, turn.

Row 3– 60: repeat row 2 for pattern until the end, finish off and weave in ends.

Block2LRG-SSCAL-CHART

Edging for all blocks: 

On the right side of your work evenly work dc/sc along each side of your block working 3 dc/sc in each corner (25sts for smaller block / 50sts for larger block).  Fasten off and weave in ends.

You do not need to use the same number of stitches I have for each square, you just need to evenly spread the single crochet border along the rows and edges.  Whatever number edging you use just keep the same number of stitches for ALL of your blocks – with the same count of single crochet border on each edge then they will line-up when its time to turn them into a finished blanket.

And that’s it!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Stitch Story Crochet Along | Design 1 – Gauge Square

Blog-And-We-are-off-SSCAL18+Text

Let’s get this CAL up and running shall we! It’s time for block 1 and I’m very excited to get started – how about you? However don’t worry if this is the first you are hearing about this CAL you can find the full schedule and yarn amounts here and a link to the crochet along page here. Would you like to see photos and specification all at once? Then click here for the Pinterest Board!

Pattern:

This pattern will be free here on the blog but it’s also available in an e-book on Ravelry.  There is a small charge for the downloadable 46 page PDF e-book (payable once) and the booklet will be released in instalments along with the CAL so as not to spoil anyone’s fun. This PDF has the full pattern descriptions, charts and information all in one place without adverts (as requested).

Through the course of this crochet-along I will provide you with patterns to make twelve different blocks, each in two different sizes. Which one you make is totally up to you! Make all one size or mix and match, whatever takes your fancy!  However to give you a helping hand I have included some schematics which you can see on this post here.

Support:

Stitch-Story-Part1

Social Media Links:

The hashtag for this years CAL is #SSCAL18 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: RavelryFacebook pageor Facebook group and Pinterest.

Right let’s get started!

Design 1: Gauge Swatch

Hook: 4 mm / US size G or size needed to obtain 15cm/6” or 30cm / 12” square 

Abbreviations (same for both blocks):

  • Chain (Ch)
  • UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc)
  • UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc)
  • UK Alternating Half Double Treble / US Alternating Half Double Crochet (Alt htr/Alt hdc)

Stitch Guidance (same for both blocks):

  • Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and pull through all loops.
  • UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
  • UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc): Yarn over, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
  • Alternating Half Double Treble / Alternating Half Double Crochet (Alt htr/Alt hdc): This stitch is worked exactly like a normal htr/hdc but you work the stitches in the back and front loops; alternating from one to the other as you work. When you start the next row your first st should be the SAME as your last st e.g. if you have worked in the BLO, you will start in the BLO

15cm / 6 inch block:

Block1SML-SSCAL

Note: Ch1 doesn’t count as a st

Row 1: Ch26, 1htr/hdc in 2nd ch from the hook and in each st along, turn (25sts)

Row 2: Ch1, starting in the front loop; 1 Alt htr/Alt hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end, turn.

Row 3-18:  repeat row 2 for the pattern until end, finish off and weave in ends.

Block1SML-SSCAL-CHART

30cm / 12 inch block:

Block1_LRG-SSCAL18

Note: Ch1 doesn’t count as a st

Row 1: Ch51, 1htr/hdc in 2nd ch from the hook and in each st along, turn (50sts)

Row 2: Ch1, starting in the front loop; 1 Alt htr/Alt hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end (ending in the back loop), turn.

Row 3: Ch1, starting in the back loop; 1 Alt htr/Alt hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end, turn.

Row 4-36:  repeat rows 2 and 3 for the pattern until end, finish off and weave in ends.

Block1LRG-SSCAL-CHART

Edging for all blocks: 

On the right side of your work evenly work dc/sc along each side of your block working 3 dc/sc in each corner (25sts for smaller block / 50sts for larger block).  Fasten off and weave in ends.

You do not need to use the same number of stitches I have for each square, you just need to evenly spread the single crochet border along the rows and edges.  Whatever number edging you use just keep the same number of stitches for ALL of your blocks – with the same count of single crochet border on each edge then they will line-up when its time to turn them into a finished blanket.

And that’s it!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Stitch Story Crochet Along | CAL Planning

CAL23+Text

So in this post I wanted to talk a bit more about how I came to design the Stitch Story Crochet Along (starting on 4 July) and I also wanted to talk a bit about yarn and finished sizes before we begin. However don’t worry if this is the first you are hearing about this CAL, it hasn’t started yet and you can find the full schedule here and a link to the crochet along page here.   

This years crochet along was inspired by the myths and legends of Geansaí Árann jumpers (sweaters) that originate from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. There is a lovely romantic theory that the stitches in those types of jumpers have a special ‘meaning’ and I loved the idea of creating a design that conveyed something a little extra. Traditionally, an Aran jumper is made from undyed cream-coloured báinín (pronounced “bawneen”), a yarn made from sheep’s wool, but I wanted to find something a bit more accessible to make my blanket with…

When I started designing this years crochet along I had quite a clear idea in my head of what I wanted to try and achieve with the final look. I really wanted to create a classic yet contemporary style for this blanket whilst also still pays homage to an aran jumper which is why I decided to make it in a single solid colour. 

Yarn-Basket+Text

I wanted the yarn to have a ‘heritage’ feel about it because that was such an integral part of my idea for the design. Scheepjes Soft Fun Denim yarn gave me exactly what I was looking for! Although it was a brand new yarn for me the subtle colour variation gave me just the right combination of traditional / modern feel that I was wanted and the cotton / acrylic mix meant it was comfortable enough to be cuddled up in yet eminently practical if it got dirty and needed washing!

Using colours…

Although I chose a single colour I knew the pattern would also look great in multiple colours. So my lovely mum made another version of the blanket using six different shades of Scheepjes Colour Crafter. I’m a big fan of Scheepjes Colour Crafter, as a premium acrylic is is just soooo soft and it’s available if over 90 shades – it just makes it harder to pick which ones you want! My mum chose colours she wanted to match in with her living room.

Colour-Crafter+Text

If you are looking for some inspiration on how you can pick and put different colours together I can certainly recommend the Design Seeds website for beautiful colour collections. I can’t wait to see what colours you choose!

For the full yarn amounts needed please see my first post about the CAL here.

Size and Layouts:

As I mentioned last time there will be two sizes of each square that you can choose from – either a 15cm (6″) block or a 30cm (12″) block. Which size blocks you make will be totally up to you but I have put together some layouts, similar to mine, below to help you plan. You could also play around with the blocks to make a smaller size square or rectangular blanket. Both my mum and I created our blankets with Schematic 3 as we wanted to make both size blocks. 

I’ve also saved these schematics on the CAL Pinterest Board and they will also be available in the e-book on Ravelry.  The first instalment of the downloadable 46 page PDF e-book is now available for a small charge (payable once) and will be released in instalments along with the CAL so as not to spoil anyone’s fun. This PDF has the full pattern descriptions, charts and information all in one place without adverts (as requested). 

Support:

And there’s more support for anyone that needs it with the accompanying videos by Esther from It’s All in a Nutshell that accompany this CAL will be released AFTER each new block release. And excitingly I’m now working with the lovely Iris from Een Mooi Gebaar who, for all the Dutch speakers who want to join in the CAL, is translating it for us! See her first post here.

Big thanks to Scheepjes, Esther and Iris for helping bring this CAL to life for everyone!

And I’ll just quickly mention again my KCACO-UK Community Facebook Group which is a great source of support and helpful tips from fellow Crochet-a-longers.

Not long left to wait…part one starts 4 July

CAL10+Text

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Stitch Story Crochet-Along | Announcement

CAL24+Text

It’s taken a bit longer than I anticipated to get it all together but the crochet along design I’ve been working on for over a year is finally ready for us to start hooking together! Are you excited? I know I am!!

Following the poll I conducted in my Facebook group for the theme for our next Crochet Along (CAL) *drum roll please* the clear winner was to create something like a samplerghan blanket. So I put on my (crocheted) thinking cap and came up with, what I think, is a unique design that you will enjoy making and which I’m quite eager to share with you.  

I have already shared the pattern with someone though – and that person is my lovely mum! This is because she has made her own version of the Stitch Story blanket so I could show you how the design looks in a single colour (as I made mine) and how it looks using a selection of colours (as my mum made hers). 

CAL-Unmade04+Text

Right then, are you sitting comfortably? Then I shall begin with some of the information about this years design which I’m super-duperly thrilled to say has been sponsored by Scheepjes yarns, it’s been tough holding in my excitement about that I can tell you, but the most important bit to tell you is that… 

The Stitch Story Crochet Along starts Wednesday 4 July 2018!

I’ll be telling you more about the inspiration for this crochet along in my next post but let’s first go over some of the specifics. This CAL will run for 13 weeks and in that time you can create a blanket either the same as mine or unique to you (I’ll explain more about that in a moment).  Square motifs will be released every two weeks (on a Wednesday) here on the blog and I will guide you through the process of learning new stitches and techniques until you have a lovely multi-textured heirloom blanket of your very own – all finished by Christmas. 

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This is a CAL with a bit of a difference; bi-weekly you will receive a pattern for one of twelve differently designed squares. There will be two sizes of each square that you can choose from – either a 15cm (6″) block or a 30cm (12″) block.

Which size blocks you make will be totally up to you! Make your blanket all one size or mix and match, whatever takes your fancy!  This afghan will be completely unique to you with lots of stitches so it won’t get boring!  After we have made all of our blocks the last few weeks will include instructions for joining your squares together and adding a border.

The patterns will be available in English and American crochet terminology and a free English step-by-step video tutorial will also be available by the fabulous Esther from It’s All in a Nutshell blog

This is an ideal project for a beginner who would like to move on from the basics of crochet, but those with more experience in hooking should enjoy it as well.  

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Yarn Amounts:

For the Stitch Story crochet along if you wish to make the same size blanket as me (which is the largest size) you will need at least 1800g  (36 x 50g balls / 5,040m) of yarn. The larger sized finished blanket (as shown in the photos) measures 1.8m long x 1.2m wide / 6 foot long x 4 foot wide so suitable for a single bed.

  • I used Scheepjes Soft Fun Denim yarn (Shade: 507) for my blanket which is a cotton / acrylic blended yarn that has a subtle colour variation in it much like aged denim (hence the name). 
  • My mum used Scheepjes Colour Crafter which is 100% premium acrylic yarn which is incredibly soft (and hypoallergenic). She used the following shades and amounts;  Hasselt (Shade: 2010) x 2, Vlissingen (Shade: 1723) x 2, Ermelo (Shade: 1710) x 2, Veenendaal (Shade: 1064) x 3, Haarlem (Shade: 1054) x 3, and Breda (Shade: 1029) x 3.
  • Esther from It’s All in a Nutshell blog is using  Scheepjes River Washed yarn (Wheaton / Shade: 950) which is a dual toned soft woolly feeling cotton yarn. She has estimated using 1000g (20 x 50g / 2600m) for her smaller square blanket.

Hooks:

Hook sizes range from 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm (US size E to 7). The size for each particular block will be indicated on the relevant pattern. 

CAL Details:

  1. There is no charge to join the CAL; anyone can join in as long as they have some yarn and a hook. 
  2. You can favourite / add this project to your Ravelry library here.
  3. All featured pattern elements in the CAL will be FREE of charge pattern on this blog
  4. However following requests this time round I will also be offering a downloadable 46 page PDF e-book for sale containing the full pattern in one printable file (without advertisements) on Ravelry for a small charge. During the duration of the CAL this pattern will be released block by block, via Ravelry updates, so as not to spoilt anyone’s fun.
  5. Also following requests I have created a chart for each block design (for both block sizes) which I’ll include in each blog post.
  6. For those that like a deadline I will be adding new details about each square every two weeks on a Wednesday at 8.30pm-ish (GMT time) – see below for full schedule. For those that want to hook when they have the time then that’s fine too; there’s no pressure to this CAL it’s all about having fun!
  7. 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 include any helpful information about each element including links about special stitches with the release of each new section.
  8. The videos by Esther from It’s All in a Nutshell that accompany this CAL will be released on the subsequent Friday AFTER each new block release.

The Schedule:

 6 June 2018 – TODAY CAL details
 20 June 2018 CAL Planning
4 July 2018 Design 1: The Gauge Block
18 July 2018 Design 2: Irish Moss
1 August 2018 Design 3: Diamond Pop
15 August 2018 Design 4: Pilgrim’s Pathway
29 August 2018 Design 5: The Institution of Marriage
12 September 2018 Design 6: The Ladder of Life
26 September 2018 Design 7: Blarney Bobbles
10 October 2018 Design 8: Garden Trellis
24 October 2018 Design 9: Fisherman’s Basket
7 November 2018 Design 10: Cabled Ropes
21 November 2018 Design 11: Six Stitched Braid
5 December 2018 Design 12: The Bee Keeper
19 December 2018 Joining the blocks together and the border

As well as posting information on this blog I’ll also be linking the information in my KCACO-UK Community Facebook Group, which if it’s anything like last year, is a great source of support and helpful tips from fellow Crochet-a-longers.

Social Media Links:

The hashtag for this years CAL is #SSCAL18 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: Ravelry, Facebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.

I am so looking forward to seeing everyone’s blankets develop over time! 

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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