Let’s Crochet Along!

By Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 164 Comments

I 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!

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164 Comments

  1. Erma says:

    I’m ready when you are.

  2. evelyn newman says:

    I’m excited to try it. I have been crocheting for many years and this will be my first CAL

  3. Evelyn N says:

    I’d love to try it!!! Just getting back into crochet (never really did much of it – so still a newby), and I’d love the community as well.

  4. Marcia says:

    I would love to do one.

  5. Marcia says:

    I would love to try one.

  6. Sheri says:

    Could a little something that would go between these ghans I have going.

  7. Leslie says:

    I would love to be in the crochet along!

  8. Gayle Zajeski says:

    Would love to try!

  9. Jennifer says:

    I’ve always been interested in participating in a CAL but never have. So, yeah, I’m in. (:

  10. Bea says:

    I would love to try one!

  11. Susan Polivka says:

    I’m in!!!

  12. Carol Keskeny says:

    I will try to keep up! Thanks!

  13. karen says:

    let’s give it a go!

  14. Jennie Romero says:

    I just finished my first CAL! I’m happy to say I finished the project and enjoyed it. I am ready for another one and I’m glad you are too. Ready when you are!

  15. Jan says:

    Hi Rachel
    Yes I would like to crochet along, please add me to the group!!!
    Thank you! Jan

  16. Jan says:

    Hi again Rachel
    I am submitting my fav pattern for the crochet along hoping others would luv to try it too because Patrick the Penguin is absolutely adorable and would luv to try it! Hope its a go! Jan

  17. Vicki says:

    How are you going to get all of us on the same page?

  18. Jan says:

    sounds great will keep an eye on the next ramble!!Anxious to get started Jan

  19. Rae C says:

    would love to

  20. Carlita says:

    Can’t wait to get started.

  21. Anna says:

    That would be alot of fun I am in

  22. Beth says:

    I’m very interested in something that works up quickly. I don’t have a lot of crochet time available these days. And this would be my first CAL.

  23. Roberta S. says:

    I have never done a CAL, but I am currently crocheting the How-To-Crochet-Blanket-Stitch pattern. I would suggest this.

  24. Jan says:

    hi It is already Sept 9 and have not seen any list of patterns to crochet Am I looking in the wrong place for patterns to choose from for the Crochet Along Quick and Easy Patterns ?? Thanks Jan

  25. Wendy Weiler says:

    I would love to try this. Will be my first time.

  26. Rachel Choi says:

    Hi everyone!!!

    Here’s the link to the patterns for the CAL: http://www.crochetspot.com/the-quick-and-easy-holiday-crochet-along/

    Have fun crocheting and sharing your work!

  27. Tisia says:

    I would love doing a project, just let me know, EXCITED!!!!

  28. Ann says:

    I think I will give this a try if its not too late

  29. Sara says:

    I would like to join also! If we finish one can we do another??

  30. Jan says:

    Looks like everyone is on a roll I am not the fastest of crocheters so need some input I have decided to do the cell phone cozy as I am not able to buy the penquin pattern until I get more info on my pay pal account, shipping charges etc. Also have not signed in to the store yet!

    • That is great, Jan. If tou need help with the store, just ask Rachel!

      • Jan says:

        Thanks Cami
        I am busy working on the cell phone cozy and the ripple rug I am trying to finish the rug by the deadline as I really want some feedback on all my mistakes lol!!
        I am quite excited about it as it was an original ripple rug pattern that I got creative with lol! Have fun all!!Jan

  31. Vicki says:

    CAN I GET THE PATTERN FOR THE SWEATER. WOULD LIKE TO MAKE FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER AT COLLEGE.

  32. Sara says:

    Yes I would like the sweater pattern also!

  33. Jan says:

    I would like the penguin, do you have to buy the patterns on the list? it is on the list for the CAL

  34. Sheri says:

    Also working on the card holder, beings I don’t have anything set up as yet to make payments for anything else.

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