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My own personal CAL

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So, is a crochet-a-long really a crochet-a-long (CAL) if no one else is crocheting with you?

Dark Oxford - Bernat Berella "4"

When I saw news of the Lion Brand CAL pop up in the blog-o-sphere I knew I wanted to participate, especially since most "A-Longs" are for knitters. The pattern selected was for a sampler afghan, which is cool because it might have kept my attention. Of course I don’t have much of a yarn stash so I had to wait to get yarn until the spouse was in an agreeable mood. I decided on using a Bernat Berella “4” in a nice heathered gray. Typically I steer very clear of acrylic yarns, but it was on clearance. By the time I had everything together I realized that I was already weeks behind on the CAL. 

Clover Crochet Hook - j

The original pattern turned out to be 10 blocks each of three different patterns. Meh. I decided to venture on my own, so I picked up Basic Crochet Stitches – 250 Stitches to Crochet by Erica Knight.

Basic Crochet Stitches

The book is well written and displayed. It gives a brief introduction to several basic stitches and how to read crocheting diagrams. It doesn’t cover every stitch used in the book, so I have had to go looking for some of the more obscure ones. But so far so good. As I near the end of a current square, I become anxious to start and learn a new one. With 30+ squares in this afghan it’s essential that I keep interested.

This color is more true to the actual color.

4 squares!

I definitely want to get my hands on more of the Harmony Guides, such as The Harmony Guides: Edgings and Finishing Stitches: 250 to Crochet,

250 to crochet - Erika Knight

and The Harmony Guides: 101 Stitches to Crochet.

101 stitches to crochet

They even have some interesting looking knitting books – The Harmony Guides: Cable & Aran Stitches: 250 Stitches to Knit. I do love a nice cable.

Cables and Arans

I figure that if it comes out nicely I can give it away as a Christmas present, and if it doesn’t… well, the boys wont mind a few wonky squares as long as it’s warm and snuggly.

Oh! And what post is complete without pictures of my helper?

Rowan - being cute

More Rowan cuteness!

Thanks for reading.

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