We're at the end. Can you believe it?! The final touches have been added to the shawl pattern! 

If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL by beginning HERE.

This is the final week. You'll block your shawl and it'll be ready to wear soon! 

If you're just joining us don't worry. The pattern is free so it's not too late to start!

Head over to the Breath of Life shawl pattern for this weeks CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Breath of Life Shawl CAL - Week 2

Section 2 of the Breath of Life shawl has been added to the pattern! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working on section 2, which is a different stitch pattern. We will finish our crocheting, then next week we'll do all the finishing. 

The pattern is free so it's not too late to join us!

Head over to the Breath of Life pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Breath of Life Shawl - Week 1

Welcome back to the Breath of Life shawl crochet-a-long! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the first section of the shawl. Section 1 uses your first yarn choice and will have 4 rows to learn. Once you get the hang of the pattern you'll be able to do it without the instructions. 

Head over to the Breath of Life shawl pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine 

Ambassador Crochet

Breath of Life Shawl CAL

It's late spring, technically almost summer, so it's time for a new crochet-a-long! The Breath of Life shawl will be a free CAL hosted here, with the instructions over at Ambassador Crochet. It is a fairly quick project so you will be able to wear your new shawl in a couple weeks. 

Getting Started

It's finally here! The Breath of Life Shawl is a lightweight shawl, perfect for spring or summer temps. It is worked with simple stitch combinations that create an eye catching design. Today's section will include a materials list, gauge, special stitches, as well as dates. 

CAL Schedule

The link to the actual pattern instructions is here: Breath of Life CAL

Upcoming Dates:

June 15th - Getting Started (this post)
June 18th - CAL begins
June 25th - Week 2 / Color 2
July 2nd - Finishing

Head over to the Breath of Life Shawl post for yarn info, gauge swatch, and more. 

Join us on Social Media

Don't forget to join the fun in our CGOA CAL group on Facebook. You can ask questions, connect with others working on the CAL, see project photos, and more. If you want to share photos of your work, please use hashtag #CGOACals - we'd love to see your projects. 

Giveaways & Sponsors:

We will be adding our sponsors and giveaways shortly. Please come back soon to check them out! 

Kristine Mullen
Ambassador Crochet

National Crochet Month MEGA CAL - Week 1

It's National Crochet Month! And the CGOA has a MEGA Crochet-A-Long planned for all members.

If you're are already a CGOA member, please join us for the March Mega Crochet-A-Long (CAL)!
If you're not a member yet, we'd love to have you join the CAL and the CGOA. (click here for membership info)

Week 1 - Introducing Shining Day Wrap by Andee Graves. This elegant lace wrap is perfect to bundle around your neck as a warm scarf on cooler days, or to dress up an outfit as a shoulder wrap when the days get warmer.

Visit the CAL pattern page to download the FREE pattern and learn more about this weeks designer. This pattern, available to members and non-members, will only be available until March 7, so don’t wait too long.

If you would like to receive the next THREE patterns JOIN CGOA NOW as they are available to members only. Besides these FREE patterns, there are so many benefits to being a Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) member.

Here's the Mega CAL Schedule:
Week 2 – March 8: Almost Spring Mitts
Week 3 – March 15: Braided Swirl Scarf/Shawl
Week 4 – March 22: Spring Blossoms Necklace

If you're a CGOA member, you can join our Facebook group for discussion and to post pictures.


Kristine
Ambassador Crochet 

Ava Shell - Part 6 - Finishing Touches

You made it! The final touches have been added to the pattern! 
If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL by beginning HERE.

This is the final week. You'll sew the pieces together, work the peplum, and finish up the armholes and neckline.    

Reminder: Once you've completed the shell post photos in our FB group for a chance to win a prize! 

The pattern is free so it's not too late to join us!

Head over to the Ava Shell pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Ava Shell - Part 5 - Back Top Shaping

Part 5 of the Ava Shell has been added to the pattern! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the remainder of the back. We will complete the armhole and neckline shaping. Next week we will be doing all the finishing work - sewing, border, and peplum.   

Reminder: Gauge is critical with this pattern! I swatched 3 different brands of DK yarn and 2 had one gauge size and 1 needed a different hook size from the other 2 brands.

The pattern is free so it's not too late to join us!

Head over to the Ava Shell pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Ava Shell - Part 4 - Back Bottom

Part 4 of the Ava Shell has been added to the pattern! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the back of the shell. You will begin at the waist and work up to the armholes. Next week we will be working the armholes and neckline of the back.  

Reminder: Gauge is critical with this pattern! I swatched 3 different brands of DK yarn and 2 had one gauge size and 1 needed a different hook size from the other 2 brands.

If you're just joining us, here's a little sneak peek of the stitch pattern for the main body of the shell.

Head over to the Ava Shell pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Ava Shell CAL - Part 3 - Front Neck & Armhole Shaping

Welcome back to the Ava Shell Crochet-a-Long! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the armholes and neckline of the Ava Shell. Once this section is complete the front will be finished. Next week we'll work the back of the shell. 

Reminder: Gauge is critical with this pattern! I swatched 3 different brands of DK yarn and 2 had one gauge size and 1 needed a different hook size from the other 2 brands.

If you're just joining us, here's a little sneak peek of the stitch pattern for the main body of the shell.

Head over to the Ava Shell pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Ava Shell CAL - Part 2 - Front Bottom

Welcome back to the Ava Shell Crochet-a-Long! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the front of the Ava Shell. The pattern is worked from the bottom up, so this week you'll work from the waist up to armpit. You'll stop at the armpit so we can save the armhole shaping for next week.

Reminder: Gauge is critical with this pattern! I swatched 3 different brands of DK yarn and 2 had one gauge size and 1 needed a different hook size from the other 2 brands.

Here's a little sneak peek of what the stitch pattern for the main body will look like.

Head over to the Ava Shell pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Summer 2017 CAL - Ava Lacy Shell - Part 1 Getting Started

Summertime is here!  We're going to be making a lacy shell/tank top which is perfect for over a tank top of swimsuit.  The shell was designed to be a good top for those who have never taken on the challenge of a garment, but it will be great for any level crocheter. 

Getting Started

Are you ready?!?!  The Ava Shell is a lacy tank top made with a variation of the v-stitch. It's worked in sections, which makes it possible even for an advanced beginner to be able to tackle and finish. Today's section has the materials list, gauge, special stitches, and other info you may need to get a good understanding of what we'll be working. There is also a gauge swatch so that you can make sure you can match gauge before we get started. A few notes about matching gauge:

Gauge:

I highly recommend blocking, but I know many of us don't follow that part of the instructions. With that being said, gauge is critical to getting this to come out the right size! I did a gauge swatch with 3 different brand yarns and 2 of them had to use a different hook size other than the one recommended to match the gauge. 

Note: The sample in the photo was made with a linen/cotton blend yarn, but we also swatched a cotton yarn, as well as an acrylic yarn. 

You can substitute other yarns, but please swatch this to make sure you don't end up with a shell that is 2 sizes too small. Cotton will block easily, so if you choose cotton and your gauge is only slightly off, blocking will work. If you don't plan on blocking - and know this ahead of time - make sure you get gauge! 

Recommended Resources:

Below are some resourses that will help you pick out a yarn that you will be happy with. 

• Is Gauge Important?
• 5 Tips for Choosing a Yarn Substitution - Things to consider when substituting yarn.
• Tips for Substituting Yarn - What to look for on the yarn label.

CAL Schedule:

The link to the actual pattern instructions is here: Ava Shell CAL.

• July 19th: Getting started (this post)
• July 26th: Part 1 - Front Bottom
• Aug. 2nd: Part 2 - Front Top
• Aug. 9th: Part 3 - Back Bottom
• Aug. 16th: Part 4 - Back Top
• Aug. 23rd: Sewing, Finishing, & Border
• Aug 30th: Giveaway deadline (11:59pm, EST). Winner to be announced Aug. 31st. 

Head over to the Ava Shell post for yarn info, gauge swatch, and more. 

Join us on Social Media

Don't forget to join the fun in our CGOA CAL group on Facebook. You can also ask questions and connect with others that are working the CAL in our Ravelry forum thread. If you want to share photos of the CAL on social media, please use the hashtag #CGOACals so we can see everyone's progress. 

Giveaways & Sponsors:

We will be adding our sponsors and giveaways shortly. Please come back soon to check them out! 

Kristine Mullen

Ambassador Crochet

Layers of Texture Infinity Scarf CAL Part 6: Dots and Dashes Stitch; Assembly and Finishing; Giveaway!

Welcome back to the Layers of Texture Infinity Scarf Crochet-a-Long! You can get all the information about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts, here.

You can get the stitch pattern for Part 6: Dots and Dashes Stitch; Assembly and Finishing on Underground Crafter here.

Part 6: Dots and Dashes Stitch.

Or, watch the video below.

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see what you come up with! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry queue or favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal.

Enter the giveaway below by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, August 28, 2016 by sharing a completed project picture for your chance to win a great prize! 

An InLinkz Link-up

Layers of Texture Infinity Scarf Crochet-a-Long Part 5: Morse Code Stitch and Giveaway Sponsor Update!

Welcome back to the Layers of Texture Infinity Scarf Crochet-a-Long! You can get all the information about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts, here.

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite parts of a crochet-a-long is the prizes at the end. Learning new stitches is fun and who doesn't love chatting with other crocheters? But, c'mon, you know you want to hear more about the giveaway prizes, so let me go right ahead and share the details with you.

For this crochet-a-long, we have four fabulous giveaway sponsors! In alphabetical order, our sponsors are...

Crochet Guild of America is providing one fantastic prize.

Show your support by following CGOA on Facebook and Twitter!

CGOA is offering a one-year individual membership to one lucky winner! This CAL has introduced many crocheters to the Guild, and now you'll have the chance to get to know it even better. 

GMC Books is providing two fabulous prizes.

Show your support by following GMC Books on Twitter!

Animal Heads: Trophy Heads to Crochet by Vanessa Mooncie (reviewed here on CGOA Now! by Pia from Stitches'N'Scraps) is a book featuring 10 delightful crochet patterns with helpful tutorials.

Granny Squares and Shapes: 20 Crochet Projects for You and Your Home by Sue Pinner (reviewed here on CGOA Now! by Pia from Stitches'N'Scraps) is a book featuring 20 designs, including home decor and wearables, along with tutorials for motif projects.

Mad Mad me is providing one handmade prize.

Show your support by following Mad Mad me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Charissa Ragsdale is the crochet designer maker behind the Etsy shop, Mad Mad me. You can see some more of her current work in the shop!

Quarto Group is providing one amazing prize.

Show your support by following Quarto on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!

Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters: 200 Stitch Patterns in Words and Symbols is a brand new stitch guide from bestselling author, designer, and teacher, Melissa Leapman.

More details about how to enter the giveaway will be shared along with Part 6.

You can get the stitch pattern for Part 5: Morse Code Stitch, here on Underground Crafter.

Or, watch the video below.

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.

• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see what you come up with! 

• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry queue or favorites.

• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal.