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

CGOA Member Spotlight: Kristine Mullen

I'm Marie Segares from Underground Crafter and this is the second post in a monthly series for CGOA Now! where I shine a spotlight on a CGOA member and share a bit of her story with an interview.

In this month's post, I'm talking with Kristine Mullen from Ambassador Crochet. Kristine is a crochet designer and tech editor, and she can be found online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter, as well as in her pattern shop.

All images are used with permission and are © Kristine Mullen/Ambassador Crochet.

Kristine Mullen.

Underground Crafter (UC): How did you first get started crocheting? 
Kristine Mullen (KM): My mother taught me to crochet when I was 5, but I didn't pick it up again until I was in my 20's and pregnant with my first daughter. 

Candy Cloud Burst Baby Afghan, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: When did you start designing? 
KM: I started designing in 2007. A friend of mine had a preemie (30 weeks gestation) and I wanted to make him a blanket. I couldn't find anything I liked so I decided to make my own. It was at that point I realized I loved designing my own patterns.

Hat for Hope, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: How long have you been a member of the CGOA? What’s your favorite thing about being a member? 
KM: I have been a member of the CGOA since 2013. My favorite part is the networking. I feel like everyone has been very willing to help, promote, and encourage each other because we're all in this together.

The Royal Bow Beanie, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: You're also a tech editor. Can you tell us what you do as a tech editor, and how you got started? 
KM: A tech editor checks a pattern for errors. It can be everything from math errors, to formatting or style issues. For me it all started when I was a tester for a designer. She started noticing that I was picking up on errors beyond what a tester would normally find and asked if I had ever thought about editing. It has since become a passion of mine. 

Super Bulky Winter Hat, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: Has tech editing influenced your design work at all? If so, how? 
KM: It has definitely helped me branch out beyond hats and baby blankets, but I don't think it has necessarily influenced my designs. It has definitely influenced my writing style though. Now I try really hard to write a pattern that can be read by any level crocheter so that even if the stitch work is difficult the pattern won't be hard to understand. 

Indigo Falls Infinity Scarf, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for relaxing? 
KM: I love working up infinity scarves and cowls.

Gray Skies Gradient Shawl, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen, and winner of the Fan's Choice Award for Battle of the Stitches Round 8.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for challenging yourself? 
KM: That's a good question. I love to try experienced or challenging patterns, but I don't know that I have a specific project type. I think I lean more towards stitch combos and overall design. I guess if I had to pick a project type I would pick shawls or sweaters. 

Waves of Grayce Chevron Baby Blanket, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects to give as gifts? 
KM: I love making baby blankets and scarves to give as gifts.

Awareness Ribbon Afghan Project, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: What are you working on in 2016? What's next for you? 
KM: I'm spending more time tech editing and I want to put myself out there and submit more designs for publication. I also want to help people advance their crocheting skills.

Thanks so much, Kristine, for sharing your love of crochet with us.