Crochet

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WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT CROCHET-ALONGS?

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Have you ever participated in a CAL (crochet along)?  Neither have I.  Oh, a bunch of readers will have participated in them.  I can’t really determine how I feel about them.  The Mystery CAL’s seem like they might be more interesting than a ‘regular’ CAL.  I’m not quite sure what benefits there might be for a CAL.

This is the first motif in a Lion Brand CAL that I just received information about.

CAL motif 0909Aside from the fact that I don’t want to join motifs, I find this hexagon to be quite pretty.  Don’t know where this CAL is headed – if it’ll be an afghan, scarf, or garment.  I’d have to sign on every Thursday to find out.

Therein lies the rub.  I won’t remember on Thursday.  Will you?  Yeah, I know I could maybe figure out how to use the calendar feature on my browser and have it remind me – but I’d probably have piles of other work to do on Thursday and would overlook the reminder.

My friend Ronnie has made several interesting things on CAL’s.  The latest of her projects that I’ve seen turned out a unique, very smart cardi-wrap that I would like to make.  But, it was a Mystery CAL, so since I didn’t know which way it was headed, I woudn’t consider joining.

So, what are the pros and cons of CAL’s.  Let me here from YOU!

Comments

  1. I don’t particularly like CAL’s or KAL’s due to the fact that 1: I’ve seen too many errors during the process. Therefore when that happens you have to wait for the errata and start again. 2: You don’t know what you’re making, so it might not be something you want to make, nor do you even have a clue as to what it’s supposed to be, so have no idea if you’re on track with the directions given. Too many mysteries for my taste. If I’m interested in the slightest, I wait till the whole pattern has been posted with photos before I decide to actually make the project or not.

  2. I’ve just started on CAL’s. The first one I totally enjoyed (maybe because I suggested the doily to use)… lol
    The CAL’s make sure that I get done with the project instead of keeping starting new ones. The fact that you are supposed to show your progress makes for interesting discussions. And also, if you have a problem with a pattern, then everyone is on the same page.

  3. I agree, the hexagon is very pretty though not my favorite color combo. I would be much more likely to join if I knew which way it was heading. The colors I would use for a scarf are very different from what I would use for a afghan which are very different from what I would use for a sweater. And how the heck do you know how much yarn to buy?? BTW – I would love to see the cardi-wrap pattern

  4. As you may have gathered…I’m addicted to CALs…especially the mystery ones.

    I look at them as an opportunity to test patterns, to give the designer/host input on the pattern, to review different pattern writing techniques/phrases/styles.

    And then comes the unveiling…seeing the pattern done in different colors or yarns is very exciting…

  5. A few years back I participated in two crochet-a-longs for Irish Crochet butterflies, and we used antique patterns that were supplied to us by the group’s owner. We could post questions, or suggestions, to the group; and it was a big help to read other peoples comments about how they were solving the Irish Crochet problems they were encountering. I gleaned some very helpful tips at how to master the Irish Crochet padding cords that I had never used before. It was wonderful to see the photos of the finished butterflies that others had created. The knowledge that I gained about Irish Crochet was definitely worth me joining the crochet-a-long.

  6. I do NOT participate in any crafts-alongs. I want to see the whole project, with a picture, and preferably schematics, before I start so I know where I’m heading. As a previous poster said– I want to know if it’s going to be something I want to make in the first place, and “one row a day” is not my way of crocheting (or anything else). I don’t like working “blind”- the “discovery” aspect is usually disappointing IMO, no better than the current “prizes” in Cracker Jack boxes.

  7. except when you have a designer of the caliber Ronnie seems to hit on (hi /ronnie) I don’t do cals either but I admire those who have the courage to do so.

  8. I have only ever done one crochet along, and I am currently participating in it. I have really enjoyed doing this crochet along as it has helped me with some techniques, and also helped me learn to more efficiently plan my time, and I know I can always go and ask someone in the crochet along what to do if I get stuck. It is kind of fun to see everyone do the same project, but all with different colors and yarns. I am most excited to see everyones finished afghans (we are crocheting one 12″ Granny Square per month). I joined the block a month crochet along because it is NOT a mystery crochet along, so you know what you are crocheting, and they give you alternative squares to do as well. I would definitely recommend that everyone get out there and join at least one crochet along if you have never done one before.

  10. I have never participated in a CAL, but just signed up to have new ones sent to me. I would like to try one, but not a mystery. Those of us who are seniors with no children & no babies to crochet for would not always want to crochet another granny afghan…couldn’t begin to tell you how many of those I have made. I would love to try one for a cardigan sweater for myself or for socks you can wear with shoes. Thanks for the question.

Have you read?

How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch: An Easy Textured Crochet Stitch for Beginners

Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to cosy scarves, hats and blankets.

Here are some Suzette stitch crochet patterns worth adding to your project list.

Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket

The free Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket pattern from Premier Yarns uses the stitch to create a softly textured crochet blanket with a subtle tweed-like appearance.

This would make a lovely handmade baby shower gift, particularly when worked in a washable baby yarn. The stitch creates more visual interest than plain single crochet without introducing large holes that may catch tiny fingers.

Easy Suzette Stitch Blanket

The Suzette Stitch Blanket pattern by Stitching Together is another approachable blanket project for crocheters who enjoy a relaxing stitch repeat.

This is the sort of project you can keep beside the sofa and work on a few rows at a time. Just keep an eye on those skipped stitches—television crochet is wonderful until an extra stitch quietly sneaks in three episodes earlier.

Casey Suzette Stitch Scarf

The free Casey Scarf crochet pattern uses the Suzette stitch through most of the design, producing a cosy scarf with a softly scalloped, zigzag-like texture.

It is a good first wearable project for beginners because scarves do not require complicated shaping. You can also adjust the length fairly easily or use a self-striping yarn and let the colour changes do the decorative work for you.

Quick Suzette Crochet Scarf

For another scarf option, try this free Suzette Stitch Scarf pattern from Hooked by Robin.

The designer includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it helpful for visual learners who prefer watching the stitch placement before beginning. It is designed as a quick project and would make a practical last-minute handmade gift.

Suzette Colour Block Scarf

The free Suzette Colour Block Scarf pattern is a cheerful option for using several coordinating yarn colours.

Colour blocking also makes this a handy stash-busting crochet project. You can use leftover yarn from other makes, although it is worth choosing yarns of the same weight and similar fibre content so the sections behave themselves after washing.

Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie

The free Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie crochet pattern turns the textured stitch into a warm winter hat.

Chunky yarn helps the pattern work up quickly and makes the raised texture especially noticeable. This would be a useful project for craft stalls, charity donations or quick handmade Christmas gifts.

Hazel Textured Crochet Beanie

The free Hazel Beanie crochet pattern combines simple ribbing with the Suzette stitch.

The ribbed brim gives the hat a neat, finished appearance while the Suzette stitch adds texture to the main body. It looks more complicated than a basic crochet beanie but is still built from familiar beginner stitches.

Suzette Stitch Washcloth

For a small practice project, try the free Suzette Stitch Wash Cloth pattern from The Purple Poncho.

A washcloth is one of the best ways to practise a new crochet stitch because it is small, useful and not terribly demanding. Even if the first one is slightly wonky, it will still wash perfectly well.

Use a smooth cotton yarn so the cloth is absorbent and the stitch texture remains clearly visible.

Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth

The free Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth pattern adds another layer of texture to this familiar stitch combination.

Make several in coordinating colours and pair them with handmade soap for an easy spa-style gift. They are also useful little projects for testing unfamiliar cotton yarn before committing to a larger set.

Corner-to-Corner Suzette Stitch Washcloth

The free C2C Suzette Stitch Washcloth pattern gives the stitch a slightly different construction by working it from corner to corner.

This is a good next project after you have mastered ordinary flat rows. It lets you explore increasing and decreasing while still using the familiar Suzette stitch combination.

Suzette Stitch Afghan Square

The Suzette Stitch Afghan Square pattern turns the textured stitch into a smaller crochet block.

Afghan squares are useful for charity blankets, sampler blankets and portable crochet projects. You can make the squares individually, use up leftover yarn and join everything together once you have enough—although “enough” has been known to become a surprisingly flexible number in my craft room.

More Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Ideas

Once you are comfortable with the basic stitch, you can also use it to make:

  • Crochet mug cosies
  • Ear warmers and headbands
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Cushion covers
  • Tote bags
  • Baby rompers
  • Crochet cardigans
  • Lap blankets
  • Double-thick potholders

You can browse additional Suzette stitch crochet patterns on Etsy, including sweaters, baby blankets, beanies, mug cosies and accessories from independent crochet designers.

When choosing a pattern, check whether it uses US or UK crochet terminology. Also check whether it uses the traditional Suzette stitch—one single crochet and one double crochet worked into the same stitch—or a designer’s variation of it. That quick check can prevent a great deal of confused unraveling later.