Anyone keen for a crochet block-a-week CAL?

[Dunners]

I am planning to make a scrappy crochet blanket and wondered if others would be keen to join me in a crochet-a-long with a different block for each week. I was thinking it may be a good starting point for those wanting to learn crochet, and likewise a fun small project each week for those of us whom already have a love for hooking Seeing the same block done in different yarn/colour combos would be very inspiring.

You may like to use your blocks to make a cushion cover, or make more to assemble a blanket. You could even use a cotton based yarn and construct a bath mat or even use the blocks individually as dishcloths.

I have no idea about what blocks we'll do, I have a couple of books here (including one I borrowed off Kaz ages ago and still haven't returned ), and there's Ravelry/blogs/youtube etc of course. I'd be happy to pick the block for each week, or share that task with others if people would like to choose one. I am planning to link to relevant tutorial(s) as well as the block of the week. And of course I'm sure there will be many of us happy to take photos of progress or catch up in person if you need a bit more help.

I was thinking we could kick off with a good old granny square - that was my first ever crochet project (I used a cotton so it's a dishcloth).

Keen? So, have a think about what you are wanting for your end point, and assemble the hooks & yarns you wish to work with. Join up to Ravelry if you have not already.

(If you need hooks, I recommend buying a set off Ebay - this is a good value set of 14 for about $9 NZ delivered http://www.ebay.com/itm/250812561460?ss ... 1439.l2649 You need an ebay account, and Paypal account (and credit card or funds in your Paypal account) to purchase from Ebay. If you do not have access to these PM me and I'll order for you and have them sent to you).

ETA: found hooks with free shipping, even cheaper though no 10 mm hook & one other size - set above has 14 hooks, this set has 12, but it's completely adequate as a set http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-0-8-0mm-6-Alu ... 23118cf6c8

[nickers]

Need to get some crochet practice in, my biggest problem is that I start these things and then dont stick to it. Crochet goes quite fast so its easier to stay on track because a square shouldnt take too long - depending on the difficulty level.
I'm still embarassed I only got 2 of Fi's quilter blocks done before I decided I didnt have the patience

[Dunners]

I too am ashamed of my quilting block attempts - not at all helped by my need for a 1/4" foot. Now I have a new old machine I can get a 1/4" foot for it (off Ebay) but I've not decided on what else I'll get to make the most of the shipping, so the quilting waits... I have really lost my sewing mojo lately, it's much easier for me to sit down with yarn at the end of the day, rather than pull out the machines, fabrics, threads etc Having a tidy box of yarn, hooks, knitting needles at arms reach is so much more appealing at the moment.

[Megan]

I am keen - I am a novice at best, and would love to improve my skillz .

[nickers]

I too am ashamed of my quilting block attempts - not at all helped by my need for a 1/4" foot. Now I have a new old machine I can get a 1/4" foot for it (off Ebay) but I've not decided on what else I'll get to make the most of the shipping, so the quilting waits... I have really lost my sewing mojo lately, it's much easier for me to sit down with yarn at the end of the day, rather than pull out the machines, fabrics, threads etc Having a tidy box of yarn, hooks, knitting needles at arms reach is so much more appealing at the moment.

100% agree with this but unfortunately I did fork out for a 1/4" quilters foot and its still sitting in its packet unused. Oh well, maybe one day ........

[capelbach]

I'd love to join in, don't mind "creating" some of the blocks too if you want?
There are also crochet hook sets on trade me.

[cj]

I'm keen, though I"ve got my chain-making sorted, and am flummoxed by my first stitch - single crochet - why are there so many different ways of doing it, and why does my book say a way that seems hard is neater and better?!

[CarlaK]

im in! i got 2 sets of hooks for only $16nz shipped to me from hongkong, so ebay is def the way to go!

can i suggest that all patterns be either only in US crochet terms or only UK, because it gets SO confusing chopping and changing and translating all the time! took me ages to work out the difference... had a hat for a doll not a man!

for the uber beginner, youtube is awesome, Crochet for Dummies is another step by step awesome site and if you can get hold of Stich & Bitch Crochet book, that is my bible (those books are in US terms)

[mumtotwo]

I used to do granny squares .....
Might have to ask someone nicely to buy me some crochet hooks from overseas , I used to love crocheting to make blankets and dolls clothes for my sister

[Monty]

Oooh I'm keen I've been meaning to learn to crochet for ages so this will be nice motivation.

[Megan]

im in! i got 2 sets of hooks for only $16nz shipped to me from hongkong, so ebay is def the way to go!

Link please!

[capelbach]

can i suggest that all patterns be either only in US crochet terms or only UK, because it gets SO confusing chopping and changing and translating all the time! took me ages to work out the difference... had a hat for a doll not a man!

I don't mind writing out the instructions in either US or UK for each one if they need "translating" I write all of my patterns in both anyway, so I'm used to switching from one to another. Most patterns online are in US in any case.

[CarlaK]

im in! i got 2 sets of hooks for only $16nz shipped to me from hongkong, so ebay is def the way to go!

Link please!

i got ones from this seller, he had buy nows when i got mine though and i think shipping was a diff price http://www.ebay.com/itm/14-Crochet-Hook ... 1844wt_905

but there are heaps on there

[CarlaK]

can i suggest that all patterns be either only in US crochet terms or only UK, because it gets SO confusing chopping and changing and translating all the time! took me ages to work out the difference... had a hat for a doll not a man!

I don't mind writing out the instructions in either US or UK for each one if they need "translating" I write all of my patterns in both anyway, so I'm used to switching from one to another. Most patterns online are in US in any case.

oh thats nice! i get so confused, esp when the pattern doesnt say its UK and you dont find out till later!

[white-rose]

I would love to do this - I keep starting and then giving up!!

I dont know if I will have a lot of time until next month becuase we are lambing and I have a lot of work on this month (crazy me didnt think about lambing when I booked it all in )

I would be keen to learn some of the stitches, my only issue is being left handed, I have been taught left handed but most tutes are for right handed so I switched - only now I get confused

So make the first few easy k!!