Woohoo! It's time to kick off the 2015 yearlong crochet-along here on Moogly! Every 2 weeks I'll share a new free 12" crochet block pattern, and we'll all make them together. All the patterns will be free all year long, and we'll get to visit a variety of fantastic crochet blogs along the way!
I want to take this opportunity right away to thank all the fantastic designers who have volunteered to design for the CAL this year! And I also want to thank Elke Wellens who is providing Dutch translations to all the designers so that even more people can join in - she's even got a Dutch speaking Moogly CAL Facebook group going! Lastly, a big big thank you to allatti2d, Angela2011, HelenJE, and Patricia-R-S, who are moderating the Ravelry group for the 2015 Moogly CAL! You all make this so much fun - click either of those links to check the groups out!
I've updated the menu at the top of the blog - if you hover on the "Posts" option, you'll see a drop down menu appear. This will have the "Yearly Afghan CAL" option - click that and you'll see all the CAL posts for 2015 and 2014, with the most recent at the top of the page!
Below is the CAL schedule - I'll reproduce this schedule in every new block post, and add links as we go along, so you can go straight to past posts from each new post as needed, and see when the next block is scheduled. December is for assembly and finishing! There will be 24 blocks total, and each of the posts will go live here on Moogly at 10am Central time on their specified date.
The 2015 Moogly CAL Schedule
January 8 - THIS POST
January 22
February 5 & 19
March 5 & 19
April 2 & 16 & 30
May 14 & 28
June 11 & 25
July 9 & 23
August 6 & 20
September 3 & 17
October 1 & 15 & 29
November 12 & 25
*****
Above is the original, made with 2 colors. This square is so fun looking - like a starburst! And getting to use the Jacob's Ladder technique is fantastic. The fact that she named it after me has me tickled of course, but even objectively I know this is a fab square.
My yarn finally arrived, and I got the square made and blocked, et voila!
Now for my notes!
- I know a lot of people had trouble with this square - it's not an easy one, or designed for beginners! But I did find it very doable and well written, only needing to reference the photos when it was time to tack down the final loop for the horizontal braids. If you are a beginner, please do reference the photos, videos, and use the Ravelry group to your advantage! If this one is just too much, you can find a list of free alternatives HERE.
- I got 12" exactly as written, but if you need to add more rounds that's fine too! Learn more about that HERE. Remember that the 12" is measured across and up and down - not horizontally corner to corner.
- I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, and my color order was as follows: Rnd 1: Raspberry, Rnd 2: Mustard, Rnd 3: Kelly Green, Rnd 4: Aqua, Rnd 5: Eggplant, Rnd 6: White, Rnd 7: Raspberry, Rnd 8: Mustard, Rnd 9: Aqua, Rnd 10: Kelly Green, Rnd 11: Eggplant, Rnd 12: White.
- I've decided to end every square this year with white, and then do the joining in white as well. I think this will help the squares really pop!
Thanks so much for crocheting-along with me!
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Stephane
Woohoo!!! I've been stalking your blog all day waiting for this pattern, yay!!! I'm so sorry about your snowstorm, I hope your yarn gets there ASAP! Thank you for the post, you just relieved me from a lot of anxious checking of my computer! Now off to do this block!! yay!!! much love from South Africa
Stephane
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thanks so much Stephane! I know it's a longer wait over there!
Tania
How do you get all the patterns for moogly cal for 2015
Tamara Kelly
They are each linked in the latest post - https://www.mooglyblog.com/cal-block-14/ 🙂
Linda
Thank you for doing this again this year, I was unable to participate last year but am looking forward to joining in this time, love the first block. 🙂
Tamara Kelly
😀 Glad you're here Linda!
JeannE Joseph
How does one go about joining this? I'd like to join granny square making club that finally finishes with assembly of all the beautiful squares.
Tamara Kelly
Hi JeannE! Just start making them! 🙂 There's no sign up needed.
Amanda
Why, why why can we not get something easily printable? I don't crochet in front of my computer!
Shauna
If you visit the Ravelry group, there's a link to this pattern on Craftsy that is 4 pages printed.
Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Shauna
Linda
Check out PrintFriendly.com for a simple and cost free way to print or convert documents to pdf files. I am a big convert. It works for most websites.
Debbie beauvais
That is not working. I can not print this pattern. Help!
Tamara Kelly
Hi Debbie! There is a link at the bottom of the pattern at Jessie At Home that takes you to a printable copy. 🙂
Sherika
If you scroll down to the bottom of the pattern, there is a button you can click on do get a PDF copy w/no pictures.
JeannE Joseph
I totally agree. I don't crochet in front of my computer either. That's why I've not joined anything like this for many years. I WOULD LIKE PRINTED MATERIALS!
Tamara Kelly
Hi Jeanne! To print any pattern, just plug the URL into PrintFriendly.com. 🙂
Carmen
So . . . So . . . So . . . excited. I had not picked up my needles in years and am really pretty basic. Found your site and IMMEDIATELY started obsessing about crocheting. The CAL is perfect to settle me down to concentrate on one thing. Thank YOU!
Carmen
YAY! Through round 6 and loving it. I am really having to study the instructions and pattern, and already feel like I have learned SO MUCH! Thanks again.
Consuelo Hecker
Hurrah. I have been so anxious to start, even circling the date on my calendar! !
DANA Nichols
I'm so excited! I hope my skill level is up to the challenge. I finally made a decision on colors and bought my yarn, so here we go. Yay!!
Joy Nissen
I am going to go start mine now!! Can't wait to see what colors everyone goes with!! 🙂 Wish my yarn would hurry up and get here from Canada!! LOL Oh, well, will have to start with what I have!!
SILVIA
JOY NISSEN; I FOUND A WEBSITE FROM PAKISTAN THAT GETS MY ORDER TO FLORIDA IN 3 DAYS COUNTING THE ONE IORDER. IT'S UNBELIEVABLE IT TRAVELS LIKE AROUND THE WORLD, BUT DO NOT FAIL TO ARRIVE IN 3 DAYS. I AM STUCK WITH SOME CROCHET WORK REQUEST FOR MY FAMILY, BUT AS SOON AS I FINISH I WANT TO START THE AFGHAN WITH THE LADIES HERE AT MOOGLY, SPECIALLY THE FIRST SQUARE PURPLE AND CREAM OR BEIGE? IS GORGEOUS.
annelie
i'm still waiting for my yarn, too.... i hope it comes soon. i'm so excited, it's my first crochet along...
greetings from germany!
annelie.
Tamara Kelly
My neighbor just got 4 boxes delivered but nothing for me! Boohoo! We shall be yarnless together, at least temporarily...
Carmen
Where is the best place to get quality yarn at a great price?
Tamara Kelly
That is a BIG question! I'm using Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, which is available at most big box craft stores in the US, as well as online directly from Lion Brand 🙂
erin s
I had to rush and finish my CAL 2014 3rd blanket (one more to go, just a few more squares) so I didn't feel to far behind starting this one. Picking out edging is hard though
Jennifer Cline
Love the first block.I have six colors of vannas choice .just wondering if i willI do two colors as done or experiment? Thank you for this CAL Tamara.
Dee
Super! This is my first CAL. I learned to crochet from my mom way back when I was a kid. I've taught my daughters as well. I'm hoping my younger, who still lives at home, will join me in this experience. She has been busy knitting hats for her friends this winter. Yes, my lefty child can knit and crochet. Self taught through knitting videos.
I have my colors so I can hardly wait to start.
Lisa tolliver
I am living with my daughter right now and we are doing it together. We have picked very different colors. I am looking forward to the process and end product.
Sinead deegan
Is there somewhere we post photos of the squares as we make them ?
Tamara Kelly
You can post them on the Moogly Facebook page, in the Ravelry group, on Instagram... wherever you like and are most comfortable sharing! 😀 On instagram we're using the hashtag #mooglycal 🙂
Marya
I am so excited to begin this. It will be my 1st CAL. Thank you so much to all involved. This is such a wonderful thing to be able to participate in.
Leslie
Soooo excited! I marked my calendar so I wouldn't miss the launch of this CAL. Thank you for ALL of your hard work in coordinating this and many thanks to those providing us with fun squares to create!
Kate
I'm excited to join in this CAL, but I'm already stressing out over the first square. It's WAY beyond my skill level. Do you have any suggestions for easier squares or should I stay a spectator for this CAL?
Tamara Kelly
Hi Kate! No stressing! I made up a list of alternate squares last time around that you might want to check out! 😀 Free alternate squares
TAmmy W
Kate.....I am in the same place. I am So frustrated just with Round one and it only square one...yikes! I decided to complete the Smoothfox square from the list of free squares. I'm trying to stay positive and hopeful that the other upcoming squares are easier to understand and work for a fairly new crocheter.
Kyla
The Ravelry group has posted helpful answers to almost every round, trust me, you are not alone in struggling with it! They helped me out a lot I encourage you to go check it out before you skip out on this beautiful square!
Tamara Kelly
So glad to hear this Kyla, thank you!
Carmen
OMG . . . Thank you . . . Thank you . . . I found and have to share the link for those who like me had to really concentrate to get started on this one. http://jessieathome.com/2014/12/jacobs-square-6-afghan-square.html
JACKIE B
This is so exciting! Last years CAL I did two of each block to fit our king size bed, this years I'm just doing one of each for my 2 years olds first big girl bed! Going to do all soft girly colors. I just have to get my king size one joined first!!!
Lindsay
Hi there! I'm very new to crocheting but saw the picture of the one you're raffling from 2014 and it has inspired me...it's so beautiful! So I'm going to try this and I'm very excited about it...however I have no idea how many colours to choose for the whole blanket ? What do you recommend? And should there be the same amount of yarn for each colour or should they be different amounts of each colour...help please! Thanks so much!
Tamara Kelly
Hi Lindsay! I think the one you saw for raffle was on Fiber Flux, but if you'd like to join in this one you're more than welcome! 😀 I'd recommend 4400 total yards, though how many colors is completely up to you! I ordered equal amounts of 5 colors with a little more of a sixth one that I plan to use for joining. Last year I did only 4 colors though.
Lindsay
Oh gosh...I'm so sorry....you're right....I'm following so many crochet blogs and pages and newsletters now I can't keep them all straight! But I am definitely doing this one...I couldn't sleep last night with colours swirling in my head! 🙂 Thanks for the info...that helps quite a bit. Now to go buy the yarn! 🙂
Tamara Kelly
😀 No apologies needed! There is so much great crochet out there right now!!
Mallory
I'm super excited to get started. I received a gift card for for Christmas and used most of it on yarn just to be ready!
justine
Finished my first 2015 afghan block, that was such a fun pattern I may just have to make another one... Well that could lead me into trouble lol
Katie
Something is wrong with the link. When I click on it I am brought to her page but then it switches to something completely different.
Tamara Kelly
I think you might have some malware Katie. 🙁
Rubra Baronissa
It's happening to me, too...the link goes to the pattern, but then it suddenly goes to some other website and I can't go back... It was working on a different computer, but not on my personal computer. I tried accessing the pattern directly through Jessie's site, and the same thing happened. So I can't start the square.:-(
Tamara Kelly
How strange! Craftsy might be a good place to grab it for now.
Patricia Ramos
Tried today, and had same same issue, will try Craftsy. 🙂
Kyla
I had that same problem, I just had to keep going back and clicking and it finally brought me to her page :/
Mindy
The square is gorgeous! This is the first time I've been part of a CAL, and I'm looking forward to it. Guess I better decide on my colors and buy my yarn so that I'm not behind before I even get started. 🙂
Ramona
Yay!!!! First square all DONE!!! 🙂 I came home from work, and went straight to the bag with the yarn waiting for this blanket to get born ... I posted pictures on the Ravelry Moogly CAL 2015 group as well. The pattern was very easy to read, and it took me about 3 hours to finish the square. My blanket will be a rainbow one, as I already had a lot of Vanna's Choice yarn, in multiple colors... so I will use those. Thank you for the CAL! Can't wait for the next one! 🙂
Barton
saw the square out there! nice job Ramona! Excited to start mine!
Megan
I am so excited to participate in the CAL this year! I learned to crochet when I was a little girl, but I only recently got back into it, and this will be my first afghan! Thanks for all the work you put into this 🙂 I love the first square!
Jenny
My very first crochet along. Cannot wait to get started! 🙂
Jennifer s
Finished the first block (of my first CAL!) and I had SO much fun! When I first read the pattern, I was totally intimidated and thought there was no way I could do it. But, it ended up being simpler than it first appeared (though still really challenging!) and I actually did it! So thrilled that my square actually ended up looking like it's supposed to. Thanks for inspiring me to move out of my comfort zone and learn new skills, I had a blast - so looking forward to the rest of the CAL!
Tamara Kelly
That's the best Jennifer! 😀 Thank you so much!
Bobbie Jo
So, just wondering how many colors you decided on after all? Can't wait to get to the yarn store for mine!!
Tamara Kelly
I ended up going with 6! They've finally shipped, I can't wait to get started!
Barton
That's good to know T. I was going to go with 4, but maybe I'll grab two others to use as more "accent-y" colors.
Wendy Medlin
Tamara, would you mind sharing which colors you have picked? Thanks!
Tamara Kelly
As soon as they arrive! 😀 Should be early this week!
Cindy
I love this square I was at the hospital yesterday sitting with my Mother I kept checking for the pattern to be posted. Mother thought I'd gone crazy when I finally saw it lol. I had to wake her up to show it to her. The nurses liked. It too! Can't wait for the next square.
Tamara Kelly
😀 I'm so glad to hear you like the square - and I hope your mother is better today!
Sarah
I am so tempted to start this but I still have 3 blocks to complete the 2014 yet, and then the joining of it. You mentioned before you were going to do 2 CALs this year, is the 2nd one a smaller project I could start later (without you giving anything away if you don't want to), or do you recommend I just go for it and try to play catch up with this one when I can?
Tamara Kelly
Hi, sorry I missed this one before! I'm going to (hopefully) do a series of 4 mini-CALs this year. I haven't talked about it much as I'm still waiting for the yarn for the first one to arrive! They will be smaller projects, finished within a week or so. This is something people indicated they were also interested in when I surveyed the 2014 CAL participants. 🙂 The mini CAL patterns will definitely be available as free patterns here on Moogly, as I'm designing them myself, so no rush!
Niko niko
Yaaay !!!
This is my response to Tamara's reply in Post 59...I was one of those who wanted to do smaller projects as CAL !!!
Now that you mention 4-mini CALS...I am so excited....Just about to finish the Block 1 in a few hours from now...and I just love the feel of the pattern formed by the Jacob's ladder ...! I didnt ever imagine I would be trying this one some day !!
Thanks a ton again....!!! I really didnt come up with any theme on what I could do with the blocks...but slowly I guess I am getting ideas...!!!
Fantabulous start to 2015 !!! Kudos to your work Tamara and to all those who have designed the 24 blocks for this year, PLUS the mini-CALS too 🙂 ....Have really high expectations on how the rest of the blocks are going to turn out to be !!!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Niko! I'm so glad you're excited!
barton
Excited about this! Finally decided on "concept" colors for the whole afghan (yeah, early yet, but I'm using the CAL to finally do a shades of grey afghan to go in my guest room; no relation to any book/movie). So I'm off to the yarn store tonight to pick up some lovely merino wool (it's cold up in Minnesota, we need the warmth where we can get it!).
I've never tried this Jacob's Ladder stitch, and am very glad for the instructional video! I'll be holed up near the fireplace this weekend, while the windchill's stay down around -40 (C & F), working this square!
Happy crocheting everyone!
Tamara Kelly
Happy crocheting Barton! Stay safe up there!
Brittany
I am so excited about this CAL! The first block looks so pretty! I can't wait to see what the others will look like! I bought my yarn a few weeks ago in anticipation and ended up with 5 colors. I am going to start on this block tonight!
gayle
Is there an official way to join the CAL or do we just stalk your page until a new pattern appears and whip out our hooks?
Tamara Kelly
Just stalking or joining one of the groups mentioned in the post! 😀
Michelle
I was stalking as well
MARIETTE deysel
How many wool am I going to need and how many colours
Tamara Kelly
About 4400 total yds, the colors are up to you!
elfie eigenschenk
thanks for hosting this... this first square was a challenge, and i learned some new stuff !! really enjoyed it and cant wait for the next one...
Helen
Thanks, Tamara. I've just completed the first one. Absolutely love the 3D effect - have never done this before. I've stuck to greys and blues and I've alternated sky blue and grey and the effect is lovely. Looking forward to the next one.... is it in another fortnight?
Tamara Kelly
Yes, in two weeks! 🙂
jamie
Beautiful square! Starting the CAL off with this gorgeous piece has sold me on joining ... it'll be my first afghan CAL! So excited!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Jamie!
Michelle
Thank you so much for doing the CAL. I just finished my first square. Do we do one or more squares, from each post?
I enjoyed learning something new and this stitch.
Have a great day all
Tamara Kelly
Hi Michelle! You can do as many of each square as you like - there will be 24 squares in all, so if you want more than one blanket, or a bigger blanket, then multiples might be in order. 🙂
Michelle
Thank you
Crystal Wall
What a nice block to start off the year! Its gorgeous. I'm afraid my skills aren't quite good enough to crochet along with all of you but I love seeing the next blocks. I am saving them. Hopefully one day I can make my own and join your CAL. Ill keep following! Thanks to Tamara for this!
jULI
My mom said you're a neighbor to one of her daughters-in-law and follows you - now I know why!!!!
Tamara Kelly
😀 How funny! Thank you Juli!
Patrice
Thank you for doing this again this year. I'm excited to see what blocks we will work on this year. I have never actually participated I could use your help to figure out how much yarn I will need and how many colors you recommend. I really enjoy your blog...and my Furl's crochet hook. I saw your recommendation and had to get one. I absolutely love it!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Patrice! And I'm so glad you love the hook! The CAL colors are totally up to you, but I can recommend about 4400 yds total!
Linda
This is my first CAL. I'm joining in from the U.K. I was really excited about getting the first pattern. Like others, I have never attempted the Jacobs ladder before. I'm thrilled with the result and can't wait for the next square. Thank you for letting me "play".
Tamara Kelly
So glad to hear it Linda! Thank you!!
Beth
I was really excited to start this project! I love this pattern. This is the first time I've ever done squares, and I got it done quicker than I expected. I can't wait to get the next pattern!
Tamara Kelly
I'm so glad you liked it Beth!
Yarnblooded
So glad I found "you" at the start of the year. 🙂
Tamara Kelly
😀 Me too!
Sarah
Hi Tamara,
Can I ask you to answer post no. 54, as it may have slipped past you.
Many thanks.
Sarah
Tamara Kelly
Thanks for the heads up Sarah, I had indeed missed it! All answered! 😀 The yarn is still on it's way... along with the big CAL yarn!!
Sarah
Doh, silly me, I meant post no. 56! One of those days! To save you going back again, just wondered what your 2nd CAL is going to be this year, as I have 3 blocks of 2014 to finish and was wondering if its worth me waiting for your 2nd instead of trying to play catch up.
Sorry about the confusion.
Sarah x
Sarah
Double Doh! Have seen you've answered my original no 54!!! I think I'd better go back to bed and start the day again!!!!!
sorry 🙂
Tamara Kelly
😀 Ah Monday!
Brandi
I saw this hit the FB and wasn't feeling brave, but after some encouragement from other posters I printed out the pattern and will take a crack at soon. I whatever bit of varigated scrap yarn I have on hand just because I LOVE varigated yarns and my collection keeps growing so I need a way to thin it out!! LOL Here's hoping I get something AWESOME. 🙂
Fillyfiber
I think this is a great idea. You give enough time to do each block and fresh ideas with each new designs...also bills skill. I'm am a long time member of CGOA and crochet professionally ...this is fun and eciting and I know I will gain some additional skill to my tool box. I will use Marsels (I hope I spelled it correctly) in all my squares because it is the Pantone color for 2015. Combining it with different coordinating colors each block. What better why to celebrate my top 2 favorite passions crochet and fashion then with this Afghan!
Tamara Kelly
Ooo, love that idea! Thank you Fillyfiber!
Michele
This square was challenging and stunning! I think you set a high bar for the remaining squares. I need to start joining my 2014 CAL while I wait for the next square.
Tamara Kelly
😀 I'm so glad you enjoyed it Michele!
Sherika
Do you have a written pattern that I can reference for the Jacob's Ladder stitch?
Tamara Kelly
Jacob's Ladder is essentially pulling loops through loops - the loops can be made with chains, or with tall stitches. You can see more about them at https://www.mooglyblog.com/braiding-crochet-loops/
Mindy
Your square looks great! I got through the first round of the horizontal loops the other night and haven't been able to get back to it since. I plan on finishing mine tomorrow night. This was certainly a challenge for me, but the directions are well written and the video and pictures help immensely.
Amy
I am almost done with this square and I think it was easier than I expected. Learning new stitches is what is so great about the CAL! I like your idea to edge in all the same color...are you perhaps also making sure you have the same amount of stitches per side for each square...I think that I may try to do so as it will save time when it is time to join. I have 14 squares joined from 2014, but still have more to edge and then join :\ With regards to blocking, I have been spraying mine with water with a spray bottle and then pinning...that seems to be working with Vanna's Choice yarn, too.
Sherika
Good idea about the spray bottle. For last years CAL I was dipping them in the sink. Lol
Tamara Kelly
Would you believe I've lost my spray bottle? It's driving me nuts! Ended up back in the sink for this one lolol.
Tamara Kelly
Thanks Amy! I will probably just go with the flow on stitch count, and fix that during joining. Now you've got me thinking about it though...
Joyann Makarewicz
Just finished the first square. Although it took much longer than I anticipated, it was fun, especially learning the new stitches. The pattern was written clearly and the video tutorials were very precise and helpful. My only suggestion would be to use a lighter color yarn for the videos. It is difficult to see what the instructor is doing when she is working with a dark colored yarn.
Can't wait for the next one!
Tamara Kelly
This one did take a bit longer than average. But it is so unique! I can see what you mean about the video. 🙂
Niko niko
Hi Tamara,
What a lovely lovely block to start with !!!
Everything in this block was new to me...I had earlier seen Jacob's Ladder stitch, but I was too intimidated to try it out...But then, I just started it yesterday without wanting to think much. I read the instructions & followed the video done by JessieAtHome...and wow ! I am half way through that block. I can;t do the block at one go, so I am taking one more day to finish it off..Maybe by today and then I could post my picture...
I just wanted to know if it is ok to go with just two colors ? I have some yarn in a particular brand ...green & light creamish yellow (??) ...I am not sure if the other blocks you have chosen also would be good with just two colors....Please let me know...or else I have to do some hunt for yarn......
Thanks a ton ! This is my first CAL and I am so glad that I am able to join you this year..I am going to look forward to all the 24 and see what I end up with !!! :- 🙂 🙂
Mari d
Just found this today, so I'm already a week behind! This looks like fun--i've never tried this technique before, but I'm pretty experienced, so not too worried. Now to go yarn shopping!
Tamara Kelly
Glad you did Mari! 😀
poonam
very nice
Lynn
Excited to do this CAL! Question: Tamara, are you going to use this color scheme for all of your squares?
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Lynn! I'll be using these colors, but likely mixing it up a bit, maybe not use all of them on each one.. I'll see where the squares take me! 🙂
Anita
This was a challenging block but I did it.
Tamara Kelly
😀 Yay!
Linda
I finished the first square and it was a challenge, learned Jacob's ladder and it looks very dramatic since I am working only with black and white yarn! I am anxious to see what is next and learn more new ways to crochet. This is my first time doing a crochet a long and I am really enjoying it!
Tamara Kelly
Oh very cool! I think learning new things is the best part of a CAL. 😀 I'm so glad you're enjoying it!
mARLEE
I noticed that you went clockwise on the outer braids and counter clockwise on the inside braids. I love details like that. It's much appreciated by those who are in the know. It's beautiful and great color choices! I love it!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Marlee! 😀 I did indeed, I figure why not! And I like the balance it brings.
CJ
Hi Tamara I decided I wanted to do your CAL this year and so just now looking at the square and find it has my most unliked stitch in it to start off-quadtreble-but I am going to overcome my love-hate with this stitch and perservere. I will start in the morning so will be behind already-OH well. Congrats on your Flamies awards-you deserve them.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much CJ! The qtr sts do take a while, but it's only 2 rows and the finished square is so great! 🙂
Dana
This will be my first CAL! I looked through some of the posts to see if anyone already asked this question and couldn't find any so I hoping I'm not repeating anything! Love the choice of colors and using the white as the last row, on the other blocks will you use the same order of colors or will you change them around some? On other projects when I've changed the order of when a color was used, it was hard to decide where to use some blocks when putting them all together. If the order stayed the same, I would think the different stitches would stand out more and less stress when attaching them. And I'm all for less stress!!!
Tamara Kelly
I think I'll probably mix it up, but I'll have to see where the blocks take me! 😀 Any and all plans are good though!
Frances Perkins
I have been waiting on something to xo with my yarn thank you and looking forward to join y'all in following for the next square
Jodi
First block done! My daughter did end up choosing an alternative but at 11, I think hers turned out well. Its her afghan however so she is the one who has to love it. As for me, I had a blast! It was a challenge and I loved it! I will be revisiting the Jacobs ladder in another project to be sure. I think had it not been for working in a CAL I would not have even attempted this and now look it me go! Thanks Miss Tamara.
Tamara Kelly
😀 That's fantastic Jodi! I'm so glad to hear it!
Shweta
Hi Tamara
This is my first CAL and I'm very excited about it. The first block was amazing, a real challenge, especially tacking down the horizontal braid, that was really confusing. Anyway, can you share a picture of how to measure the block. I'm still pretty confused. Are you supposed to measure the diagonal?
Tamara Kelly
Hi Shweta! I'll include a photo in the next block writeup, but it's not diagonal - it's along each side. 🙂
Amy
Also when measuring a square that has a lot of texture, like this one, I will turn the square over to get a better measurement.
kathy
I love the new square. I have been crocheting since 1973 when my best friend taught me the basics, which took me 3 wks to learn.
Have you thought of having your final row end in black to make the colors "pop" also?
Tamara Kelly
😀 I'm so glad you like it Kathy! Black is another classic color for sure!
sharyn p
That was fun !!!! I like when it's a bit challenging, and that was, but not so much that it was difficult. Great first square. I am looking forward to this year.
I am using a size G hook which gives me a nice compact 8" square. I like it a lot.
Sharyn
Tamara Kelly
So glad to hear it Sharyn! 😀
Sherika
It is going to be a fast race to the finish line. I'm halfway through the pattern and can figure out how to start the next row after the sideways Jacob's ladder. I refuse to fall behind like I did last year! Lol
Tamara Kelly
I found it was easiest to just work all the rows and then loop up the ladders at the end, using ends I'd left from color changes at the back to tack down the last loop. This way I didn't have to go searching for the loops to crochet into on the next rows! 🙂
Kristy
Happy to join this year! I've been crocheting for awhile, but this pattern definitely taught me some things. There were moments I wondered how in the world it would end up looking like the image, but it's blocking now and just in time for the next installment tomorrow! Hooray!
Tamara Kelly
Fantastic! Thank you Kristy, I'm so glad you're joining in! 😀
Kacie
I just want to share that my husbands birthday is tomorrow and I might be just as excited for the 2nd square as I am for his birthday hehe
Tamara Kelly
Haha! Don't worry, I won't tell! 😉
Hazel
Tamara, which Aqua are you using - the baby one or the other one?
Tamara Kelly
The other, brighter one. 🙂
Michelle Rouhier
I just found out about the Moogly Afghan Crochet Challenge and am now doing Square 1! Thank you so much for this post. It has helped immensely! I almost quit, but finally figured out the stitches and then realized how easy it was! I am halfway through and can not wait to see my finished product!
Tamara Kelly
Oh I'm so glad to hear it Michelle! 😀
Barb
Just had elbow reconstruction surgery, so it will be a while before I can start. This is my first time trying a CAL and I love the pictures. Will the posts stay active thru the year, so I can start in a few months and still be able to catch up? Is it possible to see and have access to the squares from 2014? I would love to be able to print them off and see the instructions and pics. I'm anxious to get started.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Barb! The posts will all stay on the blog indefinitely. 🙂 Some of the squares from 2014 have become paid, but all the ones from 2015 will remain free. You can see links to all the 2015 ones under that same menu tab pointed out above. 🙂
Barb
Thanks so much.
Leslie
I've been using scrap yarn to practice but I was trying to find the material list for the whole 2015 blanket is there one? I found that using the video's and photos has help me create the first block even tho it took a few tries.
Tamara Kelly
Many of the blocks are still in the design stage, so estimates right now are 4400 yds total. 🙂
Leslie
That means my scrap just may do the trick, thanks you.
Mieche Walker
This is a challenging and creative square. However, after completing square 1, the mere weight of the square seems as though would probably create too much bulk in the blanket. I did see the other alternatives as written as well. Thanks
Maria McCallum
Hello Tamara!
This is the first time I have joined a CAL and I think its going to be fun! My mother taught me how to crochet when I was very young and all my life I crochet simple doilies and I had quite a time understanding the first two rounds. I did the first one three times! Finally got it. When I finished round 4 and started reading the Loop Ladder it all started to make sense! I am now starting round 7 and it calls for a "qtr" I printed your list of abbreviations and the only one I see is a:
"quadtr: quadruple treble" Is that the one I need?
I did mine in one color as a tester! To learn the stitches. Than I am going to get serious!
Thanks for all your hard work and the lovely squares!
Tamara Kelly
Hi Maria, and thank you! 🙂 I'm so glad you've joined in! Yes, qtr is quadtr - as the stitches become more uncommon, the abbreviations become less standardized!
Donna
I'd love to try this out! The squares are beautiful. How much total yarn would be needed? I have never made an afghan before. What size bed will this 24 12" squares fit? Thanks so much for hosting...I'm a square behind and excited to get started!
Thanks!
Tamara Kelly
Hi Donna! About 4400 yds total. We're making 24 12" blocks, so you could make a 4' x 6' throw, or you can double up or add more blocks to make it bigger! 🙂
Nancy
Hi Tamara
This will be my first CAL. I am so excited.
I love the colors you use. I have no sense of how to select colors that go together well so I will be using your color palette. My question is this I need to know how many skiens of each color you ordered. Several stores are having Vanna's Choice on sale right now. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you so much.
Nancy
Carol Bedworth
How do I join in? I have been trying and just keep getting sent round and round n the Internet. I have used some of last yrs squares and would love to join in this yr.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Carol! No need to "join" or sign up anywhere, just make the squares! 🙂 You can always find the latest square at https://www.mooglyblog.com/category/2014-afghan-cal/
Micki Sandell
Tamara,
Can you give me info on quantities and colors you will be using, so I can order yarn. I want to join the fun.
Mick
Tamara Kelly
Hi Mick! I purchased 4 skeins of all the colors except, white, which I got 6 of. The specific colors are included in this blog post. 🙂
Micki Sandell
Thanks so much, Tamara. I love your patterns!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! 😀
Emma
I'm new here. So each of the blocks that we make every week, are compatible to each other? I mean, can the be combined and sewn together? Thanks!
~Emma
Tamara Kelly
Hi Emma! Yes, they should all end up being 12" square (though of course most need to adjust for gauge, as everyone is different). 🙂 Welcome!
Emma
Thank you, Tamara! Now that I understand I will DEFINITELY try this!
~Emma
Stacey
Hello Tamara!!
I just had to get online to tell you that I'm anxiously awaiting delivery of my yarn for the CAL!! I can hardly wait until it gets here!
Tamara Kelly
Yay! 😀 Thanks Stacey!
SILVIA
i like the patterns and work that everyone makes. wish you keep going helping us learning. thanks.
Kathy M
Hi! I'm enjoying this CAL, although I got started late, and am working on catching up. So I'm thinking ahead now too, and wondering if I can still get to all the posts and patterns from the 2014 CAL. Please let me know. Thanks so much!
Tamara Kelly
Hi Kathy! You can indeed! Here's the last one, with all the links. CLICK HERE Unfortunately, that one was organized differently, and they are no longer all free. Luckily, I was able to arrange it so that all of 2015's will stay free. 🙂
Annette Barrett
I need the 2015 afghan video tutorial for blocks 14,15,16,17,19,20 21,22,23.24 Thank you,Annette
Tamara Kelly
There are no videos for those patterns, just written patterns.
Kathy Breth
I have completed my 2015 CAL and thought I'd share photos...but not sure where to do it or how you want them. Haven't seen any others posted yet.
Tamara Kelly
Glad to hear it Kathy! Unfortunately I don't have a way to upload reader photos here on the blog, but there's been lots of sharing on the CAL Facebook page, on the Moogly Facebook page, and in the Ravelry group! 😀