The Moogly Afghan Crochet-Along for 2015 was another huge success, and I think it was a big improvement over 2014 as well. So I'm super excited to get to announce the 2016 Moogly Afghan Crochet-Along - back and better than ever!
But first I have to share my finished blanket for 2015! A big thank you to all the wonderful designers who contributed fantastic patterns - all free! You can get links to all the squares HERE. If you're still finishing up the 2015 CAL, don't worry - my posts aren't going anywhere. And the designers have promised to keep them free forever!
To join my squares, I used the Tight Braid Join, and for the edging I used the Polka Dot Border. I made the last round of the border white, and changed the color of the "dots" every 4 squares - and I love the way it turned out! I wish I could've gotten a better photo, but the recent winter storms took away all my pretty sunshine!
So let's get to 2016! Once again we'll be using worsted/aran weight yarn, and a US - I, 5.5mm hook. And this year 24 designers have been handpicked by yours truly. The patterns will all be FREE and available on their blogs - and they've agreed to put the pattern on Ravelry if for some reason their blog goes down. They've been asked to use 2 or more colors and create 12" squares - but beyond that, it's up to them! I can't wait to see what they put together!
I will be using Lion Brand Vanna's Choice - and I have my yarn all picked out! I decided to go with a softer color palette this year, and shown below are my choices: Rose Mist, Tangerine Mist, Seaspray Mist, Denim Mist, Purple Mist, and Pearl Mist.
I got 4 skeins of the first 5 colors, and 6 skeins of the Pearl Mist, as that's what I plan to use for joining and bordering. Based on the previous two year's CALs, this should be plenty.
With Vanna's Choice dye lot isn't usually an issue, as they do a great job keeping it consistent, but if you cannot purchase all your skeins at once, I'd definitely recommend picking a non dye lot yarn, or one where the dye lots don't seem to matter. However, if you're using multiple colors and mixing up the order of the blocks while joining, the dye lot really won't matter at all - all things to consider!
If you enjoy Ravelry and need help, the Ravelry CAL group will continue in 2016! Look for details HERE. The moderators are volunteers, and work very hard to keep things running smoothly, so please give them some thanks - they're a HUGE help! I've also started a Pinterest board to track blocks with!
So, I hope you'll join us in 2016! The first block for the 2015 CAL will be shared here on Moogly on January 7th, and a new block will be shared every 2 weeks after than, ending right before Thanksgiving - and giving you the month of December to get it all put together!
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Jen S. says
YAY!! Yesterday I was considering doing 2015's blanket. But I MUCH prefer starting this year's.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I've gotten a sneak peek at a couple of the squares and I'm so excited!
Melissa says
I would love to join.how do I go about that?
I will be finishes with the one I'm in now in November.
Please let me know thank you
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Melissa, to join in you just crochet them at your own pace! 😀 Here's the most recent post for this year, with links to all the previous squares included: https://www.mooglyblog.com/mooglycal2016-block-19/
ILEANA ARRIOLA says
I WOULD LOVE TO JOIN YOUR 2016 CAL !!!
Tamara Kelly says
Yay! Glad to have you Ileana! 😀
sabra robinson says
So excited can't wait to start
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you!
Aimee says
Is there an approx total amount of yarn required?
Tamara Kelly says
Yes, that's covered in the 6th paragraph. 🙂
Carol says
I only started crocheting in October 2015....my square blocks cannot decide if they want to be triangles, ovals or rectangles....... and my round blocks are wobbly. I don't think I am ever going to get any better ..... but hey....I'll keep trying... LOL
SO....count me in!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Hopefully this is the CAL that helps you cross that barrier! I know my first CAL that I participated in when I was learning taught me a lot!
Naomi says
Keep persevering Carol! I started last February and felt exactly the same and Could only seem to do chains and SC for the first month! Lol
Annette says
This gives me hope!
Ruth Matthews says
For the past few days, when I click on the "read More" button in your daily email, I get the 404 message. When I found a way to the post on your website and tried to leave a comment, I got it again. Finally found a way to post a comment--and the page is frozen-- It's not a usual thing to have such problem with your post and site. Hope ti soon gets resolved.
Tamara Kelly says
I'm sorry you're having trouble Ruth, the daily email is via RSS feed and I don't have any control over it. The weekly email that you can subscribe to at the top has all the correct links each week though.
Donna Jo says
What is the finished size of your 2015 quilt pictured above? Thanks!
Tamara Kelly says
A bit bigger than 4" x 6" 🙂
Leslit says
I still need to finish 2015 due to running out of yarn but this year I much rather buy it all at once... Love doing it can't wait to get it all together....
Melissa says
I wonder how this might work to use up left over pieces of yarn from my last year's projects? Might be interesting and worth a try!
Tamara Kelly says
It'll be colorful I bet! 😀
julie says
This is my first time doing a yearlong crochet along I CANT WAIT
Tessa says
I crochet lots, but never been in a CAL before. Could I please join? ?
Tamara Kelly says
Of course! There's no need to sign up, just crochet along. 🙂
Heather says
I would love to join!
Tamara Kelly says
Yay, welcome!
Horaive says
Your blanket is really beautiful. I don't have finished mine.
I'm very great of participing at the Moogly CAL 2016.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you!
grams6167 says
I have never joined a chrochet a long before. Hope this will be fun. I love to crochet. Thank you for this tempting activity.
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 Welcome, and thank you!
Patricia Rand says
I wish that there was a way you could offer a E-Book of all the patterns at a nominal fee so those of us that have trouble staying caught up can pick up whenever we feel like it .I really like the colors you are using mostly on the CAL but can't keep printing out at the public library. Thanks ,Pat Rand
Heidi says
Hi Patricia - if you haven't already done so, you might want to join the Ravelry group that Tamara mentioned in her post. All the patterns will be accessible right there in the group. There are links to the previous Moogly CALs from 2014 and 2015 so you can see how the groups are set up and where the patterns are as well.
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/moogly-cal-2016
Tamara Kelly says
The links will stay up, and the patterns should be available for years to come. 🙂
Dorothy says
I'm considering your new CAL - my first ever! I heard about it from your e-newsletter. Will the patterns be posted there or do I have to go to Ravelry? Thanks... I'm excited!
Tamara Kelly says
They will all be linked here. 🙂 I hope you enjoy them!
PEggy l says
love these colors!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! It's fun picking out a new color scheme every year!
Heidi says
This is my 3rd year and I've enjoyed and learned so much!! Some of the patterns in the first year were deliciously challenging... the second year there weren't as many of those patterns with new stitches or challenging instructions. I was such a beginner the first year and I realize there are lots of beginners this year too; have a few challenging patterns really helped me to grow my skills. I'm hoping this year, we have a handful of designs that teach us new stitches or techniques that give us a good challenge - for me, that makes the CAL even more fun. 🙂 I don't want beginners to be intimidated or discouraged, but I hope you'll encourage the designers to not hold back with some of their patterns.
Thank you again and again, Tamara, for all your hard work with these CALs!! I can't wait to get started on Thursday! 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
I'm hoping for a good variety as well! 🙂 Thank you Heidi!
Helen says
Hi,
You mentioned your yarn is in skeins. How many grams per skein or yards or metres.
Thankyou
Tamara Kelly says
Vanna's Choice is Aran / 10 ply (8 wpi); Yardage 170 yards (155 meters); Unit weight 100 grams (3.53 ounces)
helen says
Hi, Thank you for yarn measurements. I'm from Australia
and find it difficult to work out amount of yarn required
also yarn ply.
Helen
Cathy Kenny says
Yeah! Year number 3 for me to participate in your CAL. Can't wait to get started, have colors picked out, but need to buy the yarn. This year will have similar color scheme; seems both daughters wanted blues ?
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Cathy!
youyou says
i cannot wait to start
Tamara Kelly says
😀
Betty Prewitt says
Got my yarn and ready to go. My first time to be involved in a year long project....exciting!
Mamie says
Firstly thank you for doing this again. Even though I have not finished last year's I am really looking forward to this year's challenge.
I have tried to subscribe to your weekly newsletter but it is giving me an error and oops etc. could you please subscribe me in? Thanks for all you do
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Mamie! I added you to the newsletter list - sorry about that, looks like they were down for a little this weekend for maintenance. 🙂
Mamie says
Thanks for this
Lizette says
How exciting! It was so much fun following along the 2015 CAL and I look forward to the 2016 version as well! 😀
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! 😀
Anna Duke says
Well that's my resolution broken (- no more yarn until I'd cleared the stash a bit!) Although I have just started a project that'll clear 2000m so surly that almost counts a cleared?
Lots of lovely yarn ordered for this afghan CAL, this time a present to me and my bedroom. Can't wait to get started, thank you!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Anna!
Mary Jane says
Already joined another CAL group, but I will be actively watching this cal-never know what to do with variegateds.
Sherika J says
I got halfway through the 2014 CAL and didn't finish. Then school & two jobs interfered with the 2015 CAL. It is going to be one of my New Years resolutions to finish the 2016 CAL. I love the satisfaction that a completed project gives. I'm looking forward to this one!!!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I'm glad to hear it! And if you join them all together your blanket will be HUGE!
Lesslie says
I was kinda bummed that, although I followed along with the CAL 2015, I ended up not participating. I admit, I became a little intimidated. Since I've been crocheting for about 2 years now, I've had a little bit of a difficult time reading crochet instructions. I found the videos were my best option for learning the different stitches. So the designs for the 2015 CAL were a little challenging for me to read; but i got it! In Nov, I decided to give it a try, and did the first 3 squares. The third square ended up being much bigger than the first 2; not sure where i went wrong there. But they turned out really pretty! This year, I'm really hoping that I can truly CAL, instead of just following. I have an idea for the colors that I would like to use; which are the skeins that are mixed colors. But those are a bit smaller than the normal single colored skeins. I've been sticking with the Red Heart brand. Its easy to work with, fairly inexpensive, and sturdy! Thank you so much for everything you and the team do!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you, I hope so too! It's a good way to learn - if you get stuck on a pattern, the Ravelry group is a HUGE help!
Melisa says
Looking forward to participating in this crochet along. I am making this for my friend of 40 years that celebrated New Year's with me and informed me that I have never made anything for her. I made my first Moogly pattern last year when I made the Leaping Crochet sweaters for my twin grandsons. This will be fun!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Yay, welcome!
Heather says
I've tried everyday for a week to sign up for emails for CAL but I can't get it to work! Help! ?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Heather! There's not a specific email for the CAL, it's just the weekly newsletter, that has a special highlight in it. You successfully signed up for the newsletter on 01/02/16, so the first one you'll receive will be on the 9th. 🙂
Pam Doran says
Looking forward to this. Any idea how much yarn will be needed for this first square?
Tamara Kelly says
The first link is up, so you can check the pattern: https://www.mooglyblog.com/mooglycal2016-block-1/ 😀
Darcie says
I am excited to do this CAL, I have only been crocheting for two years and am not perfect at it but love doing it, I am hoping I can learn some new things and hopefully finish this project even if it takes me a little longer
Darcie says
This is also my first time trying a CAL
Linda says
I enjoyed your 2015 CAL. Thank you for all your hard work in putting it together. I finished all the squares. They are blocked. I still need to join them. I'm left handed and am having a hard time finding a joining technique to use. It seems the single crochet is the way I will go. I really want to use a prettier join, like the five chain braid, but I can't find a left handed video to follow. Anyway, I'm starting 2016 square today! So excited to work along with everyone!
Amanda says
Hi I was looking for something new and fun for 2016 and I think I have found it!!
When will we start and how can I make sure that I do not miss a post. I am from Namibia
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Amanda! It just started today, and there are more details there too: https://www.mooglyblog.com/mooglycal2016-block-1/
amanda dedig says
Great I got it and printed it!! I am starting this weekend!! As my husband said to me : You have 14 days until the next one" 🙂
Just a question : You are talking of 4 skeins per colour, does that mean the same as 4 x 100g of yarn per colour?
Thank you
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! And yes, in this case 400 grams, plus extra of the color to join and border! 🙂
Amelia says
this may be a dumb Q but how do I join the CAL Ravelry group? I am a member of Ravelry btw. I love your patterns! Thanks!! 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Amelia! You click the "Join This Group" button on the Ravelry page. 🙂 Thank you!
Nancy Craig says
You mentioned that your square came out smaller so you added more rounds. Mine also came out at about 10 inches (I am using Red Heart Soft). I have not done a CAL before so I am confused about altering the size. I always put blankets together with the same size and pattern squares. If I add rows to alter dimensions to 12 inches what will happen with the other squares from your other designers....will they "line up" properly when I need to put them together or should I just leave the square as completed and have a smaller afghan...sorry - sort of confused. Don't want to alter patterns by adding rows and not have the squares go together properly.
Thanks Tamara for all you do to make crocheting so exciting!! Nancy
Niko Niko says
Hi Tamara,
Congratulations on your third CAL in a row. I had quite a few favorites from last year's CAL and came to know few new stitches too. Unfortunately I couldn't complete it, but I enjoyed learning what I did. But I did complete two of the mini CALs !! I am not sure if I will do all of the blocks this year, but if I have a favorite, I am going to pick them up ! I wanted to know if you will be hosting any mini CALs this year ? If you will, I have a request, can you do some on home decor, something like wall hangings or something to pep up the ambience ? Thanks and kudos to your efforts 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Niko! I am hoping to do a few minis, yes! 😀 Still working out the details.
Teresa says
I just ran across your wonderful site and am in love with the CAL. I will joining along with all of you. As I was looking through 2015 to get an idea of how it works and the finished work, I didn't instructions on how you join the squares together. But seem to remember someone in one of the comments mention something about using a "pearl stitch", which I've not heard of before. So I searched all over for that stitch and nothing is coming up.
Could you clarify for me or give me the link to finishing the quilt in case I overlooked it?
This is such a wonderful I idea and I'm excited to participate this year!!!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Teresa! 😀 There are lots of ways to put them all together, and each person gets to pick there own. I used the tight braid join, but people used all sorts of joins! I have a collection of other joins here, but I'm afraid the Pearl Stitch is a new one to me too!
Melody says
I came across your site yesterday...and love your CAL. The results are just fantabulous! I went out and purchased my yarn this evening and will be joining in. Got a little catching up to do...but, I'm up for the challenge. Thanks for your time and dedication.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Melody! I'm so glad it inspired you to join!
aNN gOMBY says
I am joining my very first CAL with this project. I have decided to use only stash which doesn't include lots of worsted weight, however but I'm getting along fine. Different yarns add for an interesting effect, but perhaps complicated for washing. I am also testing for hook size, with different yarns. Also enjoying learning new stiches. Block number one is so pretty and block #2 is nice as well. Thanks for the explanations in French.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Yay, welcome! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!
Lisa Mcavey says
Tamara,
I love your blog- I came across it when I found the Chunky Cable slippers (which were so easy and made wonderful Christmas presents!)
I am hang so much fun doing this crochet along! I had never heard of CAL before so this is fun! I love all the different patterns. so the fact that if I mess up I have time to figure out what I did wrong and correct it!. I just might go back and look at the previous CALs and try them as well! Thanks for you great patterns and ideas!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Lisa!! ♥ I really appreciate you saying so, and I'm so glad you're enjoying it!!
CATHERINE says
Hello, I'm french and love crocheting and knitting and the wool. I would like to begin my first CAL this year but I can't manage to reach the 4th and 5th square in french. I've only the first, second and third one.
Please could you help me and give the way to catch the pattern in french.
Many, many thanks to you
Catherine.
I'm a fan of all your patterns.
Tamara Kelly says
Hello Catherine! I believe our translator is a little behind - hopefully the French editions will be added very soon!
Cindy Heimbuck says
I am looking for the you are My sunshine blanket.
Tamara Kelly says
Hello Cindy, is it the one by Cre8tion Crochet? http://cre8tioncrochet.com/2014/04/you-are-my-sunshine/
Cindy Heimbuck says
It's the blanket that has the words on it. THE Words are spelled out you are my sunshine.
Tamara Kelly says
Aha! Here you are: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunshine-27 🙂