Where has the time gone?! MooglyCAL2022 was yet another year full of amazing squares, fantastic designs, and wonderful crocheters all supporting each other. Now, it's come to an end... which means it's time to plan MooglyCAL2023! In this post, you can see my finished 2022 afghan, see the colors I'll be using for 2023, and get the schedule and information you need to join in for the coming year!
Disclaimer: Materials provided by Yarnspirations; this post includes affiliate links.
Finishing MooglyCAL2022
As always, we've had 24 amazing designs by 24 talented designers! Every year I learn a new tip, trick, stitch, or technique - usually a few! It's such a joy to get to try all these patterns.
You can get the complete list of links to the squares on the post for Block 24! Or if you like to be able to see them all on one page, check out the MooglyCAL2022 Pinterest board!
And here's my finished blanket! Well, as usual, there are a few ends to weave in yet...
For joining, I used the Tight Braid Join technique, and for the border, I used the Windows Border - Rnd 1 in Pewter, and Rnd 2 in White.
On to MooglyCAL 2023!
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Block 1 is up now - click here to go to Block 1 for 2023!
How the MooglyCAL works
If 2023 will be your first MooglyCAL, then welcome and we're so happy you're here! This is a year-long crochet along, featuring 24 afghan squares or blocks, designed by 24 different professional crochet designers. It started in 2014, and has been getting better every year! Is it the longest running online crochet along ever? I think it just might be!
The squares are released every 2 weeks with a post on Moogly, where I share my notes, my version, and helpful links and tutorials. There is a link to the new square at the bottom of my notes, where you can get it direct from the designer!
You can make them all, or pick and choose, add extras - it's up to you! There is nowhere you need to sign up to join, but there is a fantastic Facebook group for the CAL (lots of pattern help there!) and a MooglyCAL2023 Pinterest board you can follow if desired!
Want to Get Notifications?
Leave a comment on this blog post and check "Notify me of new posts by email" before you hit submit, and you'll get an email any time there is a new post on Moogly. And you can sign up for the free Moogly weekly newsletter at the top of this page - there's always a link to the latest MooglyCAL post included!
The Yarn for MooglyCAL2023
This year I'll once again be using Red Heart With Love - it's my favorite for afghans! But this year, I've tasked the designers with using their choice of With Love or Caron One Pound. Both are 4-Medium weight and are a good substitute for each other. And this way, they will have more colors to choose from - as do you!
This year, I decided to mix it up again, and use just 3 colors: White, Pewter, and Light Gray! I've chosen this ultra-neutral palette for a couple of reasons.
First and foremost, I'm excited about the challenge of working with this color combo. I think it will make for some really interesting squares, and the finished blanket will be perfect for the bed in my guest room. Additionally, I hope that my squares will make a great "black and white" image for those who wish there were coloring pages for the squares to plan their own color layouts!
Of course, you should pick your own colors - however few or many you want! If you want 12" squares, make sure the yarn is a 4-Medium. If you prefer to use a DK or "3" weight yarn, the squares will likely be about 10" square.
On average, a 12" crochet square uses 150 yds of yarn. To make all 24 squares, plus have extra for joining and borders, I recommend purchasing 4420 yds of yarn total. How you distribute this is up to you! Some people use one color for the whole blanket, others a whole bunch, and some even just pull from stash making a crazy colored blanket! It's up to you!
The Hook for MooglyCAL2023
For the hook, I will be using a Susan Bates US-J, 6.0 mm Twist and Lock hook for the Moogly Crochet Along, and all the designers will use the 6.0 mm hook of their preference. You can use a smaller hook if you tend to crochet loosely, or a larger hook if you tend to crochet tightly. But I do recommend that you use the same hook throughout the CAL, as that makes final joining easier, as your loops will be closer to the same size.
The Patterns for MooglyCAL2023
As always, there will be 24 new patterns by 24 fab designers! A mix of previous year's designers and new names are included, and they are a surprise (to you - not me, haha!) until the square is announced! They are all hand-picked by me, and they have promised that their CAL patterns will remain forever free. If they close down their blogs, then the patterns are to be uploaded to Ravelry.
If a pattern pops up that isn't to your liking, feel free to skip it! You can go back to the previous years' CALs and find a substitute you'd like to try or pick one of your own from the thousands of beautiful afghan squares out there. There is often a lot of inspiration for these in the Facebook Group!
The easiest way to visually browse past year's patterns is via their Pinterest boards: MooglyCAL2022, MooglyCAL2021, MooglyCAL2020, MooglyCAL2019, MooglyCAL2018, MooglyCAL2017, MooglyCAL2016, and MooglyCAL2015.
PLEASE NOTE: The designers all hold individual copyrights for their patterns. They may choose to make videos of their patterns, and you can certainly request them from the designers. This year I *may* make some additional videos, but we have to play it by ear as each square is designed.
In addition, there are videos linked in the notes for specific stitches and techniques that may help you with the pattern.
In other words - you don't have to already know how to read patterns to participate in this CAL, but you do need to be willing to learn how!
The Schedule for MooglyCAL2023
The squares are released every two weeks throughout the year, on Thursday mornings at 10am Central US time. We begin in January, and then the last square debuts one day early - the day before American Thanksgiving!
This gives you a chance to grab the pattern before the holiday, and it gives you the entire month of December to join and edge your blanket. The joining and edging patterns are up to you, but there are lists of both on Moogly provided along with the CAL for inspiration.
Here is the MooglyCAL2023 Schedule (already released blocks linked on their dates):
January 5 and 19
February 2 and 16
March 2, 16, and 30
April 13, and 27
May 11 and 25
June 8 and 22
July 6 and 20
August 3, 17, and 31
September 14 and 28
October 12 and 26
November 9 and 22
What Can You Make with the MooglyCAL2023
What can you do with 24 afghan squares? There are several options!
4 blocks x 6 blocks - 4' x 6' afghan
3 blocks x 4 blocks - 2 3' x 4' baby blankets
add an extra square - 5' x 5' afghan
pair them up and make 12 12" pillows
add a bunch more and make whatever you want!
How to Join the MooglyCAL2023!
So what do you need to do next? First, be sure to join the Facebook group and follow the Pinterest board if desired! And sign up for the newsletter and/or check the box and comment to make sure you don't miss a square!
Then, go get your yarn! If you choose a yarn that doesn't have dye lots, you can purchase it as you go through the year. But most yarns you'll want to get matching dye lots for, so I recommend buying it all at once if possible.
Finally, look for the first square to debut here on Moogly on January 5, 2023! I can't wait to share it with you! As you make your squares, feel free to share photos in the Facebook group, or on social media - and don't forget to use the tags #MooglyCAL2023, #mooglyblog and #yarnspo!
Thanks so much for crocheting along with me! I can’t wait to see all the beautiful blankets you crochet this year! You can follow Moogly on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and Instagram, and don’t forget to sign up for the free newsletter at the top of the page - every issue includes a link to the latest CAL square! Thank you to Yarnspirations for providing the materials for this crochet along.
Denise says
I cant wait to start!
Cathie says
This will be my first Moogly CAL. I can't wait to join in!
Jessica L Bolton says
Love this idea so much! Can't wait to get started!
DianT says
looking forward to the 2023 CAL
Stephanie J Munkvold says
Just discovered this. I'm so excited to get started!I think I will use the 3 colrs you chose and maybe a touch of red just for accent.
Cox Stacey says
Excited for my first year
Barbara Schikore says
I've enjoyed your CALs in the past and am looking forward to the 2023 one! Thanks for all you do!
Sheryl Keppy says
Looking forward to a new cal!
dr says
CAL
Laurie says
Very interesting! I did the Annie's Morro a.n afghan last year and loved it.
Anna Beningo says
I'm excited to try this new to me CAL! 🙂 Anna
Shanie Cooper says
Can we use a dk weight ? I know they will be smaller blocks but would the yarn totals be similar? Tks
Tamara Kelly says
Yes, just drop down to the hook size that works best for you! Based on others' experiences, DK squares will be about 10" square, so you can account for that when planning how many you'll want to make. 🙂
Yvonne Hamilton says
Looking forward to joining this cal.
Michelle Walmsley says
I would love to join the CAL
Sandra Petess says
Oh yes. This will be a first for me
Dee Dee says
Looking forward to this CAL
Shirley Franks says
I am looking forward to my first Moogly CAL
Jessica Chahanovich says
Looking forward to trying this!
Joyce Powers says
This is my first Moogly CAL. Looking forward to it!
Sally says
Please sign me up for CAL
Jayne Karpen says
Sign me up! Can’t wait!
Kristen Sisco says
Cant wait to try this. First time and I'm excited!
Jenna says
Love the neutral color pallet! Hoping to actually join this year and not just watch from the sidelines.
Ingrid says
will the design patterns be on Pinterest to follow along for the 2023 Afghan?
Tamara Kelly says
They will each be linked on the board, yes! 🙂
Cindy says
So exciting! I've never participated in a year long CAL and I'm looking forward to this one. Your 2022 blanket is gorgeous!
Terri Stevenson says
I would love to join the CAL. Thank you.
Rachel says
I am very excited for this!!
Nan Stenzel says
Looking forward to this!
Deb says
Yes, I'm intrigued and loving making squares
Count me in.
Kim says
This post isn’t showing up on your homepage. I got here through the newsletter. I thought it was settings/cookies on my phone, but same thing on husband’s laptop (which had never met you before). The most recent post is the loop scoop when I go to your homepage. If your traffic is down, don’t blame the holidays! I love your blog. I hope the issue gets straightened out.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Kim! We had a caching issue but I *think* it's fixed. Thank you!
Lauren Garrison says
Wahooo!
Jonna Oconnell says
Looks lovely and fun
Julie Fricke says
Excited!
Janet Rodgers says
Can I join if I'm not on facebook?
Tamara Kelly says
Absolutely! While the Facebook group is a great resource, it's not required! 🙂
BobbiJo Shifko says
I’m not on Facebook either so glad to hear I can still participate.
Debra Forest says
I really like your color palette. I'm leaning towards two shades of blue and white.
Shelley says
Thank you so much for this CAL! I can’t wait to get started!
Rhonda Stipe says
Curious about the new CAL. Can't wait to see what it's gonna be. It sounds doable and that I can keep up. Thx
Kim Williams says
Can't wait to get started!
Heather Williams says
Looking forward to this
Sonya says
This will be the first year I am attempting this CAL. I thought it would be fun and a good way to use up some of the yarn in my stash. Thanks to all the designers for doing this!
Ulrike k says
Oh, this sound so interesting. I want to joyn for the 2023 CAL.
Best regards to all of you and a happy crochet-year!
SG says
CAL
Carol D. says
Skipped last year’s CAL but looking forward to this one! It’ll be a stash buster for me!
Lisa Harper says
Notify me of new posts by email. Can't wait!!
SM says
Yay! What fun!
Joanne says
Looking forward to It.
Erin Nikitin says
I’m excited to begin, I just hope I can get through it this time, my last one took three years 😂, but I had a lot of square choices.
Yjuania F Baskerville says
Last year some squares were two colors and some were six colors. What is the maximum number of colors for a square? I'm trying to plan and buy my yarn today.
Tamara Kelly says
There is no maximum for the designers to use - just a minimum of 2! 🙂
Heather says
I would love to be a part of this CAL
Carol says
I am looking forward to this CAL, please notify me of new posts by email. Thanks so much. Happy New Year!!!
Nita says
My first time here I am excited to participate.
ANGELA says
Notify me of new posts by email. I'm looking forward to starting this!
Sam says
Just ordered all my yarn can't wait!
Yjuania F Baskerville says
I decided to start with three colors and buy more as needed. I will be starting with ruby, pewter, and stone. Since this my my first Moogly CAL, I am going to be asking a lot of questions. Thank you in advance for putting up with me...LOL
Tish says
So excited to start!
Felicia Parshall says
Looking forward to this!
Debbie Gonzalez says
Can’t wait to begin!!
Tracy Havens says
So excited to do this for the first time. 💗
Bobbi says
This sounds so interesting and not going too fast. Haven't picked colors yet, but will very soon. Thank you to all the designers
Darlene Blakely says
I just found you!
Tamara Kelly says
Yay, so glad to hear it! Welcome! ♥
Santara says
Looking forward to starting this 2023 Afghan Cal.
Mary Poloff says
Please notify me
Lisa says
Can’t wait to start!
Adrienne says
I've never done this before, can't wait to try it!
Kathy says
Excited to try this!! This will be my first Crochet Along!!
Patsy Corrales says
Excited!!
Christine Causton says
Looking forward to CAL 2023!
Debbie Hawes says
Never tried a cal with you. Love your patterns. Sign me up but I don’t do social media. Sorry.
Laura says
I just discovered this, count me in! Love the 2022 design and am excited to see what 2023 has to offer!
Kathy Belongia says
Can't wait to try this,!
Carol says
Looks interesting.
Gina P Kuchan says
Cant wait to start. I am so excited!
Jenn Stewart says
Following
Donna says
First time but excited to try something new
Jessica says
It's here! It's here! Today is the day! I can't wait to start!
June says
2023 CAL
Traudy says
Really want to try this Crochet Along. Thank you.
Chrissy says
Looking forward to it!
Viky says
Hola. Voy a participar si puedo en este cal. Es mi primera vez y tengo la duda de cuanta lana comprar de cada color
Voy a copiar tu idea de un degradado de 3 colores. ¿Cuánto comprar de cada uno?
Saludos y enhorabuena por tu trabajo.
Viky
Tamara Kelly says
Hello Viky! The yarn total is given above - 4420 yards. You can divide that by the number of colors you want to use to see how many yards of each color to buy, taking into account you many want more of certain colors for joining and borders. The number of skeins depends on your yarn choice, as they all have different amounts per skein. 🙂 I hope that helps!
Viky says
😂😂😂 Un poco sí ayuda. Gracias
Tracey says
Looking forward to doing this, it will be my first one.
Leah says
This looks fun 🙂
Cally says
Count me in, can't wait to get started 😊
Shannon says
Joining you for my first ever CAL!
Geraldine Goodson says
Looking forward to my first CAL with you
Julie Sturtz says
Please add me
Nancy L. says
Love your patterns. “Notify me of new posts by email”
Ann M. says
Oh my gosh, your 2023 palette is almost identical to my 2022 palette. I used eggshell, light grey, pewter and platinum (which unfortunately appears to be discontinued). I can't wait to see how yours turns out this year!
Tamara Kelly says
I might have been inspired! 😉 (And yes, so bummed so many colors have gone away - hence the Caron One Pound option!)
Ann M. says
I appreciate the new option and I took advantage of it for 2023. I'm just finishing up my 2022 afghan and am hoping to post all my squares and the finished project to the FB group within the week.
Tamara Kelly says
Can't wait to see, thank you Ann! ♥
Amanda Schofield says
Fantastic!
Karla says
I wanna try this
Ann says
Looking forward to starting the CAL 2023.
Arina says
I really like it. don't know yet which colors ...
Chantelle Potgieter says
Notify me of new posts by email
Holly Kukkonen says
I haven’t done this before but I’d like to try. Please keep me up-to-date!
Dana says
Notify me of new posts by email
Sandra says
I am so looking forward to this. My colours are chosen
Leslie says
I think this CAL will be so much fun!
Darlene Womick says
Just getting started.
Sherry Pena says
Can’t wait to start! This will be my second year participating in the Moogly CAL..
Carolyn says
I just love this pattern!
Kat says
"If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good." - Dr. Seuss
First timer! Looking forward to a new challenge! Thank you for sharing your light.
Kerri Mayo says
Please send me the CAL emails. I have 2 squares already done from 2017 that I never finished.
Nunya Cùise says
😁
Karley Sims says
Excited!
Margarita Williams says
Looks great
Laura Wilhelm says
Please notify me when a new block pattern drops. Thank you.
Kay Brown says
Love thisfirst square. Could see a whole blanket just done in this one 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
That would be amazing!
Catherine Kay says
I too have decided to go with a neutral palette, but am using tan/medium brown/dark brown
Chris Arnold says
Looking forward to seeing all the designs
Esther M Merrell says
Please include me in the 2023 CAL. I've never tried one, but have been crocheting for 50 years. I'm excitedly looking forward to particating! Thank you for your generosity!
Amanda McNamara says
Hi Tamara
I was trying to go to the WordPress page where the first square is but is showing an error of "this has been disabled". I pressed the highlighted '5' of the date in the list. Is there somewhere else i should be going to get the pattern?
Amanda McNamara says
Not to worry I found it another way 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Whoops, I did mess up that link - thank you for bringing it to my attention, all fixed (I hope! 😛 )
Virginia G. says
Looking forward to this CAL!
Emily says
This looks so exciting!
Angie says
Please sign me up for notifications. This looks like fun!
Donna says
Looking forward to learning new stitches
Laurie says
Can't wait to start.
Chris says
A little late to the party but can't wait to start.
Bethan Wegener says
Loving this CAl already!
Nancy L. says
Looking forward to each post!
LINDA says
I am trying to figure out why it seems to me Square 1 & 2 are named the same thing- that 70's Square. Is it supposed to be this way?
I have that square but nothing else for this year so far and according to the dates the 3rd will be released tomorrow.
I am on your mailing list so if you rather respond there you can or I will look tomorrow. I hope somehow I did not get mixed up and miss it. If I did well there are a lot of other squares I can choose right~
Thanks Tamara <3
Linda says
Ugh I must be half asleep...they are nit the same lol. '
I just checked and going to grab square 2 now.
Thank you Tamara and YES laugh!
Too funny! I really have been up for 4 days straight though... time to take some sleeping pills ugh
Tamara Kelly says
Oh my, yes, please get some sleep! ♥
Janet Welch says
I just found this group. So excited to start on this CAL.
Ruth Fisher says
Notify of new patterns please
Elizabeth says
I've done the first three blocks and you have me hooked! (Get it?)
Tamara Kelly says
Woohoo! (and lol!) So glad to hear it!
Ginger says
Awesome!! Can't wait!
Lynn Stilborn says
This is my first CAL join. Love what I’ve seen on Moogly YouTube channel. I love crochet so much.
Heidi says
Not finding free pdfs?
Tamara Kelly says
No, the designers rarely offer free PDFs, the patterns are free on their blogs. 🙂
Debi Barrett says
I would love to join this CAL. This will be my first one.
Bridget says
Yet another project... I can hear my husband rolling his eyes already! <3
lisette drapeau says
Hoooo! Quel beau projet!!!
Nancy D says
Coming a bit late to the party but I only just found this CAL. All of the squares I have seen so far are fantastic, I thank all the designers for allowing free access to the patterns and cannot wait to see the designs that are waiting for us in the wings. Thank you again for this fun CAL. I do not have Facebook so please email me info for the squares to come.
Nancy says
LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.
Nancy says
Great.
Cathy says
Notify me of new posts by email
Karen says
Looking forward to learning so much.
Donna says
This is my first CAL ever. I'm excited!
Mary Whitehead says
I am so excited to start my first CAL. All of the past squares look so gorgeous. Thanks for doing this!!!
Kathryn says
I just stumbled across this site. I like the idea of keeping up with a crochet-along, although I'm not sure how feasible it will be... I can but try, right?!!
Tamara Kelly says
This one is ZERO stress, so do it at your own pace! ♥ We'll be here!
Teri says
Better late than never! 🙂 Please sign me up for the squares. Thanks so much!
Kelly H Schiller says
So excited to start this cal