Just because I don't have enough things to do, I've picked up another CrochetALong from one of my very favourite crochet designers, Julie Yeager. I made her Stained Glass Afghan last year, and loved the design! It's still on the couch being used to keep us cosy (and fabulous!) during this stupidly cold winter.
The new CAL is the Summer Mosaic Mystery Afghan. The pattern calls for Scheepejeswol Stonewashed XL which is so pretty, but so expensive to buy here in Australia. I have substituted Moda Vera Portsea Cotton - still 100% cotton, but only 8 ply, and only $2.20/50g on sale at Spotlight! One day, when we win the lottery or Kiah becomes a rich and famous nurse, I'll splurge on some Scheepjeswol yarns :)
I love the stonewashed look of this yarn - and such pretty colours! I'm using the Camel as the main colour, with Turquoise, Purple, Green, Navy and Burgundy as accent colours.
The first clue came out last Friday. I wasn't going to do this CAL, I was going to just collect the patterns and get to it when I could. But then Mum was at Spotlight, and she rang to say that the Portsea Cotton was 50% off and she had an extra 15% off voucher... I can't deny those sorts of signs from the universe!
I've decided to have Purple as my accent colour A, and I'll decide which letter the rest of the accent colours correspond to when I see the next clue :P
The pattern is very straightforward so far - very clear wording, and stitch counts after every row!
I'm glad to have had some overlay crochet experience before, both with Sophie's Universe, the Stained Glass Afghan and of course our very own Flame motif :) There hasn't been much overlay crochet yet, but looking at the teaser photos there's a bit more to come!
The ruffle in the centre is made using fpsc and chain stitches - quite effective! It's going to need some careful blocking though because cotton has very little natural stretch, so where I have sewn the ends in looks a bit wonky at the moment.
I guess at least with all these CALs and projects humming along at the same time, I'm never going to have to wonder what to blog about! :)
Love these colours :)
How many WIPs do you have going at the moment?
Hugs,
Michelle xx
It does sound as though the universe was encouraging you to take part in this! xx
ReplyDeleteAnd how could I say no! :P
DeleteThat does look amazing-beautiful contrasts xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison! There weren't a whole lot of colours to choose from, but I really do love these ones :)
DeleteIt looks exciting :-) I would love to join a mystery cal one day when I have finished all the blankets I already have planned!! I have about 5 wips at the mo I think :-)
ReplyDeleteEek, 5 blankets?? That's a lot! CALs seem to be becoming very popular - I'm sure there will be more coming along soon :)
DeleteLooks fabulous x
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteLove your colour choices and such an adventure to choose colours without much context. Spotlight is having a great sale at the moment but I am being a good girl and not buying any more yarn for a while if I can help it. It feels so boring after seeing your purchases and all the new yarns around. How are you finding time for more CALs now that you are also working part time? I hope it is all going well. Thinking of you always, especially when picking up my crochet! Hugs, Jodie
ReplyDeleteThanks Jodie! I seem to be more tired all the time with the new job, and I am doing less hours of crochet than I was a few months ago. I'm hoping that these CALs will help my motivation a bit - I'm having a bit of initiation fatigue (i.e. not starting things), which doesn't help get anything done! xx
DeleteCrochet Alongs are great motivators. Even when it was just me and Adrienne, it was amazing how it brought our competitive natures to the fore to keep us going. I am glad that you are making time to crochet even though you have fewer hours to spare. It is important to revitalise your spirits to help you achieve your other goals besides crochet. The 'not starting things': were you referring to crochet projects in your queue or other jobs that need to be done? As long as you are enjoying life, that's the main thing. Wishing you energy when you need it. xxx
DeleteThe 'not starting things' seems to be an everything problem at the moment. I think it's an elephant problem - you know the way to tackle a big project is the same way you eat an elephant: one bite at a time. Recently I haven't been able to get past the elephant aspect and just get on with the eating :P
DeleteMy favourite part about CALs is that I can only do a certain amount each week/fortnight/etc, I don't have any obligation to keep working on that project until it's finished!
Seems great already! I just love that stonewashed look of the cotton you bought, nice choice indeed! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Valentina! xx
DeleteThat cotton looks lovely, I have only three wips at the moment and have never actually made a large afghan. Looking forward to seeing this progress. Hx
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen! Only 3 WIPs, that sounds lovely...
DeleteOh, this is pretty! And what a lovely yarn. It seems that I have about as many WIP as I have good intentions, and they all seem to be going the same way :-) Time just disappears lately.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Oh I know that feeling Amalia! Good luck with your projects :)
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