CAL Information

Before I get started with all the mumble jumble side of things, I want to let you know about the Facebook Group I have for this Crochet-Along and other ones in the future too. If you haven’t already joined, I recommend you do so that you can post in there (questions, concerns, beautiful photos) and be surrounded by others taking part in this CAL.

If you have other social media platforms, I highly recommend using the hashtags #conniesrayofhope #theloopystitchcal and #loveyoursister throughout your journey. I would love to see them popping up all over the place and it makes it easier for others to search for them too :).

I’m going to do the next part in a Q & A style type of thing (with the hope of making it as easy to follow as possible) .

What is a Crochet-Along (CAL)? 

In my terms, it is when a crochet pattern is broken down into parts and released either weekly, fortnightly etc.  When it is released, fellow crocheters will make that particular part and eagerly await the next part.  It’s a fun way to crochet a design and sometimes there are even mystery cals where you don’t know what it is you’re making till you get that part.

How many parts is Connie’s Ray of Hope? 

There will be three (3) parts to this crochet-along which will be published weekly HERE starting towards the end of October. (I will clarify the date as soon as I can). I will provide links on my social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook) direct to the appropriate part. There are a total of 23 rounds in this pattern.

What language will it be written in?

I write all my patterns in English and use American (US) terms.

What materials do I need? (This is the important one)

Well of course, you’ll have to go and add to your yarn stash. I know it’s a terrible thing to do and I’m sorry for making you do so. Ok, ok so I’m only joking. The beauty of this design is that you CAN use up your stash as it only requires a small amount of yarn. BUT if you really NEED to buy the yarn please see the table below with yarn details and amounts (I will over estimate just a little bit and round it up). You will notice that I have over estimated a bit more for the pastel version as I didn’t weigh the skeins before hand.

I have made two different versions of this mandala…
350mm ring made with 8 ply (dk) and a 4mm hook  (Stylecraft Special DK – pastel and regal version)
450mm ring made with WW/Aran and a 5mm hook (Super Saver yarn from Spotlight, AUS)

You will also need:

• A crochet hook to correspond with the yarn of your choice
• A galvanised (or similar) ring see above for sizes to match yarn (for those in Australia you can buy them from here – Spotlight)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Access to technology 😉

What is the finished size?

The approximated finished sizes are below:
350mm ring (14 inches) ends up being 450mm (17.5 inches)
450mm ring (18 inches) ends up being 585mm (23 inches)

What stitches are used in it? 

When each part is released it will contain all information relevant to it, such as stitches and how to make them. However, here are all of the stitches used in the entire mandala. If you are unsure of any stitches and want to learn how to make them before the cal comes out, I suggest googling them and using *(US) terms* with your search.

Can I make this is one colour? 

Why yes you can 🙂 I have written the instructions with the option of using a continuous strand or joining with new colours. It will look something like this…

Using same colour:
OR
Joining new colour:

Please make sure you read the instructions that apply to you. I am hoping that this makes it easier for you to follow and you don’t have to work out how many chains to make to start each round or where to begin a new colour.

Does it come with photos? 

Yes!!!! I am one for step-by-step photos with everything and I am trying to make this journey as easy and uncomplicated as possible. So I have step-by-step photos as well as close ups too. The photos will be with the corresponding rounds not at the bottom of the entire page.

HELP! I’m stuck, I don’t understand this part? 

Well that’s what I am here for. I will try and reply as soon as I can. Obviously a time difference will make things a little longer for those of you around the other side of the world. Please contact me on my Facebook Page or FB CAL group or email – theloopystitches@gmail.com. If it is a funny time of day/night, maybe other members of the group will be able to help you until I awaken from my beauty sleep.

I would love to keep track of my progress on Ravelry. 

That is a wonderful idea. So here is the link to the pattern on there so you can do just that.

I’ve read all this mumble jumble, what now? 

Well, congratulations for getting the nitty-gritty boring stuff out of the way. Now all you have to do is wait and be teased by the photos I release until it’s time to begin part 1. If you need to order materials, I’d do so as quickly as possible that way you can join in on time when we are ready to get started. Apart from that, I think that’s about it. I don’t know much about CALs so please forgive me if I have forgotten anything, but also let me know lol.

Until then, I can’t wait to ‘meet’ some of you in the group. If you want to follow more sneaky peeks, I tend to be more proactive on my Instagram account – link up the top :).

Happy hooking,
Much love,
Em xoxoxo

P.S Here’s another photo now to excite you that little bit more. (Well I hope you are as excited as I am)