FEATURE: RISE OF THE INDIE CAL
Big yarn brands aren’t the only ones to run crochet-alongs; independent designers are increasingly doing their own too. We nd out what’s to love about an indie CAL
Crochet-alongs aka CALs are an event that brings together numerous makers to crochet a project in tandem. A uniting and somewhat social activity, they are more popular than ever at the moment and with good reason. As more and more independent designers are releasing their own crochet-alongs, we thought we’d shine a spotlight on a few of our favourite makers to see what makes this activity so special.
GETTING STARTED
Heather Gibbs published her first crochetalong in 2015, inspired by one of Moogly’s CALs from the previous year. “I know myself well and knew the only way that I would ever keep up to date with a CAL was to run one myself,” says Heather. “And it worked! What’s more, lots of people decided to crochetalong with me – I couldn’t believe it. After the 2015 project, I was hooked on doing CALs. Since then, I have run a CAL pretty much every year.” Heather’s objectives when doing CALs are mostly to share a style or technique of crocheting, perhaps something that people might not have tried before. “I love the engagement with my audience that a CAL brings, it’s much more of a social occasion than just releasing a ‘normal’ pattern into the world,” she says.
CALs come in another form – a make-along or a MAL. A MAL is when a specific pattern is released with all of the details required to make the design, along with a specific start date for everyone to begin their project, together. “Then, unlike a crochet-along where you often have segments of the pattern released over a number of weeks, you have the pattern in full with just an end date to make it by,” explains Heather. “It’s a relaxed way to make a project as you can work at your own pace, but there is a deadline to hold you accountable should you need one. I think both CALs and MALs are fun to do and it would perhaps just be a person’s preference on how they like to crochet that decides whether they choose a CAL or a MAL.”
MAGICAL MYSTERY
The fun doesn’t stop there either, as to mix things up a little, there are mystery CALs where you don’t know what the finished project is until the end. “These are usually for items like a large blanket or an amigurumi toy, but you don’t know what the finished object will look like until the last section of the pattern is released,” explains Susan Walsh. “Mystery MALs would be quite fun for these kinds of objects, but wouldn’t suit a garment project because choosing what you like to wear is such a personal choice in terms of your preferred style, fit, colours, and so on.” If you just want to go with the flow, have fun and crochet yourself a surprise, then a mystery MAL might be the project for you.
Designer Eleonora Tully’s very first CAL, the Seaside Stash Busting Blanket, came about because she wanted to use up some of her stash – and it inadvertently ended up as a mystery CAL. “I decided to do a blanket, but only crochet four rows per week, so it was slow and easy going. I invited people to crochetalong with me and was blown away by the response! Not even I knew what the finished blanket would look like because I designed it as we went along. It was 35 weeks in total and I was only ever a few weeks ahead of everyone else. It was such an amazing, shared experience,” says Eleonora.
EVERYBODY’S INVITED
The beauty of a CAL is that a crocheter of any ability can join with whatever resources they have available. For her patterns, Johanna Lindahl chooses yarn that’s accessible to all or gives options of two different yarns to choose from. “It’s also good to use a type or brand of yarn that can be purchased in many areas since the internet connects crocheters all over the world,” explains Johanna. “I also try to make samples that show different colours, since it always changes the look of an item.”
Susan aims her patterns at intermediate to advanced level crocheters, but includes charts and photos in her patterns. “It helps make sure everyone is on the right track and enables less experienced crocheters to give it a go,” says Susan.
Bringing the craft community together, the number of participants that can join in is limitless. Thousands of crafters from all over the word have taken part in Eleonora’s CALs. “I’m in awe of that and I’m truly grateful that so many people enjoy crocheting my designs,” she tells us. “To be able to share my crochet with so many people is very special indeed. All the information remains on my website so people can make the blankets at any time and not just during the CAL. My first CAL from 2018 continues to be made – the web page has been viewed over 100,000 times so there must be lots of blankets out there!”
Susan, who often collaborates with Scheepjes yarn, has also seen attendees in their thousands. “I was run off my feet trying to keep up with the MAL technical questions in the Scheepjes groups and to develop the Bessie Alice Tweed coat pattern as an alternate version of the coat during the event. The Beach Daze MAL was rather more chill as an easier pattern with a few hundred makers deciding to join.”
The feedback is always positive and warming. “The most common message I receive during a CAL is warm gratitude for creating a space for growth and learning,” says Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts. “With so many makers creating side by side, it’s a safe place to build skills without fear of judgment. While there are lots of experienced crocheters out there, we’re in a period where lots of new people are trying our crafts for the very first time. I’m happy to be the facilitator of their beginner experience.” Toni’s French Press CAL focused on crocheters trying their first wearable garment. “The cardigan is cropped with mid-length sleeves and a very interesting construction. Details like that keep a crochet-along fun for weeks. I was so excited to see progress pictures and to hear from people how much they loved making their first ever cardigan.”
CREATE A CONNECTION
It’s apparent from all of the designers we spoke to that their main drive for hosting the CALs is connecting with their fellow crocheters all over the world. “I really enjoy the community aspect of a crochet-along,” says Toni. “Hearing the stories of makers who are crocheting for the first time, or trying a new stitch, maybe making a new type of shawl or garment that they’re not used to – that feedback fuels me to coordinate the next project. I also love seeing how each person interprets my patterns differently.”
“I absolutely love connecting with fellow crocheters from all over the world and building a community around the CAL,” says Eleonora. During her Beachcombing CAL, Eleonora did a world map and asked people where they were from. “People were crocheting along in over 40 countries! I’m really happy that my CALs are truly international. I love that people embrace the CAL community and make connections with each other – lasting friendships have been forged through this wonderful activity.”
Written by Colette Earley
Heather C Gibbs www.keepcalmandcrochetonuk.com Susan Walsh www.peppergoose.design Eleonora Tully www.coastalcrochet.com Johanna Lindahl www.mijocrochet.se Toni Lipsey www.TLYarnCrafts.com