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Block a Week CAL 2014

Block a Week CAL 2014

Although the Block a Week CAL 2014 has now ended, the patterns and tutorials are still available and will remain so.  You can find all the information and links below.  Four of the squares have now become paid-for patterns (indicated in the list below), but the rest remain free.

Feel free to join and share at any time.  We have now created a Ravelry Thread for this CAL, should you wish to join.

xxx Dedri

Block a Week CAL 2014 September

This year I am going to be joining in a mystery afghan crochet-along (Block a Week CAL 2014) and I will be sharing the process here on Lookatwhatimade.

I’ve always wanted to make an afghan…not a baby blanket or a chunky blanket, but a proper honest-to-goodness afghan.  Unfortunately, I am one of those people who find the task too daunting.  So when the lovely Kimberly Slifer announced that the Official CCC Social Group on Facebook were going to have a CAL, I was over the moon.

This will be the year that I tackle my first afghan…one lovely block at a time.  And I would love it if you would join me!  So let me tell you a little bit more about the Block a Week CAL and the people who are making it happen.

Update 2020

Paid Patterns

  • Julie Yeager has kindly put together a Block a Week 2014 e-book that contains all three of her paid patterns used in the CAL.  You can find that HERE on Ravelry.
  • Joyce Lewis – You can buy the Crocodile Flower Square pattern HERE on Ravelry.

Photo Tutorials

I have removed the photo tutorial for Block 6:  Blooming Lace.  Significant revisions to the pattern have rendered the original photo tutorial obsolete.  The pattern is straight-forward, though, so you’ll be fine x

Block a Week CAL 2014

Index

Clicking on these links will take you to the relevant section, although I suggest reading everything before you start.

Information

Like I have already mentioned, this Block a Week CAL is for those of us (present company included) that feel like we will never be able to make an afghan.

By breaking it up into individual squares and doing only one square a week, the project becomes infinitely less frightening.  Add to that the fact that you have a whole community of people behind you, doing the same thing and happy to help you out should you need it, and VOILA!  “I could never” turns into “I can’t wait for the next one!”

And the cherry on the cake?  Each block is a surprise!

This Crochet-along is hosted by the Official CCC Social Group on Facebook (you will have to be logged in to your Facebook account to access the link).  The woman in charge is called Kimberly Slifer and she is amazingly helpful and friendly.  Please feel free to join the Official CCC Social Group so that you can access and utilize the support and encouragement of all the lovely ladies on there.  You can also join the Block a Week CAL Flickr Group so that you can see what other people have done (be inspired) and share what you have done (give inspiration).

I hope that you will take up the challenge and join along with the Block a Week CAL.

Designers

The squares in this CAL have been NOT been designed by me.  They have been designed by a host of wonderful designers, a list of which you can find below.  These have kindly given me permission to do photo tutorials for (most of) the squares.  These photo tutorials should NOT replace the written patterns.  They are only meant to be helpful aides in your journey to make this afghan.  You can find the links to each pattern at the start of each tutorial, under the heading ‘Pattern‘.

  • Letitia Sherriff
  • Melinda Miller
  • Donna Mason-Svara
  • Julie Yeager
  • Melissa Green
  • Aurora Suominen
  • Ivory Herman
  • Chris Simon
  • Julee Reeves
  • Penny Davidson
  • April Moreland
  • Margaret MacInnis
  • Carola Wijma
  • Joyce Lewis
  • Shan Sevcik
  • Virginia Burrow
  • Carolyn Christmas
  • Betty Byers

Size

Using the hook and yarn specified in each pattern, the blocks/squares will measure 12″ x 12″.  Obviously this is dependant on your particular gauge.  I crochet quite tightly, but my sister-in-law, for example, crochets VERY loosely.

Using a 4 mm crochet hook (US G/6  UK 8) for all the squares, and double knit yarn (light worsted weight/#3), my finished squares have come out between 7.5″ to 8.5″.

If you are using the same hook and yarn for each square (as I have done), your squares won’t all come out the same size.  I have supplied a list of Optional Additional Rounds to help you get all the squares to the same size and final-round stitch count (more or less).

Materials

For the purposes of these tutorials, I am using:

I started out using the Original Attic24 Colour Pack, which you can find HERE in her Wool Warehouse Shop.  Midway through I decided that I didn’t want to use all the colours, so I had to buy a few more skeins.  You can find a list of the colours and yardages HERE.

List of Squares

If you would like to include Sophie’s Garden in your afghan (as Betty has done with her blanket), you can find the instructions for that HERE.  Sophie’s Garden is the size of 4 afghan squares, so if you choose to use it, it will replace 4 of your squares.

You can find the details for each block by clicking on the relevant image below.

Bonus Blocks

You can find the details for each block by clicking on the relevant image below.

Additional Rounds

You can find a list of the Optional Additional Rounds HERE (as discussed under ‘Size’ above).

Blocking Your Squares

Once you have made your squares, you will need to block them so that they are nice and neat (and the same size).  You can read about my DIY Blocking Station HERE.  The post includes links to other blocking methods.

Joining Your Squares

When are your squares are made and blocked, you will need to join them.  You can find all the information for joining crochet squares in the 5-part series below.

Adding a Border

When you have made, blocked, and joined your squares, you will need to add a border to finish your blanket off.  My friend Betty Byers has designed a beautiful border especially for this CAL.  You can find that HERE.

You do not HAVE to use this border, though.  I have gone for a very simple border myself.  Edie Eckman’s book ‘Around the Corner Crochet Borders‘ is an excellent resource.

The Blue And White Version

Over the years, I have gotten MANY questions about ‘The Blue and White Version’, so I thought I would dedicate a little space to it.

This gorgeous version was made by Sharon Blignaut and features the Enchanted Garden Square (paid), which is a marriage of Joyce Lewis’ Crocodile Flower Square (paid pattern) and Sophie’s Garden (free).  You can find more information on Sharon’s Ravelry Project Page HERE.

Related Posts

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Happy Hooking!

Dedri

This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use.  All opinions are my own.

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120 Comments

Comments

    • All the links are available via the post, Jacki, just by clicking on the Blue and White Version link.
      The originator of that version has her own Ravelry page for it HERE

      Hope that helps.

      BW Jenny

  2. Is there any possibility to get the bigger version of the “crocodile flower” for the center block of the blue and white afghan.
    I did by the original on ravelry

    Reply

    • Hi Elsabe, the ‘bigger version of the crocodile flower’ is an adaptation by Courtney Laube on Ravelry and requires that you purchase the pattern for the Crocodile Flower Square AND Courtney’s instructions for marrying it with Sophie’s Garden. You can find that HERE. If you already own the pattern for Crocodile Flower, you only need Courtney’s instructions.

  3. Dear Dedri, Thank you very much for your photo tutorials that helps me in making that so beautiful afghan. I make it with great pleasure for my grand childrens (mes petits-enfants). Sorry my english is too bad but I have to thank you !

    Reply

  5. I can’t find the original blue and Shiite pattern on ravelry. They don’t list Sharon Blignaut as one of their designers, please could someone help

    Reply

  6. Could the blanket be done in worsted weight yarn ( acrylic)? The squares then would be bigger, correct? I am also wondering if it would make the blanket last longer, more sturdy? I am considering this to be an heirloom blanket and want to makeit last.
    Thanks for everything!

    Reply

    • Hi Michelle. Yes, it can be made in worsted weight, although it would be very big. Using a thicker yarn won’t necessarily make it last longer. I think the quality of the yarn and the density of your stitches will play a bigger part in how long it lasts.

  7. Hi. I saw your posting on facebook and loved it. I would love to do the squares in the blue and white that is shown. Could you please tell me what you used for colors and if patterns relate to the blue and white or just changed as you did each square

    Reply

    • Hi Vema. The infamous ‘blue and white’ blanket is being shared by a pattern farming site, not by us. It is a photo of someone’s personal interpretation of the CAL and I do not, unfortunately, have the details for which yarn/colours/hook she used. I hope you find who made it so that you can ask her. I would LOVE to know!

    • Hi Dedri,
      That beautiful blue and white version is on Ravelry under the name Sharon Blignaut. She lists her yarns and she also has a wonderful version of the alternate Sophie (Enchanted Garden Tote) she used for the Around the Bases CAL.

  8. Hello everyone. I just wanted to thank all the creators of the above patterns. I used 28 of the 12 inch squares and the 24 inch Enhanted Garden square. I made it for my daughter for her birthday. Dedri, I used the Around the Corner pattern to finish off my work. I don’t know how to print pictures of it here or I would for you. I throughly enjoyed my project.
    Again, thank you all.
    Karan

    Reply

  9. I have finished my squares and am ready to join them. What pattern did you use to join your squares on your Block a Week Cal 2014? I found the Continuous Flat Braid Join pattern, but it seems more fancy than your joins. I already have my border picked out. Waiting to hear from you.
    Thank you.
    Karan Craddock

    Reply

  10. I am currently working on Block a Week CAL2014. I have the 2 patterns that make up the 24″ block. What are the row numbers needed after Sophie’s Universe row 36 to finish the 24 inch block? I am at a loss on how to finish it.
    Thank you,
    Karan

    Reply

    • Hi Karan. I am not sure what you mean. The 24″ square is formed by making the first 4 parts of Sophie’s Universe (which is called Sophie’s Garden). At the end of Round 36, you should have a 24″ block if you are using the same yarn and hook you used to create your 12″ squares with. It is the equivalent size of 4 12″ squares.

    • Hi there, I too made Sophie’s Garden but with the Crocodile square center. Except I used a 4.5mm hook instead of the 5mm hook recommended (I know). Its about 3″ too short around to be 24″ for the block a week afghan. Is there a way to make it 24″? Can I add additional rounds? Wont that mess it up with the joining? my first time trying this type of crochet. I usually do one piece items I feel stupid for using the wrong hook but its so pretty and I am so excited I really don’t want to frog it all

    • Hi Teresa. Don’t worry about that. It has happened to most, if not all, of us. You can certainly add additional rounds. When it comes to joining, you will obviously have more stitches in the last round than in the other squares, but you can just skip a stitch here and there without detracting from the overall look. You might find THIS TUTORIAL useful.

      Dedri

    • Hi Liesel. The large square is an adaptation of the Crocodile flower and Sophie’s Garden. It forms part of the Enchanted Garden bag on Ravelry.

  14. Thank you for the joy you give and the inspiration. I didn’t realise I could do more than basic crochet until I came across your work. You captured my imagination and I am so very grateful. I am now on my 4th Sophie (my family borrows them lol) I made the mandala and squares for two now I am simultaneoudly making Sophies Universe and Sophies Alternative Universe. I would love to send you completed pictures but don’t know how as I am visually impaired and rely heavily on text to speech and reverse (it has trouble with a mongrel UK/Ausssie/Scots accent wonder why lol) I have been asked how I can manage to make these pieces with very limited vision and my answer is counting! using stitch makers every repeat and when doing a round/row of all the same stitch a marker every ten stitches. Plus my fingertips have become very sensitive. I tend to like bright colours rather than pastels as I do see shape/light and colour but very blurred. I will be taking lessons for the visually impaired starting January and wondered if you have any objection in my using your patterns? Thank you again Lorraine x

    Reply

    • Lorraine, you are an inspiration! Well done for managing to make so many Sophies without being able to see well!! I am sending you an email so that you can send me some photos, Dedri.

  15. Dedri Hi, sorry for the bad translation … I would like to make the block a week in 2014 with the colors of Betty. But I’m from Belgium so Deborah yarn is not available here. Which yarn advice you have for me? And where can I find the number of colors used? The cotton 8 I already used for Sophie’s Universe, so now I want to use a thicker yarn.
    Grts,Marijke

    Reply

    • Hi Marijke. Betty made her blanket following my colours and using Stylecraft Special Dk, not Deborah Norville Everyday Worsted weight. You can find all the yardages Betty used here.

  16. Hi Dedri, Thank you for sharing your beautiful patterns. They have definitely inspired me. I have crochet a number of amigurumi’s, but have never tried anything so complicated. I am going to give these or the Sophie a try. I tried 6 rounds of Sophie with the Stylecraft acrylic yarn. I like the look and feel of cotton yarn. I have a lot of questions. 1) Do you think I can do the squares with Sheepjeswool cotton 8? 2) Do I need to use smaller hooks? I like to use a decent sized hook and yarn weight, so I feel I get more blanket out of the time I put in. 3)Can you recommend a cotton, cotton/acrylic blend, or cotton/wool blend that is easy to work with (meaning it doesn’t split and fray) and give me a decent size blancket? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi Weiru.

      You can do the squares with Cotton 8, but they would be small and your blanket would be much smaller than if you used dk or ww. You would have to use a 3.25 mm hook for Cotton 8. If you are looking for a lovely worsted weight yarn, Deborah Norville Everyday Worsted Weight is my favourite acrylic worsted weight. It has a slight sheen to it, but it is an absolute dream to work with and there are SO many colours to choose from.

  18. hello also from Capetown South Africa.
    I have been crocheting all my life. I taught myself as a teenager and never stopped.
    Retired now and loving just be able to crochet all the things I wanted to try but never had time.
    You are a long way from the Karroo !
    Thanks for lovely blog and lovely pictures.
    A few patterns would be a real bonus!
    Have a lovely day. (Lekker dag)
    Neva Levings

    Reply

    • Hi Neva. I am indeed a long way from the Karoo :) I am not sure what you mean by a few patterns being a bonus, but you can find all my patterns and tutorials HERE.

  20. I’ve only just begun crocheting the Cal blocks, and I would dearly love to purchase a pattern book containing all the squares. Has a book been made, and if so, please forward me the details.

    I would love to be in America, and join you girls having fun together. My absolute BEST!

    Many greetings from South Africa – the Cape in particular – and I hope to hear from someone soon.

    Best regards,
    Sylvery

    Reply

    • Hi Sylvery.

      I am actually in the UK (born and bred in Calitzdorp in die Klein Karoo).

      There is no book for the complete Block a Week, because the patterns belong to a host of different designers and although they gave me permission to do the photo tutorials, they did not give me permission to replicate their patterns in a book.

      I hope you can manage with the tutorials and links.

      Geseënde Kersfees,

      Dedri

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