May 2018 Crochet-Along - A Fun & Free 31-Day CAL with The Lillie Pad

Posted by Amanda Lillie on

Crochet along CAL with The Lillie Pad
Crochet-alongs are a fun way to try a new project that's shrouded in a little bit of mystery. If you've never tackled a crochet-along (CAL) project before or you are looking for a short-term CAL this is a great one to try! It is completely free to join us, it's short (31-days), and it's easy (Beginner skill level).
What is a crochet-along?  It is a crochet project that you make that is directed and driven by someone else (in this case, me) where you are only given a small portion of the pattern at a time. And over the course of days or weeks you will progressively complete the design. It can be a lot of fun!
And I am so excited about the theme I've chosen for this CAL. It's all based around crazy spring weather! Yes, you read that right. This time our entire project is going to be based on the weather...whatever it may be in your neck of the woods. Each day you will be consulting your local weather forecast. And the weather type that is forecast--sunny, partly cloudy, showers, and more--will determine what color of yarn you will use to make that particular day's row. I know. Super-fun, right? I can't wait to get started!
Basic information about the CAL:
WHO CAN JOIN: Anyone! This CAL is designs for all crochet skill levels. Participants can also opt in to join our private Crochet-a-long Pop-Up Facebook group for this project where all of the participants can chat and share their progress throughout the month.
WHAT WE WILL MAKE: We will be making a lightweight cowl for this project. No big time commitments needed. It will only take a few minutes to complete a row each day. There will be flexibility to make the cowl for any size you wish using any yarn and hook size you most prefer. 
WHEN IT STARTS: This is a 31-Day project that will start May 1, 2018 and will run the entire month of May. 
WHERE TO FIND THE CAL PATTERN: The pattern rows will be posted every 5 days here in this blog thread starting May 1. Scroll down to find it! 
HOW TO JOIN THE PROJECT FACEBOOK GROUP: Subscribe to our email newsletter to be directed to our private pop-up Facebook group made specifically for this 31-day project. And there you can join in the fun with all of the rest of the participants! 
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS: Crochet-A-Longs are always more fun with friends! Use the social media share buttons at the bottom of this page or copy and paste the following link to email or social media to invite your crochet friends to join along with us: https://bit.ly/2vaciik
Materials Needed:
Crochet A Long with The Lillie Pad
- 5 different colors of sport or worsted weight yarn, 1/2 to 1 skein each. I will use Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn worsted weight acrylic yarn. You can use a thinner/lighter weight yarn than what I've suggested here. But I recommend to not choose a bulkier yarn than worsted weight.
- A crochet hook size that works well with the yarn you've chosen. I prefer to use an H/8 (5.0mm) hook with worsted weight yarn.
- Scissors & Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- The Wonderful Weather Yarn Color Chart made especially for this project. Download and print your color chart here.
- Access to your local weather forecast. I'm located in Atlanta so I plan to use the WSBTV Weather app I downloaded to my iPhone from the App Store.
Weather Crochet A Long with The Lillie Pad
Prerequisite Skills needed for this project:
You will need to know how to: chain, single crochet, and how to work a project "in the round."
Crochet-A-Long Wonderful Weather Cowl Pattern

CAL Pattern Introduction

 For this CAL we will be making a fun and colorful cowl. We will be crocheting “in the round” which means that instead of working back and forth in rows we will be working in complete circles (rounds), completing each row by slip stitching to the top of the first stitch of the round. And then stitching the next round on top of that round.

Each day of the CAL you will complete one round. But each day the color you use for that round will depend on the weather. Be sure you’ve downloaded, printed, and assembled your wonderful weather color chart and assign each weather type a yarn color. 

Sizing and Gauge: This cowl pattern is designed to be completely adjustable in size so that you may make it as large or as small as you want. Gauge is not really important so we will not worry about it as long as you are working with the suggested yarn weight or a yarn weight that is lighter than suggested.  You are welcome to make your cowl as large around in circumference as you would like, even if you would like to make it a super cozy infinity scarf. If you do want to make an infinity scarf I recommend using a lighter-weight and thinner type o yarn than the suggested worsted/aran/10 ply yarn that I will be using, such as something along the lines of Caron’s Simply Soft line of yarns - or even a fingering weight yarn! Thicker yarns might make it too bulky to complete.

Changing Colors: Don’t cut yarn at the end of each day’s row in case the next day’s weather is the same. It’s easier to continue with the same color on days with consecutive weather patterns. Feel free to join and drop yarn colors however you prefer. If you have any questions about how I do it, let me know if our private FB group and I’ll go Live in the group and show you how I add new colors on a row. 

Crochet Terms: This pattern is written in US terms. But for my UK crocheters following along I will put any equivalent UK crochet terms in […].

Abbreviations Used:

CH – Chain

SC – Single Crochet [or DC – Double Crochet in UK terms]

HDC – Half-Double Crochet [HTR – Half Treble Crochet in UK terms]

Days 1-5 (Rounds 1-5)

Day 1/Round 1: Based on the weather, take the assigned color of yarn and chain multiples of 3 stitches (normal tension, not too tight and not too lose) until you have the desired circumference for your cowl. Being careful not to twist the chain, slip stitch to the first chain you created to form a circle.

(Note: Your chain can actually be an inch or two smaller than your desired finished cowl circumference because base chains always stretch out once the row above it is crocheted into it.)

Example: For my 4-year-old daugher’s cowl I’m chaining 117 stitches (which is 39 multiples of 3 stitches). And for some context - I tend to crochet a little on the tighter side of normal crochet tension.

What? That’s all for Day 1? Hey, what gives?!?! I know, I know. It’s not a terribly exciting row for Day 1. But use this day to really play around with the sizing of your cowl. Think through the fact that there are 30 more rows in SC (or for our UK followers – DC) going on top of this chain. So it will be a bit tall. Think about if you want to make it a cowl that is smaller around and fits closer around your neck or if you want a longer slouchy cowl that reaches mid-torso and fits a little more casually. Today is the day to think ahead and play around with sizing.

 

Day 2/Round 2: Chain 1. SC in the same stitch in which you joined your chain round. CH2. Skip 2 chains from the base chain below, *SC in next stitch, CH2, Skip 2 stitches. Repeat from * all the way around. Slip stitch to the top of the first SC of the round. (If needed you can add a stitch marker in the top of the first SC to make finding the place to join at the end of the round easier)

[UK: Chain 1. DC in the same stitch in which you joined your chain round. CH2. Miss 2 chains from the base chain below, *DC in next stitch, CH2, Miss 2 stitches. Repeat from * all the way around. Slip stitch to the top of the first DC of the round.]

 

Day 3/Round 3: Slip stitch into the gap created by the first CH2 from Round 2. Chain 1 and SC in the same CH2 space, CH2, Skip the next SC from Round 2, *SC in the next CH2 space from Round 2. CH2, Skip the next SC from Round 2. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of this round.

[UK: Slip stitch into the gap created by the first CH2 from Round 2. Chain 1 and DC in the same CH2 space, CH2, Miss the next DC from Round 2, *DC in the next CH2 space from Round 2. CH2, Miss the next DC from Round 2. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC of this round.]

 

Day 4/Round 4: (Essentially the same as Round 3). Slip stitch into the Chain 2 space from the previous row, Chain 1, SC into same space, CH2, Skip next SC from previous row, *SC into next CH2 space from previous row, CH2, Skip next SC. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of this round.

[UK: Slip stitch into the Chain 2 space from the previous row, Chain 1, DC into same space, CH2, Miss next DC from previous row, *DC into next CH2 space from previous row, CH2, Miss next DC. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC of this round.]

 

Day 5/ Round 5: (Same as Round 4, so I’ll simplify the pattern wording). Slip stitch into the Chain 2 space, Chain 1, SC into same space, CH2, Skip next SC below, *SC into next CH2 space, CH2, Skip next SC below. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of this round.

[UK: Slip stitch into the Chain 2 space, Chain 1, DC into same space, CH2, Miss next DC below, *DC into next CH2 space, CH2, Miss next DC below. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of this round.]

 

Days 6-10 (Rounds 6-10)

Day 6/Round 6: (Same as Rounds 3-5) Slip stitch into the Chain 2 gap, Chain 1, SC into same gap, CH2, Skip next SC below, *SC into next CH2 gap, CH2, Skip next SC below. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of this round.

[UK: Slip stitch into the Chain 2 gap, Chain 1, DC into same gap, CH2, Miss next DC below, *DC into next CH2 gap, CH2, Miss next DC below. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of this round.

 

Day 7/Round 7: (Same as Round 6) Slip stitch into the Chain 2 gap, Chain 1, SC into same gap, CH2, Skip next SC below, *SC into next CH2 gap, CH2, Skip next SC below. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of this round.

[UK: Slip stitch into the Chain 2 gap, Chain 1, DC into same gap, CH2, Miss next DC below, *DC into next CH2 gap, CH2, Miss next DC below. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of this round.

 

Okay, ladies and gentlemen. Let’s do a change in the patterning. We will still be working at an easy skill level in single crochet and chains around but let’s do it in a different way and see if it changes the look and texture of the cowl a little bit. Hopefully you’ll also be changing colors every couple of days so that the pattern and color changes between rows will be more pronounced.

For those of you that have joined our Facebook group I am LOVING all of the yarns and colors many of you are showing off. From fingering weights, to hand dyed speckled yarns, to bamboos, and lovely ombre colors. They are all so inspiring! If you haven’t joined our private project pop-up Facebook group sign join today by signing up for my email list because we are having a whole lot of fun in there! It’s not too late!

 

Day 8/Round 8: Slip stitch into the Chain 2 gap from Round 7. CH1, SC into same gap, CH1, SC into same gap again. *Skip next SC in the row below and in the next Chain 2 gap work {SC, CH1, SC}. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC in the round.

[UK: Slip stitch into the Chain 2 gap from Round 7. CH1, DC into same gap, CH1, DC into same gap again. *Miss next DC in the row below and in the next Chain 2 gap work {DC, CH1, DC}. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC in the round.]

 

Day 9/Round 9: Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap formed in Round 8. It may be hard to see. Finding the exact spot is not important. The main goal is to aim for crocheting between the first two Single Crochet stitches formed below. CH1, {SC, CH1, SC} in same gap. *Skip the next two stitches and into the next Chain 1 gap do {SC, CH1, SC}. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC in the round.

[UK: Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap formed in Round 8. It may be hard to see. Finding the exact spot is not important. The main goal is to aim for crocheting between the first two Double Crochet stitches formed below. CH1, {DC, CH1, DC} in same gap. *Miss the next two stitches and into the next Chain 1 gap do {DC, CH1, DC}. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC in the round.]

 

Day 10/Round 10:(Same as Round 9) Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap. CH1, {SC, CH1, SC} in same gap. Then {SC, CH1, SC} in all of the chain 1 spaces from Round 9. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of the round.

[UK: (Same as Round 9) Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap. CH1, {DC, CH1, DC} in same gap. Then {DC, CH1, DC} in all of the chain 1 spaces from Round 9. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC of the round.]

 

Days 11-15 (Rounds 11-15)

Day 11/Round 11: (Same as Rounds 8-10) Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap. CH1, {SC, CH1, SC} in same gap. Then {SC, CH1, SC} in all of the chain 1 spaces from Round 9. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of the round.

[UK: (Same as Round 9) Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap. CH1, {DC, CH1, DC} in same gap. Then {DC, CH1, DC} in all of the chain 1 spaces from Round 9. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC of the round.]

 

Day 12/Round 12: (Same as Round 11)

 

Day 13/Round 13: (Same as Round 11)

 

PATTERN CHANGE TIME!  Did you enjoy the previous 6 rows? Did you happen to notice the mini chevron pattern it formed? Let’s change it up again with a new stitching pattern. Do you remember the  {SC, CH1, SC} -- or  {DC, CH1, DC} for our UK friends -- from the rounds we just finished? Let's call each one of those a "mini v-stitch" because it makes a tiny V shape. Giving it a name will make Round 14 easier to explain.

 

Day 14/Round 14: Using the same color from yesterday’s row slip stitch into the first Chain space in Round 13, Slip stitch into the next SC right after the chain space, then slip stitch into the space between that SC and the next SC . There will not be a chain space in that area to work in. Instead you will have to work into a hole that falls below the top of Round 14’s stitches – in between the two "mini v-stitches".  Change to today’s yarn color (if necessary). Then you will begin the round this way:

Then CH1, SC in same space you created between the two mini v-stitches. CH2, skip over the mini v-stitch. Do a SC between that mini v-stitch and the next mini v-stitch. Repeat around and join with a Slip Stitch to the top of the first SC of the round.

(NOTE: Basically for this round we have gone back to the {SC, CH2} kind of pattern that we did for Days 2-7, except that each SC is stitched between each of the miniature “v” stitches we formed in Round 13.)

[UK: Using the same color from yesterday’s row slip stitch into the first Chain space in Round 13, Slip stitch into the next DC right after the chain space, then slip stitch into the space between that SC and the next DC . There will not be a chain space in that area to work in. Instead you will have to work into a hole that falls below the top of Round 14’s stitches – in between the two "mini v-stitches".  Change to today’s yarn color (if necessary). Then you will begin the round this way:

Then CH1, DC in same space you created between the two mini v-stitches. DH2, miss the mini v-stitch. Do a DC between that mini v-stitch and the next mini v-stitch. Repeat around and join with a Slip Stitch to the top of the first DC of the round.

(NOTE: Basically for this round we have gone back to the {DC, CH2} kind of pattern that we did for Days 2-7, except that each DC is stitched between each of the mini v-stitches we formed in Round 13.)]

 

Whoa! That looked daunting! If that is sounding kinda crazy and confusing, check in on our CAL Facebook page and feel free to ask questions or get clarification. If needed I can even post photos or go Live to demonstrate. It sounds way more complicated than it really is. The trick is putting it into words. But once you see where to put your SC [DC] it is super easy.

 

Day 15/Round 15: Slip Stitch into the first Chain 2 space from Round 14. CH1, and then do a mini v-stitch  (also known as {SC, CH1, SC} ) in same chain space. Then mini vi-stitch in each chain 2 space around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of the round.

[UK: Slip Stitch into the first Chain 2 space from Round 14. CH1, and then do a mini v-stitch  (also known as {DC, CH1, DC} ) in same chain space. Then mini vi-stitch in each chain 2 space around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC of the round.]

 

See what we did there? We have now made a new pattern by combining the stitch patterns from Day 2-7 and Days 8-13.  When we pick up the next 5 days tomorrow we will continue by altering these two rows. Even thought this pattern really only has 2 major stitch patterns so far, you can see how combining those two patterns—especially with color changes – can make a fun, new look and texture. 

 

Days 16-20 (Rounds 16-20)

Day 16/Round 16:  Using the previous day’s color of yarn slip stitch your way over to the space between the first and second “mini v-stitches” from Round 15 (and change colors if needed). In a space between the first and second  mini v-stitches do a {CH1, SC in same space, CH2}. Then  you will  *{SC, CH2} between each mini v-stitch section all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of the round.

[UK: Using the previous day’s color of yarn slip stitch your way over to the space between the first and second “mini v-stitches” from Round 15 (and change colors if needed). In a space between the first and second mini v-stitches do a {CH1, DC in same space, CH2}. Then you will  *{DC, CH2} between each mini v-stitch section all the way around.  Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC of the round.]

 

Day 17/Round 17: Repeat Round 15 where you made mini v-stitches in each chain 2 space.  Here is a quick reminder: Slip Stitch into the first Chain space. CH1, {SC, CH1, SC} in same chain space. Then {SC, CH1, SC} in each chain space around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of the round.

[UK: Repeat Round 15 where you made  mini v-stitches in each chain space Here is a quick reminder:  Slip Stitch into the first Chain space. CH1, {DC, CH1, DC} in same chain space. Then {DC, CH1, DC} in each chain space around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC of the round.]

  

Day 18/Round 18: Repeat Round 16

 

Day 19/ Round 19: Repeat Round 17

 

Alrighty! That’s the end of another pattern block. Now for a little bit of symmetry in our cowl we will be working up the remainder of the cowl by repeating our earlier pattern blocks. First up – we’re back to the mini v-stitch pattern on all rows. So that means next we have….

 

Day 20/Round 20: Same as Round 11. Here is a quick reminder: Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap. CH1, {SC, CH1, SC} in same gap. Then {SC, CH1, SC} in all of the chain 1 spaces around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of the round.

[UK: Same as Round 11. Here is a quick reminder: Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap. CH1, {DC, CH1, DC} in same gap. Then {DC, CH1, DC} in all of the chain 1 spaces around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC of the round.]

 

Days 21-25 (Rounds 21-25)

Day 21/Round 21: Another mini v-stitch round -- same as Round 20. Here is a quick reminder: Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap. CH1, {SC, CH1, SC} in same gap. Then {SC, CH1, SC} in all of the chain 1 spaces around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC of the round.
[UK: Another mini v-stitch round -- same as Round 20. Here is a quick reminder: Slip stitch into the first Chain 1 gap. CH1, {DC, CH1, DC} in same gap. Then {DC, CH1, DC} in all of the chain 1 spaces around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC of the round.]

Day 22/Round 22: Another mini v-stitch round. Same as Round 20.

Day 23/Round 23: Another mini v-stitch round. Same as Round 20.

Day 24/Round 24:  Another mini v-stitch round -- same as Round 20.

Day 25/Round 25:  Another mini v-stitch round -- same as Round 20.

So that finished off another pattern block for us. As we're winding down the month we have one more final pattern block left. And I'm sure you can guess what it is.....right? We shall see!  

 

Days 26-31 (Rounds 26-31)

Day 26/Round 26: Slip stitch your way into the first chain space. Then Chain 1 and SC in the same chain space and CH2. Then {SC in next chain space, CH2} and repeat all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC.

[UK: Slip stitch your way into the first chain space. Then Chain 1 and DC in the same chain space and CH2. Then {DC in next chain space, CH2} and repeat all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC.]

Day 27/Round 27: Slip stitch into the chain 2 gap on the previous round. Chain 1 and SC in the same CH2 space.  Then {SC in next chain space, CH2} and repeat all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first SC.

[UK: Slip stitch into the chain 2 gap on the previous round. Chain 1 and DC in the same CH2 space. Then {DC in next chain space, CH2} and repeat all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first DC.

Day 28/Round 28: Repeat Round 27.

Day 29/Round 29: Repeat Round 27.

Day 30/Round 30: Repeat Round 27.

Day 31/Round 31: Repeat Round 27.

Cut yarn and tie off. Now for the part that everyone LOVES (not) -- weaving in all of those the loose yarn ends. 

And there we have it!  We have now made it through our 31-Day Wonderful Weather CAL!

Would you like to embellish your cowl with a fancy edging? You can easily add a simple SC [DC] edging to the top and bottom of the cowl. Or play around with some edging ideas from stitch books or your own imagination. Trying new things and finishing techniques and experimentation are some of my favorite things to do when crocheting.

Do you want to continue your cowl and make it a bit taller? That's no problem! Just pick one of the 3 different stitch pattern blocks we used to make the cowl (the lattice stitching from Rounds 2-7, the mini v-stitch from Rounds 8-13, or the lattice/v-stitch combo from Rounds 14-19) and start a new pattern block on Round 32 and continue in pattern blocks until you've reached the height you prefer. It won't matter if it doesn't follow the exact same pattern block order of the first 31 rounds. The frequent color changes in your cowl will mask the fact that it's not symmetrical from top to bottom. 

 So how did your cowl shape and color up? Check in and show us in the CAL Facebook group! I can't wait to see how everyone's cowl looks!

(Haven't joined in our project Facebook group yet? Sign up for our emails list  for a link to access our group and join the rest of the participants and show of your work and ask questions.)


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