Christmas Eve Wishes CAL Introduction
UPDATE: This pattern is now available to buy as an advert free pdf download. The pattern includes all six parts of the original CAL in one document. It is available in UK and US terms. You can find it in my shop here.
It’s nearly time for the Christmas Eve Wishes CAL! Today I will give you all the information you need to get ready for the CAL. I really hope you will join me! The CAL will also be featuring in the Sirdar Make Along Facebook Group, so if you’re not a member already, please do join so we can all make it together.
I designed the Christmas Eve Wishes blanket last year, never intending it to be a pattern, let alone a CAL. It was just something fun and cosy to go into my Grandchildren’s Christmas Eve boxes. But so many of you asked for the pattern, I just had to say yes!
I have made some small adjustments to the pattern for the CAL. It will still look identical to the original version, but I have altered a couple of stitch placements and instructions to make it easier to follow. The bobbles are constructed differently to help with some tension issues. You will only notice these little changes if you have been making the Christmas in July version. If you have not started yet, I would strongly recommend waiting for the new pattern to avoid any confusion.
I designed the Christmas Eve Wishes blanket last year, never intending it to be a pattern, let alone a CAL. It was just something fun and cosy to go into my Grandchildren’s Christmas Eve boxes.
Ok, lets talk about details!
When?
The CAL will be in 6 parts as follows:
20th October - Part 1 - Stripes and Bobbles
27th October - Part 2 - Snowflakes
3rd November - Part 3 -Gingerbread People
10 th November - Part 4 - Father Christmas Hats
17th November - Part 5 - Snowflakes
24th November - Part 6 - Finishing off and border. This part is fairly short and quick to allow time to catch up on previous parts.
Who?
The whole pattern is made up of simple stitches and repeated elements. Once you have mastered the techniques it is a simple and relaxing make. If you are a confident beginner you should have no problem making it. The pattern will be available in both UK and US crochet terms.
daryl-and-james:tool#crochet-studioHow?
Every week I will put a new part here on my website. It will be a PDF that you can download and it will be free. The patterns will remain on the website after the CAL finishes so you can still access them in future. There will also be videos explaining the stitches. The videos will assume no prior experience, so even if you are new to crochet you will be able to follow along. I will be on hand throughout to keep you on track and help with any questions you have.
What?
Here’s the fun part. Gathering the supplies together!
Yarn:
I used Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK for my blanket and the finished size is 100cm x 120cm.
2 x Moss Green
3 x Ladybird*
3 x Cream
1 x Oatmeal
*I used 190g of Ladybird, but if your tension is looser than mine, you may need a little more. To avoid disappointment, I suggest having an extra ball to hand.
UPDATE 10/10/22
Moss green has been discontinued. In its place, I suggest Fern Green. It is very similar to Moss green and looks lovely with the other colours. Sirdar and Snufflebean Yarn have both updated their packs to include Fern Green from now on.
You will also need a few meters of dark brown to embroider the faces of the gingerbread people.
Hooks:
4mm and 4.5mm hooks
I used a 4mm hook but changed to a 4.5mm hook for rows with colour changes, such as the snowflakes. Dc (US sc) stitches tend to be a little tighter than tr (US dc) stitches. Changing to a larger hook will keep your tension even and your edges completely straight.
Everything else:
Scissors
Yarn needle
1 metre ribbon for bows on the gingerbread people (You could crochet these instead if you prefer)
Pom pom maker or cardboard to make pom poms.
If you have any questions, just email me hello@madebyanita.co.uk
