The first part of the Last Dance on the Beach Crochet-along (CAL)* in memory of Wink/Marinke was released a short while ago and crafters around the world are already hooking it - seriously there were in-progress pictures just minutes later! To bring Wink's final CAL to life, the squares have been contributed by twelve different designers, and have accompanying videos by Esther from 'It's all in a Nutshell'. As one of the contributors, each Wednesday I'll be sharing the details of the latest pattern-piece and will provide you with a summary of the information and links you'll need to make it. I'll also tell you a little about the other designers. Ok, let's get started!
THE MOTIF:
Here is a close-up of the first square, shown here in the Dance in the Sea colourway (luxe / Merino Soft) version. As you can see, there are popcorn stitches, but don't panic if you haven't done them before as links to the official video tutorials in English, Dutch, left- and right-handed are listed below, and written and charted instructions are provided in the pattern PDF.
THE MOTIF:
Here is a close-up of the first square, shown here in the Dance in the Sea colourway (luxe / Merino Soft) version. As you can see, there are popcorn stitches, but don't panic if you haven't done them before as links to the official video tutorials in English, Dutch, left- and right-handed are listed below, and written and charted instructions are provided in the pattern PDF.
THE DESIGNER:
This week's motif has been designed by Esther from Happy in Red (another Esther!). Thanks to Facebook and a few visits to the Netherlands, it has been a pleasure to get to know her over the last couple of years. (You may recall my recent tale of sitting up very late into the night ... that has Esther's name all over it! )
Esther is a prolific crafter in her 'spare' time, and a journalist / travel writer by day. With astute observations, and cheeky humour (which also come across in her writing) she always makes me laugh. Seriously, her smile is completely infectious, although I have to crick my neck to look up at it - a typically statuesque Dutch woman, she towers over me! When she's not crocheting or travelling, writing or yarn shopping, Esther sews lovely bags, talks to cats (!), and is a bit of a bookworm. She also has an Etsy shop selling PDF patterns and handmade items - I'm not sure how she does it all! Find Esther's blog post about this week's design here.
THE PATTERN:
- Download the pattern (available in English and Dutch) here.
This week's motif has been designed by Esther from Happy in Red (another Esther!). Thanks to Facebook and a few visits to the Netherlands, it has been a pleasure to get to know her over the last couple of years. (You may recall my recent tale of sitting up very late into the night ... that has Esther's name all over it! )
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| Photo Credit: Dedri Uys. |
THE PATTERN:
- Download the pattern (available in English and Dutch) here.
- Right- and left-handed videos: English R/H, English L/H, Dutch R/H, Dutch L/H. VideoEsther has written about the videos on her blog too.
- Important note: If you missed the 'tips & tricks' preparation PDF and video which was released in advance, you can find the English version of the video here and the Dutch here. It is incredibly useful and I would highly recommend it, even if you have already made loads of crochet items. The video includes lots of detail about getting gauge - it's not just about the hook size, but whether you're a 'yanker', a 'rider' or a 'lifter'! As a crochet novice, it's given me a whole new level of understanding! (Who knew?!)
- You can also join the official Facebook groups set up for International (English language) and Dutch Scheepjes customers, where there are lots of additional hints, tips, chat etc. It's a great way to get the sense of community around this project and also to ask any questions.
- Important note: If you missed the 'tips & tricks' preparation PDF and video which was released in advance, you can find the English version of the video here and the Dutch here. It is incredibly useful and I would highly recommend it, even if you have already made loads of crochet items. The video includes lots of detail about getting gauge - it's not just about the hook size, but whether you're a 'yanker', a 'rider' or a 'lifter'! As a crochet novice, it's given me a whole new level of understanding! (Who knew?!)
- You can also join the official Facebook groups set up for International (English language) and Dutch Scheepjes customers, where there are lots of additional hints, tips, chat etc. It's a great way to get the sense of community around this project and also to ask any questions.
If you use social media, you may like to tag your pictures and updates with #lastdanceonthebeach, #sheepjescal2016 and the name of the kit you are using - we can't wait to see them! Next Wednesday I'll bring you the low-down on the second motif. So you don't miss any of the posts in this series, you may like to get email updates from Crafts from the Cwtch (link in the sidebar) or follow via Bloglovin'.
*If you have missed the other posts about the CAL, you'll find general information on this introduction post, an overview of the yarn packs here and my review of both the budget and luxury yarn options here. At the time of writing, some of the kits are sold out (UPDATE: SEE BELOW), but according to numerous readers, the majority of individual colours can still be purchased from Wool Warehouse and Deramores in the UK so if you're in a hurry to get started, you might like to make a DIY kit. Check the English-language or Dutch Facebook groups for inspiration.
EDITED: As of 16:45 BST, Wool Warehouse (affiliate) have some stock of the following: Basic Kits - Rain, Sea, Stars and Luxury Kits - Stars.
EDITED: As of 16:45 BST, Wool Warehouse (affiliate) have some stock of the following: Basic Kits - Rain, Sea, Stars and Luxury Kits - Stars.
Thank you for your sweet post Sarah! Happy CAL everyone!! I hope you all enjoy yourselves.
ReplyDeleteYay! Thanks, Esther. x
DeleteGosh...how come you just have to mention a CAL and I've lose all sense of order and plan....like I really need another project ;-) ...thanks for the links, mine's in the post :-)
ReplyDeleteErm....should I say sorry?! ;) Which did you go for? X
DeleteThe stars one....not my normal colourway by a long shot...but couldn't resist....beautifully designed....so pleased to take part :-)
DeleteI think this is a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to take part, but unfortunately I'll have to do it as a stash buster project rather than a Scheepjes official CAL project. Shame, I am so looking forward to working with their yarn one day.