Sock Crochet Along 2018 - #SockCAL2018

Hello there Crochet Clan!  Some of you reading this blog may not be aware that I also host the Crochet Circle Podcast (Youtube for video version and Podbean for audio version).  I often host crochet alongs (CALs) over there and the latest one is about to start and it's all about crocheted socks.

Here is everything you need to know about the #SockCAL2018:

The #SockCAL2018 is nearly upon us.

Blog hop - It kicks off on Saturday the 15th September with the first installment of the blog hop by Tamara from the Crafty Escapism blog. Every Saturday until the end of the CAL, there will be another blog taking you through the intricacies of choosing yarn, hints and tips, toe up or cuff down? Tamara has been doing a sterling job pulling people together to get this blog hop off the ground and I am hugely grateful for it.

CAL dates - The actual crocheting part of the CAL starts on Saturday 29th September 2018. Wherever you are in the World, you can start crocheting on that date. The CAL finishes at midnight (BST) on the 31st October 2018.

Chatter threads - all of the chatter for this CAL is Claudia of the Crochet Luna Podcast forum on Ravelry called "Sock It To Me!**SOCK ALONG CHATTER Sept29 - Oct31". This is a thread that has already been set up in that group and has a wealth of information on crocheting socks. Tamara is the resident sock guru in that thread and is going to be on hand throughout the CAL to offer help and advice. She is also @craftyescapism on Instagram.

Instagram - I am going to be taking the lead over on Instagram and you can use #SockCAL2018 and #CrochetClan so that we can all see what you are up to.

Finished Objects - All of the finished objects that you want to enter for prizes (yes, there will be prizes) need to go to one of two places:

Ravelry - Kathryn from the Crafternoon Treats Podcast has kindly offered to host the FO thread in her podcast group. This will be a no chatter thread but you can always show your appreciation by liking what others have posted and you can also add your FO to the Crochet Luna chatter thread if you want to show off your work or talk about the pattern/yarn you used.

Instagram - Use #SockCAL2018FO so that I can see the FOs that you are entering.

Double entry - Feel free to enter on Ravelry and Instagram to incraese your chances of winning.

Double dipping - feel free. You may want to double dip with Ali's Little Drops of Wonderful Podcast Strictly Sock Along (but our timelines are a lot shorter.

Other crafts? - yes. if you want to knit, felt, weave, sew yourself socks then please do. As ever, Crochet Clan CALs are inclusive, not exclusive. We also have the lovely Helen from Making at Number 14 blog on hand to help with any sock knitting queries you may have. She is also on Instagram.

WIPs allowed - yes. As above. I would much rather you were getting sock WIPs out and finished during this CAL than starting again. Even better if you can share why it has languished as a WIP. This is also why we have people like Tamara on hand to help with issues people may be having.

Patterns - You can use any pattern you fancy. A bundle has been created in the Crochet Luna Group on Raverly (look for 'bundles' in the top right of the toolbar). I have put a load in from designers that I know and trust and designers that Crochet Clan members know and trust. More will be added as the CAL goes on. If you tag the designer and pattern you are using and it is on Ravelry, I will try to add it to the bundle.

Cost of patterns? - I have deliberately added free of charge patterns as well as paid for patterns to the bundle. I have also tried to add designers that are actively involved with our Crochet Clan in some way or another so you will see patterns form Caroline, Tamara, Kathryn,  Vicki Brown and Deanne from Addydae Designs.

Crochet sock newbie - If you are completely new to crocheting socks, take a look at the bundle on Ravelry and you will see a pattern by Caroline called 'Miniature Hooked Socks'. These are teeny tiny and are a good starting place for getting to grips with sock construction. You could then move on, Three Bears style to Tamara's 'The Leftover Sock' pattern which is slightly bigger. Then, you can move on to Mama Bear sized socks - something like Vicki's 'Fallen Leaves Socks which has a load of patterns already done in Ravelry and is generally regarded as a great beginner pattern.

Yarn - the blog spot on the 22nd September is coming from me and it is all about choosing thr right yarn. That still gives you a week to get your yarn ready, before the CAL starts.

Prizes - we have prizes already coming in for this CAL but if you would like to donate something, please let me know.


I am fairly sure that covers all of the CAL information that has been swimming about in my head for the last few weeks!

Right, I had better start preparing for my part in the blog hop! Tamara's is live now, so go and take a look.