Helping Hands for CAL

[Tangible]

I have noticed in the photos of work done that some gals pieces for the clue 2 are very flat. Mine is not as flat...is this just a matter of pulling/flattening after the work is done and nothing to be concerned about for the finished product?

[dcrozier]

I have noticed in the photos of work done that some gals pieces for the clue 2 are very flat. Mine is not as flat...is this just a matter of pulling/flattening after the work is done and nothing to be concerned about for the finished product?

It may be that you are looking at some photos of pieces that are blocked and some that are not blocked. The ones that are not blocked tend to be fuller looking. I blocked the 2010 CAL but have chosen to not block this one. If I have trouble putting it together, I will block then. Have you blocked yours? If your shape and size are the same as the photos, I wouldn't worry about it not looking flat. You can also use slight hand stretching to flatten and square up your work.

[Shandeh]

I have noticed in the photos of work done that some gals pieces for the clue 2 are very flat. Mine is not as flat...is this just a matter of pulling/flattening after the work is done and nothing to be concerned about for the finished product?

The only reason to be concerned is if you cannot make it lie flat by gently stretching it out.
If it refuses to lie flat that way, it would be best to redo the motif, using a larger hook, or more chain stitches.

[Tangible]

Thanks so much. I checked my gauge and have also realized that I was crocheting too tight. I made another and it's much better. I also have read up on blocking acrylic and I think that may help some too. I appreciate your time.

[Shandeh]

Thanks so much. I checked my gauge and have also realized that I was crocheting too tight. I made another and it's much better. I also have read up on blocking acrylic and I think that may help some too. I appreciate your time.

Cool! I'm glad you are happy with your next motif.

[Donutte]

There are so many places that I can post this, but am choosing this discussion.

Crocheting and I have a hard time getting along, deciphering instructions. Love the charts! They help so much. And I never blocked anything that I have made so am finding this a new experience and liking it, although now am looking for blocking pins and rods, only have a few knitting needles that will do the job.

Do have sugg re blocking and perhaps this has been mentioned. I have counted 15 stitches on my 'blocking needles' for each motif. Was not aware of this on clue #1 and did not count. Will presume that all will be okay. If this has been mentioned previously in discussions, I missed it - far too many places to look. Did not find it included with the main instructions, and may be good to do for those of us who are 'newbies' and almost 'newbies' so that the motifs are blocked correctly.

Finally got the gauge thing figured out, crochet looser and go up in hook size! Am learning a lot. Thanks for this CAL, am really enjoying.

[Shandeh]

Do have sugg re blocking and perhaps this has been mentioned.

Here's our discussion about blocking. You'll find LOTS of great advice there.
viewtopic.php?f=191&t=1643

[Donutte]

Thanks, just checked and read all posts. However, did not see mentioned to be sure to have same number on each blocking needle. This I know should be apparent to all, but when one is a first timer, the obvious may not be so obvious.
And today I ran into something else that should be obvious and that is make sure when starting a round in a new spot that you are still on the right side. Found a motiff that had been crocheted on the wrong side when I joined the yarn on the fifth round Happened when putting project aside and picking up later. Am certainly learning a lot!
Thanks for all your help.

[dcrozier]

Thanks, just checked and read all posts. However, did not see mentioned to be sure to have same number on each blocking needle. This I know should be apparent to all, but when one is a first timer, the obvious may not be so obvious.
And today I ran into something else that should be obvious and that is make sure when starting a round in a new spot that you are still on the right side. Found a motiff that had been crocheted on the wrong side when I joined the yarn on the fifth round Happened when putting project aside and picking up later. Am certainly learning a lot!
Thanks for all your help.

I use a short piece of another color yarn and tie it to the RS of my work when I am doing rounds as a front/back reminder--it makes it much easier when I go to piece them together. I learned to do this after I got a motif in with the back showing.

[Type1Mom]

Thanks, just checked and read all posts. However, did not see mentioned to be sure to have same number on each blocking needle. This I know should be apparent to all, but when one is a first timer, the obvious may not be so obvious.
And today I ran into something else that should be obvious and that is make sure when starting a round in a new spot that you are still on the right side. Found a motiff that had been crocheted on the wrong side when I joined the yarn on the fifth round Happened when putting project aside and picking up later. Am certainly learning a lot!
Thanks for all your help.

I use a short piece of another color yarn and tie it to the RS of my work when I am doing rounds as a front/back reminder--it makes it much easier when I go to piece them together. I learned to do this after I got a motif in with the back showing.

I leave the tail from my beginning circle uncut until I am completely finished with piecing and all since my tail for it always ends up on the wrong side.