Crochet-Along Clue 5

[tricoteuse]

Hi,
I am new to this forum. This is my first CAL and my first afghan. I have been crocheting for about 8 years. I taught myself from videos on YouTube. Learning to crochet saved my life. I took up crochet when I quit smoking and have not had a cigarette in 8 years. I got a late start on this CAL but have finished clue 1 & 2. I have started on clue 3 and I'm hoping to catch up to everyone by the time we reach clue 6. Reading through all your posts has really help me along the way. I have been able to see problems and solutions before I get to the motifs. Thanks for all your help. And it is nice to be crocheting with all of you.

Hi! I just started the CAL last week, too. Maybe we can start the late bloomers club! I have done all of #1 and some of #2, and I'm trying to catch up too. Crocheting keeps me from eating (mindlessly) in the evening. Congrats on your 8 years smoke-free!

[karenarp]

Are people finding that you all need to use the same size hook as for the other octagons? I found that I've been having to use a larger hook for the octagons vs. the squares...

I think I am a real odd-ball because I have used the H hook for everything so far and they have all turned out to be almost right-on the templates. I really don't hold my yarn--just let it flow through the fingers of my left hand.

I just started holding my yarn this way, or not holding it I should say! My left hand has been sore for the last couple weeks so I couldn't hold it tight like I was used to. I am amazed at how I am finally hitting gauge with everything I am making these days! Absolutely everything! I have been crocheting like a maniac cuz I am so amazed! I have never been able to use the asked for hook in the pattern and get the end size it claims before this- I always had to go up several hook sizes. Who woulda thunk it would be my fault and my inability to let go of the yarn!

To anyone wondering, I made 3 of this motif from 1 ball of MC with just a tidge left over. I have perfect size. Fits my template beautifully. Loosen up how you hold your yarn. If you hold it in your left hand, loop it over your pinky then back over your ring finger and don't tighten! It will feel odd but it will make you happy so you won't have to do this mind-numbing clue over and over trying to get gauge. I swear my brain was going to melt from the sheer boredom. My husband, wise man he is, told me I could not go to bed tonight till I finished the sixth motif. He knows once I start complaining of boredom that there is a fair chance I will never finish it without a challenge. I also timed myself each one to see if I could get a bit faster every time! Oh the mindnumbedness was staggering! I think my fingers were getting numb from boredom too

Ok, enough time wasted, off to finish my last two rows of the sixth motif. Then I can add the signature

[ingrid]

I have had to go to a much smaller hook than I used on the other octagons. I don't mind, though. This motif is working up really quickly. Loving it!

[donnajea]

Hi,
I am new to this forum. This is my first CAL and my first afghan. I have been crocheting for about 8 years. I taught myself from videos on YouTube. Learning to crochet saved my life. I took up crochet when I quit smoking and have not had a cigarette in 8 years. I got a late start on this CAL but have finished clue 1 & 2. I have started on clue 3 and I'm hoping to catch up to everyone by the time we reach clue 6. Reading through all your posts has really help me along the way. I have been able to see problems and solutions before I get to the motifs. Thanks for all your help. And it is nice to be crocheting with all of you.

I am new here also, and like you crocheting is saving my life. I started back crocheting in January after quitting smoking,(I smoked my last one New Year's Eve). Congrats on 8 years!

[linda817]

Did I miss something or have we only done 1 small square with color B?

I was thinking the same thing! I had to reread all of the clues.

[karenarp]

Did I miss something or have we only done 1 small square with color B?

I was thinking the same thing! I had to reread all of the clues.

That was why I was requesting that they would include colour (code) used when posting official photos. Would help cut confusion and help with my laziness!

[Laina]

Are people finding that you all need to use the same size hook as for the other octagons? I found that I've been having to use a larger hook for the octagons vs. the squares...

I think I am a real odd-ball because I have used the H hook for everything so far and they have all turned out to be almost right-on the templates. I really don't hold my yarn--just let it flow through the fingers of my left hand.

Hi there, dcrozier.

I think the problem is with the thickness of the yarn and the lack thereof. For the colors that are thicker, I can use the H hook. But for the colors that are thinner, I have to use the next size up and crochet much looser.

So maybe your yarns are all the same thickness. Very nice!

Laina

[Laina]

Can we please get the spacing fixed in the first line of Round 5? I'm having a hard time keeping my place.

Teeyay, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I'm having a heck of a time reading them and staying on the right line even when they are spaced correctly. I've actually had to go and highlight every second line, and use alternating colours for each round. I'm so sad for me.

And I don't even wear glasses!!

I crochet dolies and the instructions can be very wordy (is that even a word?), so use a post-it note to keep track of which line I'm on - it works like a charm

I love this idea. I crochet doilies too. You know, they have those arrow post its that I think I'll try. Thanks for piping in.

Laina

[wenjay1671]

:ire: Gack - just spent 3 hours with the plumber tearing apart my bathroom and the walls to find the leak that must have been happening for months, with all the mildew that was in the wall. Which I'm sure was over $300 for that little visit. Now, my bathroom is torn apart. The floor might need to be replaced. The insurance adjustor is coming out this afternoon. I'm not done with Clue 4 from being in the hospital with my Mom all weekend while we sat until my Aunt passed Sunday morning. But, HEY, the LEAK is FIXED!

I also have a torn up bathroom from a leak under the floor, its aggravating for sure! I am sorry for your loss, as I lost my dad a couple of weeks ago. But I am hanging in there and trying to get caught up, as long as I'm done before Christmas, I will be happy!

[Mist8012]

Can we please get the spacing fixed in the first line of Round 5? I'm having a hard time keeping my place.

Teeyay, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I'm having a heck of a time reading them and staying on the right line even when they are spaced correctly. I've actually had to go and highlight every second line, and use alternating colours for each round. I'm so sad for me.

And I don't even wear glasses!!

I too struggle with following along with the written pattern. I don't have a printer so I write it out in my fancy dancy crochet notebook and I can follow that better. If I get stuck I keep my laptop open with the diagram.