Kaleigh wrote:Hi everybody!
We know a lot of people have finished their motifs, and that's great! Not everybody crochets at the same pace, however, and because this was a CAL geared at everybody from new crocheters to experienced, everybody works at a different pace. We've been mentioning since the beginning that there will be a catch-up week, and we know many members have been depending on using that to complete their motifs. Plus, everybody works differently - some people block as they go, while others wait until the end and have a blocking bonanza.
When planning the CAL we knew it was important to have a rest week so newer crocheters (and those with less time to crochet, or those who simply don't crochet as quickly as others) have a chance to get caught up before the seaming week.
If you're done your motifs, this week take time to block (we promise it's worth it!) and come up with your own ideas for motif arrangements, which you can share on the Blanket Possibilities post. Since a lot of members aren't considering blocking, I thought I'd explain why it's wise to block your motifs. The CAL motifs involve a lot of open, almost lacy, spaces, but they show up best when the fabric has blocked because it allows everything to lay uniformly flat, and many of the stitches to open up to their full potential. Check out the Ravelry discussion on the befores and afters of blocking to see how amazingly blocking can help a project.
I like how this CAL is geared to all crocheters; from 'newbies' to old pros. I figured this would be a catch up week so I didn't try very hard to get last weeks done and blocked.
As for the blocking. I, too, had never bothered blocking anything besides snowflakes. But the difference in blocking THESE motifs is amazing! Like mentioned, it opens up the flowers and stars, etc. Why not try blocking (for those of you that never do). It's a new skill just like the stitch patterns. Plus you may be very pleasantly surprised at the change in the designs.
Thanks again, Bernat, for this great CAL 2012 and the opportunity to hook together
As for layouts? I'm clueless there.
I'll probably not do much of that... especially since everytime I lay out my motifs to take a picture, my daughter's cat thinks they are for him to bat at. 
Clue 2: 1/4 Clue 3: 1/8 Clue 4: 1/4
You mean you finished every single one AND blocked them????
My mom is doing both of these blankets. So she has no week off in the knitting one! But, making another out of one color sounds like a great idea! 
CAL #3
