Crochet-Along Week 7

[dalimami]

Yeahhhh now I can finish clue 6. Out of all the Octogons I like this one the best.

[AlleyTalley]

Exceedingly disappointing. I don't do blocking. Bang, boom, end of story. Never have, never have needed to.

same here, stitchychic. Well, i do block for certain things, like clothes, especially if they're curling, but these I haven't.

anyone ever blocked a large one-piece blanket? I'm going to HAVE to block the orange mandala blanket i'm working on in order to get it to lie properly. but it's big (about 5' diameter), i have to use steam, and I dont' have a non-wooden surface anywhere handy I can do that one...can't use carpeted floors, can't use hardwood floors, can't use wooden kitchen table. suggestions? weather's not nice enough to do it outside on the deck..and that's wood too! when i was a teenager I once put a towel down on my mom's good antique mahogany dining room table and did my ironing on that cuz I was too lazy to get out the ironing board.....boy did i catch hell for THAT, and for good reason. I put a permanent white spot on the table which is still there (it's my table now).

jaz

Shandeh posted her star afghan that she blocked after it was finished but I don't remember what thread it was--really unique method of blocking.

That was posted over in the "What are YOU working on to pass the time?" forum. It was an interesting way to block and worked well too.

[AlleyTalley]

I have a question which I hope is not as stupid as I think in my own head. I understand why you think it is important to block, so that it stays in it's shape. My question is what happens in the future if you need to wash the blanket? Do you have to reblock or is it once you block it is done? I have never blocked and don't know if I want to take the time to do it nor do I have the equipment to do it. I don't even know what equipment I would need.

Hi SuperSue, once you block this piece you will not have to block it again after washing. It stays the way you blocked it.

[heyheycrochet]

I am so amazed at many of the negative comments.

For many here, they need the catch-up time. I think it's very reasonable, and I'm happy to give them a week to do that.

I have so much I can do to fill in the week like work on gifts I'm making for friends or family. I also looked through all my motifs and a couple from clue 3 are a tad bigger than their sisters, so I'm going to do some frogging this week.

I wasn't going to block either, but since we have a break, I think I'll give it a go. I think I'll be happy if I do.

I also love doing puzzles, so it will be fun to move the motifs around on the carpet. I think I'll vacuum first.


I love this mystery Cal and will want to do the next one.
I so appreciate the Bernat ladies and designers for their time and effort for putting this all together for us. Thank you!
I have loved meeting fellow crocheters and being able to chat via the forum.
I love all the photos.
I love the other forums like what are you working on, recipes, other Cal's, etc.
I love learning new tips, techniques.
I love the waverly yarn colors.

I have blocked before, but they were doilies. Look forward to learning how to block other things. For blocking doilies, I use the bottom of the bed in the guest bedroom. I pull up the sheets and covers from the bottom to only the part of the bed I'm using.

I lay a towel down and block on top of that to protect the mattress. I use rustproof pins.

Have fun this week everyone.

Laina

Well said and I completely agree!

[heyheycrochet]

So happy for the catch up week! I have been distracted by learning to knit . Still have 1 block to finish...

Ohhh, and so excited to try the full layout! I'll be back to share

Happy week everyone

How did casting off go for your dishcloth?

[Jonee]

I am also through with my clues but I know there are a lot of newbies here and some of these pieces were a little difficult for newer crocheters. Yes, I would like to get this project finished, edged and on to the next project but I totally understand Bernats thinking and commend them for this extra consideration they are giving those that might now be done. Maybe, just maybe we should stop and say thank you to Bernat for this experience we have all had here rather than jump down their throats.
Now of course this is just my option and I'm sure not everyone else's

As for the person that was asking about blocking blankets. Here is how I have done it in the past.
I have blocked several wool blankets and rugs I have woven in the past. Had hubby build me a wooden frame the size the object is suppose to be then soak til wet through-out, wring it out then stretch it our to frame size attaching it to all four sides with brass nails. Takes a while to dry if it is wool but comes out the size it's suppose to be.
I do not block acrylics

[fuffy]

Are you kidding me? A week wasted for those of us who are ready to continue. I have to echo those who said that they are disappointed.

[karenaz4]

Laina,
I agree with your comment. I really appreciate Bernat for this Crochet A Long, too. I am glad we have this week to "catch up". I only have 2 of Clue 6 completed and I have not blocked anything yet because I was expecting a free week. I love the mystery part of this CAL and I hope Bernat will do another in this format. I still have to learn how to post pictures so maybe I can do that this week, too.

[ging10ging]

I was looking forward to new pattern but since I haven't been able to crochet much with my hand I'm behind of course. I do like the idea of learning how to block even tho I've done it in the past but it's always good to see if there is something new and I was surprised when they used the steamer that I have one sitting in the garage doing nothing. I bought it do try and clean the grout between the tile on the floor doesn't do much. My husband will be thrilled I have found another use for it. Sorry I'm one of the ones behind but I'm just going to start it tonight. It's been a busy yr so far and not much time to do crochet or anything but I'm ready to start again but have to remember not to crochet for to many hrs at once. Thanks and enjoy the little break I guess then you all will be enjoying the new square. Sue

[lovinhome]

I'm doing this CAL with my grandmother, each week I download the clues and do my motifs, then every two weeks snail mail her the clues so she can do her squares. It's a great way for both of us to keep in touch and excited over a common goal! I think it'll be awesome to visit her this summer when we can show off our blankets in person. For both of us, this is a first "AL", and I've been doing some surfing looking into quilt alongs and sew alongs as well. Who knew that being on a yarn mailing list would open so many doors of opportunity?