5 Reasons to Join a CAL

Greetings Friends and Welcome!  I hope this Halloween finds all of you enjoying more treats than tricks!  Mother Nature is doing her best to keep us on our toes.  We were fortunate here in north central Massachusetts to be spared from the brutality of hurricane Sandy.  It was wet and windy, but nothing like our neighbors to the south had to endure.  Our wishes and prayers for all of you who were affected for a quick and safe recovery.

Do any of you journal?  I've kept a journal of some sort since I was a teenager.  Over the years I've used all kinds: spiral notebooks, composition books (a fave), special books with fancy covers and decorated paper, day planners and even locking diaries.  The content has changed as often as the books.  It's been poetry and short stories, ramblings of the unrequited love every young girl feels, a record of my pregnancy, and often just a catch all for how my day has been. 

Recently my journals are including more crafting and art leading me towards mixed media journaling. I've never been able to get into scrap booking, but the idea of including tactile bits and pieces of my day along with words and drawings (or doodling!) is really appealing.  My new interest is reflected in my reading materials this week. Raw Art Journaling, The Journal Junkies Workshop, Artist's Journal Workshop and the Sketchbook Challenge all have something to offer. Lessons on technique and suggestions for entries are the most helpful as I find new ways to express the creative spirit inside me.

I'm also using my journal to plan and record the progress of my projects.  It's really different from the things I write here or the information on a Rav project page.  It's less formal and gives me the opportunity to be messy and make mistakes!  It can also be very solitary and private.  Quite the opposite of what you'll find should you decide to join a CAL!

5 Reasons to Join a CAL (or the a-long of your choice!)

Crochet-a-long, knit-a-long, quilt-a-long, read-a-long, craft-a-long: what ever kind of a-long it is, there are plenty of reasons to considering joining.
Here are my top 5:

1. You get the benefit of the expertise of the person running the group - often the pattern designer or an experienced crafter with lots of hands on knowledge.
2. You meet new people who you already have something in common with!  This means new blogs to read, new inspiration, and new friends.
   
3. As a group you solve pattern problems and clarify instructions when someone asks, "What does it mean when the pattern says..."
4. You can find and share modifications that help ensure the project fits your own style or makes accommodations for sizing or materials.
5. It's like having your very own cheer leading squad! There is a great sense of being part of a team and you get lots of encouragement.
   

There are other reasons too.  They are great for blogging about.  Sometimes there are prizes. If you loose your motivation you can always count on the group to get you going again.  Timelines (if there are any) help keep you focused.  Did I mention all the friends you'll make? If you don't have a crochet or knitting club in your area, joining an a-long is like being a member of a virtual club.

Currently I'm participating in two CALs.  Both are being hosted by talented, creative women who I've come to know through their blogs.  Denise from Voie de Vie has recently published her first ebook of patterns titled Accessories: Autumne 2012.  I was lucky enough to win a copy, so of course when Denise announced a JAL (join-a-long) I had to jump right in!  Her Ravelry group is here, and you'll find all the information to get a copy of her book or to join us making one of the lovely projects she's designed.  I'm making the Slouching Towards Tassels hat in a rich red wool (that's it in the picture with my journal and books).

Marie from Underground Crafter is not only a great writer (she is the queen of interviews and (craft) book reviews), she is also an experienced teacher.  Her talents shine in The Ripple Mania CAL which actually feels more like a (free!) class than a CAL.  Each week Marie is providing us with a detailed lesson. What's great is how much information there is, and how easy it is to use.  So far we've learned about choosing colors and the basics of the ripple.  The flexibility of this CAL is fantastic, because we get to pick what we want to make and what  technique we want to use.  If your interested in this crochet technique you definitely should come over and take a look.  You'll find everything right here at her Ravelry group.

When I decided to join Marie's CAL I didn't know what I was going to make, I only knew that I wanted to use the yarn that I had leftover from the Granny Square Project.  Searching patterns on Ravelry I found this -

Inspiration for my Ripple Mania Project - The Groovyghan!

Source: ravelry.com via RobinBrz on Pinterest

Source: ravelry.com via RobinBrz on Pinterest

Is this totally awesome? I think that this might be the perfect use for all of those squares that I made while I was learning about granny, don't you?  I've been struggling to come up with something to do with them, and the Groovyghan seems to be ideal!  I haven't got it all figured out yet, but I'm on my way!

Wednesday is a busy day and there's always lots to see.  I'm joining these lovely ladies and all the other talented crafters who share their projects.  Stop by for a dose of inspiration, you won't be disappointed!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

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Today's post is the final for Blogtoberfest 2012. Wow!!
It's not too late to visit other participating bloggers.  Click the graphic and see what you've been missing!
Also, keep watch for my summary of the event - coming soon!!

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And just because...

This picture was taken by our 16 year old son Seth.  Why am I including it?  Because he loves photography, this is the first picture that he's ever had published, and most importantly because I'm a proud momma!  Yes, it's only our local paper, but everyone has to start somewhere!!

No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.
Ansel Adams