Want more information on the Christmas CAL? Snag a sneak peek and plan ahead for future panels with these additional details.
Excited about my ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ CAL but need more information to get started? After sharing my first panel, I received quite a few questions and requests for additional information on the CAL.
First of all, let me say thank you; thank you for your enthusiasm and interest in the project and for the ideas and suggestions for additional information to help others jump in and enjoy the CAL.
Sneak Peak and Release Schedule:
I’ve had quite a few requests for a ‘sneak peek’ at the completed project. Unfortunately, I’m only a little ahead of the release schedule but have a full graph ‘preview’ below. The complete top panel is SO much prettier than the graph; so I’m excited to see this project come to life one panel at a time.
I’ve also had a few inquiries about the planned release of future panels. As of now, I’m planning to release a panel every Wednesday, and Saturday with full graph and written instructions.
I do work full time and have two smalls boys that need time and attention during the evenings so bear with me if my progress pictures get behind. I will make sure that all graphs and instructions are released on schedule!
Here is the current release schedule:
11/18 – [1] Top Panel
11/22 – [2] Bottom Panel
11/25 – [3] House #1
11/29 – [4] House #2
12/02 – [5] House #3
12/06 – [6] House #4
Colors and Quantity:
I received quite a few questions about the full list of colors and estimated yardage to prepare for each panel. Let me be honest; my typical method of planning for a project is to overestimate based on what I ‘think’ I will need; I personally believe extra yarn is a great excuse to start another project!
I researched several methods for calculating yardage and have included my completed estimates below. TIP: Check your yarn label to verify yards per skein based on brand/color selected. Use this number to help you estimate how many skeins to buy. Ex. Red Heart in Black is 364 yds per Skein, and the estimated yardage is 285 yards; so I would buy 1 Skein of Black.
NOTE: Yardage was estimated using a 5.5 MM Hook, and modified C2C stitch using (Ch2 and 3DC per square). I do tend to stitch tightly; if you crochet loosely, use a different hook or another C2C variation your yardage will vary.
Stitches and Color Changes:
I will be completing this project in C2C Stitch, and my written instructions will be written for C2C Stitch. Other styles of stitches could be used to complete this project if you want to print the graph and follow it or write your own word chart. For those who are new to C2C stitch, I have a photo tutorial HERE. There are also some excellent video tutorials on Youtube.
To help better manage color changes, minimize tangles and cut back on tails; I recommend the use of bobbins. I invested in a few packages of Dollar Tree plastic clips that I wind with yarn and clip onto the project when turning. I love making graph projects, but don’t think I would have the patience for these without Bobbins. They are a huge time and frustration saver. I follow a similar method to the Youtube video shared by CrochetVerse.
Thank you again for your support and enthusiasm; I hope this information will be helpful. Don’t forget to check back on Wednesday for the next panel post, and feel free to comment or message me with any additional questions you may have.
