Venture Shawl Crochet Along (CAL)

Update: The CAL has now closed, but you can still make your very own Venture Shawl! Check out this blog post for more details about the pattern.

Are you ready for an adventure? I could not be more excited for my upcoming Venture Shawl pattern and CAL!

This pattern began when I got the 2019 Advent from Explorer Knits and Fibers. I loved the colors and knew I needed to make something special with them.

Grab the pattern on Etsy or Ravelry!

When I started to design the Venture Shawl, I promised myself I would take my time and enjoy the process. It was truly a joy to make and I am so excited to be sharing it with you. I even have yarn picked out to make another one during the CAL.

You’ll find this pattern is all about choosing your own adventure. I love that you get to be creative with your colors, while getting to sit back and relax at the same time.

Keep on reading to learn more about the pattern release and CAL!

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What is a Crochet Along (CAL)?

A crochet along, or CAL, is basically where a group of makers will crochet the same pattern together at the same time! This is the perfect place to make new friends, ask questions, and stay on track as we all work toward finishing the pattern together! For this CAL, we’ll all be making the Venture Shawl.

CAL Schedule

The pattern will be released on July 1st, 2020 which is also when the CAL will begin! We’ll be working on our Venture Shawls throughout the month of July. Each week there will be a goal of how far to get in the pattern, though you’re free to go at your own pace!

We’ll be following the order of the pattern and working through the amount of 3-4 mini skeins each week, so don’t fret about the number of rows each week because each section will take you about the same amount of time! Here’s how we’ll break it down for the whole CAL:

July 1st – 7th: Rows 1-79. Don’t forget to share a photo of your yarn before you get started!

July 8th – 14th: Rows 80-120

July 15th – 21st: Rows 121-149

July 22nd – 28th: Rows 150-172

July 29th – 31st: Weave in those ends, block your shawl, and share a photo of your finished shawl!

This is just a guide, so feel free to go at your own pace! And don’t forget to use the #VentureShawlCAL on Instagram to enter the giveaways – Winners will be announced on Fridays, beginning on July 10th!

What You’ll Need:

Chances are, you’ve already got most of what you need in your stash! Here’s everything you’ll need for this CAL:

• The Venture Shawl pattern – The pattern will be released on July 1st, the same day the CAL begins!
• A 4mm/G crochet hook – these hooks are my fav!
• 1,200 yards of fingering weight yarn – You can use yarn from your favorite indie dyer or try one of my favorite budget-friendly fingering weight yarns. I used 15 mini skeins, but you can also use 3 full size hanks, or mix and match from your stash! This pattern is all about choosing your own adventure, so have fun with this one!
• You’ll also need a tapestry needle and scissors

How to Join the CAL:

This part is suuuper easy! There’s two ways you can take part in the CAL:

1. Use the #VentureShawlCAL hashtag on Instagram. Make sure you follow the hashtag so you can see everyone else’s progress! Bonus points if your account is public, because then I can share your posts – yay!
2. Join the Facebook group! Keep in mind that you MUST have purchased the pattern to join the group. This is fun space where you’ll really get to be a part of the community and also where I can help answer your questions on the pattern and we can get into the specific details!

FAQ

I’ve gotten some questions about the CAL, so I wanted to answer them all here!

How much does it cost?

The Venture Shawl will be a paid pattern but the CAL is FREE! Please keep in mind that it still requires a ton of time and effort to put together and run a CAL, so I would love your support!

One easy way to support this CAL and help build up the community is to share it! Use the #VentureShawlCAL hashtag and tag me @woodsandwool to let your friends know about the CAL. This is also how you win prizes!!

Will there be prizes?

YES! We will have weekly prizes during the CAL. I don’t want to spoil the surprise… but you’re going to love them! Make sure you use the #VentureShawlCAL hashtag. Winners will be chosen each week from the makers who have used the hashtag to share their progress!

Is the Venture Shawl beginner-friendly?

This pattern is perfect for an advanced beginner or someone looking to try their first fingering weight yarn project! Keep in mind, that you’ll want some experience with basic crochet stitches and pattern reading. And don’t worry – you’ll also have the Facebook group to help you out!

Do I have to use mini skeins?

Nope! The Venture Shawl is all about choosing your own adventure. This pattern is created recipe-style, so it’s super easy to choose your own color combinations and make something all your own. It also includes tips if you’d like your colors to have a fade effect, or if you’d prefer a color blocked look. If you do want to use mini skeins, I also have an easy chart you can follow to make yours exactly like the pictured Venture Shawl.

Can I use another yarn weight?

YES! The Venture Shawl would work up beautifully in DK or worsted weight yarn. Just keep in mind, you may need to adjust your hook size and the amount of yarn you’ll need if you use a different weight.

Get ready for an adventure!

I cannot wait for this CAL to begin on July 1st! If you’re ready for the adventure, start sharing on Instagram using the #VentureShawlCAL hashtag.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know – Drop your questions in the comments below!