Alchemy Cardigan CAL by Make and Do Crew- week 1

First week of Alchemy Cardigan CAL by Make and Do Crew is done! Like I mentioned in the previous blog post, this is my first CAL I ever participated. It is little different than just working on a regular pattern because everyone works on it around the same time, and each piece is released every week. (or day in other CAL if it’s a small project) It’s so nice that you get to see everyone’s work! Others may have chosen different yarn than original called out yarn so it’s very interesting to see what others chose.

So I began working on it Monday, starting off with making gauge swatch. I crochet tighter than majority of people so my gauge became 16 stitches = 4” (smaller gauge) instead of 14”. I had 8mm hook so I tried with that, but then the swatch became too big now. I had to go get a new size hook but the store already closed so I had to go get it the next day. I placed an order that night so that I can just pick it up from the store and not worry about out of stock.

Next day. Tuesday. I picked up my hook from the store, went home, and started making my swatch! Now with the new hook, my gauge was perfect! I was pretty relieved that I didn’t have to wait another day again and buy one size smaller hook!

I wear size small, and I guess I’m lucky in a way because I don’t have to crochet as much as other big sizes which means less money to spend on yarn and less time to make it. Maybe 1 or 2 hours difference for the time, but less time to make would be definitely nice so that I can work on other things!

Stitches used in this pattern is very simple. It doesn’t require you to learn complicated stitches so I believe anyone, even for those who never made a garment, can make this cardigan! Even if you are stuck with the process, there’s a Lovecrochet Facebook group where you can ask questions about the pattern.

I really love how light the yarn is as well as the look of it. Because of my gauge, my stitches became more “spacious” and airy than the ones Jess made, but I still love it!

Having stitch markers for this project would be a plus. Because the pattern calls out for repeats, I used my stitch markers to count how many I have to do the repeats.

I put my markers for appropriate number of repeats, and I removed one by one when I finished 1 repeat. As you can see on the photo above, I have 3 markers on the project, so that means I had 3 more repeats left. After the repeats were finished, it didn’t take me that long to finish the rest of it.

Ta-da! My back piece is complete! The right under arm part looks little off, but I didn’t mess up the number of stitches or anything so hopefully it’s gonna be ok when I seam all together.

Next Monday will be part 2 and going to be working on front panels! I can’t wait to get started!

Alchemy Cardigan is designed by Jess from Make and Do Crew. All of the contents regarding Alchemy Cardigan is owned by Jess. Please go to her website makeanddocrew.com for free pattern Andy other information.