Get festive with our Holly Jolly Pocket Shawl CAL!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Supplies
3. Sizing
4. Crocheting the Shawl
5. Creating the Pockets
6. Making Tassels
7. Finishing the Project
8. Customizing the Shawl
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

• Welcome to the 2020 Holiday Crochet Along!
• Overview of the project
• Importance of following along each week

Supplies

• List of supplies needed for the project
• Explanation of each supply and its purpose
• Suggested alternatives and substitutions

Sizing

• Customization options for the shawl
• Tips for determining the desired dimensions
• Jennifer's dimensions for reference

Crocheting the Shawl

• Step-by-step instructions for crocheting the shawl
• Detailed explanations of each stitch and technique
• Helpful tips and tricks for beginners

Creating the Pockets

• Instructions for creating the pockets on the shawl
• Tips for achieving even and symmetrical pockets
• Proper seaming techniques for securing the pockets

Making Tassels

• Step-by-step guide to making tassels for the shawl
• Alternative options for embellishments
• Creative ideas for personalizing the tassels

Finishing the Project

• Detailed instructions for completing the finishing touches
• Techniques for blocking and shaping the shawl
• Tips for ensuring a professional and polished look

Customizing the Shawl

• Additional tips and tricks for customizing the shawl
• Suggestions for adding beads, buttons, or other embellishments
• Ideas for creating different variations of the shawl

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Answers to common questions about the project
• Troubleshooting tips for common issues
• Additional resources and support for participants

Now, let's delve into the article:

2020 Holiday Crochet Along: Holly Jolly Pocket Shawl

Are you ready to enjoy the holiday season with a festive crochet project? Look no further! In this 2020 Holiday Crochet Along, we will be making a gorgeous Holly Jolly Pocket Shawl. This easy project is perfect for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. I'll guide you through each step, ensuring that you create a beautiful shawl that you can wear throughout the holidays and even into Valentine's Day. So, let's get started!

Introduction

Welcome to the 2020 Holiday Crochet Along! I'm Jennifer from FibreFlux, and I'm thrilled to have you join me on this crochet adventure. Throughout this crochet along, we will be creating a stunning Holly Jolly Pocket Shawl together. This versatile shawl is not only a fashionable accessory but also a heartfelt handmade gift that you can give to your loved ones.

Supplies

Before we dive into the project, let's gather all the necessary supplies. You will need the following:

1. Scissors: A reliable pair of scissors is essential for trimming yarn and cutting threads.
2. Tapestry Needle: This needle will be used for weaving in ends and seaming the pockets.
3. Ruler or Tape Measure: Having a ruler or tape measure handy will help you customize the length of your shawl.
4. Stitch Marker: Although not necessary, using a removable stitch marker will make it easier to keep track of your stitches.
5. J Crochet Hook (6mm): We will be using a J crochet hook for this project. If you don't have this exact size, you can try using a comparable hook.
6. Yarn: For the shawl, we recommend using Lion Brand's Pound of Love yarn in the color Antique White (Medium-4 weight). You will need approximately one ball of this yarn. For the tassels, you can use Lion Brand's Vanna's Choice yarn in the color Brick (Medium-4 weight). One ball should be sufficient for the tassels. However, feel free to use scrap yarn if you prefer.

Please note that substitutions are possible for both the yarn and hook. Check the FibreFlux blog for a list of recommended substitutions.

Sizing

While the pattern allows for customization, I will provide you with the dimensions of the finished shawl as a reference. The finished shawl, including the pockets, measures approximately 62 inches in length and 14 inches in width. Each tassel is around four inches long. However, you can adjust the width, length, and depth of the pockets to suit your preferences.

Crocheting the Shawl

In week two, we will dive into crocheting the shawl itself. This shawl is created using the corner-to-corner crochet technique, resulting in a rectangular shape. I will guide you through each stitch, ensuring that you understand the process and achieve beautiful results. Whether you are new to this technique or already familiar with it, you will find this part of the project enjoyable and rewarding.

Creating the Pockets

For week three, we will focus on creating the pockets for our Holly Jolly Pocket Shawl. We will construct long rectangles and flip up the bottom on each side to create the pockets. I will teach you the best method for seaming the pockets and provide tips for achieving clean and professional-looking edges. Additionally, you will learn how to make easy tassels using your hands and a sharp pair of scissors. Don't worry; no fancy tools are required!

Making Tassels

Tassels add a playful and festive touch to the shawl. In this section, I will show you how to make tassels for your Holly Jolly Pocket Shawl. You can choose to match the tassel color with the shawl or opt for a contrasting shade to create a unique look. I'll provide step-by-step instructions and offer alternative ideas for embellishing the shawl if tassels aren't your cup of tea.

Finishing the Project

In week four, we will wrap up the project by focusing on the finishing touches. I'll provide detailed instructions on blocking and shaping the shawl to ensure a polished and professional appearance. This step is crucial for achieving the desired drape and ensuring that your shawl looks its best. I'll also provide a roundup of all the instructions and videos for easy reference in case you decide to make another shawl or revisit the project in the future.

Customizing the Shawl

Although the pattern provides a general guideline, part eight will give you additional tips and tricks for customizing your Holly Jolly Pocket Shawl. I'll explore different ways to personalize your shawl, such as adding beads, buttons, or other embellishments. Get creative and make your shawl truly unique!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use different yarn weights for the shawl and tassels? A: While it's best to use a medium-4 weight yarn for the shawl, you can experiment with different yarn weights for the tassels. Be mindful that using a heavier or lighter yarn may affect the overall look and feel of the tassels.

Q: Can I use scrap yarn for the tassels? A: Absolutely! The tassels are a great opportunity to use up any scrap yarn you have lying around. Feel free to mix and match colors to create vibrant tassels that complement your shawl.

Q: Can I make the shawl larger or smaller? A: Yes, you can customize the size of your shawl by adjusting the number of stitches at the beginning or modifying the number of rows. Experiment with different dimensions to create a shawl that suits your preferences.

Q: How long does it take to complete the project? A: The time needed to finish the project depends on your skill level and the amount of time you dedicate to crocheting. It's designed to be a four-week crochet along, allowing you to work at a comfortable pace. However, you can work at your own speed and take breaks as needed.

Q: Can I join the crochet along at any time? A: Absolutely! While participating from the beginning provides a structured learning experience, you can join the crochet along at any point. Simply follow the instructions and catch up with the weekly tasks at your own pace.

Highlights:

• Join the 2020 Holiday Crochet Along and create a beautiful Holly Jolly Pocket Shawl.
• Enjoy an easy and beginner-friendly project that is perfect for the holiday season.
• Get step-by-step instructions and guidance from FibreFlux's Jennifer throughout the crochet along.
• Customize your shawl's dimensions, pockets, and tassels to make it truly unique.
• Connect with other makers and share your progress in the Ravelry and Facebook groups using the hashtag #FibreFluxCAL.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use different yarn weights for the shawl and tassels? A: While it's best to use a medium-4 weight yarn for the shawl, you can experiment with different yarn weights for the tassels. Be mindful that using a heavier or lighter yarn may affect the overall look and feel of the tassels.

Q: Can I use scrap yarn for the tassels? A: Absolutely! The tassels are a great opportunity to use up any scrap yarn you have lying around. Feel free to mix and match colors to create vibrant tassels that complement your shawl.

Q: Can I make the shawl larger or smaller? A: Yes, you can customize the size of your shawl by adjusting the number of stitches at the beginning or modifying the number of rows. Experiment with different dimensions to create a shawl that suits your preferences.

Q: How long does it take to complete the project? A: The time needed to finish the project depends on your skill level and the amount of time you dedicate to crocheting. It's designed to be a four-week crochet along, allowing you to work at a comfortable pace. However, you can work at your own speed and take breaks as needed.

Q: Can I join the crochet along at any time? A: Absolutely! While participating from the beginning provides a structured learning experience, you can join the crochet along at any point. Simply follow the instructions and catch up with the weekly tasks at your own pace.