2016 VVCAL Reboot, My Blanket Stack
Published on May 10, 2023

A VVCAL Look-Back: Vibrant Vintage CAL Through the Years

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Hello, lovely crafter! With the 2016 VVCAL Reboot kicking off on May 19th, I thought it would be nice to take a look at the previous VVCALs through the years, and see the wide variety of blankets that can be made from the patterns.

I start with an introduction to the CAL so if you’re new to it, you can get a good sense of what it’s all about. I hope you enjoy this long and photo-driven post! I really brought out all of the good pics to show you the possibilities.

Quick Links

The VVCAL Mega Pack

The first three VVCALs are made with squares that all have the same final stitch count. So I decided to make a huge value pack with all of the 2016, 2018, and 2020 designs included! You can find the Mega Pack on Etsy.

Included in the Mega Pack are:

  • Over 100 squares to mix and match!
  • 9 Joining methods – Celtic Lace Join, Original, Junior, Mini, and Mini II / Whip st join / SC JAYG and Continuous JAYG with PLT Join / Granny Stitch JAYG and Continuous JAYG
  • 3 Lace Borders

Here is a breakdown of the 5 PDFs you receive with your Etsy purchase:

  • 2016 VVCAL Blanket pattern + Join and Lace Border
  • 2018 VVCAL Blanket pattern + Join and Lace Border (includes whip st join)
  • 2020 VVCAL Blanket pattern + Join and Lace Border
  • Celtic Lace Joins (Original, Junior, Mini, and Mini II)
  • SC JAYG and Continuous JAYG with PLT Join / Granny Stitch JAYG and Continuous JAYG

Of course, everything in the Mega Pack is available free here on this website, but having it all in one place in printable ad-free PDFs is a beautiful thing. It’s a fabulous value and a great way to support the totally free VVCAL while also getting something in return. Of course, you can just support the CAL by being here on the blog, hanging out on my social pages, sharing my projects, and so on! Scroll to the end of the page for a list of ways to support my work.

This post has affiliate links to yarn shops so that you know where you can find the yarn that I used in the projects. You can click those shops, or you can also find a Scheepjes retailer near you!

So, What is the VVCAL?

The VVCAL is a crochet-along that I design and host every other year, on the even-numbered years. I started it in 2016, not really knowing how much it would blow up, but when it got super popular, I decided to create another one in 2018. From there, it became my largest community project, and hosting one every other year just seemed like a great fit. It lets people finish the blanket and kind of forget about the VVCAL in between, and then when it pops up again, everyone can get excited and join me!

The VVCAL is a slow paced 20-week CAL, during which I release new square patterns every week and we make them together. Then for the last three weeks, we join the squares together and add the lovely lace border.

Every VVCAL, I try to come up with new ways to join the squares, and I offer more than one joining option. The best part is that the whole CAL is free! You don’t have to “sign up” per se, just follow along and share your work on social media with the hashtag #VVCAL. I host it here on the CypressTextiles website, but we even have our own official VVCAL Facebook Group where you can go and show off your progress pics and get support.

For the CAL, I provide videos, charts, written instructions and step-by-step photos for as much of the process as I can. I really try to make it so that anyone can participate in the CAL, regardless of their skill level or abilities.

My design style has developed and morphed since 2012 when I started designing, but the simple VVCAL squares bring me such joy every time I start designing for the CAL. There is a theme for each VVCAL as well, which just adds to the fun!

Let’s take a look at the VVCAL through the years.

2016 VVCAL

The first VVCAL was just called the “Vibrant Vintage Blanket CAL” As the CAL gained popularity, I created the acronym VVCAL for something a little bit catchier and easier to remember. I could not even fathom when I was creating these squares that it would turn into something so big and fun!

Quick Links

  • 2016 VVCAL PDF (Etsy) – The entire VVCAL 33-squares collection, condensed and ad-free, along with my preferred joining method and the beautiful wide lace VVCAL border that you can add to any blanket. Includes charts and written instruction for the squares.
  • 2016 VVCAL Main Info Page
  • 2016 VVCAL Ravelry page – Add your project and see everyone else’s!

I made three versions of this project – a stash DK weight version, a Colour Crafter version, and a Scrumptious Version.

Stash DK Weight Version

These first squares were made from my yarn stash, as I hadn’t given any thought to sharing specific yarn details, since this was just a personal WIP at first. This yarn is a mix of different DK weight acrylic from garage sales and donations. The color combination still has my heart though if I’m honest.

When I was buying sweaters from thrift shops and winding all the yarn into cakes, I would use that yarn to join my blanket squares. You can see those noodly little cakes in the photo below!

The Vibrant Vintage blanket is based on this piece, from my Patchwork collection (links go to my old portfolio site). When I was posting progress photos of that blanket on social media, I was asked numerous times if I would post patterns, or even put a CAL together. So I did!

Some of the square patterns didn’t actually make it into the final design. Maybe I will go back and use them one day!

I used a round of (US) double crochet stitches to add a bit of width and visual interest to the squares. Don’t you love how the random striped granny squares add a huge coze factor.

The 2016 VVCAL was one of the first projects that I use a continuous joining method for. Aren’t the squares so pretty lined up and ready to join? Here is the tutorial for the join I used in this photo: Single Crochet with PLT Join. Both join as you go, and continuous join as you go are included at that link, but the continuous version is shown here below.

Now for the stunner of a border. This border is the most popular of all of the VVCALs and folks have used it on other blanket projects many times. It is written to fit any blanket, so it’s easy to add onto any suitable piece.

For the close-up – I will probably never top this one lol

Colour Crafter Version

While the CAL was running, in order to create the photos and charts, I had to remake the squares, so I chose to use my Colour Crafter stash to do that. The squares came out so neat and tidy!

I wanted to show you my favorite square of the entire VVCAL, the Crystal Square. It is so pretty and fun to make. Just a perfect little tropical square. The theme of this VVCAL was names of important people in my life. It was so personal because I really didn’t know how popular it would be!

This project was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the brights, and making the striped squares to fit in with the others was just perfection.

Shop Colour Crafter Yarn

Before we extended our roof to cover the patio area, I could still take amazing sunlight photos like this one. Today, it may be cooler in the house, but I miss these great pics!

Here are some more of the motifs in the pattern. I used up some up-cycled yarn again, this time to edge the squares with double crochet.

For these squares, I used the same SC with PLT join that I used before.

Because I have to design these squares to be mix and match, with the same final stitch count and the same size, I make about 3-4 demo squares until I get the pattern just right. Well, I don’t get rid of those squares! I just use them up to make a bunch of blankets to sell or give away.

This little baby blanket in the making was actually added in to the blanket above. I just joined more squares around it when I got a custom order for twin blankets. Precious!

Different Joining Methods

I created the Celtic Lace Junior and Celtic Lace Mini for this CAL as well. The original Celtic Lace Join is one of my best sellers, so I wanted to make a version that is better suited to smaller squares.

This version is the ultimate in cozy – especially with the Treble Scallop Edging. I just love using a bold bright color for the join.

Check it out in this coral color. This is the Celtic Lace Mini join. All the heart eyes!

Scrumptious Version

This version got a ton of attention on social media because of the interesting color palette! I can’t remember exactly what yarn I used because this was a commission for a blanket with greens made from the VVCAL patterns, but the close match for this one color-wise is Scrumptious.

To use Scrumptious for this version, I recommend taking a look at these shades of green on the Scheepjes website and choosing three of them. My favorites are No. 344, 318, and 337. Pair with No. 302, Buttercream Icing, to join and border.

Shop Scrumptious Yarn

Joining Method

I used my Row by Row Join as you go for this blanket. It is a fun join that allows you to attach one row at a time.

For the simple and pretty border, I worked the entire border at once, which I love to do if I am very bored with a project but I need to finish it. Since this was a custom order, I had to get it finished by the deadline!

And here is the lovely finish!

Definitely one of my favorite makes of all time.

That border corner just makes it!

2016 VVCAL Reboot

That’s all I have to show you for the 2016 VVCAL – I can’t wait to show you the reboot! Here’s a sneak peek. Note: The 2016 VVCAL Reboot is shorter – only 10 weeks – just so that it doesn’t drag on through your year. Short and sweet!

You can see the main reboot page with all of the details, but just look at the 4 yarns I am using for the demo blankets. They are all slightly different thicknesses so I am using a different hook size for each one, and the squares are all smallest to largest. I love how you can change the size slightly with whichever yarn you choose.

For the reboot, I am making sure that the squares will work with the 10g Colour Packs, but of course you can use any yarn that you like. Just pick about 8-10 colors or more and run with it! Join me starting May 19th!

2018 VVCAL

I created this VVCAL because of the success of the first one. For this CAL, the theme was based on trees, and I had everyone in the VVCAL Facebook group give me their favorite tree type! I used the submissions for the project and even shared a little about each tree on the posts. It was so calming and serene, and everyone really enjoyed that aspect.

Quick Links

  • 2018 VVCAL PDF (Etsy) – The entire VVCAL 35-squares collection, condensed and ad-free, along with my preferred joining method and the beautiful wide lace VVCAL border that you can add to any blanket. Includes charts and written instruction for the squares.
  • 2018 VVCAL Main Info Page
  • Ravelry Page – Favorite the squares, add it to your Ravelry queue, leave a comment, see others’ projects, and more!
  • YouTube playlist of all the 2018 VVCAL squares
  • Shop this yarn! Scheepjes Softfun – available at WoolWarehouse (affiliate)

Scheepjes Softfun Version

I made only one version of this project – With Scheepjes Softfun, Softfun Denim, and Softfun Aquarel. The mix of these three yarns gives such a soft and weathered look. I felt like the natural tones were perfect for the tree theme.

Here are all of the squares in the pattern, all together.

Softfun is easily one of my favorite yarns. It is so squishy and the perfect yarn weight.

Shop Softfun Yarn

Shop Softfun Denim Yarn

Shop Softfun Aquarel Yarn

Look how the Softfun Aquarel shows on a simple granny square. What a delight! And this color palette is really speaking to me as well.

Some of the squares are shown here. Every week, I would release two new square patterns, and we make the plain granny square weekly as well.

Is it just me, or do I have a messy motifs photo for every single one of my WIPs? I feel like you have to get a few pics of the behind the scenes nitty gritty to show that you’re a true artist – or something lol

For this join, I used whip stitch. It’s just an easy option and great for when you don’t have a whole lot of the joining color.

So pretty and soft!

And here is the border. My goal was to create a “ruffled” look without actually having ruffles. That’s why the last few rounds look this way.

Squeeeeeee – I want to use this border on a blanket soon! This memory lane trip is filling my must-make list!

Grouping Similar Motifs

Something else that I did during the CAL was to take certain motifs that have a common element and show them together so that you can use just those motifs for a blanket if you wanted.

Florals

Petals

Popcorns

Pretty?

These don’t have a common element, but I just thought they looked pretty together!

And that’s it for the 2018 VVCAL. I can’t believe I only made one version of this blanket! Of course, as I said before, I make a few demos of each square until I am satisfied with it, so I really ended up making about 3-4 blankets worth of squares. But all in Softfun! This was because I hadn’t worked with the Colour Packs yet.

2020 VVCAL

While I was showing sneak peeks of the design progress of my 2020 VVCAL, someone asked me if you would be able to use the Catona 10g Colour Pack for the squares, and I absolutely flipped! I ordered one right away and got to work making sure all of my 2020 squares could be made with 10g of Catona.

When I tell you there were absolute piles of squares for this project.

Quick Links

  • 2020 VVCAL PDF (Etsy) – The entire VVCAL 35-squares collection, condensed and ad-free, along with my preferred joining method and the beautiful wide lace VVCAL border that you can add to any blanket. Includes charts and written instruction for the squares.
  • 2020 VVCAL Main Info Page
  • 2020 VVCAL Ravelry page – Add your project and see everyone else’s!

Stone Washed and River Washed 10g Colour Pack Version

Of course, I had to try and use the Stone Washed and River Washed 10g Colour Packs too! I ordered two of them and started playing with the designs.

This yarn will really make you feel like an artist. You get the complete painting vibe when you use it.

Stone Washed and Wiver Washed 10g Colour Pack Yarn

You can use the 50g balls to join and border your blanket. Here are the links to the Stone and River Washed:

Stone Washed 50g Balls

River Washed 50g Balls

Just look how the sun shines in on these motifs! I love a cozy curly motif. They all settle down once you join them up, and blocking is totally optional.

As usual, I could not resist a rainbow color-fade. Now that I think of it, I need to make a post just highlighting all of the times I have used a rainbow color-fade in my blankets.. Hmmmm – Let’s not get distracted! Stay on task! lol

What an absolute stunner, right? For this piece, I ended up cutting the rainbow between the yellow-greens and the blue-greens.

You can see it more in this photo how I cut the rainbow in a different spot instead of starting with the reds and finishing with purple/violet.

Someone purchased this blanket, so I did end up blocking it, and it really made everything straighten up. I can’t say it enough how much I love this yarn!

Catona Fresh Earth Color Palette Version

For this version, I picked some shades of full-ball Catona 50g and chose a nice light teal to join them.

These colors have my heart, and Catona shows the stitches beautifully. The theme for this VVCAL was cities around the world, and I just thought this spiced color palette went so well with that theme.

Shop Catona Yarn 50g Balls

Joining Method

I used the continuous granny stitch join as you go for this blanket. The look of the join really complements the palette.

The lovely simplicity of this blanket is what makes it so precious. I love the many different looks you can get from these patterns. Take away the double crochet border for the squares, and add a simple join and border, and you have a whole new youthful feel.

Catona “Shy Violet” Color Palette Version

This is another few colors of Catona paired this time with a nice tan shade. My favorite part about this palette is the bright yellow and how it draws out the warmth of the peachy corals.

Look how pretty the squares turn out together for this one.

Obligatory messy motif shot here! These motifs are the best!

Ans here they are straightened up. I can definitely look at this photo and pick out a few faves. Once again the striped granny square is really making me happy.

Joining Method

The join I used here is the Celtic Lace Mini II join. It is just sweet enough to stand up to the cute color palette!

Catona 10g Colour Pack Version

Although it may seem like a huge undertaking to make over a hundred motifs with these little 10g balls, it actually goes very quickly. If you feel like it is dragging along, you can just start making the plain granny squares and churning those out is sure to get you back on track.

Putting all of the reds and pinks together made my heart pitter patter!

Catona 10g Colour Pack Yarn

You can use the 50g balls to join and border your blanket. Here are the links to them:

Catona 50g Balls

This pile of squares is just from the Catona 10g balls, never mind all of the other versions of the blanket that I made! Hundreds. Of. Motifs.

Check out the layout of the blanket for this version! This one was a huge hit in the community as everyone loves a rainbow color-fade, and I do too! Of course all of these layouts are included in the 2020 VVCAL PDFs.

Join and Border

For this version, I used the Celtic Lace Mini II Join, and I created a smaller border, but one that is just as lacy and ornate. This border is really speaking to me, and I think I might borrow it for my next lacy project.

Twin Blankets

It goes without saying that with all of the extra motifs, I couldn’t help but to put together two twin blankets, one from the pinks and reds, and one from the blues and purples. These are just too fun aren’t they?

Scheepjes Maxi Sweet Treat Version

Okay, full confession, I never actually made a full blanket with these motifs, but just look at how precious they are! The VVCAL squares can be made with one ball of Sweet Treat – how neat is that?

Shop Maxi Sweet Treat Yarn

2022 VVCAL

Ahhhh, unfortunately we are nearing the end of our journey, here with the 2022 VVCAL. It was the moment that I decided to switch from squares to hexagons, and I opened the door to a whole new set of designs.

The hexagon is my favorite motif shape, so you know I had a lot of fun designing these!

Quick Links

  • 2022 VVCAL PDF (Etsy) – The entire VVCAL 35-squares collection, condensed and ad-free, along with my preferred joining method and the beautiful wide lace VVCAL border that you can add to any blanket. Includes charts and written instruction for the squares.
  • 2022 VVCAL Main Info Page
  • 2022 VVCAL Ravelry page – Add your project and see everyone else’s!

Stone Washed and River Washed 10g Colour Pack Version

The theme for this VVCAL was The Cosmos, and that was a whole lot of fun! I named each motif after a celestial body, and wrote some fun facts about them on each post.

This yarn is the perfect pic for a Cosmos themed make. There’s just something about the pinks, blues, purples, and the black that scream outer space to me!

The motifs are all stunners – this VVCAL is definitely my personal favorite.

Joining Methods

For this version, I used a narrow join and a wider join. This one pictured below is the SC with PLT Continuous Join for Hexagons.

And after many years of requests, I finally adapted my Celtic Lace Join to Hexagons! The little triangle space that is formed where three hexies meet is so pretty. This isn’t a continuous Join, but join one at a time isn’t too bad.

Huge Rainbow Blanket

After the CAL was over, I took all of the hexagons that I had made during the design process, and I created a huge color-fade rainbow blanket.

These hexagons are actually Stone Washed, River Washed, and Catona, all mixed together to get an amazing color range.

For this blanket, I picked out the final round of each motif and I joined them using PLT Join so that there is no color between each motif. I love how this works with the rainbow fade! This time, I split the rainbow between the yellow and the yellow-green shades.

This blanket raised my spirits when I was burned out in the Fall of 2022! I have a Creative Clarity blog post that talks all about how to beat creative burnout if you want to read more on that topic.

I mean just look… Is this not the happiest blanket on Earth? I added in more colors after this shot as you can see above, but I just love this photo.

Catona 10g Colour Pack Version

Of course, I made sure to create motifs that could be made with the Catona 10g balls from the Colour Pack. These motifs are perfection and the saturated colors are divine.

More motifs – I love the stitch definition of Catona. Since it is not a “fuzzy” yarn, the stitches are so clear and visible.

I wanted to show off an FO made by Rebekah Law from the Facebook Group so you could see the full effect of the color layout. It is the perfect demonstration of the 2022 VVCAL blanket with the narrow join! An absolute stunner!

The End 🙂

Thank you so much for taking this walk down memory lane with me. The VVCAL has held a special place in my designer heart through the years, and seeing everyone make their own version with the motif, join, and border patterns has always brought me joy.

Happy crafting,

Rachele C.

The Art of Crochet Blankets

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