2024 VVCAL, Featured Now
Published on March 20, 2024

Vibrant Vintage Crochet-Along (VVCAL) FAQ Page

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Hello, lovely crafter! With the 2024 VVCAL starting on Friday, March 22nd, I thought it would be nice to make a separate page with the frequently asked questions so that anyone new to the VVCAL can take a look at the concerns I have compiled over the past years. We’ll also take a walk down memory lane to give an intro to the VVCAL!

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.

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.

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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

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 slow-paced, 20-week 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, 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!

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Every VVCAL, I try to come up with new ways to join the motifs, 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.

Let’s take a look at the past VVCALs and then the FAQ Tips and Tricks for the 2024 VVCAL!

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.

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. 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.

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.

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! 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

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.

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Alternate 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.

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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.

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And here is the lovely finish! Definitely one of my favorite makes of all time. That border corner just makes it!

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.

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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. 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.

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.

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

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.

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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

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

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

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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. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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!

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

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.

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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.

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.

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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!

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The End of the Memory Lane Walk 🙂

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.

Now for the Tips & Tricks!

FAQs, Tips, and Tricks

I have collected some frequently asked questions over the years of doing the VVCAL, and I wanted to share them with you right here!

How to do the VVCAL

No need to “subscribe” to anything, except you can subscribe to this website in the sidebar so you won’t miss a post. It just emails you whenever I have posted something on this website.

Step 1: Pick a version to follow along with.

Whether you get the exact yarn in the version, or you have stash yarn with that gauge, or you simply want to make the amount of hexies in that version, you can settle on a version, and join along. Scroll the versions on the Main Info Page, and choose one that suits you.

Step 2: Pick a joining method.

Choose from three joining methods: Single Crochet PLT Join (no joining yarn is used, and the hexagons are touching completely), Celtic Lace Mini for Hexagons, or Celtic Lace Mini II for Hexagons. I will be showcasing these joining methods in the various versions’ samples.

Step 3: Secure the yarn.

Gather your supplies! I should mention here that the VVCAL is not one of those CALs where every single person is creating the exact same thing. My favorite part of the VVCAL is that we all come together for the experience, and then the progress pics that we show off vary wildly. I just love seeing everyone’s interpretation! Of course, if you love the methodical zen experience of following along exactly, that is amazing as well!

Short on cash? We won’t be joining or working the border until July 19th, so you have plenty of time to save for the background color.

Step 4: On March 22nd we begin!

For 17 weeks we will create motifs, and then for 3 weeks, we will join them and add a border. Share you progress on Facebook in the Official Facebook Group, and on Instagram under hashtag #VVCAL – Yay!

A Note on Progress Pics

When we show our progress each week, the VVCAL is a little different from the usual CAL because you aren’t going to see a bunch of photos of the same thing over and over again. Some CALs have everyone making the exact same project, and so the progress pics are nearly identical.

The VVCAL has several different versions, and many VVCALers use their stash, so the photos feature a wide variety of yarns and colors, as well as quantity of hexies, as some layouts require more hexies than others. When you see these varying progress photo posts, don’t fret! You may feel like, “Hey, that doesn’t look like mine!” But that’s okay.

The most special thing about the VVCAL is that it allows everyone to make a project that is close to them, and each community member shows up with a slightly different blanket.

Getting Gauge

Take a look at the measurement diagram for the version with the yarn type that you are using. Make 1 Plain Hexie A, and ensure that you reach this measurement for this and all other full hexagon motifs.

What if my Plain Hexie A is larger than the given measurements with the recommended hook?

If you are using a 10g skein color pack, you will need to swap out for a smaller hook until gauge is reached. If you are using stash yarn, you can leave it, and just make sure all of your other hexies match the size of Plain Hexie A.

My Flower Design hexies are coming out smaller than my Plain Hexie A and/or B. Why? What should I do?

First, make the Plain Hexie A. Then compare all of the other hexies to it. If the hexies are within a quarter to half an inch, you will be fine when you join them all together.

There could be many reasons for the gauge of your Plain Hexie A and/or B to differ from your design squares.

  • If your dc (UK tr) sts are generally very tall, then your Plain Hexie A/B may be larger than your design squares since it is made of pure dc. Learn more about the Golden Loop to try and remedy this.
  • Since the patterns for the Plain Hexies are likely a familiar process, this design is often worked more loosely than the design squares. Folks tend to tighten up when they work a new and unfamiliar pattern. (Ever notice sometimes your gauge loosens up as you get into a rhythm with a project?)
  • Those are the common reasons for gauge discrepancy, but there are many more – even time of day, whether you are relaxed or tense, distracted or focused, etc.

What to do? If it’s a large size difference, consider working the larger motif in a smaller size hook to close the gap. Make sure your gauge is correct as well.

I’m using a 10g skein color pack. Can I go up a hook size to get larger motifs?

Yes, but beware you run the risk of running out of yarn on your 10g ball. Better to go down a hook size to achieve smaller motifs where needed.

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Color Tips

How can I keep all of these hexies organized for the color layout?

Here are some ideas that fellow makers are suggested:

  • Take a photo of the motif and edit in text over it with the color number.
  • Roll up the motif and put it into the yarn ball band. (Love this one.)
  • Wrap your excess yarn around the ball band so you can compare it later.

It is important if you want to follow the exact color layout to know what color number each motif is (unless you’re using stash yarn, of course!)

Can I join my hexies with a different color from the Colour Pack?

Yes! Here’s how: When your preferred joining color comes up in the CAL, you need to sub in the assigned joining color in the CAL.

Do I have to follow the exact pack colors shown every week?

In my experience, there are two types of VVCALers, those who need to know exactly what colors to use each week, and those who don’t mind picking colors at random. The VVCAL layouts are based entirely on color, and have nothing to do with the motif design.

Technically you can certainly pull random balls from the color packs, and wrap them up in the ball band so you know what color they are. When we work on the layout, you will go by the color, and the motif designs will be placed completely randomly in the blanket.

Look at my mega 2022 VVCAL Blanket, and you can see what I mean. It’s more about the color than the motif design. So if you don’t want the tedium of finding the exact colors each week, you can “choose your own color adventure”, and pick random ones!

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Using Stash Yarn

There are notes in the “2024 VVCAL Blanket Versions” section below about using stash yarn during the CAL.

How many colors should I use?

This project looks great with any number of colors. In one color, it looks lovely, but you can also use only a few or many shades. Go for a monochromatic with different shades of the same color, or a completely randomized layout. I have never seen a VVCAL blanket that didn’t look amazing!

Reading a CypressTextiles Crochet Pattern

This section is for you if you are new to my patterns.

How come I don’t “chain up” at the start of each round?

I start my rounds with something called a “beginning stitch” which always starts with a single crochet (UK double crochet), and I do not chain up for an sc. So for each round, you will jump straight into making a single (UK double) unless you are instructed otherwise in the pattern.

What is a “beginning” stitch?

These are the stitches that I use to substitute any stitch taller than a single crochet (UK double crochet). In my patterns, as shown in their Stitch Guides, I use the following method (shown here in US terms).

  • beg dc = beginning single crochet = (sc, ch1) – counts as 1 dc
  • beg tr = beginning treble crochet = (sc, ch2) – counts as 1 tr
  • And so on for taller sts, adding in another chain for each taller stitch.

When you join the round, you join with a slip stitch in the top chain of your beginning stitch. Then, when you start the next round, I have you you work into the NEXT st/sp (unless otherwise instructed), and this is where the magic happens. You can see that when you work the beginning and end of the round in this manner, and then start the next round in the next st/sp that you have a lovely stitch substitution.

For a US double crochet, the single crochet forms the lower portion of the stitch, and the ch1 plus the slip stitch form the upper portion of the stitch.

Of course, you can use any method that you prefer for the first st of the round. Standing stitches, or just the normal chaining up will definitely work. There are other methods out there, but this is my preferred method, and the one that I teach in my patterns.

How do the repeats work?

I have recently updated the way that I use brackets to represent repeats in my patterns. These notes are included at the start of my patterns as usual, but I will add it here as well.

  • Square brackets [ ] are used for small repeats: 4dc, [2dc, 3tr, 2dc] 2 times
  • Asterisks * are used for repeats that include small repeats: * 5dc, [ch1, 1dc] 3 times in next ch, rep from * 3 times
  • Round brackets ( ) are used when a string of stitches are worked into the same spot: (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in next st
  • Important note: 3sc means “1sc in each of the next 3 sts”, whereas 3sc in next st means “make 3sc all in the next st”

How do I Join the Round for Decorative Stitches?

  • Cluster Stitch: To join the round with a slip stitch, place the hook through all loops of the cluster, and then make your slip stitch. This will create a beautiful and hidden finish.
  • Puff Stitch: To join into a puff stitch, make your slip stitch into the chain that is directly after the puff st, as it will result in the most hidden finish.
  • Popcorn: Make your slip stitch into the center of the popcorn, aiming for the loop that was used to close it.

More Notes on Puff Stitch

As my Stitch Guide will show, I do not add an automatic additional chain after my puff st, as I believe this to be too confusing for the final stitch count. Some stitch guides will have you ch1 to “close” the puff stitch, but I do not do this as an automatic instruction.

For example, the stitch guide indicates:

puff st: yoh, (insert hook in indicated spot, yoh, pull up loop) 3 times, yoh pull yarn through all loops

There is no mention of working a ch1 to “close the puff stitch.” In the actual pattern, the chains that follow the puff stitch are given. so you will work the puff st as indicated, and then chain the amount of chs instructed in the pattern.

You will notice that the number of chains before and after the puff st differ. This is because creating a puff st leaves somewhat of a chain looking thing before the puff. So, if you (ch3, puff st, ch3), then the ch-sp before the puff st will look larger. In my pattern, I will instead instruct: (ch2, puff st, ch3) for a more even look.

Should I block individual motifs, or block the entire blanket?

I block the entire blanket, if I block at all. This is my preferred method since blocking afterward is good for the lacy join. I find it difficult to keep my gauge while joining when my motifs have been pre-blocked. If your motif sizes are all over the place, you can pre-block to set your mind at ease if you like. Of course do what works best for you!

If you have any other questions about the VVCAL blanket patterns, please ask in the VVCAL Facebook Group, and if enough folks ask the same question, I can address it here in the FAQ section.

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Thank you for reading! These tips are important and I will be adding to them as questions arise. Check back through the CAL to see any new Tips!

You may also enjoy these completed CALs

Happy crafting,

Rachele C.

The Art of Crochet Blankets

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