Cosmic Countdown

And… now that all the yarn packs are on sale, both in high street shops, and the online stores, you will soon be excited about your squishy purchases.

Just incase you have not ordered yours yet, here are some links again…

Woolwarehouse
Deramores
Love Crochet

There have been lots of questions asked, especially in the Stylecraft Cosmic CAL Group (Official).

Most of the answers are in the group files or in the intro post on my website, so please take a read of them, so that you are up to speed with all the details.

This post is to give you a little more information, especially about tension and gauge when working with the Stylecraft yarns.

Tension and Gauge

♥ Ensuring you have the correct tension and gauge will mean you have plenty of yarn in your pack.

♥ Once you have your chosen yarn, make a tiny square as shown below.

♥ For all DK [double knit] yarns use a 4mm/G hook.

♥ For Aran yarn use a 5.5mm/I hook

If you would like to learn more about tension, and how to perfect yours, please take a look at this post Talking Tension, and there is a video to help you.
Please note all my video tutorials are in US terminology.

Testing Tension and Gauge

US terms in blue – UK terms in red

1. Starting with a magic ring, ch 5 [counts as dc/tr plus ch-2], [Photo1]
(3 dc/tr, ch 2) 3 times, 2 dc/tr. [Photo 2]
Join to 3rd ch with a sl-st.
Stitch count: per side: 3 dc/tr, 1 ch-2 corner space.

2. Ch 3 [counts as dc/tr],
(in ch-2 corner space (2 dc/tr, ch 2, 2 dc/tr), dc/tr in next 3 sts) 4 times, omit last dc/tr. [Photo 3]
Join to top of ch-3, fasten off, and secure ends.
Stitch count: per side: 7 dc/tr, 1 ch-2 corner space.

Squares made with DK [double knitting] yarn and a 4mm/G hook will measure 2 inches/ 5cm across. [Photo 4]

Squares made with Aran yarn and a 5.5mm/I hook will measure 2 ½  inches/ 6.35cm across.

If your square is smaller, try again with a larger hook size, .5 to 1 mm larger.

If your square is larger, try again with a smaller hook size, .5 to 1 mm smaller.

Next question…… Can I do this?

The simple answer is YES, anyone will be able to do this.

But if you would like to test your skills, before we start, then have a go at Sweet Caroline.

This was a mini cal at the end of last year, there are three [3] parts, all with photo and video tutorials, and will give you a great insight as to how I work, both with pattern writing and my video tutorials.

You will find all the information here Sweet Caroline

How long will each part take me?

Firstly, this is not a race, go at your own pace, enjoy every stitch you make.

Some people will have all day to sit and crochet, others will be lucky if they get one hour in the evening.

I tried to split the parts up to take around 8 hours, but again we all hook at different speeds, and when you are working on new stitches, that you have not done before, it will take a little longer.
Again the video tutorials are very detailed, so don’t worry I am there to take you through every detail.

How will I know which colour to use when?

With part 1 there will be a downloadable pdf which details the colours used per round, for all four yarn packs.

If you have chosen your own colourway, all you need to do is decide which colours you are swapping for what, and then make your own list.
Here is a pdf to help you, print it off, and keep it handy for week one.

Cosmic Cal swapping colours, and colours per round pdf download

All of the other information you will need is either in the Intro post, or will be included with each part of the pattern.

♥ Please remember all of my patterns are covered by copyright law and may not be copied or shared in any way. You may share a link to my website or Ravelry store with anyone, you may print the PDF for your own use, but please do not alter, change or share in any way.

♥ Please love and respect me, as I love and respect you. ♥

♥ The best way to be in the know with all I am up to, is to follow crystalsandcrochet on Facebook.

♥ If you need help and advice, the quickest way to find support is to join Helen’s Hookaholics Facebook group. There you will find a very supportive group of likeminded people. It’s also a great place to share your crystalsandcrochet makes, and see what others are making, and see what I am up to.

♥ If you are not a fan of Facebook you can always email me with any questions you may have by using the contact form here.

♥ Please feel free to sign up to my YouTube channel for lots of helpful video tutorials.