3 Weeks of Suspenseful Fun!

This Create-A-Long is no longer available for purchase.  To be notified when the next MCAL starts, make sure you’re signed up for the Melody’s Makings’ Newsletter.

Mystery A-Long Nov 2015 Square

Mystery Create-A-Long November 2015

The last Mystery Create-A-Long absolutely blew me away!  Everything about it, from the number of people who participated to the strong community bond that was created during the event, was bigger, better, and more wonderful than I could’ve possibly hoped.  Seeing what a tight knit community this group has become was really inspiring for me.  It challenges me to keep building on this amazing foundation we’ve created, to refine my products and events, and to strive to one-up myself every time!

The feedback from the event has been pretty much the same across the board.  Everyone wants to know when the next Create-A-Long starts!

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Mystery Create-A-Long Feedback

I’m super excited to tell you that the planning stage is well underway!  The last one was so well received that I have to admit…..I’ve been doing a lot of brainstorming, planning, and designing for all the future events.  If each of these amazing community projects are as fun as the last, then I have some seriously awesome events in store for you.

Haven’t participated in one of my Mystery Create-A-Longs in the past!?  I say create-a-long because the mystery pattern will be written in both a knit and a crochet version. So you get to choose which one works best for you, and then work alongside an amazing community of crafters to create something awesome.  If you’d like to check out the last Create-A-Long we did, you can see some of the final results in my blog post about it.

Like I already mentioned, though, I’m always working to improve my offerings.  Based on some of the feedback and suggestions from last time, I’m striving to take this create-a-long to the next level!

  • This event will be 3 full weeks of community fun.
  • I’ve written this pattern in both a knit and a crochet version so everyone gets a chance to be involved!  I’ve even written the knit version so it can be worked flat or in the round….so you can choose whether Straight Needles or Circulars and DPNs suit you best.
  • I’ve included all sizes from Newborn through 6 years!  This is a pattern that will grow with whatever kiddo you happen to be making it for.  Plus, since it’s a unisex design, you can make one for every young kid in the family!
  • I’ve made in-depth video tutorials for any challenging segments….which means even if you’re a beginner level knitter or crocheter, you can still jump in and create an amazing finished project.  Plus, you’ll be gaining skills and confidence which will help improve your crafting skill set even after the event.
  • For any sections you do have questions on, you’ll have practically un-limited access to me, and to a group of people working along with you, to answer questions.  I do sleep and leave the house from time to time, but my number one priority during this event will be to provide fast and helpful support.
  • The more people who participate, the more goodies each person will get.  During the last event, we had so many people participate that everyone got 2 free patterns from my shop in addition to the Create-A-Long pattern.  This time I’ve created group incentives that range anywhere from everyone getting 1 to 4 free patterns.
  • I’ll be giving away $25 Etsy Gift Cards at the end of the event!  Once again, the more people who participate, the more prizes I’ll give away.
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Mystery Create-A-Long Feedback

This Mystery Create-A-Long is 3 full weeks of suspenseful fun and gives you the chance to connect with a seriously amazing group of fellow yarn lovers!  If you purchase now, this event costs about the price of 2 cups of Starbuck’s coffee – just $9.00!  Clues will be sent directly to the e-mail inbox associated with your PayPal account (via an update on the Ravelry pattern, so you’ll get it in your Ravelry library as well) every 1-2 days, and you’ll receive the final copy of the pattern, with all sizes included, as one PDF after the create-a-long has ended.

If you’ve participated in one of my Mystery Create-A-Longs in the past and already know you’re ready to join, make sure you’re signed into Ravelry (the updates won’t come to your library if you aren’t signed in when you purchase) and use one of the “Buy Now” buttons below.  Make sure you do take a moment to read about the group incentive I’ve set up for this Create-A-Long too though….You just may end up snagging one or even four additional free patterns for signing up for and sharing this event!

 

If you’re a fan of having a few more details before you jump in, keep reading…

Why is it called an A-Long?

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Mystery Create-A-Long Feedback

This event is called a create-a-long because it’s done on a schedule with a community of crafters….which is part of the reason it’s so much fun!  Share photos of your work, admire everybody’s awesome projects, and always have someone available to help.

This create-a-long will be hosted in the Melody’s Makings’ Facebook Group.  We already have 2,300 fun and friendly knitters/crocheters in the group.  We’d love to have you join us!

Click here to be taken to the group.  Then hit “Request to Join.”  I’ll be approving requests periodically as we approach the start of the Create-A-Long.

When does the Create-A-Long start?

You can sign up for the MCAL for just $9.00.  After November 9th you will no longer be able to sign up for the Mystery Create-A-Long.

I’ve listed the materials below, but you’ll also receive them via e-mail in PDF format when you sign up.  Clues will be sent directly to the e-mail associated with your PayPal account (via an update on the Ravelry pattern, so you’ll get it in your Ravelry library as well) in PDF format every 1-2 days.  The clue schedule is as follows:

Mystery Crochet-A-Long November 2015

Clue #1: November 2, 2015

Clue #2: November 3, 2015

Clue #3: November 4, 2015

Clue #4: November 5, 2015

Clue #5: November 6, 2015

Clue #6: November 8, 2015

Clue #7: November 10, 2015

Clue #8: November 11, 2015

Clue #9: November 13, 2015

Clue #10: November 15, 2015

Clue #11: November 17, 2015

Clue #12: November 19, 2015

Clue #13: November 21, 2015

Clue #14: November 23, 2015

Final Touches: November 25, 2015

Prize Entry Due Date: November 29, 2015

Final Copy & Winner Announcement: November 30, 2015

Our projects should be done just in time to see them in action at Thanksgiving dinner!  I’ve extended the prize entry due date to November 29th, though.  That way if you aren’t completely done on time, you’ll have a few extra days to wrap it all up and still get entered to win!

What do I need?

For the crochet version of this pattern:

Materials:

  • Yarn: Approximately 210 – 750 yards of worsted (4) yarn (I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice).  I’ve included a detailed break down of approximate yarn requirements for each size in the Materials List which will be downloadable upon purchase.
  • Crochet Hook: Size 5.5 mm (I/9) OR whatever size is needed to obtain gauge
  • Yarn or Tapestry Needle

For the knit version of this pattern:

Materials:

  • Yarn: Approximately 200 – 740 yards of worsted (4) yarn (I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice).  I’ve included a detailed break down of approximate yarn requirements for each size in the Materials List which will be downloadable upon purchase.
  • Knitting Needles: Size 5.5 mm (US9) OR whatever size is needed to obtain gauge.  You can choose to use Straight Needles and seam your final project or to use Straight Needles, and Double Pointed Needles to avoid seaming and work your project in the round.
  • Yarn or Tapestry Needle

How do I know what yarn to use?

Mystery Knit-A-Long November 2015

You can pretty much choose any worsted (4) weight yarn to use with this pattern, as long as you’re sure to match gauge before starting the project.  This pattern is perfect for any little boy or girl in your life and includes all sizes Newborn through 6 Years.  I’ve made two of these so far (I’ll be making two more during the create-a-long) and used grey and cream for one, and purple and cream for the other.  The options are endless!

If you’d like to check your gauge before purchasing, here’s what you need to know (stitch gauge is more important than row gauge in this case….though it’s always best if you can match both!):

Crochet gauge:

7 sts and 5 rows = 2 inches (5cm) in Double Crochet

Knit gauge:

8 sts and 12 rows = 2 inches (5cm) in Stockinette Stitch

What’s this about a group incentive?

Because I want to ensure that this Mystery Create-A-Long is an even bigger hit than the last one, I’m offering a few awesome reasons to share with your crafty friends!  Last time we ended with 575 participants!  Think we can beat that number this time!?

If we have at least 200 participants I’ll send everyone who participates 1 free pattern that coordinates with the Create-A-Long pattern at the end of the event.  Everyone who creates a Ravelry project page and shares final photos by November 29, 2015 will be entered to win one of 3 $25 Etsy Gift Cards.

If we have at least 400 participants I’ll send everyone who participates 2 free patterns that coordinate with the Create-A-Long pattern at the end of the event.  Everyone who creates a Ravelry project page and shares final photos by November 29, 2015 will be entered to win one of 5 $25 Etsy Gift Cards.

If we have at least 500 participants I’ll send everyone who participates 2 free patterns that coordinate with the Create-A-Long pattern, and a coupon code for one free pattern (you choose which one) from my shop at the end of the event.  Everyone who creates a Ravelry project page and shares final photos by November 29, 2015 will be entered to win one of 8 $25 Etsy Gift Cards.

If we have at least 600 participants I’ll send everyone who participates 2 free patterns that coordinate with the Create-A-Long pattern, and a coupon code for two free patterns (you choose which ones) from my shop at the end of the event.  Everyone who creates a Ravelry project page and shares final photos by November 29, 2015 will be entered to win one of 10 $25 Etsy Gift Cards.

**Extra incentives are given out per participant.  If you purchase both the knit and the crochet versions of this create-a-long, you’ll receive both the knit and the crochet versions of the coordinating patterns, but you’ll only receive one coupon code for the free patterns in my shop.**

So please – share with your friends and the crafting communities you’re a part of.  The bigger, the better when it comes to Mystery Create-A-Longs!  Some ideas for sharing:

Post to your social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Favorite and Queue over on Ravelry.  The higher the pattern ranking, the more people we’ll be able to reach!

Post to any crafty Facebook groups you think might like to join.

Post in any Ravelry groups or forums you think are relevant.

Share on any knit or crochet websites you think are appropriate.

Ready to Sign up?

Either head over to the Ravelry Pattern Page for this event, or go click one of the “Buy Now” buttons below.

Click here to be taken to the crochet pattern page.

Click here to be taken to the knit pattern page.

This Create-A-Long is no longer available for purchase.  To be notified when the next MCAL starts, make sure you’re signed up for the Melody’s Makings’ Newsletter.

I’m SO excited to get started on this!  Hope you are too ♥ ♥ ♥

Melody

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27 Comments On “3 Weeks of Suspenseful Fun!”

  1. I clicked on the buy now button for the crochet pattern but it wouldnt let me purchase it am I doing something wrong?

  2. never mind I got it. thanks Melody. I cant wait until it starts!!!

  3. I’m so excited! The last one was so much fun! I’m going to do both versions this time 🙂

  4. Sounds like fun…but can’t afford $7.00 for anything for myself…especially if buying something that ??? don’t know what it is.

    Have 4 grown kids, grands, nieces, nephews, charities, etc. to make items for…
    I’d love to take part, but will have to pass for now.
    Hope I can still check in and see how it’s going…
    Everyone have fun!

    • I think we often times forget to treat ourselves every once in a while. This event costs less than one meal out and will last a whole lot longer! I can definitely understand not wanting to take the plunge, but hopefully after following along with one or two of these you’ll see how much fun they are and treat yourself to something special 🙂

  5. Melody,
    I went on Ravelry and purchased the Mystery Create-A-Long…does this mean that I have a spot or do we still wait to see if we can participate…I am confused

  6. Melody
    Thank you for your quick reply, I do have it, already purchased my yarn so I think I am ready to go.

    Have a great evening

  7. SO excited! Can hardly wait.

  8. I have mine purchased!
    I’m excited. I have a baby nephew on the way and I might make this for him 🙂

  9. Pingback: Link Blast 10/11/2015 | Jessie At Home

  10. I’m going to do the crochet version. Would two shades of pink work for the main colors?

  11. I would love to join in but being in the uk I don’t know the equivalent yarn to use, can you help please

    Janet t

  12. Melody,
    Though I cannot join this CAL/KAL, I have shared on my FB page and with a crochet group FB page (see Crochet Addict FB page).
    Wish you the best of luck with this.

    Sorry I can’t join you….broke, broke broke right now and have to stop buying yarn and patterns for a bit…medical bills, etc. are piling up and have to be paid. I’ll check back and keep tabs on everyone’s progress. Maybe will be able to join future CALs!

  13. I took the plunge, even though I don’t have a lot of time and plenty of projects to keep me occupied. But this looks like fun and I’m going to stretch myself by doing the crochet version, even though I’m mostly a knitter. I figure if I make the 6 month version, it shouldn’t take me long at all.

  14. I’m so excited to start this Mystery CAL. I purchased it on Ravelry, but I’ll be a bit behind. You see, I’m having a knee replacement on 11/2. Once I’m back with a mind unclouded by anesthesia or drugs, I’ll be starting this project, the perfect thing to keep me occupied!

  15. I just wanted to say that I like the idea of a crochet-a-long, but I’ve decided to not participate in it. Too many projects to finish! 😉 I really like your designs! 🙂

    • Thanks Jenneke! Yes – I totally understand that! I’ll be doing another after the Holidays as I know so many people are super busy prepping for Christmas right now.

  16. I’m sad to hear there is not an adult version of this pattern =( so I won’t be joking the knit-a-long. No one in my family has young kids so the pattern won’t work for me…

    • Hey Julia! This pattern just doesn’t really lend itself to an adult version as well. It would make a great baby shower gift though. I’m in the planning stages for an adult Mystery Create-A-Long for one of my next two….and I’m super excited about it! So watch for details on that one.

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