FREE Mini Mystery Create-A-Long Coming Soon! Reserve Your Spot Now.

Free Mini Mystery Create-A-Long (Knit & Crochet!) January 2016

**Sign ups for this Mini MCAL are closed.  If you’d like to be notified when another opportunity like this one becomes available, please be sure to sign up for the Melody’s Makings’ Newsletter!**

When I first launched my Mystery Create-A-Longs, I could’ve never dreamed that they would grow into the incredible events that they are today!  The last couple have absolutely blown me away with what an amazing community we’ve created, and how caring, helpful, and fun everybody is!  I’m beyond grateful for each and every one of you, and it’s time to show my appreciation.

Let’s all celebrate with a special Mini Mystery Create-A-Long!

This one is extra special because I’m not charging money for you to be a part of it….instead, I’m asking that you help me spread the word and share this super fun, free Mystery Create-A-Long with all of your crafty friends as payment for signing up.  Word of mouth is an integral part of my business….and there’s no bigger compliment than someone sharing my work with a friend.

Since I’d love to be able to continue putting on these MCALs regularly, it’s important that I reach as many people as possible to spread the word!  As always, the larger the group that participates, the more prizes and goodies I’ll be giving out 🙂

So this is a really awesome chance for those of you who have been curious about my MCALs in the past to give them a go risk free!

Mystery Create-A-Long Feedb

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-Longs we did, you can see the Autumn Lovin’ Dress we made during the Fall 2015 MCAL and the Stripey Lion Sweater we made during the Nov 2015 MCAL.

I work really hard to make sure I offer really great patterns and a really great event!  To do that, I always take your feedback into account to see if there’s any areas I can improve upon.  This Mini Mystery Create-A-Long is also going to function as a perfect opportunity for me to try out a couple new things.

What are the highlights of this Mini MCAL?

• I’ve written this pattern in both a knit and a crochet version so everyone gets a chance to be involved!
• I’ve included all sizes from Newborn through Adult!  This is a pattern that will grow with whoever you happen to be making it for.  Plus, since it’s a unisex design, you can make one for everyone in the family if you choose!
• 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 3 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 a 25% off code to my shop to 2 free patterns…..but of course since this is a free event, the goal numbers are much larger than ever before!
• 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.

Mystery Create-A-Long Feedback

What’s the difference between this Mini MCAL and the full Mystery Create-A-Longs?

• Because a ton of work goes into these events behind the scenes, and because this is a free event, the project is going to be smaller and will be broken down into fewer segments.  During my full Mystery Create-A-Longs, we always make fairly large projects, or projects that have multiple components to them.  They usually last anywhere from 3-5 weeks and consist of 10-20 clues.  This Mini MCAL is going to be short and sweet lasting only 2 weeks and having only 4 clues.
• I’m testing out a new system during this event….so even though you normally receive all of your clues through Ravelry, this time around they’ll come directly to your e-mail inbox.  If all goes well I plan to run the normal events both through your Ravelry library and through this system.  That way I know you’ll never miss a clue.
• At the end of my normal Mystery Create-A-Longs, you receive the full pattern in one PDF.  Because this is a free event, I won’t be sending out the full pattern at the end.  Instead, I’ll give you a 75% off coupon code to purchase the full PDF from my Ravelry shop if you’d like to have it all in one place.  You can always return to the individual segments to make the project again if you don’t want to purchase.

This Mystery Create-A-Long is 2 weeks of suspenseful fun and gives you the chance to connect with a seriously amazing group of fellow yarn lovers!  All you have to do is share the fun with your crafty friends!

To pay for your place in this Mini Mystery Create-A-Long, simply share this blog post with your crafty friends!  Here are some ideas for how to do that:

• Favorite the listings (both knit and crochet) for this event over on Ravelry!  The more favorites the listings get, the more visible they’ll be to the Ravelry community.  (Click here for the knit version.  Click here for the crochet version.)
• You’ll find some handy social sharing buttons at the bottom of this post.  Click on the network you’d like to share on and tell all your friends!
• Head over to my Facebook page and hit the “Share” button on the Mini Mystery Create-A-Long announcement pinned to the top of my page.
• Head over to my Twitter page and Re-Tweet my announcement about the Mini Mystery Create-A-Long!
• Share the link to this blog post (https://melodys-makings.com/free-mini-mystery-create-a-long-coming-soon-reserve-your-spot-now/) in any knit or crochet forums you’re a part of!  Please make sure you reference their rules first.  Ideas for forums are any knit or crochet FB groups you belong to, any crafty Reddit groups you belong to, or Knitting Paradise.

After you’ve done that, just enter your information into the form below.

Sign ups are now closed.

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

Why is it called an A-Long?

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, and the Melody’s Makings’ Ravelry Group.  We’d love to have you join us!

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

Click here to be taken to the Ravelry group.  Then hit “Join” on the upper right side of the page.  This Mini MCAL is a trial run at Ravelry groups for me….so please bear with and let me know if you have any suggestions.

When does the Create-A-Long start?

You can sign up for the Mini MCAL now through January 18th.  After January 18th you will no longer be able to sign up for the Mystery Create-A-Long.  The first clue will be sent out on January 11th.

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 address you sign up with.  The clue schedule is as follows:

Clue #1: January 11, 2016

Clue #2: January 14, 2016

Clue #3: January 18, 2016

Clue #4: January 21, 2016

Prize Entry Due Date: January 29, 2016

Winner Announcement: January 31, 2016

What do I need?

Mini Mystery Create-A-Long – January 2016!

For the crochet version of this pattern:

Materials:

• Yarn: Approximately 225 – 650 yards of Bulky (5) yarn.  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 6.5 mm (K/10.5) OR whatever size is needed to obtain gauge

• Yarn or Tapestry Needle

For the knit version of this pattern:

Materials:

• Yarn: Approximately 180 – 520 yards of Super Bulky (6) yarn.  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 9.0 mm (US13) OR whatever size is needed to obtain gauge.  You’ll need Straight Needles and either Double Pointed Needles or a circular needle with total length smaller than the circumference of the project you’re making for this pattern.  Don’t panic if you don’t know how to knit in the round!  This would be a great project to give it a go on!  You’ll have a whole community of crafters to help you get started.  It’s much easier than you probably think it is, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked!

• Yarn or Tapestry Needle

How do I know what yarn to use?

You can pretty much choose any Bulky (for the crochet version) or Super Bulky (for the knit version) yarn to use with this pattern, as long as you’re sure to match gauge before starting the project.  This pattern is unisex and includes all sizes Newborn through Adult.  I’ve made two of these so far (I’ll be making two more during the create-a-long) and I used natural tones for both of mine.  I think it will look really fun and great in any yarn, though!  So get creative with it!

Though I have included an Adult Size for this pattern, this design is absolutely too fun for the kids!  So if you have someone small to make it for, I suggest you choose one of the younger sizes.  I know we’re all itching to make something for ourselves after the Holidays, and I promise the February Mystery Create-A-Long is for a really elegant, classic, and beautiful pattern….with Adult sizes included too!

If you’d like to check your gauge before signing up, 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:

6 sts and 4 rows = 2 inches (5cm) in Double Crochet

Knit gauge:

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

Mini Mystery Create-A-Long – January 2016!

What’s this about a group incentive?

Because this is a great opportunity for me to reach more knitters and crocheters, I’m offering some fun group incentives!  The larger the group gets, the more goodies I’ll be giving away….Since this is a free event, these numbers are much larger than normal….but I think we can do it!

If we have at least 400 participants I’ll send everyone who participates a code to receive 25% off of any order from my Ravelry shop.  Everyone who creates a Ravelry project page and shares final photos by January 31, 2016 will be entered to win one $25 Etsy Gift Card.

If we have at least 800 participants I’ll send everyone who participates a code to receive 50% off of any order from my Ravelry shop.  Everyone who creates a Ravelry project page and shares final photos by January 31, 2016 will be entered to win one of two $25 Etsy Gift Cards.

If we have at least 1200 participants I’ll send everyone who participates a code to receive 75% off of any order from my Ravelry shop.  Everyone who creates a Ravelry project page and shares final photos by January 31, 2016 will be entered to win one of three $25 Etsy Gift Cards.

If we have at least 1600 participants I’ll send everyone who participates a code to receive one free pattern from my Ravelry shop.  Everyone who creates a Ravelry project page and shares final photos by January 31, 2016 will be entered to win one of four $25 Etsy Gift Cards.

If we have at least 2000 participants I’ll send everyone who participates a code to receive two free patterns from my Ravelry shop.  Everyone who creates a Ravelry project page and shares final photos by January 31, 2016 will be entered to win one of five $25 Etsy Gift Cards.

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!

Ready to Sign up?

To pay for your place in this Mini Mystery Create-A-Long, simply share this blog post with your crafty friends!  Here are some ideas for how to do that:

• Favorite the listings (both knit and crochet) for this event over on Ravelry!  The more favorites the listings get, the more visible they’ll be to the Ravelry community.  (Click here for the knit version.  Click here for the crochet version.)
• You’ll find some handy social sharing buttons at the bottom of this post.  Click on the network you’d like to share on and tell all your friends!
• Head over to my Facebook page and hit the “Share” button on the Mini Mystery Create-A-Long announcement pinned to the top of my page.
• Head over to my Twitter page and Re-Tweet my announcement about the Mini Mystery Create-A-Long!
• Share the link to this blog post (https://melodys-makings.com/free-mini-mystery-create-a-long-coming-soon-reserve-your-spot-now/) in any knit or crochet forums you’re a part of!  Please make sure you reference their rules first.  Ideas for forums are any knit or crochet FB groups you belong to, any crafty Reddit groups you belong to, or Knitting Paradise.

After you’ve done that, just enter your information into the form below.

Sign ups are now closed.

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

Melody