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Announcing Our Fall 2014 Crochet-Along Project: the Top Down Crochet Jacket

Home/Crochet-AlongAnnouncing Our Fall 2014 Crochet-Along Project: the Top Down Crochet Jacket

Announcing Our Fall 2014 Crochet-Along Project: the Top Down Crochet Jacket

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Several times a year we host a crochet- or knit-along, a virtual event in which knitters and crocheters come together here online to work on one pattern together, share their experiences, and to learn together. There’s no need to sign up! Simply follow along with the blog posts at your own pace as you crochet your project, and feel free to share your comments and/or photos as you progress. Want to learn more? Click here for our guide.

The Votes Are In!

Thank you for voting for our crochet-along! The winning pattern is … the Top Down Crochet Jacket!

CAL_08282014

Feel free to pick up this badge to use on your blog, Ravelry, etc to show that you’re participating! (Right-click on PCs or Ctrl+click on Macs to save it to your desktop and upload it to your site)

Crochet-Along Next Steps

1. This week, download the pattern (click here for the pattern) and read it through so you have a sense of how the project is going to take shape. We’ll be walking you through a different element each week, so don’t worry if you see anything you’re not familiar with!

2. Gather your materials. This pattern features two Lion Brand® yarns, Amazing and Fishermen’s Wool, and we are offering kits in each size for 20% off as a special treat!

Click here to view & order the kits at 20% off.

Want to substitute yarns? Learn more about substitution with this FAQ.

3. Introduce yourself below! Tell us who you are, where you’re from, who you’re making this jacket for, and what you hope to learn!

Plus, if you’re on Ravelry, click here to view and join our companion Ravelry group for the crochet-along.

So get your materials and join us back here in two weeks (September 11th) to talk about gauge and starting the project.

Top Down Crochet Jacket Crochet-Along Posts

WEEK ONE: Top Down Crochet Jacket Crochet-Along: Swatching
WEEK TWO: Top Down Crochet Jacket Crochet-Along: Raglan
WEEK THREE: Top Down Crochet Jacket: Sleeve Construction
WEEK FOUR: Top Down Crochet Jacket: Edging
WEEK FIVE: Top Down Crochet Jacket: Finishing

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63 Comments

  • I’m Kris from Colorado Springs, I’ve been crocheting for 40-plus years and will make this jacket for someone special but not say who it is since they are also on Facebook.

  • I have both of these yarns waiting for the right project. I am in Alaska, been crocheting for 3 years and will make it for my daughter or granddaughter.

  • Hi, I am in New Jersey and have been crocheting for over 40 years. I will be making this jacket for my oldest granddaughter.

  • I’m soooo happy that this won. I saw this in person at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in NYC and I fell in love with it. I’m from Brooklyn, I’ll be making for myself, using the exact same yarns in the pattern’s photo. This CAL will help me graduate from crocheting dish cloths to crocheting sweaters, so I hope to learn a lot.

  • There are a few people in my crochet group that will be joining this CAL. I saw that there is also a longer version of this pattern with long sleeves on the Ravelry pattern link. I was planning to make the sleeves longer. I noticed the the amount of yarn required for the short and long versions are listed as the same for the Large size. Is this accurate?

    Please also check the number of skeins required for the 1X & 3X sizes … I noticed the long version is calling for fewer skeins of Fisherman’s Wool than the short version in those sizes.

  • Hi my name is Yvette Jiggetts. I’m a CGOA member living in Philadelphia PA. I’m joining this CAL as part of my recovery …I had a stroke….I have been crocheting for over 40 years. This will be the my first major project since…..I feel this will be a great way for to relearn /refresh garment making skills I lost. I’m making this jacket for me. My screen name is Filly Fiber

  • I’m in Washington DC, been knitting consistently for the last 5 years and just started to crochet about 6 months ago. I think I’ll learn some good skills in garment construction in crochet with this CAL. A quick question, I’m allergic to wool and other animal fibers, what yarn might you recommend as a good substitute?

    • Heartland or Vanna’s Choice would good acrylic substitutes for this project. You can also check out our full yarn substitution page. Hope that helps.

    • Lisa, I’m thinking about substituting for the wool, too. But I like the color and haven’t found anything yet that is similar or that goes well with the Amazing.

    • HI lisa, this is Grace, I’ll be leading the CAL. There are some great acrylic yarns that you could substitute. I would suggest Vanna’s Choice for Fisherman’s Wool and Landscapes for Amazing.

  • Here’s the link to a longer version of this pattern, which might suit some people better. http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L32283.html.

    I won’t be joining in the CAL as this warm wooly sweater is not really Florida friendly, but it looks great. Have fun.

    • Try making it in some of the fabulous cotton yarns that are now available.
      A Mermaid in Newport, Oregon

  • I’m gonna attempt this pattern. I don’t know it looks pretty difficult

  • Hi! I’m Lauri and I live in Freedom, ME. This is my first time doing a crochet along and I can’t wait to try it. I am making the sweater for myself since I’m not sure how well I will do. If it turns out nice, then maybe I will give it away or STILL keep it for myself.

  • This is my first attempt at a sweater. Looking forward to the challenge. I, too, am interested in knowing the best yarn to substitute for the wool. I’m sensitive to it.

  • I’m Birdie from Florida, I’ve been crocheting 65 years, I constantly make projects and even have a free blog. Problem is I give all my crochet items away. I want this one for me!!

  • Hi, I am Karen from Madison, MS. I just started crocheting last year and am going to try to make this for myself.

  • I am Suzanne from Syracuse, NY and I’m making this for my Mother!!!

  • crochet along pattern….is it possible that the row 2 under Divvide for underarms…the second to last bracket has 3 (5,4,6,6,8) that the 4 and 5 are reversed??
    Thank you for the pattern and chance to crochet and learn new things.

    • It’s probably not a mistake. I’ve seen it before in other sweater patterns. Different sizes require different shaping. You’ll see the same thing in a few other places in this pattern.

  • I love this pattern but am looking for a yarn that’s a little softer, so I’m not sure if I’ll join just yet.

  • Hi, I’m from Columbus, Michigan. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was a very small girl. I’m may just keep this for myself

  • Greetings! I’m from Folsom, CA. I’ve been crocheting for about 3 years now and have been wanting to do sweaters and vests for a bit now. This seems like a good opportunity to try my hand at it. I expect to learn a lot as this is the first piece of clothing that I’ve ever tried.

  • My Name is Karen and I live in Alva, Florida. I learned to crochet around 50 years ago, but have been crocheting regularly for about 12 years. I am in a prayer shawl group at my church and most of my crocheting now is for others so I plan to make this jacket for me. I will be substituting the yarn for something lighter and cooler for South Florida weather.

  • Hi my name is Pam …I’ve been crocheting for 56yrs. I would like to make this project for myself …I live in AZ. It doesn’t get that cold, but inside public building s is still cold because they still use AC …I need a project like this to test myself …thkyou, Pam

  • Hi! I’m Anita from Central PA. I’ve been crocheting and knitting for 35 years. I lead a fiber arts group called the Fiber Fillies. We meet biweekly and enjoy sharing our talents and love of all things yarn! Several years ago, I participated in a knit-a-long using Amazing Wildflowers (the Wisteria Shawl Collar Pullover). I loved it and can’t wait to start this project!

  • I’m Jennie in Binghamton, N.Y., and I’m not sure whom I’m making this for. I got a Lion surprise box of six skeins of Amazing yesterday, so I decided to use that and make a medium, then decide what to do with it when I’m done.

  • I’m Alice from southwest Michigan; I’ve been crocheting since I was 10 yrs. old. I switched to knitting for a long time and have just returned to crocheting. I plan to make this jacket for myself.

  • I’m Mary from Gurnee, Illinois and I’ve been crocheting and knitting for about 25 years. I’m making it for myself.

  • My name is Cathi, and I’m from Perth in Western Australia. I’m still pretty new to crochet, and am fairly well self-taught via the web! I’ve mainly made a few beanies so far, along with a cape for myself, but like to challenge myself with different patterns. I find it hard not to alter as I go, which can slow me down, as I try to record my changes for future use. I look forward to joining in and learning more from all the experienced crocheters.

  • Hi my name is Alison. I live in Concord, California. I have been crocheting for over 30 years. I have only ever attempted scarves and blankets. This is my first attempt at a garmet so I’m keeping it for myself. I love the look of the jacket so I’m using the same yarn in the same colors. I’m really excited to try this project.

  • Oh boy! I think I got myself in way over my head on this CAL.
    This is a first time thing for me and I am really only a beginner.
    The pattern is listed as “intermediate” and I was overwhelmed
    when I took a look at the pattern. I’m afraid I may have to wait
    until I have more experience to take part in anything quite this
    complicated. Oh, well… maybe some time there will be something
    more suitable as a BEGINNER’S CAL in the future?

    • Hi. I think you should try this CAL. I’m a real beginner too, but the only way to get to intermediate is to start an intermediate project. I’m really looking forward to taking my skills to a new level.

      • Thanks for trying to encourage me, Sarah, but this is clearly well beyond my capabilities. I am still struggling with granny squares! Making a shaped garment is way out of my league…. what was I thinking????

        • The stitches for this are simple … I think if you can do a granny square you will be able to follow along on this. The guidance in the CAL is excellent. My first garment was done in a Lion Brand CAL. Before that I made simple scarves.

          • Truthfully, granny squares are a major challenge for me. I do not crochet “in the round” well at all and the squares never look quite right. I can do some intermediate stitch patterns when crocheting “flat” in rows but granny squares totally frustrate me and I don’t care for them at all. This being said, I know deep down that I simply am not ready for this CAL project. I knew it when I reviewed the pattern. I will have to pass on this CAL until they have one for us true beginners. Thanks to everyone who has tried to encourage me on this, but I do know my limits.

        • Hi again, it’s not out of your league. Darrin, at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in NYC encouraged me to join their KAL to knit a sweater when I didn’t even know how to increase or decrease in knitting. I loved the pattern but I was afraid. He told me that he waited “far to long” to knit his first sweater. So I just jumped in, joined the KAL and presto – I knitted my first sweater.
          I feel the same way about this CAL. It’s a great way to learn a lot in a short amount of time.

          • HI, This is Grace, I’ll be leading the CAL. I love seeing all of this support! WIth the guidance from me and your fellow crocheters you can definitely make it through this sweater! When you run into questions just post them here and we’re here to help. You may find that it is not as hard as you think. Even if this one doesn’t come out perfect you will have picked up some skills that you can carry into future projects. Remember that it’s all about learning and having fun so give it a shot!

  • The Lion Brand website lists 2 sizes for the Fisherman wool, 8 oz. and 6 oz. Which size is needed for the pattern? So we buy sufficient yarn at one time, anyway I’m thinking about substituting for the wool and need to figure yardage.

    • The “6oz” refers only to the Birch Tweed colorway of Fishermen’s Wool, the other colors are all 8oz of yarn. Hope this helps!

    • The colorway the pattern is calling for is put up in an 8 oz. skein. If the colorway you are looking at is in the 6 oz. skein adjust accordingly.

  • Hello there! My name is Sharell, I have been crocheting for about 15 years, give or take a year or so. I’m from Portland, Oregon. I will be making the jacket to add to my sell pile for a bazaar. I just hope to have fun!

  • I am making this for me, although I may have to make another for my grandmother once she sees me wearing it. Goal is to have it done by Thanksgiving; we start rehearsals for a show that runs in early November, so my time is a bit tight. But I can crochet during downtimes!

  • This was the pattern I voted for, I was so happy to see that it won (though I loved them all). I’m from Washington State (Snohomish), and am excited to learn crochet from the top down. I love both crochet and knitting equally. I will be making this jacket for myself, since I’ll be learning a new technique. This is my first crochet-along, and I think it’s going to be a blast. Thanks for hosting Lion Brand!

  • I am excited to start a new project! I’m in Salt Lake City and mostly knit but hope to learn some great crochet tips from the group!

  • Hi! My name is Susan and I live in Las Vegas. I am making this for myself. I see that someone mentioned aong sleeved version. I am planning on doing long sleeves, so I’ll have to locate that pattern. I am looking forward to this project!

  • I’m Laura from Palm Springs. I’ve been crocheting for 20 years, and will be making this jacket for myself. It’s my first project that isn’t a blanket for someone!

  • I have been crocheting for a long time – my grandma taught me as a little girl. However, this is my first time doing it in a crochet along. My oldest daughter just got married 10 days ago and for the months leading up to the wedding my crochet hooks were put away as I put my time and efforts into wedding planning. This project looks like just what I need to get me through the “post wedding slump”! I’m not 100% sure who I’m going to make it for yet. Maybe me!!

  • I’m Mary from Mt Pleasant, Texas. I’ve been crocheting since I was 8-9 years old. I want to make this jacket for myself. I’m always making things for others; I might like this for me.

  • I’m Mary from Washington state. A crocheter for over 40 years. This will be the first crochet clothing item I will have made for myself. Excited to get started.

  • I am from Australia and have ordered a kit. This is for me it will be a change from what I have made this last few years.

  • I’m excited to be joining this CAL. I crochet a lot but it’s mostly prayer shawls. This will be my first fitted garment so I’m making it for myself. I am really looking forward to having help available if I get in trouble with the gauge or garment construction.

  • Hi! I’m Suzanne Hill, and I live in Mattawan, Michigan. My mother-in-law taught me to crochet 41 years ago. I love crafting of most any type, but crocheting is my favorite. I will probably make this jacket for myself as I have never crocheted myself anything, and I will be making it one color.

  • Sharon Attwood, enjoying living full-time in central France! Been crocheting since 1970 (off and on). Now crocheting almost daily and enjoy new challenges. Recently made my first sweater (had to modify someone else’s pattern for my large size)…reasonably successfully. I will be wearing it this autumn/winter with pride. Will make this CAL sweater for myself – looking forward to it! Pattern looks pretty straight-forward to me…will let you know if it really is!

  • Hello. I’ve been crocheting for 60 years and I’m still searching for the perfect sweater/jacket pattern. This is the first time I’ve done the raglan sleeve and am hoping it will give me the fit I’m looking for.

  • Good Day, my name is Michelle. I am from Canada. I have been serious about crocheting for 3 years now and would like to make myself a sweater. Then who knows if I can do this and enjoy it my niece
    would like one as well.

  • Hi, I go by jives mom and I have been crocheting since I was a kid but I always choose easy patterns. I am hoping that this CAL will encourage me to expand my horizons. I am using one color …nonstriping. I am making this for myself.i

  • Well, today was the day we were supposed to start the CAL for the top down jacket. I have been trying to find information to get started. Nothing came via email from Lion Brand today and everytime I try to click on anything dealing with the CAL, it is old stuff. What am I doing wrong? I seem to be going around in circles trying to get the next blog. I have IDs and Passwords for Ravelry & Lion Brand and nothing works when I try to log in. when I try to login with my facebook account it goes to Discus and won’t let me in.

    • Hi Karen, we’re just about to post our week one blog! I’ll comment here with the link shortly.

    • Hi Karen, we’re just about to post our week one blog! I’ll comment here w/ the link shortly.

    • Week One – Swatching: http://wp.me/pMON4-6×1

  • WEEK ONE POST IS NOW LIVE – Swatching: http://wp.me/pMON4-6×1

  • I’m Keesha in Arizona. I’m in my 30s and have been crocheting since I was 6; however, I have never done a sweater before, other than a shawler. I am going to make a substitution, and a different color Fisherman’s Wool. I am home-bound following a couple dozen brain and spine surgeries. Working with my hands helps keep them working, stops them from completely freezing up from my connective tissue disorder. I think I will end up doing the longer version of the sweater, so I can curl up in it because I am always freezing. I look forward to crocheting with everyone and sharing along the way!

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