My Experience with the Sirdar Pumpkin Spice CAL – Week 1
From the moment I saw the rich autumnal colours, I knew this was going to be a project I'd love. Even the ladies in the office knew it had my name written all over it and had my kit ready for me as soon as it arrived in stock!
The warm shades of orange, yellow, red, and earthy browns immediately reminded me of the changing colours of the trees, cosy evenings, and everything I love about autumn. I could already picture myself curled up on the sofa with my crochet hook in hand, the occasional log crackling on the fire as I stitched away.
Well... the weather had other ideas!
Instead of crisp autumn days, the UK decided to surprise us with a heatwave. So rather than crocheting under a blanket, I was trying not to melt while making one!
The Countdown to Week 1
Roll on Wednesday morning at 10am when Week 1 was finally released.
I immediately downloaded the pattern to both my iPad and my phone before spending the rest of the morning trying to concentrate on adding yarn to the website. I'll admit, I spent most of that time counting down the minutes until I could finally put my hook to yarn and get started.
I couldn't believe how many people had already finished their Week 1 by that evening while I was only just beginning. It's amazing how quickly some crocheters work!
Reading the Pattern First
Before I start any new project, I always read through the pattern from beginning to end. It gives me a chance to spot any sections that might need a little more concentration before I begin.
I also like having the accompanying video tutorial ready to watch if needed. I find the videos complement the written pattern really well and they're especially helpful if a particular section doesn't quite click the first time you read it.
Falling into a Rhythm
The Seed Stitch was an absolute joy to crochet. Once I got into the rhythm, it became wonderfully relaxing.
I found it really helpful knowing that my double crochet stitches were always on the odd stitch count, which made it much easier to keep track without constantly recounting my work.
My Favourite Way to Follow Patterns
One thing I've discovered over the years is how much easier I find digital patterns.
By downloading the pattern to my iPad and saving it in my Files folder, I can access it wherever I am, and because it's synced to my phone, it's always with me.
Being able to zoom in on the row I'm working on makes such a difference. I also use the Apple Pencil to highlight completed rows and jot down my current row number directly onto the PDF. It saves so much time and means I never lose my place.
The Great Rectangle Debate!
Like many others in the Sirdar Facebook CAL group, I noticed my "square" looked a little more rectangular than square!
Thankfully, mine was only a few millimetres out, so I wasn't too concerned. A little blocking soon helped improve the shape while I carried on with the next section. It was reassuring to see so many other crocheters experiencing exactly the same thing.
Those Gorgeous Half Granny Squares
The half granny squares were probably one of my favourite parts of Week 1.
Rather than completing one triangle at a time, I found it easier to work one colour across all four corners before moving on to the next colour. It suited the way I crochet and made the process feel really quick.
Watching the autumn colours build up was incredibly satisfying.
Joining Everything Together
Attaching the corner triangles to the centre square was much easier than I expected.
The instructions were very clear, and I found using my sewing clips to hold each triangle in place made everything much easier to line up while working the required number of double crochet stitches along each side.
Once the brown border was added, the whole design really came to life. It framed the square beautifully and pulled all those gorgeous autumn colours together.
Even though my square still wasn't perfectly square at this point, I knew it would all settle into shape as more sections of the blanket were added.
Finished... Ahead of Schedule!
To my surprise, I finished Week 1 on Sunday afternoon.
That left me with just over two days to wait for Week 2 to be released!
If you've followed any of my previous CAL adventures, you'll know this is quite an achievement. I usually manage to keep up for the first week or two before life inevitably gets in the way. I always finish... eventually... although sometimes that's closer to two years later than six/seven weeks!
My Advice if You're Just Starting
If you're only just beginning the Pumpkin Spice CAL, don't worry about keeping up with everyone else.
Crochet-alongs aren't a race.
Go at your own pace and enjoy the process.
One of the things I've always loved about CALs is the amazing community that builds around them. By taking my time, I've often found that other crocheters have already shared solutions to any little problems they've encountered, which has helped me enormously.
It's also wonderful to see how people personalise their blankets. Some change colours to match their home décor, others use yarn from their stash, and some even adapt sections of the pattern to make the project uniquely their own.
That's one of the joys of crochet—there's no single "right" way to create something beautiful.
Looking Ahead to Week 2
I've thoroughly enjoyed every stitch of Week 1. From the relaxing Seed Stitch to the colourful granny triangles, it's been a brilliant start to what I'm sure will become a beautiful blanket.
Most of all, I've loved being part of the wider crochet community, seeing everyone's progress, sharing tips, and cheering each other on.
Now... can someone make the next Wednesday come around a little faster? I can't wait to see what Week 2 has in store!
To purchase your own kit, click this Sirdar Pumkin Spice CAL Kit
