First, what is a CAL?
CAL means crochet-along: people work on the same project or theme over a period of time. It can be a friendly way to share progress, but “join in” does not always mean “free”. The pattern, yarn, access group and optional extras can have different costs. Read those parts separately before deciding.
Four very different ways to take part
- Starfall: Meema Makes announces a start on 1 December 2026 and a run through March 2027. It uses triangular patchwork and is described for confident beginners and intermediate makers. The pattern is paid. One paragraph has a contradictory end-year, so check the final timetable instead of relying on an inferred exact finishing day.
- Year of the Crochet Granny: Secret Yarnery’s 2026 announcement describes free granny-style tutorial projects. Its one-square-per-yarn-colour memory blanket is a separate side project, with joining planned later—not the whole year’s programme.
- Mystery blanket 2027: Stitch Kit advertises monthly yarn and clues from January to December. This is a paid subscription commitment, not just a small pattern purchase. Check the total, delivery charges and treatment of the reservation deposit.
- Journey to Hogwarts: retailer information gives six weekly releases from 4 November to 9 December 2026. It is a commercial branded project. Confirm digital access, registration and what a pack purchase actually includes with the organiser.
Choose the project, not the pressure
Before joining, find the stitch key, test the yarn and decide how much time you actually want to give it. A mystery project hides some of the finished design; that is part of the format, not a reason to skip the practical information.
You can save a release for later. A missed week is not a failed hobby. If you are still learning to count a row, a small free sample may suit you better than a blanket subscription. None of these patterns, charts or project photographs has been copied into this website; follow the creator’s own instructions and permissions.
A couple of useful words
- Motif
- A separate shape or small piece that may be joined to others.
- Mystery project
- A project where parts of the final design are revealed gradually.
Sources & checks
Independently written for Crochet By Micky from the announcements below; not a first-hand visit or a sponsored recommendation. Checked 25 October 2026. Schedules, prices and access can change.
- Meema Makes: Starfall CAL announcement and pattern costs
- Stitch Kit: 2027 mystery blanket subscription terms
- Secret Yarnery: original 2026 CAL announcement
- Retailer’s Journey to Hogwarts schedule and access information
Cover: original site illustration, not a photograph of an event, a featured artist’s work or a tested project pattern.