Summer of Stitches
A Crochet Along with Creative Freedom
Grab your hooks! This year’s CAL kicks off on August 24.
Join us for a season of creativity, connection, and fiber-filled fun. Hosted by Design Crochet, a Maine-based startup reimagining how crochet patterns are written and shared, this CAL invites makers of all levels to explore new techniques and design their own one-of-a-kind cowl.
We’re celebrating the early release of our new stitch diagram tool by inviting you to build your own one-of-a-kind cowl—your way. Whether you love to follow patterns or prefer to design your own, there’s a path for you:
- Follow a beginner-friendly pattern – Great for building confidence and learning how to read stitch charts.
- Try a more advanced pattern – Uses lightweight yarn and a mix of stitch patterns for a creative challenge.
- Design your own! – Use our guided template and stitch suggestions to customize every detail.
Casco
Moon · Tide · Bar Harbor Shells · Pine State Freestyle
No matter which route you take, you’ll have the tools and support to create something uniquely yours.
Workshops & Events
We’re also teaming up with participating shops to host Maker Meet & Greets and Stitch Study workshops throughout the summer. These optional events will walk you through the stitch techniques, show off swatch samples, and help you gain the confidence to customize your project.
Upcoming Events:
- Maker Meet & Greet at KnitWit Yarn Shop July 12 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Maker Meet & Greet at Four Hearts Farm, July 18 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM
- Maker Meet & Greet at Yarn Sellar, July 27 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Maker Meet & Greet at Rosemary’s Gift and Yarn Shop, Aug 1 from 1:00 – 3:00PM
- Maker Meet & Greet at Mother of Purl, Aug 8 from 2:00 – 4:00PM
Come Create with Us!
Whether you’re a hobbyist, a seasoned designer, or just starting out—this is your chance to stretch your creativity, explore new techniques, and maybe even get featured! The Summer of Stitches Crochet-Along is all about community, experimentation, and celebrating the joy of making.
And yes—there are prizes! 🎉
🏆 Yarn Cruise Participant Prize
Open to anyone taking part in the Maine Yarn Cruise! To enter, just follow along and submit a photo of your finished cowl. You can use our pattern or create your own. That’s it!
✨ Designer Spotlight Prize
Ready to design your own? This prize is for crocheters who create an original pattern using:
- Yarn purchased from a Maine Yarn Cruise shop, and
- At least one featured stitch from our Stitch Dictionary or a new stitch created using the Design Crochet platform.
Your design will be judged based on:
- Creativity & originality
- Embodiment of Maine’s spirit and style
- Clarity of pattern using the Design Crochet tools
🎁 Prizes
Winners in each category will receive a special bundle of yarns, notions, and fiber goodies donated by our generous sponsors—Mother of Purl, KnitWit, and other local favorites.
It’s creativity, community, and fiber arts—the way life should be.