If you’ve always wanted to learn to crochet but didn’t know where to start – other than the obligatory pot holder – Lion Brand Yarn’s Crochet Along might be what you are looking for. The idea is to crochet a sampler afghan, like the one pictured, and network with other crocheters as you work on the afghan block by block. This afghan is made up of 30 blocks, each 8×10 inches. As you make each block, you’ll practice various stitches such as single crochet, double crochet, and cluster stitches. Once you finish all the blocks, you can stitch them together to complete the 40 x 54 inch afghan.

This originally started in late August, but you still have time to join the fun. They even have a flickr group where you can join and show off your blocks. I was very tempted to jump in here, but considering I’m still trying to finish an afghan project of my own (which I swear is almost done, just been so hot to work on it lately), I am going to hold off. But, I’m tucking this idea away for my next afghan project because I like how you can make small blocks instead of working with one huge piece because as it grows, it just gets too hard to maneuver. This way, you can connect them all at the end and only have to deal with the bulk of it for a short period of time right before you complete it.

The Lion site has a free pattern for the project pictured above, but you’ll need to sign up for membership on the site (also free) in order to access it. If you follow my like to it, you’ll be directed to a sign-up page. But, honestly, if you just keep to the 8×10 blocks and come up with 30 of them, you can use any stitch you want. You can keep tabs on the crochet along as Cecily blogs about it on Lion’s weblog as well.