CAL / 2024 - Dawn Chorus
Information
Goldcrest Scarf
Tips & Tricks
Pattern
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
Blue Tit Cushion
Blue Tit(Cynaistes Caeruleus)
Tips & Tricks
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Blue Tit Cushion Patterns
Pattern
Bullfinch Blanket
Pattern
10 Years of Crafting Along
It’s 10 years since the first-ever Scheepjes CAL, and Scheepjes is celebrating our 10 years of community crafting with four projects! For the first time ever, it’s possible to choose whether to knit or crochet the projects in our CKAL– that’s a Crochet-or a Knit-A-Long! Free online patterns will be provided for both options for all three Dawn Chorus kits (see below). These three projects will be released in succession; the CKALs will run from late winter into summer. A different fourth project will be released for autumn 2024, also with a free online pattern
10 Years of Crafting Along
Dawn Chorus Pick& Mix CKAL Experience
The Dawn Chorus designs are all inspired by birds: each kit is a celebration of a beautiful songbird that awakens the day with a melody. As the first rays of sunlight paint the sky, immerse yourself in the captivating world of birdsong and embark on a journey of creativity and the promise of a new day. As we launch three separate kits one by one, the identity of the birds that inspired the designs will be revealed. In the spirit of their different songs, our Pick & Mix kits invite you to choose the craft and design you wish to use. Knit or crochet each design and create your very own Dawn Chorus!
Kit One: Goldcrest Scarf by Martin Up North
Create a knitted or crocheted colourwork scarf, representing the beautiful shades of the goldcrest. Martin’s intricate designs incorporate a number of different techniques to keep the crafter engaged, including mosaic crochet and mosaic knitting.
More information about the Goldcrest scarf can be found here.
Kit Two: Blue Tit Cushion by Liz Barraclough
Create a knitted or crocheted cushion with a duplicate stitch or cross stitch motif of a blue tit, designed by Liz of Bizzymitts. Liz’s designs beautifully combine stitching techniques with knitting or crochet, showcasing the remarkable colours of this sweet bird.
More information about the Blue Tit Cushion can be found here.
Kit Three: Bullfinch Blanket by Esther Dijkstra
Create a knitted or crocheted blanket using a Limited Edition Mega Whirl! Using this (almost) 3km-long yarn cake, create a beautifully draping blanket with a soft colourway inspired by the shades of this lovely little bird. Esther’s designs showcase the classic colour changes for which our Whirl yarn is known, incorporating repeated mitred square motifs in each of the crochet and knit techniques.
More information about the Bullfinch Blanket can be found here.
Create a knitted or crocheted colourwork scarf, representing the beautiful shades of the goldcrest, brilliantly designed by Martin Up North.
Martin’s intricate designs incorporate a number of different techniques to keep the crafter engaged, including mosaic crochet and mosaic knitting.
About the Goldcrest Scarf patterns
This CKAL is suitable for intermediate through to advanced crocheters or knitters.
It will begin eight weeks after our announcement on 30th November, allowing you plenty of time to purchase your kits from your local Scheepjes retailer.
Beginning on 24 January, this 4 week CKAL is not to be missed!
Martin will be releasing blogposts and helpful tips throughout the four weeks of the CKAL, typically on Wednesdays at 12 noon CET. The information provided by Martin will include videos, extra photos, handy tips and additional details to aid your making experience.
A Tips & Tricks PDF with a summary of the materials, gauge/tension, measurements, pattern notes and chart notes, plus additional technical information, will be issued one week prior to the start of the CKAL.
ABOUT THE CROCHET PATTERN:
- 26 x 180cm (10¼ x 70¾in) long rectangular scarf, blocked
- Colourwork techniques worked in crochet moss stitch, stripes and mosaic crochet
Additional project materials required (not included in the kit)
- 3.5mm and 4mm crochet hooks
ABOUT THE KNITTING PATTERN:
- 25 x 170cm (9¾ x 67in) long rectangular scarf, blocked
- Colourwork technique worked in moss stitch, stripes and mosaic knitting
Additional project materials required (not included in the kit):
- Set of five 3mm double pointed needles
- 2 x 3mm circular knitting needles, 80cm long OR 1 x 3mm circular knitting needle, 80cm long
- Stitch holder
- 3mm crochet hook
- 4 stitch markers
RRPs €54.95 | £47.85 | USD 64.00
Pattern and Support
Throughout the CKAL the pattern will be uploaded in English (UK & US), Dutch and German and will be available here, at Scheepjes.com, as well as in the Official International and Dutch Facebook groups.
In the Facebook groups, participants will interact with and receive extensive support from the global Scheepjes crafting community, consisting of over 100,000 members, the highly skilled mods and admin, and of course, from the designer himself, Martin Up North.
About the Designer
Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, Martin began his crafting journey after moving ‘up north’ to Sweden in 2010. He crochets to keep his hands busy between stints outdoors capturing the beauty of local nature with his camera. Designing gives him a sense of balance, “the contrast between the freedom of wilderness and the wish to control my hook and stitches gives me inner peace”. He often incorporates geometry, texture and a range of techniques into his designs. Martin has previously designed the successful Get Connected and Landscapes Scheepjes Make-A-Longs. Read more about Martin here .
On this page you'll find all the information you will need to start the CKAL, including Materials, Measurements, and Gauge/Tension. The downloadable PDF also includes some details on special techniques used in this pattern. Further tips and tutorials will be available at the time of the release of the pattern, so please use the information in this document to make your gauge swatch and determine what hook or needle sizes you will need for your scarf to prepare for the start of the CKAL.
Crochet Version
Materials
Scheepjes Metropolis
(75% Extra Fine Merino Wool, 25% Nylon; 50g/200m) Yarn A 033 Atlanta x 1 ball
Yarn B 069 Miami x 1 ball
Yarn C 078 Lyon x 1 ball
Yarn D 032 Abu Dhabi x 1 ball
Yarn E 065 Liverpool x 1 ball
Yarn F 035 Seoul x 1 ball
Yarn G 037 Istanbul x 1 ball
3.5mm and 4mm crochet hooks
Measurements
25 x 165cm (93⁄4 x 65in), before blocking
26 x 180cm (101⁄4 x 703⁄4in), after blocking
Gauge (use this to make your swatch)
28.5 sts and 28.5 rows to measure 10 x 10cm over moss st using 4mm hook, before blocking
moss st (UK Terms) 1dc in ch-1 sp, ch1, sk 1 dc (or row end)
Swatch
Chain an odd number of sts, making sure chain is at least 15cm long.
Row 1 1dc in 3rd ch from hook, (ch1, sk 1 ch, 1dc) to end.
Row 2 Ch2, sk 1 dc, (1dc in ch-1sp, ch1, sk 1 dc) to last ch-sp, 1dc in last ch-sp.
Rep Row 2 until swatch is large enough to measure gauge/ tension.
moss st (US Terms) 1sc in ch-1 sp, ch1, sk 1 sc (or row end)
Swatch
Chain an odd number of sts, making sure chain is at least 15cm long.
Row 1 1sc in 3rd ch from hook, (ch1, sk 1 sc, 1sc) to end.
Row 2 Ch2, sk 1 sc, (1sc in ch-1sp, ch1, sk 1 sc) to last ch-sp, 1sc inlast ch-sp.
Rep Row 2 until swatch is large enough to measure gauge/tension.
Knit Version
Materials
Scheepjes Metropolis
(75% Extra Fine Merino Wool, 25% Nylon; 50g/200m) Yarn A 033 Atlanta x 1 ball
Yarn B 069 Miami x 1 ball
Yarn C 078 Lyon x 1 ball
Yarn D 032 Abu Dhabi x 1 ball
Yarn E 065 Liverpool x 1 ball
Yarn F 035 Seoul x 1 ball
Yarn G 037 Istanbul x 1 ball
Set of five 3mm dpns, 20cm long
3mm circular knitting needles, 80cm long
3mm crochet hook
Stitch holder
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Measurements
24 x 149cm (91/2 x 583⁄4in), before blocking
25 x 170cm (93⁄4 x 67in), after blocking
Gauge (use this to make a gauge swatch)
24 sts and 46 rows to measure 10 x 10cm worked over moss st on 3mm needles, before blocking
moss stitch (k1, p1) rep to end, then on foll rows/rounds k the p sts and p the k sts as sts present themselves
Tutorials
Martin has created helpful photo and video tutorials for the Goldcrest Scarves CKAL! The tutorials will appear on his website at the start of the CKAL.
Support
Participants are also invited to access ongoing support and expertise within the Official Facebook Groups from knowledgeable moderators and admins. The international Scheepjes Community are also on hand to offer friendly advice and encouragement.
Pattern
Welcome to the start of our Goldcrest Scarf CKAL! Whether you are knitting or crocheting, we’re sure you will have a wonderful creative journey. Have fun!Tips and Tutorials can be found on Martin’s blog.
For further support please visit our Official International Scheepjes Facebook group .
The smallest European bird, adults weigh just 5-6g, around the same as a 20 Euro cent coin or a 20pence coin in the UK. Unsurprisingly, they’re named after their crest of bright feathers, which is yellow on females; on males it has an orange centre. The rest of their plumage is green-brown. Look out for them in parks and gardens, particularly in conifers, holly and yew trees. Their song is so high that not everyone can hear it!
Every bird counts!
Many citizen science initiatives give people the chance to take part in scientific projects such as recording bird sightings and populations, while providing crucial information to researchers. It’s easy to join in – these are just a few projects you can get involved in.
Sovon tracks the trends of wild birds in the Netherlands. The organisation runs many ongoing projects, including a year-round garden count.
The Big Garden Birdwatch is organised by the RSPB in the UK. Spend an hour watching the birds in one location, and record the birds that land. In 2024 it takes place 26-28 January.
In the USA, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology organises many projects, including the Great Backyard Bird Count, which takes place 16-19 February.
EuroBirdwatch24 takes place 15-16 October. The biggest European birdwatching event works with over 30 partners across Europe, and in 2023 the Netherlands hosted 140 events.
The Big City Birds Citizen Science App aims to learn about five bird species and their behavioural adaptations to living in the city. The project focuses on the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Australian Brush-turkey, Australian White Ibis, Little Corella, and Long-billed Corella. Download the app and describe your observations.
In the Netherlands, the National Garden Bird Count runs 26-28 January 2024. Taking part is simple: count the birds in your garden or on your balcony once for half an hour, then submit your count via tuinvogeltelling.nl .
Create a knitted or crocheted cushion with a duplicate stitch or cross stitch motif of a blue tit, designed by Liz of Bizzymitts.
Liz’s designs beautifully combine stitching techniques with knitting or crochet, showcasing the remarkable colours of this sweet bird.
About the Blue Tit Cushions
This CKAL is suitable for crocheters and knitters of all skill levels.
It will begin six weeks after Scheepjes announce the project on social media, allowing you plenty of time to purchase your kits from your local Scheepjes retailer.
Beginning on 17 April 2024, this 4 week CKAL is not to be missed!
Liz will be releasing blogposts and helpful tips throughout the four weeks of the CKAL, typically on Wednesdays at 12 noon CET. The information provided by Liz will include videos, extra photos, handy tips and additional details to aid your making experience.
A Tips & Tricks PDF with a summary of the materials, gauge/tension, measurements, pattern notes and chart notes, plus additional technical information, will be issued one week prior to the start of the CKAL.
About The Crochet Pattern:
45 x 45cm (173⁄4 x 173⁄4in) square cushion, blocked
Bird motif worked in cross stitch technique
Additional project materials required (not included):
- 2.5mm and 4mm crochet hooks
- Cushion insert
- Stitch marker
About The Knitting Pattern:
- 45 x 45cm (173⁄4 x 173⁄4in) square cushion, blocked
- Bird motif worked in duplicate stitch technique
Additional project materials required (not included):
- 5mm knitting needles
- 2.5mm crochet hook
- Cushion insert
- Stitch marker
RRPs €27.95 | £24.35 | USD 32.60
Click here for a full list of retailers carrying this kit
Pattern & Support
Throughout the CKAL the pattern will be uploaded in English (UK & US), Dutch and German and will be available here, at Scheepjes.com, as well as in the Official International and Dutch Facebook groups.
In the Facebook groups, participants will interact with and receive extensive support from the global Scheepjes crafting community, consisting of over 100,000 members, the highly skilled mods and admin, and of course, from the designer herself, Liz of Bizzymits.
About The Designer
As a child, Liz’s grandmother taught her how to make toys, and her mother introduced her to knitting. Liz returned to craft after working and bringing up three daughters in the UK, taking part in many creative courses, workshops and stitching and knitting groups. Liz most
enjoys creating accessories and items for the home and has designed for Scheepjes since 2017. She has since contributed over 35 projects to Scheepjes, using crafts including crochet, cross stitch, freestyle embroidery, punch needle and knitting. Her designs often combine more than one crafting technique. Find out more about Liz at bizzymitts.com
A garden bird favourite due to their colourful plumage and lively personalities, blue tits are one of the most frequent visitors to gardens and parks. They’re also found in deciduous and mixed woodland. Fun to watch because of their ability to perform acrobatics, they often hang upside down from branches, feeders and bird tables to access food. Caterpillars are also a favourite food, but they eat almost everything from insects to seeds. They like to nest in cosy little spaces, from cracks in trees to watering cans.
Plants for Garden Birds
If you have any outside space, even a window box, you can help create a bird-friendly environment. Planting bird- and insect-friendly species will not only attract birds, but insects, another important source of food. As bird populations in gardens grow, the birds manage the insect populations, which also helps control insect damage to plants. While the plants listed here are native to Northern Europe, the same principles will apply in many other environments.
Hedges and shrubs provide warmth and safety, and many birds like to search for insects in leaves left on the ground. Climbers and taller plants give cover for smaller birds that spend a lot of their time on the ground, such as wrens.
Weeds
You don’t have to worry about planting these! Uncultivated wild areas encourage bird life, as do the clover and daisies that spring up in lawns. Blackbirds, sparrows, finches, jays, woodpeckers and pigeons all enjoy finding invertebrates and insects in lawns, and goldfinches and bees love dandelions.
Thistles Cirsium, Carduus, Eryngium, Echinops
Goldfinches search out thistle seeds, and where there are clumps of thistles, you may be lucky enough to see a small flock.
Fruit trees and bushes Malus, Pyrus, Prunus, Ribes, Rubus
Flower-eating birds such as bullfinches will come for the blossom, and these plants host pollinating insects which attract tits. Bushes and patio varieties can be grown in pots, so they can fit into smaller gardens too. Ornamental flowering currants are not edible for humans, but are great for birds.
Guelder rose Viburnum
Bullfinches love its shiny berries, and the plants give good shelter and cover to smaller birds.
Clematis Clematis
Different varieties will flower from spring through to autumn. Decorative seed heads attract finches and sparrows, and dense foliage provides cover for nests.
Love-in-a-mist Nigella
Very easy to grow, all varieties will self-seed and feed little birds for the summer months.
Sunflowers Helianthus
The big seeds are energy-rich and will attract many species, including sparrows, tits, nuthatches and finches. It’s the single flower types that produce the large heads of seeds.
Lavender Lavendula
Migratory birds such as house martins, swifts and swallows like the insect life on lavender plants, and goldfinches feed on the seeds.
Roses Rosa
Single-flowered varieties are home to plenty of tasty insects. Choose varieties that produce hips for fieldfares and mistle thrushes.
GoldenrodSolidago
Bigger gardens can take advantage of this plant to attract many insects and birds. It’s easy to grow as it will thrive in poor soil, and the seeds attract finches and other smaller species like linnets and siskins.
Aster Aster, Callistephus, Eurybia, Kalimeris, Symphyotrichum
Leave the stems to stand after the flowers have faded. Birds will eat the seeds, and blue tits use the shelter of the stems to forage for insects.
Scabious Knautia
The flowers are like little pincushions and give gardens colour all through the summer. The seeds are popular with finches, such as bullfinches.
Ice plantSedum
Butterflies and bees love these unusual plate-like flowers, and finches enjoy the seeds. The stems provide shelter for insects and invertebrates that draw in birds.
Firethorn Pyracantha
This thorny plant provides bright berries and a nesting habitat, and small birds can hide in its dense branches.
Ornamental Grasses Stipa, Carex
Grasses may not be an obvious plant for birds, but they work well. They give shelter and nesting material, as well as seeds of which blue tits are particularly fond.
Holly Ilex
Holly berries in reds and oranges offer a sought-after food in winter, feeding a variety of species from song thrushes and blackbirds to fieldfares and redwings.
On this page you'll find all the information you will need to start the CKAL, including Materials, Measurements, and Gauge/Tension. The downloadable PDF also includes some details on special techniques used in this pattern. Please use the information in this document to make your gauge swatch and determine what hook or needle sizes you will need for your cushion to prepare for the start of the CKAL. Further Tips & Tutorials are available via Liz's website .
Pattern Information
Materials
Scheepjes Scrumptious (50% Recycled Polyester (Recycled Plastic Bottles), 50% Acrylic; 100g/300m)
Yarn A 343 French Blue Macaron x 3 balls
Scheepjes Cahlista (100% Natural Cotton; 15g/26m)
Yarn B 164 Light Navy x 1 ball
Yarn C 406 Soft Beige x 1 ball
Yarn D 512 Lime x 1 ball
Yarn E 280 Lemon x 1 ball
Yarn F 100 Lemon Chiffon x 1 ball
Yarn G 106 Snow White x 1 ball
Yarn H 244 Spruce x 1 ball
Yarn I 528 Silver Blue x 1 ball
Yarn J 124 Ultramarine x 1 ball
Yarn K 201 Electric Blue x 1 ball
Yarn L 511 Cornflower x 1 ball
Crochet Version
45 x 45cm cushion pad
2.5mm and 4mm crochet hooks
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Knit Version
45 x 45cm cushion pad
5mm knitting needles
Locking stitch marker
Size 14 tapestry needle
2.5mm crochet hook (for knotting ends at back of work)
Measurements
45 x 45cm
Gauge / Tension (use this information to make your gauge swatch)
Crochet: 21 sts and 26 rows to measure 10 x 10cm over dc using 4mm hook, after blocking.
Knit: 16 sts and 22 rows to measure 10 x 10cm over st st using Scrumptious yarn double stranded and 5mm needles, after blocking
Tutorials
Liz has created helpful tutorials for the Blue Tit Cushions CKAL! The tutorials will appear on her website during the CKAL.
Support
Participants are also invited to access ongoing support and expertise within the Official Facebook Groups from knowledgeable moderators and admins. The international Scheepjes Community are also on hand to offer friendly advice and encouragement.
Downloads
Welcome to the start of our Blue Tit Cushion CKAL! We begin by knitting and crocheting the cushion cover front and back. Have fun!
Tips and Tutorials can be found on Liz’s blog.
For further support please visit our Official International Scheepjes Facebook group.
Instructions
It's time to start the embroidery on the cushion! As always, read instruction carefully and keep your Tips & Tricks close. Our mods and admins in the Facebook Group are at your disposal for additional questions!
Instructions
In Part 3 we continue to finish our embroidery and see it all come together! As always, read instruction carefully and keep your Tips & Tricks close. Our mods and admins in the Facebook Group are at your disposal for additional questions!
Instructions
Instructions
Create a knitted or crocheted blanket using a Limited Edition Mega Whirl! Using this (almost) 3km-long yarn cake, create a beautifully draping blanket with a soft colourway inspired by the shades of this lovely little bird.
Esther’s designs showcase the classic colour changes for which our Whirl yarn is known, incorporating repeated mitred square motifs in each of the crochet and knit techniques.
About the Bullfinch Blankets
This CKAL is suitable for confident beginner through to advanced crocheters or knitters. The CKAL will begin on 17 July 2024, approximately six weeks after the project is announced, to allow you time to purchase kits from your Scheepjes retailer.
Esther will be releasing blogposts and helpful tips throughout the four weeks of the CKAL, typically on Wednesdays at 12 noon CEST. The information provided by Esther will include videos, extra photos, handy tips and additional details to aid your making experience.
ABOUT THE CROCHET PATTERN
100 x 140cm (391⁄2 x 55in), blocked
Join-as-you-go motif based pattern
ABOUT THE KNITTING PATTERN
110 x 150cm (431⁄4 x 59in), blocked
Join-as-you-go motif based pattern
CROCHET version: additional project materials required (not included):
3mm crochet hook
Stitch markers
KNIT version: additional project materials required (not included):
3.25mm knitting needles (circular or straight)
Closed stitch marker
Locking stitch marker
RRPs €73.50 | £63.95 | USD 85.75
Click here for a full list of retailers carrying this kit
Pattern and Support
Throughout the CKAL the pattern will be uploaded in English (UK & US), Dutch and German and will be available here, at Scheepjes.com, as well as in the Official International and Dutch Facebook groups.
In the Facebook groups, participants will interact with and receive extensive support from the global Scheepjes crafting community, consisting of over 100,000 members, the highly skilled mods and admin, and of course, from the designer herself, Esther of It's all in a Nutshell.
About the Designer
Esther of It’s All in a Nutshell blog has a deep passion for crochet and a special commitment to inspiring others to share in her enthusiasm for the craft. Well-known for her technical expertise, Esther has garnered recognition for creating popular tutorial videos for previous Scheepjes CALs. Through her dedicated efforts, she endeavours to guide and encourage crafters, step-by-step, so that everyone – no matter their level – can create stunning projects. “I love to crochet, but I love it even more if I can get others just as nuts about it as I am,” she shares. “Do you think you can’t do it? Together we can!” is Esther’s motto! Read more about Esther: scheepjes.com/en/friends/its-all-in-a-nutshell
Welcome to the start of our Bullfinch Blanket CKAL! Whether you are knitting or crocheting, we’re sure you will have a wonderful creative journey. Have fun!
Tips and Tutorials can be found on Esther's blog.
For further support please visit our Official International Scheepjes Facebook office.
Create a knitted or crocheted blanket using a Limited Edition Mega Whirl! Using this (almost) 3km-long yarn cake, create a beautifully draping blanket with a soft colourway inspired by the shades of this lovely little bird.
Esther’s designs showcase the classic colour changes for which our Whirl yarn is known, incorporating repeated mitred square motifs in each of the crochet and knit techniques.
About the Bullfinch Blankets
This CKAL is suitable for confident beginner through to advanced crocheters or knitters. The CKAL will begin on 17 July 2024, approximately six weeks after the project is announced, to allow you time to purchase kits from your Scheepjes retailer.
Esther will be releasing blogposts and helpful tips throughout the four weeks of the CKAL, typically on Wednesdays at 12 noon CEST. The information provided by Esther will include videos, extra photos, handy tips and additional details to aid your making experience.
ABOUT THE CROCHET PATTERN
100 x 140cm (391⁄2 x 55in), blocked
Join-as-you-go motif based pattern
ABOUT THE KNITTING PATTERN
110 x 150cm (431⁄4 x 59in), blocked
Join-as-you-go motif based pattern
CROCHET version: additional project materials required (not included):
3mm crochet hook
Stitch markers
KNIT version: additional project materials required (not included):
3.25mm knitting needles (circular or straight)
Closed stitch marker
Locking stitch marker
RRPs €73.50 | £63.95 | USD 85.75
Pattern and Support
Throughout the CKAL the pattern will be uploaded in English (UK & US), Dutch and German and will be available here, at Scheepjes.com, as well as in the Official International and Dutch Facebook groups.
In the Facebook groups, participants will interact with and receive extensive support from the global Scheepjes crafting community, consisting of over 100,000 members, the highly skilled mods and admin, and of course, from the designer herself, Esther of It's all in a Nutshell.
About the Designer
Esther of It’s All in a Nutshell blog has a deep passion for crochet and a special commitment to inspiring others to share in her enthusiasm for the craft. Well-known for her technical expertise, Esther has garnered recognition for creating popular tutorial videos for previous Scheepjes CALs. Through her dedicated efforts, she endeavours to guide and encourage crafters, step-by-step, so that everyone – no matter their level – can create stunning projects. “I love to crochet, but I love it even more if I can get others just as nuts about it as I am,” she shares. “Do you think you can’t do it? Together we can!” is Esther’s motto! Read more about Esther: scheepjes.com/en/friends/its-all-in-a-nutshell
Welcome to the start of our Bullfinch Blanket CKAL! Whether you are knitting or crocheting, we’re sure you will have a wonderful creative journey. Have fun!
Tips and Tutorials can be found on Esther's blog .
For further support please visit our Official International Scheepjes Facebook group.
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