I'm pleased to announce the theme of our next craft-along. This time around, we're going to try a little something different, putting down the knitting needles and picking up a crochet hook. [caption id="attachment_9424" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Calm Cowl, photo Susana Davidovic[/caption] The Calm Cowl by Susana Davidovic is the perfect project for us to tackle as we get ready for fall. It's a relatively simple project (perfect for crochet beginners like me!) that looks fabulous – wear it long, like a scarf, or wrap it around and around for days when you really want to bundle up. The pattern calls for sport-weight yarn, and there are tons of options out there – everything from widely available yarns such as Shine or Andean Treasure from KnitPicks; Patons' Canadiana or Classic Wool; or the more luxe Malabrigo Worsted. If you want to lend the project a distinctly Canadian flair, check out some of my favourite Canadian yarn-dyers: Tanis Fiber Arts (two words: Red Label), Sweet Georgia Yarns or Indigodragonfly. (Edited to add: Kim from Indigodragonfly has kindly offered a 10% discount for any readers who order the yarn for this project from her shop! Be sure to mention the crochet-along when you write her with your order.) We'll tackle this project over the next six weeks, between September 14 and October 19. If you're interested in joining us, here's what to do:

• Leave a comment to tell us you're in!
• Download the pattern from Ravelry. It's FREE but requires a Ravelry membership (if you don't have one yet, it's totally worth signing up).
• Start thinking about what yarn you'd like to use and find your crochet hook.
• Check back here next Friday for the first post, when we'll review the stitches and make the foundation chain.

Have a great weekend!