Get ready for Game Day Mystery Make-Along 2023. Join us for a thrilling mystery make-along event for knitters and crocheters on Super Bowl Sunday! The event is COMPLETELY FREE and open to ALL SKILL LEVELS.

Kick-off the event early Sunday morning, participants will receive clues and instructions for a secret knitting or crocheting project that will be revealed just before the start of the game.

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just looking for something to do during the commercials, this event is the perfect way to mix crafting and athletic competition. Don’t miss out on the fun, register now!

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Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. These do not change your purchase price but help me earn commission. Thank you for your support.

History of the Game Day Mystery Make-Along

It is not uncommon for crafting communities to organize make-along events, where participants work on a project together, often over a period of time and with reveals or clues along the way. These events can be organized online through social media or in-person at crafting stores or groups. The idea of the Marly Bird Game Day Mystery Make-Along event on Super Bowl Sunday is a creative take on combining the enthusiasm of sport events with the hobby of crafting (and a little food and drink thrown in there for fun).

We started this annual event in 2018. Which makes 2023 the sixth annual event. We’re excited to keep growing this each year. More and more people participate each year. We get better at streamlining the whole process, design new creative projects, and keeping it all running smoothly.

Still not sure what this event is, read our Game Day Mystery Make-Along page. That has all of the details and links you to the patterns from past events.

When Is Game Day Mystery Make-Along 2023

Game Day is a free event (with a MVP Package paid upgrade) that happens on Super Bowl Sunday, February 12, 2023.

All the action begins that Sunday morning and goes just up to the start of the big football game.

One clue is given EVERY TWO HOURS: a link to each of the clues is added at the bottom of this post as they become available.

Which means, if you are participating in the free event held here on the blog, you’ll want to bookmark this page and come back to it every 2 hours.

Once again, I’ve teamed up with Robyn Chachula, my partner in yarny fun, to make this year our best year yet! Our goal with this years project is to make something that is a neck accessory with some flare. It is visually appealing, complex enough to keep both new and advanced crafters interested, and will not take as much time as say a Ruana *wink.

It should be a little challenging without you wanting to throw your hook or needles across the room. We think you will enjoy working on our project and have enough time to finish by the end of the game.

What is the MVP Package?

Similar to our Marly Bird First Fall MAL & the Silver Platter Experience, the MVP package is located in the Marly Bird House!

For the first time EVER, you can upgrade to the Knitting MVP Package or Crochet MVP Package each at the low price of $17 🎉.

That is right, each craft is offered as its very own project workshop.

In each MVP Package you get:

• Unlimited Access to Project Workshop Videos (Valued at $100)
• Half-Time Live Q&A Event (Priceless)
• Ad-Free PDF of each patterns clue during the event (Time Saver)
• Full Ad-Free PDF of the patterns after the event (Valued at $10)
• ⭐️Bonus⭐️ $10 coupon to the Marly Bird Ravelry Store (Valued at $10)
• ⭐️Bonus⭐️ 3 additional Project Workshops with patterns and videos (Valued at $110 each)
• ⏰ and everything is available ONLINE to work with YOUR TIME ⏰

Total Value of MVP Package = $450 

Regular Price = $25

Today’s Limited Time Offer Price = $17

When you joined the Game Day MVP Package you get to sit back, relax and let us serve you this SUITE event.  

 

⭐️ The free content for this event will remain up on the blog until Feb. 28, 2023 and after that date, the patterns will only be available in the MVP Package.

⭐️The LINK to each play/clue is added below! Keep scrolling to get links!

Feel free to work on each section as it is released or wait until Monday to work the whole project in one shot.

It is best to bookmark this page as you will come back to it throughout the event if you are following along with the free pattern. If you don’t know how to bookmark on google, I did a fun video to show you a couple tricks that I find useful.

Also, be to register to get email notifications each time a play/clue is released the day of the event: Sign up here– https://marlybird.ck.page/d8393faaba

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What Are We Making for Game Day Mystery Make-Along 2023?

IT IS A MYSTERY! I can’t tell you!!! Okay, so I know what we are making as I designed it but I can’t tell you any more than it is a wearable accessory for the neck…my take on a VERY POPULAR wearable. This event is a MYSTERY make along so you won’t know what the final project will look like until you make all of the clues.

I can tell you this year, we are making a smaller project than the poncho, ruana, or a hat; and we are incorporating some new materials never before used in a Game Day Mystery Make-Along.

It is something that can be worn year round and in any climate.

You might have an idea what this project is but you won’t know the final look until the end.

We are doing videos for each section this year to help you along. The videos will be linked in the clue instructions and will be available on the Marly Bird YouTube Channel for a limited time!

*Note: the video content will be evergreen with the MVP Packages.

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CROCHET
The Thread-

Yes, you read that right.  We are using thread, not yarn for our special Game Day Mystery Make-Along 2023 project.  

We have teamed up again with WeCrochet.  You can’t go wrong with their great line of colors and a discount that makes this project very affordable!

We know not everybody wants to purchase new yarn for a mystery project. But I will tell you this project was designed with a thread that will hold up to glass beads being added to it. If you choose an alternative thread, please choose one that is the same weight and similar fibers. When picking out colors, think about matching the thread with the intended beads and chain.

• Thread: size 10, 2 colors.
  • Sample made with WeCrochet, Curio Size 10, (100% Mercerized Cotton, 721 yds / 659 m, 3.5 oz/ 100 g, CYCA#0 lace):
    • 1 ball each of 2 colors

The Hook-

This project is worked on a very small steel hook.  For your hand comfort, look for a hook with a nice grip, it will help keep your tension as well as your comfort.  I know these hooks can look scary if you have not tried them before, but Game Day is all about trying something new.  You can use any hook from 1.5mm-2.0mm and still achieve the same desired look. 

• Steel Hook 2.0mm 

Notions and Beading Supplies

This is a different project than any other mystery make-along from Marly Bird. Because of that, there are supplies you might not readily have on hand. I am also going to assume that some of you may not even be familiar with these supplies.

I’ve joined forces with Jill Wiseman Designs to put together bead kits just for this event to make the whole process easy for you! These kits include all the beading supplies needed (except the tools and yarn)!

Please visit  https://shop.jillwisemandesigns.com/marly-bird-game-day-kits/ and select one of these limited edition kits to get exactly what you need.

However, if you prefer to get each item a la cart, I’ve linked each item to Michaels. These are affiliate links but I know they will help make it easier for you to find the necessary items. 

This project is so much more than just crocheting which is why there is a larger supply list. We pared down the list as best we could to just the necessary items.

If purchasing your beading supplies a la carte, make sure to match the metal of your chain, jump rings, toggle clasp, and eye pins.  Meaning make sure you choose all silver, gold, or bronze for each of those.  🚨Do not mix your metals. 

• Tools:
  • Wire Cutters
  • Round Nose Pliers and Flat Nose Nose Pliers
  • Large Eye Beading Needle
  • Fabric Stiffener (Robyn likes Mod Podge Stiffy, but any will work.)
  • Rust-Proof Pins and Parchment Paper
  • Felt Square [or beading mat] (optional)
• Beading Supplies (a la cart links) *these supplies are already in the kit*
  • (3) 14 mm glass beads
  • (130) Size 8/0 seed beads
  • 20″ [51 cm] chain
  • (26) 3mm jump rings
  • (6) eye pins
  • Toggle Clasp

KNITTING
The YARN-

The Yarn-

We have chosen a yarn from the WeCrochet yarn collection. 

Their yarn is very lovely and available to everybody. We really like the colors and the way it feels in our hands, plus the discount made this project very affordable!

We know not everybody wants to purchase new yarn for a mystery project. But I will tell you this project was designed with a sport worsted weight yarn that will hold up to glass bead being added to it. If you choose an alternative yarn, please choose one that is the same weight and similar fibers. 

No, this is not a colorwork project and BUT, you could use up to 3 colors if that is something you are interested in doing. Be sure to match the yarn with the intended beads.

• Yarn: sport worsted weight yarn, 1 color.
  • Sample made with WeCrochet, Galileo Sport Weight, (50% Merino Wool, 50% Viscose from Bamboo, 131 yds / 120 m, 1.76 oz/ 50 g, CYCA#2 sport):
    • Any Color – 1 ball

The Needles-

This project is worked on very small needles to get a beautiful finished look. The needle size for this weight yarn is typically a size 3, 4, or 5. But for our project we need to have size 1 needles. 

We will not be working in the round but working with either a couple of double pointed needles or longer circulars with a long tip made the process easier for me. Notice I did add straight needles as an option because they will work, but they are not my preference. 

I also want to mention that the point on your needle is VERY important. If it is too dull or blunt you will have a difficult time with this project. I highly recommend precision point or stiletto point needles. The link below is to Signature Needle Arts as they are my favorite but choose a needle that is best for you.

• Needles: Size 1 (2.25 mm) straights, set of 4 double pointed needles or 32″ circular. HIGHLY recommend using needles with a precision tip–Or any size to obtain gauge.

Notions and Beading Supplies

This is a different project than any other mystery make-along from Marly Bird. Because of that, there are supplies you might not readily have on hand. I am also going to assume that some of you may not even be familiar with these supplies.

I’ve joined forces with Jill Wiseman Designs to put together a bead kit just for this event to make the whole process easy for you! These kits include all the beading supplies needed except the tools and yarn!

Please visit  https://shop.jillwisemandesigns.com/marly-bird-game-day-kits/ and select one of these limited edition kits to get exactly what you need.

However, if you prefer to get each item a la cart, I’ve linked each item to Michaels. These are affiliate links but I know they will help make it easier for you to find the necessary items. 

This project is so much more than just knitting which is why there is a larger supply list. We pared down the list as best we could to just the necessary items, and listed the optional items separately. But please know the optional items will make things easier. 

• Notions:
  • Chenille needle (must have sharp needle for seaming)
  • Wire Cutters
  • Chain Nose Pliers
• Optional Notions
  • Felt Square [or beading mat] (optional)
  • Crimping Pliers (optional)
  • Bead Stoppers (optional)
• Beading Supplies (a la cart links) *these supplies are already in the kit*
  • 3 wooden beads, 25mm
  • Size 6 seed beads, 30 grams (one color or multicolor to go with the yarn)
  • Variety of mixed beads that are large and small. 
    • Recommend getting a couple strands of strung beads that have a complete blend of beads and components. Choose two strands that match if you are looking for symmetry. 
      • Jesse James Beads 
      • Focal Beads at Michaels
  • Beading wire (Medium)
  • 1 toggle clasp (any metal you wish)
  • 2mm Tube Crimps (two)
  • Big Eye Beading needle

How To Participate In Game Day Mystery Make-Along 2023?

• Register for the event!
• Join the Marly’s Minions Facebook Group where we chat about the event all day long.
• Get your materials.
• Mark you calendar! 
• Return to this blog first thing in the morning on February 12, 2023 to get started!
• Return EVERY TWO HOURS throughout the day for the clues, which you’ll find linked below (or get the clues in the MVP Package in the Marly Bird House.
• As you work on the project, post progress pictures on Facebook and Instagram with the tag #GameDayMakeAlong. When you do, you’ll have the chance to win various surprise mystery prizes!
• Grand Prize details are below so keep reading.

Pre-Game Video with Marly and Robyn

TO BE ADDED

Game Day Mystery Make-Along 2023 Prizes

We have some amazing giveaways lined up for you on Game Day and our sponsors for this year are pretty amazing, and HOLY COW are they prepared to spoil you! This year we’re trying something a little different and have our “referees” (the Marly’s Minion Modmins) nominating “players” (you all) for six specific categories: 

1. Sportsmanlike Conduct – answering other’s questions and generally being helpful, 

2. The Cheerleader – someone who is going above and beyond to encourage other “players” and boost morale, 

3. The Flash – someone who finishes so quickly they make MULTIPLES,

4. The Underdog – this person faces setbacks but continues to persevere,

5. The Rookie – someone who is new to the craft they chose and shows up and works hard to finish, and

6. MVP – this is the player who essentially embodies it all – helpfulness, efficiency, kindness, and morale boosting!

GRAND PRIZE – all players are eligible and this winner is chosen entirely at random from the finished item threads in the MARLY’S MINIONS FACEBOOK GROUP!!!

Winners will be chosen and announced on February 15th in the Marly’s Minions Facebook group!

***This giveaway is VOID where prohibited and limited to the continental US***

“It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” 

― Grantland Rice

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🚨Get the Game Day Make-Along “Plays” Here 🏈

Be sure to come back EVERY TWO HOURS from 8 am to 6 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2023 to see the new play for that hour.

The link to the play will be added to the time below. Simply CLICK the time you want.

8 am Play:

⭐️8 am Crochet Play >>click here<<

⭐️8 am Knit Play >>click here<<

10 am Play:

⭐️10 am Crochet Play >>click here<<

⭐️10 am Knit Play >>click here<<

Get the VIP MVP treatment inside the Marly Bird House! Upgrade to the MVP Package and get everything in one place + more project workshops & patterns!

12 pm Play:

⭐️12 pm Crochet Play >>click here<<

⭐️12 pm Knit Play >>click here<<

2 pm Play: *MVP has a live Q&A Event at this hour*

⭐️2 pm Crochet Play >>click here<<

⭐️2 pm Knit Play >>click here<<

4 pm Play:

⭐️4 pm Crochet Play >>click here<<

⭐️4 pm Knit Play >>click here<<

6 pm Play:

⭐️6 pm Crochet Play >>click here<<

⭐️6 pm Knit Play >>click here<<

WAIT, there is more! During the Game:

The fun doesn’t stop once the game starts. Be sure to join us for a game of BINGO during the game. Just grab a card at the link below! You can start marking as soon as the game starts, and there will be an entry thread in the Marly’s Minions FB page for your finished cards. All you need is one regular, old-fashioned BINGO, so horizontal, vertical, or diagonal!

Get the 2023 Bingo Card >> TO BE ADDED Click Here <<

are you excited? Share with us on social media what yarn you’re using and what colors you like 🙂 Br sure to use #gamedaymakealong #mmmdi #marlybird