I was introduced to Stephen West by watching Martyn's Knit365 YouTube channel and even cast on the Slipstravaganza shawl after watching that years Vlogtober episodes (which I'm currently trying to finish to get it off my WIP list!). I'm very tempted to join in with the MKAL for the first time this year - I did the Contrast Blast Surprise Sock KAL this year and loved it! I'm visiting Yarndale in September and if I happen to find 4 skeins of yarn which would work well in a gradient then I think my mind will be made up 😉
Oooh - I so want to join in but I know I have tons on my plate this month. I really need to finish my son's Uni blanket and I can't afford any distractions. But at the same time.....
Ha! I love that term. Brioche on a deadline has to be my nightmare. Having said that, the last time I did a Westknits shawl I just substituted the brioche section for garter stitch and kept quiet about it :)
Hmm, I wasn’t going to join the MKAL this year as I haven’t finished last year’s yet, (I’ve been on clue 4 for most of the year.), but think FOMO might get me. I could easy finish Twists and Turns before October, right?
I was determined not to participate this year, as I have many shawls waiting to be cast-on.....that is, until a half hour ago 🙄😃. I took a peak at the Holst Kits, and there was a kit in just the colours I'd been imagining! Dammit, lol...I'm in! I'm so looking forward to your and Irina's YouTube episodes...they were the best part of the MKAL last year, for me 😊😘
I fell in love with Shawlography in 2021 but didn’t do it. I promised myself I’d do 2022’s. Bought the pattern and a kit. When it released I was in the middle of knitting my first sweater so I didn’t start it...turns out to be a blessing as I didn’t like the shape of it. (It reminds me of the Millennium Falcon.) So, I’m going to wait until I can see a finished shawl before I decide on if I’ll knit it or not. And if I don’t like it, I’m going to purchase 2021’s Shawlography. And if I like it, I may do both. 😅
Well Martyn, this year, —- are you team Stash or team Kit? Have you pick your colors yet?
This will be my third year and the first time I’m purchasing my yarn from Stephen. I decided on Stephen’s kit “Baroque Gradient” in LITLG yarn. Instead of the kit, on Wednesday I just went ahead and purchased the 4 skeins I’ll need, only to realize, one of the skeins was the wrong color. I called the store and they were able to stop the shipment just in time. PROBLEM—— the skein I need to complete my ground, is “sold out”—— so now they’re in the process of trying to pick a substitute. So now I’m waiting for a photo from them of the yarn they think will work with my group. What a mess I’ve made!!!! I’m starting out rocky already, hopefully the rest of the MKAL will be smooth sailing from here.
Thank you to you and Irina, because as I’ve said before, you guys make this soooooooo much more fun!!!! Can’t wait to blast off—— say Hi to Mark for me —- Until next time, Happy Crafting!!!!!
I’m joining the MKAL for the first time this year after doing the Contrast Blast socks in July. I cannot wait! Although I am on holiday for clue 1 and not sure whether to just pack all the yarn or wait until
I get home and just be slightly behind 😂 we will see.
Not doing the MKAL this year, but have my 🍿popcorn ready to watch every one else work through it. I tried Shawlography, but couldn’t keep up. I admire those of you that can. If the pattern speaks to me, I may make it in the new year.
I loved Shawlography and learned so much from that KAL. I didn’t finish last year’s shawl because I realized at 4’ 11”, I just can’t handle a 5 skein shawl. I wasn’t planning on participating this year, but realized I have yarn in my stash that will work and that I’m excited about using. So I’m on board again!
I ordered an MKAL kit last year but didn't complete the shawl I missed the start and then wasn't sure I liked the design so didn't start. I still have the yarn and may well cast it on at some point to develop my skills. I have ordered a kit for this year from Pixie Yarns as I'm determined to try again I'm not the fastest of knitters and doubt I will keep up but I'm good with that and look forward to seeing what Mr West has in store as well as seeing the beautiful colour combinations
Hi Martyn! This is my 3rd Westknits MKAL. I did the same LBA kit as you last year. I did make the little rust-colored loops for the cables, and that really made them pop. Worth doing in my humble opinion. Getting really excited for this year as I was able to get my 1st choice kit from LITLG , the Baroque colorway (peachy pinks, gold, wine) Really looking forward to this year and knitting along with you and Irina! I think this year there will be a hood ; )
Having withdrawal symptoms of not seeing you post a podcast. I have been confined to a recliner chair post foot surgery 2 weeks ago. Thought great, I'll get lots of knitting done. No. As found an old fiddly UFO fine wool cowl I had decided to incorporate a mosiac pattern, to complete. Not joining the MKAL, as Im not a shawl knitter.
Don’t be scared! I started knitting in May last year and did last year’s MKAL in October. Best decision ever, as I learned so much and now I am not afraid of any type of knitting. His accompanying videos are brilliant and so helpful. Go for it.
I had to go and look up whether I am millennial or not? Turns out I’m a Gen X, by about 3 years.
Love all the help and support in the crafting community. You inspire me to make sure I do some crafting every day.
I am not sure I am brave enough to try these MKALS , I need to finish my Stephen West cardi for my mum. I will join in on the sidelines and see the outcome.
I was introduced to Stephen West by watching Martyn's Knit365 YouTube channel and even cast on the Slipstravaganza shawl after watching that years Vlogtober episodes (which I'm currently trying to finish to get it off my WIP list!). I'm very tempted to join in with the MKAL for the first time this year - I did the Contrast Blast Surprise Sock KAL this year and loved it! I'm visiting Yarndale in September and if I happen to find 4 skeins of yarn which would work well in a gradient then I think my mind will be made up 😉
Ooh! I’m planning on selecting mine at Yarndale too!
Oooh - I so want to join in but I know I have tons on my plate this month. I really need to finish my son's Uni blanket and I can't afford any distractions. But at the same time.....
You lot are such enablers.
You just find yarn and sign up this month. You wouldn't cast on until October. Plenty of time to finish the Uni blanket!
Oh good point, I was thinking the cast on was sooner than that
I'm really tempeted to give it a go this year but i'm not sure I have to the nerves to deal with possible "deadline brioche" :-)
Ha! I love that term. Brioche on a deadline has to be my nightmare. Having said that, the last time I did a Westknits shawl I just substituted the brioche section for garter stitch and kept quiet about it :)
Good idea, I might just do the same :-)
Hmm, I wasn’t going to join the MKAL this year as I haven’t finished last year’s yet, (I’ve been on clue 4 for most of the year.), but think FOMO might get me. I could easy finish Twists and Turns before October, right?
You can do it!
I LOVE a MKAL! I’ve already stash dived! #teamstash
I was determined not to participate this year, as I have many shawls waiting to be cast-on.....that is, until a half hour ago 🙄😃. I took a peak at the Holst Kits, and there was a kit in just the colours I'd been imagining! Dammit, lol...I'm in! I'm so looking forward to your and Irina's YouTube episodes...they were the best part of the MKAL last year, for me 😊😘
I fell in love with Shawlography in 2021 but didn’t do it. I promised myself I’d do 2022’s. Bought the pattern and a kit. When it released I was in the middle of knitting my first sweater so I didn’t start it...turns out to be a blessing as I didn’t like the shape of it. (It reminds me of the Millennium Falcon.) So, I’m going to wait until I can see a finished shawl before I decide on if I’ll knit it or not. And if I don’t like it, I’m going to purchase 2021’s Shawlography. And if I like it, I may do both. 😅
Well Martyn, this year, —- are you team Stash or team Kit? Have you pick your colors yet?
This will be my third year and the first time I’m purchasing my yarn from Stephen. I decided on Stephen’s kit “Baroque Gradient” in LITLG yarn. Instead of the kit, on Wednesday I just went ahead and purchased the 4 skeins I’ll need, only to realize, one of the skeins was the wrong color. I called the store and they were able to stop the shipment just in time. PROBLEM—— the skein I need to complete my ground, is “sold out”—— so now they’re in the process of trying to pick a substitute. So now I’m waiting for a photo from them of the yarn they think will work with my group. What a mess I’ve made!!!! I’m starting out rocky already, hopefully the rest of the MKAL will be smooth sailing from here.
Thank you to you and Irina, because as I’ve said before, you guys make this soooooooo much more fun!!!! Can’t wait to blast off—— say Hi to Mark for me —- Until next time, Happy Crafting!!!!!
I’m joining the MKAL for the first time this year after doing the Contrast Blast socks in July. I cannot wait! Although I am on holiday for clue 1 and not sure whether to just pack all the yarn or wait until
I get home and just be slightly behind 😂 we will see.
Not doing the MKAL this year, but have my 🍿popcorn ready to watch every one else work through it. I tried Shawlography, but couldn’t keep up. I admire those of you that can. If the pattern speaks to me, I may make it in the new year.
I loved Shawlography and learned so much from that KAL. I didn’t finish last year’s shawl because I realized at 4’ 11”, I just can’t handle a 5 skein shawl. I wasn’t planning on participating this year, but realized I have yarn in my stash that will work and that I’m excited about using. So I’m on board again!
I ordered an MKAL kit last year but didn't complete the shawl I missed the start and then wasn't sure I liked the design so didn't start. I still have the yarn and may well cast it on at some point to develop my skills. I have ordered a kit for this year from Pixie Yarns as I'm determined to try again I'm not the fastest of knitters and doubt I will keep up but I'm good with that and look forward to seeing what Mr West has in store as well as seeing the beautiful colour combinations
Hi Martyn! This is my 3rd Westknits MKAL. I did the same LBA kit as you last year. I did make the little rust-colored loops for the cables, and that really made them pop. Worth doing in my humble opinion. Getting really excited for this year as I was able to get my 1st choice kit from LITLG , the Baroque colorway (peachy pinks, gold, wine) Really looking forward to this year and knitting along with you and Irina! I think this year there will be a hood ; )
Having withdrawal symptoms of not seeing you post a podcast. I have been confined to a recliner chair post foot surgery 2 weeks ago. Thought great, I'll get lots of knitting done. No. As found an old fiddly UFO fine wool cowl I had decided to incorporate a mosiac pattern, to complete. Not joining the MKAL, as Im not a shawl knitter.
I’m too scared to join in as a beginner knitter but i love watching all the colourways come together!
Don’t be scared! I started knitting in May last year and did last year’s MKAL in October. Best decision ever, as I learned so much and now I am not afraid of any type of knitting. His accompanying videos are brilliant and so helpful. Go for it.
Thankyou I have bought the pattern and will see how I go!!
That’s brilliant! You will learn so much. I am waiting for my yarn to arrive and have also already bought the pattern. 🙂
I had to go and look up whether I am millennial or not? Turns out I’m a Gen X, by about 3 years.
Love all the help and support in the crafting community. You inspire me to make sure I do some crafting every day.
I am not sure I am brave enough to try these MKALS , I need to finish my Stephen West cardi for my mum. I will join in on the sidelines and see the outcome.