Not too long ago I mentioned how much I love Stephen West’s colorful shawls, and this year I have decided I absolutely need one in my closet.
So, this morning, just a little after 7 a.m. San Francisco time, I joined the 2022 MKAL and selected my yarn. Now I’ll sit here patiently and wait until my kit crosses the Atlantic and reaches my mailbox all the way from beautiful Amsterdam.
Last year, the MKAL (short for mystery knit along) was a pattern called Shawlography, which might be my favorite @westknits design – so far! I love all the different textures and colors. I have been dreaming of making one exactly like the one Stephen West is holding in this photo, but this morning I ran into this one by Domic, and well, I might need both!
photo credit: @westknits
It makes me wonder what this year’s pattern will look like. It’s called the twists & turns shawl and there is a cable needle included in the kit, so I guess there will be some cabling? I cannot wait until October 6 when we get our first clue to get started.
With so many yarns and colors available in the world, choosing materials for a project like this one can be a bit intimidating. Thankfully, Stephen gives a lot of information and guidance for choosing the best colors for the shawl, or you can do what I did and buy the full kit with color combinations handpicked by Stephen himself.
Perhaps because it’s still summer and super warm where I live, I’ve been drawn to pinks and peachy colors all season long. So, when I saw the Holst Pink combo, I immediately knew it was the one for my future shawl.
This will be my first ever Stephen West knit-along, and so far I’ve been quite impressed by how well organized it is. From videos explaining how the KAL works, to information about the yarns you can use and color selection, and even a must-watch video by Stephen West covering FAQs that had me laughing out loud, especially the part about having to buy more needles because all the other ones were holding other WIPs. (So many of us can surely relate!)
I must admit, I am a tiny bit nervous about the KAL. The shawl is knitted in sock weight yarn and I am a pretty slow knitter. So I hope it’s not too difficult, and that I can keep up with everyone else. Have you seen his other shawls? Not exactly easy-looking.
I couldn’t believe the kit I chose this morning was already sold out when I checked the site again later today. Lots of people all over the world will be knitting this shawl. So, if you are interested in joining the KAL and buying one of the ready kits, you should do it soon!
Of course, you can always create your own bundle from yarns you have in your stash, or find them at your local yarn store. Luckily many stores around the world have already prepared for this KAL.
I promise to post updates of my progress. Maybe you’ll join me?
