May 21, 2012

Want to Knit Along?

The other day when I was in one of my LYS shops, I got chatting with the shop keepers about all-season knitters of which I'm proudly one. I know that you are, too, and our biggest challenge is finding the right patterns to knit when the weather warms up and the idea of knitting bulky cowls or sweaters just isn't appealing. With the weather (finally) turning warmer here on the east coast, I'm finding myself thinking a lot about shawls. I finished some wonderful shawl patterns in recent weeks including my Citron and my Wholehearted Shawl, and I'm still enjoying knitting my Oaklet Shawlette.

I had such a nice time hosting the Wholehearted Shawl KAL that I'd love to do another shawl KAL with those of you who are looking for a small(ish) project that will use up some stash and be perfect for those cool summer nights when you need a little warmth around your neck. I'm more than happy to purchase patterns to support idie designers but for this KAL, I'm choosing a free pattern and hope that will encourage you to join me.

I'm going to cast on the Amari by Marie Grace Smith, a design I've admired for a while now. I want to expand my skills and knit up some lace and am thinking of using my Manos de Uruguay Silk Blend in the wine colorway. The pattern calls for 654 yards of worsted weight, and I have 600 but since this is DK weight, I'll have to adjust both my needle size and the overall dimensions of the shawl. Maybe I'll find some extra DK yarn in my stash for the lace edging -- we'll see.


If you're looking to knit a shawl this season, I hope you'll consider joining me in this KAL -- leave a comment so we can keep track of each other's progress.  I know that Lisa is interested (I hope you like this choice, Lisa).

15 comments:

  1. The Amari shawl is beautiful! I wish I had time for KAL. I think I'll knit some socks with my latest shipment of TFA. Did you receive yours? I look forward to seeing your finished Oaklet Shawlette! Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's a gorgeous shawl! Since I'm designing a shawl, knitting another shawl and about to start a tunic I can't join you, but I'll enjoy seeing your progress :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, you're busy ... another KAL, another time!

      Delete
  3. I too wish I had time for a KAL. (As the world's slowest knitter, I might need a year to make a shawl anyway!) Looks fun!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, this one looks great too! Good pick! :D
    I'm knitting up Pimpelliese for my little girl right now but will dive in my stash to see if there's anything I can use for Amari... There has to be something, there's enough stash! *grin*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you can join along! Looking forward to seeing what you pick from your stash.

      Delete
  5. I've never seen that pattern before but it looks amazing! I love the version knitted up in the picture. I'm certainly going to have to think about joining this one too! You host the best KALs ever!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm still trying to hurry up and finish the wholehearted shawl, I will try to join in on this one, maybe this time I won't fall so behind.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, Yes I do! I love it! Now I just have to see if I have any stash yarn I can use for it...my budget is very very very tight right now. So I will keep you posted on if it's a for sure or not :)
    You have great tastes in patterns by the way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ok so I have no yarn in my stash that totals that yardage, in fact most of my 'quality' yarns are sock yarns :/ Go figure. I know what i want to use though, something I am spinning up right now, but it won't be done in time, it's barely even started :(

      Delete
  8. I'm seriously considering this knit along. For one, it's a shawl, for another it's a worsted weight shawl, so it won't take forever and a day. However, I'm having a hard time visualizing what yarn in my stash to use. I'm sure I'll find something.

    ReplyDelete
  9. That's a lovely shawl, and one I have favourited. I'd love to knit it, but right now, the ice has finally arrived, and I am freeeeezing! Need.more.warm.clothes.now!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'd like to have a go at this KAL - I've never done one before and am a bit worried that I might fall by the wayside. Anyway, I'm off to look in my stash for some DK yarn...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Gonna look in my stash an see how much yardage I have in some Dragonfly fibres I have in there.....might be joining you although I am so slow. Have yet to do some lace so this may be just the project?? :-)

    ReplyDelete