Category Archives: KAL

Cocoknits Mabel KAL: FINISHED!

Leave a reply

I finished my COCOKNITS MABEL KAL (knitalong) and I’m reporting back on my progress! All my project details, videos, & etc are right here on our website.

Just to recap, I made the smallest size (which I talk about in the video), and I used Drops Air (colour 34) & Drops Kid-Silk (colour 41) on 6.5mm/US10.5 needles. 

Since the last update, I knit the body and the sleeves. I followed the pattern instructions for the sleeves and did the grafted underarm, because I figured maybe I’d learn something new. What I learned was that I still prefer a picked-up underarm, and that I’m not into armpit grafting (that sounds gross, but ‘m sticking with it). Here’s a really good video from someone more proficient than me on how to pick up the underarm stitches when you’re ready to pick-up and knit your sleeves. (That said, I left a note on the Cocoknits youtube video and they very kindly got back to me saying that Julie’s Toni KAL playlist shows her cleaning up the outside edges. …. still, too many hoops for me to jump through).

I also knit the body a bit longer because the size was smaller than I expected, and I didn’t bother picking up for the neckline, when I tried it on it seemed to be just right, so I stuck with it. FYI I steam blocked it with a hand steamer… quick & easy!

Conclusions

Overall, it was a satisfying knit! I’m nearing the end of my first day wearing it and it’s cozy, comfortable, pretty, and it hasn’t been itching me. I learned a new technique, and I would definitely make another sweater from Cocoknits. I’m still nodling it aroun, but I think my next might be Emma Version A from the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop book (I think I figured out that I can get the right tension with Quince & Co Kestrel and 6.5mm/US10.5 needles, but I’m smacking my head because of course I didn’t make any notes for myself in my Ravelry account so I have to go back and double check that. And I need to order more of the yarn too!

P.S. 

In the video I mention perfectionism and the Knitsana workshop

Mabel

Mabel is a loose-fitting, comfortable pullover that fits the bill. She is also infinitely adaptable … try knitting the neck ribbing into a cowl or extra long fold-over turtleneck. Add cables, split the hem, knit it knee length, add stripes … the sky’s the limit. It is written in 10 sizes from 36 to 72” bust, so you have options for fit, as well!

This sweater is worked using the Cocoknits Method, a commonsense system for knitting seamless, tailored sweaters from the top down. The Cocoknits Method is explained in detail in Cocoknits Sweater Workshop by Julie Weisenberger.

Size

  • Small (Medium, Large, 1X)(2X, 3X, 4X)(5X, 6X, 7X)
  • Finished Bust: 36 (40, 44, 48)(52, 56, 60)(64, 68, 72)”/ 91.5 (104.5, 112, 122) (132, 142, 152.5)(162.5, 172.5, 183) cm
  • Finished Length: 15.5 (17.5, 19, 20)(21, 21.5, 22.5)(23.25, 24, 25)”/ 39.5 (44.5, 48.5, 51)(53.5, 54.5, 57.5)(59, 61, 63.5) cm

Materials

FYI Cocoknits KAL

Leave a reply

Cocoknits Everlasting KAL

FYI, if you hadn’t already heard, Cocoknits is hosting a KAL starting this February, and I thought it might be a nice diversion, as well as a neat way to learn something new and unique. Cocoknits designer, Julie Weisberger, is known for her own sweater construction style, which is laid out in her book Cocoknits Sweater Workshop.

I’m going to give it a shot and make Mabel, so reach out and give me a shout if you’d like to join me! It knits up on 7mm/US10.75 needles at 12 sts/4″, so it won’t be a huge commitment. I’d like to make mine light and airy, and I still have to swatch to figure out my yarn, but I’m thinking of using one of the following combinations:

If you’re allergic to wool I think you can also get away with using the Rico So Cool So Soft Cotton we have on sale (I managed to restock more of the navy, black and cream).

KAL Details

Knit whatever Cocoknits Method Pattern you want, whenever you want, however, you want. That’s the philosophy behind Cocoknits knit-a-long.

It’s a “choose your own adventure” of sorts. But the best part? They don’t have an end date…and they don’t plan on setting one, so you can join over and over again. That’s why they’re calling this the Cocoknits Method Everlasting KAL.

Still, the Cocoknits team enjoys the tradition of starting off the new year by working on a shared pattern together. For 2023 they have decided on a fan favorite: Mabel.

MKAL Cascade Yarns Blanket of Many Stitches

3 Replies

Cascade MKAL Starts Sept 29

Cascade’s annual blanket Mystery Knit-A-Long (MKAL) is starting on September 29th, and this year they are using CASCADE 220 SUPERWASH! To join just sign up for the Cascade Yarns newsletter to get the bi-weekly installments. All the details are available in their newsletter, right HERE.

Get 15% Off when you purchase all of your yarn for this project in one transaction (17 balls or more)! Use code CASCADEMKAL at check-out.*

* Discount does not apply to special-orders. Discount only applies to inventory that is already in stock, or that we already carry on a regular basis and is already in our database.

What is an MKAL?

MKAL stands for Mystery Knit A Long! Knit Alongs (KALs) are fun, social activity in which a group of knitters all make the same project in a specified timeframe. … A section of the pattern (clue) is released at regular intervals, and at the end of the Knit Along, the final design is revealed.

Check out some of Cascade’s Past MKALs:

MKAL Details

  • This year’s blanket is the “Blanket of Many Stitches” … a striped stitch sampler
  • Made with 4 colours, a total of 17 balls of yarn (colour A – 5 skeins; colours B to D – 4 skeins each)
  • Each stripe is approximately 2” long
  • Each stitch pattern is a repeat of 12 stitches
  • Finished measurements: 36″ x 52″
  • 10 Bi-weekly installments will be sent via Cascade Yarns email newsletter
  • DOWNLOAD DETAILS HERE

Yarn

CASCADE 220 SUPERWASH

Cascade 220 Superwash is a staple around here! It’s made with 100% machine washable Peruvian wool which is easy to work with and wear (it softens up considerable after washing). It’s very popular for all kinds of projects, including baby, kids, accessories, sweaters, blankets, etc.

  • Colour A: 5 skeins
  • Colour B: 4 skeins
  • Colour C: 4 skeins
  • Colour D: 4 skeins

Colours

It’s hard for us to carry every colour in this yarn line (they have SO MANY colours that we already have to split it up into heathered and solid colours for tech reasons), but we can always look into special-ordering a colour you want for your MKAL blanket, or finding a substitute that works. All the colours available to us through our Canadian distributor are HERE.

The colours in the pictures below below are provided by Cascade Yarns, and may not be accurate. The photos on our website have been colour-corrected to match the actually yarn as possible. The colour combinations offer a colour palette suggestions, but you can choose any colour you like. Most of the colour combinations seem to have 1 dark colour, two medium colours, and 1 light or bright colour.

Other Materials

KAL Fibre Co “One Sock” Knit-A-Long Starts June 1st

Leave a reply

Fibre Co “One Sock” Knit-A-Long

The Fire Co is hosting a Sock Knit-A-Long (KAL) starting June 1st! the KAL is Free and Knitters of any skill level can join (Fibre Co’s ‘one sock’ pattern is ideal for novices). If you’re a beginner sock knitter this is a great opportunity to take advantage of the free resources offered though the KAL!

They are kicking off their “Month of Socks” with a Zoom party hosted by The Fibre Co. founder Daphne, One Sock designer Kate Atherly, and knitting teacher Renée Callahan. 

The party starts June 1st at 5pm BST | 12 noon EDT  | 9am PDT

The party is the first event in The Fibre Co’s month long celebration of sock knitting focusing on the #TheFibreCoOneSockKAL. You only have to do one of two things to be able to take part in the KAL and to win prizes:

 1. Knit the One Sock pattern in any yarn (see the white socks below).

OR

2. Knit any sock pattern in Amble yarn (see below for some inspiration). 

If you would like to join the KAL on 1st June, please register by clicking the link below! 

REGISTER HERE

Hedera

Hedera by Coraline Kerisit features a delicate lace pattern reminiscent of the shape of leaves. Sample shown in Amble, shade Isel.

Mind Garden

Mind Garden by Yucca has the option for two beautiful patterns on the leg. Samples shown in Amble, shades Buttermere and Scafell Pike.

Wollaton Socks

Wollaton Socks by Emily Joy Rickard features interlinked cables moving into a rib texture across the foot. Sample shown in Amble, shade Windermere.

Mara Socks

Mara Socks by Zsuzsanna Orthodoxou features a lattice stitch and reinforced heel. Sample shown in Amble, shade Buttermere.

KAL Cascade Lapgan Knitalong

Leave a reply

knitterati 2018 1.jpg

Cascade Knitterati Gradient Lapghan Knit-Along Kit

PREORDER & SAVE 10%!

Cascade Yarns had so much fun with last year’s 30th Anniversary Afghan that they created an all-new mystery design for 2018! The Gradient Lapghan Knit-along starts March 2018, and a new pattern will be released every three weeks for a year. There will be 16 squares in all—created by 16 top designers. Click here for the list of Gradient Lapghan Knit-along Designers.

We’ve assembled a kit to make getting all the yarn you need for the Knitterati Gradient Lapghan Knit-Along simple!

The Knitterati Gradient Lapghan is made with four shades of four colours in Cascade 220 Superwash Merino, 20 skeins in all. The first square pattern will be released in March 2018, with a new square revealed every three weeks in 2018.

NOTE: To participate, you will need to sign up at Cascadeyarns.com to receive pattern releases for each square via email as they’re released. You can join Cascade’s Ravelry group to share your progress.

FIRST SQUARE WILL BE RELEASED MARCH 9TH!

 

Shop Online Button Turquoise 250w

 

knitterati 2018 2 blog.png

knitterati 2018 3 blog