Our First Knit-Along

One of the features I love on Ravelry is the knit-alongs (KALs). I've joined a few of them, and in every one, I've learned something from the other knitters in the group. So when I was planning the opening of my store, I knew regular KALs were a must-have.

Our knit-alongs are free to join, and they're super-fun! I encourage participants to post pictures in our Facebook group or on Ravelry so that we can all share in each other's progress. But the most fun we have happens in the store. We have set KAL social times, when we can gather and see what everyone else is doing. Knitters are really great people, and many friendships are being forged through these socials as well as in our regular socials.

Yarn from left to right: Blue Brick Killarney Sock, Dream in Color Jilly Lace with Cashmere, Berroco Nebula, Diamond Luxury Traditional Sock, Zen Yarn Garden

Our first KAL was a shawl designed by Janina Kallio. We opted to allow participants to choose their own pattern, so in this case, we weren't all knitting the same thing. It was such fun to see the yarns matched to patterns and to watch the progress along the way. The end results, though—wow! We had both new and experienced knitters in this group, and every completed shawl has been beautiful! A few of us are still working away on our January KAL shawl, but there is never any pressure to finish "on time." 

Yarn from left to right: Cascade Heritage + Rowan Kidsilk Haze, Lang Jawoll Magic, Hand Maiden Mini Maiden, Cascade Heritage Wave, Manos del Uruguay Alegria

I hope you'll consider joining one of our upcoming KALs. This month, we are knitting Canada-themed mittens in honour of our Canadian Olympians. And we have a poncho KAL planned for March—just in time for spring! For more information, see us in-store or visit our Classes and Events web page!