Wednesday, 8 April 2015

All change - "Knitters" and "Crocheters" Unite!!

My hands have been fairly idle over the holidays (if you discount the cooking, driving kids around etc...) and it's given my brain some time to think about the annual Spring "knitalong". Of the various kals I've hosted so far, my personal favourite was the 'Next Step Sock Knitalong'. I loved that one in particular because it gave knitters of all levels the chance to participate and to expand their skills - with the help of others in the group where necessary. For our new knitalong I was specifically looking for a Shawl / scarf project - something that would suit the transitional weather in either hemisphere - but finding one pattern that will suit a wide range of skills and experience isn't easy, so I started looking at 'pattern collections' - the 'Pick-A-Boo Kal' was very popular and resulted in some truly awesome finished projects, some more complicated than others.

While all of these things were going through my mind, the first #LoveYourBlog challenge posts popped up all over the internet, on the subject of "Interactions and Community" (see mine here). Reading various posts and comment threads one theme kept appearing - crocheters said they sometimes feel that they are on the outside, looking in at all the knitters. I was quite astounded to read this! Several of my own favourite bloggers are primarily crocheters, so I see a lot of crochet. As I can do both (but prefer knitting - I am much more proficient at it) I really hadn't ever considered that people who only crochet might feel this way. Yet it came up various times on the posts and comments I read and made me stop to re-consider plans for the 'Knitalong'. The whole point of a knitalong is to foster community and work together. I started to rethink things... 

Imagine if people could join in to knit and crochet, or both! Imagine if we could make shawls, in whichever way we prefer, but while all seeking to stretch our skills together! New knitters and crocheters could use patterns to develop their skills, more experienced crafters could try new techniques or more complicated stitch patterns. And imagine if some of the knitters wanted to try crochet and vice versa! What if we could do this? Wouldn't it be awesome? 
#cftcmakealong
So I'm proposing that we scratch the 'knitalong' in favour of a 'make-along' (is there a more snappy name?). It will start on May 1st  - that's the Bank holiday weekend here in the UK - so there is plenty of time to get your yarn and pattern ready. The aim will be to make a transitional shawl/neck accessory using a technique or construction method which is new to you. Feel free to interpret that however you want. Over the next few weeks, I'll post pictures and link to pattern ideas and yarn inspiration, which we can also share on the Ravelry group I'm sure we'll end up inspiring each other and having a lot of fun!

What do you think? Are you up for this? Please let me know with a comment here, via social media (Instagram, Facebook or Twitter) or email. I've also started a new thread on the Ravelry group which is a perfect place to link up to pattern suggestions. Hope to see you there!   

22 comments:

  1. Looking forward to it! I love projects that involve learning a new skill, I look forward to your suggestions!

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  2. It could be a CAKAL? Crochet-along-knit-along? I find it quite amusing, imagining us all knitting and crocheting in a big cafe, eating cake and cackling with laughter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, CAKAL makes more sense as crochet-and-knit-along. Right, I'll shut up now...

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    2. You've heard my laugh, haven't you?!? :)

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  3. Ooh, this could be the push I need to cast on that shawl that's in my queue but sooo fine and lacy and intimidating. I've crocheted a shawl before, but never knitted one. Count me in! :) x

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    Replies
    1. *chants* Do it! Do it!

      Lovely to have you on board :)

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  4. I call my "alongs" CALs or Craft A Longs to cover all the bases, knitting, weaving, crochet and spinning. Basically anything that uses fibre in it's various forms.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you are great for that Chrissy and always very inclusive! (You are one of the people I was thinking about when I wrote my "Communities and Interaction" post the other day.) xxx

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  5. Love this, of course :) Thanks so much, it really does make a difference - I think most crocheters know that they're included too, but having it actually said is so much appreciated <3

    As for me, I think I'm going to tackle a knitting project with 2 colours for the first time. I taught myself to knit, then tackled lace, so I think colour is next on the list - I've had the Stripe Study Shawl for ages, and know just what I want to use. Looking forward to it!

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    Replies
    1. Sounds awesome! That was the first ever KAL! Great project :)

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  6. Replies
    1. Awesome! So happy to have you on board Maria! Can't wait to see what you'll make! :) x

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  7. I have to admit I envy you talented knitters. I love crochet because it seems to grow so quick. But as I want to challenge my knitting skills I am going to attempt a pattern I have seen to today in a magazine.
    Ali xx

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    Replies
    1. That's the spirit, Ali! Great to have you on board!

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  8. Often 'alongs' are a little polarised so something more inclusive sounds lovely and embracing. I'll chuck in Y'ALL for Yarn-A-Long-Lovelies!

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  9. Good idea to include all as we all support one another.

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  10. This has really made my week!! I saw this post yesterday but didn't have time to comment to say how amazing idea this is and how happy it makes me to see people excited to try different things, whether it is crochet or knitting.

    I was also going to mention that I really wanted to try one of the shawls for the Shawl Project to participate in this Make Along since I had said to Joanne Scrace we should do a CAL for it and then I see your most recent post! It is like everything is falling into place, I just love when that happens.

    Thank you again for such brilliant idea, it will only make this community better and stronger!

    x

    Sol

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  11. Great idea! I took part in a KAL/CAL just last month. It was really nice to have both together and see what everyone was making.

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