So I have been considering a “knit along”. Thought it would be kind of fun. How to locate virtual knit alongs. I tried googling but mostly came up as in person retreats. Maybe this won’t be my cup of tea but virtually less of an investment. Anybody know about this or have done this?
Knitalong
They do sound like fun although I’ve never done one. I like to go along at my own pace I guess.
Are you thinking of a knit along for a particular project, a sweater, scarf, hat?
What about a mystery knit along?
I tend to agree about doing at your own pace. So not sure if this would be for me. I had not really thought about “what type of project “, more about a technique, such colorwork or intarsia, stranded knitting. So far I have been able to figure most things out with the help of the knowledgeable people here. I just thought it might be fun besides having my hand held (so to speak) through my biggest fears which is this color thing.
The knit alongs seem very helpful with everyone pitching in to anwer questions and explain techniques. Knitting group friends have joined them and report that they were very enjoyable and useful. No one that I know has worked a mystery knit along yet.
If you search Ravelry under Community > Groups > Knit-a-long
there are several including one from Knit Purl Hunter and the Colorful KAL & Projects Group.
How do these virtual knit alongside take place? Does everyone zoom and chat about the project while they are knitting??? Or is it that everyone is making the same thing but “meet up” in a typed chat forum like this?
I’ve seen the phrase used but never really known how that happens.
I can understand in a knitting group or class that is attended. I quite like the idea of a knitting club but wouldn’t be able to go to one… must be why I spend so much time on here!
@KnittinGigi have you tried out any colour tutorial videos? Like a knitting along but with a video tutorial that you can slow down and pause or skip through so you can go your own pace and do it at a time that suits you? There are so many videos out there I would imagine there must be at least one knit along type video.
Edited to add.
I just found this. I am so amazed by the things that are available online!
This is a fairisle blanket with a shopping list and materials free to download, the pattern and charts all available to download and tutorials available on YouTube.
There must be others, just amazing.
To be honest not sure how they work but I did come across this “camp colorwork by Marley bird and another person”, while I was looking into this. I love the concept of video tutorials. Anyway it sounds really interesting. And so does the link you sent. Thanks.
Usually there are a series of posts on a blog or a yarn store site. You’re given a description and maybe a photo of the item to be made and a list of the materials you’ll need including the amount of yarn. Then on a given schedule, say once week, parts of the pattern are given so that you can begin and continue knitting. There’s a place for questions and comments and finally a post of photos of finished projects.
For a mystery knit along (MKAL) you don’t know what the project is. You just follow the pattern sections until the end.
It’s amazing just how supportive and inclusive the knitting community is. There is SO much available to learn from and join in with. Remarkable.
Suzanne Bryan sometimes has knitalongs called “bootcamps” but with an educational focus.
Although come to think of it, maybe they are more like classes because you submit work samples as you go.
My local textile group used to have knitalongs occasionally. I miss going there. It was interesting to see what everyone was making,
That info is good to know. In the meantime I have ordered a book, Building in color by Michelle Hunter. Though I’m not sure how well I’ll learn from a book. I really like videos. Anyway thought I’d try this and if not I will look at Marley Birds Camp Colorwork. Also there is an LYS here and thought I might call them when they’re opened next. I do know they used to have “kind of” knit group vs a drop in work through a problem piece. Thought I’d check on that. Maybe I might like something like that and to even be around other knitters. I know no one that knits well other than the great people here.
Just received a notice of this KAL from the yarn shop, The Woolly Thistle. (A hap it a blanket sized shawl.)
“Building in Color” and “Camp Colorwork” both look very fun and vibrant.
The Woolly Thistle has a lovely selection of yarns. I do love British yarn … also European, American, Portuguese, Icelandic and everywhere really!
Even though I live in Australia, which is famous for merino, most of that goes to be spun and woven in Italy into beautiful suiting. Our local knitting wool selection is actually not that great. And I personally am not fond of merino for handknitting. It is lovely and soft but does not hold up well to wearing in my experience.
New Zealand, just next door to us, has some lovely local yarns.
They even have a wild flock of sheep: