Progressive Needles Knit Along
with
Michelle Hunter
OVERVIEW
- Knit Along will run for four months with a different project each month – October and November of 2011, January and February of 2012. See supply list on the Knit Along page at knitpurlhunter.com
- Each pattern is an original design that will remain a mystery until the final clue is revealed.
- The knit along clues will be posted in four segments on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time on knitpurlhunter.com Any unforeseen changes in this schedule will be posted on the 1st of the respective month.
- Once posted, all instructions will remain on the website through March 15, 2012.
- Comments and questions will be monitored daily on knitpurlhunter.com Any change to this schedule (national holiday, etc) will be announced on the 1st of the respective month.
- All patterns are accompanied by video lessons within each segment enabling knitters of all skill levels to participate. Video instruction for other techniques are also available at knitpurlhunter.com
- Prizes, eligiblilty information and shopping sources may be found at skacelknitting.com
- Additional skacel prize opportunities will be randomly announced within a clue to reward loyal readers.
- Follow fellow knitters on the Ravelry group, Knit Purl Hunter KAL.
55 Comments
Hello Michelle,
I thought I would share what I feel a unique way in which your KALs have affected my life! My two closest friends in high school also became knitters as we were all busy with our professions and families. We now live in Ohio. Boston, and Long Island. The three of us are doing your projects together even though we live miles apart! We all agree that your videos are so very helpful and done with such clarity! The trials and tribulations of life had kept the daily contact with each other at a minimum. Now we talk all the time in reference to our knitting projects. We have reunited in a special way after 40 years of busy lives. Thanks so much for your dedication to knitting education and friends! The interesting part of this is that the 40 years we were apart we didn’t know we were all knitting in our separate states!
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Lois! It is another example of how knitting brings people together and creates a special bond. I am humbled to play a role in your continuing friendship. Happy knitting to you all!
This is my first KAL and I am really excited about it. I read your instructions on the last KAL socks and you said to practice Judy’s Magic Cast on. I have knitted socks before on DPNs, but want to use 2 circulars and don’t have a clue. Are there any videos that would help me? Also, how do you do Judy’s cast on for 2 circulars?
Next question: I get holes in toes of my store-bought socks, sometimes with only a couple wearings. I hate the idea that my expensive, time-consuming socks might get a toe hole right away! My local Skacel dealer suggested buying darning wool yarn and using it with the sock yarn at the same time, for just the toe area. Would this make me ineligible for Skacel contest prizes? It would be so cool to win something from them!
Thanks for choosing us as your first KAL! I prefer to make socks using the Magic Loop method which uses one long circular needle. In my video, Judy’s Magic Cast On, I demonstrate the cast on with this method. You may also find the Magic Loop video helpful. As for making strong socks, I think you will be very surprised how durable handmade socks can be especially if the fiber has a bit of nylon for added strength. The reinforcing yarn can be used in the area where you seem to wear through your socks – heels, toes, etc. Many people find this step unnecessary, but customizing is the best trait of hand knit socks. Using reinforcing yarn will not make you ineligible for the Skacel prizes. The contest is open to all knitters!
How do I sign up for your Feb KAL?
No registration is required. Simply go the the KAL page (look for icon on the home page) on February 2nd to view the first clue. Please let me know if you have any questions.
do you recommend untwisting the stitches as you work the first row?
(I’m trying 4 and 6s- this yarn is delightfully soft !!!)
Sorry I missed this comment! Do not untwist your stitches. It is the twisting that makes for the firm, clean edge.
Hi!
This is my 1st KAL! I’m soooo excited!
This may be a newbie question but I’m going to ask it. Can this be knit 2 at a time magic loop style?
I’m working on gauge now and then I’ll get going on the cuff so I thought I would ask of I can knit them ML & 2 at a time before I got goin.
Thanks and I can’t wait to get my 1st clue completed!
Cindy
I’m so happy you chose us as your first KAL! They are a lot of fun. By all means, knit them two at a time if you prefer. You will have a pair when you cast off at the end of the month. Be sure to join the Knit Purl Hunter KAL group on Ravelry to see the work from fellow KALers and to chat and compare notes with them. I chime in there often as well.
Yay! I love knitting 2 at a time whenever I can!
I’ll be joining the Ravelry group today, thanks so much for telling me!
I can’t wait to see these all knitted up! I love how this yarn knitted on my swatch, thanks for choosing a great yarn I haven’t tried!
I love the yarn and am so excited for you all to try it!
Trouble… Worked on swatching for tomorrow’s clue… Size 7 needles got me 3.5-4 sts/”… Size 5′s got me 4-4.5 sts/”… And finally size 3′s got me 4.75-5 sts/”! I knit more tight than loose. Could there be something amiss with the gauge of 5 sts per inch on 7′s?
We are making a fabric much firmer than the yarn suggests for added warmth. I would try today’s clue (up in a few hours) on the size 3 and see what you think. Keep me posted – I’ll be here to help.
I bought my yarn for the January mittens well in advance, but then, er, I used it to make a Christmas gift (also mittens). And they turned out just luscious. The Simpliworsted is wonderful – substantial and so soft. I just bought more Taupe, and the KAL mittens will be mine, all mine! Also bought more Royal for the February socks – another gift for self
I agree! Simpliworsted is deliciously soft and so nice to knit with. My new book is all knit with Simpliworsted and I couldn’t get enough of it! You will adore your new mittens in this soft and washable yarn.
Hi Michelle, I am on the second pair of socks this time I read the instructions
the correct way for the back of the socks. I now have a green and a pretty blue
so when do we start the mittens I cannot wait. I purchased 7 and a 5 both 40 inches long is that too much do you need smaller length I cannot find where it tells me what length. When do you plan on starting?? I need something new to do
I do love the socks they are so pretty. I sure hope this keeps up thru 2012 it is so much fun. I could not wait for the next clue instructions each week. I have told
many people about the site and they cannot believe it. I knit everywhere I can
and have a few minutes. It is really fun to do 2 socks at a time. Joan
Joan, I am so happy that you are all ready to go for the new KALs! The needles you have for the mittens will be just fine. You have enough length in them to knit 2 at a time if you prefer. Our mittens begin on Thursday, January 5th. I can’t wait!
I just moved & can’t wait for my knitting supplies to find a new home. I am so looking forward to starting the KAL. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
Michelle, I want to knit a hat to go with the mitts. If I knit the fingerless mitts will I have enough yarn for a hat or do I need to buy a third skein? Thanks!
I had enough yarn to knit a hat after making the mittens so you should have enough to make one after the fingerless version. If you are near a shop with a favorable return policy, it is always nice to have an extra skein just in case. Looking forward to knitting with you in January.
Hi! First off, I absolutely adore your website! It’s wonderful and SO helpful… I was searching for a beginner’s pattern the other day and found one I really liked BUT it called to knit with two colors at one time… a hurdle I haven’t quite jumped yet. So in looking for instruction online (I wasn’t lucky enough to have a grandmother who could teach me… I’m entirely self taught… which definitly has it’s limitations) I found your website… and I watched the video on knitting with two colors… but I’m having a hard time figuring out how to start off… do I cast on with both colors… how do I put a border on it? I don’t want both colors until the interior of the blanket but I can’t figure out how to integrate it in with the other colors after starting out. Do you have any helpful tips?
I’m so glad you have found my videos helpful! You do not need to cast on in two colors. Knit with the first color until it is time to introduce the second color and then begin with 2 handed knitting in the center of your blanket. Happy knitting!
my2 new puppies like the yarn too they just tore up what was left from the last
one for the scarf. Just love the scarf and it is so soft I am going to make a red one
and a gray one for gifts.
They have good taste!
I have just been catching up on my mail. It turns out I have missed everything. Are there
any start up classes scheduled?? Thanks, Georgiana
You may download this month’s pattern and catch up with us. Our new mystery KAL begins November 3rd – Toe Up Socks, two at a time.
My first KAL!!! Ready to tackle part 3… shawlette looking good so far! Much fun.
Greetings all, I’m a returning knitter; pre edu, job, family and life I greatly enjoyed knitting-then responsibilites got in the way. Anyway, I’m back at it! “KAL’s” are new and different for me. They sound great-just new. Where is the pic for the shawl? Lastly, considering I received the Email this afternoon RE: the KAL. If I order and start the shawl next week would it be too challenging/frustrating to play catch? Show us the shawl!! LOL.
Welcome back to knitting! KALs are lots of fun with the opportunity to learn new techniques, meet new online friends and create something beautiful. This KAL is a mystery knit. I will post a picture of each portion of the pattern, or “clue”, with the next week’s instructions here on the website. In other words, a picture of Part One is revealed with Part Two’s clue. Many of the KAL knitters are online at Ravelry and they post pictures of their work so you can get a sneak peek of the progress if you prefer. If you are unfamiliar with Ravelry it is kind of like Facebook for knitters complete with lots of yarn, pattern and technique info. (You need to “join” but it is completely free.) There is a link right here on the side of the page to Ravelry. Be sure to join the Knit Purl Hunter KAL group once you are on Ravelry. I hope I have helped you more than I’ve confused you. Please don’t hesitate to ask more questions.
I’ve been working with Simplicity since I first saw it a year ago and just love it. It will be great for this KAL newbie to work is a yarn I love!
I’m a huge fan of Simplicity now as well. Super soft with great stitch definition – all at a good price. I hope you are enjoying the KAL so far!
Darn it anyway, Thursday seems to have decided to sleep in this week. I am itching to get started.
I can’t wait! What a long week this is
. Is there lace on this first project? I am wondering if I need to have lace needles or not
Thanks
Sue
I adore lace needles for every project! If I told you there was lace then it would spoil the surprise!!!!
I can’t wait. I love your KALs Michelle. I didn’t get to finish all of Trekking yet but am in the mood to knit knit knit now that its fall !
I’m so glad to have you knitting with us again. As for the Trekking projects – remember, there is no expiration date on yarn!
I too can’t wait to get startede again!! I really enjoyed the other KAL. Hurry up Oct. 6th!!! Thank you for all of these wonderful patterns!!
Oh, c’mon Thursday !
My hands are itching to enjoy this yarn !!!
Well I have the yarn all wound and the needles are ready and so am I
I enjoyed the last KAL so much and learned to do so many more knitting
tech. COME ON THURSDAY………The only thing I cannot figure out is these
prizes where and how do you find them or look for them I did this last year
and never spotted one Guess I need to pay attention to more than the pattern
Thanks again Joan
looking forward to this new KAL!
Me, too! Hurry up, Thursday!!!!
I juust ordered the yarn for the first KAL. Looking forwarrd to the project.
8 days and counting!
Hi Michelle,
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous KAL and am looking forward to the upcoming one. One question — what, exactly, is a shawlette? A small shawl, obviously, but my question is, can I make a larger shawl following the instructions, or is that not practical?
Thanks,
Karen
A shawlette is a fun little knit. I like to wear it kerchief style and is a stylish accessory much like a scarf or cowl. Give it a whirl!
What is the guage for project one in October?
I’m so happy you will be knitting with us again!
Gauge for the October shawlette is 4 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette on US#10 needles.
I just purchased yarn for the first project today. This is my first experience with a KAL so I am excited to get started. I love the tutorial aspect as I need to learn a lot. Really looking forward to it.
I have ordered the supplies but feel quite inadequate as I can’t seem to figure out how to join! I have signed up to join your newsletter and look forward to starting the project October 6! Thank you in advance for help in getting me signed up!
No worries! You do not need to register. Simply go to this website and click on the KAL icon on the home page on October 6 beginning at 9am EST and the pattern will be waiting for everyone to view. View the instructions on your computer or download your own printable version. I will monitor all questions daily at the same place. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Do I have to be on Ralvary to join the October KAL?
You do not have to be a member of Ravelry to participate in the KAL. All of the clues, patterns and videos are available right here on my site. Ravelry lovers just like to chat with each other about the projects and share photos – it’s just a fun option. Check here at 9am October 6 for the first portion of the shawlette pattern. I’m looking forward to knitting with you!
Where do you recommed getting the yarn? Do you have a website or our local yarn store.
I am so glad to have you knitting with us! Go to the Skacel website and there is a complete list of KAL suppliers, both local and online, who will be carrying the yarn. Please let me know if you have trouble locating a source.