Fractured Hearts

I realised the other day that I hadn’t yet updated the Fracture MKAL pattern into a single PDF, but it is now done and I had a few requests for written instructions so I have added those too. The final single pattern has been renamed Fractured Hearts and is now available to purchase on Ravelry.

I really enjoyed running my first ever mystery knit-a-long, I was so worried before starting that it came as a bit of a shock how much fun it turned out to be. I am now considering running a mystery knit-a-long every spring, I’m already thinking about possible designs, but there are so many considerations, laceweight again or perhaps 4ply, single colour or multiple colours, and then what elements should I add, lace or cables, twisted stitches or ripples, the possibilities are endless!

Keep an eye on the blog next week as I am planning on a running a little questionaire with regards to KAL’s and would love you input.

Fracture MKAL progress

The Fracture mystery is the first ever knit-a-long that I have run and one of my favourite things about it is looking at everyone’s progress pictures and so I want to share some with you all.

These pictures all show progress up to clue 3, there is 4 more clues to go.

The only  problem with seeing all of the photos is that it makes me want to go out and buy more yarn in every imaginable colour, I especially love the beautiful blue of this shawl…

I’ve been considering running a mystery KAL for over a year now, but being a natural born worrier I had all of the doubts: would anyone join in, what if everyone hates the pattern, etc. But I am really glad that I decided to go ahead with it, I’ve enjoyed the interaction and seeing everyone’s pictures and I’ve had some wonderful messages from people too. Sometimes I need to stop fretting and just get on with it!

A huge thank you to the knitters who let me use their photos in this post.

Mystery Knit Alongs

 

Have you ever taken part in a mystery knit along? Did you enjoy it? and more importantly did you like the finished item?

I’ve taken part in a couple myself, I did a Stephen West shawl and another shawl one, I was lucky in that I loved both but I have read about people feeling disappointed with their finished items, but I suppose you cannot please everyone all of the time.

I’ve been doing a bit of research on this, what knitters like and dislike about MKALs they’ve taken part in. Negatives seem to be focused on errors in the pattern and not liking the pattern, positives included free / discounted price, interesting clues and unique designs.

The reason I’ve been thinking about mystery KALs is because I am (possibly) thinking about running one this year, I have a shawl pattern in progress that I think would work well as a MKAL, but am still undecided about whether to go for it or not. My pattern still needs some final tweeks and then test knitting and tech-editing so this is a project for the future, at least not until April but I’d love to know your opinions on knit alongs.