I’ve never fancied a KAL before. With the exception of my guild meet-ups, I’m a solo knitter. I love podcasts, the fiber community, and my FB yarn groups . . . but I’m pretty introverted and enjoy quietly clicking away in my “spot” on the couch. This past couple of weeks, though, I find myself immersed in a lovely community of knitters working on theElla Cardigan by Jennifer Wood of Woodhouse Knits. It’s a KAL, yep. And I love it. If I have questions, someone is there to respond; if I have made some serious progress, they are there to cheer me on. I try to do the same for them. I’m pretty much sold.
And this is certainly a sweater that is trying (even my) process-oriented knitterly self. I LOVE knitting. Just the movement, the meditation, the time spent. I rarely wear a knit product and I’m just not that motivated by the end result. Sure, I hope it’s pretty and I love to take those photos and plug them in on Ravelry. But more than anything, I love the knitting. Ella is a different kind of beast. My brain is actually getting tired after a few rounds. And after a marathon session . . . watch out! I need a break. So, the KAL has been a great motivator to keep going–something I have never really wanted before.
I’ve just split the sleeves and I’m now working down the body. I’ve also printed, enlarged, and rearranged my charts so that the back and forth of RS and WS is a bit easier to visualize. Oh, and I had the chance to try it on once the armholes were established. It fits!
So, how many of you have KALed it up in your knitting? What benefits do you see?
Knitting the Stash! 
A breath-taking beginning, Melissa. Lovely to read that you’re knitting in community, too, on this one. The stitch pattern is, just, wow – so beautiful. 🙂
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It”s truly a fun time with these KAL ladies. New fiber friends around every corner, I suppose 🙂 And thank you!
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I’ve done a few KALs, mostly with my local knitting group. We knit our first socks together – Cookie A’s Monkey Socks – and it was nice to ask questions, collectively solve problems, and laugh together over our mistakes. The dark side to KALs, for me anyway, is that I tend to turn it into a competition to see who can finish first, which I do even if no one else knows I’m doing it. I’m working on chilling out and enjoying the process, not racing to the finish. Your Ella looks great so far – I bet those lace & cable panels mixed with the stockinette make it a fun knit!
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Oh I agree with you about the competition factor–it’s at once motivating and disheartening. I have never really felt some of the emotions I’m feeling with this project . . . am I sharing too much? I’m glad to have a reason to go for it, but also want things to take on their own pace, as they often do. Thanks for commiserating!
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I don’t think you’re sharing too much at all – I’ve always found when I share there’s always someone who’s felt the same. I know exactly what you mean: it’s fun to see how fast you can get it done but the process is rushed – a different kind of enjoyment.
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That looks so promising – gorgeous texture! I think KALs are great motivators to finish the projects, plus you “meet” so many people!
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It’s been fun to meet some other folks who love Jennifer’s designs as much as I do 🙂
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I’m always afraid to try KALs, mainly because I’m someone who likes to rotate through projects, and I’m afraid I couldn’t finish the project by the deadline! I just prefer having more freedom with how much time I spend on a project and how quickly I get through it. Although, maybe a KAL is just what I need to break that habit and actually get something done quickly! Regardless, this sweater is gorgeous and I’m definitely adding it to my favorites on Ravelry.
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Thanks, Katherine. I am totally with you . . . I have a pair of socks I’m making for my mother-in-law, and I *really* want to start on that Rebel shawl . . . but I’m feeling committed to this sweater. The podcast also motivates me to get through projects, but this KAL is very different 🙂 Glad you like the design–Jennifer is super smart and funky when it comes to lace and cable combos!
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Oooooh! It may be driving you scatty, but it looks amazing! I’ve actually never done a KAL… I’m a “me, myself & I” kinda knitter as well. Oh, and it probably doesn’t help that I make up most of my patterns as I go, either! 😆 Good luck with the rest of your Ella!
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I think that’s probably the best way, Helen! I wish I could invent as I went . . . more chill, methinks and spontaneous 🙂
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Sometimes… Although when it goes wrong, BOY does it go wrong! Like the time when I stayed up until 3am casting off a dress to wear to my friend’s wedding (the next day, in Germany, and I had to leave for the airport at 7am) only to find that I’d WAAAAAY overdone the increases… NOT CHILL! 😂
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