The time has come again to announce my May KAL; Tabouli Cardigan!
I love knitalongs, the pace and companionship really allows us knitters to chat about the pattern and figure any problems out along the way. With bigger projects like sweaters it’s very easy to lose momentum. However if you’re knitting along with other knitters it helps to keep you moving along and get to the finish line with your very own cardigan! If you haven’t joined in a KAL before don’t worry, it’s easy to get the hang of it! When you buy the pattern initially you will get a pdf with general information on sizing, stitch patterns, yarn, gauge and needles. Now is the time to get your yarn, start swatching and pick your size.
What makes KAL unique is that you are working along with other knitters at the same time. So for each clue you’ll have lots of support from fellow knitters who can help you if you stumble. This support can be found on both the ravelry forum here as well as my Facebook group here. I also jump in and out almost daily to answer queries and offer support.
Each clue comes out according to the schedule below. A ‘clue’ has 2 parts; its a section of the pattern and also some hints and tips on ways to modify if you need to. I’ve got a page with more general KAL information here as well if you want to read a bit more. I now also try to do a quick video intro for each clue shortly after the clue is released. This is usually on facebook or instagram so that you can join in live and ask me any questions, with a recording for afterwards that you can watch if you weren’t able to join live.
KAL Timing
Clue 1: 18th May
Clue 2: 28th May
Clue 3: 18th June
Clue 4: 2nd July
Final Prize: 14th July – Raffle drawing for the grand prize on ravelry, open to all completed projects with photos in the FO thread.
Pattern Details
So you’d probably like to know a bit about the pattern?
It starts at the centre of the back for the upper yoke. You provisionally cast on the stitches and work out to one side of the shoulder. Then you go back and work in the other direction in the same way. Next you pick up stitches and work the body from the top down; the front and back are separate initially and then they are joined together after the underarm. Afterwards sleeve stitches are picked up on each side of the held saddle stitches and short rows are used to shape the set-in sleeve cap.
As always the interest is in the details. The stitch pattern is a delicate ribbed lace that is cabled. It’s is a short repeat that is fast to memorise. The structure of the stitch pattern allowed me to use the purl stitches between the cables along the back to place my hip increases. This really lets the stitch pattern and design work together.
As its worked from the top down the neck shaping is worked into the lace pattern. I’ve gone and given both charted and written directions for all sizes for this detail so even a new lace knitter should be able to manage the details. The final finishing touch of the cardigan is the optional set-in pockets. You just hold some stitches and then come back afterwards to knit the back of the pocket. If you don’t want pockets just omit this step.
Getting Started
To get started you need to buy the pattern either on my website or ravelry. Then you can buy a yarn kit from me here, use your stash yarn if you have something suitable, or go check out the yarns at your LYS!
So who’s in?
I’m in for the May kal!
I am definitely in using Nua Yarn. I am not sure of the color yet though. Thank you Carol for the discount code to get us started!
I’m in! I’m sure this is one I will actually finish without life getting in the way! Carol’s designs are so easy with her concise patterns and help along the way. This cardigan looks like a joy to knit, can’t wait, off to stolen stitches for yarn, thanks for the discount Carol!
I am in for my first KAL. Love this sweater and I have the perfect yarn in my stash.
Hi Carol:
Looking forward to my first KAL ever.