Clue 1 - Twists & Turns Shawl

[@dianatheriault2913]

I've done a few MKAL and, Stephen, yours is the best organized and presented. You make sure that everyone who joins feels comfortable and successful in their endeavor whether they finish with you or later on but there are no questions that they can pick up where they stopped. Your guidance is gold :D I need to do grocery shopping then I'm back to start. 💖

[@JohnlynHD]

I totally agree. I desperately want to knit Shawlography but when it was launched I got cold feet although I know Stephen’s tutorials are excellent if you couldn’t understand something. This year I took the plunge and have made great progress with Twist and Turns. I’m so happy and can’t wait for the second clue. I’m hoping to treat myself to some of his yarn in the new year and knit myself the Shawlography. XAngela

[@NickUncommon]

This i cord knitting is one of the rare occasions for my doublepointed needles to come out to play. No slipping back the stitches after each row, just sliding them to the other end of the needle and turning. For me it is faster to do i cord that way. Maybe others profit from this idea, I had for easier i cord knitting, too.

[@HalloweenMischief]

I would be doing the same but I don't have the right size. Oh well!!

[@slip3wyifcord688]

Thank you for that. I was about to post a question to see if DPN's could be used. Great idea! @notyourusualguy

[@Knitnbabe]

I’m so glad that you said this. I was just about to grab my DPs. I can do the I-cord as described but it’s slow going and my stitches are wonky!

[@rosegaither]

You are a great teacher who explains and demonstrates thoroughly. Beautiful section, excited for the next section, thank you for the knit a-long!

[@ruthsheehan5049]

You are not only an amazing designer, Mr. Stephen West, you are a GREAT teacher! I had a friend ask me if she could do this, and knowing how well you explain everything, with visuals, I told her ABSOLUTELY!

[@GwynethNotPaltrow1]

What a fantastic tutorial! I love how you teach so carefully and always emphasize not stressing if we make a mistake. You express so much joy with knitting, it's clear why everyone loves your patterns - I'm learning so much, but so painlessly!

[@jamiegrace-duff2787]

I love that you show techniques holding the yarn in the left hand and the right hand. I also super love that you show different options for things like the MR/ML and the bind offs that might be easier for different knitters. Just so much accessibility.

[@cherylcrandall824]

I watched this video three times just for the joy of watching you knit and explain. You are so creative. I can hardly wait unti the next Thursday. You are an excellent teacher! I have knit for over 50 years and this is the most fun and enjoyment. Thank you so much.

[@asmileisspecial]

This looks like such a guided and supportive knit along. I’m not even doing it, I’m just here for your positivity and teaching!

[@katlin7681]

This is the project I was looking for. I try to knit the shawl for the girlfriend of my son. Thank you so much for this gift. You allways bring joy in my heart.

[@joypolk3093]

Stephen, you have such an awesome ability to imagine, create and teach. This is the beginning of one of your most awesome shawls! Thank you so much!

[@rebeccaostergaard7091]

"I'll be right back" is perfect for remembering which way to do a M1R! Thank you Stephen!

[@antoinette6900]

This is my first MKAL, and I am having a great time knitting along! You have a very kind and an easy going personality! I'm really enjoying it! Can't wait for next week!!

[@Lennongrils]

Holy moly this looks amazing! Cannot wait to get home to cast on. Stephen, you are a genius!

[@tanya_from_Oz]

That’s what I was going to write, Stephen is a genius!

[@cdknitty7787]

Stephen is a genius!!!

[@FlowerPower71]

LOL HOLY MOLY was my first thought also :)

[@pernillep9049]

Definitely!!!

[@janicebird610]

My first MKAL I’m so excited! I chose colors way out of my comfort zone, so I have to just say yes, don’t stress! Thanks Stephen!

[@dianatheriault2913]

Yay! Welcome!

[@karengaray5114]

Last year's Shawlography was my first Westknits MKAL, I used a couple colors way outside my usual zone and I loved the results. I think it adds to the excitement, seeing what will happen with the unexpected colors. You won't regret it!

[@shethasimon3441]

Wow!!!! Now I don't want to go to work 😫, I want to cast on ! I will be cast on this evening after work 😪. Thank you for a beautiful exciting knit xx

[@beatrizc.martin7706]

Fully agree… I just had time to start the i-cord and had to go to work…. 😔

[@johannapurnell608]

Dang!!! So awesome, just amazing, love the braids. Thanks for making the fiber community smile and knitting together ❤. This is definitely going to be a challenge for me, but I'm ready. Don't laugh community but my favorite place to knit is in my car.

[@johannapurnell608]

🙂

[@NancyLiedel]

At 42 minutes, some pupper is snoring and I'm here for it. Precious!

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

Flipping beautiful. 😮❤🎉such contrast and style like nothing I’ve ever seen. This is a doable…pay attention to detail nothing is too hard. Thank you Mr West you are a creative genius.😂❤😊

[@veppie0]

Love those braids! When I saw the pattern I was slightly worried about my capabilities as a beginner but this video made everything clear as can be. I’m confident I can do this and looking forward to starting 🎉

[@pamelawheary2155]

I thought I would be catching those openings on everything!! Love the braid!!

[@pialindeg]

You are the best teacher I have ever met - and I met quite a few.....

[@jessicaolney4900]

Yay! I am knitting along with you here and the pattern. This is especially great as I have no friends near to knit this with me so you are keeping me company; and ,I love the tips--if the designer suggests to do something, that's what I am going to do! With the excitement and some naughty stitches, I started stressing and then remembered to say "yes"). Thanks for the videos (and the company 😉).

[@Sophira1]

Stephen I don’t even know how you dreamed this up but so excited to give it a go. Thank you 💕💕

[@sophierodier3505]

Hello. I'm French and I made English lessons at school. It's the first time for me I watch your video and I can say Thank You. It's so easy to knit in English with. Thank you very much

[@sophierodier3505]

Your work is very beautiful. I say waouh every time

[@tagalonggal]

This is my first WestKnits MKAL and I’ve been worried because I usually have to knit things twice in order to visualize (or get the muscle memory). This video is so helpful. Stephen you are a master!

[@spoolie345]

My first too, and I was worried about being able to do it but this video is amazing! Such a great teacher!

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

Oooh I hope you both love your first as much I did last year. So addicted to Westknits now. ❤❤❤

[@skygayle]

So excited about the tutorial. I have tried many times to do a KAL before but this is a deal breaker, I can do this with the step by step tutorial. Thank you so much for taking the time to help us with this absolutely cool new shawl. This makes it where anyone can make it! What a great idea, Stephen you are the best!!!

[@dhanaazm7897]

I have always been a monochromatic person. But you changed my outlook and everything concerning knitting and I can't thank you enough. May your tribe increase, Stephen. May your life be as colourful as you have made ours. Love you. 🙏

[@louisethurman6073]

I am a relatively new knitter and appreciate all the time and attention you took to create this outstanding video. Without it I would have walked- no, ran- away from this pattern!

[@franrogers5278]

Im a first time shawl and stephen west pattern follower, i was very nervous but clue 1 is so doable, it's giving me confidence!😅❤

[@MsLunchTime]

Wowwee- now that’s a row 1! Did not expect this and couldn’t be more excited to cast on!

[@melissalampman7214]

Very cool! Love the braid! Not knitting, just watching each clue, and dreaming of knitting something so intensive...,one day! Still so much fun to watch! 🎉

[@sussasigne]

Holy, moly! I just love those braids! This is going to be so much fun to knit and to see all our different color combinations. 😍

[@hollycarr8853]

I'll be right back, I left the front door open - that's a new core memory unlocked there Stephen TYVM!

[@resourcedragon]

That is an astonishing piece of knitting, not least because it mixes basic techniques to create something that is anything but basic.

[@DanielWSonntag]

That's amazing. Watching your technique has really helped me loosen up and not worry so much about perfect stitches

[@emilymoss89]

I love how you talk about knitting. It's like knitting ASMR :-) totally therapeutic

[@WhyCantIJustBeKirby]

Watching his yarn cake slowly slide as he's knitting the i-cord. 🤣 Very excited to get started!

[@suzannefenton1589]

You’re amazing! This is mesmerizing! What a fabulous teacher you are, you make it easy to understand.

[@houseofemma]

Amazing! 🙌 What a first clue, so excited for the whole experience!

[@fru_buch]

I love it when You make time to let people relax about stitchnumbers ❤ ”doesn’t matter if it’s 126 just close enough we can always make one ore skip one”❤️I needed that when I was a new knitter😅😊❤ RELAX and ENJOY don’t fuss❤️happy knitting time everyone I’m using this time to get my mind off chronic pain and the fact my husband is send to Latvia soon to join NATO forces😅😢. Wish for peace soon to come ❤Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@kalavenkatachalam5787]

Awesome 👏👏 No words to express the beauty of your work❤. Can’t wait to cast on. 😎😎

[@mcm387]

Hello again Stephen for my 3rd MKAL , thank you for this beautiful project; I am learning so much because you are creating really in three dimensions and teaching how to do so with a thread and two needles! this is not just knitting, it's sculpting! bravo! and by doing so we learn to do our own piece one day ! wonderful , keep going! and happy birthday in advance ! XX

[@knitter201]

It took me three weeks to finish clue 1 and enjoyed it massively. Printed clue 2 so next week will be all about clue 2. Stephen, if you were my math teacher my grades would have been so much higher!

[@cdknitty7787]

WOW, so glad I signed up!!! LOVE IT…running to cast on 🏃‍♀️

[@lindanovak7232]

What a great teacher-I have watched the video through oneself, so now I’m ready to start - you make it look so easy and I love your very positive attitude and sunny disposition.

[@gorognoula]

Thank you for the super informative video! I printed my pattern and was a little intimidated. The video is the perfect compliment to the pattern--thank you!

[@janetblazekovich7347]

I have never done a Stephen West MKAL or pattern before. When I’ve look at his projects, I always thought they were something I would never be able to accomplish successfully. I love the videos. They show you exactly how to achieve the skill in the pattern. Being able to go to a specific row for help is the bomb. Thank you, I‘m sure I will be learning a lot from this project.

[@adelahorakova5341]

I couldn't resist skipping to the finished clue 1! Wow, so looking forward to knitting this.

[@DanaBarbieri]

Me too. I'm not able to knit this now but am so excited to see what it'll turn into.

[@dianatheriault2913]

I didn't even think about that ... hold on....going to the end ;)

[@Torks23]

Had to scroll through to see the result! Brilliant! Can’t wait !

[@KatesCraftingCorner]

Woohoo! Now for the actual pattern to arrive in my library

[@beatrizc.martin7706]

I always do the i-cord in DNPs. It’s worth it! So fast and easy!

[@libbywalsh358]

Great idea Beatriz thank you. I love to read the comments because so many hints and tips come up. 😊

[@magelinauke8088]

I have finally finished clue 1! Your tutorial was wonderfully done. Now, on to clue 2!

[@HalloweenMischief]

You are SO creative!! I cannot wait to work on this!! Thank you for another great walk-thru. I appreciate all your hard work!!

[@audradaughtry7762]

I absolutely love Stephen West. His videos are the best. I wish he would do a video about converting to continental knitting from English. I think I would embrace it if it came from him.

[@wanchienhung1653]

I like your teach. Very clear and easy for me to follow. The voice is tender and vital. Thanks a lot! 👍

[@beverlyb6391]

I was knitting from the pdf and didn't know that row 13 was updated till after I've completed row 14. I believe that I can improv going forward to correct if I need to. Loving it, keep second guessing my 3rd color and buying more yarn, lol I'm sure all will be good in the end. Love from Costa Mesa Cali.

[@susanbeekman6691]

Thank you for putting people at ease....fudge stitches if you have too many or to few. I'm outside my happy space but you make me feel like I can do this. And showing both Continental or English is great. You are priceless and so patient. ❤🧶😊

[@kathleenmaloney4255]

very creative pattern. Expect nothing less. I do wish I knew that it was going to be so detailed. There are about 6 things I've never done before in this first clue. I gave it a good try for most of Friday only to have to rip out several times. I will pack it away for now. Best luck to you all.

[@joyprewitt2785]

This is going to be so much fun!!! If only my yarn would get here!

[@pattigolden1]

Can't wait!!! I can do this!! Now I just need to get the printed pattern!! DEFINITELY using dpns for the i-cord.

[@nelew6454]

Since the beginning of this MKAL, I stayed away from all social media except for this video, just to avoid spoilers. As I just finished this part, I'm heading over now to clue 2, still having no idea about whats coming. As life keeps on happening, I'll keep on knitting at my own pace

[@dorykoszewski3162]

Okay, how many did not see that coming with the braids? I know I didn't and that was such a nice surprise. Love it!!!!

[@jackied306]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! What workmanship. I have to admit that I am very intimidated to start this, I may just sit back for a bit and what it unfold.

[@jeannievega1639]

Hi Stephen, I'm almost done with clue 1. Life gets in the way but I'm thoroughly enjoying your MKAL. This will be my fourth MKAL and there is always something new to learn. Thank you for always inspiring me. You are truly a precious gift to the knitting community so glad I met you in person at VKNY. I have a couple of your MKAL on my to do list. Look forward to knitting one of your sock patterns.

[@maikengundsoe]

I wonder if I should have texted my boss this morning "Sorry Boss, I cannot work today. I need to stay home and knit MKAL clue1"🤣 Now I just have to wait until I get off work and can concentrate on doing some serious knitting.

[@goosiey3]

I should never ever question you! I was a little hesitant with the openings but…. Wow…

[@cooknitalk]

Your creativity and teaching ability are unique and no-one else comes close. Just finished first repeat of pattern--- 9 to go so I'll probably be behind before next clue but that's ok.

[@shenandoahknittingguild6057]

Love, love, love the loops. Off we go on our new SW adventure! XO Stephen.

[@heikeu8098]

This is ingenious! Fantastic - I would never be able to knit this without your video! I love it. Thank you.

[@dusicabajic9540]

This is genius! I am in awe. Please, tell us more about your creative process. Loving my striking neon color from the LBA kit. Hi from Boston, MA.

[@elsasciarrillo3547]

Muchas Gracias Stephan por compartir tu arte. Te admiro y siempre trato de aprender de tu arte. Felicitaciones SOS único Elsa.

[@kyliesparks1435]

Endlessly impressed by how easy along this tutorial is to follow! I was fully expecting to have to struggle my way through the MKAL with cobbled together youtube tutorials of my own searching, so having a video to go with each clue was a delightful surprise in and of itself! Even more so to have one so well put together. Thanks a bunch from one middle experienced knitter in North Idaho!

[@candicekushneryk9685]

I’m making myself wait until I’m finished the slipstravaganza before I start on the new MKAL. I have the yarn and am following along in spirit 😊

[@andreawilson2251]

Stephen!!!! You are a gifted teacher - your MKALs are a master class in knitting techniques. Such a fun clue 1! And wouldn't it make a great dog coat for Brioche and Stitch ;) xo

[@guineverecassidy4855]

OMG! I'm in love already. I can't wait to get home and cast on!!!!

[@michellebee1117]

I'm a newer knitter and wasn't sure about joining the MKAL but watching this video makes it seem so accessible. I'll just watch this year but look forward to joining next year!

[@diamondringirl]

here it is Wednesday and i am just starting row 7. yes, i am way behind but i am really doing it. thank you Stephen for such detail on explaining how do do each stitch. i had most issue with seeing my I cord stitches with the dark yarn.

[@ietm1806]

getting in a bit late, but I love your enthousiasm, all the positive comments and your designs. and now find enough time ;)

[@patdota9420]

Oh my, this is my first project with you, and I already love it...especially the braid, genius!

[@anitasmith9914]

Wonderful tutorial ❤️ not working on this, very new too knitting. But you are teaching me an awful lot. New stitches and how to read/follow a pattern. Addictive 👍🥰

[@theresefleming2054]

I have been contemplatng a SWMKAL for a few years, and always dilly dallied til it was too late, but this year I am all in, and so glad! My holst super soft order has yet to arrive,, but when it does WOOHOO!

[@janharrison3190]

Wow! Love the braids and really looking forward to knitting!

[@weasiesworks]

Love that today is here. Plus I'm getting a new great-grandson today. But, back to the instructions. I find it easier to knit the long strand of i-cord with 2 DPNs, then place on the circular. I can also just slip them to the other end instead of placing them on the left needle.

[@klarameijer1889]

Awesome, as usually Very clear instructions, love the braids

[@mandystrawn5731]

Soooo exciting!!!! Looks like another amazing design that will be so fun to create!

[@DonnabSWfla]

My first MKAL, beginner here, but could not resist your fun personality ! Reviewed a few rows of video w/o casting on, for confidence. Thanks Stephen🧶❤

[@loishanson6975]

I just found you recently!! I just love the videos you bring so much creativity and color to your work. Hugs and kisses to Brioche and Stitch. Love your fur babies. I love the sweater you had on the pups, I will have to find the pattern.

[@jenniferfenner3119]

I wasn’t going to join the mkal this year, but I love clue one!

[@rrichardson340]

I am convinced I think I can do this. If I make it I don't think I'll be considered a beginner knitter anymore.🤣😂

[@annahclairewisdom5289]

You make learning new things so easy!!! Fantastic teacher trough and through!! Every row has me saying WTF in a super happy excited way!

[@judithburke3637]

Omg how amazing is this making me rethink my colours

[@autumnfoxandrabbitcrafts]

Oh wow I really wish I was joining in....I'm severly dyslexic so following written patterns I find really hard...this has really helped!! I think I'm going to go buy some wool & join in, you have indpired me to knit along woth you thanks to this video!!xx

[@70redcurls]

Just another proof that Westknits are the bestknits 😍😍😍 I'm absolutely in love with this first clue 💞

[@simplynej]

New to the world of Stephen West....and wow, your demonstration videos are amazing!

[@kristineikli676]

I always use 2 DPNs when amking icord; then I can just slide the needle and don't have to move the stitches back from one one end to the other....

[@pamelajones9012]

I love knitting with you. Thanks for all the help!!!

[@beanaasz4069]

I admit I am not doing your MKAL. I have always been hesitant to make something when I haven't seen the finished project. I have, however, been admiring your shawls, so I decided to watch your tutorial. I am not at a place in my knitting life right now where I wanted to take on a large project, but I am seriously considering getting to that place by next fall and taking the leap of doing an MKAL. You are a very good instructor, making it all look so doable.

[@smittenforfiction]

Those BRAIDS! My mind is blown. I can't wait to knit this.

[@Suebwan]

Yeah! Another amazing shawl I’m sure! Can’t wait to start❤

[@debbiec9680]

I've seen the method of creating the v's by passing loops through, but never used it myself, so I'm looking forward to starting this shawl when I get home from work tonight.

[@christinacorbett616]

You are an excellent teacher, Stephen!