Intro To MKALs: What They Are (And Why I Don't Like Them) ¦ The Corner of Craft

[@Checheyigen1]

I also am not a fan of joining MKAL. I've done two small ones in the past and didn't like either project when done. I only like a few of Stephen's shawls as finished projects, so I don't want to invest that much time away from other projects to do his. BUT - I do LOOOOOOVE watching other people's projects as they work them - seeing all of the different color choices just gives me glee. :)

[@chihyi62]

I absolutely agree with you. I rather will wait till all clues shown and decide to do the project or not.

[@mistyyork5271]

Your red lipstick is absolutely smashing it in this video! MKALs are frightening to me as I'm worried I won't like the finished product

[@TheFroggie66]

Not an MKAL joiner for your same reasons. Glad to know I’m not alone! 😂

[@Gretchiecat]

I’ve been knitting for nearly 20 years and am up for a MKAL. I bought beautiful yarn and am totally open to frogging if it’s not my style. Looking forward to an adventure!

[@sorayabeynon7941]

Totally love MKALs but I always have a look at what else the designer has done previously before I jump in. I've signed up for the Stephen West one again this year and finished his socks MKAL earlier this year. Another designer whose I enjoy is Ambah O'brien, her Supernova pattern this year was gorgeous 😊

[@KnittingsAndSewings]

I'm definitely doing the Stephen West MKAL 2023. I love my Shawlography. I didn't do Twist & Turns because I just couldn't get to it. But I do like it.

[@annawerner1]

Signed up for Stephen West this year because my friend advised. Looking forward to knit along and see the result

[@rae8013]

Really loved this breakdown. Didn't finish last years mkal b/c the process was so slow for me and i didnt love my yarn choices but didnt mind b/c i shopped my stash. Going to jump in this year, purchased a kit that I love and will use for something else if I end up frogging again. Honestly just really love the sense of community and something new coming every week. I'm doing very autumn colors which I think will keep me inspired to keep working on it.

[@mrslaceknitter]

Oh, my goodness have you hit my nerve! I have had far too many disappointments with MKALs, but I continue to be tempted, or sucked right in! I'm all in again with Stephen this year, and have bought 2 (or possibly 3) sets to try out. Maybe I will actually finish it this year! I love his energy, sweetness, and creativity, and learning new techniques is so rewarding. On another note, I always regret not joining Lisa Ross's (Paper Daisy) KALs, so I have just started her current Secret Forest MKAL. I bought a gorgeous "Toadstool" set from Sweet Paprika, and it's glorious.

[@jojannekevervloet1635]

My biggest gripe with the Westknits MKAL specifically is the insane pace of it. Those shawls are huge and I think they should be divided into eight clues, not four. There is no way I would have fun trying to keep the pace, and I do feel like missing out on the community-side of it if I don't keep the pace. Which is why I've never even really considered joining a Westknits MKAL. I have however participated in Yarnflakes' (Audrey Borrego) yearly MKAL and I loved it. The pacing is much more decent (spanning six or seven weeks), and she gives really good information beforehand on what to expect. It's always a colourwork cowl (so you might miss out on the 'surprise technique, learn a few things' side of things) so you know the shape of what it's going to be; and also really decent info on the inspiration of it. I loved getting a clue each week (would basically check first thing in the morning, super excited for it), loved trying to keep up (and falling behind wasn't terrible because it was very doable to get back on track) and loved seeing my own and others' projects take shape. I also did Katt's (you know, as in Katt Weaver) spring intentions knit-along a few years back, which wasn't technically an MKAL because she had shared her versions, but the pattern chunks still felt new because up close details are different from just an overall view (plus she included other things each week as well!). It was lovely!

[@stitchitch7010]

I learned my lesson with mystery quilts. We had retreats where we were told to purchase certain amounts of fabic in light, medium, and dark values with one neutral and one contrast color. Some quilts were stunning, most were odd (one friend named hers frog in a blender, she had 3 greens, white, & red hoping for something Christmasy, fortunately her sense of humor came to the rescue & her kids loved it). Mystery make alongs can be fun for some but just aren't my thing.

[@claireeymin8239]

Imagined Landscapes gnome MKAL are ones I never have issues joining. You know what you get (a gnome) the clues are small so you don’t get a feeling of falling behind and they use very little yarn and you can definitely do them scrappy or use different weight yarn than prescribed.

[@LilyRoseKnits]

I did my first MKAL last year and enjoyed the process, but I was really behind on my making plans after it and it kind of killed my knitting mojo. So I'm trying to be sensible and sit it out this year, even though I really like the sound of the theme! I did my first gnome MKAL from Imagined Landscapes this year and that was so much fun! I'd definitely do that again! btw - shopping from your stash IS free economically speaking - it's a sunk cost, you already bought the yarn, so do whatever tf you want with it! Same idea can be applied to something you're frogging too - you already sunk the time into it, but that doesn't mean you owe it to be finished. Do whatever makes you happy and forget about the time 'lost' to it

[@dieSterbendeGiraffe]

I've participated in one MCAL before, for a blanket, and I managed to stay on track for the first 2 or 3 weeks, after that I fell behind and finished it a few weeks late. I didn't dislike the processing too much, but I'm a project hopper, I want to work on what I feel like that day, and that doesn't work with a strict timeline.

[@rachelcourt8767]

I'm not much of a knitter, much better at crochet but I've still never done a MCAL. What I AM currently doing is a MMQAL - a murder mystery quilt along by Deborah Moebes at Whipstitch. It actually comes with a story chapter along with the quilt block each month and the story and quilt theme are linked. The design isn't my usual jam, and I mostly shopped my fabric stash, but it's fun to see it come together 😊 I did try to find images of prior MMQAL quilts but as they're subscriber only I didn't have much luck, so it was a bit of a leap of faith 🤞🏼 it's also interesting seeing others' fabric choices some lovely, some not to my taste at all. It's a very friendly and supportive community 😊

[@purlmonster]

Oh, that was fun, Hannah! I'm excited to see everyone's MKAL projects, but I will not cast it on right away. I'm trying hard to keep myself from casting on, and so far it seems to be going ok (eh, I've maybe heavily committed to other knits during MKAL season LOL). I like Lyrical Knits/Mary Annarella for her fun stories behind the MKAL as well as Casapinka's MKALs with Sharon from Security. They're both hilarious, which I like.

[@petiolereads]

Most of my projects lately have been a lot of stockinette, and I've been itching for something more technically interesting. West always does interesting things, so I'm thinking about doing this year's MKAL more as a process knit. And if I like the end product, even better! Last year I did the Imagined Landscapes Gnome MKAL, which was delightful and I'll definitely do it again this December. There's a lot less yarn involved and who doesn't love a wee Christmas gnome?

[@knittingwithlizandaustin]

Me and my husband are going to start doing the Stephen West MKAL together as an anniversary tradition! I also feel a bit hesitant with the element of surprise but I have always appreciated looking at my finished objects and remembering the memories that went on while knitting. I appreciate your opinion here, nonetheless! I think you have lots of good points!

[@PamelaZumwalt]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Rippit

[@fuzzypumpkin7743]

My story with Twists & Turns: 1st time doing a Stephen West design. I love half his designs, really don't care for the other half, so definitely taking a risk. Spoiled myself by buying some Malabrigo for four of the five skeins. Little behind on clue 1, caught up with clue 2, saw clue 3 and realized I was going to hate it. Loved his loopy braid bit and I used it later in my own design, but yeah...too crazy for me. So frogged it. Decided to get more of the Mal to make a sweater. Made this beautiful cardi. Wore it one day before washing because I couldn't wait to wear it. Washed it, according to ball band, and it felted. Like $100 and months of work because of course it was brioche down the drain. So...yeah. Am going to watch the progress with Geogradient because, hey, it might end up being from the half of his designs I love. But I won't be joining until 3rd clue in, if then.

[@justlivinwithyarn]

The only shawl mystery KAL I ever did was one by Joji years ago, 5 skeins (shopped my stash), it is so big (giant stole thing) and I don't wear it. I did do the mystery gnome last year from Landscape Designs (more fun and way less yarn), using scrapes or minis for small size.

[@Nightowl-72]

I’ve participated in a few MKAL’s and knitted several SW designs including the eyeball shawl which I loved knitting , but after clue one of last years MKAL I was out. I did not enjoy the process at all and being a process knitter that is important 😅 and I was glad I stopped when I did because the end product was not my cup of tea at all. It was quite bizarre and not in a good way! I’m still tempted to try again this year and probably will succumb to the excitement and dive in and hope for the best!

[@oliviaballard925]

I frogged last years MKAL and turned it into Starflake instead. My first MKAL was Shawlography and I wear that one all the time. I am going to do Geogradient but if I don’t like it I have tons of other Stephen West patterns to chose from!

[@melissaamber7307]

I like the idea of waiting and seeing what it looks like first 😊 I am about to start my first S West pattern, the Jiggshawl ❤

[@thecornerofcraft]

Oh fun! Hope you enjoy it x

[@knittyweeza]

I've decided MKALs are not for me. I did the entire Twists & Turns shawl in October last year. It was like having a part-time job. And then i didn't like the fo. It's still waiting to be frogged. Then i did the Contrast Blast socks. I finished them and will wear them around the house, but i don't like them. I vow to only do an mkal after the fact and only if i think i like the look of the fo and think i will wear it. I will conquer my fomo.

[@christinefinegan6939]

I wont do MKALS anymore. Too much money spent on (mainly) shawls, that I'll never wear. I love KALs like the ones Carol Feller (Stolen stitches) does, because, although you know the look of the finished garment, she always has lovely new techniques to learn.... and plenty of support

[@sqrrlzview]

I never joined a Mkal. I tend to agree that knitting is a solo sport. I have only recently joined a knit and natter bunch. Great people but I do feel odd knitting in front of others. I am self taught and I know my technique is definitely not text book. I do manage to tackle and finish most projects and I am happy. I really enjoyed your video and will follow.

[@sandraponte3121]

Hi Hannah! I appreciate your opinion about MKALs. That being said, I have participated in Stephen West’s MKALs the past 2 years and actually just finished his SSAL…I’m considering participating again this year and will have a look at my limited stash before making any yarn purchases. Thanks again 😊

[@jacquieparryfabulousjaxx]

I'm with you on Mkals I don't like being told what to do, but I'm not a fan of Stephen West either ( ducks!!) I go. My own way, it's too much pressure to keep up I'm, Multicraftual I never know what I'm going to feel doing on any given day, love your hair hair ❤❤❤❤

[@FrannyDoMakes]

I can see both sides really. This is my 3rd MKAL. The first was shawlography which I really enjoyed but the finished shawl is not to my taste. I managed to keep up with twists and turns and I love the finished item so I’m jumping in this year with hope. I’ve done the marled magic and Doodler this year -which were also mkals and seemed much less knitting - but maybe that was because there wasn’t a timescale. I looked at getting commercial yarns this year ( I did last year) but the cost was less than £5 cheaper than the hand dyed so I’ve gone for some lovely greens from Pixie Yarn .

[@nadz_xstitch]

I have never done an MKAL but that is because on the cross stitch side I tried many Mystery SALs (stitch alongs) in the past. Many times I was disappointed with the finished look and really hated the time i spent on it so nowadays I wait until either the mystery KAL or SAL is released ad then decide. I have seen many kits I love for the West knits MKALs so I plan to get a kit then decide later. If I don't like this deign I am sure a 4 colour gradient will be easy to use on something else 😍

[@AntisocialAuntie]

I definitely have trust issues so I always wait to see the finished design before I buy the pattern. Lol!

[@esthergarcia2916]

This 14th will be my first!!!

[@kayjay9516]

My Slipstravaganza is my most worn shawl, it was my first MKAL and I love it. But I bailed out the Shawlography as I didn’t like it and I thought last years was horrible, I scrapped it after clue 1. I’ll wait and see what the shawl looks like after a couple of clues before deciding.

[@lindatormey4439]

I just discovered you and am now a subscriber. 💖 I am joining the MKAL but out of my mind for doing this because I had a difficult time keeping up on the Contrast Blast Sock KAL. We won’t know what this design will be, but I think that the geo in the Geogradient shawl means geometric shapes and not really anything to do with outer space travel. I hope it won’t be out of this world difficult with knitting!

[@cathleenfry8710]

I'll decide after a clue three spoiler comes out. My mojo can be pretty inertia based and if I have to keep stopping I often don't come back.

[@kathyrusch2393]

Hi. ❤ your podcast. I too love a make along but not mystery. I really like the control of knowing how the yarn will be used to pick colors. They are so motivating. I restarted my advent cardigan from last year but still lots of socks and toy knitting has me moving very slowly on the Cardi. So excited about cooler weather soon. That will help with a big knit object in my lap. Scrappy things were also calling my name so started one of the mitered square ones with indie sock scraps. Not only beautiful but each has a memory of a good knit. Fun! First fall yarn festival is next weekend. And so it begins the most wonderful time of the year - yarn festivals. Missing seeing your kitties. Have a great day.

[@annahill-dombrowski1473]

You have some excellent points. I’m going to buy some kits and then I think I’ll wait for ALL the clues to come out before I cast it on! This way if it’s not for me I haven’t wasted any of my precious time. Besides, I can always use the yarn for something else, right?!?!?

[@barbararobson2098]

I got caught up in the fomo a few years ago and by clue 2 I realised I really did not like the shawl. I feel I learned things from the build-up of choosing colours, so not a waste of time. I really enjoy the Bakery Bears Christmas MKAL for patrons, I’ve loved every one I’ve made.

[@chrisschwenk3140]

Thank you for your video! I have done a few MKALs and I only really wear one of them. But I was disappointed in last years West MKAL. It just wasn’t for me and I would hate to spend a lot of money on yarn I wouldn’t use. I usually wait to see the first couple clues and then make a decision.

[@apollonianeumer3094]

I've never participated in a MKAL before, actually not even a KAL tbh. But I've decided to participate in this years Westknits MKAL because I looked at the yarn inspo and went wait a minute! My favourite colour's blue, and I tend to overbuy sweater quantities, so I had four leftover skeins in different shades of blue I was lowkey hoping to use in a project together. And I like space and needed a new scarf or shawl for winter (I don't have a handmade one yet) anyway. So I thought let's try it! I was a bit worried because some of the previous years were A LOT colour wise and I tend to more one colour projects, but I think I'll be alright with the gradient. Wish me luck and perhaps I'll even learn some new techniques :)

[@sandracroley9784]

I'm always a sucker for MKALs. That said, I did rip out Twist and Turns during the second clue. I've had rotten experiences this past year with MKALs...determined to not take part in this year's MKAL by Stephen, but I've folded. I bought Holst Garn Supersoft, so not a big monetary commitment. I used Supersoft in a mystery shawl by Helen Stewart...such a wonderful experience, I would do a mystery by her, for sure. The thing with Stephen, of course, is the huge sense of community...and he is such an amazing teacher, we're bound to learn something new ❤

[@thecornerofcraft]

Yes! I love that he does accompanying videos for the clues and mixes it up each year. Using Holst Garn Supersoft is a great idea! x

[@nefraial]

I'm in and doing all the MKALs I can find. I like a challenge and enjoy seeing colours come together as multiple people make the same pattern. However, buying expensive kits is not something I'll do for something that is more entertainment to me than any quality the final product will have. I also have the advantage that I've got a pile of yarns I want to knit through that have been in stash for a while and cost no more than $3 a ball. Most less. So I'm getting my entertainment cheap too.

[@teenera3064]

I still feel like a novice knitter.. I joined the MKAL last year and learned a ton even though I didn't finish (needles got accidentally pulled out by my husband and it totally deflated the process for me so it's been in hibernation). I've purchased a kit for this year and plan to at least start it. I've also joined in the Joji Fall KAL and have just started my Arco Iris pullover.... we'll see how far I get before the MKAL starts 😂

[@christinamarmaras8429]

I’ve only participated in the Stephen West Sock Along got down too the toe on the first sock and frogged it ! Didn’t like the pattern and socks where for my husband and he did not like the pattern. I won’t be participating in the upcoming MKAL . Thank you for this video and your advice is appreciated ❤

[@eleanorgreenwood9602]

I got sucked in last year, and didn't finish it. It was great to feel a part of the community at first, but the more I knitted the more I hated it, and so it went in the naughty corner shortly followed by the frogging corner.

[@thecornerofcraft]

I was exactly the same. I love the community aspect of an MKAL so much. But yeah. That shawl was never getting finished 😅 x

[@davatuttle4820]

I've never done an MKAL. I'm too controlling for that. But I do want to participate in a Make A-Long sometime soon.

[@katiab3548]

I tried Twists & Turns MKAL last year, it is nearly finished now.😅 But i probably won't do another one as i prefer to know what i am knitting.

[@MoonlightCharizard]

I've never done MKALs. I have too much anxiety of not knowing what I'm knitting. Also, I don't know what yarn to use for projects. I don't know what type of fibre is most appropriate for any project (a little short on money, so I don't want to use something that's gonna look bad because it's not drapping properly of wtv, and waste that yarn+time)

[@Andrea-di9ju]

I always want to do the Westknit MKAL but I don’t have time to knit that much in that short of time and I never wear shawls so the finished object isn’t motivating. I have done a MKAL that was for a cowl and that was a ton of fun. Easy to keep up and not a significant yarn commitment. It ended up being a present for my mother because she saw it, loved it, and asked if she could have one.

[@saartjeart]

I did two MKALs years ago and I have been disappointed both times, even though I loved most of the other designs of the designers.. now I just wait until the whole pattern is out 😅 Question for you, Hannah. Could you do a video of patterns that would work nicely with your advent calendar of 2023? I'm looking for inspiration 😂

[@kathryndenne1717]

I did last years Stephen West entirely from stash. I have collect some yarn from a couple of trips to Australia this year that I want to use in something special. So was considering the mkal if they suited however they aren't a gradient so at present I'm not planning on participating how ever if it looks amazing then I might do it after the fact. I've did a Helen Stewarts mkal shawl last year which was fun and I also made a gnome in an mkal this year. Both of those I got kits for as they were available in either nz or Australia so reasonably postage and I knew I'd get the yarn in time. Two designers I've knitted mkal's after the fact are Cassapinka and Lisa K Ross. Both were fun knits and I love wearing.

[@HandknitBySam]

MKALs are not for me, Whilst I consider myself to be a process rather than a product knitter I like to have more control over that process and I can’t bear the thought of beautiful yarn being in a project that I don’t love. If I like the pattern I’ll buy later and do it at my own pace 😊

[@chelseaw5011]

@jojilocat has been playing with an MKAL idea (though she is currently doing a sweater KAL). And for Winter 2022, @akarayarns did an quasi-MKAL advent where her minis teased the sections of colourwork for the pattern that they received for Christmas day. I think anyone who does an MKAL is so brave. I could never give up that much control 😅

[@christinemercado8706]

I'm also not a fan of MKAL's. I prefer to know what I'm getting myself into. Lol😊

[@knittersandcritters7365]

I think I'm too much of a control freak to make a big MKAL project - I made a shawl once because the theme was GBBO and I was so into it at the time, and I had all the yarn in stash. I would never buy a kit for an MKAL as it's just too uncertain a thing for me. I would do another MKAL with stash yarn and for a small project like socks or a hat or something like that.

[@staceyros]

Stephen Wests stuff is too strange for me lol

[@snowfall7557]

Section one was sooo tedious and time consuming ... but I did it anyway, hoping that it would be worth it. When clue4 came out I had just started clue3 and really didn´t like the look of the finished shawl. It´s a shame. I feel I should have gotten an award for completing section one. lol Definitely not going to participate this year! I can still buy the pattern later, if I like it. 😊 (Also his Mystery Sock this year didn´t help to build trust, honestly - that gusset with the cables looked so uncomfortable and tight. Nope.)

[@thecraftyweaver]

I'm still doing one of the Westknits kals from last year, I just don't seem to find the time to knit for me! I am enjoying it but it needs concentration so I only pick it up at certain times. I would do another but definitely not in the time frame suggested, I'll just go with what suits me. Your new hair colour and the turquoise jumper, just a beautiful combination!

[@gachaswhatitis590]

Engage, comment, repeat! Your input on my video is eagerly anticipated. 🙌

[@gamergranny285]

Lol I decided last year mkals are not for me... knit alongs if I know what the project looks like would be fine.. but I am not likely to do that either. My reasons are.. I don't like surprises. 2 the yarns are expensive... 3 I really don't like surprises

[@christineboyce988]

The latest Stephen West is not a gradient shawl. As you are entitled to your opinion and you certainly express them these opinions at infinitum, 😊are worth what one pays for them. We have enough negativity in the world.

[@thecornerofcraft]

With the next MKAL being called "Geogradient", and the recommended skeins were a 4-skein gradient/fade, I assumed the MKAL will be a gradient. We won't know until the MKAL starts, I guess! I don't think I was too negative in this video at all. I just wanted to explain what MKALs are and why they're not for me, which I think I achieved. x

[@robyngibbons1347]

I like MKAL's but not when they are 4+ skeins in size, too much of an expense for me. I have done SweetGeorgia's MKAL for the past 3 years as the aesthetic is really nice and I actually wear the final project for each :)

[@chelseaw5011]

I'd probably be willing to do a sock MKAL for exactly that yarn-investment reason

[@lisablues6885]

I am not interested in anything mystery, including skeins, because you are paying for something you haven't seen. I know clubs are a huge source of income for dyers, but if I don't care for the colorway they still have my $ yet I am stuck with a skein I don't want. I am happy for the people who enjoy MKALs and mystery clubs, but they are not for me.

[@thecatmont]

when clue 2 hit on last years KAL I bailed, what an ugly shawl, he took a lot of flack for that pattern. very marmite

[@thecornerofcraft]

It was quite a marmite pattern. Then he came out with the Aurora Cabin shawl afterwards, which was so stunning! I wish that was the MKAL 😂 x

[@jurrassitol15]

I wasn’t going to participate in the WestKnits MKAL but then he said gradient and i went ohhhhh…but completely agree with the MKAL and keeping up with the clues…with the twists and turns one, i have absolutely no idea how people kept up with the knitting when the clues came out. I managed to finish the shawl (2 month later in January) but i was a slog and honestly I wasn’t as happy with it compared to the previous years MKAL. So most likely I’ll be frogging it. I did also participate in the Amirisu MKAL…and i still havent finished that one either…and that was last years! I think I’ll be seeing what the first couple of clues are like before i decide because skeins are expensive 🫣