The MKAL Diaries 2023 | Knitting Vlog | Geogradiant | SPOILERS Week 1 Clue 1 (part 1)

[@sorayabeynon7941]

I started and restarted my Clue 1 so many times. Then when I saw Stephen's video and how emotional he was I felt like I wanted to support him and his decisions even more. So I frogged back again and am now knitting the radiating squares Clue 1.

[@theginghamgirl6970]

Hi Fran I’m not knitting the shawl but still watching as I enjoy your vlogs 😄🌷

[@beverleyglynn5611]

I'm late to the party. Hoping to cast on clue 1 tonight. Yours is looking fab. ❤

[@jenniferknatters3263]

I thought about my response for a while and, I think it's important to acknowledge that at no point have you done anything wrong, and that your clue one is a beautiful and compassionately knit start to to this shawl. I can see the offensive symbol and I understand why, as the situation continued to develop, Stephen felt the need to draw such a firm line about what would or would not be allowed in _his_ official mkal space. I think people who came up with modified versions of the first version can hold their heads up high, and proudly share their knitting in their own spaces. Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it will be done with equal care for being respectful of other people and doing what's right for you.

[@valeriea.gladstone6440]

I am like you. I used the original construction for the 1st 3 triangles, changing the color order. than the last triangle I did a “V” for victory! Than a red cross!

[@catardif4158]

I finished the OG Clue 1 … and am now knitting the v. 3 with some eyelets and texture mixed in to go along with SW’s wishes. I’m fading light to dark and fading back out to light. I hope it looks ok. Hard to tell with Holst Supersoft until it is washed. I don’t especially want a bullseye on my back. lol

[@scaryspider365]

Thanks for sharing an honest mkal diary. I’m starting over with the new, but using my scrappy yarn from the first verso. To embroider the square design and to add a round of beads. Also to decorate some fingerless gloves as part of my xmas knitting that needed a bot of cheering up. Knitting embroidery- my new and unexpected mkal skill!

[@ShellyString]

💚💚💚💚

[@carolenorman1457]

I’ve been looking forward to your video ❤ I agree with everything you said. I feel so sorry for Stephen imagine how he’s been feeling this weekend. However I was disappointed to get the email today to say that even remix clue 1s would no longer be acceptable on social media. I thought ‘no’ I like my version and luckily my colours are quite muted. It has put a sour note on it all which is such a shame after all the build up. But yes let’s draw a line and look forward! 😊

[@carolinedodsworth6481]

I knitting myself triangular shawl.

[@jillyknits1314]

This is my first MKAL… so a bit of a downer…. I adapted mine by colour blocking section 5678 but keeping the border stripes… haven’t finished yet so hope I like it haha Fingers crossed for a better experience in clue 2

[@yorkshirenome]

I'm not knitting the shawl but have seen stuff about the whole controversy on Instagram and it makes me really sad, when knitting should be something that makes us happy and brings us together it feels like its become stressful and divisive 😢 I hope everyone can come together over it and support poor Stephen too who must be feeling so bad about it all! Anyway, I think how you've adapted the shawl looks fantastic, it keeps the original idea without it looking at all like something offensive. I hope you can keep it like that.

[@sharonsutcliffe]

I’m doing my first MKAL and did start the original one but I feel I wanted to respect Stephen and have gone for the new one. I’m doing the fragmented shawl. Yours looks beautiful, love your colours 💖. I won’t be able to keep up but I’m going to enjoy seeing everyone’s as it might help me complete the the shawl being I’m a new knitter. I hope you have a wonderful week xx

[@theunschooledgirl]

I am in the process of ripping out my square... for the fourth time T-T I ripped out the first one when I realized what was going on (which I was 3/4s of the way through already), didn't like my first try at a modification, started the color-blocked pinwheel idea Stephen put out but hated the way my weavin' stephen ends made the fabric look, RE-started the color-block pinwheel, then today watched Stephen's video about the fresh start and the new square and decided that what was one more frog? I'm not mad about having to rip out my original square but I am experiencing a bit of frogging rage lol. On the plus side, I've loved my colors in every iteration. XD Your square is beautiful! I love all the greens, they're so pretty together.

[@crafthousemagic]

Your colours look fab on the video, even better than in the photo. I can’t wait to watch your progress Fran! Thank you for sharing x x

[@juliejealous632]

I love your mkal progress. I did have to laugh to myself when you left it laying on the floor and thought I would have stood on it for annoying me 😂😂 love your strictly socks. I'm not taking part in either mkal but I like to see everyone's progress. Too busy with Christmas gift knitting! See you next time ❤

[@carlamonico4739]

Hi Franny: your square looks beautiful. I worked late Thursday so never had an opportunity to download the original version which I would have enjoyed modifying because it looks geometric just like the name and that’s my vibe. I am doing the revised square version strictly by the pattern and enjoying my journey. Your video was fun especially your WIP time out during your shower. On the floor even! I wouldn’t dare do that because my dogs would destroy it!

[@carolinedodsworth6481]

Love your video x

[@dianematchett5755]

Just watched Stephen’s video about the new clue…he became very emotional in it.

[@FrannyDoMakes]

Yes I know very sad

[@dawnbanks5147]

Great video. I’m doing the MKAL to and like you didn’t want to do the other version. I’ve completely changed mine as I was getting so stressed about it all and nearly pulled out altogether!! I’m basically doing 4 stripey triangles and then I’ll put the four colour border around it all. Looking forward to seeing the next clue though.

[@claireturley2012]

I'm knitting the original version. I love my colours and your video. Thanks for posting.

[@georgianasstudio]

I wasn't going to do this MKAL but when I saw the original design I set out to find appropriate yarn and put in an order with a local dyer. I am very conflicted about this and don't have access to the original design. I respect Stephen and saw how upset he is about the whole issue. For that reason I'm not going to seek out doing the original design. I'm feeling quite sad because of the arguments. I am a professional creative myself (not a knitting designer) but have studied at a postgraduate level so quite used to intellectualising these kinds of issues but this is so emotional. I feel at this point I want to make a different SW shawl.

[@kcrockshi]

I started the original and had a busy weekend, so I was conflicted when the new version came out. I did start it but have gone back to the original. I struggle to see the offending symbol on mine and won't post pictures of it in respect for Stephen's wishes.

[@Orcadianknitter]

Oh the controversy! I think it will be interesting to see all the different variations on clue 1 that people have come up with.

[@FrannyDoMakes]

I know. I’m so conflicted- there has now been another update that says not to use any part of the first clue.

[@Orcadianknitter]

Your clue 1 looks fine though, no hint of the symbol. You don’t want to frog it again!

[@sharonyeates1373]

I’ve gone for the fragmented triangular version. Only on 2nd triangle as was trying to attach it upside down. Hoping to get a good go at it tomorrow. Just watched the latest video and feel so sorry for him, he’s in tears about it. Hope the release of clue 2 helps everyone move on.

[@Lisa-vb3gn]

That’s exactly what I was thinking. Thursday can’t get here soon enough and hopefully we can all move forward with positivity and love. I also connected my triangle upside down! I’m knitting them all separately and will seam them together. I hope it works. If not I’ll just try again.😊

[@Tobyknits]

Hey Fran….your square looks lovely! The greens are so soothing. I uploaded a video to my channel so you can see my decision on what to do! It was quite the rollercoaster!! Let’s hope from here on in, it’s a peaceful knit

[@FrannyDoMakes]

I'll check it out!

[@nefraial]

I had a free day when clue 1 dropped and spent the day knitting. I completed it then went to Ravelry and read the drama. I decided to knit an alternative version but it did not change the shape causing the problem and I abandoned it. I could see what people were focusing on and while it did not bother me, once seen it would always be seen. That bothered me. When Stephen wanted to start over there was a lot of drama over that too despite how well handled. I decided to knit a third square, totally different and my own. Not because it might offend some people if they saw something in the original shape, but because Stephen is the designer and creator of the KAL and I don't want to create a shawl in his name that will be a reminder of the pain it caused, is causing and would cause him in reminder. I'm enjoying seeing all the creativity from the MKAL members in support of Stephen. These are the people that make the MKAL so worth being part of.

[@bethpaschal7859]

Just wanted to check in and see if you knew you are winner on Salt City Knits podcast!

[@FrannyDoMakes]

Yes I know- I saw it the other day- got a lovely sock pattern!

[@bethpaschal7859]

@@FrannyDoMakes 🎉🎉🥳😁

[@TheCannyMagpie]

Not sure if an editing gremlin has muddled your video but about 2 mins from end of your video appears at 17:23 I love your choice to change the colour order, it still keeps the interest of the stripes but removes the chance of offending.

[@FrannyDoMakes]

Oh thanks- that’s my fault! I was in a bit of a rush this morning I’ll see if I can sort it out!

[@carolinedodsworth6481]

I can't read knitting pattern or crochet

[@FrannyDoMakes]

What is it about the patterns that you find difficult to read Caroline?

[@carolinedodsworth6481]

@FrannyDoMakes all knitting pattern love..I am beginners knitter and I have knitted triangular. And cotton dishcloth s.aswell I can knit and purl stitch. And knit front and back stitch. But I can't purl front and back stitch

[@catmumcrafts]

I've plodded on with the original, because I like how it looks with my colours, and also trying to start over would stress me out too much. I have however removed myself from the group I was in because I really can't be doing with the drama