West Knits MKAL 2023 Clue 3 ⚠️Spoiler!!⚠️ Geogradient Shawl & Breast Cancer Fundraiser

[@louisepearson5723]

Love your version and I found I got very ‘into’ this stitch, which I didn’t think I would at first. Also live in a part of Australia that has cold weather with little notice. Got to learn to love it.

[@Knitty_Mel]

Oh that’s great! How are you liking Clue 4? Sorry for the late reply, I was at the ‘Shes Crafty’ having a fun day of workshops 👏

[@nomlessness]

I love how the shawl comes out in grey scale. Excellent gradient!!!

[@anht8305]

I love the pattern the floats makes.

[@jennymiles4426]

Quite a few people on the Forum and other podcasters have been carrying their yarn up in the I cord and while there’s a bit of yarn management it’s working well - I’m doing it now on my second wing, you don’t have to break the yarn. I think it’s much better and won’t interfere with the wrong side texture you’re loving

[@casuarinagirl8067]

Oh interesting thanks for that will try on my second wing as I wove my ends in and the fabric was thick 💕

[@Knitty_Mel]

You’re the second person saying this in my comments, why didn’t I think of this! He’s even done that in other west knits projects and I did this for my shifty! I was so focused on the new stitch that I forgot 😂 thanks! Doing this on my second wing!

[@hrhccommentmorepeople1329]

Hi lovely, I think clue 3 is absolutely beautiful and and I loved knitting it.

[@Knitty_Mel]

Wonderful! Yes I love Clue 3 too, I seem not to have the rhythm with it that you’ve found though 😆

[@craftypinkcreates]

Love your version - definitely finding the slip stitches slow- but I’m in no hurry this year …. I’m embracing my own pace and trying to enjoy this process. Excited to see what clue 4 holds!!

[@Knitty_Mel]

Wonderful, that’s the wise way to do it 🤗 yes, I’m guessing clue 4 has to be pretty big to get the shawl to a decent size!

[@casuarinagirl8067]

I’m halfway through clue 3 - lost steam 😣 and knit other things 😬 wanted to see clue 4 before I continue, not like me at all but I think I’ll finish as I like my colours. Clue 3 I wove in all my tails 🫤 and it made the fabric even thicker. I just saw a comment someone left here saying people have been carrying the colours up the side in the Icord so I might try that when I finally get back to doing the second wing. It is slow for me but I think I’ve not had as much joy as I would’ve hoped (life has also been chaos). I haven’t been on social media much either so it was nice to see all the photos at the end and also reading someone else’s comment about carrying the yarn in the icord 💪🏻 happy knitting 💕

[@Knitty_Mel]

I feel you! Sometimes you just loose steam. I didn’t want to do the second side of Clue 3 at all! 🫠 I cracked on though and carrying the yarn definitely helps! It does feel good that I kept going though if that helps motivate you at all. Be kind to yourself, life is chaos and the world is in chaos, sometimes you just need to do what feels good 🤗

[@casuarinagirl8067]

@@Knitty_Mel Thanks lovely! Great to hear the yarn carrying works. I’m looking forward to the next clue and getting back into it again this weekend! Happy knitting 🥰

[@wendyellis6402]

Mel, just bury those ends inside your icord. If they’re short, push your tapestry needle through the icord backwards and thread, then pull through.

[@Knitty_Mel]

Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely do that.

[@MaryPothoven]

Yes, this stitch (clue 3) is much slower for me as well. I have had to frog back several times, no problem! Weavin' Steven hasn't worked well for me... because of the four slipped stitches. So, there will be some plain weaving. 😅 I also ❤ the back of the fabric. 😊 Greetings from Florida, USA, AND happy knitting!

[@Knitty_Mel]

Oh great, good to know it’s not too bad to frog 😂 it’s likely I’ll need to as well. Yes I agree, the slipped stitches made it hard for the yarn lab version too. Happy knitting!!

[@janemit55]

I agree it’s a lovely pattern. I found I tinked a bit until I learnt what to expect per row. Especially on purl rows. But once I learned the rhythm I was able to pick up errors pretty quickly. I enjoyed knitting it a lot but it certainly wasn’t mindless. It required concentration.

[@carlamonico4739]

Hi Mel I missed this previously and I am still on clue 3! And yes I have tinked back because of missed count. Your colors closely resemble the Silver Ice Hiberknitalong that is now out!

[@wendyellis6402]

I’m planning to knit cushion covers using this stitch and other woven stitches.

[@yvettedawson]

Your shawl is looking so beautifull, I love your colours. I am still on clue 2 🙈

[@Knitty_Mel]

Thanks! Also it’s not a race, it’s going to look incredible. If I avoid starting the next section like I want to I might lag too 😂

[@hrhccommentmorepeople1329]

Love the podcast! And so nice to speak over such a huge distance 😁 I had already completed Clue 1 when all the hoo- ha broke out so I re- knitted it just like you did. Then I frogged the first one and ended up with lots of teeny tiny balls of yarn - which have been perfect for the ends of each side of Clue 3. Any bits I have left I will use up in mitred squares which is where all my bits go - and eventually ( when I'm about 90) I will end up with a mitred square blanket!

[@Knitty_Mel]

I love this! I didn’t think to use my tiny balls from my frogged clue 1 that way. Will keep it in mind for clue 4, although it does seem like it’ll be a bit one!

[@BreveXX]

I'm not doing the MKAL this year but love following the progress and seeing everyone's colors. Your shawl is starting to look really pretty

[@Knitty_Mel]

Thanks so much! Yes I was a spectator for years, I really enjoyed it. I hope you continue to enjoy ☺️ happy knitting!

[@illiamw]

I had to tink back while watching because I got distracted 🤡 that's how good your colours are looking in this clue!

[@Knitty_Mel]

Oh no! 😂🫠 were you thinking back Clue 3? I’m up to my second side and I feel like it’s inevitable 😆🙃

[@illiamw]

@@Knitty_Mel I'm up to the same place and it was just on one row! Don't think I could face tinking back any more, these first few rows take so long.

[@Knitty_Mel]

@@illiamw ha ha, so glad I’m not alone! We’ve got this 💪

[@michmerlo]

I have been burying the ends in the i cord. It isn't looking too bulky but I have done a reef knot (buried in the i cord as well) at colour changes so I could keep the tails shorter. I had to tink a few rows because apparently I can't count to 4. DO NOT rip it back. It's way too hard to pick up the slipped long stitches. Ask me how I know. I won't finish by the next clue. It doesn't matter how many hours I knit there seems to be even more to do and you know how impatient I am. Anyway, Squirrel! Socks and turtles to make for Christmas are calling me.

[@wendyellis6402]

By “reef knot,” do you mean the “Magic Knot?” What a good idea!

[@Knitty_Mel]

Great, I’ll bury my ends in the icord for the first wing tip. I’m carrying them in my second tip. Much easier. Oh no! Yes I thought ripping back might be a problem, I’ll just keep going at a tortoise pace 😂 I think I’ll be finished by tonight’s clue, but I’ve not done anything other than this. I think a good portion of people will be late with this one! 🫠

[@rockstarkate78]

Very cool texture in clue 3! I'm happily knitting something else 😂 PS I love your nail polish color!

[@Knitty_Mel]

Yes it’s a great texture! Happy knitting, what are you working on again? Sorry if you’ve told me already 🫠

[@rockstarkate78]

@@Knitty_Mel oh lots of things haha! Mainly I'm currently working on the Black Forest Brioche Wrap, the Rota Jumper, and the Harlow Hat. I also have the Little Love Cardigan and the Kuutar Pullover in progress, but haven't been working on them much. The Black Forest Brioche is a very satisfying project with color changing yarn.

[@Knitty_Mel]

@@rockstarkate78 wonderful! Sounds brilliant 👏

[@teresadiaz9336]

Loving clue 3 texture. Holy cow! I seriously get off count ever other row! It’s a very tricky mind game this one😂.

[@Knitty_Mel]

😂 the texture is worth it though isn’t it?

[@suemount6042]

Omg your Geo looks fantastic Mel im still on clue two I’ve had way too many false starts lol

[@Knitty_Mel]

You’re not alone! The false starts really slowed everyone down but as Stephen says, it’s not a race 👏

[@wendycaldwell5723]

Love your greys. I’ve just completed clue 3 and am taking a breather until clue 4 drops to let my sore hands calm down…..

[@Knitty_Mel]

You were speedy! I’m almost finished, will probably only get an afternoon of rest before clue 4 😂

[@wendycaldwell5723]

@@Knitty_Mel it was definitely quite a slog, but due to health issues, I have plenty of time on my hands!

[@anht8305]

I've been carry the yarn up along the icord instead of cutting it between each stripes.

[@Knitty_Mel]

All you clever people carrying the yarn! I think I was so focused on the stitch and following along that I didn’t stop to think. I’ve done it with other projects 😂 doing it now on the second section 👍 much better!

[@bernbee1679]

It’s looking fabulous Mel! I’m on eyelet row 4 of the second side /clue 2 so I’m nearly to clue 3. 🎉

[@Knitty_Mel]

Brilliant! You’re not far away from Clue three at all. You might also find it much quicker than I do 😂 I’m very curious about our Clue 4 options!

[@Jennie8684]

Love your greys, Mel. Although it looks great, I’m finding Clue 3 beyond tedious. I finished the first section on Monday and had to put it away as it was driving me crazy with boredom and yarn changes. . I plan to pick it up again once Clue 4 is released.

[@Knitty_Mel]

I feel you! I almost did the same but instead I picked up a jumper to knit on for Tuesday night, then picked up the MKAL again Wednesday morning. Carrying the yarns up through the icord and managing the cakes properly has made it much easier. I wonder if that might help you too? 🤗

[@Jennie8684]

@@Knitty_Mel I am planning to try it out. I still think the constant repetition is driving me craaazee 😵‍💫

[@hayrie]

Yes I did have to frog my second side because I ended up off and instead of thinking back I tried to fix it… and it didn’t work. It wasn’t heard to frog but I did pick it up wrong and ended up frogging the whole second side instead of just to wear I finished the icord edge like I had planned. And yea I’m also finding it tedious even though it’s slip stitches and gets smaller as you go.

[@Knitty_Mel]

Good to know! I might chuck a couple of life lines in. I’ve finished the first side but I’m not going to risk it either the second. Thanks!

[@martinas823]

Under NO circumstances frog Clue 3…I did and had to restart 😢 the whole section…tinking is your friend at this point. For that reason, I am also knitting quite carefully and as a result, it is quite slow going. I did not put my ends in the icord, or weavin’ Stephen for Clue 3(because of the slip stitches) but it took maybe half an hour to weave in the ends at the end of the first triangle-ly bit, I didn’t think it was that bad, TBH My fabric appears to be exactly the same as yours at this point. Much like you, I have a fair bit of knitting to do, over the next two days…and I don’t even wear shawls…so got caught up with the hype. Anyway, onwards and upwards. So much knitting 😂

[@Knitty_Mel]

Oh gosh! Thanks for the confirmation! I didn’t think I’d want to experience frogging this clue. I’m almost there, how about you?

[@allnaturalnutknitting4272]

:)

[@wendyellis6402]

I wish I had started carrying all my colors up the icord starting with Clue 2. I don’t know why I waited until halfway through Clue 3. This is what I always do to manage multiple colors on my shawls that have an icord edge. I thought perhaps Stephen was “Weavin’ for a Reason,” but apparently not. It might create too much bulk for those using more than 4 colors, with the tails.

[@Knitty_Mel]

Me toooo! Why didn’t we think of it. Probably just because we were working on learning a new stitch. I’m almost finished the second side and am carrying them up. Slightly bulky but so much better!

[@Lennongrils]

I'm loving the look of clue 3, but the fabric created feels so stiff. I don't know if I'm doing something wrong, or perhaps it's my yarn (I'm using some cotton in my shawl).

[@Knitty_Mel]

Yes it’s definitely a more sturdy fabric. Cotton might contribute to that. I think it’ll turn out great though 🤗

[@CreatrixxeCerise]

Oh dear, my clue 3 looks very different, I did not get, that the yarnstrands change direction 🤦‍♀️ now what? to frog or not to frog….

[@Knitty_Mel]

Don’t frog! It’s a design choice 😉 especially if the shape and stitch count is still the same. That’s how I see it 😉

[@CreatrixxeCerise]

@@Knitty_Mel 💚

[@jancy1609]

Lots of tinking . Counting to four is hard when it’s repeated over and over again. It’s so pretty but not a mindless combination.

[@Knitty_Mel]

I’m glad I’m not alone! I’ve seen a few people who’ve said it’s speedy 🫠 call me a tortoise then 🐢 😂 it’s not hard…it’s something though 🙃 pretty is right though.

[@sarahlovesdonuts9601]

Wonderful podcaster, please thank about putting together a donation to be tendered in the name of the w*NEER of the dr*wing. ( I astricted the vowels to prevent bots from spamming your comments.)💗💗💗💗

[@Knitty_Mel]

You’re so kind. Setting something up like that is beyond me, I’m only just learning how KZbin works 😂 plus I want to thank everyone 🤗 thanks for all your support!

[@sarahlovesdonuts9601]

@@Knitty_Mel Mel, I’m sorry Autocorrect made a donation to breast cancer research sound crazy!!!!