I wholeheartedly agree with you and had made the same decision. I just watched his new video, and my heart broke for him. Now I'm considering doing his alternate just out of respect for his message. The poor guy. We're so used to seeing the happy, spunky Stephen that this really hit me. I don't like the sad, broken Stephen! 💔💔💔Ahhhhh. We'll see. I'm waiting on Clue 2 to decide. Thanks for talking about it. Well said ❤
I watched his video today and cried with him. I’m rethinking my decision now too. I can never keep up with the MKAL but I want to show support for Steven. Perhaps making the new Clue 1 will be a great creative exercise and then if the other parts of the shawl work out, so be it. 💙
Lisa I fully respect your decision and I think I feel the same. I don’t want to continue and I don’t want to start over. I am casting on Christmas gifts instead which are a lot of kid size sweaters. Knitting should bring you happiness ❤❤❤ have a great week
I’m with you on mkal. I’ve tried several and sometimes found I had knit something I never would have knit. I did do one that was great, but I’m no longer doing mkals. Good for you following your heart.
Lisa I share a lot of your same feelings about the MKAL. I am going to make socks with my yarn because it is beautiful and will make lovely socks. I love all of your projects and you are right. Our knitting should make us happy.
Hi Lisa, I love your green penquono, it turned out so beautiful! I’m sorry things went off track with the MKAL, I know how much you look forward to it. I think Stephen West is a genius. I can’t knit those big shawls anymore it kills my hands, so I generally watch your podcast to see how it develops. I’m glad to hear you subscribed to Apple, I loved Ted Lasso and SEE. Thank you for sharing your projects. Happy October 🎃
I wish I had printed clue 1. I loved it at the point where there was 3 sides. I could have gone on from there, but I hadn’t started yet. I was very moved by his apology video. I wanted to hug him so much. I’m praying for him and all that were negatively affected by the design. He’s such a lovely man!
I was not aware of the drama until now and I did not notice the symbol until I looked at some pictures posted in the Ravelry thread. I made the decision this year to wait until Clue 1 was revealed before making up my mind about joining. I typically fail miserably at KALs and figured I would wait a little longer to see what Clue 2 was like since Clue 1 was interesting but not grabbing my attention enough for me to want to jump into making the pattern. Last year's Clue 1 got me super excited and then I bailed on the rest of the KAL because I didn't like the rest of the shawl. The yarn and partial knit shawl are still sitting in a project bag in a bin in my living room. Shameful, I know. I will continue watching the clues as they are unveiled but I don't think I will be participating. It's just too much for me to try to keep up on something that I do not utterly love. Don't get me wrong ... I LOVE Stephen West and many of his patterns. The MKALs just don't work out for me is all.
With the MCAL, I agree with you. I am deflated by this whole experience, not wanting to pick this back up. I would’ve rather the designer Stephen West stopped or paused the MKal to rework the design instead of coming out with this a quick basic square. I really like the uniqueness of the design of the first clue, but understand where he’s coming from. It is awfully disappointing…
I love the idea of doing a previous MKAL during October, but pacing yourself to the original pacing. I think using your Geogradient green yarns in an Exploration Station would be beautiful.
I totally get it. I can't handle MKALs. It needs to not be a mystery. I sometimes WANT to join them and buy the patterns but wait until its all released to start. I don't mind ripping back, but often when a pattern changes, I have to mentally prepare myself to rip back then start again, etc so it just ends up in a corner for a while until I get back to it.
I pivoted late last night, early this morning out of respect for him. I didn't see that symbol and for that I was bullied on a chat and forum and called a bigot. I wasn't happy with how, I felt, those of us who worked our butts off were kind of dismissed and not even acknowledged like, "thank you for joining this MKAL" or "I am sorry but we have had a change in design", etc imo. Not to mention "not holding space" for those who had questions or issues. This is my last MKAL but whatever... it is what it is. I have also decided that I will not set aside the project again, much less frog it, if anyone sees any symbols and Stephen makes major changes again. Someone stated, "when you bend the knee they go for the jugular ". I fear he will now fall prey to the "woke" segment. I am also a believer that "Your triggers are your responsibility. It isn't the world's obligation to tiptoe around you.". It sounds awful I know, especially considering that symbol, but it's true.
You have an interesting perspective. I didn’t see it at first either, but once I saw what people we’re referring to, I was happy to pivot. How often do we start over, change yarns or colors, or make mistakes and modifications? I wouldn’t enjoy knitting or wearing something knowing that even a tangential hate symbol was present. I also respect Stephen West so much and as he didn’t want his design to look like that, I certainly want to honor his pivot plans. It will be amazing and I think supporting one another to be loving and kind is a great opportunity for us all!🌻
Are there any past MKAL shawls you'd like to reknit? or that you didn't knit, that you wish you had ? Those greens would make a lovely Rockefeller. Have a great week
I completely understand your decision on the MKAL and after last year I decided MKALs aren’t for me. So I decided this year to start another of his patterns on day 1 of the MKAL. I’m doing Lava Lake and I love it - it’s fade so you might be able to use your green palate for that. The drama is so sad for Stephen though. I’m a huge fan and this unintentional issue hasn’t dampened that at all.
You are the boss of your knitting! Very nice the way you talked about the MKAL, I hadn’t started yet so it was easy for me to pivot. Plus I’m the rip out queen, which I know is not for everyone. Enjoy your knitting!
I’m not doing the MKAL, so I’m not emotionally invested. I really don’t see the “symbol” causing all the controversy. It looks like a quilting design. If people think it looks like that certain symbol and want to knit a different design that should be fine, if people want to knit the original design, that should be fine. Why do people care so much what other people choose to knit? It’s baffling to me. Lets all just have fun and stop sending hate comments.
! You Could stripe the thumb, starting with the white like you had, and so on. I feel bad about the Mkal, all the drama. I am not good with Mkals I lose my steam and feel pressured! Love all the Halloween socks!
I was really looking forward to doing the MKAL this year but I am not going forward with it. Just too much drama. Can’t see anything but a quilting pinwheel but feel bad for Stephen. His video today shows how much this has effected him.
I’m so glad you talked about this shawl, it was the first one I’ve ever done. I felt the same way, I’ve frogged mine and I just lost interest in moving forward. I’m an experienced knitter and it took me multiple attempts to get the clue going! That was weird…..but I think the yarn was trying to tell me something! I tried to start the next clue and I just lost interest so I stopped. Knitting is my super happy place and I don’t that to change. Have a great week.
I don’t want to put all the effort into something I might not wear, which is why I don’t do mystery knits in general. Also with Westknit patterns, though he is very open to color combos, I am not confident I will come up with a combo that turns out ok when i don’t know the end pattern design. You’re right, knitting should be fun: do what you need to do to keep it fun.
Hi! Lisa from Mounds, Illinois. I don’t think he meant to offend anyone with his design. I love my yarnable love your socks, I had to finish my Felici socks in the color Vampire Vibes.
Lisa,,,,firstly ,,,thank you SO MUCH ,,,,for recording another episode,,!!! You are right ,,we love them ,,,Mondays are not the same if we don't see you,,,,!! I would have done the same,,,I don't do mystery kal ,,,but love to follow😘⛪along,,!!!saw Stephens clue🎃one,,,,and went to end to see the finished clue,,land loved it,,!!!never saw anything like what some saw,,,looked to me like a quilt design,,,!!! However,, one person seeing something and the genie is out of the bottle,,,, Really feel for Stephen!!! Glad u are OK and you are right ,,,Knitting is suppose to be fun,,,No drama,,, I saw ur posts on instagram ,,,!!about ripping it out and thought their was a mistake in pattern or something ,,not knowing what happened,,,!!! Love UR yarn able socks so much,,,, and UR litmus cowl is amazing,,,🍁🍄🎃 Take care,,,, and again thanks for recording it on Sunday,,,,!!! Love my Monday mornings,,,,!!! Take care,, Elaine 🎃🎃🍁💜💜
I decided after last year’s MKAL to wait until I saw the whole shawl before I chose my colors. Yes, it flies in the face of the Knit-Along idea, but his shawls are so much work, I don’t want to be disappointed because of my color choice. I support your decision to abandon the MKAL, while still supporting Stephen West.
So sad that you have to worry about people being mad at you if you continue to knit the MKAL. I've decided to quit bc I think it was all handled wrong and I don't want to have to defend my choices. It went through pattern testing and everything. I only got the first triangle done so I'm not stressing it. I don't think he will do anymore MKALS and if he does I don't believe he will ever be the same designer again. He will always question everything. So sad for him.
I decided to cast on the Ribbing Please from Stephen West instead of doing the mystery shawl of this year. I love it so much: easy but not too easy. The design is brilliant.
Have you seen the crocheted version of the mitered square,, it looks easy and also used up scrap yarn,, wish I knew how to send you a picture,,it’s cold at my end of Michigan 🥴🧶🧶🧶
@@knitalltheyarnpodcast5512 No I just watch you on RUclips ,,don’t know how to get the other links,,,, I did see youtube Steven West with his apology,,,, Have a good day I’ll watch you Monday morning 🧶🧶🧶
Totally agree. I feel like Mr. Steven has been stifled. His beautiful design has been hijacked. I kept working on the original, may make it into a cushion. I have started the alternate with different yarns. I havent made any of his shawls and wanted to learn his techniques to make more. If i make it, i wont show mine either, just fir home. I hope that next clues will improve from the alt center. I saw art deco in the original...nothing sinister.
Can you please clarify how you avoid ladders on magic loop I am struggling with that as well as finding a good toe up two at a time pattern. I can’t get the hang of cuff down.
I wasn’t participating but I was looking forward to the progress. It’s disappointing. I feel ya and respect your decision 🤗 those freckled whimsy socks are gorgeous 15:24
I agree with you and 100% knitting should be fun. I do feel bad for Stephen too, all that time and effort that went into the MKAL, the pattern the video support the test knitters. I understand why he had to do what we did and what he could do in just short amount of time. I was really torn, but I bought a kit from S&P so didn’t want that to not be used, so only reason I’m going forward. I’m going with the color block version he posted in the ravelry group, really hoping the next clues are great and can move forward from this, but it’s still sad it’s just put such a damper on this whole experience I was so excited for it this year 😕
I'm going to respect Stephen West and not let a few ruin it. I know clue 1 is very simplified but he had to hurry and I feel bad for him. I did the new clue and it's simple but beautiful.
Good Morning Lisa, I totally get how sad you were feeling about all the drama. When I found out what happened my emotions were all of over the place. I still have some very complicated feelings about the situation so I may record a podcast today about my reactions to all of this. Also, which do you like better the Serendipity base or the Splendid base. I was thinking about changing my monthly fingering weight subscription from Serendipity to Splendid for a plumper yarn. Would you say it’s plumper? ~ Take care ~ Pamela
Too bad you lost your joy with the mkal, but you shouldn’t waste your time on something that doesn’t make you happy. Luckily I wasn’t too far along so I was able to find an alternative that I liked that used the first quadrant as is, so I’m still moving forward with it.
I had already finished clue 1 before going to Ravelry and discovering the drama. I decided to knit an altered square but it did not change the lines and I abandoned it. Then Stephen wanted to start clue 1 over and I understand why. I've not been bothered by the suggestive shape myself but am aware once something is seen it becomes a focal point. And I'm aware that while the negativity has affected a lot of people, and change is hard, it is Stephen who takes the largest brunt of personal attack, affront, etc.. and he does not need a part of his art that has become a symbol of awfulness to himself out in the knitting community knit in his name to remind him of the awfulness. Stephen has been through a lot this week and the added workload to reshape the event while recovering must be exhausting, while also facing continued spite and disappointment from people. Even a small thing like people leaving the MKAL can hurt at this point, and many have abandoned it. It is very easy to feel disappointed. Sad that things are being changed. Frustrated with issues, like will I have enough yarn, that make things less fun. I felt frustrated that I'd knit 2 squares already, and I like knitting. But I can't think/feel anyone is hurting more than Stephen. I'm not giving up. I've knit a third square now which I like and will continue on. Knitting it and following chat with others continuing has made me feel like I'm part of a massive support group. I liked the outside-the-box challenges too (pun intended). I've come to really enjoy the creativity that crafters have come up with in support of the MKAL. People who are turning the event around into something special. The sadness, frustration and disappointment is melting away and being replaced by a warm feeling like a hot soup when hungry and cold. At least for me. It is the people in the crafting community that are the reason I'm doing the MKAL in the first place. Not for the final project. I'm happy to be part of a group in support of Stephen's start over and to keep on knitting.
Well said! After watching his new direction video, I was in tears. I did a complete 180 and restarted clue 1. This has been so awful for Stephen, and I want to support him. The sadness, frustration and disappointment has melted away for me too. I finished Clue 1 last night, and I’m excited for clue 2! ❤️❤️❤️
It is very saddening about the mkal. I like the original design…coming from a quilting background. But the joy has been stolen. So maybe I will use the yarn and make a baby blanket 😕
I have some fancy seasonal boxes which are cardboard (got them at Michaels craft store) and I have "Christmas" socks. one pair for each day in December, a box for short shocks and a basket on my dresser that I can cycle the socks I am wearing though. I like to see my socks. I also usually have socks hanging on my clothesline in the laundry room because they don't all fit in the boxes.
I'm so curious about this. There is only one symbol that I can imagine was (unintentionally) created. Now I feel like I have to look it up. Gosh, I do dislike it when it seems like "everyone" in the knitting community knows about a controversy that I don't know about, I guess I don't follow "the right" people.
I just watched his New Direction video. He did such a great job describing his growth and expectations. I have not ever done an MKAL, but am very tempted now to support his intentionality about this one now. So glad he and his team will not be allowing any images of the defunct clue 1 - it's never okay to traumatize (however unintentionally it may be) others.
I totally agree Lisa, I am not going ahead with the original but I don’t know what to do. I might wait and see clue 2, at the moment I just kind of feel deflated. I couldn’t see the offensive sign in the original so I’m kind of scared I won’t recognise if it’s there. 🫤I love Freckled Whimsy and have quite a bit of the self striping but it’s pretty expensive with postage to Australia and the conversion rate. 😱🙃
Do what you want, creatively, and knit what you want! 👍
I wholeheartedly agree with you and had made the same decision. I just watched his new video, and my heart broke for him. Now I'm considering doing his alternate just out of respect for his message. The poor guy. We're so used to seeing the happy, spunky Stephen that this really hit me. I don't like the sad, broken Stephen! 💔💔💔Ahhhhh. We'll see. I'm waiting on Clue 2 to decide. Thanks for talking about it. Well said ❤
I watched his video today and cried with him. I’m rethinking my decision now too. I can never keep up with the MKAL but I want to show support for Steven. Perhaps making the new Clue 1 will be a great creative exercise and then if the other parts of the shawl work out, so be it. 💙
I'm glad you're doing what you want with your crafting! If it's not making you happy, it's not worth the precious crafting time.
I am also sad about all the drama and fully understand where you are coming from. I feel sad for Stephen. I am still deciding what to do.
Lisa I fully respect your decision and I think I feel the same. I don’t want to continue and I don’t want to start over. I am casting on Christmas gifts instead which are a lot of kid size sweaters. Knitting should bring you happiness ❤❤❤ have a great week
I’m with you on mkal. I’ve tried several and sometimes found I had knit something I never would have knit. I did do one that was great, but I’m no longer doing mkals. Good for you following your heart.
Lisa I share a lot of your same feelings about the MKAL. I am going to make socks with my yarn because it is beautiful and will make lovely socks. I love all of your projects and you are right. Our knitting should make us happy.
Hi Lisa, I love your green penquono, it turned out so beautiful! I’m sorry things went off track with the MKAL, I know how much you look forward to it. I think Stephen West is a genius. I can’t knit those big shawls anymore it kills my hands, so I generally watch your podcast to see how it develops. I’m glad to hear you subscribed to Apple, I loved Ted Lasso and SEE. Thank you for sharing your projects. Happy October 🎃
I wish I had printed clue 1. I loved it at the point where there was 3 sides. I could have gone on from there, but I hadn’t started yet. I was very moved by his apology video. I wanted to hug him so much. I’m praying for him and all that were negatively affected by the design. He’s such a lovely man!
I printed it. I bought the pattern after clue 1 was released because i loved that clue.
#biencuppers
@@BienCuppers me too. I just hadn’t printed it yet.
Bats how I roll socks really are pretty!! And I love your striped mittens!
I was not aware of the drama until now and I did not notice the symbol until I looked at some pictures posted in the Ravelry thread. I made the decision this year to wait until Clue 1 was revealed before making up my mind about joining. I typically fail miserably at KALs and figured I would wait a little longer to see what Clue 2 was like since Clue 1 was interesting but not grabbing my attention enough for me to want to jump into making the pattern. Last year's Clue 1 got me super excited and then I bailed on the rest of the KAL because I didn't like the rest of the shawl. The yarn and partial knit shawl are still sitting in a project bag in a bin in my living room. Shameful, I know. I will continue watching the clues as they are unveiled but I don't think I will be participating. It's just too much for me to try to keep up on something that I do not utterly love. Don't get me wrong ... I LOVE Stephen West and many of his patterns. The MKALs just don't work out for me is all.
With the MCAL, I agree with you. I am deflated by this whole experience, not wanting to pick this back up. I would’ve rather the designer Stephen West stopped or paused the MKal to rework the design instead of coming out with this a quick basic square. I really like the uniqueness of the design of the first clue, but understand where he’s coming from. It is awfully disappointing…
I love the idea of doing a previous MKAL during October, but pacing yourself to the original pacing.
I think using your Geogradient green yarns in an Exploration Station would be beautiful.
I totally get it. I can't handle MKALs. It needs to not be a mystery. I sometimes WANT to join them and buy the patterns but wait until its all released to start. I don't mind ripping back, but often when a pattern changes, I have to mentally prepare myself to rip back then start again, etc so it just ends up in a corner for a while until I get back to it.
I pivoted late last night, early this morning out of respect for him. I didn't see that symbol and for that I was bullied on a chat and forum and called a bigot. I wasn't happy with how, I felt, those of us who worked our butts off were kind of dismissed and not even acknowledged like, "thank you for joining this MKAL" or "I am sorry but we have had a change in design", etc imo. Not to mention "not holding space" for those who had questions or issues. This is my last MKAL but whatever... it is what it is.
I have also decided that I will not set aside the project again, much less frog it, if anyone sees any symbols and Stephen makes major changes again. Someone stated, "when you bend the knee they go for the jugular ". I fear he will now fall prey to the "woke" segment. I am also a believer that "Your triggers are your responsibility. It isn't the world's obligation to tiptoe around you.". It sounds awful I know, especially considering that symbol, but it's true.
You have an interesting perspective. I didn’t see it at first either, but once I saw what people we’re referring to, I was happy to pivot. How often do we start over, change yarns or colors, or make mistakes and modifications? I wouldn’t enjoy knitting or wearing something knowing that even a tangential hate symbol was present. I also respect Stephen West so much and as he didn’t want his design to look like that, I certainly want to honor his pivot plans. It will be amazing and I think supporting one another to be loving and kind is a great opportunity for us all!🌻
Are there any past MKAL shawls you'd like to reknit? or that you didn't knit, that you wish you had ? Those greens would make a lovely Rockefeller. Have a great week
I'm sorry to hear about your quitting the MKAL, but I completely understand your reasons for doing so. Happy sock knitting!
I completely understand your decision on the MKAL and after last year I decided MKALs aren’t for me. So I decided this year to start another of his patterns on day 1 of the MKAL. I’m doing Lava Lake and I love it - it’s fade so you might be able to use your green palate for that. The drama is so sad for Stephen though. I’m a huge fan and this unintentional issue hasn’t dampened that at all.
I'm proud of you for feeling your feelings and going with what works best for you. It's why I don't do MKALS because I need to know what is happening.
You are the boss of your knitting! Very nice the way you talked about the MKAL, I hadn’t started yet so it was easy for me to pivot. Plus I’m the rip out queen, which I know is not for everyone. Enjoy your knitting!
I’m not doing the MKAL, so I’m not emotionally invested. I really don’t see the “symbol” causing all the controversy. It looks like a quilting design. If people think it looks like that certain symbol and want to knit a different design that should be fine, if people want to knit the original design, that should be fine. Why do people care so much what other people choose to knit? It’s baffling to me. Lets all just have fun and stop sending hate comments.
!
You Could stripe the thumb, starting with the white like you had, and so on. I feel bad about the Mkal, all the drama. I am not good with Mkals I lose my steam and feel pressured! Love all the Halloween socks!
I was really looking forward to doing the MKAL this year but I am not going forward with it. Just too much drama. Can’t see anything but a quilting pinwheel but feel bad for Stephen. His video today shows how much this has effected him.
I’m so glad you talked about this shawl, it was the first one I’ve ever done. I felt the same way, I’ve frogged mine and I just lost interest in moving forward. I’m an experienced knitter and it took me multiple attempts to get the clue going! That was weird…..but I think the yarn was trying to tell me something! I tried to start the next clue and I just lost interest so I stopped. Knitting is my super happy place and I don’t that to change. Have a great week.
I don’t want to put all the effort into something I might not wear, which is why I don’t do mystery knits in general. Also with Westknit patterns, though he is very open to color combos, I am not confident I will come up with a combo that turns out ok when i don’t know the end pattern design. You’re right, knitting should be fun: do what you need to do to keep it fun.
Hi! Lisa from Mounds, Illinois. I don’t think he meant to offend anyone with his design. I love my yarnable love your socks, I had to finish my Felici socks in the color Vampire Vibes.
Lisa,,,,firstly ,,,thank you SO MUCH ,,,,for recording another episode,,!!!
You are right ,,we love them ,,,Mondays are not the same if we don't see you,,,,!!
I would have done the same,,,I don't do mystery kal ,,,but love to follow😘⛪along,,!!!saw Stephens clue🎃one,,,,and went to end to see the finished clue,,land loved it,,!!!never saw anything like what some saw,,,looked to me like a quilt design,,,!!!
However,, one person seeing something and the genie is out of the bottle,,,,
Really feel for Stephen!!!
Glad u are OK and you are right ,,,Knitting is suppose to be fun,,,No drama,,,
I saw ur posts on instagram ,,,!!about ripping it out and thought their was a mistake in pattern or something ,,not knowing what happened,,,!!!
Love UR yarn able socks so much,,,,
and UR litmus cowl is amazing,,,🍁🍄🎃
Take care,,,,
and again thanks for recording it on Sunday,,,,!!!
Love my Monday mornings,,,,!!!
Take care,,
Elaine 🎃🎃🍁💜💜
I decided after last year’s MKAL to wait until I saw the whole shawl before I chose my colors. Yes, it flies in the face of the Knit-Along idea, but his shawls are so much work, I don’t want to be disappointed because of my color choice. I support your decision to abandon the MKAL, while still supporting Stephen West.
So sad that you have to worry about people being mad at you if you continue to knit the MKAL. I've decided to quit bc I think it was all handled wrong and I don't want to have to defend my choices. It went through pattern testing and everything. I only got the first triangle done so I'm not stressing it. I don't think he will do anymore MKALS and if he does I don't believe he will ever be the same designer again. He will always question everything. So sad for him.
I decided to cast on the Ribbing Please from Stephen West instead of doing the mystery shawl of this year. I love it so much: easy but not too easy. The design is brilliant.
Have you seen the crocheted version of the mitered square,, it looks easy and also used up scrap yarn,, wish I knew how to send you a picture,,it’s cold at my end of Michigan 🥴🧶🧶🧶
Yep! I seen it! I’m not sure if you follow me on IG, but I decided to start over on he MKAL. 😆 Clue 1 ✅
@@knitalltheyarnpodcast5512 No I just watch you on RUclips ,,don’t know how to get the other links,,,, I did see youtube Steven West with his apology,,,,
Have a good day I’ll watch you Monday morning 🧶🧶🧶
Yep. After seeing his video I had to start over. This is awful for him.
Totally agree. I feel like Mr. Steven has been stifled. His beautiful design has been hijacked. I kept working on the original, may make it into a cushion. I have started the alternate with different yarns. I havent made any of his shawls and wanted to learn his techniques to make more. If i make it, i wont show mine either, just fir home. I hope that next clues will improve from the alt center. I saw art deco in the original...nothing sinister.
The controversy over the MKAL makes me sad for everybody. I am glad you have a plan for going forward.
I’m done too… exact same reasons!
He said i the new video, that we Will not se the symbol, we may fold it in half, and that is a cool triangle,
Good morning 🌄 blessings and crochet 🧶😊
Can you please clarify how you avoid ladders on magic loop I am struggling with that as well as finding a good toe up two at a time pattern. I can’t get the hang of cuff down.
I’m a tight knitter, so I don’t have any ladders. Maybe try to knit one stitch and when you knit the second stitch, give it a little tug.
@@knitalltheyarnpodcast5512 thanks!
I wasn’t participating but I was looking forward to the progress. It’s disappointing. I feel ya and respect your decision 🤗 those freckled whimsy socks are gorgeous 15:24
I agree with you and 100% knitting should be fun. I do feel bad for Stephen too, all that time and effort that went into the MKAL, the pattern the video support the test knitters. I understand why he had to do what we did and what he could do in just short amount of time. I was really torn, but I bought a kit from S&P so didn’t want that to not be used, so only reason I’m going forward. I’m going with the color block version he posted in the ravelry group, really hoping the next clues are great and can move forward from this, but it’s still sad it’s just put such a damper on this whole experience I was so excited for it this year 😕
I'm going to respect Stephen West and not let a few ruin it. I know clue 1 is very simplified but he had to hurry and I feel bad for him. I did the new clue and it's simple but beautiful.
Good Morning Lisa, I totally get how sad you were feeling about all the drama. When I found out what happened my emotions were all of over the place. I still have some very complicated feelings about the situation so I may record a podcast today about my reactions to all of this. Also, which do you like better the Serendipity base or the Splendid base. I was thinking about changing my monthly fingering weight subscription from Serendipity to Splendid for a plumper yarn. Would you say it’s plumper? ~ Take care ~ Pamela
Splendid is plumper. And softer! I love it!
@@knitalltheyarnpodcast5512 perfect!! Thanks for the feedback! ❤️
Too bad you lost your joy with the mkal, but you shouldn’t waste your time on something that doesn’t make you happy. Luckily I wasn’t too far along so I was able to find an alternative that I liked that used the first quadrant as is, so I’m still moving forward with it.
PS, you’ve become a natural in front of the camera now.
Awww!! Thanks! 😊
I had already finished clue 1 before going to Ravelry and discovering the drama. I decided to knit an altered square but it did not change the lines and I abandoned it. Then Stephen wanted to start clue 1 over and I understand why. I've not been bothered by the suggestive shape myself but am aware once something is seen it becomes a focal point. And I'm aware that while the negativity has affected a lot of people, and change is hard, it is Stephen who takes the largest brunt of personal attack, affront, etc.. and he does not need a part of his art that has become a symbol of awfulness to himself out in the knitting community knit in his name to remind him of the awfulness.
Stephen has been through a lot this week and the added workload to reshape the event while recovering must be exhausting, while also facing continued spite and disappointment from people.
Even a small thing like people leaving the MKAL can hurt at this point, and many have abandoned it.
It is very easy to feel disappointed. Sad that things are being changed. Frustrated with issues, like will I have enough yarn, that make things less fun. I felt frustrated that I'd knit 2 squares already, and I like knitting. But I can't think/feel anyone is hurting more than Stephen.
I'm not giving up.
I've knit a third square now which I like and will continue on. Knitting it and following chat with others continuing has made me feel like I'm part of a massive support group. I liked the outside-the-box challenges too (pun intended).
I've come to really enjoy the creativity that crafters have come up with in support of the MKAL. People who are turning the event around into something special. The sadness, frustration and disappointment is melting away and being replaced by a warm feeling like a hot soup when hungry and cold. At least for me. It is the people in the crafting community that are the reason I'm doing the MKAL in the first place. Not for the final project.
I'm happy to be part of a group in support of Stephen's start over and to keep on knitting.
Well said! After watching his new direction video, I was in tears. I did a complete 180 and restarted clue 1. This has been so awful for Stephen, and I want to support him. The sadness, frustration and disappointment has melted away for me too. I finished Clue 1 last night, and I’m excited for clue 2! ❤️❤️❤️
YAY!!! Doing a happy dance :)
So Mr. West scrapped the 1st part of the MCAL because he claims the square resembled a swastika.
Yep, knew that.
It is very saddening about the mkal. I like the original design…coming from a quilting background. But the joy has been stolen. So maybe I will use the yarn and make a baby blanket 😕
I agree that we should respect Stephen’s wishes. I feel really bad for him because it was not intentional and it has tainted the mkal
I have some fancy seasonal boxes which are cardboard (got them at Michaels craft store) and I have "Christmas" socks. one pair for each day in December, a box for short shocks and a basket on my dresser that I can cycle the socks I am wearing though. I like to see my socks. I also usually have socks hanging on my clothesline in the laundry room because they don't all fit in the boxes.
Yes! I love washing my hand knit socks. It’s the one chore I actually enjoy. 🤣
I'm so curious about this. There is only one symbol that I can imagine was (unintentionally) created. Now I feel like I have to look it up. Gosh, I do dislike it when it seems like "everyone" in the knitting community knows about a controversy that I don't know about, I guess I don't follow "the right" people.
I just watched his New Direction video. He did such a great job describing his growth and expectations. I have not ever done an MKAL, but am very tempted now to support his intentionality about this one now. So glad he and his team will not be allowing any images of the defunct clue 1 - it's never okay to traumatize (however unintentionally it may be) others.
I totally agree Lisa, I am not going ahead with the original but I don’t know what to do. I might wait and see clue 2, at the moment I just kind of feel deflated. I couldn’t see the offensive sign in the original so I’m kind of scared I won’t recognise if it’s there. 🫤I love Freckled Whimsy and have quite a bit of the self striping but it’s pretty expensive with postage to Australia and the conversion rate. 😱🙃