Oh my gosh, your video and the comments are making me feel so much better. There is no way I’ll be done by Thursday. Glad there are a bunch of us tortoises running the race here. 😛
It's Tuesday and I have 4 repeats done, not going to make to full repeats by Thursday, it's my first mkal but love the effect that's it's going to give, so I'm going to keep knitting on it 💪😁👍. Happy knitting, Petra
Oh my word!!!!!😱. This is my first time doing the Steven West mystery knit along and I’m a fairly new knitter!!!! I’m determined-but overwhelmed!!!! So glad I found your video. It’s Monday and I’m not as far along as You. I absolutely refuse to give up. But I know I’m going to be behind. Thank you for keeping it real ❤
I am glad to see I’m not alone with how long this is taking! I timed myself and it takes me 50 minutes to finish one color stripe, not even the whole repeat! But I just keep chugging away because some progress is better than no progress! 😂
I am embarrassed to admit they I am even slightly slower than that! I am getting better, but the stitch count is getting bigger so it’s kind of a wash. I’m just keeping at it and I guess I will finish when I finish
I also timed myself today because it's taking so long and it took me around 50 mins per colour stripe. I'm finding the BOs really tedious actually and hoping they're not a repeating feature. It's very tough on the hands this one, looks cool though!
You’ve got this! Most knitters I know who are participating in the SWMKAL view it as a process knit so it’s done when it’s done. I know people who just completed their shawlography MKAL. Plus you cannot give up as I am knitting it vicariously through you 😂
I have finished my first clue. I’m retired, l live alone and have lots of time for knitting and finally finished on Monday evening, I pushed myself because I wanted to share it with my friends at my craft group. Your doing so well considering all the other calls on your time.
This is my first mkal and my first Stephen West project. I’m loving it. I’m only on repeat 5 but I haven’t been able to work on it as much as I want to. Yours is coming along beautifully!
This is my first ever shawl and first MKAL !😂 If only I could knit all day I may have a chance of completing the first clue ! The design so far is amazing and I’m loving it.
Totally agree, slow knit! Like you, my repeat takes two hours. It feels like it takes forever but.. it’s going to look so great I will push on. It’s my first MKAL ever. But with videos of Martyn, Alina and you I will finish this because you are doing it too. Can’t wait to see your progress.
You are doing so well. It is taking me 2 hours per repeat. My brain and eyesight can only do 1 repeat per day. Hopefully Clue 2 will allow me to catch up. 🤞
This is my first MKAL, and my first Westknits MKAL. I'm with you here. I don't consider myself a fast knitter, but I don't think I'm the slowest either and when Martyn said it took him 90 minutes to do a repeat I thought "Whaaattt"? It took me about 2 hours to do 2 colour stripes, some rows faster than others of course, and they get longer. He did say "6 rows" too which is in error, there being 8 to each repeat. But I've marathon knitted and got it done. Those last few stripes... Oh dear.. Thinking I'm running to the finish line now and they took so long. You have to remember finishing with a 270 stitch i-cord. I have no drama with i-cord myself (I did a shawl of his starting with a long i-cord and getting smaller. 294 stitch i-cord start lol. Not 300, not 290 but 294 lol) but i-cord does take time. I'm not sure I can keep up the pace of so much knitting in the time frame given, but Stephen has hinted clue 2 will be a bit easier. What "easier" will actually be? Hmmm.. Soon to see.
You are knitting so much faster than I am. First my yarn got lost between Amsterdam and California - it still has not arrived. Then I shattered my right wrist - yes my dominant hand. I’ve had surgery and will be in a full arm cast (fingertips to underarm) for months. So not only do I not have the yarn, I can not knit. So I am enjoying the MKAL vicariously through you!! Now don’t you feel so fast. Btw - your yarn choices are phenomenal.
I’m glad to hear that you think this is a slow knit. I agree! Holy cow, the laboriousness is killing me! But it is a beautiful pattern and I’ll keep slogging along.
It's early Tuesday, I have 3 more repeats to do, so I should be good. I have to admit, my wrists do hurt a bit. I've had extra time to knit since I've had covid this past week...although it has been slow knitting as covid-brain is real 😬. Yesterday was our Canadian Thanksgiving, but I think I'll take this extra day off...I work for myself so it's easy to flex my time 😊😁
I feel your pain. I can do a max of 2.5 repeats per day. And had to rip out 4 repeats due to a dumb mistake. I’m anal about fixing errors. After 6 days I’m still working on the 6th repeat. My plan is to forge ahead and work behind on the clues. Yes, I will look at the spoilers. Hopefully they will encourage me to continue. 😊
I am two repeats away from finishing this first clue. I also can only get half of a repeat in an hour, but that’s only after I finally memorized the pattern repeat! This is my first mkal by Stephen west and i had to rely on the video for the cast on and the first repeat for sure but it’s going so well now! Also I love the colors you dyed and chose ❤
I feel the same! This is my first MKAL with Steven. I knew it would be wild and I was totally ready! I am on repeat 8, knitting as much as possible. I sure hope your right about clue 2. We need a catch up moment! 😂. This is so much work. All we can do is laugh about it right! Seriously.
My first MKAL 💪🏻 dyed my own yarn and I’ve been knitting away. Additionally signed up for a test knit, sweater in 4 weeks due end of Oct 😬 Usually a complete control freak so this so much fun! Thankfully only working part time and my hubby is like “just knit my love!”
Everything you said!! I had to rip out two rows bc I forgot to change colors!😢. I wondered what I was going to knit on during my “downtime” waiting for the next clue… but that was a joke bc I’m not even close to being done with this one! I’m loving it though and glad I’m not the only one that feels like the progress is slowww!
So nice to hear your experience and read the comments, feel I’m not alone in this anymore! It takes me around an hour also to do a repeat! Can’t do more than 2 repeats a day before I get all cross eyed! Lol! Have 9 loops of each color so far!😵💫🙃😊
I have been super slow but still enjoying the process. This is my 2nd Stephen west knit along. I took part in the very first one and have missed every single other one until now.
Haha all of your thoughts are like pulled directly from my head! I have had every single one of them. Also, oddly enough our main color and contrast are almost the exact same so that is also quite fun lol. But yes, this is so incredibly slow to knit, and slightly tedious as well but very worth the effort I think.
You are definitely not alone! I got a late start! So I’m already a couple of days behind. But I will definitely be at least one and a half days behind when the next clue drops. I think it’s fun. And tricky, but I am enjoying it. This is my first! I’m sticking with it!
Just found your videos today! This is my first mkal, it’s good to hear that I’m not the only one that’s struggling to get thru the row repeats in time! However I am really enjoying the process.
Love how your colors are knitting up together! I'm glad to hear it's not just me. It's taking me almost 2 hours to knit the full pattern repeat. I'm finally starting to see my fabric grow widthwise, so the rows are starting to feel long, lol. I'm enjoying it though!
You are not alone! I need to finish tomorrow because I’m traveling on Wednesday and I prefer east mindless knitting when traveling! It does feel like it’s taking FOREVER. It’s my first WestKnits shawl. Good luck to you.
I agree, this is an unrealistic first clue. For me to get this done before Thursday morning I would have to sit all day, everyday and only knit. I enjoy outdoor sports, so I’ll just have to knit as much as I can between my activities. I do love the look of the shawl so far. It’s beautiful! Your shawl looks gorgeous! 😅
I'm so thankful that I found your video. I'm enjoying the MKAL, but like you, it is taking me forever. Lol, originally I plotted out doing 4 repeats a day; I'm averaging one! Your project is beautiful.
First time doing the MKAL. It took me about 10 hours to do the first 2 repeats. I thought there was no way I was going to finish, but here I am 3 rows from the end of clue 1. I don’t care how late I have to stay up tonight. I’m determined to stay on track.
I'm a Master Knitter.... so fairly experienced. Three things I slog through are Cable (or knitted) cast on, Knitting first row after a Cable cast on, and Binding off. WOW! That is all this clue is! Plus, it is taking me about an hour per "ladder". That means about 29 - 30 hours of knitting. Like you, I don't have that amount of time to devote to just knitting. Thank you for stepping forward and saying what I have been thinking. By the way, my daughter thinks I'm knitting a circus tent. Vivian Ann living 100% off grid on the side of the mountain in northeast Tennessee
I know! I am always so happy to get to row 10 or 14. At least there’s no casting on or binding off. Ugh! I keep thinking this pattern would make an amazing skirt. Ha! Thanks for watching
Due to circulstances (not enough yarn, another project to finish to use the needles) I will be starting later…and finish much later. But that’s okay, no stress! I’m a bit intimidated but very excited to begin. Enjoy the journey! I love your colors.
Hi Karen: I am a slow knitter too and have a day job but I’m loving it so far except I may elect to go braid free. Digging the more minimalist look without. Let’s knit on to clue 2 !
God bless you for showing your progress. I have too many projects on my needles and too much yarn in stash (non fingering weight) to justify doing the mkal myself so I'm trying to live vicariously through podcasters but so many aren't showing their progress! It looks gorgeous so far! Maybe I'll have to make it in a couple months when my needles are clear
Lol I calculated that I need 42 more hours to finish clue 1 based on it taking me 15 mins to do a row. I just started the 3rd repeat and we need to do it almost 12 times OMG. Pleas let clue 2 be quick and easy. Love your yarn selection. Glad we are all in this together.
Ha I have finished one row 🤭 So many things happening and to do this week Hope to do more today. I will finish it in my time😅 and meanwhile enjoy seeing what others do. It is my first shawl with Stephen and my first Mkal as well
My yarn got lost in Memphis. It's been there since September 9th. They finally declared it lost today. I picked out some other yarn from my stash and started Sunday so I'm still casting on the icord. BUT I am loving how the pattern is looking so far.
Hi Karen. I'm with you! I'm on the 6th repeat now and clue 2 comes out tomorrow. I was filling stressed about it until yesterday when I finally decided to let it go. (singing that song from Frozen lol). This is my 1st SW MKAL and I'm determined to stick with it! Thanks for your update :)
It's taking forever and I'm not looking forward to that bind off at the end! If this was my first time, I would have given up already. I'm on the 9th repeat and it's almost midnight. Trying to finish ten for today. Hang in there!
I'm still only on my second repeat! I never thought of myself as a slow knitter, kind of middle of the pack but this takes about 15 minutes per ROW. Oh my gosh this is going to take ten years!
This is my first Westknits Mkal and it gives me some relieve to hear, that someone more experienced than me ist struggeling, too. It took me forever to get through the first rows, and I am proud to say that I can now (after three repeats) knit without looking at the clue. But even though I am on sickleave right now, I wont be abele to finish clue one until wednesday evening. I hope this fact wont stop me from finishing. But as I love the pattern so much, I hope, I will finish the shawl sometime 😂
OH MY GOD you call them shrimp tooooo!! I had black for that colour in my shawlography, but I could not get the shrimp ring out of my head while watching the video - no hate in it, it's just *super* funny to me! honestly, I'm still working through clue 1. almost there! Last year, I finished my shawl around NYE, so I'm cool with being slow with knitting this, so long as I'm enjoying it. Now that I've learned the repeats for clue 1, I'm having a great, albeit slow time :D Yours is looking beautiful so far, I adore the colours together!
I am so glad I found you! I have been knitting clue one like my life depends on it for the last 7 days! It takes me slightly more than 2 hours to knit a repeat. I am hoping to get done with repeat 10 tonight. late but not terrible. Don't read past the 11 repeats in the pattern. It is just disheartening to find out there is more.... Clue 2 has got to be shorter! Don't get me wrong, I like this MKAL, I can't wait to see what this shawl looks like. I just wasn't expecting the marathon of knitting required to keep up.
Just found your videos. This is my first Stephen West MKAL. I expected it to be full on. I have 3 repeats left to go. Will be interested to time my next repeat. Really enjoying it so far.
I haven't even cast on! First, I couldn't find another pair of size 4 needles! I didn't think of using a size 3 and the needles have been sitting on the table right in my face! Then when I watched the Clue reveal I was going "Oh noos! Stripes!" Stripes will either make you look fat or thin. So I'm on the plump side. Then I've seen so many peoples clue reveals and I thought it's just too pretty not to knit it! I'm getting motivated 💪 lol. Hey I have size 3 needles and I'm a loose knitter like you. Your yarn is knitting up so pretty 😍 💕 💗
Im looking for motivation to finish clue 1 Im glad we’re all on the same wave ,, Im sad coz I’m not enjoying the process , it’s full of focus for me and I just need to go a little bit mindless 😢 thank you so much
I am happy that I am not the only one feeling like I going at a snail's pace. I can't believe people were done with the clue over the weekend. I will be lucky to be done by Thursday night.
I'm loving it but agree that I could knit all day, every day and not finish in time for the next clue. I only have 2 of the contrast color rows completed and I think you end up with 14! Oh my gosh! I guess I'm a slow knitter and also I work full time so not sure I can keep up. The pattern is fun though. Hopefully clue 2 will be easier/faster to knit and I can get caught up on the weekend. My little habit of knitting 1 hour per day is not cutting it. Hopefully I'll get faster as I go. I love your colors! Thanks for sharing your MKAL journey!
I hear you about clue 1 taking forever to knit! It took me 2 hours to knit a full repeat too! I finished it a few hours before the second clue came out after many late nights! Clue 2 has felt like a much more enjoyable process so far, though I may eat those words once I get to section 4!
Lifetime knitter 1st time West knits mkal and it's taking me 1 hour per color (4 rows). I work full time. I will not be able to finish clue 1 on time. That being said, I'm excited to push through to the next clue. 😁
I love going through this with you !! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! I was thinking this is kind of like a marathon for knitters! I am cheering for you and so excited for all the updates !
I agree that the first clue is taking FOREVER and I have grossly overestimated my knitting speed! I can’t believe some people are already done when I’ve been working on it for what feels like every chance I get. I still have 2 more repeats to get through. 😆
This looked deceptively easy time-wise in the video. I actually thought I could finally finish a clue on time…😂😂😂 Friday night, after knitting forever, I had finally finished a couple of rows. I had to start over because I apparently can’t count to 12. The good news is that I love my colors so far. I’m very curious as to where we are going next. The first clue is such an unusual shape.
This is actually my first ever shawl and therefore also my first ever Westknits MKAL and I'm loving it! On the last 2 rows before the CO now so I do think I'll be able to finish in time for the next clue, even if I might still be casting off while watching it tomorrow morning... I do hope the next clue will be a little less knitting though, as I do feel like 22k+ stitches a week is not sustainable for all 4 weeks for... I'd definitely fall behind if there are 2 more weeks like this one..
I've ripped mine out several times. I can't seem to get past 7 repeats. One row takes forever. Today, another mistake. Rip, rip, rip. Doesn't help to be distracted by phone calls, the cat constantly saying "Meow" and my helpless teenager who seems unable to make any food for himself! I will be at least a month behind on this one. But it is an amazingly creative pattern so far!
Mine looks quite similar. I am at the 10th light loop section and I have a lot of time on my hands and I agree. It is tough. And the rows are getting longer and looonngggeeerrr...
Lol😂 I'm still on the I - cord size 4 needles was to small and wonkie looking to me, I hate long cast on like this...lol😂. I committed to do this it's going to take some time.
So far so good! Love the colors you picked! Hang in there and don't forget to do hand and arm stretches so you don't get "knitting elbows" for all those dreaded repeats lol. Take care and lookinh forward to more updates. Kris K from Connecticut 🧶🍂🍁
I just discovered your videos last week and have thoroughly enjoyed watching so far. Love your color choices for the mkal. Last year was my first Stephen West mkal and I couldn't keep up. I started this on Thursday and will plug away but have resigned myself that I'm not going to be able to keep up. It's alright though, still enjoying and I'm learning so much.
It’s looking like I’m not going to keep up either! It’s ok, I will get there sooner or later. It is so pretty I don’t mind too much. I’m glad you found your way here! 🐢🧶
I’m glad I’m not the only one… I’m a newish knitter and it’s taking me between 15-20 min per row… I’m having a hard time remembering the repeats and I need to stay pretty focused… not TV knitting for sure… at least I’m getting better at casting on 😂… I was lucky to have a 3 day weekend… on Saturday I thought my fingers were going to fall off! I’m in the middle of the 9th repeat… I hope to still be done on time!
This is my first Westknits MKAL but I have done some of his other patterns so am very familiar with him. I started and was like “oh no!” With the first bind off and then cable cast on section when I figured out how much of that we would be doing. Then I fast forwarded to the end of his video and saw what they would become and I was like “ cool, I got this”. It is slow and I had a freak out moment on Sunday when I figured out it would be unlikely to finish clue 1 before clue 2 comes out. I am on repeat 5 right now. I think it will be so worth it though!
I have been knitting for over 30 years and this took me approximately 20 plus hours to complete.. it is amazing..the pattern becomes intuitive after a couple repeats...
Oh my goodness 🙆🏼♀️ I’m a slow knitter - I thought I’d get farther- I’m only into row 7 or 8th row😮 I guess I won’t be able to finish first clue- but that’s ok I’m reassured by your podcast that it’s not just me being slow👍☺️
I am not surprised. This is so slow for me. The constant casting on snd binding off is putting the breaks on everything. Stick with it. The pattern looks beautiful!
This is my first MKAL and I'm scared!!! I'm not sure I can do this. You give me hope but no way I'll be done by Wednesday. 😟 Not sure I'll be done any Wednesday.... Thank for sharing your thoughts.💜
Don’t be scared! This is crazy and we’re just going to do the best we can. If only I had some of that crazy fast knitting mojo that I see on Instagram. It’s going to be ok
Oh my gosh, your video and the comments are making me feel so much better. There is no way I’ll be done by Thursday. Glad there are a bunch of us tortoises running the race here. 😛
The turtle wins in the end, right?? 🐢🧶
Same!
It's Tuesday and I have 4 repeats done, not going to make to full repeats by Thursday, it's my first mkal but love the effect that's it's going to give, so I'm going to keep knitting on it 💪😁👍. Happy knitting, Petra
Oh my word!!!!!😱. This is my first time doing the Steven West mystery knit along and I’m a fairly new knitter!!!! I’m determined-but overwhelmed!!!! So glad I found your video. It’s Monday and I’m not as far along as You. I absolutely refuse to give up. But I know I’m going to be behind. Thank you for keeping it real ❤
This shawl is a roller coaster and I am so invested in this journey! You’ve got this!! 🎉💜
Thank you! It is so interesting, but sooooo slow
I am glad to see I’m not alone with how long this is taking! I timed myself and it takes me 50 minutes to finish one color stripe, not even the whole repeat! But I just keep chugging away because some progress is better than no progress! 😂
I am embarrassed to admit they I am even slightly slower than that! I am getting better, but the stitch count is getting bigger so it’s kind of a wash. I’m just keeping at it and I guess I will finish when I finish
I also timed myself today because it's taking so long and it took me around 50 mins per colour stripe. I'm finding the BOs really tedious actually and hoping they're not a repeating feature. It's very tough on the hands this one, looks cool though!
You’ve got this! Most knitters I know who are participating in the SWMKAL view it as a process knit so it’s done when it’s done. I know people who just completed their shawlography MKAL. Plus you cannot give up as I am knitting it vicariously through you 😂
Your colours look gorgeous. I would say keep up the good work. Enjoy the knitting, do not get stressed and continue showing your optimism ! 🥇🐞
I have finished my first clue. I’m retired, l live alone and have lots of time for knitting and finally finished on Monday evening, I pushed myself because I wanted to share it with my friends at my craft group. Your doing so well considering all the other calls on your time.
This is my first mkal and my first Stephen West project. I’m loving it. I’m only on repeat 5 but I haven’t been able to work on it as much as I want to. Yours is coming along beautifully!
I DO love your outtakes! I'm not doing this Kal but I really do love the braided bit. Hang in there. You're fast becoming my favorite knit talker!
Thank you so much for watching. It is so encouraging to know that here are other knitters out there following along.
This is my first ever shawl and first MKAL !😂 If only I could knit all day I may have a chance of completing the first clue !
The design so far is amazing and I’m loving it.
Totally agree, slow knit! Like you, my repeat takes two hours. It feels like it takes forever but.. it’s going to look so great I will push on. It’s my first MKAL ever. But with videos of Martyn, Alina and you I will finish this because you are doing it too. Can’t wait to see your progress.
You are doing so well. It is taking me 2 hours per repeat. My brain and eyesight can only do 1 repeat per day. Hopefully Clue 2 will allow me to catch up. 🤞
This is my first MKAL, and my first Westknits MKAL. I'm with you here. I don't consider myself a fast knitter, but I don't think I'm the slowest either and when Martyn said it took him 90 minutes to do a repeat I thought "Whaaattt"? It took me about 2 hours to do 2 colour stripes, some rows faster than others of course, and they get longer. He did say "6 rows" too which is in error, there being 8 to each repeat. But I've marathon knitted and got it done. Those last few stripes... Oh dear.. Thinking I'm running to the finish line now and they took so long. You have to remember finishing with a 270 stitch i-cord. I have no drama with i-cord myself (I did a shawl of his starting with a long i-cord and getting smaller. 294 stitch i-cord start lol. Not 300, not 290 but 294 lol) but i-cord does take time.
I'm not sure I can keep up the pace of so much knitting in the time frame given, but Stephen has hinted clue 2 will be a bit easier. What "easier" will actually be? Hmmm.. Soon to see.
Nice work getting it done! I don’t even mind icord, and still it’s a bear. Good luck with clue 2!
You are knitting so much faster than I am.
First my yarn got lost between Amsterdam and California - it still has not arrived.
Then I shattered my right wrist - yes my dominant hand. I’ve had surgery and will be in a full arm cast (fingertips to underarm) for months.
So not only do I not have the yarn, I can not knit. So I am enjoying the MKAL vicariously through you!! Now don’t you feel so fast. Btw - your yarn choices are phenomenal.
I’m glad to hear that you think this is a slow knit. I agree! Holy cow, the laboriousness is killing me! But it is a beautiful pattern and I’ll keep slogging along.
My thoughts exactly. Hang in there!
Martin's reaction was priceless when he watched the clue video! Loved it.
I know! I was cracking up
It's early Tuesday, I have 3 more repeats to do, so I should be good. I have to admit, my wrists do hurt a bit. I've had extra time to knit since I've had covid this past week...although it has been slow knitting as covid-brain is real 😬. Yesterday was our Canadian Thanksgiving, but I think I'll take this extra day off...I work for myself so it's easy to flex my time 😊😁
You're in the Boston Marathon too! I'm pulling for you!
I feel your pain. I can do a max of 2.5 repeats per day. And had to rip out 4 repeats due to a dumb mistake. I’m anal about fixing errors. After 6 days I’m still working on the 6th repeat. My plan is to forge ahead and work behind on the clues. Yes, I will look at the spoilers. Hopefully they will encourage me to continue. 😊
I am two repeats away from finishing this first clue. I also can only get half of a repeat in an hour, but that’s only after I finally memorized the pattern repeat! This is my first mkal by Stephen west and i had to rely on the video for the cast on and the first repeat for sure but it’s going so well now!
Also I love the colors you dyed and chose ❤
I feel the same! This is my first MKAL with Steven. I knew it would be wild and I was totally ready! I am on repeat 8, knitting as much as possible. I sure hope your right about clue 2. We need a catch up moment! 😂. This is so much work. All we can do is laugh about it right! Seriously.
My first MKAL 💪🏻 dyed my own yarn and I’ve been knitting away. Additionally signed up for a test knit, sweater in 4 weeks due end of Oct 😬 Usually a complete control freak so this so much fun! Thankfully only working part time and my hubby is like “just knit my love!”
Everything you said!! I had to rip out two rows bc I forgot to change colors!😢. I wondered what I was going to knit on during my “downtime” waiting for the next clue… but that was a joke bc I’m not even close to being done with this one! I’m loving it though and glad I’m not the only one that feels like the progress is slowww!
So nice to hear your experience and read the comments, feel I’m not alone in this anymore! It takes me around an hour also to do a repeat! Can’t do more than 2 repeats a day before I get all cross eyed! Lol! Have 9 loops of each color so far!😵💫🙃😊
I have been super slow but still enjoying the process. This is my 2nd Stephen west knit along. I took part in the very first one and have missed every single other one until now.
What an adventure!
Haha all of your thoughts are like pulled directly from my head! I have had every single one of them. Also, oddly enough our main color and contrast are almost the exact same so that is also quite fun lol. But yes, this is so incredibly slow to knit, and slightly tedious as well but very worth the effort I think.
You are definitely not alone! I got a late start! So I’m already a couple of days behind. But I will definitely be at least one and a half days behind when the next clue drops. I think it’s fun. And tricky, but I am enjoying it. This is my first! I’m sticking with it!
Just found your videos today! This is my first mkal, it’s good to hear that I’m not the only one that’s struggling to get thru the row repeats in time! However I am really enjoying the process.
Love how your colors are knitting up together! I'm glad to hear it's not just me. It's taking me almost 2 hours to knit the full pattern repeat. I'm finally starting to see my fabric grow widthwise, so the rows are starting to feel long, lol. I'm enjoying it though!
You are not alone! I need to finish tomorrow because I’m traveling on Wednesday and I prefer east mindless knitting when traveling! It does feel like it’s taking FOREVER. It’s my first WestKnits shawl. Good luck to you.
Good for you! I couldn’t finish tomorrow if my life depended on it! 😆
Yes, I think you nailed it, it’s a bit weird and slow but I’m hooked! I’m up to the cord bind off. We can do this!
I agree, this is an unrealistic first clue. For me to get this done before Thursday morning I would have to sit all day, everyday and only knit. I enjoy outdoor sports, so I’ll just have to knit as much as I can between my activities. I do love the look of the shawl so far. It’s beautiful! Your shawl looks gorgeous! 😅
It is bonkers how long it is taking. I will just have to be the turtle bringing up the rest! 🐢🧶
I'm so thankful that I found your video. I'm enjoying the MKAL, but like you, it is taking me forever. Lol, originally I plotted out doing 4 repeats a day; I'm averaging one! Your project is beautiful.
First time doing the MKAL. It took me about 10 hours to do the first 2 repeats. I thought there was no way I was going to finish, but here I am 3 rows from the end of clue 1. I don’t care how late I have to stay up tonight. I’m determined to stay on track.
I'm a Master Knitter.... so fairly experienced. Three things I slog through are Cable (or knitted) cast on, Knitting first row after a Cable cast on, and Binding off. WOW! That is all this clue is! Plus, it is taking me about an hour per "ladder". That means about 29 - 30 hours of knitting. Like you, I don't have that amount of time to devote to just knitting. Thank you for stepping forward and saying what I have been thinking. By the way, my daughter thinks I'm knitting a circus tent. Vivian Ann living 100% off grid on the side of the mountain in northeast Tennessee
I know! I am always so happy to get to row 10 or 14. At least there’s no casting on or binding off. Ugh! I keep thinking this pattern would make an amazing skirt. Ha! Thanks for watching
I also am slow at all this clue is I’m on repeat 8 of a total of 14. Never going to be done lol but is this fun?
Due to circulstances (not enough yarn, another project to finish to use the needles) I will be starting later…and finish much later. But that’s okay, no stress! I’m a bit intimidated but very excited to begin. Enjoy the journey! I love your colors.
Loved your video!! Keep at it, this is going to be beautiful. love,hugs,prayers.
I love your Shawlography colors.
Hi Karen: I am a slow knitter too and have a day job but I’m loving it so far except I may elect to go braid free. Digging the more minimalist look without. Let’s knit on to clue 2 !
I do love the finished look. It almost makes all the farting on and binding off worth it! Good luck
Hi Karen,
Hey, you knit the Schneeflocken you can do anything😂
God bless you for showing your progress. I have too many projects on my needles and too much yarn in stash (non fingering weight) to justify doing the mkal myself so I'm trying to live vicariously through podcasters but so many aren't showing their progress! It looks gorgeous so far! Maybe I'll have to make it in a couple months when my needles are clear
Lol I calculated that I need 42 more hours to finish clue 1 based on it taking me 15 mins to do a row. I just started the 3rd repeat and we need to do it almost 12 times OMG. Pleas let clue 2 be quick and easy. Love your yarn selection. Glad we are all in this together.
15 minutes a row is right where I’m at. Unless I make a mistake, which is not unheard of 😆. It will be worth it in the end
Ha I have finished one row 🤭
So many things happening and to do this week
Hope to do more today.
I will finish it in my time😅 and meanwhile enjoy seeing what others do.
It is my first shawl with Stephen and my first Mkal as well
My yarn got lost in Memphis. It's been there since September 9th. They finally declared it lost today. I picked out some other yarn from my stash and started Sunday so I'm still casting on the icord. BUT I am loving how the pattern is looking so far.
I changed my mind on colors after watching Clue 1. Haven’t started yet, waiting on the new color.
Hi Karen. I'm with you! I'm on the 6th repeat now and clue 2 comes out tomorrow. I was filling stressed about it until yesterday when I finally decided to let it go. (singing that song from Frozen lol). This is my 1st SW MKAL and I'm determined to stick with it! Thanks for your update :)
It's taking forever and I'm not looking forward to that bind off at the end! If this was my first time, I would have given up already. I'm on the 9th repeat and it's almost midnight. Trying to finish ten for today. Hang in there!
I'm still only on my second repeat! I never thought of myself as a slow knitter, kind of middle of the pack but this takes about 15 minutes per ROW. Oh my gosh this is going to take ten years!
I know!! It is truly the slowest knit of all time. On the upside, I will never again have to look up how to do a backwards loop cast-on 😆
@@knotfancyknitter 🤣🤣🤣 that's a great way to look on the bright side!
I totally get how slow this Mkal is! I’m just as slow as you are so don’t feel bad!
Lol. I totally agree with you! It’s crazy tedious and seems like it’s taking forever! Loved the vlog, made me feel better.
At this point I just want to finish clue one so I can love in something new. Good luck!!
This is my first Westknits Mkal and it gives me some relieve to hear, that someone more experienced than me ist struggeling, too. It took me forever to get through the first rows, and I am proud to say that I can now (after three repeats) knit without looking at the clue. But even though I am on sickleave right now, I wont be abele to finish clue one until wednesday evening. I hope this fact wont stop
me from finishing. But as I love the pattern so much, I hope, I will finish the shawl sometime 😂
OH MY GOD you call them shrimp tooooo!! I had black for that colour in my shawlography, but I could not get the shrimp ring out of my head while watching the video - no hate in it, it's just *super* funny to me!
honestly, I'm still working through clue 1. almost there! Last year, I finished my shawl around NYE, so I'm cool with being slow with knitting this, so long as I'm enjoying it. Now that I've learned the repeats for clue 1, I'm having a great, albeit slow time :D Yours is looking beautiful so far, I adore the colours together!
I am so glad I found you! I have been knitting clue one like my life depends on it for the last 7 days! It takes me slightly more than 2 hours to knit a repeat. I am hoping to get done with repeat 10 tonight. late but not terrible. Don't read past the 11 repeats in the pattern. It is just disheartening to find out there is more.... Clue 2 has got to be shorter! Don't get me wrong, I like this MKAL, I can't wait to see what this shawl looks like. I just wasn't expecting the marathon of knitting required to keep up.
You’ve got this!!!
Just found your videos. This is my first Stephen West MKAL. I expected it to be full on. I have 3 repeats left to go. Will be interested to time my next repeat. Really enjoying it so far.
I haven't even cast on! First, I couldn't find another pair of size 4 needles! I didn't think of using a size 3 and the needles have been sitting on the table right in my face! Then when I watched the Clue reveal I was going "Oh noos! Stripes!" Stripes will either make you look fat or thin. So I'm on the plump side. Then I've seen so many peoples clue reveals and I thought it's just too pretty not to knit it! I'm getting motivated 💪 lol. Hey I have size 3 needles and I'm a loose knitter like you. Your yarn is knitting up so pretty 😍 💕 💗
I was also “oh nooos!” due to general confusion ☠️. I am so glad you are joining in. It is a beautiful shawl
Im looking for motivation to finish clue 1 Im glad we’re all on the same wave ,, Im sad coz I’m not enjoying the process , it’s full of focus for me and I just need to go a little bit mindless 😢 thank you so much
I absolutely agree with you. This is the slowest knitting I’ve ever done. I knit almost all day and still only get two repeats finishes 😡🤪😘
Glad to know it’s not just me! Although my cable cast on has gotten much better over these repeats. Keep at it!
@@knotfancyknitter well, I got clue #1 finished. It did get easier as I went along even though the rows had more stitches. Love it 🥰
I am happy that I am not the only one feeling like I going at a snail's pace. I can't believe people were done with the clue over the weekend. I will be lucky to be done by Thursday night.
Those people are unbelievable! If I could knit that fast I would go broke with all the yarn I bought 😆. You are definitely not the only one
Looking great! I’m just starting Clue 2: Section 2 - second Garter Stitch wedge (it’s 1:06 am 😵💫)
I'm loving it but agree that I could knit all day, every day and not finish in time for the next clue. I only have 2 of the contrast color rows completed and I think you end up with 14! Oh my gosh! I guess I'm a slow knitter and also I work full time so not sure I can keep up. The pattern is fun though. Hopefully clue 2 will be easier/faster to knit and I can get caught up on the weekend. My little habit of knitting 1 hour per day is not cutting it. Hopefully I'll get faster as I go. I love your colors! Thanks for sharing your MKAL journey!
Great video. I am half way now with Clue one...
15 minutes a row!!
I hear you about clue 1 taking forever to knit! It took me 2 hours to knit a full repeat too! I finished it a few hours before the second clue came out after many late nights! Clue 2 has felt like a much more enjoyable process so far, though I may eat those words once I get to section 4!
I am enjoying clue 2 a lot more, but I am still way behind. I'm excited to see what clue #3 has in store.
Lifetime knitter 1st time West knits mkal and it's taking me 1 hour per color (4 rows). I work full time. I will not be able to finish clue 1 on time. That being said, I'm excited to push through to the next clue. 😁
It took me 2.5 hours to do the I cord and set row. But I was so proud when my stitch count was correct. My first Westknits MKAL.
I love going through this with you !! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! I was thinking this is kind of like a marathon for knitters! I am cheering for you and so excited for all the updates !
I agree that the first clue is taking FOREVER and I have grossly overestimated my knitting speed! I can’t believe some people are already done when I’ve been working on it for what feels like every chance I get. I still have 2 more repeats to get through. 😆
I’m super slow I haven’t done a full repeat yet. Slow train lol Watched clue 2 blimey I might get mine done for Christmas. My first mkal love it xx
,
This looked deceptively easy time-wise in the video. I actually thought I could finally finish a clue on time…😂😂😂 Friday night, after knitting forever, I had finally finished a couple of rows. I had to start over because I apparently can’t count to 12. The good news is that I love my colors so far. I’m very curious as to where we are going next. The first clue is such an unusual shape.
I’m on my third color choice, so I’m just casting on today. I feel your pain!
This is actually my first ever shawl and therefore also my first ever Westknits MKAL and I'm loving it! On the last 2 rows before the CO now so I do think I'll be able to finish in time for the next clue, even if I might still be casting off while watching it tomorrow morning... I do hope the next clue will be a little less knitting though, as I do feel like 22k+ stitches a week is not sustainable for all 4 weeks for... I'd definitely fall behind if there are 2 more weeks like this one..
It's my first MKAL and it's going soooo slow for me. I don't know if I continue. But I'm happy to hear I'm not alone!
I have only have my shrimps complete~ have not even checked my row count. 😜
Good luck! This is such a tricky tedious clue. Good thing it looks fantastic
Ugh, I’m just starting. I changed colors 4 times. Love your colors.
I feel you on the color changes. That’s why I knit a million swatches. It is so hard to decide. Good luck- we will get there in the end!
I am exactly at the same spot as you! I am a slow knitter but will persist. I like how it looks so far.
Keep at it! This is such a beautiful pattern. I can’t wait to see what’s next
You can do this!! I am not but it's delightful to watch you do it!!
I’ll finish it eventually, but definitely not by Thursday!
I've ripped mine out several times. I can't seem to get past 7 repeats. One row takes forever. Today, another mistake. Rip, rip, rip. Doesn't help to be distracted by phone calls, the cat constantly saying "Meow" and my helpless teenager who seems unable to make any food for himself! I will be at least a month behind on this one. But it is an amazingly creative pattern so far!
Your ahead of me. It’s my first MKAL and it is so slow. Love your vlog 😻💕
I’m trying to keep at it so I don’t fall too far behind. Fingers crossed - good luck!
This is my first WestKnits mkal! Eek!! I’m not very far along and clue two comes out tomorrow 😱
Mine looks quite similar. I am at the 10th light loop section and I have a lot of time on my hands and I agree. It is tough. And the rows are getting longer and looonngggeeerrr...
This is my first West MKAL and I'm very slow! I highly doubt I'll finish by Thursday, but that's ok. Slow and steady.
good job, you are doing so well. I've started over four times, because being a teacher is not helpful, in counting iCord cast ons😃
I refuse to check my stitch count any more. If I can’t see a mistake, as far as I’m concerned it’s not there! Hang in there
Lol😂 I'm still on the I - cord size 4 needles was to small and wonkie looking to me, I hate long cast on like this...lol😂. I committed to do this it's going to take some time.
Oh my goodness! I'm dead. I'm only on Row 4 and it's Monday night!!!!!! 🤦🏾♀️😫
Those first few rows are killer 😬
I see that. I'm.doing this when I'm done working but I'm working crazy hours right now. I need to get some knitting in before I go to bed!
So far so good! Love the colors you picked! Hang in there and don't forget to do hand and arm stretches so you don't get "knitting elbows" for all those dreaded repeats lol. Take care and lookinh forward to more updates. Kris K from Connecticut 🧶🍂🍁
Such good advice! I hope these clues ease up a bit. This is bonkers 😆
I had a swim meet this weekend, too, and was furiously knitting away on my MKAL between my son’s races.
I looked around but I think I was the only knitter at this one! 😆. I would love to meet another MKALer in the wild. Thanks for watching
I just discovered your videos last week and have thoroughly enjoyed watching so far. Love your color choices for the mkal. Last year was my first Stephen West mkal and I couldn't keep up. I started this on Thursday and will plug away but have resigned myself that I'm not going to be able to keep up. It's alright though, still enjoying and I'm learning so much.
It’s looking like I’m not going to keep up either! It’s ok, I will get there sooner or later. It is so pretty I don’t mind too much. I’m glad you found your way here! 🐢🧶
Your shawl is super cute. I almost decided to join the mcal this year for the 1st time, but just didn’t feel ready. I’m pretty glad I didn’t 😮
Haha! It would definitely be starting off with a bang. I am hoping I won’t get too far behind, although I love how the shawl is knitting up
1st SW MKAL 1st Clue. I have committed the rest of my life.
It appears I have as well. Who’s up for a bind off party in 2027? 😆
I’m glad I’m not the only one… I’m a newish knitter and it’s taking me between 15-20 min per row… I’m having a hard time remembering the repeats and I need to stay pretty focused… not TV knitting for sure… at least I’m getting better at casting on 😂… I was lucky to have a 3 day weekend… on Saturday I thought my fingers were going to fall off! I’m in the middle of the 9th repeat… I hope to still be done on time!
The 9th repeat?? You are a knitting machine, and an inspiration to us all. You can do it!
This is my first Westknits MKAL but I have done some of his other patterns so am very familiar with him. I started and was like “oh no!” With the first bind off and then cable cast on section when I figured out how much of that we would be doing. Then I fast forwarded to the end of his video and saw what they would become and I was like “ cool, I got this”. It is slow and I had a freak out moment on Sunday when I figured out it would be unlikely to finish clue 1 before clue 2 comes out. I am on repeat 5 right now. I think it will be so worth it though!
I am in almost the same spot. I love the look of the shawl, so that helps a lot. But I definitely won’t be done in time for clue 2. Hang in there!
I am still at repeat 2 - crazy!! Mine is blue and creamy-white...
I have been knitting for over 30 years and this took me approximately 20 plus hours to complete.. it is amazing..the pattern becomes intuitive after a couple repeats...
I am getting the hang of the pattern. I am very excited to get to row 10 or 14 😆. I love how it looks
I am where you are at. I am a slow knitter so I am ready to be behind. Rachelle in Seattle
It’s ok, I keep telling myself it’s not a race, but it feels like I’m behind. The turtle won in the end, right?? 🐢🧶
Oh my goodness 🙆🏼♀️
I’m a slow knitter - I thought I’d get farther- I’m only into row 7 or 8th row😮
I guess I won’t be able to finish first clue- but that’s ok
I’m reassured by your podcast that it’s not just me being slow👍☺️
I am not surprised. This is so slow for me. The constant casting on snd binding off is putting the breaks on everything. Stick with it. The pattern looks beautiful!
This is my first MKAL and I'm scared!!! I'm not sure I can do this. You give me hope but no way I'll be done by Wednesday. 😟 Not sure I'll be done any Wednesday.... Thank for sharing your thoughts.💜
Don’t be scared! This is crazy and we’re just going to do the best we can. If only I had some of that crazy fast knitting mojo that I see on Instagram. It’s going to be ok
I'm loving it, but I'm a bit intimidated. It is really cool!!
I should have videoed my face when I first read the pattern. I truly had no idea. It was hilarious