2012 YarnAddict Mystery Knitalong

It's time for the 2012 Mystery Knitalong (KAL).

Have you ever taken part in a mystery KAL before? It's a lot of fun.  I hosted my first mystery KAL last year (we knitted Cornish Rhapsody) and it was a big success. So I've decided to do it again.

This year I'll be doing it a little bit differently though. In addition to the pattern only option and chat thread in my Ravelry group, you can join an online mystery KAL class. In the online class I will guide you through the pattern from cast on to cast off. 

This is what you'll learn in the online class:

• Continental long tail cast on
• Russian cast off
• How to read lace charts
• How to add beads using the crochet hook method.
• How to knit a variety of lace stitches including yarn overs, ssk, k2tog, sl1 k2tog psso (no idea what those are? don't worry, I'll show you in the class)
• How to block your shawl

In addition, I will knit through each clue with you via video lessons. I'll also be available to answer your questions in the online class room. You can upload pictures and videos directly to the class room too if you want to.

The lessons on Continental long tail cast on and how to read lace charts will be available as soon as you sign up. The KAL itself starts on 15 October when the first clue will be released. The complete pattern will be released through 6 weekly clues. The last clue will be optional. And here's the fun thing about a mystery KAL, you won't know what the final shawl will look like until you knit it. You will sign up without seeing a picture of the shawl or even knowing which shape it will be. As the weeks go by the shape of the shawl will unfold and after the final clue has been released I will publish pictures of the shawl. After the KAL has finished you will be able to download the complete pattern in one pdf document.

Sounds like fun? To join in the online class click here and to sign up for the pattern only version click here. 

If you sign up for the online class you do not need to sign up for the pattern only version as the pattern is included in your class fee.

You can choose between a small or large sock yarn version or a laceweight version. The laceweight version uses the same pattern as the sock yarn version.

Here's what you'll need:

Small Sock Yarn Version:
100g, 400m/440yds sock yarn (4ply/fingering weight)
4mm/US6 circular needles (100cm long)
? 6mm miracle/illusion beads
0.75mm crochet hook or hook small enough to fit through the bead

Large Sock Yarn Version:
200gr, 800m/880yds sock yarn (4ply/fingering weight)
4mm/US6 circular needles (100cm or 120cm long)
? 6mm miracle/illusion beads
0.75mm crochet hook or hook small enough to fit through the bead

Laceweight Version:
100gr, 800m/880yds laceweight yarn
3.5mm/US4 circular needles (100cm long)
? 4mm miracle/illusion beads
0.5 or 0.75mm crochet hook or hook small enough to fit through the bead

You may also want to have a row counter and some stitch markers. I normally recommend stitch markers for knitters who are new to lace and you may wish to have some stitch markers or waste yarn available for the cast on too.

When you sign up to the pattern only version you'll be able to download a pdf with details of what you'll need and gauge/tension details and if you sign up to the online class version you can watch the lessons on Continental long tail cast on and how to read a chart immediately. Please note that the class is charged in US dollars and the amount is approx UK £30.

You've got two weeks to get your yarn and needles ready before we start. Are you looking forward to it? I am and I hope you'll join me.