It's time to knitalong!

This week's blog is all about knitalongs (KALs): what they are, the benefits from participating in one (or two!), and the scoop on yarn-love's upcoming KALs.  Please read on and please join us as we knit together.

Why join a KAL?  "There's something timeless about sitting around with your fellow knitters and your works in progress.  The warmth of a fire or a cup of tea, the clicking of needles, and the satisfaction of quiet talk--or no talk at all--has a completeness to it."  (Knitalong: Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together) 

What exactly is a KAL?  A KAL is "any organized event where people knit together for a common purpose or goal." (Knitalong: Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together)  For example, the common purpose may include a specific design that everyone knits at the same time (like yarn-love's KALs) or folks knit a variety of different items for a specific recipient or charity.  

What are the benefits of participating in a KAL? Source: Shopgirls Shea and Pam

• it's fun!
• helps keep me motivated to complete a project in a timely manner
• gives me a way to meet new people, make new friends
• develops a sense of community with like minded fiber fans
• help is available when needed since others are working on the same project
• if I like the design and want to knit another, I now have lots of yarn and color ideas for my next project from my fellow KAL'ers
• if I'm geographically located elsewhere, I can still connect with others and participate by joining the KAL through yarn-love's Ravelry group

yarn-love launches 2 KALs to kick off the fall knitting season!  We've selected two straight forward designs that lend themselves well to knitting with others.  You select which one (or both!) you'd like to knit.  We'll help you select yarn and get ready to knit.  We'll officially begin Wednesday night, September 8, but you can join us at any time.  Here's the scoop:

• Coquille Shawl -- Shea will lead this KAL for a sassy shawl with short-row shaping.  The pattern is a free Knitty.com design.
• Flair Sweater -- Pam will lead this KAL for a swingy, top-down, A-line modern sweater.  We have the pattern at the shop.
• All details can be found on yarn-love's Ravelry group page.  (Your Ravelry login is required.)
• We'll admit there is a bit of a friendly competition between Shea and Pam since we each want lots of knitters knitting with us...  Which team will you join: Team Shawl or Team Sweater??