If you’ve been squirming in your seats for the first clue drop of Tullameen Mystery Shawl Knit-Along, you aren’t the only ones! And it’s here, it’s here, it’s here!
In about an hour, at 10am PST / 1pm EST, Felicia and I are hopping onto a LIVE chat where we will cast-on together, answer some questions, and generally ogle all of your colour choices. If you want to join in from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android, click this link: https://zoom.us/j/225647332. We’ve used this video meeting software (Zoom) before for our SGY team meetings and it works pretty well, but we’ve never tried it with a larger group… it’s a bit of an experiment, but we thought it would be fun to check in and see how everybody is doing on LAUNCH DAY. You will have to install the Zoom software on your computer or mobile device (unless you already have it). Then we can also see YOUR colour combos since you’ll be on video too (if you like)!
Of course, if you can’t make the live call, I still recorded a little Welcome video just for you …
A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT GAUGE
Stitch gauge is important when it comes to appropriate sizing (as we know), but row gauge has the most direct impact on yardage used, which of course, affects what row you end on (finished length). Knowing this, there are a couple of things you can try and a few things I’d like for you to keep in mind:
• Wash, block, and dry your swatch for the most accurate gauge. Here’s how I blocked and measured mine: I pinned out, stretched to my own desired preference of fabric, and then steamed it until hot and damp. After it was dry (about 10 minutes later), I unpinned the swatch and let it rest for 10 minutes (remember, gauge isn’t permanent! Let the fibers relax into their most natural shape after the stretch from pinning). Once rested, I took my stitch and row measurements over four inches. Optionally, you can wet block by soaking for 10 minutes, pinning to shape, letting it dry, unpinning, then letting it rest before taking measurements.
• Row Gauge Matching Tricks:
- Consider changing the size of your needle on wrong-side rows only. If you achieved stitch gauge with size US 5 / 3.75 mm, but row gauge is too tight (too many rows), use a larger sized needle when you work the wrong side rows. If the row gauge is too loose (too few rows), use a smaller sized needle on the wrong side rows.
- Try changing the type of needles you are using. Materials make a big difference in the length of your stitch! For example, knitters tend to work their rows more loosely with metal needles and a little tighter with wooden or bamboo needles.
• Forget about it. Grin! In all seriousness, when you see this symbol ~~ at the beginning of the row in Clues Three and Five, it is an indicator of rows you may wish to omit if you are running short on yarn. Your row and colour placement might not match my original sample, but we encourage you to open to the process of discovery, rather than trying to perfectly match the results. It is a testament to your own beautiful and unique style, with an end result that isn’t too different in length. Stash dive to see what might fit in, or just end a little shorter (trust me; it’s already a decent-sized shawl – it won’t be too small), skip whatever section you don’t like, and just have fun seeing what comes of your colours.
And last, but not least, we are over in the Sweet SweetGeorgia Ravelry Group sharing all of our progress, thoughts, and silliness, so join us! You can also help the other knitters on social media out by using some pretty graphics as your main page project photo: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tullameen-mystery-shawl
