Welcome to the Fandom Knitting & Crochet Summer 2018 KAL/CAL!
May 25 – July 20
The first knit/crochet along for Fandom Knitting & Crochet is upon us! In an effort for this to be as smooth and fun as possible, I’ve tired to construct a nice “game plan” and build in enough time to prep and stitch.
So, how do you get started?
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Step 1: Sign up to Get the Updates
First thing’s first – if you would like to get the email updates, including the weekly schedule, tips, etc, you can sign up here: Join the KAL/CAL!
Step 2: Choose your Pattern
We will be working common patterns, which can be customized based on the fandom of your choice. The most popular choice (as determined in the Fandom Knitting & Crochet FB Group), was a shawl. So, we have a knit shawl and a crochet shawl. They are not meant to look the same, just a general “feel” in common. Then, if you don’t want to tackle a shawl, we’ve also provided a scarf that you could make instead. So, without further ado, here are the
2018 FKC KAL/CAL Patterns:
1. Reyna by Noora Laivola
Knit, Fingering Weight Yarn, US 4 Needles
Get the Free Pattern here: Reyna Pattern
2. Secret Paths by Johanna Lindahl
Crochet, Fingering Weight Yarn, G (4.0 MM) Crochet Hook
Get the Free Pattern here: Secret Paths Pattern
3. Power Wave Scarf by Lori Savichunas
Knit Version: Worsted Weight Yarn, Size US 7 Needles
Crochet Version: Worsted Weight Yarn, H (5.0 MM) Crochet Hook
Get the knit version here: Power Wave Scarf
Get the crochet version here: Crocheted Power Wave Scarf
*The designer, Lori, is offering a discount for all Fandom Knitting & Crochet KAL/CAL Participants. Use promo code: Fandom
Step 3: Get Your Supplies
The beauty of a shawl is that you don’t have to follow the yarn and needle/hook guidelines precisely. If you want to make the shawl larger or smaller, you can adjust your yarn size and how many rows you complete. Easy peasy. So, if you want to work up the shawl faster, try using a light weight yarn, rather than fingering. Just be sure to size-up your needles or hook accordingly, as well.
The recommended yarn weight and yardages are here, and I’m providing links to the yarns I recommend. You can go with whatever yarn and color scheme you’d like to customize and make it fit your personal fandom.
I decided to do a Game of Thrones Dire Wolf theme for my Reyna, so I went with Black, Grey and White. For my Secret Paths, I wanted to use up a skein of Mandala, so I went with a bright, Disney Princess vibe. You do you and make it what you’d like.
Reyna
- Recommended Yarn Weight: Fingering
- Yardage Needed: 382-420 Yards (if using a greater yarn weight, you’ll need fewer yards)
- I recommend: To make the Direwolf themed version, use: Knit Picks’ Palette Yarn in Black, Gosling, and White. Or choose a fun, fandom-themed skein of yarn, such as Knit Picks’ Hawthorne Fingering Multi Yarn (see some inspiration ideas in the photo):
Secret Paths
- Recommend Yarn Weight: Light Fingering
- Yardage Needed: Approximately 820 Yards (if using a great yarn weight, you’ll need fewer yards)
- I recommend: A gradient yarn, such as: Knit Picks’ Stroll Gradient (see some inspiration in the photo):
Power Wave Scarf
- Recommended Yarn Weight: Worsted
- Yardage Needed: 200-250 Yards (Multiple Colors based on Fandom)
- I recommend: Fandom Colors! Choose your favorite fandom as inspiration for the scarf. I like: Comfy Worsted Yarn.
Additional Supplies
- Needles or Hook
- Yarn Needle
- Project Bag
- Stitch Marker (for Reyna)
Step 4: Mark your Calendar
Mark you calendar for the schedule of the Starting Date! You’ll want to get your supplies by then, if possible. Our kick-off is May 25th!
Again, if you haven’t already signed up for the email list, you will want to do that to get all the official KAL/CAL updates and weekly schedule. Also, be sure to join the Fandom Knitting & Crochet Facebook Group to share your progress and interact with your fellow stitchers throughout the process!