After finishing the first ever Fandom Knitting and Crochet Knit/Crochet-Along, I share my finished projects, thoughts, and some plans for the future.
That’s a Wrap! (or, more aptly, a Shawl)
The very first Fandom Knit/Crochet-Along has come to an end, and man, did I have fun! Not only did I complete two shawls I would never have finished otherwise, I got to work along with some awesome fellow knitters and crocheters. What you’ll find here are some photos of my finished projects, a few comments and notes about the patterns and the kal/cal process, and some ideas for the future. Spoiler: I learned a lot and can’t wait for the next one!
(This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I recommend things that I personally love.)
The Projects: Secret Paths Shawl and Reyna Shawl (and Power Wave Scarf)
For the knit/crochet-along, we (the members of the FKC Facebook Group – if you aren’t already a member, you should join!), decided to work on a shawl. That said, we have some knitters, some crocheters, and plenty of folks not really wanting to commit to a “big” project. So, the patterns we worked from were:
- The Secret Paths Shawl by Johanna Lindahl, a free crochet pattern available on Ravelry.
- The Reyna Shawl by Noora Backlund, a free knitting pattern available on Ravelry.
- The Power Wave Scarf by Lori Savichunas, either the knit or crochet version.
For me, it was go big or go home, so I went with both the Secret Paths and the Reyna Shawls.
My Secret Paths Shawl
The biggest surprise for me in the whole CAL was how much I loved the Secret Paths Shawl. I am not a “shawl person,” per se, and I’ve only really made and wore one shawl. So, much to my surprise and delight, I really loved making this shawl (it works up quickly!) and I am so happy with the result.
I used Lion Brand Mandala yarn in Centaur, which is a dk weight yarn, and a H-8 crochet hook. This is a larger yarn and hook than specified in the pattern, but the result is a good-sized cozy (and really, really cute) shawl. In other words…I strongly urge you to give this pattern and yarn a try. There are so many gorgeous colors of Mandala, and it is really affordable. So, go treat yo’ self to some and make this delightful shawl. You can shop Mandala yarn here.
My Reyna Shawl
Ah…the Reyna Shawl. I have some mixed feelings about how my Reyna turned out. First off, it is really much more of a “shawlette” than a shawl when knitted with the recommended yarn and needles, which I did. So, I used fingering-weight yarn in three solid colors: white, grey, and black. My inspiration were the dire wolves from Game of Thrones, and I used white as my predominant color for my favorite of the dire wolves, Jon Snow’s “Ghost.”
While I do think it is a nice pattern and am overall happy with it, I would do a few things differently. I would likely use a nice, hand-dyed, fancy yarn next time around. The color changes were not fun on this because there is such a delicate edge for weaving in loose ends, and it adds bulk. I’d probably also use a larger weight yarn and needles so the finished shawl would be bigger. Just personal preference.
Oh, and I’d pay better attention as I was going so I wouldn’t have made mistakes in my mesh sections. I love the mesh sections and feel like they really “make” the shawl what it is. However, I Shruted it (Office fans, anyone?) and have some “character” in my mesh sections. Such is life, I suppose. I can live with it.
Reflections on the Process and Looking to the Future
Overall, the Fandom Knit/Crochet-Along was a huge success. Not only did we have an overwhelming amount of participation from fellow stitchers, which made it so much fun, I personally completed two projects I might not have had the motivation to finish all on my own.
One thing I’d do differently is to shorten the overall amount of weeks on the schedule. I didn’t want to rush or overwhelm people, so I really spread it out, but I think some people lost their momentum in the process.
So, would I do it again? You betcha!
I’m currently planning a Halloween-themed Knit/Crochet-Along. So, if you have some ideas of what you’d like to make, comment and let me know! Halloween is one of my favorite times of year and I have some fabulous yarns in mind to work with. Who’s excited?!?
Let’s Connect!
I’d love for you to follow Fandom Knitting & Crochet. I so appreciate any support, and I love the community of fellow knitters and crocheters! Join our email list here: Sign up! I also have a Facebook Page and a Facebook Group, which you can join here: Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group.
Thanks for stopping by!
