It’s a new month and a new Monday, and we’re back in your inbox with more inspiration for your Must Make Queue!
If you’re a knitter who regularly reads our blog posts (or follows fibre space on Instagram, or occasionally scrolls through Ravelry), then by now you’ve probably heard of Joji Locatelli’s Starting Point Mystery Knit-a-Long (you can read our original post about it here). I got a late start on this one and now I am knitting frantically trying to catch up. I’m enjoying the mad pace though; the pattern is addicting!
Maybe you started on Day 1 of the MKAL so you are on track for the 5th and final clue; perhaps you’ve seen other knitters posting about it and you have a bit of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). Wherever you are, it’s not too late to join the party! Even if you wait until the mystery is over, you can still make this project; the pattern will be available for purchase on Ravelry (with photos of the finished project), and all the yarn you could ever dream of will be available at fibre space!
If you’re nervous about committing to a mystery knit-a-long, you can scroll through Joji Locatelli’s other designs and see if they match your aesthetic. If you like what you see, you can consider these points before jumping in:
- The shape of this shawl is a true rectangle. This wrap can be worn as a wrap, blanket scarf or even as a blanket.
- Approx. measurements are 26½ x 72” (66 x 180 cm) blocked.
- It has a graphic look, but it is still classic.
- You will need yarn in 5 colors in fingering weight and you will use up most of your yarn, so you need full skeins.
- The total approx. yardage is 1700 yards (1555 m). It is a BIG wrap. Please be aware of this.
- There will be 5 different clues, spread out over 5 weeks.
- It is good for all levels. There will be TV knitting and more engaged knitting. You will sure have fun.
- There is no brioche involved. There are no short rows either.
- There is a little bit of simple lace, about 10% of the total project (there are alternate instructions if you don’t want any lace in your shawl).
- There is a lot of garter stitch.
The shawl-in-progress shown above is being knit in Miss Babs Yummy 2-ply. Want to see how other knitters are coming along with their MKAL? You can check our our forum on Ravelry here or scroll through Instagram photos here.
Now on to the sewing segment of this post. You see how our work-in-progress is coming out of that adorable and functional project bag? You can stitch one up yourself! Let’s take a closer look:
This bag has a zipper to keep everything in place, making it easier to throw into a bigger tote and take it with you on the go. It also has a large handle, so of course you can just carry it on its own. This is a great fabric stash-busting project! You could also choose a fun novelty fabric to make this bag uniquely yours. We have a large selection of quilting cottons and canvas at Stitch that would be perfect for this bag.
The best part about this project? You can customize the pattern to make it any size you want! There is an online tutorial with instructions on how to make this bag here. If you’d rather sew this in the beautiful workspace at Stitch with an instructor walking you through the steps, you can take a class! Stitch regularly offers the Box Bag Class; the next time the class will be offered is July 12; you can sign up here.
Here’s a few more pics for inspiration to make your own!
If you make either of these projects and post them on social media, please use the hashtags #mustmakemonday #sewwithstitch #fibrespace. We want to see!
Happy Stitching!