I wrote this post (or something just like this) and posted it. I saw it post. But as of this morning… it had just vanished. TypePad? Honey? Where’s my post?
Another of my questions about the universe….
What is a knit-a-long (knit along?) and how does it work? Now… I understand the ABC along because the rules are on the website for how to do it. But how does a knit-a-long work?
I’ve never seen the knit-a-long fully explained so here’s my questions.
How does it work?
How do you know you’re knitting-a-long? Do you blog about it, email about it or just know it in your head?
Does everyone start at the same time?
Is there a deadline?
Is there a schedule you have to follow so everyone is at the same spot?
Is there a moderator or something?
Are there rules?
What happens is you accidently break one of the rules?
If everyone isn’t knitting at the same time but at their own pace, what happens if you finish? Do they kick you out?
Am I over thinking this?
How does everyone know how far you’ve gotten, do you have to provide photo proof or something?
Does everyone knit the thing with same yarn, color, etc?
Are there entrance requirements like you have to have been knitting a certain number of years, etc?
If you get stuck do the others help you out or are you kinda on your own?
Are people nice or can they get snarky or downright psycho (i.e. Secret Pal 6 explosion)?
Do you meet other blog folks through these things or not really?
I am over thinking this, aren’t I?
Hi There! Cute Post, here’s a little info about a knit-along (at least in my experience)… If someone is hosting a knitalong, you can email him/her to get the details and join. Most of the time there is an official start date, late starters are usually welcome and usually there is not an official end date. If you are worried about your knitting level, you can ask the host about it. My first knitalong was for a knitted cable cardigan that I was unsure I could do, but after emailing the host and talking about it, I did it, did very well, and finished it!( I was a late starter and early finisher) You can show your progress on your blog, or write about it, most of the bloggers do, and then show off your work when you’re done! Some knitalings have a yahoo support group site, where you can get tips on the project, or ask and answer questions. Many people use their own yarn substitutions, and if you’re unsure, ask! Most knitters really want to help you out…
What knitalong are you interested in? I haven’t done one in a while… if you have any questions, you can email me if you like. I’ve been knitting for about 4 years, and have a pattern published in Stitch n Bitch Nation… ( I’ve been wanting to start writing about my knitting a bit on my blog, but haven’t yet). Anyway, I hope the info helps- AJ
Often, the knit-along host opens up some webspace for knitters to send photos. Also, some start message boards for members to post progress, ask questions, and put up photos. The Six Sox Knitalong is a good example. The guidelines are different for each KAL. I’ve been in half a dozen knitalongs now, and NO ONE has ever gotten snarky that I know of! But that’s no guarantee of course. Still, an SP exchange is ripe for problems and discontent in my opinion, but a knitalong is just a simple way to encourage yourself to push your knitting boundaries a bit. Try it; you’ll like it. And if you don’t, you just slink away quietly. No one will chastise you.
I agree with the above posts. I’m not much of a joiner most times but my first KAL, the Cabled T was hosted by the Ample Knitters. The designer of the Cabled T was always available for question/changes/support so it was a GREAT experience! For the most part, to me, it’s having the support and camaraderie of your knitting peers.
The Lacy Aran Pullover KAL starts the end of January…you can join me there if you like….or pick a KAL that interest you and jump on in! One caveat: I have never heard that people were snarky but I have heard other bloggers complain that sometimes they didnt get thier questions answered….but then you always have me