Week 3 of Our Knit Red KAL!

It's still not too late to join us! Feel free to start anytime.

To catch up those of you who are just hearing about this KAL for the first time, we've been knitting machines since August 6th as we work on Diane Soucy's A-line Hoodie from Knit Red by Laura Zander. If you're just starting, have no fear! We'll be working on this project until September 17th! If you're still hemming and hawing over your yarn selection for the A-line Hoodie (hey, yarn selection is important!) we recommend Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street Collection, Cashmere Fleur de Lys #416 or Berroco Vintage #5150 (that's what I'm using!). Of course, you may use any yarn you like that you can get gauge with and it doesn't have to be red!

Diane and I have filmed more videos for you. We decided to redo the How to Cast On for a Top Down Sweater video to make it shorter and more concise. Take a look at the new and improved video!



Then we show you how to create buttonholes and divide for sleeves for a top down sweater. This video also shows you where to measure from to start your waist shaping.




The next video shows you how to pick up stitches for the neckband on a top down sweater. The same technique applies for hoods as well. There is a reason patterns suggest picking up stitches around the neckline before you make your sleeves and we'll let you in on why! I loved this part because I have always wondered why Diane instructs us to always work the necks before the sleeves. Now I know why and feel a little silly that I hadn't thought if it! It makes so much sense and I'm so glad I learned it. Watch the video to find out!




All of our videos are available on our instruction page. I've even added text to all the existing videos and we're always adding more!

And finally, a couple of A-line Hoodie progress photos!

Tylette totally rocked this KAL! She's done! She used Plymouth Encore in color #174 for her sweater.

Tylette's A-line!

Sara is cruising right along, she's alternating three hanks of MadelineTosh Vintage in Badlands and they don't quite match each other as well as she would like. She was nearly done but didn't like the way the color was working out so...she frogged back and started again. Here is her second try which she is much happier with! She has decided to not make it an a-line sweater and instead is decreasing for the waist, increasing again for the hips and she's putting buttons all the way down the front.

Sara's A-line..looks beautiful!

I would love to share photos of your projects. Please feel free to email your photos to me and I'll share them here and on our Facebook!

Remember, I am here to help you each step of the way. You can post your comments and questions in the Ravelry groups, Jimmy Beans Wool and Stitch Red, or email me at askTerry(at)jimmybeanswool.com.

Happy knitting!

Terry