Supernova MKAL

“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” Carl Sagan

Join us for an explosive MKAL (Mystery Knit a long) in June.

This year’s Ambah’s Solstice KAL will be a mystery to unlock.

The pattern will be released in five separate clues over 5 weeks. Join the fun in the dedicated MKAL threads in Ambah’s group, including the Pre-MKAL chat here.

DATES

Note: Dates will run on Australian AEST time.

Cover Page + Materials list published June 1

CLUE 1 June 21

CLUE 2 June 28

CLUE 3 July 5

CLUE 4 July 12

CLUE 5 July 19

FINAL UPDATE The pattern will be consolidated into a single PDF and a final update will be sent out with this final version.

PATTERN DETAILS

Some hints to help you decide if this is the project for you…

A fun project with unique shaping, resulting in a wearable triangular shape.

Where charts are used the pattern includes corresponding written instructions.

There isn’t any colourwork in this design (no mosaic, intarsia or stranded knitting)

Perfect for an intermediate knitter, this project will also suit an advanced beginner looking to try some new techniques. With a supportive group to join, this is a fun way to stretch your knitting progress.

YARN

Fingering weight

MC: 400 yd/366 m

C1 - 12: 12 x 80 yd/74 m mini skeins. Colours will be referred to as C1 through C12.

Sample shown in:

Love and Speckles, Singles, (fingering weight, 100% superwash Merino, 400 yd/366 m per 100 g), MC: Abyss, C1 - 12: Heavenly 12 colour kit

COLOUR NOTES

Inspired by Supernovas or exploding stars, my project is knit with a space theme in mind; MC is a dark moody shade to represent the darkest space and C1 - C12 represent the bright colours of the Supernova itself.

There are so many possibilities for colour play with this mysterious project. Keep it spacey or venture into other colour realms. This shawl is designed to be knit in a wide range of colour palettes.

Here are some tips:

C1 - C12: Anything goes here! A fade set will work beautifully, as will a non-gradient set, especially with colour pops to add interest to this explosive delight. Solids, speckles, neutrals, brights - all will work.

MC: This will need to be a strong contrast with C1 - C12. Keep it dark and mysterious or go light and bright!

TerinaKnits AKA Love and Speckles has put together two beautiful kit options, including the one I used for mine. Find these here.

DIMENSIONS

Top Edge: 105”/262.5 cm

Width: 28”/70 cm

Measurements taken after blocking.

NEEDLES

US 5/3.75mm circular needles, 24”/60 cm and 60”/150 cm in length (for edging and bind off)

Or size required to obtain gauge

Optional DPNs for small circumference knitting if preferred, in addition to the above

NOTIONS

1 A marker, 4 B markers and 20 C markers, tapestry needle,

stitch holder or waste yarn to hold sts

GAUGE

24 sts and 37 rounds = 4”/10 cm in Stockinette blocked

28 sts and 40 rows = 4”/10 cm in Garter stitch blocked

Gauge is not crucial for this project, but variations will affect yardage and final measurements.