Knitting Along in the #ultimateKAL

So, I might have mentioned in a recent Friday Follow-Up that I might take part in a knitalong…. Well, I decided to jump in and take part in the PlumDandi Ultimate KAL! Alicia Plummer and Melissa Schaschwary are running this sweater KAL in their Ravelry group: Plum Dandi. The response has been huge with what looks like approximately 285 knitters chatting in the group and at least 91 projects already started. Wow! There are some awesome prizes too including lots of yarn and patterns. The KAL runs for two months and started on January 9th. I’m so excited to be knitting along on this one.

Here’s what I’m knitting. I’m knitting Alicia’s Birchbark pullover pattern…

…in my favourite Malabrigo Rios colourway, Coco. So luxurious!

The pattern is written for Western Sky Knits Willow Worsted and the suggested needle size is US size 8, or 5.0 mm. I’m not getting gauge with a US 8 needle and my Rios. The closest I come is with a US 9 so I’ll go with that.

I am so looking forward to being able to wear this gorgeous sweater. You can watch my progress on my Ravelry project page and I’ll also keep you updated here on my blog.

Along the way I hope to also learn a little more about sweater design. A goal for 2015 is to design a sweater! So far, I’ve been knitting the sweater patterns of various designers (the best way to learn is to knit lots of patterns!) and I have all the resources ready including some great books and Craftsy classes. Wish me luck!