Today marks the seventh anniversary of my very first mystery KAL – Mystic Waters. Looking back, I just can’t believe the journey the past 7 years have taken me on.
Mystic Waters was not only the very first lace I ever designed – it was also the third lace shawl I ever knit. The first one was a mystery KAL hosted by Pink Lemon Twist called the Swan Lake Stole. That KAL ran during the summer of 2007, and I had a blast. My final shawl looked like this:
I thoroughly enjoyed the process of knitting a shawl in a mystery KAL. Getting a weekly “clue”, that is a piece of the pattern, was fun, and I really enjoyed keeping up with the KAL. I also enjoyed watching the lace grow off my needles, and speculating as to what might be next. When that KAL ended, I looked around for another mystery KAL to join, but I couldn’t find one. So I thought I’d host my own. The blog post announcing Mystic Waters is perserved here. Basically, I designed my own triangular shawl, and then figured I could email the clues to whoever might want to join. I was hoping I might find 20 knitters to join me on my lace adventure. Imagine my shock when 1400+ knitters signed up for my KAL.
I’m so very grateful to all of you for taking a chance on me. I’ve had a blast these past few years. I’ve met knitters from all over the world, and seen my patterns knit up in countless colours, variations and yarns. I’ve hosted over 30 mystery KALs, and published 3 books, 2 ebooks, and some 100+ patterns. My work has appeared in numerous publications, including a cover page on Piecework Magazine. I’ve had a chance to work with lots and lots of amazing people, and I have met amazing knitters and wonderful students everywhere I’ve gone. Thank you all for making the past seven years wonderful.
As a special thank you, you can use the coupon code SEVEN to get Mystic Waters at 50% off. The coupon code is valid until midnight, Oct 31, 2014 (EST) and can be used here to purchase Mystic Waters.
The journey is still continuing. At the moment, we’re working on the Mystic Vortex KAL, and the third clue will be out today. I’m busily plotting and scheming for more knitting fun this winter. Hope you’ll join me for more knitting fun!
Congrats!
This is a beautiful shawl… Thank you!
Congratulations! I would love to have that many people buy one of my patterns! But you are a true artist with yarn!
I was one of the participants in that KAL–mine was made in the heathered dark green of a shaded swamp–mysterious and lovely (close to the shade of your Swan Lake). I gave it to a close friend in need of some hugs, and spotted her wearing it not long ago. It’s still as beautiful as the day I blocked it. Mystic Fire is my favorite pattern, but this is a close second!
I can’t believe it’s been seven years. And lot’s of great designs. I’ve been in almost every mystic knitalong.
Thanks for gathering all of the Mystic KAL patterns in the Mystic Shawls book. I enjoy having them in one beautiful book (and to get the couple of mystics I missed). Of course now you’ll have to write Mystic Shawls Part 2, since there are new ones.
Please keep making patterns like this. Thank you for sharing.
I really love your shawls. Excellent colors and themes.
Was this really the first lace design? You certainly don’t start small…
Stunning shawl there. What’s the next one going to look like? Good luck!