Shall We Give it a Try? The Guilloche-Along

Wearing this sweater today, I realise it has been a year since I released the Guilloche Pullover pattern. And it remains one of my favourites. An intersection of traditionalism and minimalism, my aim was to design an all-over Aran cable sweater that was ‘easy’ - easy to knit and easy to wear.

For the most part, I think I have met this aim. However… Over this past year, more than a few of you have reached out confessing a lack in confidence knitting this pattern. And while I’ve tried to be cheerfully encouraging, in truth I completely understand. An all-over cable sweater is intimidating, no matter how ‘easy’ the designer claims for it to be.

And the irony is, that I actually find myself in the same boat. For a while now, I have wanted to make another Guilloche sample. But I am finding it difficult to get back into cables, after not having done it for some time.

So… how about we try it together?

A Guilloche-Along! Who Is In?

But first, let me just be up front about this: I have a terrible track-record with knit-alongs. I mean well. But after trying them a couple of times with various degrees of disaster, I have realised the following:

(1) The knit-along format does not go with my chaotic and unpredictable life at the moment; things tend to become overwhelming and I cannot keep up.

(2) A knit-along with a contest-like vibe (i.e. deadlines, motivational speeches, prizes) seems like fun initially, but ultimately gives me a strange feeling …as if I am bribing people to knit my patterns. And this is not the kind of relationship I want to have with knitters.

So, I have come to accept that knit-alongs are not my cup of tea. And that’s okay. Except… now here I am starting one again? Why! And why do I think it will work this time?

Well, a few things are different this time around.

Firstly, I will be doing this knit-along for myself as much as for you. So I will actually be participating, rather than just overseeing/ monitoring, which is the best way to ensure my engagement. Second, I anticipate for this knit-along to be small in numbers, which will keep things manageable for me. And finally, I do not plan to have any competitive element or reward system what so ever. We are not competing with others; we are knitting a sweater for ourselves. Likewise, the reward IS the sweater! That is all.

If any of the above sounds off-putting, or not sufficient to interest you in a knit-along, I fully accept that; this knit-along is not for you. But if it sounds just right - then please join me!

Details below -

The Guilloche-Along

start date: Friday, 16th of September
end date: Monday, 21st November

what happens between those dates?

(1) I am available to answer individual questions about any aspect of knitting the Guilloche Pullover pattern. If you need a hand-hold in order to knit this sweater, this is it!
(2) I will be posting progress-reports of my own knitting, accompanied with technical commentary and philosophical musings. I will also post with yarn and sizing advice.

Are there pattern or yarn discounts?

Yes.

Yarn Discount: If you wish to knit this pattern using the yarn it was designed with, Folklore Yarns in Belfast has kindly set up a 10% discount for their Guilloche Pullover kits, valid until the 30th of September. The code is GKAL22 . Please note that any questions relating to this purchase should be addressed to Folklore Yarns (@folkloreyarns on instagram) and not to me! They are happy to help.

Pattern Discount: The Guilloche Pullover pattern is on sale over the next few days, at 40% off. You can purchase it on revelry or on this website, at the same discounted price.

Well, I think that about does it for now!

I will write more about the Guilloche-Along as we get closer to the start date. But for now, those who would like to take part can start to plan and prepare.

Looking forward to it!