I am kicking off the new year with an exciting new knitting project! It’s a mystery knit-a-long (KAL) hosted by Jimmy Beans Wool. The project is inspired by the show Downton Abbey and JBW’s limited-edition yarn, “Christmas at Downton“.
I have only recently climbed aboard the Downton Abbey bandwagon. I started watching the DVDs from Netflix a few months ago and quickly got hooked. I am looking forward to the new season starting on Sunday!
My yarn wound into a ball and ready to go!
The mystery part of the knit-a-long is that we don’t know what we are knitting. Pieces of the pattern will be revealed every Sunday for the duration of Downton Abbey Season 3. We know it’s not a hat or socks, and that it is inspired by the character played by Maggie Smith, Violet the Dowager Countess. Theories have ranged from fingerless gloves to a shawl to a scarf. I think it will be something worn around the neck, but I’m not sure what.
While the project was designed to use the “Christmas at Downton” yarn, it is not a requirement for participating in the KAL. I love the colors, so I decided to go ahead and use the suggested yarn. The colors are much more vibrant in person than they are coming across in my photos. And lucky me got to pick up my yarn in person since Jimmy Beans Wool is local to Reno!
Christmas at Downton. I love the colors of this hand-dyed yarn!
One thing that attracted me to this project is that it only uses one skein of yarn, so I know I can keep up with the group and actually finish the project. I also like that I will be learning some new techniques. In particular, magic loop and crochet provisional cast-on. There will be an optional lace panel in the project. I have never done lace before, so I plan on waiting until we get the lace instructions and practicing a bit before I decide if I will include the lace or not.
Here is my swatch. I love how it looks knitted up, and the yarn is so nice to work with.
My excitement over this project has reignited my excitement about knitting in general, and I have even been working on my sweater. I really hope I can ride the wave of enthusiasm until the sweater is finished!
If you are interested in participating in the KAL, you can find more information on the Jimmy Beans Wool Blog or on the pattern’s Ravelry page. The first bit of instructions will be posted on January 6, 2013!
Who else out there is watching Downton Abbey? What knitting projects are you working on?
From Scratch 
Nice to meet you. I too will be participating with the Downton Abbey mystery KAL.
I LOVE Downton Abbey! I can’t wait until Sunday. I started with the 2nd season, then watched the 1st season on DVD. I’m ready for the 3rd season. I often knit while watching TV, so I’m definitely going to check out this KAL. I’ll let you know if I’m going to participate.
Hi, I’m doing the KAL too! The suggested yarn is beautiful, but on my budget it had to be KnitPicks for this one. 🙂 I have been giddy all weekend, thinking of the season 3 premiere tomorrow!!!
Is it time yet, for the first clue? I have 2 other friends who are doing this KAL with me. It’s my first and I can’t wait to see how it works.
The first clue was just posted this morning on the JBW blog! Let’s start knitting! http://jimmybeanswool.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-is-weekend-downton-abbey-mystery_6.html
I am a HUGE fan of Downtown Abbey and have been looking forward to this season so much! The KAL sounds like so much fun. I am participating, but wasn’t lucky enough to get the beautiful yarn. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed to learn that it is a gauntlet, but still am looking forward to knitting and learning something new. I have a couple of knitting and crocheting projects going on, so I hope I can keep up!
How fun that you are doing the KAL too! I was excited to find out what we’re knitting because I have been wanting a pair of fingerless gloves. I am knitting slowly – I have 12 rounds done, but I am learning a TON with this project. Keep me updated on your progress!
P.S. are you on Ravelry? I am “KarenFromScratch”.