I love a good mystery, whether it be a book, Bones (the television show, not the human skeleton), or a mystery KAL, I can’t get enough. So I’m pleased to announce my first mystery KAL, designed with a little something new in mind. I’ve paired up with Little Red Bicycle to offer you a pattern and yarn combination that will knock your socks off!
The KAL pattern will be available for FREE. You can purchase the yarn (pictured) at Little Red Bicycle, or use something from your stash. A limited amount of yarn is available as a pre-order from Little Red Bicycle, so get it while you can! Your yarn will arrive before the KAL begins.
If using yarn from your stash, I’d recommend a semi-solid yarn or something that is not highly variegated.
Before I get into the fun stuff, I’ll start with specifics so you can get ready to join in on the fun.
Roxanne Mystery Shawl KAL Details
Start date: Friday, April 15, 2011
Post frequency: weekly until completion (every Friday)
Instruction format: charted and written instructions
Garment type: shawl
Yarn weight: fingering, approximately 430 yards. (You’ll need 410-420 yards. 400 yards won’t cut it, but I am including instructions for those who wish to use a 400 yard skein)
Yarn used: Little Red Bicycle Hispter Sock (80% superwash merino, 20% nylon) in Ethereal. Shown above.
Needle size: either US 5 (3.75mm) or US 6 (4.00mm) to get gauge (I knit a little loosely)
Gauge: 20 sts/29 rows, per 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Skills required: garter tab shawl start, familiarity with shawl construction, ability to do cables, lace, and textured stitch patterns (you never know what the pattern will include!)
The Fun Stuff
All of my patterns have stories, and the Roxanne Mystery KAL is no different. Earlier this week I watched the cinematic classic Roxanne starring Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah in their 1980s glory. I watched this at the behest of my boyfriend: the movie is one that his family loves and he grew up watching regularly. Unbeknownst to me, having never seen this film, Steve Martin has a famous line that is disgustingly cheesey and adorably romantic. When explaining to his colleague why he’s so happy and not in his usual sullen mood, he says:
“Because yesterday she doesn’t, but today she does.”
Adorable, right? And totally cheesey. But still, it’s precious and it makes the quirky comedy a little more romantic than it starts off as.
This quote embodies Roxanne Mystery Shawl and the whole concept of a mystery KAL. You start out with nothing special – a garter tab start and simple pattern set up – but you end up with something fantastic – a beautiful new pattern and the beginnings of a spunky new shawl – the next time you work on it.
So what are you waiting for? Pick your yarn, grab your needles, and start counting down to April 15!
Welcome to feministy.com, the website of designer Liz Abinante. I like to design fashionable knitwear garments and accessories for women. I also teach. I'm best known for my original shawl pattern, Traveling Woman. I try to design each pattern with multiple options so knitters can use a different yarn, gauge, or needle to create the project of their dreams. 
Photographer in residence
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OH how fun!! I am SOO excited!!!
Can’t wait! I’ve never tried a mystery KAL yet. I’m using stash and I’m ready to go!
Ooh! Fun! And since it’s not starting for a while I might be able to cast on something new by then.
erinamelia\’s last [type]: handspinning
hi, I am really interested in the KAL – love the idea of the Roxanne link…can you tell me what shape this shawl will take? I am fine with triangles, squares or rectangles but am a little leery of circles…will be waiting for the cast-on…
Thanks a bunch, Rebecca
ooh!!! This sounds like so much fun!!! cant wait to start!
I’m in, too!
I’m excited to do this KAL… Need to find some yarn! Thanks for hosting this…
I caved and pre-ordered Ethereal…cant wait for this to start!!!
Can’t wait to get started:)
Is there a Ravelry project page for it yet? Want to get it in the queue & start planning!
Do we follow the KAL on ravelry or your blog?
Jocelyn\’s last [type]: Glad to be back
I want to be in on this, please
Hi there, since 30 years i knit with growing energy…. A few weeks ago I started with Lace Knitting Patterns and different experiences of difficulty levels wich I really enjoy. So I think it would be a great opportunity to join my first KAL.
It would be great to participate and become a member of the KAL.
Thank you in advance with lot of knitlovinggreetings from Cologne, Germany
Christiane
Im definately going to wait for the first clue
Ive done one mystery shawl and it is still one of my favorites :)
Love shawls, not so sure about the mystery part. Would it spoil the surprise to divulge a bit more info? What is the shape? Rectangle, faroese, triangle…etc, and approxiamate size. The last shawl I made turned out too big for me, so I have never worn it, therefore, my hesitation with the mystery. Thank you!
I’d love to joing the KAL!
Brenda\’s last [type]: All Money from pattern sales will go to Japan Earthquake Relief
I feel so lucky to have discovered your KAL. If it hadn’t been for the yarn on the house riddle, I would not have been snooping through your blog. I’m familiar with your patterns but haven’t knit any yet. Until now. I’m in even though I’m in over my head with other projects. Can’t wait to see what you have planned.
Oh, thank you for starting this KAL!
I’ll try to hang on. This is my first one…
I’m curious and can hardly wait!!
Oh, how fun! Never done this before but would really like to try (yesterday she doesn’t, today she does – it’s inspiring!), so count me in. Is there a group or smth on Ravelry for this KAL already?
This will be my first KAL! I’m dying to start :)
fun! I’m in!
I would love to participate in this KAL. It sounds like great fun.
I’m in too!!
loremor\’s last [type]: Whoa!!
A mystery kal sounds great to me…sign me up….hugs, rose
I want to join if it’s not too late!
I have not participated in a mystery KAL before, so I can not wait for the 15th to get started. I am almost finished spindle spinning some merino that will be about a fingering weight. I should be able to get it plyed and washed by start time.
ich versuche mitzumachen
Well, you know I have to join in on the KAL. After all, Roxanne is who I am and I have to knit a Roxanne KAL. I was named Roxanne by my Mother after the Roxanne in the Cyrano de Bergerac Play.
This sounds like fun! I hope I can make it work. Kim
I love Mystery KALs so I not taking part is no option for me! Thanks for sharing/starting!
I LOVE mystery KALs, so please count me in! To quote another movie, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” And you never know what you’ll get. Amy
I would love to do this too! Looking for yarn right now!!!
I’m joining the fun, too… I’ll be finished with the taxes then, I hope… if not, well, we have a couple of extra days this year! LOL. It will be a nice break from the infernal revenue service.
I’d love to try this – just finished Saroyen – time for a new pattern. Thanks!
Yes, I’m so glad i found this in time. I would love to join. xox
I am so excited for this KAL- I love the movie Roxanne also!!
I’ve bought my yarn and found my needles! I’m on holiday next week so lots of lovely knitting time – can’t wait!
In my part of the world it is april 15th, 16:33 :-)
Checking every half hour. I hope I can start before it’s bedtime ;-)
Gini\’s last [type]: Teken van leven
Je serai ravie de participer à ce KAL
C’est une première fois
Bonne soirée
I’ve just started doing a couple of Mystery KALs and really enjoy them, so this one will be fun.
je vous rejoins dans c KAL mystère ; c’est la toute 1ere fois que je ma lance dans un Kal : j’espère être à la hauteur !! mias j’adore tous vos châles
merci : michèle
I’m in…can’t wait to see you Monday.
This is the first KAL i’m knitting.
I am so excited, the first step is finished!
And it is soooo long until friday!! :)
Many thanks to Liz for this KAL!
Sorry for my english, it’s been a long, lomg time ago, that i’ve learned at school.
I saw the kal one night when I was working. and I could’nt found it again after I wake up on the next morning… I see it again on a friend ‘s blog… is it too late to join the kal ? where can I found the pattern ? I have the yarn.. a gift from another friend… happy easter…
Hallo, ich hoffe, das Sie mich verstehen. Ich würde auch noch gerne an diesem Mysterie mitstricken. Wie und wo komme ich an die Anleitung?
Vielen Dank
Birgit aus Saarbrücken
i suscribed on your mailing list, i am not sure this is the right way to parcicpate to your roxanne mystery shawl …how can i get the pattern ? excuse my poor english Iread it better than i write ti …thank you for yourr future response and ahve a good day (brigth and sunny in belgium )
Hi…I just came across this KAL. Is it too late to join?
Wowwwwww wonderful Roxannes and I am tooooooo late to make the KAL….. Is the pattern buyable somewhere ????
best wishes silvia
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