We are delighted to announce the theme for our 8th annual Yearlong Knit-along - Slips & Stripes: Mosaic Colorwork Meets Modern Design. Our featured pattern is Nexxus by Natasja Hornby, a gorgeous cardigan inspired by Japanese Boro and Sashiko textile and stitching techniques. Knit from the top down, Nexxus features mosaic colorwork, modular and seamless construction, elegant welts and clever shaping for a slightly oversized, dolman-style fit. Using a total of four colors of fingering weight yarn, there is endless opportunity for color play!
Skills we will learn this year:
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Mosaic colowork
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Reading mosaic charts
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Picking up stitches
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Welts
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Three needle bind off
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German short rows (as well as other short row options)
Additionally, we will add some great techniques to our “knitter’s toolbox” including:
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Determining desired positive ease in a garment
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Reading pattern schematics
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Contrast in colorwork - what it is, why it’s important, and other tips
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Blocking finished garments
We are often asked, “Can I join the KAL as a new/inexperienced knitter?” While we want everyone who wants to join us to have the opportunity to do so, the Yearlong KAL pattern is classified as an intermediate skill level. There are basic knitting skills we will assume you already possess, and will not be reviewing in the support sessions.
Skills you should already have for KAL success:
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Basic knitting skills (cast on/bind off, knit & purl)
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Familiarity with increases/decreases like kfb, M1L, M1R, k2tog, SSK
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Reading a pattern
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Comfort with learning via recorded videos, versus live instruction
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Due to the unique construction of the Nexxus sweater, we are STRONGLY encouraging that all KAL participants this year have prior sweater knitting experience (even if it's a baby sweater - some familiarity with typical sweater construction will give you some more confidence!)
Our Yearlong KALs consist of a series of support sessions designed to walk you through the pattern in manageable chunks over the course of the year, without completely monopolizing your crafting time. These support sessions are taught via pre-recorded videos hosted on our Teachable website. This means you can join the KAL no matter where you live! You can watch these videos as many times as you like, at your own pace. A week after each set of support videos is posted Erin will host a Live Q&A session to answer any questions you may still have. (You can attend these sessions in person at the shop or virtually.)
Included in your $120 registration fee:
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Video support sessions on Teachable - yours forever!
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Live Q&A sessions - attend in person or virtually!
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Email newsletters (at least once a month) with links to support session videos, extra resources, fun recommendations, and more!
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Access to a private, exclusive Facebook group where you can interact with your fellow KAL participants, get questions answered or advice, and watch the live Q&A sessions virtually!
Although Slips & Stripes will be available as a video class to purchase on Teachable beginning January 2026, only 2025 Yearlong KAL participants will receive the fun extras - and at a reduced price!
Sign ups for the 2026 Yearlong KAL have now CLOSED. Stay tuned in December for the announcement of next year’s KAL!
Supplies you will need to purchase for the 2025 Yearlong KAL:
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Needles (recommended sizes - may change based on your gauge)
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Needle A: US 3/3.25mm circulars, 24” AND 40”
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Needle B: US 5/3.75mm 40” circular AND preferred small diameter needles (9” or 12” circulars, DPNs, long circular for magic loop, etc)
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Spare needle (any style) in Needle A size or smaller
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Stitch markers (including removable/locking style)
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Waste yarn or stitch holders
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Crochet hook size E/3.5mm
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Tapestry needle
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Yarn
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Fingering weight
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4 colors
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Amounts will vary depending on size - see notes below
Nexxus is a size-inclusive garment, with the following options:
Size 1 (2, 3, 4){5, 6, 7, 8}
Finished bust measurements
36.5 (40.5, 44, 48.75){51.5, 55.5, 59.75, 63.75}”
Total yardage required
1422 - 2570 yards fingering weight, 4 total colors - see pattern for amount break down
2025 Yearlong KAL Timeline
January
Jan 2-17 -- Sign ups open, kit orders accepted
Jan 2 -- Pre-KAL videos live on Teachable
Jan 20 -- Welcome Email Newsletter
Jan 26 -- Live Q&A Session
February
Feb 14 -- Newsletter Issue #1: Sweater Prep
Feb 23 -- Live Q&A Session
Feb 28 -- Official Cast On Day! / Newsletter Issue #2: Left Shoulder Piece
March
Mar 9 -- Live Q&A Session
Mar 21 -- Newsletter Issue #3: Right Shoulder Piece
Mar 30 -- Live Q&A Session
April
Apr 18 -- Newsletter Issue #4: Upper Back Part 1
Apr 27 -- Live Q&A Session
May
May 2 -- Newsletter Issue #5: Upper Back Part 2
May 12 -- Live Q&A Session
May 23 -- Newsletter Issue #6: Right Front
June
Jun 1 -- Live Q&A Session
Jun 20 -- Newsletter Issue #7: Left Front
Jun 29 -- Live Q&A Session
July
Jul 18 -- Newsletter Issue #8: Progress Check
August
Aug 1 -- Newsletter Issue #9: Body
Aug 10 -- Live Q&A Session
Aug 15 -- Newsletter Issue #10: Lowery Body
Aug 24 -- Live Q&A Session
September
Sept 26 -- Newsletter Issue #11: Lower Edge
October
Oct 5 -- Live Q&A Session
Oct 17 -- Newsletter Issue #12: Front & Neck Edge
Oct 26 -- Live Q&A Session
November
Nov 14 -- Newsletter Issue #13: Cuffs & Finishing/Blocking
Nov 23 -- Live Q&A Session
January 2026
Celebration Fashion Show - Date TBD