Finished Marled Magic

I finally finished my Marled Magic MKAL this weekend and could not be more excited!  I had way more fun than I ever thought I would have knitting something before I even knew what it would look like in the end.  It was an amazing experience that I would totally do again!  I think the trick to MKAL’s is to pick a designer who creates patterns and projects that you always love.  Stephen West is that designer for me.  My finished creation finds it’s home on the back of my white leather office chair, it is just the pop of color the space needs.  Not to mention, it is in a great location for me to throw on like a cape if it is chilly!

Handmade Touches

With how big this project turned out I feel like I need to give it a name, it took on a life of its own as I blended colors and textures together.  My shawl has yarns that I hand dyed specifically for this project.  I also used one of my hand spun yarns for some added texture and interest.  For me, it is touches like this that take something already incredible and makes it truly, extraordinarily my own.  It is so fun to look through the Ravelry group to see what everyone was inspired to make with this pattern, there is a color combo for everyone!

My Creative Addition

I just couldn’t leave this pattern unaltered!  I needed to add another brioche section, one little triangle was not enough for me.  I picked up the stitches at the top of my shawl and knitted another brioche section holding one strand of Freia Ombre Fingering throughout.  I love how it turned out!  It gave me the finishing touch I needed.

Customized to your Personality

If you only take one thing away from this series of posts I hope it is this, customize to your heart’s content!  Fiber art is a great form of creative expression.  Patterns are great to get you started, but the sky is the limit.  If you fall in love with a fingering weight yarn but your pattern calls for a DK, try holding the yarn double to get to gauge.  Want to infuse some more of your personality in your project?  Buy an undyed skein of yarn and try your hand at dying, its a blast!  Think it would be fun to use a handspun yarn? Get a drop spindle and some roving, you can do it! Knitting and crocheting can be quite utilitarian.  Take it to the next level, let your creativity shine!

What is my next project going to be?  Maybe I should finish that second sock that is taunting me or put the sleeves and collar on a sweater I have been meaning to finish.  I have a blanket in the works too.  Let’s be real here, I know there is a project or two in the works that I have forgotten!  Time will only tell what I cast on next, but I can’t wait to share it with you.  Happy creating!