Welcome to the Project Hail Mary Knit-along!

Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!

Welcome to the Black Sheep Craft Shop blog! I'll be posting updates and commentary here when the inspiration strikes, and this first post is all about our upcoming Project Hail Mary Fox sweater knit-along, co-hosted with DSM Crochet Club!

This spring we're just a little obsessed with Project Hail Mary and have fallen in love with both book and movie versions of the heartwarming space buddy dramedy. And we (along with everyone else) have fallen hard for the fox-themed cardigan worn throughout by Ryan Gosling's character, Ryland Grace. 

KAL Details

Start Date & Meet-ups

The official start date for the KAL is Thursday, April 9, and we'll kick off with a meet-up at the shop from 5:30-8 (open house style just like craft night). Feel free to use this time to wind your yarn, do your gauge swatch, interpret the pattern with others, or even cast on. 

We'll continue to have dedicated KAL time at the shop on Thursday evenings through at least the end of May.  If Thursday evenings don't work, you're also free to join our Wednesday Night Craft Night at the shop or DSM Crochet Club's Sunday meet-ups from 11-1 at Plain Talk Books. Or just participate virtually by following along here and on the socials. Tag any of your own posts with #projecthailmaryKAL and feel free to tag us as well!

We're working on a few other exciting elements to this KAL, including a potential Craft & Watch night out at the movies! More to come...

About the Pattern

Purchase it here.  This is a vintage pattern knit at a tight gauge. It appears to have been partially updated to be closer to the movie version, but there are still some differences, particularly in the fox's face. I did find this helpful re-chart on Ravelry, and plan on printing it off as a reference. 

Sizing information: Finished Chest Sizes (1) 41" (2) 42" (3) 45.5" (4) 47" ...I know, not very size inclusive.

Pattern reading is a skill in itself, and this KAL is going to provide a lot of opportunities to learn and grow our skills in that as we translate it for modern knitting sensibilities. There are also so many skills we can explore along the way. So far our KAL participants range in skill from absolute beginner to advanced knitters, so take what you need and leave the rest. And reach out if there's anything you have questions about -- I'll be posting some videos and blogs along the way to share tutorials, thoughts, and other resources.

Materials Needed

Yarn: The pattern calls for 5 different colors of yarn, all bulky weight. I do have at least a few more bundles on sale on my website for local (Des Moines, IA) orders, but you do not have to purchase yarn from my shop to participate in the KAL. The pattern designer is selling a kit with the updated pattern on their site, but it is on back order. Use what you have, what's in your budget, and what you like to knit with and wear!

Needles: The pattern recommends US 7 and 10 or as needed for gauge (14 st and 20 rows per 4 inches on the larger needle).  I have swatched 3 times and it's looking like I'm going to have to go down to size 6 needles to hit gauge. 

If you are new to knitting garments, here is a helpful blog post explaining gauge swatches and how to make and use them.

That's it for tonight -- stay tuned for more updates in this space as well as over in the metaverse (woof).