Third Strike

Some of us need a lot of telling.

Let the record state, I have, in the past, failed two Mystery Knit-Alongs. The evidence is right there in my Ravelry record. After the second one, I decided that I just wasn't the Knit-Along type.  Don't like surprises. Never have. Never will.

What made me think it would be different this time?

Well, first of all, it's from String Theory, which I consider one of the best yarn stores out there, even thought it's so far that a visit requires an expedition and I only get out there once every two or three years.

Secondly, the palettes are based on Frida Kahlo's paintings, specifically this still life and this self portrait. I mean really, how cool is that?  Nobody does anything based on Frida Kahlo.

On the third hand, well, let's face it. Sheltering at home is a little dull.  One might think with three sweaters, two blankets, and four shawls all on the needles at once that I could keep myself entertained but no-o-o.  I let myself get sucked into another Mystery Knit-Along.

And, yep, I kind of hate it.

Okay. Back up.

I dithered over this for quite a while, because, really, let's face it, it's a MKA. In fact I dithered so long that all the store kits in the palette of my choice (the still life) were sold out. On the plus side, String Theory has started to offer online shopping.  Not the yarns used in the kits, but in a really nice wool in the appropriate weight and in colors that picked up the colors in the paintings.So I ordered my yarn and the pattern and settled in to anticipate.

Then I got the first clue and sat there and stared at my computer screen.  The sample in the accompanying photo was knit up in colors that were pretty close to what I had bought and I was stunned.  And not in a good way.  Quickly placed an order for colors more suited to the portrait version, hoped for the best.

The first two clues are lace with a weird stripe of reverse stockinette.  I hate knitting lace, but the new set of colors seemed to work so I sucked it up.

Then we got the word that we had to knit it again. 

It's going to be a long Knitalong.