Fall/Winter 2021 Make-a-Long (MAL) Round Up!

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Have you ever participated in a Make-a-long? A Make-a-long, or MAL, is a virtual event intended to build a community around a certain craft. While the rules different for each MAL, generally a host will set parameters for participation. Participants are often eligible to win prizes, but no matter what they can interact with other participants and even gain access to online events and resources. In our digital world, MALs are such a fun way to grow your online community of like-minded people. I really enjoy getting to see how various people create items that differ from what I made while following the same prompts! I have found some inspiring creators that way.

The easiest way to find out about any MALs is usually by hearing about one in passing that piques your interest. Now that sweater weather is upon us, it seems like there are a ton of MALs happening over the next few months! I wanted to compile a list of MALs for the rest of 2021 as a resource for makers who want to participate in more online community events. Hopefully this list can help you interact with other makers, learn about new-to-you creators, and be eligible to win prizes for making the things you already want to make!

Here are some disclaimers:

  • I’m only human

I am only an individual human being who also happens to be caring for a tiny human of my own, and I get to crochet, knit, and blog around her needs. So while I try to keep my information on this post as accurate and up to date as possible, I am sure that I will be missing information or have something incorrect. If you notice any mistakes or anything I am missing, please reach out to me either on Instagram @crowchetcreations or through my email crowchetcreations@gmail.com. I want this blog post and spreadsheet to be a resource for you, so help me make it the best I can!

  • I am in no way sponsored or affiliated with any of the entities referred to in this round up.

I am trying to share the different MALs I have learned about on social media so that they can all be in one place. There are so many MALs happening that I am sure I don’t know about! So again, share your wealth of knowledge with me so I can add to this round up. I have tried to do my due diligence in learning all I can about the MALs made known to me, but some information is harder to come by. I am not the expert, so when I have found a website to link with more info I have included that!

You can read on to learn more about some of the MALs happening over the next few months, but you can also take a look at the Google Sheet I put together to keep track of everything.

Fall/Winter 2021 MALs

I’ll try to keep this blog post up to date, but the Google Sheet will have the most accurate information as I learn about different community events. I am working to standardize the way this document is organized so you can easily see the different ways the MALs can be categorized.

Categories

I tried to split up the MALs into various categories to make it easier to find the kind of community even you may be looking for. These categories are:

  • anything goes
  • specific craft
  • specific type of item/category
  • specific designer
  • specific pattern(s)

I will try to highlight quite a few MALs in this post under each category, but again, ALL the MALs I learn about will be on the Google Sheet here.

Anything Goes!

These MALs are really open to anything, as the category suggests. The host’s goal is usually to just get people involved with something they are already doing and connecting with other makers. It can serve as a great motivation to be able to share your maker progress with others, even if your projects are very different from those of others. There are only a few of these open-ended MALs, but I have them described below!

  • The Great Winter Cast On by @the_midnight_dyery: (now-12/18) Use the hashtag #GreatWinterCastOn on Instagram or share in the Midnight Makers Facebook group.
  • Pigskin Party by @bostonjen1: (now-2/14) Use the hashtag #DCSPigskinParty on Instagram or participate in the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group and earn touchdowns for projects you complete; more points means more entries! Just like football, there are a ton of rules, so check out the website to sign up and learn more.
  • Sticks Plus Twine FAL (finish-a-long): (now-10/31) Use the hashtag #SPlusTFallFAL2021 on Instagram to share works-in-progress that you are finishing.

Some of these MALs have a couple guidelines, such as what type of seasonal product to make or what designers to support, but are still really broad, so I have included them in this category.

  • Pumpkin Patch Maker Challenge by @ohheykaitcreates: (now-10/31) Use both the event hashtag #PumpkinPatchMakerChallenge2021 and the specific week hashtag #PPMC2021Week[specific number here] on Instagram with a post of at least 3 pumpkins; make sure you are following all the sponsors for the week! Bonus entries if funds from selling pumpkins are donated.
  • BIPOC MAL by @desamourdesigns: (now-10/31) This seasonal MAL has been going on since 2019 and aims to highlight indigenous designers. Use both the event hashtag #BIPOCMAL2021 and the specific biweekly prize hashtag (#BIPOCMAL2021Prize2 for example) on Instagram and tag the indigenous designer of the pattern. Make sure to follow all event sponsors to be prize eligible!
  • Spooky Stitches MAL by @arkansasyarnco, @weshareneedles, @spacityknits, @dreabellmiss: (now-10/17) This conglomerate of YouTubers are hosting this MAL over on Ravelry. Make sure to post your Halloween FOs on the multiple threads available from all the hosts for extra chances to win.

Specific Craft

A slightly less broad of a category, these MALs are specific for the crafts that are involved. Knit-a-longs, or KALs, and Crochet-a-longs, or CALs, are the most common in the fiber community. They may have a specific theme associated with them (for example, this time of year is all about Halloween or pumpkins) or can be more open-ended.

  • Strawberry Pickle KAL by @penroseknits and @strawberrypatches: (now-10/31) Knit any project with fingering weight/4-ply yarn and use the hashtag #StrawberryPickleKAL on Instagram or post finished projects on Strawberry Patches Ravelry group thread.
  • Pumpkin Palooza by @pineappleandpine: (now-10/31) Crochet any pumpkin-themed project and use the hashtag #PPPumpkinPalooza on Instagram to be eligible for weekly prize drawings.

Specific Type of Item

This is a category with a lot of interpretation available. You can join others in making socks, garments, accessories, and more and learn about other patterns you may not know about yet. I’ll include a few subcategories for the various types of items included in a lot of these MALs.

Garments:

  • Fall Garment MAL by @knittynatty: (now-11/6) Use the hashtag #FallGarmentMAL on Instagram or chat in the Love in Stitches Podcast Ravelry thread to increase your chances of winning. WIPs are eligible!
  • Rose Opal Knits Holiday Season MAL by @roseopalknits: (now-1/2) Make a garment intended for a holiday (any within the MAL timeframe), either in theme or that you are making to wear for a specific holiday and use the hashtag #ROKHolidaySweaterMAL2021 on Instagram or the Rose Opal Knits Facebook group.
  • Safe for Work MAL by @balancedskein and @highfiber_knits: (now-3/31) Make any adult-sized garment (suitable for work, but that is open to interpretation since some people work from home, are stay-at-home parents, etc.) and use the Instagram hashtag #SafeForWork MAL. The majority of this MAL is hosted on Discord.

Accessories:

  • NATR Accessory MAL by @needlesatthereadypod: (now-11/30) Make any accessory (just no garments) and use the hashtag #NATRFall21 on Instagram to be eligible for prizes.

Socks:

  • Monster Sock KAL by @circletoes, @smcarn, and @extermiknit: (now-10/15) Knit any scrappy socks (no shorties) and use the finishing hashtag #MSKAL21Finish to be eligible for prizes. The #MonsterSockKAL2021 hashtag is also fun to follow!
  • Falling Leaves Sock KAL by @earthtonesgirl: (now-11/1) Knit any adult socks with an autumnal theme and use the Instagram hashtag #FallingLeavesSockKAL2021. The ultimate goal is one pair of socks a month, but the KAL is pretty relaxed.
  • Spooky Socks MAL by @moonglowyarnco: (now-10/31) Make any “spooky” socks (up to interpretation for the Halloween season) and use the Instagram hashtag #SpookySocksMAL2021.
  • Maker Minutes Socktober by @heybrownberry and @earthtonesgirl: (now-10/31) Knit any socks and use the Instagram hashtag #MakerMinutesSocktober.
  • Socks for WMAS by @thisnannyknits: (now-12/1) Donate a pair of adult, full-length, fingering weight socks to the West Midlands Ambulance Service (send them to the host who will then deliver them) for them to use for patients. Use the Instagram hashtag #SocksForWMAS. I think having the opportunity to join a MAL that donates what is made is amazing!

Specific Designer/Dyer

Now the categories are narrowing down. There are a couple MALs centered on a specific pattern designer or yarn dyer. The project you choose to make is up to you, but if you love a specific designer or dyer, this category is for you!

Designer:

  • Ambah X Halloween KAL by @ambahobrien: (now-11/30) Make either Ambah’s new pattern, the Betwixt Shawl, or any of her patterns using Halloween yarn, to participate in this KAL. Use the Instagram hashtag #AmbahXHalloweenKAL2021 or post a finished object on the Ravelry thread or Facebook group thread to be eligible for prizes.
  • Tailoress Studio Sweater Weather KAL by @tailoressstudio: (now-11/30) Knit any of Tailoress Studio’s garment patterns and use the Instagram hashtag #TailoressStudioKnitALong or post on the Ravelry chat and FO forums

Dyer:

  • Moody Pumpkin KAL by @woolberryfiberco: (starts 10/31) Knit anything with this dyer’s Moody Pumpkin (or its variations) colorway and use the hashtag #MoodyPumpkinKAL.

Specific Pattern

This category is the most specific, and has the most MALs that I know about. If you participate in any of these, you get to see how other people make the same exact pattern as you, while making their own modifications in shaping, size, fiber, and color palette. These MALs are great for having access to resources, formal and informal, on how to do techniques in the given pattern. They can also be a great motivation to finish a WIP that may otherwise languish. While some designers host their own pattern MALs, some makers host MALs centered around a pattern they love. Since there are so many MALs in this category, I split it up into many subcategories: mystery MALs, KALs, CALs, and any MALs that include a few patterns or crafts but still have rigid guidelines for what is eligible.

Mystery:

  • Westknits 2021 MKAL by @westknits: (starts 10/8) Shawlography is Stephen West’s 12th annual mystery KAL. You get weekly “clues” to the next section of the pattern as well as resources from the designer for the new techniques included. This MKAL is really big, so you’ll be able to interact with lots of other makers.
  • Lift Your Spirits MCAL by @mandobug: (now-10/15) The Lift Your Spirits Shawl is a ghostly fun, beaded design that is freely available during this CAL and then available for purchase after it finishes. Use the Instagram hashtags #LiftYourSpiritsMCAL and #LiftYourSpiritsShawl, and be eligible for prizes by participating in the Mandobug Crafters Corner Facebook page.

Knit:

  • Love Note Love KAL by @profpurl: (now-12/1) Show your love for the Love Note by Tin Can Knits by making one during this KAL. Use the Instagram hashtag #LoveNoteLoveKAL!
  • Illuminate KAL by @mareesamade and @elemental_knitworks: (now-10/16) If you finish your Illuminate by Andrea Mowry by the end date, you can meet up at Rhinebeck (NY Sheep and Wool Festival) to show off your finished sweater! They have prizes through the FB group and extra entries for using Spincycle or Magpie yarns (who are the sponsors).
  • Autumn in the Foothills Shawl KAL by @hyggecanyon: (starts 10/25-11/13) Join in on making this shawl and use the Instagram hashtag #AutumnInTheFoothillsKAL21. This designer uses a Pay What You Can model for her patterns, discount codes are included in the pattern listings.
  • Autumn Doodle KAL by @pnw_knitdesign: (now-10/31) This KAL includes either the Autumn Doodle Cowl or the Autumn Doodle Hat. Use the Instagram hashtag #AutumnDoodleKAL and tag the designer to post a WIP of finished object. There are weekly prizes as well as a grand prize!
  • Arethusa Falls KAL by @granitestateyarns: (now-10/31) Knit the Arethusa Falls Socks designed by the host and share WIP and FO pictures on Instagram using the hashtag #ArethusaFallsKAL for a chance to win. Don’t forget to tag the host!

Crochet:

  • Snaggletooth MAL by @scheepjes: (now-10/13) You can get this pattern for free on Ravelry by using the code ScheepjesMAL, or you can support the designer @redsparrowcrochet through purchasing the pattern. Use the Instagram hashtags #SnaggletoothMAL and #ScheepjesMAL.
  • Texture is Everything CAL by @k.a.m.e_crochet: (starts 10/29-12/17): This CAL highlights the Texture is Everything Blanket, which you can find for free on the designer’s blog or purchase on Ravelry.
  • Rosebud Raglan CAL by @knitsnknotswpg: (now-10/24) Janine recently revamped her Rosebud Raglan design, and you can join in on her Facebook group to participate in this CAL. You can also use the Instagram hashtag #RosebudRaglanCAL.
  • Stitch Together Official CAL October: (now-10/31) @stitchtogetherofficial does regular CALs and this one is no different! The pattern this month is the Aydin Cardigan. You can participate in their Facebook group to take part in this CAL.
  • Wip Wednesday CAL by @coco.crochet.lee: (starts 10/6) Join Lee in her Wip Wednesday Facebook Live events in making the Houndstooth Comfy Cardigan. Kits are available from Lion Brand, but you can also find the patter for free on her blog.
  • Pumpkin Patch Blanket CAL by @eclairemakery: (now-10/25) Claire is releasing her Pumpkin Patch C2C Blanket in sections for this CAL on her blog or purchase the entire pattern set for the blanket. Join her Facebook group to participate.

Combined/Multiple Patterns:

  • Charity Cozy Fall MAL by @noorsknits and @knittingwithchopsticks: (now-10/29) Each weekday, a crochet and a knit blanket square pattern are released for free to be used in the MAL. Donate any proceeds you make from blankets using the squares to Cure Childhood Cancer and use the hashtag on Instagram #CozyFallMAL to win prizes. I love that this MAL has crochet and knit available!
  • Knitcollage Fall KAL by @knitcollage and @knitcollagekal: (happening soon) This KAL is a regular seasonal event that focuses on not just the patterns themselves (there are four of them specific to this KAL), but also providing yarn kits, exclusive learning courses, accountability small groups, a private Facebook group, and even yoga classes (that’s right, you heard me, YOGA CLASSES). They really aim to hit every aspect of knitting from community and learning to creativity and mindfulness. Sign up at their website!
  • Spooky Season SAL by @alisonmclark: (now-10/31) There are featured patterns and yarn dyers for this SAL (Stitch A Long), so if you use any of them and tag them in your Instagram post you can win prizes! The Instagram hashtag is #SpookySeasonSAL
  • Moorit Magazine Issue 1 CAL by @mooritmag: (now-2/28) To celebrate their premiere issue, you can complete any of the patterns therein and use the Instagram hashtag #MooritAW21CAL to participate. They also have an online form available to submit projects if you do not use Instagram.
  • Gourdgeous Gourd MAL by @figandfilament and @gourdgeousknits: (now-10/31) You can make either the Granite Gourds pattern (crochet by @figandfilament) or the Gourdgeous Knits Pumpkins pattern (knit by @gourdgeousknits) in this MAL. Use the Instagram hashtag #gourdgeousgourdsMAL.
  • Crochet Foundry Magazine Fall 2021 Issue CAL: (now-11/19) Crochet Foundry Magazine is hosting a CAL on their Facebook group for all the patterns in their latest issue. Comment on the designated posts on their group page using any of the patterns in this issue for a chance to win. You can get a copy of this magazine or an annual subscription for 20% off right now.

Wow! That was a lot.

As I said above, I’m sure there are many more MALs happening this time of year. As I am made aware of them, I will update my Google Sheet and this blog post. I hope these are helpful resources for you so that you can find an online event and community to share your passion for the fiber arts in the next few months! Going through all of this information was so fun for me and it gets me excited to participate in more MALs and maybe even win a prize.

Happy making!

XO, Emily

Published by Crowchetcreations